@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social cover
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

FantasticalEconomics

@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social

I'm an environmental economist who researches econ pedagogy to make learning economics marginally less dismal.

My pipe-dream is to write a fantasy novel/economics textbook, which is getting closer to reality every day.

#economics #TeachEcon #sustainability #DoughnutEconomics #degrowth

Profile pic is me smiling in front of a whiteboard with economics gibberish -- cause econ makes me happy.

Background is my dog, Freya, who is derpily sticking her tongue out while passed out.

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. For a complete list of posts, browse on the original instance.

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Colorado has been trying this weird thing since 2017 - give unhoused people homes.

Intuitively, "giving people who are homeless a place to live, no strings attached, not only changes their lives but can save public money."

Two more housing complexes are being built (one opening next week) using this successful template, adding 100 units.

Mental health services, peer support specialists and case managers will be available to residents but not required.

https://coloradosun.com/2024/06/05/housing-homelessness-mental-health/

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

If it isn't clear yet, the fight we need to be having is against the far-right, not each other.

I don't give a shit if we disagree on specific policy, goals or (most commonly) the best way to achieve them. We need to figure out how to work together to fight the very very scary common enemy that is quickly growing in power.

Make friends, make coalitions, make temporary alliances. Cause whatever progress you want to achieve will not happen with a fascist takeover of our world.

FantasticalEconomics OP ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@Eetschrijver

Same, friend. Same.

So much energy is wasted battling over the 1% we disagree about rather than figuring out ways to oppose those who we disagree with almost entirely.

FantasticalEconomics OP ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@philip_cardella

You said that well.

When the enemy engages in a divide and conquer strategy, which I agree is necessary for fascism to succeed, the best response is to come together.

Honestly, going on the defense and just opposing everything we see the far-right doing seems like a winning strategy in the short term, at least.

Temporary alliances until the threat of fascism ebbs, at the very least.

@Eetschrijver

FantasticalEconomics OP ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@philip_cardella

Yikes. Project2025, I can kind of understand. Though everyone really should know it.

But I am impressed with the rock people must live under to not be aware a former president has, unprecedentedly, been convicted of many felonies.

@Eetschrijver

randahl , to random
@randahl@mastodon.social avatar

Putin now claims he will give missiles to the enemies of the US, UK, and France, as retaliation for these countries delivering missiles to Ukraine.

Sure, Vladimir. Houthi rebels driving around the desert with S300 launch vehicles… that will happen, because you say so.

— The ramblings of a madman. 🤦🏻‍♂️

https://youtu.be/ldeIx5T209w?si=zZLaNTZaJFy4e4tx

image/jpeg

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@randahl

In game theory, there is a concept of "credible threats."

The only way for a threat to work - to change actions of others - is for it to be believable.

Thank you Putin, for providing a great example of what is not a credible threat that I can use next semester!

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@randahl

I don't know... I just heard a very serious and respectable journalist (Steve Bannon) interview a military strategist expert who is definitely not a Russian operative (Tommy Tubervile) and they were saying that Russia is winning and Ukraine has no shot...

So I'm not sure about that example.

(I hope everyone read that with the dripping sarcasm intended.)

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Don't threaten Tesla shareholders with a good (and strategically sound) time...

"Tesla CEO Elon Musk could leave if $56 billion pay package not approved, shareholders warned"

Seriously, where is the downside? The next CEO will likely not have a negative brand value with liberals (aka the ones who buy electric vehicles) and fewer AI microchips will be diverted to X.

And that's in addition to not having to give $56 billion to a wealthy egomaniac!

https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/6/24173064/tesla-board-chair-warn-elon-musk-leave-pay-shareholders

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Colorado joins four other states (California, Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota) in banning book bans!

This new bill also:

  • makes the names of people trying to ban books public record.
  • protects library workers from "the whims of politicians or the demands of the public."

