Ames Alexander
@amesalex.bsky.social
Investigative reporter @floodlightnews, which examines the forces stalling climate action. Tips, story ideas? 704-999-7092; [email protected]
Reposted by Ames Alexander
ICYMI Here’s your Friday long read:
My in-depth profile story of David Stevenson, the man who crushed America’s offshore wind industry.
Thanks to @motherjones.com for republishing. 🙏
My in-depth profile story of David Stevenson, the man who crushed America’s offshore wind industry.
Thanks to @motherjones.com for republishing. 🙏
December 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM
ICYMI Here’s your Friday long read:
My in-depth profile story of David Stevenson, the man who crushed America’s offshore wind industry.
Thanks to @motherjones.com for republishing. 🙏
My in-depth profile story of David Stevenson, the man who crushed America’s offshore wind industry.
Thanks to @motherjones.com for republishing. 🙏
Reposted by Ames Alexander
The EPA purged basic facts about Climate from its website LAST WEEK—including how human activity releases planet-heating carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The EPA says “natural processes,” like variations in Earth’s orbit and in solar activity, influence the climate.
grist.org/politics/epa...
grist.org/politics/epa...
The EPA website got the basics of climate science right. Until last week.
The Trump administration purged 80 pages of facts about climate change — including that it's caused by humans.
grist.org
December 12, 2025 at 12:53 AM
The EPA purged basic facts about Climate from its website LAST WEEK—including how human activity releases planet-heating carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The EPA says “natural processes,” like variations in Earth’s orbit and in solar activity, influence the climate.
grist.org/politics/epa...
grist.org/politics/epa...
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Is New York City getting its composting program right?
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Is New York City getting its composting program right?
Critics argue the city could do more to tackle its food waste problem.
floodlightnews.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Is New York City getting its composting program right?
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🗞️
Reposted by Ames Alexander
A growing body of research reveals that America’s obsession with corn has a steep price: The fertilizer used to grow it is warming the planet and contaminating water. @amesalex.bsky.social reports via @floodlightnews.org:
buff.ly/HSG3h2P
buff.ly/HSG3h2P
Corn’s Clean-Energy Promise Is Clashing With Its Climate Footprint
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
buff.ly
December 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
A growing body of research reveals that America’s obsession with corn has a steep price: The fertilizer used to grow it is warming the planet and contaminating water. @amesalex.bsky.social reports via @floodlightnews.org:
buff.ly/HSG3h2P
buff.ly/HSG3h2P
Reposted by Ames Alexander
One recent study found that solar panels can generate as much energy as corn ethanol on roughly 3% of the land.
“It’s just a terrible use of land,” Searchinger, said of ethanol. “You can’t solve climate change if you’re going to make such terrible use of land.”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“It’s just a terrible use of land,” Searchinger, said of ethanol. “You can’t solve climate change if you’re going to make such terrible use of land.”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The environmental costs of corn: should the US change how it grows its dominant crop?
Amid concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, the Trump administration has abolished climate-friendly farming incentives
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:16 PM
One recent study found that solar panels can generate as much energy as corn ethanol on roughly 3% of the land.
“It’s just a terrible use of land,” Searchinger, said of ethanol. “You can’t solve climate change if you’re going to make such terrible use of land.”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“It’s just a terrible use of land,” Searchinger, said of ethanol. “You can’t solve climate change if you’re going to make such terrible use of land.”
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Promoted as a climate fix, a federal mandate to mix ethanol into gasoline is instead driving high emissions:
🌽 Ethanol production drives huge demand for corn
🚜 Corn is grown with heavy fertilizer use
🔥 That fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300x stronger than CO₂
🌽 Ethanol production drives huge demand for corn
🚜 Corn is grown with heavy fertilizer use
🔥 That fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300x stronger than CO₂
Corn’s clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
floodlightnews.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Promoted as a climate fix, a federal mandate to mix ethanol into gasoline is instead driving high emissions:
🌽 Ethanol production drives huge demand for corn
🚜 Corn is grown with heavy fertilizer use
🔥 That fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300x stronger than CO₂
🌽 Ethanol production drives huge demand for corn
🚜 Corn is grown with heavy fertilizer use
🔥 That fertilizer releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300x stronger than CO₂
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Cities are getting hotter. And there’s one simple fix on the table: reflective roofs.
So why is a powerful industry fighting to stop them?
So why is a powerful industry fighting to stop them?
This little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making your city hotter
As cities heat up, reflective roofs could lower energy bills and help the climate. But dark roofing manufacturers are waging a quiet campaign to block new rules.
floodlightnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Cities are getting hotter. And there’s one simple fix on the table: reflective roofs.
