James Allan
@jamesallanatmos.bsky.social
Long haired atmospheric scientist at the University of Manchester and NCAS. Opinions my own.
This is a pretty cool statistic, seen via Facebook. Indoor cooking is one of the biggest sources of exposure to air pollution in the less developed world, and the resulting health impacts are a source of gender inequality to boot.
ourworldindata.org/grapher/acce...
ourworldindata.org/grapher/acce...
January 27, 2026 at 10:57 AM
This is a pretty cool statistic, seen via Facebook. Indoor cooking is one of the biggest sources of exposure to air pollution in the less developed world, and the resulting health impacts are a source of gender inequality to boot.
ourworldindata.org/grapher/acce...
ourworldindata.org/grapher/acce...
This is an interesting piece of work done at the Energy House over in Salford. With increased interest in indoor air quality in homes, there's a lot of talk about tradeoffs between that and energy efficiency.
Really pleased to see this paper out on the trade-offs between indoor air quality (ultrafine particles) and energy efficiency during cooking.
This work was led by my first PhD student, Charlotte Frederiksen, and was a collaboration btwn @lancasteruni.bsky.social, @salforduni.bsky.social, & NAQTS.
This work was led by my first PhD student, Charlotte Frederiksen, and was a collaboration btwn @lancasteruni.bsky.social, @salforduni.bsky.social, & NAQTS.
Quantifying the trade-offs between indoor air quality and energy efficiency in a specialised test facility.
Domestic cooking is a key contributor to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and one of the most significant indoor sources of particulate matter, including…
www.sciencedirect.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:44 AM
This is an interesting piece of work done at the Energy House over in Salford. With increased interest in indoor air quality in homes, there's a lot of talk about tradeoffs between that and energy efficiency.
One for the academics: The UK Exposure Science conference 2026. A good interdisciplinary conference dealing with all kinds of exposure science (not just air pollution 😜). I've previously found it great for networking, particularly with people from outside your field.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
UK Exposure Science 2026
Lancaster Environment Centre, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
www.rsc.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:04 PM
One for the academics: The UK Exposure Science conference 2026. A good interdisciplinary conference dealing with all kinds of exposure science (not just air pollution 😜). I've previously found it great for networking, particularly with people from outside your field.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
Reposted by James Allan
Isn’t climate change supposed to make the weather warmer? The cold conditions in early January prompted questions about the impact of climate change.
We spoke to Ed and Weronika about “coldwaves” and global warming: ncas.ac.uk/what-does-cl...
We spoke to Ed and Weronika about “coldwaves” and global warming: ncas.ac.uk/what-does-cl...
What does climate change mean for cold weather? - NCAS
We asked climate and weather scientists about “coldwaves”, the role of climate change, and what the UK’s winters will be like in the future.
ncas.ac.uk
January 20, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Isn’t climate change supposed to make the weather warmer? The cold conditions in early January prompted questions about the impact of climate change.
We spoke to Ed and Weronika about “coldwaves” and global warming: ncas.ac.uk/what-does-cl...
We spoke to Ed and Weronika about “coldwaves” and global warming: ncas.ac.uk/what-does-cl...
There's one key detail in all of this, which is that RFK Jr. actually had a meta-analysis to point to, which is a step above simply pointing to one paper. However, that one consisted only of a screening and comparison, this (and others like it) do a proper quantitative job of analysing results.
Another set of data analysis that unequivocally shows no link of Tylenol to Paracetamol. But will that stop RFKJr or even Trump continuing to make accusations about the drug?
New meta-analysis finds *no link* between paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability
Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology. & Women's Health
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology. & Women's Health
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
January 17, 2026 at 11:55 AM
There's one key detail in all of this, which is that RFK Jr. actually had a meta-analysis to point to, which is a step above simply pointing to one paper. However, that one consisted only of a screening and comparison, this (and others like it) do a proper quantitative job of analysing results.
Reposted by James Allan
“Many of 2025’s heat-related records are, of course, likely to be broken again soon.”
We spoke to @edhawkins.org about 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record, and about the causal chain for changes in climate.
ncas.ac.uk/in-conversat...