Things like this make me proud to be a Colorado resident.

https://bookriot.com/colorado-passes-anti-book-ban-bill-for-public-libraries/

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Trump raised a record-breaking $34.8 million the day after being convicted of election interference. That's nearly double their previous largest single-day online donation amount.

29.7% were new donors.

This is not a drill. He will get reelected unless people on the left step up to oppose him. And makes it clear how much worse things can get, both domestically and abroad.

https://www.axios.com/2024/05/31/trump-fundraising-record-hush-money-conviction

FantasticalEconomics , to AcademicChatter group
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Good news everyone!

"ChatGPT Edu, powered by GPT-4o, is designed for universities to responsibly integrate AI into academic and campus operations. This advanced AI tool supports text and vision reasoning, data analysis, and offers enterprise-level security."

Based on everything we know about AI, I am sure nothing could possibly go wrong with this new tool to integrate it into our #teaching and campus operations more broadly.
/Obvious sarcasm

https://neurosciencenews.com/openai-chatgpt-edu-ai-26206/

@academicchatter #HigherEd

ayoub , (edited ) to random
@ayoub@spore.social avatar

So what do you call this level of hatred? This fanatical desire to annihilate an entire civilisation?

Image description: Israeli occupation soldiers set fire to #Gaza’s Al Aqsa University library and took photos of themselves doing it #Israel #Palestine

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@failedLyndonLaRouchite

Yeah, I'm skeptical. The only thing I can find is an X post with no source linked.

Everyone, please verify this before reposting. This has all the hallmarks of misinformation that aligns with many of our already held beliefs, making us particularly susceptible to it.

Obviously, I will happily reconsider if/when a source and more detail are provided than a picture found on Xitter.

@ayoub

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@failedLyndonLaRouchite

I feel you and am sorry you are bearing the brunt of a lot of misinfo and hate right now (which I would guess is more than usual, but that's a low bar).

I agree it's incredibly hard to verify what is true, especially in real time. The language barriers definitely do not help and, what I see is even more challenging, the highly polarizing nature of this conflict makes it so much worse.

We all need to stay vigilant and think critically.

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@efialto

This is not about giving anyone the benefit of the doubt. It's about verifying information, not just believing things because it fits with an already held narrative.

Calling this post out for misinformation (until evidence is provided to the contrary) helps ensure that we all have a more accurate view of the world.

Every piece of information deserves to be verified and thought critically about before sharing and spreading, IMO.

@failedLyndonLaRouchite

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@martinvermeer

That's good info. Definitely adds credibility, but I am not to the point of convinced, yet.

Very much appreciate the info regardless. It's valuable.

@failedLyndonLaRouchite @galad @efialto

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@martinvermeer

That is pretty strong evidence, assuming you trust the source. Not questioning that, by any means. Just not someone I know much about.

@failedLyndonLaRouchite @galad @efialto

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@martinvermeer

Fair. Thanks for asking around. I'm definitely reaching the point that I'm comfortable sharing this story, from everything I've seen.

Awful shit..

@failedLyndonLaRouchite @galad @efialto

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Ah, #capitalism. Neoclasical (mainstream) economic theory tells us it ensures resources will be put to the best, most efficient use. However, ignores the obvious: wealth equals power, so that what is "best" for society is what the richest value.

Like chasing everlasting youth by getting weekly blood transfusions from your teenage son and $40,000 gym membership add-ons.

Imagine if these resources were devoted to fighting #ClimateChange or #poverty instead.

https://www.axios.com/2024/05/19/wellness-longevity-industry-equinox-membership

#economics

FantasticalEconomics OP ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@AlexanderKingsbury

And the many that argue it are the wealthy who the capitalist economy is designed to serve, and the economists at right-wing think thanks they lavishly fund.

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Self-interest + shortermism + monopoly power = whatever this shit is:

"Frontier knew that it could make a billion dollars in profit over a decade by investing in fiber build-out, but it chose not to, because stock analysts will downrank any carrier that made capital investments that took more than five years to mature. Because Frontier's execs were paid primarily in stock, they chose... to leave a billion dollars sitting on the table..."

