Richard Edwards
@predwards.bsky.social
Head of Public Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University. Research focuses mainly on policy to achieve tobacco 'endgame' goals. Have lots of CDs (punk, reggae, blues ...)
Pinned
Richard Edwards
@predwards.bsky.social
· Nov 12
This is my first post on this platform as I migrate away from X/Twitter. I am a Public Health researcher from Aotearoa NZ who focuses on research to achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa. I co-direct the ASPIRE Aotearoa research centre at the University of Otago, Wellington. See aspireaotearoa.org.nz
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Worried about how big $$ influences alcohol policy? You should be.
Check out our briefing @phcc.bsky.social today that shows:
▶️ alcohol more harmful than we thought
▶️ low-risk advice needs to be reviewed
▶️ #BigAlcohol lobbying is influencing our policy makers
Check out our briefing @phcc.bsky.social today that shows:
▶️ alcohol more harmful than we thought
▶️ low-risk advice needs to be reviewed
▶️ #BigAlcohol lobbying is influencing our policy makers
Researchers warn New Zealand’s review of its low-risk drinking advice is vulnerable to alcohol industry influence. Strong safeguards are needed to ensure the process reflects independent evidence. #alcoholawareness
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/rec...
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/rec...
Reconsidering our low-risk alcohol advice: The dark influence of the alcohol industry
Aotearoa’s low-risk drinking guidelines are under review, but the process is at risk of alcohol industry influence that could undermine the growing evidence showing harm even at low levels of consumpt...
www.phcc.org.nz
November 30, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Worried about how big $$ influences alcohol policy? You should be.
Check out our briefing @phcc.bsky.social today that shows:
▶️ alcohol more harmful than we thought
▶️ low-risk advice needs to be reviewed
▶️ #BigAlcohol lobbying is influencing our policy makers
Check out our briefing @phcc.bsky.social today that shows:
▶️ alcohol more harmful than we thought
▶️ low-risk advice needs to be reviewed
▶️ #BigAlcohol lobbying is influencing our policy makers
@phcc.bsky.social on vaping prevalence from 2024/25 NZ Health Survey. Mostly similar to 2023/24 i.e. v high among 15-24 yr olds but no longer increasing. Overall daily nicotine product use (daily smoking &/or daily vaping) much greater than in 2018/19 in young people. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/vap...
Vaping prevalence and trends: Findings from the 2024-25 NZ Health Survey
Daily vaping remained high in 2024–25, particularly among young people, Māori, Pacific peoples and those in more deprived areas. The effects of recent regulations will require monitoring.
www.phcc.org.nz
December 2, 2025 at 9:05 PM
@phcc.bsky.social on vaping prevalence from 2024/25 NZ Health Survey. Mostly similar to 2023/24 i.e. v high among 15-24 yr olds but no longer increasing. Overall daily nicotine product use (daily smoking &/or daily vaping) much greater than in 2018/19 in young people. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/vap...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Over half a million New Zealanders were vaping daily in 2024–25, and vaping remained highest among young people, Māori, Pacific peoples, and those in more deprived areas. @predwards.bsky.social www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/vap...
Vaping prevalence and trends: Findings from the 2024-25 NZ Health Survey
Daily vaping remained high in 2024–25, particularly among young people, Māori, Pacific peoples and those in more deprived areas. The effects of recent regulations will require monitoring.
www.phcc.org.nz
December 2, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Over half a million New Zealanders were vaping daily in 2024–25, and vaping remained highest among young people, Māori, Pacific peoples, and those in more deprived areas. @predwards.bsky.social www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/vap...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Ahem!
That $66 Billion was rather well spent it seems.
Thank you Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston, and Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
🫂🫶💪👏🎯
That $66 Billion was rather well spent it seems.
Thank you Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston, and Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
🫂🫶💪👏🎯
Worldwide mortality experience since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2024) shows excess deaths over that period in almost every country measured. Australia (+6%) was below average, and New Zealand (+0.1%) the lowest we measured.
December 2, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Ahem!
That $66 Billion was rather well spent it seems.
Thank you Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston, and Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
🫂🫶💪👏🎯
That $66 Billion was rather well spent it seems.
Thank you Jacinda Ardern, Grant Roberston, and Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
🫂🫶💪👏🎯
Disturbing eport on increase in threats and intimidation forcing women out of political life in Sweden, often seen as a bastion of gender equality. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Rising levels of hate forcing women out of Swedish public life, says equality agency
Country seen as champion of equal rights faces reckoning after senior politician says she felt compelled to quit
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Disturbing eport on increase in threats and intimidation forcing women out of political life in Sweden, often seen as a bastion of gender equality. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
This is a significant story, imo - building community action over an issue central to public debate and all of our futures. Some news media seem to have missed it. Wonder why.
