Shirley Leung, PhD
@shirleyswirley.bsky.social
Climate/water scientist💧🌊
People = Good. Billionaires = Bad.
Land back, save the salmon, house and feed everybody.
People = Good. Billionaires = Bad.
Land back, save the salmon, house and feed everybody.
Pinned
Anti-housing, self-proclaimed "tree advocates" are missing the forest for the trees - or worse
“I have to wait HOW long?!”
One of the five neighborhood kids gathered around me threw their dirt-caked hands up in disbelief. They were gardening for the first time ever and simply refused to believe...
blog.moreparksmoreneighbors.org
I wrote a rant that addresses EVERY Seattle anti-housing "tree advocate" talking point I have ever seen.
It's long but honestly not THAT long lol. I will be very, VERY happy if 5 people read it.
Come be one of them :)
blog.moreparksmoreneighbors.org/page/anti-ho...
It's long but honestly not THAT long lol. I will be very, VERY happy if 5 people read it.
Come be one of them :)
blog.moreparksmoreneighbors.org/page/anti-ho...
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
In case you missed it: my follow-up video op-ed responding to ongoing conversations surrounding the COP30 climate conference and seemingly widespread misconception regarding how harmful 2-3°C of global warming would actually be for human societies, economies, and global ecosystems.
I recorded a short video op-ed to help cut through the noise surrounding the ongoing COP30 climate conference. In short: now is not the time to scale back our efforts to address climate change--quite the opposite, as the intensifying consequences have never been clearer.
Now is not the time to scale back efforts to address climate change!
As the #COP30 #climate conference unfolds, competing narratives from scientists, politicians, and influential billionaires swirl. In this brief video op-ed, climate scientist Daniel Swain cuts through the noise to explain why the present moment is an especially consequential one--including where wer
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM
In case you missed it: my follow-up video op-ed responding to ongoing conversations surrounding the COP30 climate conference and seemingly widespread misconception regarding how harmful 2-3°C of global warming would actually be for human societies, economies, and global ecosystems.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Importantly, this is the first time in recent memory that none of the major U.S. broadcasters — CBS, (which fired it's entire climate desk), NBC, ABC, and Fox — bothered to send anyone to Belém, Brazil for the ongoing COP30 global climate conference
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
November 17, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Importantly, this is the first time in recent memory that none of the major U.S. broadcasters — CBS, (which fired it's entire climate desk), NBC, ABC, and Fox — bothered to send anyone to Belém, Brazil for the ongoing COP30 global climate conference
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Adding carfree households but not more carfree space 👎
Living in Capitol Hill is a study in contradictions: you're in a place has added more carfree households than maybe any other neighborhood on the west coast over the past two decades, and yet every net new car that gets added actively degrades your quality of life.
November 17, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Adding carfree households but not more carfree space 👎
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Seattle — Now that we have electeds that listen to left urbanists, we have to be clear about what we want & be very loud so they have political cover. We have to make sure media hears us so electeds respond to us. Next 3 years hinges on being very active at council. Election was only the beginning!
November 16, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Seattle — Now that we have electeds that listen to left urbanists, we have to be clear about what we want & be very loud so they have political cover. We have to make sure media hears us so electeds respond to us. Next 3 years hinges on being very active at council. Election was only the beginning!
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
The housing shortage is THE central issue facing major US cities and I'm not sure how you're supposed to be the "next Mamdani" if you don't share his commitment to expanding supply. www.latimes.com/california/n...
She's challenging Bass from the left. Could she become L.A.'s Mamdani?
Rae Huang, a 43-year-old community organizer and democratic socialist, is waging a long-shot campaign for L.A. mayor, focusing on free buses, public housing and police abuse.
www.latimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The housing shortage is THE central issue facing major US cities and I'm not sure how you're supposed to be the "next Mamdani" if you don't share his commitment to expanding supply. www.latimes.com/california/n...
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
“straight up giving the president a bar of gold” is where we’re at now on the “corruption isn’t real” scale
good work, John Roberts
good work, John Roberts
"It was tough to beat Apple, but the Swiss did it." said one administration official.
How the Swiss convinced Trump to drop tariffs with gifts of a Rolex desk clock and a 1 kg gold bar.
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How the Swiss convinced Trump to drop tariffs with gifts of a Rolex desk clock and a 1 kg gold bar.
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab
How the Swiss broke a diplomatic logjam on tariffs by arriving with tributes fit for a king.
www.axios.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:16 PM
“straight up giving the president a bar of gold” is where we’re at now on the “corruption isn’t real” scale
good work, John Roberts
good work, John Roberts
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
You know that you live in Italy when you read this:
"Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you about the Canteen Committee's organization for the current school year. A weekly tasting rotation has been established, with one parent tasting each lunch shift, on a weekly basis."
"Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you about the Canteen Committee's organization for the current school year. A weekly tasting rotation has been established, with one parent tasting each lunch shift, on a weekly basis."
October 23, 2025 at 12:36 PM
You know that you live in Italy when you read this:
"Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you about the Canteen Committee's organization for the current school year. A weekly tasting rotation has been established, with one parent tasting each lunch shift, on a weekly basis."
"Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you about the Canteen Committee's organization for the current school year. A weekly tasting rotation has been established, with one parent tasting each lunch shift, on a weekly basis."
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Trump's illegal murders in the Caribbean just got worse. An internal DOJ memo on the bombings says the victims are waging war on the US, but per NYT, it extensively cites the WH's *own claims* to this effect as evidence!
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
Trump Boat Bombings Take Dark, Unnerving Turn with Leaked Memo Stunner
A new Trump administration memo argues that those carrying out the boat attacks can’t be prosecuted. Why? Because the administration says so!
newrepublic.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Trump's illegal murders in the Caribbean just got worse. An internal DOJ memo on the bombings says the victims are waging war on the US, but per NYT, it extensively cites the WH's *own claims* to this effect as evidence!
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
It gets even darker than that. 1/
(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2032...
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
it's insane that seattle's zoning policy is effectively just 'rezone the areas renters already live ever other decade'
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
November 16, 2025 at 3:13 AM
it's insane that seattle's zoning policy is effectively just 'rezone the areas renters already live ever other decade'
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
liberalism is built around the idea that it's rude to fight your enemies, the only acceptable tactic is meeting them halfway in the spirit of bipartisan unity, until you eventually become them
whoops!
whoops!
November 16, 2025 at 4:48 PM
liberalism is built around the idea that it's rude to fight your enemies, the only acceptable tactic is meeting them halfway in the spirit of bipartisan unity, until you eventually become them
whoops!
whoops!
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Solid hour or so shoreborb session this morning 🥰🪶
November 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Solid hour or so shoreborb session this morning 🥰🪶
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
This is an important new line being crossed. Trump isn't just pardoning the act of attempting to overthrow the government on January 6: he's pardoning *those people* for committing crimes generally. He may be creating a group of (federally) legally untouchable people.
Trump re-pardons a Jan. 6 defendant to erase unrelated gun conviction
Trump re-pardons a Jan. 6 defendant to erase unrelated gun conviction
The new pardon ends a legal clash over the limits of Trump’s sweeping Day One clemency for those who stormed the Capitol.
dlvr.it
November 16, 2025 at 12:49 AM
This is an important new line being crossed. Trump isn't just pardoning the act of attempting to overthrow the government on January 6: he's pardoning *those people* for committing crimes generally. He may be creating a group of (federally) legally untouchable people.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Please stop using language that suggests that people with criminal records are appropriate targets for this administration's violence. One in three adults has a criminal record. Stop playing sacrifice games with fascists. Stop surrendering entire categories of people in your own mind.
November 15, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Please stop using language that suggests that people with criminal records are appropriate targets for this administration's violence. One in three adults has a criminal record. Stop playing sacrifice games with fascists. Stop surrendering entire categories of people in your own mind.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
November 15, 2025 at 5:57 AM
I wanted to share probably the most important sermon I’ve given and it’s while I’m being arrested. It’s torture pure and simple what happens at #Broadview. I’m ok, though I was thrown to the ground and choked with my pectoral cross. A review of the video shows I was peaceful - did I deserve this?
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
One of the great heartbreaks of being in the disability community is how often we lose people and how many of our most powerful voices have gone silent. We must live our lives loudly and joyously in their honor and remember that our very existence is resistance.
Oh no I just heard we lost Alice. This is terribly sad. She was an incredible, talented, powerful voice of the disability community. She stood strong for herself and for all of us. She will be missed immensely.
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
November 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM
One of the great heartbreaks of being in the disability community is how often we lose people and how many of our most powerful voices have gone silent. We must live our lives loudly and joyously in their honor and remember that our very existence is resistance.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
So saddened by the news that we have lost Alice Wong. It was an honor to know her and learn from her. May the lessons she shared continue to guide us for years to come.
November 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM
So saddened by the news that we have lost Alice Wong. It was an honor to know her and learn from her. May the lessons she shared continue to guide us for years to come.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
CBS News: Border Patrol plans to expand Trump's immigration crackdown to Charlotte and New Orleans
"Internally, officials have dubbed the plans 'Charlotte Web' and 'Catahoula Crunch,' references to the children's novel and the official state dog of Louisiana, respectively."
"Internally, officials have dubbed the plans 'Charlotte Web' and 'Catahoula Crunch,' references to the children's novel and the official state dog of Louisiana, respectively."
