Rewilding success in Bulgaria, a perovskite solar farm and flash ironmaking from China, six Mekong giant catfish, steam-treated seeds in Sweden, checking in with U.S. cleantech, and more!
Thanks for that. I followed a few of those stories during the week, so great to see a summary. I had missed the Romania rewilding one though, so interesting to see that.
> The government of the quasi-state of Somaliland has received World Bank support to build off-grid solar plus battery storage to power twenty-five healthcare facilities. Notably, Somaliland has been de facto independent from Somalia and ruled by freely elected democratic governments since 1991, and, rumor has it, may shortly be recognized as a new sovereign nation by the United States.
That's sick. So nice to see Somaliland's independence be recognised. I have a lot of respect for them. Unlike many African countries who had to be bribed and harassed into becoming democracies, they built their Republic on their own and are the most democratic country in the region.
I also support the right of unilateral succession, which is considered a very radical take. But it would be hypothetical of me to not support it since my country of birth was the only one to do it after WW2.
Those Chinese engineers continue to amaze. The ancient Nautilus is even more amazing! It has survived some major extinction events..hope it can survive us! But there's hope. We are slow learners but we do learn.
Thanks for that. I followed a few of those stories during the week, so great to see a summary. I had missed the Romania rewilding one though, so interesting to see that.
OMG, that catfish is gigantic. Well done, Sam! I don't know if I can go two weeks without this 😭See ya in the New Year!
Thank you! And no worries - I'll be republishing some old classics (and possibly one new one, if I can finish it in time!) during that two week break!
> The government of the quasi-state of Somaliland has received World Bank support to build off-grid solar plus battery storage to power twenty-five healthcare facilities. Notably, Somaliland has been de facto independent from Somalia and ruled by freely elected democratic governments since 1991, and, rumor has it, may shortly be recognized as a new sovereign nation by the United States.
That's sick. So nice to see Somaliland's independence be recognised. I have a lot of respect for them. Unlike many African countries who had to be bribed and harassed into becoming democracies, they built their Republic on their own and are the most democratic country in the region.
I also support the right of unilateral succession, which is considered a very radical take. But it would be hypothetical of me to not support it since my country of birth was the only one to do it after WW2.
A fabulous substack. So enlightening, nothing else like it ❤️
Thank you!
Those Chinese engineers continue to amaze. The ancient Nautilus is even more amazing! It has survived some major extinction events..hope it can survive us! But there's hope. We are slow learners but we do learn.
Absolutely