ClimateBook
@climatebook.bsky.social
This is the BlueSky feed of Raymond T. Pierrehumbert, Professor of Planetary Physics at the University of Oxford. Tune in for news about Principles of Planetary Climate, and diverse science and political commentary. (Also folk music news)
In a recent post, I mentioned I like to read Swedish detective stories (Svenska Deckare) to wind down. (Not so much the Millennium series, which I find too violent). One of the attractive features for me is that the police in these stories hae real lives -- they have families, change diapers,
February 9, 2026 at 3:16 AM
In a recent post, I mentioned I like to read Swedish detective stories (Svenska Deckare) to wind down. (Not so much the Millennium series, which I find too violent). One of the attractive features for me is that the police in these stories hae real lives -- they have families, change diapers,
So Elon Musk wants to launch a million AI datacenters into space. OK. they'd be solar powered, but what is the emission due to the launches? (And note Musk isn't the only one proposing this). Based on emissions info here: www.jalopnik.com/spacex-fligh...
SpaceX Flights In 2024 Will Emit More CO2 In The U.S. Than Tesla Will Save - Jalopnik
It’s pretty obvious by now that Elon Musk doesn’t really care about the environment. While he was once a warrior in the battle against climate change, or claimed to be, he has evolved into a climate d...
www.jalopnik.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:29 AM
So Elon Musk wants to launch a million AI datacenters into space. OK. they'd be solar powered, but what is the emission due to the launches? (And note Musk isn't the only one proposing this). Based on emissions info here: www.jalopnik.com/spacex-fligh...
I have the very good fortune to still have access online to Stockholms Stadsbiblioteket (the city library), which I mostly use to read Swedish novels (mostly the cosier variant of nordic noir, but sometimes things more serious). It strikes me how superior Stadsbib is to the U.S and U.K. online
February 8, 2026 at 11:31 PM
I have the very good fortune to still have access online to Stockholms Stadsbiblioteket (the city library), which I mostly use to read Swedish novels (mostly the cosier variant of nordic noir, but sometimes things more serious). It strikes me how superior Stadsbib is to the U.S and U.K. online
The performative cruelty and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by ICE in the US are horrific. But if it is suppression of dissent that you are worried about, it is important to realize that less manifestly violent means can be even more effective at suppressing dissent. The U.K. Is a case in point
February 7, 2026 at 1:58 AM
The performative cruelty and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by ICE in the US are horrific. But if it is suppression of dissent that you are worried about, it is important to realize that less manifestly violent means can be even more effective at suppressing dissent. The U.K. Is a case in point
Reposted by ClimateBook
Breaking: Washington Post gutting its climate team.
The Post sent layoff notices to at least 14 #climate journalists.
open.substack.com/pub/climatec...
The Post sent layoff notices to at least 14 #climate journalists.
open.substack.com/pub/climatec...
Breaking: Washington Post gutting its climate team
Clean energy dies in darkness. Courtesy of Jeff Bezos.
open.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Breaking: Washington Post gutting its climate team.
The Post sent layoff notices to at least 14 #climate journalists.
open.substack.com/pub/climatec...
The Post sent layoff notices to at least 14 #climate journalists.
open.substack.com/pub/climatec...
In Cambridge, MA I've been working my way into the local folk music scene. One of the players I met at the McCarthy's Scottish Session put me on to a fantastic piece of software, folkfriend.app . This is a great example of a mission-targeted bit of software that makes life better.
FolkFriend
folkfriend.app
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 AM
In Cambridge, MA I've been working my way into the local folk music scene. One of the players I met at the McCarthy's Scottish Session put me on to a fantastic piece of software, folkfriend.app . This is a great example of a mission-targeted bit of software that makes life better.
I recently had to renew my US passport, which I did using the new online option. I was surprised to find that it arrived weeks before the generally estimated processing time. It was encouraging that this little bit of the US government is still functioning. But more than that, I found that I
February 4, 2026 at 2:58 AM
I recently had to renew my US passport, which I did using the new online option. I was surprised to find that it arrived weeks before the generally estimated processing time. It was encouraging that this little bit of the US government is still functioning. But more than that, I found that I
Reposted by ClimateBook
The last major treaty limiting nuclear weapons expires in two days—and Trump’s unwillingness to cede American power may escalate the already dangerous game of nuclear chicken, @radiofreetom.bsky.social writes.
The End of the Nuclear-Arms-Control Era
The last significant treaty is about to expire, and Trump isn’t putting anything in its place.
bit.ly
February 3, 2026 at 1:30 PM
The last major treaty limiting nuclear weapons expires in two days—and Trump’s unwillingness to cede American power may escalate the already dangerous game of nuclear chicken, @radiofreetom.bsky.social writes.