So why is a powerful industry fighting to stop them?
So why is a powerful industry fighting to stop them?
Reposted by Ames Alexander
We’re thrilled to announce that Floodlight has chosen Brad Racino as our next editor-in-chief! 🎉 This follows a highly competitive national search that drew 240 candidates.
Please join us in welcoming Brad!
Please join us in welcoming Brad!
Brad Racino named Floodlight editor-in-chief
Floodlight has chosen Brad Racino as our next editor-in-chief after a highly competitive national search that drew 240 candidates.
floodlightnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:44 PM
We’re thrilled to announce that Floodlight has chosen Brad Racino as our next editor-in-chief! 🎉 This follows a highly competitive national search that drew 240 candidates.
Please join us in welcoming Brad!
Please join us in welcoming Brad!
Reposted by Ames Alexander
It was great talking with @amesalex.bsky.social for his exceptional story with @floodlightnews.org on the environmental and climate impacts of corn production. They mentioned my report with @albine14.bsky.social for @ewgofficial.bsky.social about continuous corn. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
Corn’s clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
floodlightnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
It was great talking with @amesalex.bsky.social for his exceptional story with @floodlightnews.org on the environmental and climate impacts of corn production. They mentioned my report with @albine14.bsky.social for @ewgofficial.bsky.social about continuous corn. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
In my latest story for Floodlight, I dug into the climate cost of America’s corn boom — the fertilizer, the emissions and the federal policies and incentives that have propped it all up.
Thrilled that The Guardian has also published this. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
Thrilled that The Guardian has also published this. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
Corn’s clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
floodlightnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:46 PM
In my latest story for Floodlight, I dug into the climate cost of America’s corn boom — the fertilizer, the emissions and the federal policies and incentives that have propped it all up.
Thrilled that The Guardian has also published this. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
Thrilled that The Guardian has also published this. floodlightnews.org/corn-ethanol...
Reposted by Ames Alexander
As social media algorithms prove increasingly fickle, one of the best ways you can support Floodlight is by signing up for our newsletter.
We only send it twice a month — just our latest investigations and stories straight to your inbox.
We only send it twice a month — just our latest investigations and stories straight to your inbox.
Sign up for our newsletter
Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powers stalling climate action.
floodlightnews.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:36 PM
As social media algorithms prove increasingly fickle, one of the best ways you can support Floodlight is by signing up for our newsletter.
We only send it twice a month — just our latest investigations and stories straight to your inbox.
We only send it twice a month — just our latest investigations and stories straight to your inbox.
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Edgemere in Queens was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. But while the city is building new protections in some areas, residents here are still waiting.
Floodlight went to hear their stories: “They’re fortifying Manhattan. So where’s the investment for us?”
Floodlight went to hear their stories: “They’re fortifying Manhattan. So where’s the investment for us?”
Inside New York City's Forgotten Coast
The working class community of Edgemere is among New York City's most flood prone neighborhoods but a decade after officials promised to cut flood risks in the long neglected neighborhood, critics…
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Edgemere in Queens was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. But while the city is building new protections in some areas, residents here are still waiting.
Floodlight went to hear their stories: “They’re fortifying Manhattan. So where’s the investment for us?”
Floodlight went to hear their stories: “They’re fortifying Manhattan. So where’s the investment for us?”
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Few American cities are more vulnerable to sea level rise than New York City.
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
With @floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com:
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
With @floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com:
‘We Are Forgotten Here’: As NYC Builds Seawalls, This Queens…
A decade after city officials promised to protect Edgemere against floods, residents say the neighborhood remains just as vulnerable.
nysfocus.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Few American cities are more vulnerable to sea level rise than New York City.
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
With @floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com:
The coastal community of Edgemere, Queens was among the hardest-hit during Superstorm Sandy. A decade later, residents still wait for promised flood protections.
With @floodlightnews.org + @theguardian.com:
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Kipnuk, Alaska, is disappearing.
Flooding is eroding the permafrost bank protecting the village, and a $20 million EPA grant meant to stop it was abruptly canceled in May.
Flooding is eroding the permafrost bank protecting the village, and a $20 million EPA grant meant to stop it was abruptly canceled in May.
Floods are swallowing their village. But for them and others, the EPA has cut the lifeline.
The Trump administration has pulled more than $2.7 billion in climate grants, hitting vulnerable communities the hardest.
floodlightnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Kipnuk, Alaska, is disappearing.
