Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal Globally as Policy Debates Intensify
The surge in solar and wind power drives calls for science-based reforms in energy and health sectors.
Today's Bluesky science and health landscape is defined by breakthrough achievements in renewable energy, hard-hitting advocacy for public health, and thoughtful engagement with the mechanics of scientific progress. From energy policy to bird biology and evolving healthcare standards, the day's top discussions reflect a community committed to evidence, equity, and innovation, while candidly confronting political and infrastructural challenges that shape these fields.
Renewable Energy's Global Surge and Policy Divides
The standout story across the science community is the extraordinary rise of renewables, spotlighted by Science Magazine's designation of renewable energy growth as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year. Solar and wind power have overtaken coal on a global scale, with China leading the charge, installing renewable capacity equivalent to 100 nuclear power plants in a single year. This accomplishment is echoed in Kai Kupferschmidt's observation that renewables now cover the increase in global electricity use, underlining the pivotal shift toward cleaner energy sources.
"This year, renewables surpassed coal as a source of electricity worldwide, and solar and wind energy grew fast enough to cover the entire increase in global electricity use from January to June according to energy think tank Ember"- @kakape.bsky.social (138 points)
Despite this momentum, policy gaps remain a recurring theme. Posts such as Ketan Joshi's critique of fossil fuel policy rhetoric and Science's editorial on China's energy future versus US stagnation highlight how political decisions can either accelerate or hinder progress. The community's frustration with U.S. energy policy and the perceived squandering of technological opportunity by current leadership is palpable, fueling calls for science-driven, nonpartisan action.
"Before you write something like, ‘This won't be popular with everyone on the left,' maybe you should reach out to some of the people you know it will be unpopular with and learn why. They could have pointed out his basic factual errors before he embarrassed himself publicly like this."- @robertferry.bsky.social (3 points)
Public Health Advocacy and Scientific Integrity
On the health front, the day's discussions emphasize the importance of maintaining rigorous, science-based public health practices. California's recruitment of former CDC leaders reflects a proactive approach to modernizing public health infrastructure, while Rep. Leigh Finke's statement on trans health care policy underscores the need for resilient healthcare rights and equity. Meanwhile, data-driven recommendations for mask usage and improved ventilation illustrate how straightforward interventions can dramatically reduce infection risk for healthcare workers.
"We'd reduce SO much: illness, disability, loss of capacity to work, volunteer, care, function, sick kids, lost lives, overcrowded hospitals, ramped ambulances, staffing issues across the economy, spiralling costs etc, etc if health workers just wore a decent fitted mask"- @countrybee2.bsky.social (4 points)
The drive for transparency and accountability is echoed by Walker Bragman's advocacy journalism, which spotlights investigative reporting on public health leadership and calls for community support. Alongside concerns about the integrity of scientific literature in the face of AI and fraud, raised in Eric Topol's annual review, these threads reveal a community vigilant against misinformation and determined to uphold rigorous scientific standards.
"2025 has been a pretty big year for us. What follows are some of the stories I am most proud of: #1: Coming in at number 1 has to be my deep-dive into frustrations at the NIH over Jay Bhattacharya's right-wing, 'clueless' leadership. For this piece, I interviewed a dozen workers."- @walkerbragman.bsky.social (28 points)
Engagement with Everyday Science and Community Knowledge
Beyond policy and advocacy, the community celebrates everyday science and the joy of observation. Science Friday's playful exploration of cardinal molting invites users to share their encounters with bald cardinals, blending humor with citizen science. Such posts foster a sense of shared curiosity and engagement, highlighting how science permeates daily life and connects individuals across diverse backgrounds.
This dynamic, participatory spirit is reflected in the encouragement of open commentary and peer review, such as those promoted by Science Magazine's resources and editorial initiatives. By inviting users to contribute to scientific discussions and critique published research, the platform demonstrates its commitment to collaborative progress and the continuous refinement of knowledge.
Every community has stories worth telling professionally. - Melvin Hanna