#cost-effective estimating

[asestimationsconsultants]

Top Software Tools Used in a Residential Estimating Service

The construction industry has witnessed significant technological advancements in recent years, and estimating software has played a crucial role in these improvements. For residential projects, accurate cost estimation is vital to ensure that homeowners stay within budget, contractors avoid costly mistakes, and the project proceeds smoothly. Residential estimating services rely on specialized software tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration between all parties involved. Below, we’ll explore some of the top software tools used in residential estimating services and how they streamline the estimation process.

1. Buildertrend

Buildertrend is one of the most popular project management software tools for residential construction. It’s designed to streamline communication, project scheduling, and budgeting, making it an all-in-one tool for contractors and homeowners alike.

Key Features:

Cost estimation and budgeting tools

Real-time updates for project costs and schedules

Change order management and client approvals

Document sharing and communication between stakeholders

Buildertrend allows contractors to create detailed cost estimates and adjust budgets as the project progresses. Homeowners can track expenses, monitor change orders, and ensure that their project stays within financial limits. This software’s flexibility makes it suitable for both small residential builds and larger home improvement projects.

2. ProEst

ProEst is a comprehensive estimating software that provides detailed cost breakdowns and real-time data, enabling contractors and estimators to make precise calculations for residential projects. This tool is popular among residential estimators due to its user-friendly interface and customizable features.

Key Features:

Pre-built cost databases and templates

Integration with other software like QuickBooks and Procore

Customizable project reports

Cloud-based platform for easy access from anywhere

ProEst is particularly beneficial for contractors who handle a variety of residential projects, as it allows them to create accurate, data-driven estimates based on real-time material and labor costs. The software also supports collaborative features, enabling multiple users to work on the same project estimate simultaneously.

3. Clear Estimates

Clear Estimates is a cloud-based software designed specifically for residential estimators. This tool simplifies the process of creating accurate, detailed cost estimates for construction projects by providing access to a large database of material costs and labor rates.

Key Features:

Easy-to-use interface with customizable templates

Material and labor cost databases tailored for residential construction

Automatic pricing updates based on current market data

Integrated reporting and proposal generation tools

Clear Estimates is ideal for contractors who need to produce quick yet accurate estimates for smaller residential projects. Its pre-built templates save time and ensure that estimators do not overlook any key components when calculating costs.

4. RSMeans Data Online

RSMeans is a widely recognized cost estimating software used by contractors and construction professionals to access comprehensive cost data. While it’s commonly used for larger commercial projects, it also provides detailed cost estimates for residential construction projects.

Key Features:

Extensive cost data for materials, labor, and equipment

Market-specific pricing for various regions

Built-in calculators for more accurate estimates

Integration with other software tools for seamless workflow

RSMeans Data Online is ideal for contractors working on larger or more complex residential projects that require detailed cost analysis. It’s particularly valuable for ensuring that all components of a project are priced accurately, including materials, labor, and overhead costs.

5. CostCertified

CostCertified is a relatively new but highly efficient estimating tool designed specifically for residential contractors. It focuses on providing real-time cost estimates, enabling homeowners to make quick decisions based on accurate pricing. This software is particularly popular for home renovations and custom home builds.

Key Features:

Real-time cost updates with vendor pricing

Seamless collaboration with clients through the app

Transparent cost breakdowns, including materials and labor

Detailed reports and change order tracking

CostCertified’s ability to provide real-time cost updates is particularly useful for residential projects where material prices fluctuate frequently. The software also allows homeowners to interact with contractors directly, making it easier to track changes, approve costs, and stay on top of the budget.

6. PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a takeoff and estimating software designed to improve accuracy and speed during the estimating process. Contractors and estimators use PlanSwift to calculate material quantities, measure blueprints, and generate cost estimates for residential construction projects.

Key Features:

Digital takeoff tools for measuring and quantifying materials

Integration with popular accounting and project management software

Ability to calculate material costs and labor expenses

Fast and accurate estimations with minimal manual input

PlanSwift is particularly useful for contractors who need to calculate material quantities quickly and accurately. Its digital takeoff feature saves time by automating the measurement process, reducing errors that can lead to cost discrepancies.

7. Buildertrend vs. ProEst: Which Is Better for Residential Projects?

Both Buildertrend and ProEst are excellent tools for residential estimators, but each excels in different areas. Buildertrend offers robust project management capabilities, making it ideal for contractors who need to handle communication, scheduling, and budgeting all in one place. On the other hand, ProEst is a more dedicated estimating tool with a focus on accuracy and real-time data integration.

For residential projects that involve a lot of communication and collaboration with homeowners, Buildertrend might be the better option. However, if the primary goal is to create highly accurate estimates based on current market data, ProEst might be the better choice.

8. Bluebeam Revu

Bluebeam Revu is a powerful software used by construction professionals for digital design and project collaboration. Although it’s often associated with commercial projects, Bluebeam can also be highly effective for residential estimating by enabling detailed takeoffs and cost estimations based on digital plans.

Key Features:

PDF-based design and takeoff tools

Real-time collaboration features for teams

Integration with estimating software and project management tools

Detailed markup and reporting capabilities

Bluebeam Revu is especially useful for residential estimators who need to work with detailed plans and collaborate with architects, contractors, and homeowners on project costs. The ability to measure directly from digital blueprints reduces errors and increases efficiency.

Conclusion

The use of estimating software in residential construction projects has become indispensable for contractors, homeowners, and developers. These tools enhance accuracy, speed up the estimation process, and improve collaboration between all parties. From basic tools like Clear Estimates to more advanced options like ProEst and RSMeans, residential estimators now have a variety of software tools to help them create precise, data-driven cost estimates. By leveraging these tools, residential projects can stay within budget, meet timelines, and avoid costly mistakes, ensuring a smoother and more successful construction process.

[crispyladyland]

Medford Gutter Cleaning: Essential Protection Against Southern Oregon’s Seasonal Hazards

Medford Gutter Cleaning is a vital maintenance task for homeowners in Southern Oregon, where seasonal weather patterns and natural debris demand proactive care. Situated in the Rogue Valley, Medford faces heavy rainfall, winter storms, and an abundance of pine needles and deciduous foliage. These factors make Medford Gutter Cleaning essential to prevent water damage, protect structural integrity, and maintain a safe property. Clogged gutters can lead to overflowing water, foundation erosion, roof leaks, and pest infestations, underscoring the need for regular upkeep tailored to the region’s unique challenges.

The area’s climate poses specific risks for gutter systems. Autumn leaves, pine needles, and wind-blown debris quickly accumulate, obstructing water flow. Without routine Medford Gutter Cleaning, stagnant water can freeze during winter, forming ice dams that strain gutters and roofs. Professional services in Medford use specialized tools like high-pressure vacuums, gutter scoops, and inspection cameras to clear blockages efficiently. Many also install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup, offering long-term solutions for homes surrounded by Medford’s dense tree canopy.

Neglecting gutter maintenance carries hidden dangers. Overflowing water seeps into walls, promoting mold growth and compromising insulation. Over time, improper drainage can weaken foundations, leading to costly repairs. Local experts emphasize biannual Medford Gutter Cleaning—ideally in spring and fall—to align with peak debris seasons. Post-storm inspections are equally critical, as sudden weather events can dislodge branches or deposit unexpected materials. Early detection of issues like rust, loose fasteners, or misaligned gutters helps prevent minor problems from escalating.

Choosing a reliable Medford Gutter Cleaning service requires evaluating experience, safety protocols, and eco-friendly practices. Reputable companies are licensed, insured, and trained to navigate steep roofs and unstable ladders safely. Many offer free estimates, transparent pricing, and debris recycling, aligning with Southern Oregon’s sustainability values. Seasonal maintenance contracts simplify scheduling, ensuring gutters remain functional year-round without homeowners needing to coordinate individual appointments.

While DIY gutter cleaning may seem cost-effective, it poses significant risks. Climbing ladders without proper safety gear or expertise increases the likelihood of accidents. Untrained individuals might also overlook subtle issues like pest nests, hidden decay, or improper gutter slope. Professionals specializing in Medford Gutter Cleaning spot these problems during inspections, performing minor repairs and ensuring optimal water flow. Their work not only safeguards properties but also extends gutter lifespan, saving homeowners money over time.

In conclusion, Medford Gutter Cleaning is a non-negotiable investment for preserving home value and safety in Southern Oregon’s dynamic climate. Partnering with local experts ensures efficient debris removal, system upgrades, and preventative care tailored to Medford’s environmental demands. Regular maintenance mitigates risks of water damage, pest activity, and structural decay, offering homeowners peace of mind. By prioritizing Medford Gutter Cleaning, residents protect their properties from the region’s relentless weather while contributing to the longevity of their most valuable asset. 🏡🌲

[pejasurveying1]

Hire Expert Freelance Quantity Surveyor Services in London – Flexible, Cost-Effective Support

PEJA Surveying offers top-notch Freelance Quantity Surveyor services in London and beyond. Specialising in cost management, budget control, and contract oversight, we provide flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to your project needs. Trusted by construction firms for 15+ years.

[chridys-space]

I'm against it because it's too late, we need to focus on green energy. Nuclear (and maybe gas) should have been transitional energy sources from fossil fuels to green, and there's arguments for nuclear remaining to act as a baseline (e.g. in the UK and Europe where the energy grid is consistent enough to set clocks by, to oversimplify things).

However, the transition should have started in the 70s or 80s and now spending the vast quantities of time and money to build them is taking resources and political capital away from green energy. Not too go on too much of a rant on what is essentially a shitpost.

Whenever I talk to nuclear energy fans, pollution is one of their key selling points - i.e. that nuclear waste is minimal compared to fossil fuels and pollution from energy output is extremely low to non-existent. But they get very quiet when asked about the amount of concrete and steel used to construct nuclear plants - both produce a lot of pollution in their production. They also often counter arguments about effects of mining the fuel with the equally devastating mining of rare metals for green energy, but surely we should be reducing both or at least minimising our impact as much as we can? Just some trends I've noticed in previous talks about this

[furnacerepair7]

How to Get an Accurate Furnace Repair Estimate

Understanding Heating System Repair: Key Considerations for Homeowners Heating system repair is an essential aspect of maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or another type of heating system, regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to ensure optimal performance. Understanding the common issues that can arise and the steps involved…

[techdriveplay]

What Are the Top Travel Apps for 2024?

In today’s fast-paced world, having the right travel apps can make or break your journey. With countless options available, it’s essential to know which ones truly stand out. Here, we explore what are the top travel apps for 2024, ensuring your next adventure is smooth and enjoyable. Did you know that 75% of travellers rely on mobile apps for booking and planning their trips? Additionally, 60%…

[pencilium]

Maybe once their horridly long commercial leases are up and they've finally repaid the cost of the ridiculous office buildings they built, they'll finally give up the expense of maintaining a full office building in favour of renting out server space and a secure room for some filing cabinets.

[emergencyplumbingil]

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We believe in transparent pricing and provide detailed estimates before commencing any work, ensuring there are no surprises when it comes to the cost of your repairs or installations.

Local, Reliable, and Ready to Help As your local Highland Park plumber, we pride ourselves on our community ties and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your plumbing concerns.

Contact Emergency Plumbing of Highland Park, Illinois, for fast, reliable, and affordable plumbing services. Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.

We service North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago and beyond.

Phone 224-754-1984

[reasonsforhope]

"South African entrepreneur Phumla Makhoba is on a mission to solve the “global south housing crisis.” And she’s doing it by using clothing waste.

Her invention, Texiboard, is a material that combines fibers found in textile waste with lime cement to create a durable, affordable, and circular building material.

The result is a textured, white square, almost tile-like, that is created with recycled materials — not emission-generating wood or concrete.

“It can be used to make furniture, flooring, walls, or even your entire home,” Makhoba said in a video for social media account We Got Earth.

The first iterations of the Texiboard included colorful cotton threads that were compressed together, with multiple attempts to remove cracks and seams and perfect the ratios of size, shape, and material mass.

With her design firm, Studio People, Makhoba has been working since 2022 to perfect the TexiBoard. 

Makhoba has since created a solid panel, with shredded textile fiber and natural lime cement fully cured. Finally, it can be formed into a full sheet of building material.

Once realized, the Texiboard will confront the estimated 92 million tons of clothing waste generated around the globe each year. But it will also provide safe and stable housing that Makhoba says only 20% of South Africans can afford.

“Growing up, I saw two worlds: one with polished buildings, and one built from scrap,” she said in a video. “I always wondered, why do some people get homes that last and others get homes that leak?”

Now, the Texiboard design is available as an open-source resource, and Makhoba and her team host in-person workshops for locals living in shacks to learn how to build their own supportive and sustainable housing.

“Just having a roof isn’t enough,” Makhoba said. “A real home should protect you from the weather, work for your daily life, and not fall apart in five years.”

Her approach includes a full theory of change. Right now, Studio People is in the input process, building partnerships and funding to scale their operation. From there, they hope to develop a fully sustainable supply chain to manufacture and sell Texiboards and help build affordable housing for people in need.

Once that dream is realized, Makhoba outlines the tangible output of this work: Economically inclusive waste management, circular building materials, green jobs, and a sustainable housing and manufacturing market.

“Informal settlements can be transformed when we all work together,” she shares on the Studio People website. “Texiboard is the seed of innovation that will create updated trade jobs in the innovative building industry.”

Although the Texiboard is still being completely perfected, the goal is to provide a weather-proof, cost-effective, and circular way to house people by democratizing the act of building.

“Our goal is to create an egalitarian and sustainable urban environment, helping shack dwellers and youth out of poverty,” Studio People shared on LinkedIn.

“We empower the underdog, including people and businesses, to co-create solutions in our fight against the housing crisis, unsustainable building materials, and unemployment — one board at a time.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, May 28, 2025

[ahmed1132]

✅️Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #594)✅️

Help my family in Gaza and give them hope to live in peace 💔🚨

Hi, I am Ahmed from Palestine, from the northern part of Gaza City. I am 33 years old, married, and a father of two children. I live in the Jabalia refugee camp with my family, which consists of 19 members, in a four-story house.

Since the beginning of the war on Gaza on October 7th, life in northern Gaza has been extremely difficult, lacking basic necessities due to the siege imposed by the Israeli army on the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The occupation has blocked food, medicine, water, electricity, and even communication networks. Thousands of airstrikes have been carried out, and hundreds of massacres have been committed, mostly affecting innocent civilians, the majority of whom are children and women. The infrastructure, thousands of homes, and civilian facilities have been destroyed.

On May 12th, 2024, the Israeli army besieged the Jabalia camp for the second time and ordered us to evacuate, informing us that it was a military operation zone and a dangerous combat area. We were forced to leave our homes in the camp and flee under heavy bombardment and intense gunfire, navigating through the rubble and bodies lying in the streets and on the roads. We became homeless, with no food or water. During this difficult siege, I lost two of my brothers, Abdullah, 30 years old, and Atallah, 26 years old, due to random shelling and airstrikes on the camp.

Why am I collecting donations?

After more than 15 months of war, on January 19th, 2025, the ceasefire came into effect, and we returned to the camp to check on our home. However, we were shocked by the extent of the destruction and devastation in the camp. The homes had turned into piles of rubble, and we could no longer recognize the places or roads due to the scale of the damage. Our house was completely destroyed, leaving us homeless. Now, my family and I live in a small tent that is insufficient for the number of family members. It offers no privacy, no bathroom, no kitchen, and it does not protect us from the summer heat or the winter cold. We are living in an overcrowded environment with displaced people, chaos, piles of garbage, and the spread of diseases, especially among the displaced children.

This war has forced us to live in extremely harsh conditions and an environment that is unfit for human life. We continue to suffer every day from the ongoing war, repeated displacement, lack of resources and essentials, fear, pain, and oppression. Not to mention the hardship of fetching water, standing in long queues for basic needs, and struggling to find food—another challenge added to our suffering in this devastating war that is destroying people, buildings, trees, and animals. All of this has exhausted our bodies and deeply affected our mental well-being.

Therefore, I am reaching out to you through this humanitarian platform to help me support my family, rebuild our destroyed home, and contribute to providing the basic necessities of life so that I can live with my family with dignity and freedom.

• How will these donations be used?

1) An apartment will be rented to temporarily house my family until the reconstruction of the destroyed house is completed, as an alternative to a tent, at a cost of $600 per month for at least two years. (An estimated total cost of $14,000 over the two years.)

2) Purchase the basic tools and equipment necessary to furnish the rented apartment at an estimated cost of $5,000.

3) Purchase clothing and basic necessities for all family members at an estimated cost of $6,000.

4) Remove the rubble of the destroyed house and rebuild it at an estimated cost of $140,000.

5) Purchase the tools and equipment necessary to furnish all apartments in the new house at an estimated cost of $35,000.

• How does your donation and support make a difference?

Your support and donation is a noble humanitarian cause that supports and strengthens our resilience during the war. This contribution, even if it is small, will make a huge difference in my life and the life of my family.

Please help us to live in safety and peace, to start over to achieve our ambitions and dreams, and to create a safe environment for our children that will provide them with a bright future.

@gazavetters @brokenbackmountain@gazavetters @just-browsing1222 @mothblossoms @aleciosun @serica-e @fluoresensitive @katherineonline @khizuo @lesbiandardevil @transmutationisms @schoolhater @timogsilangan @appsa @buttercuparry @sayruq @malcriada @palestinegenocide @sar-soor @akajustmerry @annoyingloudmicrowavecultist @feluka @tortiefrancis @flower-tea-fairies @tsaricides @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @visenyasdragon @belleandsaintsebastian @ear-motif @kordeliiius @brutaliakhoa @raelyn-dreams @troythecatfish @theropoda @tamarrud @4ft10tvlandfangirl @queerstudiesnatural @northgazaupdates2 @skatezophrenic @awetistic-things @baby-girl-aaron-dessner @nabulsi @yetisidelblog

[asestimationsconsultants]

Hiring a Freelance Construction Estimator in Australia | What You Need to Know

Construction projects in Australia often require precise cost estimating to ensure budgets are realistic and financial risks are managed. While many companies rely on in-house estimators or large firms, hiring a freelance construction estimator can be a flexible and cost-effective alternative. However, selecting the right freelancer requires careful consideration. This article outlines what you need to know before engaging a freelance construction estimator in Australia.

Advantages of Hiring a Freelance Estimator

Freelancers typically offer greater flexibility in scope and timing. They can be engaged on a project-by-project basis, which can reduce overhead costs compared to full-time staff or agency services. Many freelancers bring specialized skills and local market knowledge, allowing them to provide tailored estimates suited to your project’s specific needs.

Assessing Experience and Credentials

When hiring a freelance estimator, it is important to verify their qualifications and industry experience. Look for professional certifications, membership in industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), and a track record of estimating projects similar to yours. Experience in your project’s sector—residential, commercial, or industrial—adds confidence in their ability to deliver accurate estimates.

Understanding the Scope of Work

Clear communication about the scope of work is essential. Define whether you need a preliminary budget estimate, detailed tender documentation, quantity takeoffs, or ongoing cost management. Establishing these expectations upfront helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the freelancer delivers precisely what your project requires.

Evaluating Pricing Models

Freelance estimators may charge hourly rates, fixed project fees, or a percentage of the estimated construction cost. Hourly rates in Australia typically range from AUD $80 to $150, but this can vary based on experience and project complexity. Discuss payment terms, deliverables, and any potential additional costs before signing a contract.

Ensuring Quality and Reliability

Request references or samples of previous work to assess the freelancer’s quality and professionalism. Reliable estimators should provide transparent estimates with clear assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions. They should also be responsive and open to revisions as project details evolve.

Managing Collaboration and Communication

Since freelancers work remotely or on multiple projects, maintaining effective communication is vital. Establish regular check-ins and preferred communication channels early on. Collaborative tools and cloud-based estimating software can facilitate document sharing and updates.

Legal and Contractual Considerations

Ensure a formal agreement outlines the scope, fees, deadlines, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights. Clarify liability for errors and how disputes will be resolved. Engaging a freelance estimator with appropriate professional indemnity insurance is recommended for added protection.

FAQs

Can a freelance estimator handle large complex projects? Yes, many experienced freelancers specialize in large projects, but verify their relevant experience.

How do freelance estimators charge in Australia? Commonly by hourly rate or fixed fee, depending on project scope and complexity.

What qualifications should a freelance estimator have? Relevant construction or quantity surveying certifications and industry association memberships are important.

Is it risky to hire a freelancer instead of a company? Risks exist but can be minimized by thorough vetting, clear contracts, and communication.

How do I ensure estimate accuracy with a freelancer? Request samples, check references, and agree on revisions and updates during the project.

Conclusion

Hiring a freelance construction estimator in Australia can provide flexibility, expertise, and cost savings when managed carefully. By verifying credentials, defining scope, understanding pricing, and establishing strong communication, you can ensure your freelance estimator contributes effectively to your project’s financial success. With proper oversight, freelancers can be valuable partners in navigating the complexities of construction cost estimating.

[wachinyeya]

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction.

The study draws on data from the IUCN Red List, the world's largest database of species conservation status. The researchers say their results, reported in the journal PLOS Biology, highlight both the successes and the need for urgent action.

The world is facing a global biodiversity crisis, with 28% of more than 160,000 assessed species threatened with extinction, and an estimated one million species facing this fate due to human activities. However, conservation measures can be successful if there is concrete evidence about what works.

The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge with the IUCN, BirdLife International, and Oxford and Durham Universities, used Red List data to assess whether conservation measures had been put in place, and whether those actions had a positive impact on a given species' conservation status.

"We found that almost all the species that have moved from a more threatened category to a less threatened category have benefited from some sort of conservation measures," said lead author Ashley Simkins, a Ph.D. candidate in Cambridge's Department of Zoology. "It's a strong signal that conservation works."

While there is no 'one size fits all' solution, the researchers observed some connections between conservation success stories. Many of these species live in isolated areas, such as islands, where intensive conservation efforts—such as habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroductions—can be fully implemented.

"While biodiversity loss is a genuine crisis, it's vital that we celebrate the success stories wherever and whenever we can," said Simkins. "It's so hard for a species to improve its conservation status, but with the right effort, we can turn things around."

The Iberian lynx, once the world's most endangered cat, has rebounded from just a few hundred individuals to a few thousand. Likewise, the kākāpō, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, has benefited from dedicated recovery programs. And the European bison, which was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now roams parts of Eastern Europe thanks to sustained conservation efforts over decades.

Marine species have also seen dramatic recoveries. Humpback and blue whales, once driven to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, have made a comeback after an international moratorium on whaling. However, despite these success stories, the study found that six times more species are declining than improving.

The researchers say that, like human health care, preventative measures in conservation are preferable and more cost-effective to emergency interventions.

"Humans have gotten pretty good at what could be considered 'A&E' conservation—focusing on species at very high risk of extinction," said Simkins. "What we're less good at is preventing species from becoming threatened in the first place. We need to move beyond treating the symptoms of biodiversity loss and start addressing the root causes."

The researchers also emphasize the need for collaborative, locally driven conservation. In Papua New Guinea, for example, conservationists worked with local communities to replace tree kangaroo hunting with sustainable forms of animal protein, including farming of chickens and fishing—an approach that benefitted both people and wildlife.

"It's vital that we as conservationists are working with stakeholders, rather than dictating to them, whether that's an Indigenous community in Papua New Guinea or a farmer in Somerset," said Simkins.

"Conservation doesn't have to be a zero-sum game—there are compromises that can benefit both the natural world and human society."

"In this climate of constant stories about wildlife declines and insufficient political action to protect nature, it's important to realize that there are also many success stories and that conservation efforts are making a real, demonstrable impact on the world," said co-senior author Dr. Silviu Petrovan, also from the Department of Zoology. "Conservation works if given the chance."

"This research sheds light on which actions to save species have been effective, and what interventions are needed," said co-author Dr. Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at BirdLife International. "Governments need to turn their words into actions, and rapidly scale up efforts to save species from extinction and help populations to recover. Safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations depends upon this."

"The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species informs and guides on-the-ground conservation decisions; actions which are further guided by the research presented in this publication," said co-author Craig Hilton-Taylor, Head of the IUCN Red List.

"Almost everyone will have their own favorite example of a conservation success story, whether it's the bald eagle in North America, or the red kite in the UK," said Simkins. We need joint action to ensure these positive stories aren't the exception—they're the norm."

[argumate]

some estimates are that it would cost $20 billion to end homelessness in the United States which naturally raises questions of why a billionaire hasn't just done it, like maybe it's harder than that in practice, maybe they're just greedy and don't want to, etc. etc.

however MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to various charities so far (legit charities I believe, not the "name a museum wing after me" kind of charities) across the fields of "Education, Equity & Justice, Economic Security & Opportunity, and Health" so maybe take it up with her?

because it seems like there are two possible stories here:

by making massive donations you can have a transformative effect on society and nobody notices

or:

you can make massive donations with no observable effect

[psychotrenny]

The Millennium Challenge 2002 was a very revealing insight into the weakness of the US military apparatus and the fact that its results are public knowledge is very encouraging to enemies of USAmerican Imperialism. Also referred to as MC02, it was basically a massive US military exercise that simulated US intervention in a fictional nation in the Persian Gulf. The anti-US forces were most prominently led by a retired Marine Corp Lieutenant General named Paul Van Riper, who effectively used asymmetric warfare to repeatedly defeat the materially superior US until an absurd and crippling amount of restrictions were placed on him. Some of these might be justified by Van Riper exploiting the limits of the simulation in unrealistic ways (i.e. banning him from using teleporting suicide boats on US carriers), but others (i.e. forcing him to put Anti-Air assets in exposed positions) were just plain silly. It got to the point that Van Riper resigned mid game, saying that the end state was scripted. In the end US forces "won" the exercise, but not in a meaningful way

Now the conflict simulated by MC02 has recently been compared to a contemporary war between the US and Iran but that comparison isn't quite accurate; "Red" nation was as much Iraq as it was Iran, the main antagonist of the wargame was a parastate actor named "CJTF-South" rather than a regular state military and all this happened two decades ago during a significantly different global military situation. But all this means that the conflict in MC02 was actually more favourable to the US than a current war with Iran. The regular state military of Iran is a greater foe than some part-Iraqi renegade while the gap between US and Iranian military power has narrowed significantly; Iran has greatly strengthened itself in the last 2 decades (even according to the nation's enemies) while recent US performance indicates that if anything their military has weakened.

And while MC02 was a political exercise more than a military one, the military aspects still reflected the US Department of Defence's own honest estimates. Given the timing and subject matter, MC02 was clearly a preparation for the Bush regime's planned interventions in West Asia. But as demonstrated by the high command's desire for a simulated win at the cost of the actual simulation, the main purpose wasn't to actually evaluate the preparedness of the US military for such a conflict and enact any necessary change. Significant reforms would be time consuming and could disrupt some very comfortable business arrangements. It was an exercise in affirmation, showing that the US military could win in "The Middle East" and it could win right now.

However, most of the actual participants tried to treat it as a legitimate training exercise. The actual strength of the US military, as well as their most accurate estimates for the strength of their foes in the region, must have been used and whatever simulational models were employed must have seemed accurate enough to experienced US military officers. The fact that the wargame even produced unwanted results in the first place indicates that it at least started as an honest estimation of US military capabilities in comparison to their West Asian foes. And in that most honest form, the estimation was not an encouraging one for the US.

It's also incredibly damning that the results of this simulation were casually disregarded. Because it wasn't some casual exercise; it took two years of planning, involved over 13,000 soldiers and by the end cost $250 million USD (worth about $447 million today). All in an effort to reinforce the validity of current US doctrine and its ability to beat the nation's prospective military targets that didn't even succeed because they blatantly cheated to reach the desired result. An expensive fiasco where anything worth learning was tossed away out of arrogance and dogmatism and entrenched private interests. And the following decades do not indicate that the US military has changed since then. Indeed, the contemporary resonance of this military exercise from over 2 decades ago demonstrates just how pathetically stagnant the US war machine is.

The Millennium Challenge 2002 tried to prove that the US Empire was a Tiger, but instead revealed it to be made of paper

[probablyasocialecologist]

One assessment suggests that ChatGPT, the chatbot created by OpenAI in San Francisco, California, is already consuming the energy of 33,000 homes. It’s estimated that a search driven by generative AI uses four to five times the energy of a conventional web search. Within years, large AI systems are likely to need as much energy as entire nations. And it’s not just energy. Generative AI systems need enormous amounts of fresh water to cool their processors and generate electricity. In West Des Moines, Iowa, a giant data-centre cluster serves OpenAI’s most advanced model, GPT-4. A lawsuit by local residents revealed that in July 2022, the month before OpenAI finished training the model, the cluster used about 6% of the district’s water. As Google and Microsoft prepared their Bard and Bing large language models, both had major spikes in water use — increases of 20% and 34%, respectively, in one year, according to the companies’ environmental reports. One preprint suggests that, globally, the demand for water for AI could be half that of the United Kingdom by 2027. In another, Facebook AI researchers called the environmental effects of the industry’s pursuit of scale the “elephant in the room”. Rather than pipe-dream technologies, we need pragmatic actions to limit AI’s ecological impacts now.

[felassan]

Jason Schreier: "Dragon Age: The Veilguard was undeniably divisive, but to many who worked on it, it was a miraculous accomplishment to even ship a complete game after EA forced live-service into it, then reversed course. Now, their reward for the long hours and hard work is layoffs and transfers." Calvin Wong Tze Loon: "anthem was the same, no? they forced bioware, single player story focused bioware, to chase the online multiplayer looter shooter trend because executives have no fucking clue about any fucking anything the idiotic mother fuckers" Jason Schreier: "Believe it or not Anthem was 100% BioWare" [source]

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Jason Schreier on the DA layoffs: "people who have the least effect on sales (writers, producers, etc) were laid off while those who have the most (studio head, EA execs) were not" [source] -- On current BioWare staff numbers: ">200 two years ago, <100 now" [source] -- On Mass Effect 5 being in pre-production: "that team all moved to Dragon Age to help it ship. Nobody was working on ME for a while" [source]

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User: "When I tell you I would throw money at you for a tell-all book covering the development hell of Veilguard, I am so serious!" Jason Schreier: "Not sure about a book, but perhaps a deep-dive article like I did for BioWare's last two games" [source]

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Jason Schreier: "FWIW this Polygon article is citing a piece I wrote, and I got that figure from producers in cities like SF and LA who are using that estimate to reflect salary, benefits, and other overhead costs. The number's likely lower in Edmonton, but probably not by that much!" [source]