Thorfinn Stainforth
@bxlthor.bsky.social
Senior Policy Manager, Environmental Defense Fund Europe. Focused on climate, transport, and urban policy. Brussels based. Opinions are my own.
This seems bad. What a sad world we are setting up. www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Denmark gets ready to cancel Christmas cards
The Danish post is the first to end letter collection, but others will follow
www.economist.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
This seems bad. What a sad world we are setting up. www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
But most people in Britain (and in Europe at large) are completely unaware of the surrender being offered to Trump in their name.
The British media did not cover this 'dirty digital deal' in September, nor are they covering the scrapping of the Digital Services Tax now.
Citizens in the dark.
The British media did not cover this 'dirty digital deal' in September, nor are they covering the scrapping of the Digital Services Tax now.
Citizens in the dark.
November 28, 2025 at 9:39 AM
But most people in Britain (and in Europe at large) are completely unaware of the surrender being offered to Trump in their name.
The British media did not cover this 'dirty digital deal' in September, nor are they covering the scrapping of the Digital Services Tax now.
Citizens in the dark.
The British media did not cover this 'dirty digital deal' in September, nor are they covering the scrapping of the Digital Services Tax now.
Citizens in the dark.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
One factor behind this will be the EU-funded subsidies Poland launched for EV purchases in February this year. Up to 40,000 zloty (~€9,500) per vehicle.
(n.b. the graph is a little confusing, x-axis labels aren't spaced logically but it does include 2025 YTD)
(n.b. the graph is a little confusing, x-axis labels aren't spaced logically but it does include 2025 YTD)
🚗 Our European car market monitor is now available.
In October, battery electric vehicles reached an average 20% market share of new registrations across Europe.
🇵🇱 Poland, the fifth-largest European market, saw a notable surge in EV uptake in 2025.
👉 theicct.org/publication/...
In October, battery electric vehicles reached an average 20% market share of new registrations across Europe.
🇵🇱 Poland, the fifth-largest European market, saw a notable surge in EV uptake in 2025.
👉 theicct.org/publication/...
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
One factor behind this will be the EU-funded subsidies Poland launched for EV purchases in February this year. Up to 40,000 zloty (~€9,500) per vehicle.
(n.b. the graph is a little confusing, x-axis labels aren't spaced logically but it does include 2025 YTD)
(n.b. the graph is a little confusing, x-axis labels aren't spaced logically but it does include 2025 YTD)
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Hoo boy, another fictitious "EV market slows" headline from the Times
*EU EV sales are up 25.6% in 2025*
Receipts in thread.
*EU EV sales are up 25.6% in 2025*
Receipts in thread.
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Hoo boy, another fictitious "EV market slows" headline from the Times
*EU EV sales are up 25.6% in 2025*
Receipts in thread.
*EU EV sales are up 25.6% in 2025*
Receipts in thread.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
This is a city on Robo-Taxis. (Don't let it happen to yours.)
Waymo privatized another public street:
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
Chanel approaching 4th, San Francisco
Possibly queued for a Billie Eilish show at Chase Center ~half mile away.
The light rail train on 4th seen passing in front of this roboherd has more passenger capacity than all of them combined.
OP: .tiktok.renaspam18
November 25, 2025 at 7:39 PM
This is a city on Robo-Taxis. (Don't let it happen to yours.)
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
I’m really surprised this isn’t bigger news. Just under 10 million people live in Tehran. Where can they go? Where else in Iran will have enough water? This will undoubtedly strain the country’s and the region’s politics, finances and governance capacity.
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
Iran president says capital move now a necessity as water crisis deepens
Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has mad...
www.iranintl.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I’m really surprised this isn’t bigger news. Just under 10 million people live in Tehran. Where can they go? Where else in Iran will have enough water? This will undoubtedly strain the country’s and the region’s politics, finances and governance capacity.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Compare and contrast the Government language.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
November 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Compare and contrast the Government language.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
£3,750 EV grant on a £35k car: ‘helping families’.
Cycle to Work: ‘subsidising leisure’.
