James Kirkham
@jdkirkham.bsky.social
Climate 🌡️ | Glaciology 🧊 | Science diplomacy 🗺️ | Policy 📜
Chief Science Advisor and Coordinator of the ‘Ambition on Melting Ice’ high level group on Sea-Level Rise and Mountain Water Resources
https://ambitionmeltingice.org/membership/
Chief Science Advisor and Coordinator of the ‘Ambition on Melting Ice’ high level group on Sea-Level Rise and Mountain Water Resources
https://ambitionmeltingice.org/membership/
Pinned
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it
The warning lights from the cryosphere have been flashing red for several years and governments and policymakers ignore this at their peril.
theconversation.com
As scientists 🧪 who regularly attend UN #climate summits, we've noticed efforts to downplay, confuse and dilute the latest scientific findings, especially from the cryosphere ❄️.
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
Reposted by James Kirkham
Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen ‘slop’ as the 2025 Word of the Year.
December 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen ‘slop’ as the 2025 Word of the Year.
Reposted by James Kirkham
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it!
👇Commentary in @theconversation.com about recent efforts to downplay and diminish #science at #COP30
🧪🌊❄️
👇Commentary in @theconversation.com about recent efforts to downplay and diminish #science at #COP30
🧪🌊❄️
As scientists 🧪 who regularly attend UN #climate summits, we've noticed efforts to downplay, confuse and dilute the latest scientific findings, especially from the cryosphere ❄️.
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it
The warning lights from the cryosphere have been flashing red for several years and governments and policymakers ignore this at their peril.
theconversation.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it!
👇Commentary in @theconversation.com about recent efforts to downplay and diminish #science at #COP30
🧪🌊❄️
👇Commentary in @theconversation.com about recent efforts to downplay and diminish #science at #COP30
🧪🌊❄️
As scientists 🧪 who regularly attend UN #climate summits, we've noticed efforts to downplay, confuse and dilute the latest scientific findings, especially from the cryosphere ❄️.
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it
The warning lights from the cryosphere have been flashing red for several years and governments and policymakers ignore this at their peril.
theconversation.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:44 AM
As scientists 🧪 who regularly attend UN #climate summits, we've noticed efforts to downplay, confuse and dilute the latest scientific findings, especially from the cryosphere ❄️.
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
This is alarming.
More details in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/earths-froze...
@geogdurham.bsky.social
#Glacier #extinction rates will peak within decades, with thousands of glaciers disappearing each year by 2040s. Peak extinction rates in #Alps will be reached in the 2030s.
Urgent policy action can still prevent thousands of glaciers from being lost per year.
🧪❄️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Urgent policy action can still prevent thousands of glaciers from being lost per year.
🧪❄️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Peak glacier extinction in the mid-twenty-first century - Nature Climate Change
Many mountain glaciers will disappear with warming. Here the authors assess how many glaciers will disappear per year under different warming scenarios, finding that a peak in glacier loss will happen...
www.nature.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:43 AM
#Glacier #extinction rates will peak within decades, with thousands of glaciers disappearing each year by 2040s. Peak extinction rates in #Alps will be reached in the 2030s.
Urgent policy action can still prevent thousands of glaciers from being lost per year.
🧪❄️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Urgent policy action can still prevent thousands of glaciers from being lost per year.
🧪❄️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by James Kirkham
Join us at UNEA-7 this Thursday Dec. 11 on International Mountain Day:
Moderated by @unep.org's Mr. Lewis Pugh, the event will focus on cryosphere changes, regional solutions for mountain ecosystems, and frameworks for assessing losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
🔗 Livestream below!
Moderated by @unep.org's Mr. Lewis Pugh, the event will focus on cryosphere changes, regional solutions for mountain ecosystems, and frameworks for assessing losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
🔗 Livestream below!
December 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Join us at UNEA-7 this Thursday Dec. 11 on International Mountain Day:
Moderated by @unep.org's Mr. Lewis Pugh, the event will focus on cryosphere changes, regional solutions for mountain ecosystems, and frameworks for assessing losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
🔗 Livestream below!
Moderated by @unep.org's Mr. Lewis Pugh, the event will focus on cryosphere changes, regional solutions for mountain ecosystems, and frameworks for assessing losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
🔗 Livestream below!
Reposted by James Kirkham
2025 is on course to be joint-second warmest year.
