Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
@shastingssimon.bsky.social
Currently on partial medical leave and Associate professor, Dept of Earth, Energy, and Environment, University of Calgary; co-director http://NZERI.ca; energy/carbon/innovation policy + bikes.
Pinned
Hi from Alberta where I’m a professor at University of Calgary in the dept of earth energy and environment. I’m a physicist turned mgmt consultant turned think tanker now researching the energy transition. I love e-bikes and etrikes. And I’m currently on med leave fighting breast cancer.
It’s crazy that instead of this we have a patchwork of ppl paid privately to drive around the city clearing snow from random homes, ppl doing it themselves and having heart attacks, and uncleared sidewalks.
I know that many other cities don’t plow their sidewalks, leaving it up to property owners. This is completely crazy to me.
Our sidewalk plows look like this and they do a pretty good job.
Our sidewalk plows look like this and they do a pretty good job.
November 30, 2025 at 6:46 PM
It’s crazy that instead of this we have a patchwork of ppl paid privately to drive around the city clearing snow from random homes, ppl doing it themselves and having heart attacks, and uncleared sidewalks.
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
Doing some holiday shopping? Want opinions from a random geophysics nerd on the internet about some books to buy and who to buy them for?
Here are my 2025 fiction reading highlights! I'll add my nonfiction list later.
Here are my 2025 fiction reading highlights! I'll add my nonfiction list later.
November 30, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Doing some holiday shopping? Want opinions from a random geophysics nerd on the internet about some books to buy and who to buy them for?
Here are my 2025 fiction reading highlights! I'll add my nonfiction list later.
Here are my 2025 fiction reading highlights! I'll add my nonfiction list later.
🤯
Meanwhile in China 🇨🇳 where I spotted a ton of dual gunning trucks, the triple gun charging truck is now arriving to the market:
first plug is exclusively for pack cooling according to #ChinaEV_Eng_Lif
the ramp up in 35 seconds to nearly 2000A fast charging 🤯 or 1.39MW nitter.net/ChinaEV_Eng_...
first plug is exclusively for pack cooling according to #ChinaEV_Eng_Lif
the ramp up in 35 seconds to nearly 2000A fast charging 🤯 or 1.39MW nitter.net/ChinaEV_Eng_...
November 30, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🤯
Interesting read.
At first glance office to residential seems like a good idea but indeed - rather than simply subsidizing property owners why not take public money and make these public ally owned housing?
At first glance office to residential seems like a good idea but indeed - rather than simply subsidizing property owners why not take public money and make these public ally owned housing?
Opinion: Too big to fail, too small to save calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
November 29, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Interesting read.
At first glance office to residential seems like a good idea but indeed - rather than simply subsidizing property owners why not take public money and make these public ally owned housing?
At first glance office to residential seems like a good idea but indeed - rather than simply subsidizing property owners why not take public money and make these public ally owned housing?
Why did the phone makers and mobile companies have to destroy the sms?
My kids have phones with talk and text but no data and it’s basically impossible to reach them via text because of the weird mix of Apple message/sms/whatever happens when we try to message them 😖
My kids have phones with talk and text but no data and it’s basically impossible to reach them via text because of the weird mix of Apple message/sms/whatever happens when we try to message them 😖
November 29, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Why did the phone makers and mobile companies have to destroy the sms?
My kids have phones with talk and text but no data and it’s basically impossible to reach them via text because of the weird mix of Apple message/sms/whatever happens when we try to message them 😖
My kids have phones with talk and text but no data and it’s basically impossible to reach them via text because of the weird mix of Apple message/sms/whatever happens when we try to message them 😖
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
A few thoughts on clean electricity regulation, industrial carbon pricing, and federalism in the context of today's Alberta-Canada MoU. 🧵
Today’s MOU between the federal government and Alberta risks unravelling Canada’s climate policy. Read our full statement ⬇️
climateinstitute.ca/news/mou-alb...
climateinstitute.ca/news/mou-alb...
Federal-Alberta MOU risks unravelling Canada’s climate policy
While promised improvements to industrial carbon pricing are positive and important, other aspects of Alberta-Canada MOU will undermine policy effectiveness across the country.
climateinstitute.ca
November 27, 2025 at 9:12 PM
A few thoughts on clean electricity regulation, industrial carbon pricing, and federalism in the context of today's Alberta-Canada MoU. 🧵
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
In totally other news, don't buy things today just because they are on sale. But if you are in the market for light up bike pedals I'm happy with these one year later. In particular the battery life has been quite good.
