Brendan
@brendan69.bsky.social
Mostly conflicted: love work/want to retire, climate concerned EV driver/motorsport enthusiast, it goes on. Watching my small plot in Co Armagh rewild itself. I'll never have a headstone because I'm going out in a blaze of firey stardust.
Reposted by Brendan
Never forget: At breakneck speed we are leaving the stable Holocene climate in which human society developed and thrived. Weather extremes are outside historical experience. Sea-level rise is accelerating. Dangerous tipping points are ahead.
Graph: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Graph: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
November 13, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Never forget: At breakneck speed we are leaving the stable Holocene climate in which human society developed and thrived. Weather extremes are outside historical experience. Sea-level rise is accelerating. Dangerous tipping points are ahead.
Graph: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Graph: ed-hawkins.github.io/climate-visu...
Shocking "Scientists estimate that between 1996 and 2020, 9.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere due to bottom trawling — about 370 million tons annually, double the emissions from fuel combustion of the entire global fishing fleet of four million vessels."
"Industrial fishing can extract in a day what a small boat might take in a year"
Coastal fishing now involves very few fish and very few young people. If this is to change we need to say goodbye to industrial fishing.
theconversation.com/governments-...
Coastal fishing now involves very few fish and very few young people. If this is to change we need to say goodbye to industrial fishing.
theconversation.com/governments-...
Governments can protect marine environments by supporting small-scale fishing
Nearly 30 per cent of the world’s population lives in coastal areas. A changing climate and biodiversity loss represent an unprecedented threat to these ecosystems.
theconversation.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Shocking "Scientists estimate that between 1996 and 2020, 9.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere due to bottom trawling — about 370 million tons annually, double the emissions from fuel combustion of the entire global fishing fleet of four million vessels."
Reposted by Brendan
President Connolly’s speech in full is available here www.thejournal.ie/president-ca... #Áras25 #PresidentConnolly @President.ie
Here is President Catherine Connolly's speech in full
President Connolly’s first public address touched on a wide range of issues, including housing, migration, and a united Ireland.
www.thejournal.ie
November 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
President Connolly’s speech in full is available here www.thejournal.ie/president-ca... #Áras25 #PresidentConnolly @President.ie
Reposted by Brendan
New Gist: AI, The Sound and Fury
I try to explain all of this AI thing in one article, and suggest why it is hostile to democracy, to humanity and also happily likely to end with the would-be tech Sun Kings taking trips to the financial guillotine.
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-ai-...
I try to explain all of this AI thing in one article, and suggest why it is hostile to democracy, to humanity and also happily likely to end with the would-be tech Sun Kings taking trips to the financial guillotine.
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-ai-...
The Gist: AI, The Sound and Fury
We can calculate the amount of money flowing into AI. But what will the full cost be to society when the bubble pops? This is the Gist.
www.thegist.ie
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
New Gist: AI, The Sound and Fury
I try to explain all of this AI thing in one article, and suggest why it is hostile to democracy, to humanity and also happily likely to end with the would-be tech Sun Kings taking trips to the financial guillotine.
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-ai-...
I try to explain all of this AI thing in one article, and suggest why it is hostile to democracy, to humanity and also happily likely to end with the would-be tech Sun Kings taking trips to the financial guillotine.
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-ai-...
Reposted by Brendan
It's the time of year we're told to remember millions killed in war. Referred to as "the ultimate sacrifice", "bravery", "patriotism" etc, few point out they died because of classisim, fascism, and financial power.
The mantra "They died for their country" and "lest
1/2 youtu.be/qB4cdRgIcB8?...
The mantra "They died for their country" and "lest
1/2 youtu.be/qB4cdRgIcB8?...
Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen: Read by Christopher Eccleston | Remembering World War 1 | C4
YouTube video by Channel 4 Documentaries
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 10:13 AM
It's the time of year we're told to remember millions killed in war. Referred to as "the ultimate sacrifice", "bravery", "patriotism" etc, few point out they died because of classisim, fascism, and financial power.
The mantra "They died for their country" and "lest
1/2 youtu.be/qB4cdRgIcB8?...
The mantra "They died for their country" and "lest
1/2 youtu.be/qB4cdRgIcB8?...
Reposted by Brendan
Reposted by Brendan
Even I thought this was one of mine!
November 6, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Even I thought this was one of mine!
Reposted by Brendan
The Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities and @irishwildlifetrust.bsky.social Rewilding collaboration concludes on the 26th of November with a keynote talk by Professor Jens-Christian Svenning.