The #C3S Climate Bulletin reports that November was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-warmest November on record. The 2023–2025 average is likely to be the first three-year average exceeding 1.5°C.
Find more info ⬇️
The #C3S Climate Bulletin reports that November was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-warmest November on record. The 2023–2025 average is likely to be the first three-year average exceeding 1.5°C.
Find more info ⬇️
December 9, 2025 at 8:30 AM
2025 is on course to be joint-second warmest year.
The #C3S Climate Bulletin reports that November was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-warmest November on record. The 2023–2025 average is likely to be the first three-year average exceeding 1.5°C.
Find more info ⬇️
The #C3S Climate Bulletin reports that November was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, making it the third-warmest November on record. The 2023–2025 average is likely to be the first three-year average exceeding 1.5°C.
Find more info ⬇️
Reposted by James Kirkham
G20 DECLARATION: Fascinating to see this doc explicitly "welcome" the "global stocktake" from COP28, which included the call to "transition away from fossil fuels"…
This comes after it proved impossible to secure similar language at COP30, which was also chaired by Brazil
This comes after it proved impossible to secure similar language at COP30, which was also chaired by Brazil
November 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM
G20 DECLARATION: Fascinating to see this doc explicitly "welcome" the "global stocktake" from COP28, which included the call to "transition away from fossil fuels"…
This comes after it proved impossible to secure similar language at COP30, which was also chaired by Brazil
This comes after it proved impossible to secure similar language at COP30, which was also chaired by Brazil
Reposted by James Kirkham
Reflections on COP30 Global Mutirão final decision text:
November 22, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Reflections on COP30 Global Mutirão final decision text:
Reposted by James Kirkham
🎞️ After COP30 fire and floods: AMOC shutdown 🔥🌊
Our event on #AMOC shutdown was interrupted by the fire at #COP30 yesterday – but this is an important message so we wanted to make sure you heard it.
▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0e...
@rahmstorf.bsky.social @iccinet.bsky.social
Our event on #AMOC shutdown was interrupted by the fire at #COP30 yesterday – but this is an important message so we wanted to make sure you heard it.
▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0e...
@rahmstorf.bsky.social @iccinet.bsky.social
After COP30 Fire and Floods: AMOC Shutdown
YouTube video by International Cryosphere Climate Initiative
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:06 PM
🎞️ After COP30 fire and floods: AMOC shutdown 🔥🌊
Our event on #AMOC shutdown was interrupted by the fire at #COP30 yesterday – but this is an important message so we wanted to make sure you heard it.
▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0e...
@rahmstorf.bsky.social @iccinet.bsky.social
Our event on #AMOC shutdown was interrupted by the fire at #COP30 yesterday – but this is an important message so we wanted to make sure you heard it.
▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0e...
@rahmstorf.bsky.social @iccinet.bsky.social
Reposted by James Kirkham
Despite 🔥 and 🌧 at #COP30, we are happy to share the latest info on #AMOC shutdown from @rahmstorf.bsky.social, including perspectives from Iceland and UK govs filmed after the COP venue was evacuated!
Important messages to heed as COP30 negotiations go to the wire!
🧪🌊
youtu.be/B-0eQnEEsYA
Important messages to heed as COP30 negotiations go to the wire!
🧪🌊
youtu.be/B-0eQnEEsYA
After COP30 Fire and Floods: AMOC Shutdown
YouTube video by International Cryosphere Climate Initiative
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Despite 🔥 and 🌧 at #COP30, we are happy to share the latest info on #AMOC shutdown from @rahmstorf.bsky.social, including perspectives from Iceland and UK govs filmed after the COP venue was evacuated!
Important messages to heed as COP30 negotiations go to the wire!
🧪🌊
youtu.be/B-0eQnEEsYA
Important messages to heed as COP30 negotiations go to the wire!
🧪🌊
youtu.be/B-0eQnEEsYA
Reposted by James Kirkham
It's day 12 of #COP30 and finally we have movement on the text.
In summary, it looks like the small minority of opponents of transitioning away from fossil fuels have been allowed to run roughshod over this text.
But let's dive in...
In summary, it looks like the small minority of opponents of transitioning away from fossil fuels have been allowed to run roughshod over this text.
But let's dive in...
It's day 11 of #COP30 and it's the second dawn without a new text.