Flooding is eroding the permafrost bank protecting the village, and a $20 million EPA grant meant to stop it was abruptly canceled in May.
Flooding is eroding the permafrost bank protecting the village, and a $20 million EPA grant meant to stop it was abruptly canceled in May.
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Troops are collapsing from heat exhaustion. Military bases are flooding. Planes can’t lift off in hotter air.
But the Pentagon’s new message under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “We don’t do climate change crap.”
But the Pentagon’s new message under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “We don’t do climate change crap.”
Pentagon retreats from climate fight even as heat and storms slam troops
For decades, the military treated climate change as a threat. Now it’s backing away from plans to protect people and bases from extreme weather.
floodlightnews.org
November 15, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Troops are collapsing from heat exhaustion. Military bases are flooding. Planes can’t lift off in hotter air.
But the Pentagon’s new message under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “We don’t do climate change crap.”
But the Pentagon’s new message under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “We don’t do climate change crap.”
Reposted by Ames Alexander
‘We are forgotten here’: As NYC builds seawalls, this Queens community feels left behind.
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‘We are forgotten here’: As NYC builds seawalls, this Queens community feels left behind.
A decade after city officials promised to cut flood risks in the Edgemere neighborhood, critics say it remains just as vulnerable.
floodlightnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:01 AM
‘We are forgotten here’: As NYC builds seawalls, this Queens community feels left behind.
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🗞️
Reposted by Ames Alexander
The Trump administration has exempted 52 petrochemical facilities—many along the Gulf Coast—from new clean air rules, saying the move is in the “national security interests” of the U.S.
Trump moves to boost greenhouse, toxic emissions in Gulf states
Expansions at five petrochemical plants in Texas and Louisiana could add the equivalent of more than 1 million cars’ worth of pollution, advocates say
floodlightnews.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The Trump administration has exempted 52 petrochemical facilities—many along the Gulf Coast—from new clean air rules, saying the move is in the “national security interests” of the U.S.
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Reducing food waste is one of the most practical ways to slow climate change. Why are we ignoring it? @gaeacabico.bsky.social explains, with visual reporting by @floodlightnews.org:
The Climate Solution Sitting in America’s Trash
Cutting food waste is a huge potential climate win. Why are we ignoring it?
buff.ly
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Reducing food waste is one of the most practical ways to slow climate change. Why are we ignoring it? @gaeacabico.bsky.social explains, with visual reporting by @floodlightnews.org:
Reposted by Ames Alexander
"For decades, the Pentagon viewed the climate crisis as a national security threat – not for environmental reasons, but because it undermined operations and readiness.
Now the Trump administration is dismantling that approach."
Now the Trump administration is dismantling that approach."
Pentagon retreats from climate fight even as heat and storms slam US troops
For decades, the military treated the climate crisis as a threat. Now it’s backing away from plans to protect people and bases from extreme weather
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:31 PM
"For decades, the Pentagon viewed the climate crisis as a national security threat – not for environmental reasons, but because it undermined operations and readiness.
Now the Trump administration is dismantling that approach."
Now the Trump administration is dismantling that approach."
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Despite the dangers, the airlines and regulators have not tackled the problem adequately, victims say.
‘What’s happening to me?’ How toxic fumes are sickening pilots and passengers
Despite the dangers, the airlines and regulators have not tackled the problem adequately, victims say.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Despite the dangers, the airlines and regulators have not tackled the problem adequately, victims say.
Just published this deep dive in The Charlotte Observer about a hidden threat for air travelers: toxic fumes that creep into airline cabins. It's a problem that sometimes leaves crews struggling to stay conscious, land planes safely, or simply breathe. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
‘What’s happening to me?’ How toxic fumes are sickening pilots and passengers
Despite the dangers, the airlines and regulators have not tackled the problem adequately, victims say.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Just published this deep dive in The Charlotte Observer about a hidden threat for air travelers: toxic fumes that creep into airline cabins. It's a problem that sometimes leaves crews struggling to stay conscious, land planes safely, or simply breathe. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by Ames Alexander
Trump move to boost greenhouse, toxic emissions in Gulf states
🗞️ floodlightnews.org/trump-petroc...
🗞️ floodlightnews.org/trump-petroc...
Trump move to boost greenhouse, toxic emissions in Gulf states
Expansions at five petrochemical plants in Texas and Louisiana could add the equivalent of more than 1 million cars’ worth of pollution, advocates say
floodlightnews.org
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Trump move to boost greenhouse, toxic emissions in Gulf states
🗞️ floodlightnews.org/trump-petroc...
🗞️ floodlightnews.org/trump-petroc...
