Nicholas Ripley
@riprap007.bsky.social
Digital developer. Photographer, poet. A career that's spanned acting, policy development, CEO and consulting. Author of several books
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
‘Massive disruption’: UK’s worst-case climate crisis scenarios revealed by scientists
‘Massive disruption’: UK’s worst-case climate crisis scenarios revealed by scientists
Scientists say government must prepare for ‘plausible’ 4C rise in temperature and a 2-metre rise in sea levels
The worst-case impacts of the climate crisis for the UK have been laid bare by scientists, ranging from a scorching 4C rise in temperatures to a 2-metre rise in sea level. Another scenario sees a plunge of 6C in temperature after the collapse of key Atlantic Ocean currents, massively disrupting farming and energy needs.
The impacts, some of which are linked to climate tipping points, are seen as low probability but plausible. The researchers said the scenarios filled a gap in forecasting that had left the UK unprepared for extreme outcomes. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:05 PM
‘Massive disruption’: UK’s worst-case climate crisis scenarios revealed by scientists
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Encryption isn't hostile. It's a bedrock of our cybersecurity 🔐
The UK's national security laws join a long line of attempts to frame encrypted messaging as something to be broken into pieces.
Without it, we're more open to threats from hackers and criminals.
www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-priv...
The UK's national security laws join a long line of attempts to frame encrypted messaging as something to be broken into pieces.
Without it, we're more open to threats from hackers and criminals.
www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-priv...
Creating apps like Signal or WhatsApp could be 'hostile activity,' claims UK watchdog
It's the latest blow to encryption in the UK
www.techradar.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Encryption isn't hostile. It's a bedrock of our cybersecurity 🔐
The UK's national security laws join a long line of attempts to frame encrypted messaging as something to be broken into pieces.
Without it, we're more open to threats from hackers and criminals.
www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-priv...
The UK's national security laws join a long line of attempts to frame encrypted messaging as something to be broken into pieces.
Without it, we're more open to threats from hackers and criminals.
www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-priv...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
As an avid observer of algorithms I think I’ve figured out part of what happened here.
FB now explicitly looks for and directs posts you’re opposed to into your feed, to rage-bait engagement.
So now my posts are being actively boosted into people’s feeds of who reject climate. Ha! 😄😵💫
FB now explicitly looks for and directs posts you’re opposed to into your feed, to rage-bait engagement.
So now my posts are being actively boosted into people’s feeds of who reject climate. Ha! 😄😵💫
In 2018, Meta decided “clean energy” and “climate change” were politically sensitive topics, and demanded that I - a climate scientist - register as a political org to post and boost posts on them.
I refused, and my page has been shadow banned since then. For 7 years. Until this week, that is 😳
I refused, and my page has been shadow banned since then. For 7 years. Until this week, that is 😳
December 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
As an avid observer of algorithms I think I’ve figured out part of what happened here.
FB now explicitly looks for and directs posts you’re opposed to into your feed, to rage-bait engagement.
So now my posts are being actively boosted into people’s feeds of who reject climate. Ha! 😄😵💫
FB now explicitly looks for and directs posts you’re opposed to into your feed, to rage-bait engagement.
So now my posts are being actively boosted into people’s feeds of who reject climate. Ha! 😄😵💫
Protection racket
UK police not taking further action over Andrew bodyguard claim reut.rs/3L0kdpU
UK police not taking further action over Andrew bodyguard claim
London's police force will not be taking further action over claims that Britain's former prince Andrew asked his protection officer to carry out checks on Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her as a teenager, it said on Saturday.
reut.rs
December 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Protection racket
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
The tech oligarchs are the most organised, determined anti democratic force we’ve seen this side of World War II
For way too long this has been ignored, elided and under estimated
What someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
For way too long this has been ignored, elided and under estimated
What someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
A Palantir billionaire just called for public hangings.
“It's time to bring back masculine leadership to protect our most vulnerable,” writes Joe Lonsdale.