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
Arclight Pedals
The Arclight Pedals are the ultimate bike safety upgrade. Now available in 3 versions: Arclight PRO Flat, Arclight City (the original pedal for commuting), and the Arclight PRO Clipless (SPD compatibl...
redshiftsports.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In totally other news, don't buy things today just because they are on sale. But if you are in the market for light up bike pedals I'm happy with these one year later. In particular the battery life has been quite good.
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
Thanks to whomever suggested using a kayak lift ($30) for raising my cargo bike for service. No more cursing while trying to remove and install wheels.
Now, it's time to put on studded tires.
Now, it's time to put on studded tires.
November 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Thanks to whomever suggested using a kayak lift ($30) for raising my cargo bike for service. No more cursing while trying to remove and install wheels.
Now, it's time to put on studded tires.
Now, it's time to put on studded tires.
Hey opinion editor people 👋
call me ☎️
(or actually email me? 📩?)
please?
call me ☎️
(or actually email me? 📩?)
please?
I guess I should see if someone will let me write up and print a formal version of this.
November 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Hey opinion editor people 👋
call me ☎️
(or actually email me? 📩?)
please?
call me ☎️
(or actually email me? 📩?)
please?
Another night to sleep on this and I'm solidifying this take
There is a reason industry/govt sees a bit win in trading the regulations that would have forced real emissions reductions (oil and gas cap and CER) for vauge future carbon pricing promises that some are claiming will achieve the same 1/
There is a reason industry/govt sees a bit win in trading the regulations that would have forced real emissions reductions (oil and gas cap and CER) for vauge future carbon pricing promises that some are claiming will achieve the same 1/
After some time for reflection I think this is one of the biggest open questions that has a big impact on how much climate action we will see in Canada -
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
Where does it say $130 in April? it says they will by April agree on what the timeline and price increases are.
I would bet a very large sum of money it will not be $130 effective price in April.
I would bet a very large sum of money it will not be $130 effective price in April.
November 28, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Another night to sleep on this and I'm solidifying this take
There is a reason industry/govt sees a bit win in trading the regulations that would have forced real emissions reductions (oil and gas cap and CER) for vauge future carbon pricing promises that some are claiming will achieve the same 1/
There is a reason industry/govt sees a bit win in trading the regulations that would have forced real emissions reductions (oil and gas cap and CER) for vauge future carbon pricing promises that some are claiming will achieve the same 1/
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
People who care about climate change are “dreaming nostalgically about the past.” - Minister Hodgson
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
November 28, 2025 at 2:03 AM
People who care about climate change are “dreaming nostalgically about the past.” - Minister Hodgson
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
After some time for reflection I think this is one of the biggest open questions that has a big impact on how much climate action we will see in Canada -
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
Where does it say $130 in April? it says they will by April agree on what the timeline and price increases are.
I would bet a very large sum of money it will not be $130 effective price in April.
I would bet a very large sum of money it will not be $130 effective price in April.
November 28, 2025 at 12:36 AM
After some time for reflection I think this is one of the biggest open questions that has a big impact on how much climate action we will see in Canada -
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
unless I'm reading this wrong (?) it doesn't say the carbon floor will be $130 by April. It says there will be an agreement by April 1/
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
It's the removal of "in accordance with internationally recognized methodology" that matters here — because "adequate and proper substantiation" is meaningless. There has to be something to measure "adequate and proper" against.
November 27, 2025 at 7:47 PM
It's the removal of "in accordance with internationally recognized methodology" that matters here — because "adequate and proper substantiation" is meaningless. There has to be something to measure "adequate and proper" against.
Ok seems like the greenwashing changes aren't actually that significant (I guess they were written about that way to sound bigger?)
(and thanks 🐼 Timothy)
(and thanks 🐼 Timothy)
The amendments referenced are contained in Bill C-15, which is currently before Parliament.
November 27, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Ok seems like the greenwashing changes aren't actually that significant (I guess they were written about that way to sound bigger?)
(and thanks 🐼 Timothy)
(and thanks 🐼 Timothy)
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
There is at least one massive inconsistency in the MOU.
On the one hand it speaks of "private sector constructed & financed pipelines" & on the other "AB commits to:
act as proponent for advancing the development of a bitumen pipeline".
Which is it? AB taxpayers want to know
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
On the one hand it speaks of "private sector constructed & financed pipelines" & on the other "AB commits to:
act as proponent for advancing the development of a bitumen pipeline".
Which is it? AB taxpayers want to know
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
November 27, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Has anyone elaborated on this argument of how requiring that environmental claims be backed by actual facts creates investment uncertainty?
The obvious inference is "being prevented from making claims without a proof hampers investment/attracting money", is there something else?
