Thrilled to see my feature for the @PopSci fall magazine at the top of the site today! It's on the wild west world of fake and deceptively marketed crystals, a topic I've been wanting to cover for years. Threading some highlights below... https://t.co/VJZk8FjMfr

Calling NASA GISS employees & their colleagues: I'm looking to speak with folks about how the closure of the lab space is impacting the work you do. Please send me a DM if you'd like to connect.

Looking for Earth & planetary scientists who are being impacted, directly or indirectly, by the closure of NASA’s GISS lab space, to speak with for a story. Please send me a DM if you are interested in talking or learning more.

“This is a freedom and liberty issue,” says Missouri Republican Rep. Brian Seitz about his Right to Repair bill in the Show-Me State. Great story by @themadstone about the breadth of support for repair policies:

cc @StarTrekOnPPlus @StarTrek

Happy Friday! As an antidote *gestures everywhere,* I bring you an exclusive interview with Star Trek's science advisor on how the quantum reality drive from Lower Decks allows ships to explore the multiverse. Enjoy! #StarTrekLowerDecks https://t.co/fgrVfuJKYw

be my very first follower on Bluesky if you like!

It was truly an honor to do dig into Oklahoma’s oil industry for Rebecca’s amazing new book. Everyone should pick up a copy!

Looking to speak with a geologist for a story related to Hurricane Helene's impacts in Western NC. Familiarity with the region's geology is important! Please DM if you are interested/available.

To the public, Microsoft uses its reputation as an AI & sustainability leader to tell a compelling story: AI will do wonders to help solve the climate crisis. To fossil-fuel firms, Microsoft has a different message: AI will help them drill, baby, drill. 1/

Stepping outside my wheelhouse for an upcoming story! I'm looking to interview someone with expertise in the use of psychoactive substances by various cultures throughout history. If this is you (or if you know who I should talk to) please send me a DM!

@amywestervelt Oh, and there's also a podcast ep if you want to learn more about all the ways management consultancies are running the climate show

Big thanks to @amywestervelt for asking me to take this story on!

As more and more energy & climate analysis is farmed out to consultancies, it's essential we start to take a bird's eye view of their role. Are they neutral third parties as they claim? Or should they held accountable for how they allow their expertise to be used?

The analysis behind these reports is often totally legitimate. But oil and gas lobbyists supplied ICF the scenarios and assumptions. This leads to industry-preferred results (Residential electrification is too $$$! LNG is good for the climate!) that distort the conversation.

These industry groups, aware that ICF is a highly regarded energy and climate modeling firm, hire analysts to conduct analyses exploring their preferred climate "solutions," like renewable natural gas & LNG. The result? Reports that industry uses to fight real decarbonization

ICF also works with states like California and New York to conduct studies that underpin climate policies and implement clean energy programs. My investigation found that the firm is also hired, on occasion, by the American Gas Association and the American Petroleum Institute.

Consultancies play an essential behind-the-scenes role in shaping climate conversations. McKinsey is probably the best-known one, but others, like ICF, are deeply embedded in gov't agencies like EPA and DOE, working on essential programs and policy docs.

I spent several months investigating a top government climate consultancy that also produces fossil fuel industry reports used to lobby against decarbonization policy. Thrilled to see the story live on @WeAreDrilled this week. Please read and share! https://t.co/ehZ2OHsmYQ

Had a blast chatting with ⁦@quinnemmett⁩ about how my newsletter The Science of Fiction helped launch my journalism career, & what science fiction can teach us about building a better future. Check it out! ⁦@Importantnotimp⁩

Great reporting from @themadstone and @grist on the new clean #aluminum smelter proposed for Kentucky. 1,000s of jobs, huge investment, and a new source of aluminum as demand soars. But, KY needs to get serious about building clean energy to power it.  https://t.co/4sJqwyqljw