This is where Silicon Valley authoritarianism is heading:
www.thenerdreich.com/joe-lonsdale...
“It's time to bring back masculine leadership to protect our most vulnerable,” writes Joe Lonsdale.
This is where Silicon Valley authoritarianism is heading:
www.thenerdreich.com/joe-lonsdale...
Joe Lonsdale Calls For Public Hangings
Silicon Valley radicalization escalates
www.thenerdreich.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The tech oligarchs are the most organised, determined anti democratic force we’ve seen this side of World War II
For way too long this has been ignored, elided and under estimated
What someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
For way too long this has been ignored, elided and under estimated
What someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
But to be serious, these guys really aren’t even trying to pretend they’re not wannabe monsters and supervillains?
Palantir CEO Says Making War Crimes Constitutional Would Be Good for Business
Palantir CEO Says Making War Crimes Constitutional Would Be Good for Business
Alex Karp vows to use his "whole influence" on immigration and defense policy.
gizmodo.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:13 AM
But to be serious, these guys really aren’t even trying to pretend they’re not wannabe monsters and supervillains?
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
The super-rich rightwing are pouring money into Reform. Do ordinary voters really think their aim is to even out social inequality and make their lives better? Do they think they’re doing it so Farage invests in infrastructure and public services? Ffs. Democracy being beaten to death in plain sight.
December 4, 2025 at 10:10 AM
The super-rich rightwing are pouring money into Reform. Do ordinary voters really think their aim is to even out social inequality and make their lives better? Do they think they’re doing it so Farage invests in infrastructure and public services? Ffs. Democracy being beaten to death in plain sight.
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Your reminder that political spending isn't regulated or recorded outside an election year
So public will probably have no idea how the biggest donation in British political history is spent
Why we urgently need political finance reform - sign petition here
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
So public will probably have no idea how the biggest donation in British political history is spent
Why we urgently need political finance reform - sign petition here
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
December 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Your reminder that political spending isn't regulated or recorded outside an election year
So public will probably have no idea how the biggest donation in British political history is spent
Why we urgently need political finance reform - sign petition here
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
So public will probably have no idea how the biggest donation in British political history is spent
Why we urgently need political finance reform - sign petition here
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Works in progress: inside Hebden Bridge Open Studios
In and around Hebden Bridge, artists will open their workshops this December: from printing to silverwork and more – meet some of the makers
By Philip O'Brien
In and around Hebden Bridge, artists will open their workshops this December: from printing to silverwork and more – meet some of the makers
By Philip O'Brien
Works in progress: inside Hebden Bridge Open Studios
In and around Hebden Bridge, artists will open their workshops this December: from printing to silverwork and more – meet some of the makers
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Works in progress: inside Hebden Bridge Open Studios
In and around Hebden Bridge, artists will open their workshops this December: from printing to silverwork and more – meet some of the makers
By Philip O'Brien
In and around Hebden Bridge, artists will open their workshops this December: from printing to silverwork and more – meet some of the makers
By Philip O'Brien
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Juries & political trials
Only a jury could have cleared the topplers of slaver Edward Colston’s statue
Further back, a jury brushed aside a judge’s direction & cleared Clive Ponting for exposing the Belgrano affair
In future, protestors of Palestine Action ban?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-engl...
Only a jury could have cleared the topplers of slaver Edward Colston’s statue
Further back, a jury brushed aside a judge’s direction & cleared Clive Ponting for exposing the Belgrano affair
In future, protestors of Palestine Action ban?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-engl...
Edward Colston statue: Four cleared of criminal damage - BBC News
The monument to the slave trader was toppled in Bristol during a Black Lives Matter protest.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Juries & political trials
Only a jury could have cleared the topplers of slaver Edward Colston’s statue
Further back, a jury brushed aside a judge’s direction & cleared Clive Ponting for exposing the Belgrano affair
In future, protestors of Palestine Action ban?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-engl...