The obvious inference is "being prevented from making claims without a proof hampers investment/attracting money", is there something else?
oh COME ON (throws computer)
Literally in the same MOU that officially throws out the oil industries previous greenwashing commitment?
Literally in the same MOU that officially throws out the oil industries previous greenwashing commitment?
November 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Has anyone elaborated on this argument of how requiring that environmental claims be backed by actual facts creates investment uncertainty?
The obvious inference is "being prevented from making claims without a proof hampers investment/attracting money", is there something else?
The obvious inference is "being prevented from making claims without a proof hampers investment/attracting money", is there something else?
MOU reactions hot take:
So about that 2050 net zero claim from the Pathways website (courtesy of the wayback machine)?
So about that 2050 net zero claim from the Pathways website (courtesy of the wayback machine)?
November 27, 2025 at 7:05 PM
MOU reactions hot take:
So about that 2050 net zero claim from the Pathways website (courtesy of the wayback machine)?
So about that 2050 net zero claim from the Pathways website (courtesy of the wayback machine)?
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
I recently wrote on the big opportunity that interprovincial transmission expansion is here: macleans.ca/economy/forg...
Forget America. Build an East-West Power Grid. - Macleans.ca
For decades, we've prioritized electrical trade with the United States. It's time to reduce our dependence on them.
macleans.ca
November 27, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I recently wrote on the big opportunity that interprovincial transmission expansion is here: macleans.ca/economy/forg...
Reposted by Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦
Great to see that BC-AB-SK interprovincial electricity transmission made today’s MOU announcement 🥳
November 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Great to see that BC-AB-SK interprovincial electricity transmission made today’s MOU announcement 🥳
We played Gigawatt in my group today and I was reminded that not only is it a fun board game it really does a good job of bringing out the dynamics of the challenges in the energy transition in the electricity sector.
I would love to integrate it into a class 1/
gigawattgame.com
I would love to integrate it into a class 1/
gigawattgame.com
GigaWatt
Dutch board game built with sustainability in mind. You are put to the challenge to lead the energy transition of your region and compete for our future.
gigawattgame.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:29 AM
We played Gigawatt in my group today and I was reminded that not only is it a fun board game it really does a good job of bringing out the dynamics of the challenges in the energy transition in the electricity sector.
I would love to integrate it into a class 1/
gigawattgame.com
I would love to integrate it into a class 1/
gigawattgame.com
it seems to me that if this type of medical care that was so effective at saving lives with such safety profile/lack of side effects was observed in any other area people would be falling over themselves to celebrate it.
I hope it can somehow make a difference in Alberta.
I hope it can somehow make a difference in Alberta.
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
Study In The Journal Of Pediatrics Finds Trans Youth Care Lowers Suicidality, Few Detransition
The groundbreaking study found that suicidality dropped for transgender youth receiving hormone therapy by nearly 70%, with only 7 patients of 432 discontinuing treatment.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:26 AM
it seems to me that if this type of medical care that was so effective at saving lives with such safety profile/lack of side effects was observed in any other area people would be falling over themselves to celebrate it.
I hope it can somehow make a difference in Alberta.
I hope it can somehow make a difference in Alberta.
This gives me hope for grudges I've been holding for 11 years or more
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 6:47 PM
This gives me hope for grudges I've been holding for 11 years or more
on the one hand social media is horrible
on the other hand I have learned about the phenomenon that is articulated buses getting stuck in a roundabout in Norway so 🤷♀️
on the other hand I have learned about the phenomenon that is articulated buses getting stuck in a roundabout in Norway so 🤷♀️
So this happened in Oslo yesterday. Four articulated buses got stuck in a roundabout.
November 26, 2025 at 6:46 PM
on the one hand social media is horrible
on the other hand I have learned about the phenomenon that is articulated buses getting stuck in a roundabout in Norway so 🤷♀️
on the other hand I have learned about the phenomenon that is articulated buses getting stuck in a roundabout in Norway so 🤷♀️
We very briefly touched on balcony solar in our wide ranging @energyvsclimate.bsky.social tech episode. For LOTs more on it this new @volts.wtf episode is a great listen or read (and it answered my question about anti-islanding, its built into the inverter) www.volts.wtf/p/whats-the-...
What's the deal with balcony solar?
Cora Stryker joins me to explain how "plug-in" solar took Europe by storm and is finally, via Utah (?), making its way to America.
www.volts.wtf
November 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
We very briefly touched on balcony solar in our wide ranging @energyvsclimate.bsky.social tech episode. For LOTs more on it this new @volts.wtf episode is a great listen or read (and it answered my question about anti-islanding, its built into the inverter) www.volts.wtf/p/whats-the-...