Ryan Wishart
@ryanwishart.bsky.social
Environmental Sociologist at Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
“Getting rid of this department degrades the state’s capacity to predict and adapt to weather and weather extremes that dictate our agricultural success,”
Bad for ag: Axing of UNL’s atmospheric sciences department will harm Nebraska, researchers say - Flatwater Free Press
The move means the university system's flagship campus will no longer be able to produce homegrown meteorologists and geologists — professions that monitor for severe weather and study groundwater, bo...
flatwaterfreepress.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:51 PM
“Getting rid of this department degrades the state’s capacity to predict and adapt to weather and weather extremes that dictate our agricultural success,”
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
“This is not just a failure of one chancellor, it is a systemic failure of leadership at the highest levels — including President Jeffrey Gold & the Board of Regents — who endorsed these decisions, ignored faculty governance, & approved this payout.”
— Alexander Vazansky, UNL AAUP
— Alexander Vazansky, UNL AAUP
UNL AAUP condemns $1.1 million payout to Chancellor Rodney Bennett
According to the separation agreement approved by the Board of Regents, Chancellor Bennett will receive a lump-sum payment exceeding $1.1 million, in addition to continued salary and benefits through ...
www.klkntv.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:09 PM
“This is not just a failure of one chancellor, it is a systemic failure of leadership at the highest levels — including President Jeffrey Gold & the Board of Regents — who endorsed these decisions, ignored faculty governance, & approved this payout.”
— Alexander Vazansky, UNL AAUP
— Alexander Vazansky, UNL AAUP
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
I have a new paper w Andrea Prat & Jake Spitz. We show that Republican appointed Supreme Court Justices vote in favor of the richer party by over 70% today, as compared to D’s at 30%. In the 1950s and both were at 50%. This strong trend may contribute to rising inequality. www.nber.org/papers/w34643
Ruling for the Rich: the Supreme Court over Time
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
January 5, 2026 at 9:14 AM
I have a new paper w Andrea Prat & Jake Spitz. We show that Republican appointed Supreme Court Justices vote in favor of the richer party by over 70% today, as compared to D’s at 30%. In the 1950s and both were at 50%. This strong trend may contribute to rising inequality. www.nber.org/papers/w34643
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
When an Omaha mother discovered high levels of lead in her son’s blood, she looked up EPA soil tests and discovered potentially harmful levels of the metal in her yard.
City officials said her home didn’t qualify for a government-funded cleanup.
With @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social
City officials said her home didn’t qualify for a government-funded cleanup.
With @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social
The EPA Was Considering a Massive Lead Cleanup in Omaha. Then Trump Shifted Guidance.
The Trump administration says it will speed cleanups, but residents of the largest residential lead Superfund site worry fewer properties will be remediated.
www.propublica.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
When an Omaha mother discovered high levels of lead in her son’s blood, she looked up EPA soil tests and discovered potentially harmful levels of the metal in her yard.
City officials said her home didn’t qualify for a government-funded cleanup.
With @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social
City officials said her home didn’t qualify for a government-funded cleanup.
With @flatwaterfreep.bsky.social
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
🚨 New analysis🚨 Since Trump returned to power, 15 coal plants had planned retirements pushed back or delayed indefinitely. Nearly 75 percent were on track to shutter in the next two years. AI is a major, but not the only driver. Read more 👉
These 15 Coal Plants Would Have Retired. Then Came AI and Trump.
Utilities started reversing coal power’s “irreversible” decline. Will it last?
buff.ly
December 12, 2025 at 5:47 PM
🚨 New analysis🚨 Since Trump returned to power, 15 coal plants had planned retirements pushed back or delayed indefinitely. Nearly 75 percent were on track to shutter in the next two years. AI is a major, but not the only driver. Read more 👉
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
BREAKING: ‘This hurts’: UNL eliminates 4 programs despite faculty, student pleas
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminates the Earth and atmospheric sciences 8-0, educational administration 7-1, statistics 7-1, textiles, merchandising and fashion design 7-1 programs.
www.dailynebraskan.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
You can find the Nebraska Climate Assessment report here: nsco.unl.edu/news/nebrask...
November 30, 2025 at 7:26 PM
You can find the Nebraska Climate Assessment report here: nsco.unl.edu/news/nebrask...
I was glad to work together with dozens of researchers across disciplines to summarize what the latest research tells us about how climate change is impacting Nebraskans. We shouldn't sacrifice the vulnerable and need policies to protect the people and places we love.
omaha.com/news/state-r...
omaha.com/news/state-r...
Once-in-a-decade report on Nebraska's climate gives dire warning: 'Are we willing to sacrifice?'