A little while back I was musing about the strangely high cost of saffron in Cambridge, MA, compared to Oxford, UK. I have found evidence that it's not actually intrinsic to the spice trade, but rather a case of profiteering by purveyors of bottled spices. In particular, I found a purveyor of
February 1, 2026 at 12:42 AM
A little while back I was musing about the strangely high cost of saffron in Cambridge, MA, compared to Oxford, UK. I have found evidence that it's not actually intrinsic to the spice trade, but rather a case of profiteering by purveyors of bottled spices. In particular, I found a purveyor of
And of course, as the article says, this data center will be powered by fossil fuels. It claims a "low emissions" fossil gas power system, but the emissions may be lower than coal fired electricity, but fossil (some call it "natural") gas is still a fossil fuel and emits substantial CO2.
January 31, 2026 at 3:56 PM
And of course, as the article says, this data center will be powered by fossil fuels. It claims a "low emissions" fossil gas power system, but the emissions may be lower than coal fired electricity, but fossil (some call it "natural") gas is still a fossil fuel and emits substantial CO2.
One practical life job I have in settling in to my MIT position is re-stocking my supply of spices (we have > 120 routinely in our Oxford kitchen). Saffron is expensive everywhere, but why is it so incredibly more expensive in the U.S? Example, at Star Market, a middling grocery store in
January 31, 2026 at 2:59 AM
One practical life job I have in settling in to my MIT position is re-stocking my supply of spices (we have > 120 routinely in our Oxford kitchen). Saffron is expensive everywhere, but why is it so incredibly more expensive in the U.S? Example, at Star Market, a middling grocery store in
Well, I just got my Illinois overseas absentee ballot for the March primary elections. The new registration system seems to work. I have mostly been paying attention to the primary race for Jan Schakowski's seat, since I've known Jan for a long time and candidate Dan Biss (who I am supporting,
January 31, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Well, I just got my Illinois overseas absentee ballot for the March primary elections. The new registration system seems to work. I have mostly been paying attention to the primary race for Jan Schakowski's seat, since I've known Jan for a long time and candidate Dan Biss (who I am supporting,
Reposted by ClimateBook
New commentary on 'tipping points' from my co-author Chris Russill:
Are we doomed, yet?! Climate tipping points twenty years later - Chris Russill, 2026
In this article, I discuss the limitations of tipping points as a framework for communicating risks and vulnerabilities created by climate change. In doing so, ...
journals.sagepub.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:17 PM
New commentary on 'tipping points' from my co-author Chris Russill:
Yes, please, let's ban it in the U.K. too. Oxford has bought too much into the awful Microsoft ecosystem.
omg can someone ban the US from using teams too
France to ban officials from US video tools including Zoom, Teams
The government wants staff to shun Silicon Valley and shift to its home-grown Visio platform instead.
www.politico.eu
January 28, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Yes, please, let's ban it in the U.K. too. Oxford has bought too much into the awful Microsoft ecosystem.
I have rotated off the Science and Security Board, but the Board was amongst the most deep-thinking bunch of people I have ever worked with. Take them seriously. Very seriously. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Doomsday Clock at 85 seconds to midnight amid threats from climate crisis and AI
Planet closer to destruction as Russia, China and US become more aggressive and nationalistic, says advocacy group
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:37 AM
I have rotated off the Science and Security Board, but the Board was amongst the most deep-thinking bunch of people I have ever worked with. Take them seriously. Very seriously. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by ClimateBook
“National leaders … must take the lead in finding a path away from the brink,” writes the Science and Security Board in the 2026 Doomsday Clock statement.
“Citizens must insist they do so.”
Watch the announcement: buff.ly/BGu0Zse
“Citizens must insist they do so.”
Watch the announcement: buff.ly/BGu0Zse
January 27, 2026 at 4:07 PM
“National leaders … must take the lead in finding a path away from the brink,” writes the Science and Security Board in the 2026 Doomsday Clock statement.
“Citizens must insist they do so.”
Watch the announcement: buff.ly/BGu0Zse
“Citizens must insist they do so.”
Watch the announcement: buff.ly/BGu0Zse
This well-meaning article in The Atlantic about second amendment rights as they apply to the execution of a legally armed citizen in Minneapolis completely misses the mark www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
Minneapolis Is a Second Amendment Wake-Up Call
The federal killing of a Minnesota ICU nurse should worry every American.
www.theatlantic.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:18 AM
This well-meaning article in The Atlantic about second amendment rights as they apply to the execution of a legally armed citizen in Minneapolis completely misses the mark www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026...
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." -- Martin Luther King
There is all too much silence, especially from the cowards in the Democratic Party who have failed to defund ICE. And not just them.
There is all too much silence, especially from the cowards in the Democratic Party who have failed to defund ICE. And not just them.
January 26, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." -- Martin Luther King
There is all too much silence, especially from the cowards in the Democratic Party who have failed to defund ICE. And not just them.