Only a jury could have cleared the topplers of slaver Edward Colston’s statue
Further back, a jury brushed aside a judge’s direction & cleared Clive Ponting for exposing the Belgrano affair
In future, protestors of Palestine Action ban?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-engl...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Wow! I've never seen a photo of the Aurora Australis before! Spectacular! @robinburcell.bsky.social @lightacandle.bsky.social @tonylarch.bsky.social @riprap007.bsky.social @tjmiddleton.bsky.social @marshacoupe.bsky.social @anthonymajanlahti.bsky.social @mdstamper.bsky.social
Madness
"We're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it"
- Robin Williams
-
#Twizel, #NewZealand.
-
"Look with your eyes. See with your Soul."
(from the big storm of 11 May, 24)
#Aurora #Madness #Reflections #Landscape #Nightscape #Astro #EastCoastKin #BucketList #TravelTuesday
"We're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it"
- Robin Williams
-
#Twizel, #NewZealand.
-
"Look with your eyes. See with your Soul."
(from the big storm of 11 May, 24)
#Aurora #Madness #Reflections #Landscape #Nightscape #Astro #EastCoastKin #BucketList #TravelTuesday
December 2, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Wow! I've never seen a photo of the Aurora Australis before! Spectacular! @robinburcell.bsky.social @lightacandle.bsky.social @tonylarch.bsky.social @riprap007.bsky.social @tjmiddleton.bsky.social @marshacoupe.bsky.social @anthonymajanlahti.bsky.social @mdstamper.bsky.social
Quarter of police forces missing basic policies on sexual offences, says Sarah Everard report www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Quarter of police forces missing basic policies on sexual offences, says Sarah Everard report
Official report says forces in England and Wales yet to implement policies for investigation
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Quarter of police forces missing basic policies on sexual offences, says Sarah Everard report www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Last night in Leeds, I joined a powerful demo after recent attacks on brown women across the UK.
I almost didn’t want to speak — because it’s women’s voices that need to be amplified. But this had to be said.
If I say Sarah Everard, most people know that name.
If I say Sabina Nessa, far fewer do
I almost didn’t want to speak — because it’s women’s voices that need to be amplified. But this had to be said.
If I say Sarah Everard, most people know that name.
If I say Sabina Nessa, far fewer do
November 8, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Last night in Leeds, I joined a powerful demo after recent attacks on brown women across the UK.
I almost didn’t want to speak — because it’s women’s voices that need to be amplified. But this had to be said.
If I say Sarah Everard, most people know that name.
If I say Sabina Nessa, far fewer do
I almost didn’t want to speak — because it’s women’s voices that need to be amplified. But this had to be said.
If I say Sarah Everard, most people know that name.
If I say Sabina Nessa, far fewer do
Cuts to insulation scheme will leave homes cold over winter, experts say www.theguardian.com/society/2025... Not that you need to be an expert to realise the blatantly obvious
Cuts to insulation scheme will leave homes cold over winter, experts say
E3G thinktank warns retrofit sector could shed 10,000 skilled jobs as small firms struggle to survive
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Cuts to insulation scheme will leave homes cold over winter, experts say www.theguardian.com/society/2025... Not that you need to be an expert to realise the blatantly obvious
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
The #AutumnBudget cut funding to upgrade the draughtiest homes. It potentially leaves thousands of low-income households stranded in cold homes and denies them the permanent savings that energy-efficiency reliably delivers, said @chaitanyakumar.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Will the Budget slash £150 off my energy bill? Reeves makes bold pledge
Some climate campaigners have criticised the move by Rachel Reeves to cut green levies
www.independent.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The #AutumnBudget cut funding to upgrade the draughtiest homes. It potentially leaves thousands of low-income households stranded in cold homes and denies them the permanent savings that energy-efficiency reliably delivers, said @chaitanyakumar.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Anyone surprised that right wing politicians in the UK have been caught for being Russian assets have not paid attention.
November 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Anyone surprised that right wing politicians in the UK have been caught for being Russian assets have not paid attention.