Extremely hot days across Nebraska will be more common, extremely cold days will be rarer and groundwater levels and seasonal precipitation patterns will be disrupted, according to a climate change
omaha.com
November 30, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I was glad to work together with dozens of researchers across disciplines to summarize what the latest research tells us about how climate change is impacting Nebraskans. We shouldn't sacrifice the vulnerable and need policies to protect the people and places we love.
omaha.com/news/state-r...
omaha.com/news/state-r...
One of these things is not like the others
November 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
One of these things is not like the others
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
The fossil fuel industry’s playbook: Deny. Delay. Dilute.
Chapter 2 of “Climate Obstruction” shows how Big Oil reinvented obstruction for the net-zero era.
Read: cssn.org/news-researc...
Chapter 2 of “Climate Obstruction” shows how Big Oil reinvented obstruction for the net-zero era.
Read: cssn.org/news-researc...
October 28, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The fossil fuel industry’s playbook: Deny. Delay. Dilute.
Chapter 2 of “Climate Obstruction” shows how Big Oil reinvented obstruction for the net-zero era.
Read: cssn.org/news-researc...
Chapter 2 of “Climate Obstruction” shows how Big Oil reinvented obstruction for the net-zero era.
Read: cssn.org/news-researc...
Check out our chapter on How Coal, Utilities, and Transportation Impede Climate Action!
It's finally here! 100+ scholars, global scope, practical insights. “Climate Obstruction: A Global Assessment” shows how organized interests stall policy—and how governance can respond.
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
October 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Check out our chapter on How Coal, Utilities, and Transportation Impede Climate Action!
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
BIG launch this week--the book is available, free, online at our @cssn.org website:
cssn.org/news-researc...
cssn.org/news-researc...
October 16, 2025 at 11:36 AM
BIG launch this week--the book is available, free, online at our @cssn.org website:
cssn.org/news-researc...
cssn.org/news-researc...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
🚨NEW PAPER🚨
We all know the 2022 energy price shock fueled the cost of living crisis. It also caused a profit bonanza for the very rich. We show the US reaped the largest profits ($377bn) of any country. 50% went to the richest 1%, only 1% to the bottom 50%. A🧵 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We all know the 2022 energy price shock fueled the cost of living crisis. It also caused a profit bonanza for the very rich. We show the US reaped the largest profits ($377bn) of any country. 50% went to the richest 1%, only 1% to the bottom 50%. A🧵 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
October 8, 2025 at 4:50 PM
🚨NEW PAPER🚨
We all know the 2022 energy price shock fueled the cost of living crisis. It also caused a profit bonanza for the very rich. We show the US reaped the largest profits ($377bn) of any country. 50% went to the richest 1%, only 1% to the bottom 50%. A🧵 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We all know the 2022 energy price shock fueled the cost of living crisis. It also caused a profit bonanza for the very rich. We show the US reaped the largest profits ($377bn) of any country. 50% went to the richest 1%, only 1% to the bottom 50%. A🧵 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
“Not surprisingly, these scientists’ names and viewpoints were familiar from previous research by UCS and others, congressional testimony, and other public appearances.” Find out who authored the Trump administration’s sham climate report and uncover their ties to the #FossilFuel industry.
Who Wrote the Trump Administration’s Flawed Climate Report? Meet the Architects of Disinformation
Industry-backed actors create the illusion of legitimate debate, exploit uncertainty, and delay action.
blog.ucs.org
October 3, 2025 at 3:01 PM
“Not surprisingly, these scientists’ names and viewpoints were familiar from previous research by UCS and others, congressional testimony, and other public appearances.” Find out who authored the Trump administration’s sham climate report and uncover their ties to the #FossilFuel industry.
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
When you recall that political reporters ran interference for Trump over his "opposition" to Project 2025, remember that even AT THAT TIME there was a hidden camera interview with Vought where he said that was bullshit and he didn't mean it. www.mediamatters.org/russ-vought/...
In undercover interview, Project 2025 architect gets candid on the initiative’s radical goals and connections to Trump
In an undercover interview with reporters from the British non-profit organization Centre for Climate Reporting, Project 2025 architect and MAGA ally Russ Vought admitted to the project's strong ties ...
www.mediamatters.org
October 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
When you recall that political reporters ran interference for Trump over his "opposition" to Project 2025, remember that even AT THAT TIME there was a hidden camera interview with Vought where he said that was bullshit and he didn't mean it. www.mediamatters.org/russ-vought/...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
Trump admin wants to keep expensive coal plants online to power AI
If you're wondering why electricity bills are going up....
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
If you're wondering why electricity bills are going up....
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Most coal-fired power plants will delay retirement to feed AI boom, energy secretary says
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump expects most of the nation's coal-fired power plants to delay retirement to help deliver the vast amount of electricity needed to fuel artificial intelligence, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Reuters on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Trump admin wants to keep expensive coal plants online to power AI
If you're wondering why electricity bills are going up....
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
If you're wondering why electricity bills are going up....