Recommend this by @jordynbeazley.bsky.social
Recommend this by @jordynbeazley.bsky.social
Who are the Australians trying to shut down the world’s biggest coal port?
Climate activists from the Rising Tide organisation have stopped coal ships from reaching Newcastle port – for a day or two. What’s their real objective?
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:11 AM
This is a significant story, imo - building community action over an issue central to public debate and all of our futures. Some news media seem to have missed it. Wonder why.
Recommend this by @jordynbeazley.bsky.social
Recommend this by @jordynbeazley.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Reposted by Richard Edwards
The vaccine is pretty astonishing. Just look at that green line.
November 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The vaccine is pretty astonishing. Just look at that green line.
New @phcc.bsky.social briefing summarises smoking prevalence data in 2024/25 NZ Health Survey. After >10+ yrs declining prevalence, smoking prevalence unchanged (6.8-6.9%) for 3 consecutive years, inequities persist, smokefree 2025 goal v unlikely to be achieved. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/smo...
www.phcc.org.nz
November 26, 2025 at 4:13 AM
New @phcc.bsky.social briefing summarises smoking prevalence data in 2024/25 NZ Health Survey. After >10+ yrs declining prevalence, smoking prevalence unchanged (6.8-6.9%) for 3 consecutive years, inequities persist, smokefree 2025 goal v unlikely to be achieved. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/smo...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Cancer Society Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows catastrophic decline for Aotearoa, reflecting Costello's industry-friendly actions. Shameful. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aot...
Aotearoa plummets from 2nd to 53rd in Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index ranking
Recent policy changes have led to a dramatic drop in NZ’s global ranking for tobacco interference protection.
www.phcc.org.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Cancer Society Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows catastrophic decline for Aotearoa, reflecting Costello's industry-friendly actions. Shameful. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aot...
Damning indictment of NZ Govt. "New Zealand recorded the most deterioration in industry interference. Besides repealing strong tobacco control policies, citing industry arguments as rationale, the current government implemented several TI-friendly policies," www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
'Most deteriorated' - NZ plummets in global tobacco control ranking
An anti-vaping group calls the ranking an "international disgrace".
www.rnz.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Damning indictment of NZ Govt. "New Zealand recorded the most deterioration in industry interference. Besides repealing strong tobacco control policies, citing industry arguments as rationale, the current government implemented several TI-friendly policies," www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Evaluation of schemes providing free bikes & wrap-around support in low income communities in the UK finds multiple positive benefits on health, well-being, & community connectedness. Also, hugely cost-effective with very high returns on investment. theaws.co.uk/wp-content/u...
theaws.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Evaluation of schemes providing free bikes & wrap-around support in low income communities in the UK finds multiple positive benefits on health, well-being, & community connectedness. Also, hugely cost-effective with very high returns on investment. theaws.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Mark Daalder sets out all the actions and policies (unfortunately there are lots) the NZ Govt has taken to impede efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
Govt's climate strategy: Let it burn
Comment: The Government has relentlessly pursued policies that boost climate pollution – even if they cost more or jeopardise NZ's reputation, Marc Daalder writes
newsroom.co.nz
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Mark Daalder sets out all the actions and policies (unfortunately there are lots) the NZ Govt has taken to impede efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
CO2 at 423.9ppm. "Until our leaders have the courage to put a price on carbon to bring the era of fossil fuels to a definitive end, we are adding more & more carbon to the atmosphere, compounding the physical catastrophe now unfolding all around us." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Net zero is an insidious loophole that distracts from the scientific imperative to eliminate fossil fuels | Joëlle Gergis
History tells us that polite incrementalism and political kowtowing will prevail at Cop30 – even as catastrophe unfolds around us
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:21 AM
CO2 at 423.9ppm. "Until our leaders have the courage to put a price on carbon to bring the era of fossil fuels to a definitive end, we are adding more & more carbon to the atmosphere, compounding the physical catastrophe now unfolding all around us." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Maldives has passed a smokefree generation law. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Maldives becomes the only country with generational smoking ban
Indian Ocean archipelago bans anyone born after 1 January 2007 from buying or using tobacco in order to ‘promote a tobacco-free generation’
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:57 AM
The Maldives has passed a smokefree generation law. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Wow! Town Council in Tiburon (Marin County) unanimously passed a tobacco product sales ban ordinance (third in the state of California)! #MakeTobaccoHistory
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Wow! Town Council in Tiburon (Marin County) unanimously passed a tobacco product sales ban ordinance (third in the state of California)! #MakeTobaccoHistory
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
#Tobacco #endgame #PublicHealthSky @ash.org @simonchapman.bsky.social @mhef.bsky.social @mikedaube.bsky.social
Paper led by Caroline Shaw modelled impact of increase in EV fleet found health gains from reduced air pollution overwhelmed by greater injury-related harm from increased car use. Key message: interventions are needed to eliminate a car-dominated transport system. jech.bmj.com/content/79/1...