Looks to be another fairly quiet day today until we get that draft text.
Looks to be another fairly quiet day today until we get that draft text.
It's day 10 of #COP30 and several media are reporting more than 80 countries support a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, we're waiting on new text that was promised to drop this morning...
Meanwhile, we're waiting on new text that was promised to drop this morning...
November 21, 2025 at 11:16 AM
It's day 12 of #COP30 and finally we have movement on the text.
In summary, it looks like the small minority of opponents of transitioning away from fossil fuels have been allowed to run roughshod over this text.
But let's dive in...
In summary, it looks like the small minority of opponents of transitioning away from fossil fuels have been allowed to run roughshod over this text.
But let's dive in...
Reposted by James Kirkham
COP30 "overshoot": The latest draft "mutirão" text makes what would be a first-ever COP reference to limiting "overshoot" of 1.5C
"reiterates its resolve to pursue efforts to limit [warming] to 1.5C [and] to limit both the magnitude and the duration of any temperature overshoot"
"reiterates its resolve to pursue efforts to limit [warming] to 1.5C [and] to limit both the magnitude and the duration of any temperature overshoot"
November 21, 2025 at 10:38 AM
COP30 "overshoot": The latest draft "mutirão" text makes what would be a first-ever COP reference to limiting "overshoot" of 1.5C
"reiterates its resolve to pursue efforts to limit [warming] to 1.5C [and] to limit both the magnitude and the duration of any temperature overshoot"
"reiterates its resolve to pursue efforts to limit [warming] to 1.5C [and] to limit both the magnitude and the duration of any temperature overshoot"
Reposted by James Kirkham
I was just sent this image of the aftermath.
November 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
I was just sent this image of the aftermath.
Fire breaks out in pavilion at COP30 climate talks: AFP journalists | AFP
YouTube video by AFP News Agency
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Reposted by James Kirkham
Climate variations over the last 2000 years provide valuable context and help answer questions about how unusual the recent changes are.
Now with added global sea level rise: climatelabbook.substack.com/p/climate-ch...
Graphics: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Now with added global sea level rise: climatelabbook.substack.com/p/climate-ch...
Graphics: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
November 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Climate variations over the last 2000 years provide valuable context and help answer questions about how unusual the recent changes are.
Now with added global sea level rise: climatelabbook.substack.com/p/climate-ch...
Graphics: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Now with added global sea level rise: climatelabbook.substack.com/p/climate-ch...
Graphics: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Reposted by James Kirkham
For more insights and photos, visit our coverage of "1.5°C and the Perils of Ignoring Science: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts, and How to Avoid Them"
➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#COP30 #cryosphere
➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#COP30 #cryosphere
1.5°C and the Perils of Ignoring Science: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts, and How to Avoid Them
Cryosphere science shows irreversible ice loss is underway, but can be slowed with emission cuts. At a side event, scientists warned negotiators often soften evidence, urging choices guided by science...
enb.iisd.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:42 PM
For more insights and photos, visit our coverage of "1.5°C and the Perils of Ignoring Science: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts, and How to Avoid Them"
➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#COP30 #cryosphere
➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#COP30 #cryosphere
Reposted by James Kirkham
James Kirkham, Ambition on Melting Ice High-Level Group, who stressed #glacier melt is no longer a distant concern
He cited research showing between 2000 and 2023
• the world lost about 5% of its glacier mass
• some regions, such as Central Europe, lost one-third or more
He cited research showing between 2000 and 2023
• the world lost about 5% of its glacier mass
• some regions, such as Central Europe, lost one-third or more
November 17, 2025 at 4:42 PM
James Kirkham, Ambition on Melting Ice High-Level Group, who stressed #glacier melt is no longer a distant concern
He cited research showing between 2000 and 2023
• the world lost about 5% of its glacier mass
• some regions, such as Central Europe, lost one-third or more
He cited research showing between 2000 and 2023
• the world lost about 5% of its glacier mass
• some regions, such as Central Europe, lost one-third or more
Reposted by James Kirkham
Cryosphere science shows irreversible ice loss is underway, but can be slowed with emission cuts.
At a #COP30 side event, scientists warned negotiators often soften evidence, urging choices guided by science
Highlights ➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#cryosphere #glaciers #climate
At a #COP30 side event, scientists warned negotiators often soften evidence, urging choices guided by science
Highlights ➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#cryosphere #glaciers #climate
November 17, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Cryosphere science shows irreversible ice loss is underway, but can be slowed with emission cuts.