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Just as a matter of interest, allowing political parties to receive donations in crypto is one way for Russian and pro-Russian donations to be disguised.
November 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Just as a matter of interest, allowing political parties to receive donations in crypto is one way for Russian and pro-Russian donations to be disguised.
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Watch this short film 📺 which summarises the key findings and recommendations 👇
youtube.com/watch?v=1_cd...
youtube.com/watch?v=1_cd...
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Watch this short film 📺 which summarises the key findings and recommendations 👇
youtube.com/watch?v=1_cd...
youtube.com/watch?v=1_cd...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
The Chair of the UK Covid Inquiry, Baroness Hallett has made a statement on her findings and recommendations.
View the statement in full by visiting our YouTube channel 📺👇
youtube.com/watch?v=a6xY...
View the statement in full by visiting our YouTube channel 📺👇
youtube.com/watch?v=a6xY...
November 20, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The Chair of the UK Covid Inquiry, Baroness Hallett has made a statement on her findings and recommendations.
View the statement in full by visiting our YouTube channel 📺👇
youtube.com/watch?v=a6xY...
View the statement in full by visiting our YouTube channel 📺👇
youtube.com/watch?v=a6xY...
The Covid Inquiry is a perfect eviceration of failed governance.
November 20, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The Covid Inquiry is a perfect eviceration of failed governance.
"The heaviest policing at Cop30 isn’t aimed at polluters, it’s aimed at Indigenous peoples in Belém. That tells you everything about whose power is protected and whose lives aren’t"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Cop30 live: ‘If we continue destroying everything on this earth there will be chaos,’ warns Indigenous chief
Earlier on day five of the climate summit, activists blockaded the main entrance demanding to speak to the Brazilian president
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:14 PM
"The heaviest policing at Cop30 isn’t aimed at polluters, it’s aimed at Indigenous peoples in Belém. That tells you everything about whose power is protected and whose lives aren’t"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
"The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into Westminster-based think tank Policy Exchange, after concerns were raised last month by the Good Law Project".
https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charity-commission-opens-case-into-policy-exchange.html
https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charity-commission-opens-case-into-policy-exchange.html
Charity Commission opens case into Policy Exchange
www.civilsociety.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:37 AM
"The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into Westminster-based think tank Policy Exchange, after concerns were raised last month by the Good Law Project".
https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charity-commission-opens-case-into-policy-exchange.html
https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charity-commission-opens-case-into-policy-exchange.html
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
Are you a journalist covering COP30 looking for new and diverse sources?
Check out the Global South Climate Database.
This publicly available, searchable database features 1,000+ climate scientists and experts from the global south.
🌍🔗 bit.ly/GSClimateDatabase
Check out the Global South Climate Database.
This publicly available, searchable database features 1,000+ climate scientists and experts from the global south.
🌍🔗 bit.ly/GSClimateDatabase
November 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Are you a journalist covering COP30 looking for new and diverse sources?
Check out the Global South Climate Database.
This publicly available, searchable database features 1,000+ climate scientists and experts from the global south.
🌍🔗 bit.ly/GSClimateDatabase
Check out the Global South Climate Database.
This publicly available, searchable database features 1,000+ climate scientists and experts from the global south.
🌍🔗 bit.ly/GSClimateDatabase
Reposted by Nicholas Ripley
"AI regulatory and technical interoperability stands at a critical juncture,” write Benjamin Faveri, Craig Shank, Richard Whitt, and Philip Dawson. They argue that achieving an interoperable AI future will require global coordination to bridge gaps in governance, standards, and trust.
Closing the Gaps in AI Interoperability | TechPolicy.Press
Benjamin Faveri, Craig Shank, Richard Whitt, and Philip Dawson discuss how to address gaps in governance that could hinder AI interoperability.
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM
"AI regulatory and technical interoperability stands at a critical juncture,” write Benjamin Faveri, Craig Shank, Richard Whitt, and Philip Dawson. They argue that achieving an interoperable AI future will require global coordination to bridge gaps in governance, standards, and trust.