There is all too much silence, especially from the cowards in the Democratic Party who have failed to defund ICE. And not just them.
The threat of a US invasion of Greenland and forcible seizure of its mineral wealth is in abeyance (for now) but it should be recognized that Greenland's independance is under threat not just from the U.S. government, but from multinational mining conglomerates. Under current international law,
January 26, 2026 at 12:02 AM
The threat of a US invasion of Greenland and forcible seizure of its mineral wealth is in abeyance (for now) but it should be recognized that Greenland's independance is under threat not just from the U.S. government, but from multinational mining conglomerates. Under current international law,
I only learned about Cecila Payne Gaposchkin's pathbreaking work on stellar composition when putting together my EGU Cassini lecture. I didn't know about this autobiography, and now I'm hunting for a copy so I can read it. Thanks for the recommendation, Jason.
Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin’s autobiography is just amazing. Every astronomer should read it.
Here she is talking about her memories of Annie Jump Cannon.
Here she is talking about her memories of Annie Jump Cannon.
January 22, 2026 at 3:26 PM
I only learned about Cecila Payne Gaposchkin's pathbreaking work on stellar composition when putting together my EGU Cassini lecture. I didn't know about this autobiography, and now I'm hunting for a copy so I can read it. Thanks for the recommendation, Jason.
OK, online grocery delivery -- a first world problem, for sure, and trivial compared to the big issues like ICE in Minneapolis and Russian war crimes in Ukraine. But sometimes the small things show how F**d up the US is and highlight misdirection of society's resources. So, I've taken up a
January 21, 2026 at 4:34 AM
OK, online grocery delivery -- a first world problem, for sure, and trivial compared to the big issues like ICE in Minneapolis and Russian war crimes in Ukraine. But sometimes the small things show how F**d up the US is and highlight misdirection of society's resources. So, I've taken up a
A great opportunity to work with Shami!
I am hiring a postdoc in exoplanet atmospheres! (ASIAA, 4yrs, funded through 2030)
Job ad here. Feel free to reach out if there are any questions!
aas.org/jobregister/...
PS. There’s also another postdoc position in cosmology with an awesome colleague
Job ad here. Feel free to reach out if there are any questions!
aas.org/jobregister/...
PS. There’s also another postdoc position in cosmology with an awesome colleague
2 ASIAA postdoctoral positions in cosmology and exoplanets | American Astronomical Society
The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) invites applications to two postdoctoral research positions in cosmology and exoplanet science, working with Dr. Tomomi Sunayama and...
aas.org
January 20, 2026 at 10:52 PM
A great opportunity to work with Shami!
There will be more discussion on the topic of subNeptune magma oceans at our subNeptune session at AbSciCon2026. The abstract deadline for that is closed, and we will soon be putting together the programme. BTW, very proud of the involvement of Oxford group postdoc Claire Guimond, ...
Another cool result shared at #RockyWorlds4: Nearly all sub-Neptunes, if they are gas dwarfs (as opposed to water worlds), should have magma oceans beneath their hydrogen atmospheres.
That includes the notorious K2-18b — if it is indeed a gas dwarf and not an ocean planet.
Preprint:
That includes the notorious K2-18b — if it is indeed a gas dwarf and not an ocean planet.
Preprint:
Most Rocky Sub-Neptunes are Molten: Mapping the Solidification Shoreline for Gas Dwarf Exoplanets
Sub-Neptunes are the most common type of detected exoplanet, yet their observed masses and radii are degenerate with several interior structures. One possibility is that sub-Neptunes have silicate/iro...
arxiv.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:15 PM
There will be more discussion on the topic of subNeptune magma oceans at our subNeptune session at AbSciCon2026. The abstract deadline for that is closed, and we will soon be putting together the programme. BTW, very proud of the involvement of Oxford group postdoc Claire Guimond, ...
Brilliant essay in The Guardian by Cory Doctorow, about why AI will fail and how while doing so it will make everything worse for everbody except the oligarchs. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
AI companies will fail. We can salvage something from the wreckage | Cory Doctorow
AI is asbestos in the walls of our tech society, stuffed there by monopolists run amok. A serious fight against it must strike at its roots
www.theguardian.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Brilliant essay in The Guardian by Cory Doctorow, about why AI will fail and how while doing so it will make everything worse for everbody except the oligarchs. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Reposted by ClimateBook
Congratulations, @nichollsh.bsky.social! Your thesis was a joy to read, and it was great to get to know you over the past 1.5 years. I look forward to seeing the research that you and Oli get up to at Cambridge. Perhaps almost as impressive was your AOPP champagne cork shot! Video below.
January 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Congratulations, @nichollsh.bsky.social! Your thesis was a joy to read, and it was great to get to know you over the past 1.5 years. I look forward to seeing the research that you and Oli get up to at Cambridge. Perhaps almost as impressive was your AOPP champagne cork shot! Video below.