At a #COP30 side event, scientists warned negotiators often soften evidence, urging choices guided by science
Highlights ➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#cryosphere #glaciers #climate
At a #COP30 side event, scientists warned negotiators often soften evidence, urging choices guided by science
Highlights ➡️ enb.iisd.org/1-5-C-perils...
#cryosphere #glaciers #climate
For anyone currently in #Belem for #COP30 strolling down the river on your rest Sunday thinking I really fancy a spot of science and storytelling... I will be speaking (and floating!) at sunset (6.30 pm) on the Guama River about polar ice loss and the global ocean in a warming world. Come and join!
November 16, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by James Kirkham
COP30 COMPLAINTS: At the "subsidiary bodies" closing plenary earlier, many countries were "concerned" & "disappointed" over conclusions that failed to endorse IPCC as "best available science" & failed to fully reflect latest research
Here's what they said 🧵
Here's what they said 🧵
November 15, 2025 at 8:42 PM
COP30 COMPLAINTS: At the "subsidiary bodies" closing plenary earlier, many countries were "concerned" & "disappointed" over conclusions that failed to endorse IPCC as "best available science" & failed to fully reflect latest research
Here's what they said 🧵
Here's what they said 🧵
This should be one of the major stories of #COP30, with a much more ambitious text quashed by a small number of states
New from #COP30: under Research & Systematic Observation, parties could not agree to recognise the IPCC as representing the best available science. Several parties in SBs closing plenary lamented this fact.
November 15, 2025 at 4:42 PM
This should be one of the major stories of #COP30, with a much more ambitious text quashed by a small number of states
Reposted by James Kirkham
New from #COP30: under Research & Systematic Observation, parties could not agree to recognise the IPCC as representing the best available science. Several parties in SBs closing plenary lamented this fact.
November 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
New from #COP30: under Research & Systematic Observation, parties could not agree to recognise the IPCC as representing the best available science. Several parties in SBs closing plenary lamented this fact.
Reposted by James Kirkham
“We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice” -striking message from @iccinet.bsky.social report
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Cop day 5 live: Indigenous activists blockade the summit centre as climate conference continues
As the climate conference goes into its fifth day, with huge amounts still unresolved, there were reports that activists had blockaded the entrance to the centre
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
“We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice” -striking message from @iccinet.bsky.social report
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Launch of @iccinet.bsky.social 2025 State of the Cryosphere Report yesterday evening is featured on @theguardian.com #COP30 feed today:
We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
November 14, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Launch of @iccinet.bsky.social 2025 State of the Cryosphere Report yesterday evening is featured on @theguardian.com #COP30 feed today:
We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by James Kirkham
HAPPENING TODAY
The Perils of Ignoring Science and 1.5°C at #COP30: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts & How to Avoid Them
📍 COP30 Blue Zone, Side Event Room 9, Area C
⏰ 15:00-16:30 BRT, Nov. 14
Dr. Chris Stokes, Dr. James Kirkham, Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Norma Shorty, Dr. Al-Saiful Islam
The Perils of Ignoring Science and 1.5°C at #COP30: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts & How to Avoid Them
📍 COP30 Blue Zone, Side Event Room 9, Area C
⏰ 15:00-16:30 BRT, Nov. 14
Dr. Chris Stokes, Dr. James Kirkham, Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Norma Shorty, Dr. Al-Saiful Islam
November 14, 2025 at 11:11 AM
HAPPENING TODAY
The Perils of Ignoring Science and 1.5°C at #COP30: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts & How to Avoid Them
📍 COP30 Blue Zone, Side Event Room 9, Area C
⏰ 15:00-16:30 BRT, Nov. 14
Dr. Chris Stokes, Dr. James Kirkham, Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Norma Shorty, Dr. Al-Saiful Islam
The Perils of Ignoring Science and 1.5°C at #COP30: Tipping Points in the Cryosphere, Their Impacts & How to Avoid Them
📍 COP30 Blue Zone, Side Event Room 9, Area C
⏰ 15:00-16:30 BRT, Nov. 14
Dr. Chris Stokes, Dr. James Kirkham, Dr. Bill Hare, Dr. Norma Shorty, Dr. Al-Saiful Islam