We spoke to @edhawkins.org about 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record, and about the causal chain for changes in climate.
ncas.ac.uk/in-conversat...
In conversation with Professor Ed Hawkins: UK’s warmest year - NCAS
We spoke to climate scientist Ed Hawkins about 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record.
ncas.ac.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:31 AM
“Many of 2025’s heat-related records are, of course, likely to be broken again soon.”
We spoke to @edhawkins.org about 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record, and about the causal chain for changes in climate.
ncas.ac.uk/in-conversat...
We spoke to @edhawkins.org about 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record, and about the causal chain for changes in climate.
ncas.ac.uk/in-conversat...
Reposted by James Allan
FINAL REMINDER
Are you interested in working in atmospheric science? Would you like to learn more about weather systems, air quality, and climate?
Don't miss out on our Introduction to Atmospheric Science training course this February!
Apply by 23 January:
ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
Are you interested in working in atmospheric science? Would you like to learn more about weather systems, air quality, and climate?
Don't miss out on our Introduction to Atmospheric Science training course this February!
Apply by 23 January:
ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
January 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM
FINAL REMINDER
Are you interested in working in atmospheric science? Would you like to learn more about weather systems, air quality, and climate?
Don't miss out on our Introduction to Atmospheric Science training course this February!
Apply by 23 January:
ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
Are you interested in working in atmospheric science? Would you like to learn more about weather systems, air quality, and climate?
Don't miss out on our Introduction to Atmospheric Science training course this February!
Apply by 23 January:
ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
It's not quite "we're all saved", but I'll take good news where I can.
This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage was first published in our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter, Imagine. 2025 was a brutal year for the climate: record temperatures, ever…
A few reasons to feel hopeful about the climate in 2026
This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage was first published in our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter, Imagine. 2025 was a brutal year for the climate: record temperatures, ever…
tcnv.link
January 9, 2026 at 2:25 PM
It's not quite "we're all saved", but I'll take good news where I can.
I think there's probably something I can say regarding the debate concerning use cases in the future hydrogen economy. But truthfully, I just like watching things get blown up.
BOOM 💥 This is why hydrogen gas leaks are a terrible houseguest. Phil went full Mythbusters and stress-tested methane and hydrogen for home heating in a kitchen set-up 🧪
Both are dangerous. Hydrogen does not mess about. It burns up to 10x faster!
10/10 for science. 0/10 for kitchens.
Both are dangerous. Hydrogen does not mess about. It burns up to 10x faster!
10/10 for science. 0/10 for kitchens.
January 9, 2026 at 12:24 PM
I think there's probably something I can say regarding the debate concerning use cases in the future hydrogen economy. But truthfully, I just like watching things get blown up.
Diesel cars have improved a lot over the years but they are still far from perfect. The ones made before they introduced real-world testing 2019 in particular are very iffy.
Incidentally, the exhaust on my car (a petrol PHEV) is on the right hand side, probably because it's Japanese.
Incidentally, the exhaust on my car (a petrol PHEV) is on the right hand side, probably because it's Japanese.
Ten years after dieselgate, diesel vehicles still dominate exhaust pollution.
Research by @york.ac.uk shows the worst polluting cars produced twice as much as NOx as the average, and more than seven times the particle pollution.
By me for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Research by @york.ac.uk shows the worst polluting cars produced twice as much as NOx as the average, and more than seven times the particle pollution.
By me for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exhaust pipe position affects how much air pollution we breathe, research finds
Cars that emit fumes closer to pavement result in pedestrians experiencing 40% more pollution
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Diesel cars have improved a lot over the years but they are still far from perfect. The ones made before they introduced real-world testing 2019 in particular are very iffy.
Incidentally, the exhaust on my car (a petrol PHEV) is on the right hand side, probably because it's Japanese.
Incidentally, the exhaust on my car (a petrol PHEV) is on the right hand side, probably because it's Japanese.
Reposted by James Allan
We know that understanding the atmosphere has never mattered more. As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been looking back at our science stories from 2025.
Here's to celebrating another year of atmospheric science:
ncas.ac.uk/unlocking-an...
