Alice Rizzardo
@alicerizzardo.bsky.social
Mathematician at the University of Liverpool. Mostly here to talk about rewilding/conservation/sustainability (not part of my day job) and higher education (very much part of my day job). Some maths may sneak in. I also like humor, books, and food.
I finished marking my class test! And everyone passed! Here is a happy seal from my summer vacation:
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I finished marking my class test! And everyone passed! Here is a happy seal from my summer vacation:
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
About *a third* of global fossil fuel CO2 emissions emitted during the Industrial age have occurred in roughly the last 17 years. The previous third was emitted over a period of roughly 26 years. The first third was emitted over a period of about 131 years.
October 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
About *a third* of global fossil fuel CO2 emissions emitted during the Industrial age have occurred in roughly the last 17 years. The previous third was emitted over a period of roughly 26 years. The first third was emitted over a period of about 131 years.
Here's some start-of-the-semester good news: my students are chatty again! For a few years after COVID, students of my course wouldn't talk to each other during breaks. I couldn't get them to work together, either. It was heartbreaking. But now they're back to being sociable and it makes me happy
September 23, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Here's some start-of-the-semester good news: my students are chatty again! For a few years after COVID, students of my course wouldn't talk to each other during breaks. I couldn't get them to work together, either. It was heartbreaking. But now they're back to being sociable and it makes me happy
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
Critics of renewables often point to land use as a reason not to invest in wind & solar. Land use IS a real issue for all energy assets incl renewables (unless on-site).
But what critics conveniently forget is the huge land impact of fossil fuels. Aerial view of fracking sites in Wickett, Texas. 👇
But what critics conveniently forget is the huge land impact of fossil fuels. Aerial view of fracking sites in Wickett, Texas. 👇
September 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Critics of renewables often point to land use as a reason not to invest in wind & solar. Land use IS a real issue for all energy assets incl renewables (unless on-site).
But what critics conveniently forget is the huge land impact of fossil fuels. Aerial view of fracking sites in Wickett, Texas. 👇
But what critics conveniently forget is the huge land impact of fossil fuels. Aerial view of fracking sites in Wickett, Texas. 👇
What’s sad and perplexing about this is that I studied at the University in Bologna for 5 years and I didn’t learn about her until now. The classrooms in the maths department are named after mathematicians with a connection to Bologna, except for one which is aptly named “7th floor classroom”...
"The first woman in the modern period to make a substantial contribution to mathematics was the Italian Maria Agnesi (1718–1799) who in 1748 published one of the earliest textbooks on the differential and integral calculus, 🧵1/n
September 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What’s sad and perplexing about this is that I studied at the University in Bologna for 5 years and I didn’t learn about her until now. The classrooms in the maths department are named after mathematicians with a connection to Bologna, except for one which is aptly named “7th floor classroom”...
"The first woman in the modern period to make a substantial contribution to mathematics was the Italian Maria Agnesi (1718–1799) who in 1748 published one of the earliest textbooks on the differential and integral calculus, 🧵1/n
September 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM
"The first woman in the modern period to make a substantial contribution to mathematics was the Italian Maria Agnesi (1718–1799) who in 1748 published one of the earliest textbooks on the differential and integral calculus, 🧵1/n
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
Fantastic news for British wildlife and the climate 🌎🦤: a ban on burning deep peatlands (>30cm). This terrible practice is used to manage moors for grouse shooting. Comes into force on 30th Sept, a day ahead of new burning season. 👏 @defra.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Burning banned on England’s deep peat to protect wildlife
Ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat extended to improve air quality for local communities, reduce flood risk and protect wildlife.
www.gov.uk
September 9, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Fantastic news for British wildlife and the climate 🌎🦤: a ban on burning deep peatlands (>30cm). This terrible practice is used to manage moors for grouse shooting. Comes into force on 30th Sept, a day ahead of new burning season. 👏 @defra.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
"When the bellows-blowers relaxed their efforts and the fires dimmed, he would remind them of their duties by a blast from a cow horn" #MondayMotivation
Lizard Lighthouse
www.trinityhouse.co.uk
September 1, 2025 at 10:08 AM
"When the bellows-blowers relaxed their efforts and the fires dimmed, he would remind them of their duties by a blast from a cow horn" #MondayMotivation
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
🌍 1/3 of global emissions come from the food system. Even if fossil fuels are phased out, food emissions alone could push us past 1.5°C.
We must transform how we grow, distribute, eat & waste food.
Explore #SystemsChangeLab 👉 bit.ly/3SWc9qv
We must transform how we grow, distribute, eat & waste food.
Explore #SystemsChangeLab 👉 bit.ly/3SWc9qv
August 31, 2025 at 7:15 PM
🌍 1/3 of global emissions come from the food system. Even if fossil fuels are phased out, food emissions alone could push us past 1.5°C.