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/16/symmetrical-10gb-for-119/#utopia

@pluralistic

#economics

TonyStark , to random
@TonyStark@progressivecafe.social avatar

I already got one comment claiming solar power won’t work because “night” and another that made up nonsense about batteries.

Batteries are part of solidifying the renewable energy grid.

To those that say batteries aren’t clean or are costly, that might be partially true now, but they get cleaner and cheaper every year. Current deployments while maybe suboptimal are simply a step on the path. 1/2

Batteries are taking on gas plants to power California’s nights:
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/batteries/batteries-are-taking-on-gas-plants-to-power-californias-nights

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@TonyStark

100%.

Not to mention that there are many types of batteries that look nothing like what most people think of as 'batteries'. Some are already easily implemented (like pumped hydro) while others will continue to be developed and implemented (like thermal batteries).

Regardless, the "battery problem" is hugely overstated and I have no doubt is being heavily peddled by Big Oil as yet another delay tactic.

https://www.hydro.org/waterpower/pumped-storage

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/24/1082217/heat-battery-manufacturing-facility/

gerrymcgovern , to random
@gerrymcgovern@mastodon.green avatar

Why has water become such an issue for AI and data centers?

Because for years, Big Tech boosted energy efficiency and reduced CO2 by using more and more water.

It also "reduced" CO2 by causing a massive increases in e-waste.

There is the huge danger in focusing only on CO2. To reduce CO2, we often degrade other life systems such as water, soil, biodiversity.

CO2 is increasingly being used for greenwashing.

We must measure the total cost to the environment, not just part of the cost.

FantasticalEconomics ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@gerrymcgovern

Spot on. I wasn't aware data centers were substituting water use for CO2 emissions as a form of greenwashing, but can't say I'm surprised.

The fact that reducing CO2 has become (incorrectly) synonymous with sustainability certainly disguises much of the damage we do and the root cause of the problem. At its core, it's not that we emit too much carbon, it's that we overconsume and the climate crisis is one symptom of it.

#degrowth

https://www.sei.org/perspectives/move-beyond-carbon-tunnel-vision/

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Ready for news that will shock nobody? It turns out globalization mostly helps out the richest 10% and has little to no impact on the poorest.

"The influence of globalization on income inequalities worldwide was greater than we had expected. We were particularly surprised that these differences were mainly due to the gains of the richest and that the lower income groups benefited little or not at all."

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-main-beneficiaries-globalization.html

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

We really need to rethink our capitalistic obsession of running things like a business. Cutting costs to increase profits obviously doesn't make sense in areas of education, healthcare, public utilities, and prisons, to name just a few.

Hell, Boeing is making a strong case that it doesn't even make sense for businesses to be run like a business, much less these public goods...

#economics

FantasticalEconomics OP ,
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

@philip_cardella

Ah business degrees.

Take one semester off the worst parts of economics and extrapolate it into destroying the world, one golf-meeting at a time.

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

#Biden has halted two arms shipments to #Israel.

"It is the first time since the Oct. 7 attack that the U.S. has stopped a weapons shipment intended for the Israeli military."

I would hope those on the left recognize this as a tangible improvement in US policy in the region. We can certainly want more and think this is not enough while also recognizing the progress (much of which is likely stemming from the recent pushback and protests).

https://www.axios.com/2024/05/05/israel-us-ammunition-shipment-hold

#Gaza #Palestine

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Remember folks, "rubber bullet" is a misnomer.

"Rubber bullets (also called rubber baton rounds) are a type of baton round. Despite the name, rubber bullets typically have either a metal core with a rubber coating, or are a homogeneous admixture with rubber being a minority component." - Wikipedia

It is more accurate to say "Riot police are shooting students with rubber-coated-metal-bullets."

I know that doesn't roll off the tounge very nicely, but that's ok 'cause it probably shouldn't.

FantasticalEconomics , to random
@FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

Who else could use some good news?

"Transgender health care must be paid for by state insurance, says an appeals court" in rulings on cases from West Virginia and North Carolina.