Here's to celebrating another year of atmospheric science:
ncas.ac.uk/unlocking-an...
Unlocking answers to climate change, air pollution, and high-risk weather in 2025 - NCAS
We’re looking back at our science stories from this year, and highlighting the contributions our community of staff have made towards atmospheric science.
ncas.ac.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:58 AM
We know that understanding the atmosphere has never mattered more. As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been looking back at our science stories from 2025.
Here's to celebrating another year of atmospheric science:
ncas.ac.uk/unlocking-an...
Here's to celebrating another year of atmospheric science:
ncas.ac.uk/unlocking-an...
If there's one point that needs hammering home, it's that there's no such thing as 'clean' combustion. You can have 'cleaner', but that always needs to be qualified.
Misleading UK adverts for 'very low emission' wood burning stoves banned
#AirPollution #WoodBurning #Health #Environment
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
#AirPollution #WoodBurning #Health #Environment
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Misleading UK adverts for ’very low emission’ wood-burning stoves banned
ASA action won approval of clean air campaigners, who said some ‘seriously misleading myths’ had been debunked
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
If there's one point that needs hammering home, it's that there's no such thing as 'clean' combustion. You can have 'cleaner', but that always needs to be qualified.
PhD opportunity at the University of Manchester/NCAS. This follows on from the recent domestic solid fuel report, using the same stoves to investigate how sensitive emissions are to user behaviour. Please distribute to anyone you think might be interested.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Trends and Mitigations in Behaviour-Based Domestic Stove Emissions at The University of Manchester on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Trends and Mitigations in Behaviour-Based Domestic Stove Emissions at The University of Manchester, listed on FindAPhD.com
www.findaphd.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
PhD opportunity at the University of Manchester/NCAS. This follows on from the recent domestic solid fuel report, using the same stoves to investigate how sensitive emissions are to user behaviour. Please distribute to anyone you think might be interested.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
I wish I could say this was unexpected, but it'd be something of a travesty if it goes ahead. Pretty much everyone in the atmospheric science community is familiar with NCAR and their work.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM
I wish I could say this was unexpected, but it'd be something of a travesty if it goes ahead. Pretty much everyone in the atmospheric science community is familiar with NCAR and their work.
I like to keep politics out of my Bluesky posts, but I definitely prefer Calibri to Times New Roman. The majority of the text I read is now on screens, and modern sans serif fonts are just so much better for that.
December 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I like to keep politics out of my Bluesky posts, but I definitely prefer Calibri to Times New Roman. The majority of the text I read is now on screens, and modern sans serif fonts are just so much better for that.
Reposted by James Allan
The team at the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis have published their latest annual report. It's packed full of stats, standout achievements, and a look back over 3 decades of supporting environmental research.
Thank you for everything you do for us at NCAS! 👏
ncas.ac.uk/30-years-and...
Thank you for everything you do for us at NCAS! 👏
ncas.ac.uk/30-years-and...
New report by the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis - NCAS
Stats and highlights in the 2024-2025 annual report by the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis.
ncas.ac.uk
December 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The team at the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis have published their latest annual report. It's packed full of stats, standout achievements, and a look back over 3 decades of supporting environmental research.
Thank you for everything you do for us at NCAS! 👏
ncas.ac.uk/30-years-and...
Thank you for everything you do for us at NCAS! 👏
ncas.ac.uk/30-years-and...
NCAS is part of a new group, the National Research Organisations, covering ass aspects of UK science.
We’re proud to be part of the newly launched @nro-group.bsky.social!
The #NROGroup is uniting around 40 UK research centres to provide a unified perspective on science for people, communities & the economy.
#MakingResearchMatter
ncas.ac.uk/making-resea...
The #NROGroup is uniting around 40 UK research centres to provide a unified perspective on science for people, communities & the economy.
#MakingResearchMatter
ncas.ac.uk/making-resea...
UK’s leading research organisations unite to form the NRO - NCAS
NCAS is proud to be part of a new alliance called the National Research Organisations Group, dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
ncas.ac.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
NCAS is part of a new group, the National Research Organisations, covering ass aspects of UK science.