And yet cycling delivers TEN TIMES the impact of electric cars for reaching net zero. It’s almost like narrative, not data, is driving policy.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Canada’s First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That’s Important
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
Canada's First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That's Important - Thoughtful Journalism About Energy's Future
Canada has begun building its first giga-scale EV battery plant in Ontario—an anchor project that finally connects mining, refining, cell manufacturing, and pack assembly into a domestic clean-energy ...
energi.media
November 17, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Canada’s First Giga-scale Battery Plant is Under Construction. Why That’s Important
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
VW’s gigafactory is proof Canada’s critical minerals strategy is finally becoming real.
energi.media/markham-on-e...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Banning of cyclists on boulevard Anspach making international headlines... #Brussels #Mobility
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Brussels’ Pedestrian Zone Is So Crowded It’s Restricting Bikes
The Pietonnier’s popularity has led to frequent clashes between walkers and riders.
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Banning of cyclists on boulevard Anspach making international headlines... #Brussels #Mobility
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
At one level today has been professionally good - it's rare to be quoted in FT www.ft.com/content/1405... and The Guardian www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
When a plan's not a plan, and a revolution isn't a revolution - European High Speed Rail - Jon Worth
Today the European Commission released its “plan to accelerate high-speed rail across Europe” (press release here). Only it’s not a plan. And Community of European Railways (CER), the state owned rail...
jonworth.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
At one level today has been professionally good - it's rare to be quoted in FT www.ft.com/content/1405... and The Guardian www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
But the Commission's high speed rail plan leaves me rather unimpressed - and I'm the only one daring say so jonworth.eu/when-a-plans...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Green light for the mixed commission ✅ MERCI & DANK JE WEL & THANK YOU to every single one who supported the citizen proposal for the last 9 months. Let’s get this done now 💪🏼 bx1.be/categories/n...
Une commission mixte citoyens-parlementaires sur la propreté sera créée à Bruxelles - BX1
Dépôts clandestins, canettes jonchant le sol, mégots… Face à la malpropreté persistante de la capitale, le collectif citoyen Brussel (Pou)belle vient d’obtenir gain de cause : une commission mixte réu...
bx1.be
November 5, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Green light for the mixed commission ✅ MERCI & DANK JE WEL & THANK YOU to every single one who supported the citizen proposal for the last 9 months. Let’s get this done now 💪🏼 bx1.be/categories/n...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The operation of a coal plant in Michigan that the Trump Administration has ordered to remain open is costing taxpayers $615,000 — a day — and harming public health & air quality thru the Midwest.
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
November 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The operation of a coal plant in Michigan that the Trump Administration has ordered to remain open is costing taxpayers $615,000 — a day — and harming public health & air quality thru the Midwest.
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
With clean energy cheaper & more abundant than ever, why is this admin... 1/2
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The Economist has a short article on Europe's need to invest in grids and batteries (as well as helpful note on the need to end first-come first-served connections). 1/
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Europe’s need for green electricity is blowing fuses
Grid operators plan to spend hundreds of billions to keep up
www.economist.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The Economist has a short article on Europe's need to invest in grids and batteries (as well as helpful note on the need to end first-come first-served connections). 1/
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
💡 Why should everyone involved in reuse systems use the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) Reuse Blueprint?
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
November 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
💡 Why should everyone involved in reuse systems use the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) Reuse Blueprint?
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
✅ See below why @ellenmacarthurfdn.bsky.social, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening & the Environmental Defense Fund endorse the Reuse Blueprint, and read the whole thing by yourself at zurl.co/kVPbH
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Absolutely amazing: they've got so much solar in Australia that they need more people to use more of it, so the gov't has instructed energy retailers to offer *at least three hours of free power* during the middle of the day.
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Energy retailers to be directed to offer free power three hours a day
Saying there is enough solar power for everyone in the daytime, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will direct retailers to provide three hours of free power every day to consumers.
www.abc.net.au
November 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Absolutely amazing: they've got so much solar in Australia that they need more people to use more of it, so the gov't has instructed energy retailers to offer *at least three hours of free power* during the middle of the day.
