Robert Bryce

1 week ago | newgeography.com | Robert Bryce

Less than two years ago, climate activists in Spain celebrated after a utility announced it would close the country’s largest coal plant, the 1,468-megawatt As Pontes facility. According to an activist at Beyond Fossil Fuels, the closure of the coal plant was demonstrating “how much renewables are outperforming fossil fuels on price, energy security, and desirability.”Earlier this month, renewables looked good. On April 16, Spain’s electric grid ran on 100% alternative energy.

2 weeks ago | newgeography.com | Robert Bryce

by Robert Bryce 04/27/2025 Make no mistake, California Governor Gavin Newsom is running for the White House in 2028. In February, he launched a podcast with the uncatchy name, “This is Gavin Newsom.” His first guest was conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, the head of Turning Point USA. Newsom claims he wants to have “honest conversations” with people on both sides of the political aisle. Whatever you think of Newsom, you have to admire his cheekiness.

3 weeks ago | newgeography.com | Robert Bryce

Pope Francis was a historic figure. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere. He was the first pope to take the name Francis, a nod to St. Francis of Assisi, a mendicant who espoused the ideal of poverty and service to people. (He was also the patron saint of the environment, animals, and birds.) Francis had considerable charm and humility, two qualities that the Catholic Church needed in the wake of his imperious predecessor, Pope Benedict.

3 weeks ago | robertbryce.substack.com | Robert Bryce

Pope Francis was a historic figure. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere. He was the first pope to take the name Francis, a nod to St. Francis of Assisi, a mendicant who espoused the ideal of poverty and service to people. (He was also the patron saint of the environment, animals, and birds.) Francis had considerable charm and humility, two qualities that the Catholic Church needed in the wake of his imperious predecessor, Pope Benedict.

3 weeks ago | newgeography.com | Robert Bryce

by Robert Bryce 04/20/2025 We have lived in Austin for 40 years. And for nearly all of that time, Lorin and I have subscribed to the New York Times. For decades, we took the paper version. When that got too pricey, we switched to the digital-only subscription. Last week, we got a notice of a price increase. Instead of paying $18 monthly, the Times wants us to pay $33!That’s the last straw. I love newspapers and the smell of newsprint. I grew up with newspapers.