Not sure it'll stand the test of time (or further appeals) but i'll take the win while we have it!

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/04/29/1247896150/transgender-health-insurance-west-virginia-north-carolina-appeals-court

pluralistic , to random
@pluralistic@mamot.fr avatar

Today's threads (a thread)

Inside: The specific process by which Google enshittified its search; and more!

Archived at: https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/24/naming-names/

#Pluralistic

1/

A collection of 1950s white, suited boardroom executives seated around a table, staring at its center. The original has been altered. In the center of the table stands a stylized stick figure cartoon mascot whose head is a poop emoji rendered in the colors of the Google logo. The various memos on the boardroom table repeat this poop Google image. On the wall behind the executives is the original Google logo in an ornate gilt frame.
ALT
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    • + Npars01
    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    So much comes down to power.

    Google has become too big to care and we are all bearing the costs.

    "What's behind all the tech companies enshittifying all at once – is that tech worker power has been smashed, especially at Google, where 12,000 workers were fired just months after a $80b stock buyback that would have paid their wages for the next 27 years."

    Another great piece, thanks for all you do @pluralistic!

    SallyStrange , to random
    @SallyStrange@eldritch.cafe avatar

    Forbes: Climate inaction is costing us $38 trillion annually.

    "Even if CO2 emissions were to be drastically cut down starting today, the world economy is already committed to an income reduction of 19 % until 2050 due to climate change, according to a new study published in Nature. These damages are six times larger than the mitigation costs needed to limit global warming to two degrees."

    #Degrowth is coming whether people want it to or not.

    #Climate #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #economics

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/feliciajackson/2024/04/22/with-climate-damages-at-38trn-annually-the-economy-needs-action-now/?sh=62e0c2da4cb3

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @SallyStrange

    Really appreciate the post and agree with everything except the use of #degrowth here.

    The fact we are approaching a collapse and that GDP will drop is a consequence of growth-thinking. Degrowth is about changing goals and processes to reduce the drop in well-being we see coming; it's a mindset shift and not a measure of GDP and it's trajectory.

    So I'd rephrase it to GDP decline is going to happen and we can make the best of it by pursuing degrowth, ideally sooner than later.

    FantasticalEconomics , to random
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    When you think #greedflation, the image that comes to mind should be #Amazon.

    "Amazon now makes up about 40% of all online retail — the company started raising prices on the products it sells directly."

    "Nearly 50% of sellers' revenue goes to Amazon in fees," much of which is passed on as higher prices.

    This is a prime example of Monopoly rent as Corey Doctorow, @pluralistic, discussed in a recent piece.

    https://www.axios.com/2024/04/22/amazon-price-inflation

    https://locusmag.com/2024/03/cory-doctorow-capitalists-hate-capitalism/

    #economics

    FantasticalEconomics , to random
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    Rescued a meme without alt-text.

    Beyond including #UBI, the original version of what is now called monopoly had a cooperative or "Prosperity" mode.

    The whole point of the game was to show how competing for profit destroys society!

    The game was created to be a "practical demonstration of the present system of land grabbing with all its usual outcomes and consequences".

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Landlord%27s_Game

    #economics #capitalism

    FantasticalEconomics , to AcademicChatter group
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    Traditional lectures suck, all the evidence points to it. It's not that there is no place for lectures, but the time spent in them needs to be drastically reduced.

    "Games are the secret to learning math and statistics, says new research."

    "This research backs up what we already know—that traditional lecturing is not the best approach for learning, even in numbers-based subjects like economics or statistics."

    https://phys.org/news/2024-04-games-secret-math-statistics.html

    #TeachEcon #EconEd #teaching @academicchatter

    CelloMomOnCars , to random
    @CelloMomOnCars@mastodon.social avatar

    The Cost of Doing Nothing

    "You’re probably already losing money because of #ClimateChange.