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Meanwhile fossil-addled US struggles with an energy-price crisis ...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The energy crisis over, right? So why are household electricity bills not going down? Ask your finance minister!
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Tobacco-like taxes on electricity keep Europe in energy permacrisis | Euractiv
Finance ministers' love for electricity taxes is keeping prices high
www.euractiv.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The energy crisis over, right? So why are household electricity bills not going down? Ask your finance minister!
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Free: www.euractiv.com/news/tobacco...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
What happened?
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
October 30, 2025 at 8:08 AM
What happened?
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Last night’s “Dutch voters reject Wilders!” storyline has been broken.
The final result is incredibly close - they’re still counting but there’s 1200 votes nationwide between PVV and D66. It’s a real Bush/Gore nail biter.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Secret documents. Never-before-seen photos. A mysterious vinyl record.
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
October 15, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Secret documents. Never-before-seen photos. A mysterious vinyl record.
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
For the first time, The Lever is exposing the secret plot that legalized corruption.
You think you know this story, but you don’t because it’s all been secret — until now👇
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The Omnibus I deal has just been voted down. It is clear: a stable majority requires support of the Greens, not the far right.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
October 22, 2025 at 11:07 AM
The Omnibus I deal has just been voted down. It is clear: a stable majority requires support of the Greens, not the far right.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
My group remains open to negotiate a better deal that truly safeguards sustainability and human rights in the CSRD and CSDDD.
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
Deep dive into the surge in US pedestrian deaths:
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
Why Are So Many Pedestrians Killed by Cars in the US?
It’s unfortunately not uncommon for pedestrians to be killed by cars in the US.
www.construction-physics.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Deep dive into the surge in US pedestrian deaths:
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
"It’s not that more pedestrians are getting hit by vehicles; it’s that the ones that are getting hit are more likely to die."
"[That] seems like fairly strong evidence for the theory that the rise in large SUVs is behind the uptick in ped deaths."
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
The EU relies on fossil imports for over half of its energy, among the highest globally.
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
October 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The EU relies on fossil imports for over half of its energy, among the highest globally.
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
This makes Europe highly vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Homegrown power and electrification offer a resilient path ⚡️
https://loom.ly/wss-sI0
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
If you want an explanation of why China is kicking the EU car industry to the curb, look no further than the criminally knuckle dragging EU car makers demanding new loopholes so they don't have to meet any meaningful low emission targets for cars in the EU.
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
Carmakers demand EU eases ‘rigid’ 2035 petrol car ban
Environmental groups say carmakers’ demands risk halving electric vehicle sales in Europe
www.ft.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
If you want an explanation of why China is kicking the EU car industry to the curb, look no further than the criminally knuckle dragging EU car makers demanding new loopholes so they don't have to meet any meaningful low emission targets for cars in the EU.
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
www.ft.com/cIfontent/5a...
Reposted by Thorfinn Stainforth
What happens when fishermen, scientists, and policymakers work together? In the U.S., fisheries were brought back from near collapse, proving that collaboration can help us tackle even the toughest challenges.
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
How This Innovative Strategy Turned Around A Troubled Industry
Catch shares already led the most dramatic ‘business turnaround story’ you’ve never heard of — American fisheries.
www.forbes.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM
What happens when fishermen, scientists, and policymakers work together? In the U.S., fisheries were brought back from near collapse, proving that collaboration can help us tackle even the toughest challenges.
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
More from EDF's Amanda Leland: www.forbes.com/sites/edfene...
this seems like positive news for train travelers in Belgium? Overall reductions in costs for frequent travelers, weekends, and bikes... What's the catch? #belgium #trains #rail #sustainabletravel
Voyager en train deviendra moins cher pour 70 à 80% des passagers, surtout en heures creuses et durant le week-end, ainsi que pour les voyageurs fréquents.
La SNCB annonce sa “plus grande réforme tarifaire des 30 dernières années” : voici ce qui va changer
bx1.be
October 6, 2025 at 12:04 PM
this seems like positive news for train travelers in Belgium? Overall reductions in costs for frequent travelers, weekends, and bikes... What's the catch? #belgium #trains #rail #sustainabletravel