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
UCS's @karenstillerman.bsky.social breaks down why this report matters and the policies contributing to a spike in food prices and food insecurity in her latest blog:
The USDA Cancels Annual Hunger Study While Trump Policies Drive Up Food Prices
Canceling the annual Household Food Security Reports is part of a broader Trump administration effort to suppress data inconvenient to its political agenda.
blog.ucs.org
September 23, 2025 at 6:22 PM
UCS's @karenstillerman.bsky.social breaks down why this report matters and the policies contributing to a spike in food prices and food insecurity in her latest blog:
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
So proud of this collaboration led by @cssn.org
110 top experts from around the world
13 chapters on who is blocking or slowing action on climate change
A quantum leap in our understanding of why society has failed to solve this
Will be free online Oct 14 1/x
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
110 top experts from around the world
13 chapters on who is blocking or slowing action on climate change
A quantum leap in our understanding of why society has failed to solve this
Will be free online Oct 14 1/x
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
September 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
So proud of this collaboration led by @cssn.org
110 top experts from around the world
13 chapters on who is blocking or slowing action on climate change
A quantum leap in our understanding of why society has failed to solve this
Will be free online Oct 14 1/x
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
110 top experts from around the world
13 chapters on who is blocking or slowing action on climate change
A quantum leap in our understanding of why society has failed to solve this
Will be free online Oct 14 1/x
global.oup.com/academic/pro...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
Black lung is still destroying lives and families in Appalachia, and this “pro-coal” government doesn’t care.
The implementation of a lifesaving safety rule has been delayed yet again, and coal miners will continue to pay the price.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/14/t...
The implementation of a lifesaving safety rule has been delayed yet again, and coal miners will continue to pay the price.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/14/t...
‘They don’t care:’ Advocates for miners with black lung worry as silica dust rule delayed again • West Virginia Watch
A federal rule to limit coal miners’ exposure to dangerous silica dust — which was set to go into effect next week after already being delayed for months — is expected to be further postponed followin...
westvirginiawatch.com
August 14, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Black lung is still destroying lives and families in Appalachia, and this “pro-coal” government doesn’t care.
The implementation of a lifesaving safety rule has been delayed yet again, and coal miners will continue to pay the price.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/14/t...
The implementation of a lifesaving safety rule has been delayed yet again, and coal miners will continue to pay the price.
Via @westvirginiawatch.com westvirginiawatch.com/2025/08/14/t...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
If a scholar of petro-masculinity said that men lust for coal, it would be seen as an exaggeration. But here we are...
![u.s. department of energy post on x praising coal:
"She's an icon
She's a legend
And she is the moment
[sparkly picture of coal]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wlamchyb2ae65fgx75sfaqsq/bafkreieysdke6vg2abjjd3jwo3tsepp4smqeliw6no3vdxsnmyhvupthi4@jpeg)
August 1, 2025 at 1:12 AM
If a scholar of petro-masculinity said that men lust for coal, it would be seen as an exaggeration. But here we are...
Reposted by Ryan Wishart
WARNING SIGNS: Nebraska's GDP shrunk by a nation-leading 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Only Iowa lost as much, based on federal statistics. Tough times in agriculture led the way, which could signal trouble.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Feds say Nebraska GDP shrunk more than 6% in first quarter of 2025, led by ag • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska tied with Iowa for the largest losses of Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2025, of 6.1%, according to federal report.
buff.ly
July 30, 2025 at 11:49 AM
WARNING SIGNS: Nebraska's GDP shrunk by a nation-leading 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Only Iowa lost as much, based on federal statistics. Tough times in agriculture led the way, which could signal trouble.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Anyone with a basic understanding of economic inequality and taxation trends would have immediately caught this error. That our representatives believed it is revealing. In reality, comparing the table cited for 2017 with 2022 the share paid by the top 1% FELL (2.2%), as their share of income grew.
July 12, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Anyone with a basic understanding of economic inequality and taxation trends would have immediately caught this error. That our representatives believed it is revealing. In reality, comparing the table cited for 2017 with 2022 the share paid by the top 1% FELL (2.2%), as their share of income grew.
Nebraska’s congressional delegation ludicrously claim, in @owhnews.bsky.social , the 2017 tax cuts doubled the share of taxes paid by the richest 1%. Hyperlinks provided show they compare the share of individual income taxes paid by the 0.1% in 2017 with the top 1% now.
omaha.com/opinion/colu...
omaha.com/opinion/colu...
July 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Nebraska’s congressional delegation ludicrously claim, in @owhnews.bsky.social , the 2017 tax cuts doubled the share of taxes paid by the richest 1%. Hyperlinks provided show they compare the share of individual income taxes paid by the 0.1% in 2017 with the top 1% now.
omaha.com/opinion/colu...
omaha.com/opinion/colu...