    For the average American born in 2024, climate change could mean ending up nearly $500,000 poorer over their lifetime, according to a new report from Consumer Reports and the global consulting firm ICF. If the analysis included more uncertain factors, the cost could be closer to $1 million."

    https://www.fastcompany.com/91106350/climate-change-costs-money-baby-born-2024-consumer-reports

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @CelloMomOnCars

    The poorest and least responsible for climate change will always bear the highest burdens from it. It's not justice, it just is (unless we drastically change).

    FantasticalEconomics , to random
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    Anyone who says we cannot afford to stop climate change is lying to you.

    A new study estimates that a 20% reduction in CO2 will cost a whopping 2% of GDP.

    Shuuttering companies that have the highest CO2 per economic impact (rather than merely focusing on most CO2) helps lead to these large restrictions at incredibly reasonable costs.

    https://phys.org/news/2024-04-emissions-economic-loss.html

    1/2

    FantasticalEconomics OP ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    2/2

    The analysis uses data from Hungary, so I'm a little skeptical about its external validity - will this be true for all countries and the world in general? That will depend on how similar other countries are to Hungary in terms of pollution and economic impact.

    A big one would be that fossil fuel companies that contribute the vast amount of CO2 globally are largely absent from Hungary. So this likely underestimates the true cost at a global level.

    dangrsmind , to random
    @dangrsmind@sfba.social avatar

    Math Homework Can End Up Doing More Harm Than Good, Study Shows https://www.sciencealert.com/math-homework-can-end-up-doing-more-harm-than-good-study-shows

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @dangrsmind

    The way we engage with math can be so harmful. I get many students in my intro econ classes who are, quite literally, traumatized by their experience with math.

    Love this study showing empirical evidence of aspects of it.

    @academicchatter

    easysociology , to AcademicChatter group
    @easysociology@mastodon.social avatar

    The Role of Education in Legitimizing Inequality

    https://buff.ly/3vnLuLq

    #sociology
    @sociology
    @academicchatter
    @academicsunite

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @cra1g

    Two counterpoints:

    1. The article does not claim education increases inequality, rather, it legitimizes inequality that does exist. So levels of education and inequality seems tangential.

    2. The negative correlation between education and inequality can be explained in the other direction as well. More equal nations may choose to invest more in public education along with quality education decreasing inequality.

    @easysociology @sociology @academicchatter @academicsunite

    exador23 , to random
    @exador23@m.ai6yr.org avatar

    There was an apparent Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria a few hours ago which killed a senior military officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps & his deputy, along with other Iranians.

    Iran's foreign minister says they consider the Israeli airstrike to violate all diplomatic norms and international treaties, and Tehran holds Israel responsible for the consequences of the attack. And Iran's Ambassador to Syria says the Iranian response will be "harsh."

    So much for regional containment. Iran is right. Rational state actors don't bomb embassies.

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @exador23

    Once again, Mastodon is the place where I see the news break. Thanks for sharing.

    Article describing the Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria for those interested:

    https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-israeli-airstrike-destroyed-irans-consulate-building-damascus-108714116

    GottaLaff , to random
    @GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

    “Covert Chinese accts are masquerading online as American supporters of Trump, promoting conspiracy theories, stoking domestic divisions & attacking Pres Biden ahead of election..signal a potential tactical shift in how Beijing aims to influence American politics, w more willingness to target specific candidates & parties, incl Biden.

    In echo of #Russia’s influence campaign..#China appears to be trying to harness partisan divisions to undermine Biden admin policies..”

    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/business/media/china-online-disinformation-us-election.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @GottaLaff

    Same moves the Nazis used before and during WW2 to prevent the US from joining, now amped up with social media.

    The fascist and authoritarian playbook to fight democracy relies heavily on attacking what they see as a fundamental weakness of democracy--our ability to disagree.

    We've got some work ahead of us to prove them wrong, again, but in a far more challenging environment...

    FantasticalEconomics , to random
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    I'm sure we are mostly on the same page here in recognizing #TruthSocial as the next grift in a very long line of increasingly obvious grifts. But the numbers are even worse than I thought.