October 15, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Paper led by Caroline Shaw modelled impact of increase in EV fleet found health gains from reduced air pollution overwhelmed by greater injury-related harm from increased car use. Key message: interventions are needed to eliminate a car-dominated transport system. jech.bmj.com/content/79/1...
I think this is self explanatory. Hugely concerning new data shows accelerating increase in CO2 levels (and methane and other GHGs).
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating: CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere soared by a record amount in 2024 to hit another high, UN data shows, de...
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating
Record leap in CO2 fuels fears of accelerating global heating: CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere soared by a record amount in 2024 to hit another high, UN data shows, de...
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I think this is self explanatory. Hugely concerning new data shows accelerating increase in CO2 levels (and methane and other GHGs).
Following Yoorrook Justice Commission report, Australia’s 1st treaty between a state government & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people introduced to Victorian parliament. Includes formal apology, reframing school curriculum & greater use of traditional names. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Australia’s first treaty a turning point for nation, Indigenous leaders say
The treaty between the Victorian government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders comprises a formal apology, reframing the school curriculum and greater use of traditional names for natural park...
www.theage.com.au
September 9, 2025 at 5:10 AM
Following Yoorrook Justice Commission report, Australia’s 1st treaty between a state government & Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people introduced to Victorian parliament. Includes formal apology, reframing school curriculum & greater use of traditional names. www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Reposted by Richard Edwards
"The changes announced will give power back to the alcohol industry and undermine the democracy that New Zealanders value. These changes will limit communities’ abilities to object to alcohol licences, and also undermine the ability of Local Alcohol Policies to enact change."
OPINION: It was extremely disappointing to see the announcement last month from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee on proposed changes on licensing in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.⬇️
Government 'prioritising alcohol industry over health'
Opinion from Otago University: The Government's decision to reverse its support to limit the trading hours of off-licences, and also to remove the ability of communities to object to alcohol licences,...
newsroom.co.nz
September 9, 2025 at 3:42 AM
"The changes announced will give power back to the alcohol industry and undermine the democracy that New Zealanders value. These changes will limit communities’ abilities to object to alcohol licences, and also undermine the ability of Local Alcohol Policies to enact change."
Reposted by Richard Edwards
Good, careful review justifying calls for action on alcohol marketing – and also noting that in some areas such as sport and sporting events, gambling exposure and advertising were even more common than alcohol. As so often, predatory industries use similar strategies.
🧵 New Public Health Scotland review finds alcohol marketing is pervasive & harmful.
Key takeaways ⬇️
📢 Alcohol ads are everywhere – from sport to supermarkets – with children & young people heavily exposed.
📊 Evidence is consistent: marketing drives...
publichealthscotland.scot/media/34628/...
Key takeaways ⬇️
📢 Alcohol ads are everywhere – from sport to supermarkets – with children & young people heavily exposed.
📊 Evidence is consistent: marketing drives...
publichealthscotland.scot/media/34628/...
publichealthscotland.scot
September 2, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Good, careful review justifying calls for action on alcohol marketing – and also noting that in some areas such as sport and sporting events, gambling exposure and advertising were even more common than alcohol. As so often, predatory industries use similar strategies.
ASH UK: falling smoking rates not illicit trade = real threat to tobacco industry profits. "This is why they continue to do everything they can to lobby against tobacco regulations. Faux concern about illicit trade is one of many cynical tactics the industry uses to further their lobbying efforts."
Get the facts on illicit tobacco and debunk industry myths in our new blog post.
ash.org.uk/media-centre...
ash.org.uk/media-centre...
From smuggling to spin: how tobacco giants hijacked the illicit trade debate - ASH
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.
ash.org.uk
September 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM
ASH UK: falling smoking rates not illicit trade = real threat to tobacco industry profits. "This is why they continue to do everything they can to lobby against tobacco regulations. Faux concern about illicit trade is one of many cynical tactics the industry uses to further their lobbying efforts."
Reposted by Richard Edwards
BREAKING: Big moment as CDC staff stage a mass walkout.
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
August 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
BREAKING: Big moment as CDC staff stage a mass walkout.
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)
They have lined the street outside its HQ to greet and salute the four top officials who have resigned in protest at RFK Jr’s attack on the agency’s science base.
(🎥 AP)