Reposted by James Allan
Two weeks in the gorgeous Lake District, learning about weather observations and modelling with like-minded peers and experts - sounds interesting? Then you should check out our Atmospheric Measurement & Modelling Summer School!
Apply today: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
Apply today: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
December 8, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Two weeks in the gorgeous Lake District, learning about weather observations and modelling with like-minded peers and experts - sounds interesting? Then you should check out our Atmospheric Measurement & Modelling Summer School!
Apply today: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
Apply today: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
Reposted by James Allan
How could pollutants from aircraft change by burning sustainable aviation fuel? New research marks a major step forward in understanding how different aviation fuels change the impact of flying on air quality and the climate.
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/scientists-p...
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/scientists-p...
Scientists probe how sustainable aviation fuel affects air quality and climate - NCAS
Scientists study air pollutant emissions from an aircraft engine running on sustainable aviation fuel.
ncas.ac.uk
December 9, 2025 at 11:26 AM
How could pollutants from aircraft change by burning sustainable aviation fuel? New research marks a major step forward in understanding how different aviation fuels change the impact of flying on air quality and the climate.
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/scientists-p...
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/scientists-p...
Things aren't looking very good this year. Make sure you get vaccinated, if offered.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Hospitals facing unprecedented flu season, say NHS bosses
Record number of patients in hospital in England with flu for this time of year, figures show.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Things aren't looking very good this year. Make sure you get vaccinated, if offered.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I was involved on the periphery of this. Outdoor air pollution was considered a societal 'leveller', but given that a lot of exposure to air pollution is now in our own homes, there's a lot of questions whether there are trends we should know about regarding housing stock and socioeconomics.
High concentrations of fine particulate matter have been found in homes in Bradford, with families from deprived areas and ethnic minority backgrounds facing the highest levels of exposure.
Learn about the INGENIOUS project, and hear from @jacquirickard.bsky.social:
ncas.ac.uk/study-reveal...
Learn about the INGENIOUS project, and hear from @jacquirickard.bsky.social:
ncas.ac.uk/study-reveal...
Indoor air pollution breaches WHO-recommended thresholds - NCAS
Harmful levels of indoor air pollution have been found in homes in Bradford, by one of the largest and most detailed investigations to take place in the UK.
ncas.ac.uk
December 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
I was involved on the periphery of this. Outdoor air pollution was considered a societal 'leveller', but given that a lot of exposure to air pollution is now in our own homes, there's a lot of questions whether there are trends we should know about regarding housing stock and socioeconomics.
The specifics of the government plan. Commitments 19-22 concern air pollution and they've moved some targets forward. For England, they're now by 2030 wanting to get PM2.5 to 10 µg m/3, PERT down 30% and ammonia emissions down 16%.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025
www.gov.uk
December 2, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The specifics of the government plan. Commitments 19-22 concern air pollution and they've moved some targets forward. For England, they're now by 2030 wanting to get PM2.5 to 10 µg m/3, PERT down 30% and ammonia emissions down 16%.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
For those familiar with the scene, this shouldn't come as a shock, but STOTEN is out of Clarivate having previously been suspended. Those with a login can find it on last month's change log.
It's still listed by Scopus, but then Elsevier own both, so go figure...
It's still listed by Scopus, but then Elsevier own both, so go figure...
STOTEN is cooked
The fall of a prolific science journal exposes the billion-dollar profits of scientific publishing | Science | EL PAÍS English share.google/pWoEgaHE2wmY...
The fall of a prolific science journal exposes the billion-dollar profits of scientific publishing | Science | EL PAÍS English share.google/pWoEgaHE2wmY...
The fall of a prolific science journal exposes the billion-dollar profits of scientific publishing
One of the 15 publications that put out the most studies globally has been expelled from the indexing system for irregularities. Its publisher, Elsevier, has a 38% profit margin that reached $1.5 bill...
share.google
December 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM
For those familiar with the scene, this shouldn't come as a shock, but STOTEN is out of Clarivate having previously been suspended. Those with a login can find it on last month's change log.
It's still listed by Scopus, but then Elsevier own both, so go figure...
It's still listed by Scopus, but then Elsevier own both, so go figure...