We must transform how we grow, distribute, eat & waste food.
Explore #SystemsChangeLab 👉 bit.ly/3SWc9qv
We must transform how we grow, distribute, eat & waste food.
Explore #SystemsChangeLab 👉 bit.ly/3SWc9qv
Invention of the wheel, ca. 1890. Source unknown.
August 16, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Invention of the wheel, ca. 1890. Source unknown.
"We’re a naturally social, altruistic, democratic species." An unexpectedly cheerful bit in an article on societal collapse
‘Self-termination is most likely’: the history and future of societal collapse
An epic analysis of 5,000 years of civilisation argues that a global collapse is coming unless inequality is vanquished
www.theguardian.com
August 3, 2025 at 7:56 AM
"We’re a naturally social, altruistic, democratic species." An unexpectedly cheerful bit in an article on societal collapse
Which drink would you think contains more microplastics, one that comes in a plastic bottle with a plastic cap or in a glass bottle with a metal cap? Think again!
Metal bottle caps ‘surprising’ source of microplastic contamination, study finds
Glass bottles had highest levels of the substance compared with beer, water, wine and soft drinks, researchers found
www.theguardian.com
July 21, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Which drink would you think contains more microplastics, one that comes in a plastic bottle with a plastic cap or in a glass bottle with a metal cap? Think again!
How did this not make my timeline? Bluesky, you disappoint me
Chimps are sticking grass and sticks in their butts, seemingly as a fashion trend | CBC Radio
A group of chimpanzees in Zambia have resurrected an old fashion trend with a surprising new twist.
www.cbc.ca
July 13, 2025 at 1:06 PM
How did this not make my timeline? Bluesky, you disappoint me
“All novels are translations, even in their original language”. That's the beginning of Michael Cunningham’s introduction to Michael Henry Heim’s translation of Death in Venice. It's a beautiful meditation on the many difficulties of translating a book,
July 3, 2025 at 2:11 PM
“All novels are translations, even in their original language”. That's the beginning of Michael Cunningham’s introduction to Michael Henry Heim’s translation of Death in Venice. It's a beautiful meditation on the many difficulties of translating a book,
I just misunderstood the lyrics "kein Schwein ruft mich an" (nobody ever calls me) for "ein Schwein ruft mich an" (a pig phones me up) making the song a lot more interesting and also proving my point that German is fiddly
June 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
I just misunderstood the lyrics "kein Schwein ruft mich an" (nobody ever calls me) for "ein Schwein ruft mich an" (a pig phones me up) making the song a lot more interesting and also proving my point that German is fiddly
When do girls fall behind in maths? According to this study, maths abilities of boys and girls are very similar when starting school, but after just a few months of schooling they start diverging sharply with girls lagging behind. I'd love to learn more about what happens in that crucial first year.
When do girls fall behind in maths? Gigantic study pinpoints the moment
Analysis of almost three million children captures when ‘mathematical gender gap’ first emerges and could help focus efforts to stop girls from falling behind.
www.nature.com
June 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
When do girls fall behind in maths? According to this study, maths abilities of boys and girls are very similar when starting school, but after just a few months of schooling they start diverging sharply with girls lagging behind. I'd love to learn more about what happens in that crucial first year.
Insects are crucial to nature. We are starving our birds, but we are also putting ourselves in danger: insects perform essential tasks to human survival such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter and feces, pest suppression, and so many more that we are just beginning to understand.
‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects
A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides
www.theguardian.com
June 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Insects are crucial to nature. We are starving our birds, but we are also putting ourselves in danger: insects perform essential tasks to human survival such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter and feces, pest suppression, and so many more that we are just beginning to understand.
This cool article shows how little transportation affects the carbon footprint of (most of) what we eat, so that “eat local” is not as important if shrinking your carbon footprint is your main objective. I was curious to see how this would apply to my own diet: a thread! 1/n
You want to reduce the carbon footprint of your food? Focus on what you eat, not whether your food is local
“Eat local” is a common recommendation to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet. How does the impact of what you eat compare to where it's come from?
ourworldindata.org
June 3, 2025 at 5:35 PM
This cool article shows how little transportation affects the carbon footprint of (most of) what we eat, so that “eat local” is not as important if shrinking your carbon footprint is your main objective. I was curious to see how this would apply to my own diet: a thread! 1/n
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
Not In Our Name - Feminist Academics and Educators Speak Out (signature form linked at top of document)
@gemmaclark.bsky.social @philippaeast.bsky.social @hazelmpinner.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @busygranof6.bsky.social @girasoles-lady.bsky.social
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
@gemmaclark.bsky.social @philippaeast.bsky.social @hazelmpinner.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @busygranof6.bsky.social @girasoles-lady.bsky.social
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Not In Our Name - Feminist Academics and Educators Speak Out - with signatures
To co-sign the statement, fill in this form: https://forms.gle/oDYgnobrMiScaMEt5 (Please do not ‘request share’, rather, fill in the form ^ ^.) Not In Our Name: Feminist Academics and Educators Sp...