Border Patrol plans to expand Trump's immigration crackdown to Charlotte and New Orleans, with armored vehicles and special agents
The Trump administration is planning to dispatch Border Patrol agents to Charlotte and New Orleans to oversee immigration operations that could involve armored vehicles and special operations teams.
www.cbsnews.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:41 AM
CBS News: Border Patrol plans to expand Trump's immigration crackdown to Charlotte and New Orleans
"Internally, officials have dubbed the plans 'Charlotte Web' and 'Catahoula Crunch,' references to the children's novel and the official state dog of Louisiana, respectively."
"Internally, officials have dubbed the plans 'Charlotte Web' and 'Catahoula Crunch,' references to the children's novel and the official state dog of Louisiana, respectively."
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue were really fortunate to complete our fundraising goal — the laid-off staffers at VIBE deserve the same support, as Black media outlets and journalists continue to be targeted and discriminated against in “austerity” measures
It was announced on October 16, 2025 that VIBE was "joining forces" with Rolling Stone. As a result, the majority of VIBE employees were laid off. If you have the means to give, this team could use the support! www.gofundme.com/f/support-vi...
Donate to Support VIBE Staff After Sudden Layoffs, organized by Mya Abraham
It was announced on October 16, 2025 that VIBE was "joining forces" with Rolling S… Mya Abraham needs your support for Support VIBE Staff After Sudden Layoffs
www.gofundme.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:38 PM
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue were really fortunate to complete our fundraising goal — the laid-off staffers at VIBE deserve the same support, as Black media outlets and journalists continue to be targeted and discriminated against in “austerity” measures
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
New Mexico is the first state in the country to implement universal free childcare, and the program will save families an estimated $12,800 a year.
November 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
New Mexico is the first state in the country to implement universal free childcare, and the program will save families an estimated $12,800 a year.
I’ve been extremely alarmed with the lack of national coverage in mainstream news regarding loss of Continuum of Care funding. Every single city and town across the US is gonna see huge spikes in homelessness. It’s an urgent emergency
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed - Seattle City Council Blog
Nearly 4,500 Seattle and King County households now stand to lose housing and essential services under the changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care program without regional collaboration and intervention On...
council.seattle.gov
November 14, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I’ve been extremely alarmed with the lack of national coverage in mainstream news regarding loss of Continuum of Care funding. Every single city and town across the US is gonna see huge spikes in homelessness. It’s an urgent emergency
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Where is the statement from outgoing mayor Bruce Harrell? Where is housing and services chair Juarez?
Why is @alexis4seattle.bsky.social the only city councilmember condemning the federal regime cancelling shelter and services funding for 4500 residents of King County??
Why is @alexis4seattle.bsky.social the only city councilmember condemning the federal regime cancelling shelter and services funding for 4500 residents of King County??
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed - Seattle City Council Blog
Nearly 4,500 Seattle and King County households now stand to lose housing and essential services under the changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care program without regional collaboration and intervention On...
council.seattle.gov
November 14, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Where is the statement from outgoing mayor Bruce Harrell? Where is housing and services chair Juarez?
Why is @alexis4seattle.bsky.social the only city councilmember condemning the federal regime cancelling shelter and services funding for 4500 residents of King County??
Why is @alexis4seattle.bsky.social the only city councilmember condemning the federal regime cancelling shelter and services funding for 4500 residents of King County??
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
This is very serious and could lead to a lot more people becoming unhoused.
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
council.seattle.gov/2025/11/14/c...
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed - Seattle City Council Blog
Nearly 4,500 Seattle and King County households now stand to lose housing and essential services under the changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care program without regional collaboration and intervention On...
council.seattle.gov
November 14, 2025 at 9:19 PM
This is very serious and could lead to a lot more people becoming unhoused.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
I don’t know that Seattle understands how lucky we are to have the urban design and land-use policy thinktank that is Mike Eliason, and also to have him on the Social Housing Developer
i am cleaning up files and ran across my public comment on the comprehensive plan EIS scoping report (from 2022!), and man...
i cannot express what a massively wasted opportunity and exercise harrell's comp plan update has been.
i cannot express what a massively wasted opportunity and exercise harrell's comp plan update has been.
November 14, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I don’t know that Seattle understands how lucky we are to have the urban design and land-use policy thinktank that is Mike Eliason, and also to have him on the Social Housing Developer
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
Reposted by Shirley Leung, PhD
What the absolute fuck.
No, this is not Trump. This is the outgoing Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell
No, this is not Trump. This is the outgoing Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell
“A lot of ppl said I shouldn’t concede. There were anomalies…it was unexpected these numbers” what the fuck!!!!
November 13, 2025 at 8:39 PM
What the absolute fuck.
No, this is not Trump. This is the outgoing Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell
No, this is not Trump. This is the outgoing Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell