Alastair McKinstry
@amckinstry.bsky.social
Climate Scientist and #GreenParty rep for Conamara South.
#IFUT.ie branch chair in University of Galway.
#Galway #ConnemaraGreenway. Sé/é/He/him.
Also at @amckinstry@mastodon.ie and
matrix: @alastair:mckinstry.ie
#IFUT.ie branch chair in University of Galway.
#Galway #ConnemaraGreenway. Sé/é/He/him.
Also at @amckinstry@mastodon.ie and
matrix: @alastair:mckinstry.ie
Pinned
I'm also available at the Fediverse via @amckinstry.mastodon.ie.ap.brid.gy
This is a bridge between Mastodon and Bluesky. Hopefully I'll be able to follow Bluesky members via it.
This is a bridge between Mastodon and Bluesky. Hopefully I'll be able to follow Bluesky members via it.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
When I worked for NOAA, we conducted research cruises in the Indian Ocean, and one of them ended in Diego Garcia, where we have a military base. Trump just imposed a tariff on Diego Garcia, but they don’t export shit since no one lives there because the UK expelled the Chagossians to build the base.
The stupidity in Trump’s new tariffs is apparently limitless.
He has introduced a 10% tariff on the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The only inhabited island there is Diego Garcia, home to US service personnel.
TRUMP HAS PUT A TARIFF ON A US MILITARY BASE
🤡
He has introduced a 10% tariff on the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The only inhabited island there is Diego Garcia, home to US service personnel.
TRUMP HAS PUT A TARIFF ON A US MILITARY BASE
🤡
April 3, 2025 at 6:49 AM
When I worked for NOAA, we conducted research cruises in the Indian Ocean, and one of them ended in Diego Garcia, where we have a military base. Trump just imposed a tariff on Diego Garcia, but they don’t export shit since no one lives there because the UK expelled the Chagossians to build the base.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Danish Radio reports that the Danish and allied forces deployed to Greenland were sent to deter the US, they were armed with live ammunition in case there was an actual attack, and their deployment was sped up due to unspecified developments. www.dr.dk/nyheder/indl...
Danmark var klar til kamp: Her er ordren til de danske soldater i Grønland
Ordren blev udstedt så sent som i sidste uge. Hvis Grønland mod forventning blev angrebet, stod danske soldater klar med skarp ammunition.
www.dr.dk
January 23, 2026 at 7:47 AM
Danish Radio reports that the Danish and allied forces deployed to Greenland were sent to deter the US, they were armed with live ammunition in case there was an actual attack, and their deployment was sped up due to unspecified developments. www.dr.dk/nyheder/indl...
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Going from eliminating measles 25 years ago to 2240 cases in 2025 is a national disgrace. Measles is the most contagious preventable disease. I had measles at age 7 before the vaccine. I was sick for 10 days lying in a dark room, with a fever of 105 and hallucinations. I could have died.
January 22, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Going from eliminating measles 25 years ago to 2240 cases in 2025 is a national disgrace. Measles is the most contagious preventable disease. I had measles at age 7 before the vaccine. I was sick for 10 days lying in a dark room, with a fever of 105 and hallucinations. I could have died.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
🌡 The December 2025 #C3S Climate Bulletin reports the 5th-warmest December globally, with an average surface air temperature of 13.15°C, 0.49°C above the 1991-2020 average for Dec. & 1.42°C above the estimated pre-industrial level.
⬇️
⬇️
January 22, 2026 at 8:29 AM
🌡 The December 2025 #C3S Climate Bulletin reports the 5th-warmest December globally, with an average surface air temperature of 13.15°C, 0.49°C above the 1991-2020 average for Dec. & 1.42°C above the estimated pre-industrial level.
⬇️
⬇️
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
“We’ve invented a magic computer. It uses all of the earth’s resources, we’ve spent trillions on it and it’s the sole growth area of the US economy.”
“What does it do?”
“We were hoping you could tell us.”
“What does it do?”
“We were hoping you could tell us.”
Delicious to me
January 22, 2026 at 7:36 AM
“We’ve invented a magic computer. It uses all of the earth’s resources, we’ve spent trillions on it and it’s the sole growth area of the US economy.”
“What does it do?”
“We were hoping you could tell us.”
“What does it do?”
“We were hoping you could tell us.”
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Interesting….
🔎 High-resolution multi-sensor technology reveals low collision risk to seabirds in offshore wind farms
These results highlight the need to revise collision risk assessments by applying high meso-avoidance rates and very high micro-avoidance rates for seabirds🕊️ 🌍
Read more:https://buff.ly/VmQ7gGC
These results highlight the need to revise collision risk assessments by applying high meso-avoidance rates and very high micro-avoidance rates for seabirds🕊️ 🌍
Read more:https://buff.ly/VmQ7gGC
January 22, 2026 at 8:34 AM
Interesting….
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Newton Emerson: Sinn Féin’s refusal to levy a charge on water is pathetic
Newton Emerson: Sinn Féin’s refusal to levy a charge on water is pathetic
If well-off homeowners paid a wealth tax equivalent to a cup of coffee a month, there would be more houses, jobs and a cleaner environment
www.irishtimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:49 AM
Newton Emerson: Sinn Féin’s refusal to levy a charge on water is pathetic
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Been thinking about commodity fetishism and AI, specifically the tendency to rather shrug off all those extra billions the ultra-wealthy have taken in during the 2020s as just sort of nothing to do with the rest of us, not actually something that makes us *poorer*
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
AI boom could falter without wider adoption, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella warns
Big tech boss tells delegates at Davos that broader global use is essential if technology is to deliver lasting growth
www.irishtimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Been thinking about commodity fetishism and AI, specifically the tendency to rather shrug off all those extra billions the ultra-wealthy have taken in during the 2020s as just sort of nothing to do with the rest of us, not actually something that makes us *poorer*
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Francesca Albanese explains that Israel demolishing UNRWA buildings in occupied East Jerusalem is just the latest in a series of attacks going back decades, and is part of wider efforts by Israel to erase the Palestinian presence from what remains of historical Palestine.
January 22, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Francesca Albanese explains that Israel demolishing UNRWA buildings in occupied East Jerusalem is just the latest in a series of attacks going back decades, and is part of wider efforts by Israel to erase the Palestinian presence from what remains of historical Palestine.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Look at this 👇. For the first time, the majority of new cars sold in Ireland last year were hybrid or fully electric. 6-in-10 of all new cars are newly powered, with diesel- or petrol-only cars in continuing decline. Our transition to cleaner driving is well underway. 🇮🇪👏
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
January 22, 2026 at 7:47 AM
Look at this 👇. For the first time, the majority of new cars sold in Ireland last year were hybrid or fully electric. 6-in-10 of all new cars are newly powered, with diesel- or petrol-only cars in continuing decline. Our transition to cleaner driving is well underway. 🇮🇪👏
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
I doubt if anyone respects me, but:
1. I've worked in AI on and off since 1985
2. I have a PhD
3. I used to manage an academic department of ~40 AI researchers
4. I've published ~100 articles on it
This AI tech is a con. It's a play for corporations to steal industries, wealth, & governance.
1. I've worked in AI on and off since 1985
2. I have a PhD
3. I used to manage an academic department of ~40 AI researchers
4. I've published ~100 articles on it
This AI tech is a con. It's a play for corporations to steal industries, wealth, & governance.
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
January 21, 2026 at 10:08 PM
I doubt if anyone respects me, but:
1. I've worked in AI on and off since 1985
2. I have a PhD
3. I used to manage an academic department of ~40 AI researchers
4. I've published ~100 articles on it
This AI tech is a con. It's a play for corporations to steal industries, wealth, & governance.
1. I've worked in AI on and off since 1985
2. I have a PhD
3. I used to manage an academic department of ~40 AI researchers
4. I've published ~100 articles on it
This AI tech is a con. It's a play for corporations to steal industries, wealth, & governance.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
"Damning Report Finds That Anti-Immigration Right-Wing Views Correlate Closely With Low Educational Attainment"
dorseteye.com/damning-repo...
dorseteye.com/damning-repo...
Damning Report Finds That Anti-Immigration Right-Wing Views Correlate Closely With Low Educational Attainment - Dorset Eye
A person with no educational qualifications had around 2 times the odds of voting for either the Conservatives or Reform UK than someone with a university degree or higher. A major new study has deli...
dorseteye.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:29 AM
"Damning Report Finds That Anti-Immigration Right-Wing Views Correlate Closely With Low Educational Attainment"
dorseteye.com/damning-repo...
dorseteye.com/damning-repo...
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Demand Europe end its complicity with Israel
If this gets a million signatures across 7 counties, the Commission will have to say which actions, it will take
This could help concientious parties push for change
eci.ec.europa.eu/055/public/#...
If this gets a million signatures across 7 counties, the Commission will have to say which actions, it will take
This could help concientious parties push for change
eci.ec.europa.eu/055/public/#...
European Citizens' Initiative
Give your support !
eci.ec.europa.eu
January 21, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Demand Europe end its complicity with Israel
If this gets a million signatures across 7 counties, the Commission will have to say which actions, it will take
This could help concientious parties push for change
eci.ec.europa.eu/055/public/#...
If this gets a million signatures across 7 counties, the Commission will have to say which actions, it will take
This could help concientious parties push for change
eci.ec.europa.eu/055/public/#...
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
The is not a new deal - this is Trump surrendering. For now. They have always said that the US & NATO is free to do what it wants in Greenland from a military perspective. Trump said that wasn’t good enough because he needs the US to “own” it. So this is simply Trump backing down
January 21, 2026 at 7:54 PM
The is not a new deal - this is Trump surrendering. For now. They have always said that the US & NATO is free to do what it wants in Greenland from a military perspective. Trump said that wasn’t good enough because he needs the US to “own” it. So this is simply Trump backing down
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
🇪🇺🇺🇸 Several European countries are reconsidering their involvement in a U.S.-led coordination centre for Gaza, saying it has failed to boost humanitarian aid or shape post-war policy, - Reuters
January 20, 2026 at 5:46 PM
🇪🇺🇺🇸 Several European countries are reconsidering their involvement in a U.S.-led coordination centre for Gaza, saying it has failed to boost humanitarian aid or shape post-war policy, - Reuters
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Some perspective: The S&P opened down -1.3% on Trump's Greenland saber-rattling. That's $750 billion of wealth destroyed -- roughly equal to estimates of the value of Greenland.
And so ~in dollar terms~ his shenanigans have already cost the US one Greenland, and we've got nothing to show for it.
And so ~in dollar terms~ his shenanigans have already cost the US one Greenland, and we've got nothing to show for it.
January 20, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Some perspective: The S&P opened down -1.3% on Trump's Greenland saber-rattling. That's $750 billion of wealth destroyed -- roughly equal to estimates of the value of Greenland.
And so ~in dollar terms~ his shenanigans have already cost the US one Greenland, and we've got nothing to show for it.
And so ~in dollar terms~ his shenanigans have already cost the US one Greenland, and we've got nothing to show for it.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
“I haven’t been able to find any wind farms in China”
January 21, 2026 at 3:10 PM
“I haven’t been able to find any wind farms in China”
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Must-read reporting by @virginiagewin.bsky.social on how US federal actions are affecting science.
By pairing the scale of the damage with the very human, personal stories behind the numbers, she paints a powerful and comprehensive picture of just how thoroughly US science is being hollowed out.
By pairing the scale of the damage with the very human, personal stories behind the numbers, she paints a powerful and comprehensive picture of just how thoroughly US science is being hollowed out.
‘Shattered’: US scientists speak out about how Trump policies disrupted their careers
Researchers lay bare the human toll of lay-offs, funding cuts and attacks on science one year after the president’s return to the White House.
www.nature.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Must-read reporting by @virginiagewin.bsky.social on how US federal actions are affecting science.
By pairing the scale of the damage with the very human, personal stories behind the numbers, she paints a powerful and comprehensive picture of just how thoroughly US science is being hollowed out.
By pairing the scale of the damage with the very human, personal stories behind the numbers, she paints a powerful and comprehensive picture of just how thoroughly US science is being hollowed out.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
Judging from the reactions to the piece, the idea that protests and public opinion are meaningless in the face of a paramilitary occupation, that authoritarian regimes don’t need to care about popular support, is still widespread.
But it is wrong. And it perpetuates regime propaganda.
But it is wrong. And it perpetuates regime propaganda.
January 21, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Judging from the reactions to the piece, the idea that protests and public opinion are meaningless in the face of a paramilitary occupation, that authoritarian regimes don’t need to care about popular support, is still widespread.
But it is wrong. And it perpetuates regime propaganda.
But it is wrong. And it perpetuates regime propaganda.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
New UCC paper shows how low beef and sheep systems are for net digestible protein per hectare: they produce protein for 2–3 people per ha, versus ~23 for milk and ~40 for legumes. That’s ~15× more digestible protein per hectare from legumes than beef.
January 20, 2026 at 4:20 PM
New UCC paper shows how low beef and sheep systems are for net digestible protein per hectare: they produce protein for 2–3 people per ha, versus ~23 for milk and ~40 for legumes. That’s ~15× more digestible protein per hectare from legumes than beef.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
I'd bet big money, that in 90% of "the cyclist came out of nowhere!" incidents, the cyclist was actually there the whole time, the driver just couldn't be bothered to move their eyes or their heads to actually look around their vehicle.
January 21, 2026 at 12:35 AM
I'd bet big money, that in 90% of "the cyclist came out of nowhere!" incidents, the cyclist was actually there the whole time, the driver just couldn't be bothered to move their eyes or their heads to actually look around their vehicle.
Reposted by Alastair McKinstry
I love “the President has provided the clearest executive direction for NASA since the Kennedy era” coming from the guy who was nominated for Administrator, then, after hearings, un-nominated by baby Trump, leaving NASA leaderless for most of the year, then re-nominated and confirmed.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!
Honestly I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this Orwellian space bullshit.
Putting lipstick on a cosmic space pig about a horribly destructive, wasteful and regressive year at NASA.
🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/news-release...
Honestly I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this Orwellian space bullshit.
Putting lipstick on a cosmic space pig about a horribly destructive, wasteful and regressive year at NASA.
🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/news-release...
NASA Unlocks Golden Age of Innovation, Exploration in Trump’s First Year - NASA
One year into President Donald J. Trump’s second term, NASA is delivering measurable progress across human spaceflight, science, aeronautics, and cutting-edge
www.nasa.gov
January 21, 2026 at 6:28 AM
I love “the President has provided the clearest executive direction for NASA since the Kennedy era” coming from the guy who was nominated for Administrator, then, after hearings, un-nominated by baby Trump, leaving NASA leaderless for most of the year, then re-nominated and confirmed.