docs.google.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Not In Our Name - Feminist Academics and Educators Speak Out (signature form linked at top of document)
@gemmaclark.bsky.social @philippaeast.bsky.social @hazelmpinner.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @busygranof6.bsky.social @girasoles-lady.bsky.social
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
@gemmaclark.bsky.social @philippaeast.bsky.social @hazelmpinner.bsky.social @debrakidd.bsky.social @busygranof6.bsky.social @girasoles-lady.bsky.social
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Here is a cool map about land use in the UK, and the agricultural land abroad used to feed the UK. Note the huge amount of land we use for beef and lamb pastures. Altogether, the amount of land used to rear these animals + grow their food is slightly bigger than the area of the UK itself.
May 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Here is a cool map about land use in the UK, and the agricultural land abroad used to feed the UK. Note the huge amount of land we use for beef and lamb pastures. Altogether, the amount of land used to rear these animals + grow their food is slightly bigger than the area of the UK itself.
Are you upset about climate change? Here’s something useful that you can do relatively easily (!), and that will make you feel good: change your bank! Banks are among the major funders of the fossil fuel industry. You can check how your bank is doing or find a greener alternative here:
Find Ethical & Sustainable Banks In Your Area - Bank.Green
Bank.Green is sounding the alarm on the climate-destroying activities of banks while recommending sustainable alternatives and empowering consumer action.
bank.green
May 9, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Are you upset about climate change? Here’s something useful that you can do relatively easily (!), and that will make you feel good: change your bank! Banks are among the major funders of the fossil fuel industry. You can check how your bank is doing or find a greener alternative here:
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
Last year the EU challenged the UK's closure of industrial sandeel fishing in its waters.
These closures are a lifeline for the millions of seabirds which rely on sandeels for food.
Reversing them would be a blow for hungry Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other birds.
These closures are a lifeline for the millions of seabirds which rely on sandeels for food.
Reversing them would be a blow for hungry Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other birds.
May 2, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Last year the EU challenged the UK's closure of industrial sandeel fishing in its waters.
These closures are a lifeline for the millions of seabirds which rely on sandeels for food.
Reversing them would be a blow for hungry Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other birds.
These closures are a lifeline for the millions of seabirds which rely on sandeels for food.
Reversing them would be a blow for hungry Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other birds.
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
📣 Join us for the 2025 Terry Wall Lecture with Professor Wendelin Werner on 1st May at 4pm in Lecture Theatre B!
The talk, "Connections via chains of random loops," explores exciting connections in mathematics and physics. ☕️ Coffee at 3:30pm, refreshments after!
Learn more🔗 tinyurl.com/48a398wf
The talk, "Connections via chains of random loops," explores exciting connections in mathematics and physics. ☕️ Coffee at 3:30pm, refreshments after!
Learn more🔗 tinyurl.com/48a398wf
April 3, 2025 at 2:07 PM
📣 Join us for the 2025 Terry Wall Lecture with Professor Wendelin Werner on 1st May at 4pm in Lecture Theatre B!
The talk, "Connections via chains of random loops," explores exciting connections in mathematics and physics. ☕️ Coffee at 3:30pm, refreshments after!
Learn more🔗 tinyurl.com/48a398wf
The talk, "Connections via chains of random loops," explores exciting connections in mathematics and physics. ☕️ Coffee at 3:30pm, refreshments after!
Learn more🔗 tinyurl.com/48a398wf
Labour: Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Also Labour: let’s finish the job and deplete it once and for all so we can stop worrying about it
A Letter to MPs on Part III of the P&I Bill
www.rskwilding.com
April 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Labour: Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Also Labour: let’s finish the job and deplete it once and for all so we can stop worrying about it
Reposted by Alice Rizzardo
I have tariffed
the penguins
that are on
Heard Island
and which
you were probably
assuming
did not export goods
forgive me
they were taking advantage of us
so cunning
and so cold
the penguins
that are on
Heard Island
and which
you were probably
assuming
did not export goods
forgive me
they were taking advantage of us
so cunning
and so cold
April 3, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I have tariffed
the penguins
that are on
Heard Island
and which
you were probably
assuming
did not export goods
forgive me
they were taking advantage of us
so cunning
and so cold
the penguins
that are on
Heard Island
and which
you were probably
assuming
did not export goods
forgive me
they were taking advantage of us
so cunning
and so cold