    "Truth Social earned $3.4 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2023 and it lost around $49 million." And, yet, is valued at a $6 billion company.

    Smart money is on shorting this travesty of a company, assuming you can cover the swings until Trump cashes out of DJT.

    https://www.axios.com/2024/03/27/truth-social-stock-facebook-twitter-ipo

    FantasticalEconomics OP ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @mastodonmigration

    Haha fair, that may be an even smarter move.

    breadandcircuses , to random
    @breadandcircuses@climatejustice.social avatar

    This is a choice — a choice that has been made for us. It doesn’t have to be this way.

    🇺🇸 U.S. Has Produced More Oil Than Any Country in History for Six Consecutive Years
    https://www.ecowatch.com/us-oil-production-record-2024.html

    Did any of us consent to this? Are we consenting to it now?

    We can’t opt out. But can we opt in, and force a different choice?

    #Environment #Climate #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #Capitalism #BusinessAsUsual

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @breadandcircuses

    My students are regularly shocked when they find out how much oil the US produces.

    The news is always about OPEC and Russia and production abroad. It's almost like dark forces are conspiring to hide the fact that the US is the number one producer of oil, and it's pretty impressive (in a terrifying way) how effective they are at it.

    FantasticalEconomics , to random
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    If anyone is interested in a #SciFi short story that centers around the #CircularEconomy, #Economics, and #Sustainability my first-ever story has been published!

    It is published under the creative commons, so please feel free to share and use it as you desire.

    My goal is to make learning economics engaging and am very excited to share this tangible step in that direction.

    I would love to hear thoughts, comments, and feedback either here or on the Edgeryders site too!

    https://edgeryders.eu/t/circular-reasoning/19717

    FantasticalEconomics OP ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @CelloMomOnCars

    I am embarrassed to say I have not read The Murderbot Diaries yet but, from what I hear of it, I'm taking that as the highest of compliments!

    <3

    FantasticalEconomics OP ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @CelloMomOnCars

    Truly appreciate hearing that.

    I've always considered myself a math-person (hence economist) so creative writing is well outside my today wheelhouse. So the positive reaction resonates more than you can probably know.

    Also, I am happy you took the time to read the story in the first place :)

    gerrymcgovern , to random
    @gerrymcgovern@mastodon.green avatar

    "In 2022, the world generated a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste—an amount that would fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, enough to wrap around the equator—according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, a new report from the United Nations. (That’s up from 53.6 million tonnes in 2019, per the last UN report.) And that waste is expected to keep growing: It’s rising globally by 2.6 million tonnes a year."

    https://www.fastcompany.com/91063587/were-creating-mounds-of-toxic-e-waste-and-recycling-isnt-even-close-to-keeping-up

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @gerrymcgovern

    "Recycling" is a euphemism for greenwashing. Change my mind.

    The above is another great article showing the same thing. Recycling has never worked and relying on it is a fools game.

    If systems were dramatically changed it could certainly play an important part in moving us towards sustainability, but it cannot work under the current capitalist system that prioritizes profits; recycling is simply too expensive when externalities are ignored, as they always are.

    Snowshadow , to random
    @Snowshadow@mastodon.social avatar

    😢 Please take the time to read past the headline...and please Boost this because I am sure it applies to children worldwide.
    Thank you.

    In Australia, research shows 43% of children aged 10 to 14 are worried about the future impact of climate change,
    👉 and one in four believe the world will end before they grow up.

    #News #ClimateCrisis #Parenting #Education #Children

    https://theconversation.com/how-long-before-climate-change-will-destroy-the-earth-research-reveals-what-australian-kids-want-to-know-about-our-warming-world-226122

    FantasticalEconomics ,
    @FantasticalEconomics@geekdom.social avatar

    @Snowshadow @breadandcircuses

    But please remember to blame any increase in depression, anxiety and the like on smartphone use or, maybe, get ahead of the curve and blame AI instead.

    / Sarcasm

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