Tickets are extremely limited so book ASAP if you want to attend.
www.eventbrite.ie/e/rewilding-...
Tickets are extremely limited so book ASAP if you want to attend.
www.eventbrite.ie/e/rewilding-...
Rewilding in Europe
To conclude our Rewilding series, expert Jens-Christian Svenning will deliver a keynote presentation and join us for a panel discussion
www.eventbrite.ie
November 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities and @irishwildlifetrust.bsky.social Rewilding collaboration concludes on the 26th of November with a keynote talk by Professor Jens-Christian Svenning.
Tickets are extremely limited so book ASAP if you want to attend.
www.eventbrite.ie/e/rewilding-...
Tickets are extremely limited so book ASAP if you want to attend.
www.eventbrite.ie/e/rewilding-...
A great update from Adam highlighting the inconsistencies, omissions and misinformation in Gates' argument against climate action. Gates released his views on the back of his attendance at Trump's broligarch round table - and didn't Trump just lap it up.
OK. Some (mostly negative) thoughts on Bill Gates.
With special shoutout to @timinclimate.bsky.social & @drkatemarvel.bsky.social for their wise words.
youtu.be/9MmqKEkOtwo
With special shoutout to @timinclimate.bsky.social & @drkatemarvel.bsky.social for their wise words.
youtu.be/9MmqKEkOtwo
Climate Scientist Responds to Bill Gates
YouTube video by ClimateAdam
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
A great update from Adam highlighting the inconsistencies, omissions and misinformation in Gates' argument against climate action. Gates released his views on the back of his attendance at Trump's broligarch round table - and didn't Trump just lap it up.
Who knew, did mainstream media report this. Maybe I just missed it?
British soldiers paused firing white phosphorus in Kenya after Declassified revealed the munition was routinely being used there.
The policy change was disclosed in a witness statement the British army gave to a Kenyan parliamentary inquiry.
www.declassifieduk.org/british-army...
The policy change was disclosed in a witness statement the British army gave to a Kenyan parliamentary inquiry.
www.declassifieduk.org/british-army...
British army scales back firing white phosphorus in Kenya
Troops have not trained with the hazardous chemical since Declassified exposed the practice three years ago.
www.declassifieduk.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Who knew, did mainstream media report this. Maybe I just missed it?
Reposted by Brendan
As I am one of the climate scientists he is referring to here - and I am a scientist who decided to dedicate her life to working on climate precisely because of how unjustly it disproportionately impacts the poor and vulnerable - let me clarify my rationale and thoughts below. 🧵
Bill Gates defends contentious climate shift
"I'm glad people are listening," he said, before adding that it was hard to convey "nuanced positions nowadays."
www.axios.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
As I am one of the climate scientists he is referring to here - and I am a scientist who decided to dedicate her life to working on climate precisely because of how unjustly it disproportionately impacts the poor and vulnerable - let me clarify my rationale and thoughts below. 🧵
We built our timber frame house in Ireland 20 years ago. While it is great, and we love it, I wish we could have incorporated this #strawhouse approach to both insulation and cladding - this is fantastic. Might have to find an excuse to build another one 😂
Let's look inside. #biobased #renewablematerial #strawhouse #carbonstorage
🧵 1/ of a lot, be sure to like and share this post so others can see that climate adaptive building is in the pipeline for elderly people, child care and social housing e.g.
🧵 1/ of a lot, be sure to like and share this post so others can see that climate adaptive building is in the pipeline for elderly people, child care and social housing e.g.
November 3, 2025 at 8:47 PM
We built our timber frame house in Ireland 20 years ago. While it is great, and we love it, I wish we could have incorporated this #strawhouse approach to both insulation and cladding - this is fantastic. Might have to find an excuse to build another one 😂
Reposted by Brendan
“a global insurance firm that analyzes mortality risk pegged the # of excess deaths at 2% above the pre-pandemic annual mortality rate…that’s 120K unanticipated dead people per year in North America. That’s roughly 2 fully loaded standard commercial jets crashing & killing everyone aboard each day.”
This Physicist Says We Don’t Take COVID Seriously Enough | The Tyee
We downplay the virus at our peril, warns Yaneer Bar-Yam. And children are more at risk than we thought.
thetyee.ca
November 2, 2025 at 5:50 PM
“a global insurance firm that analyzes mortality risk pegged the # of excess deaths at 2% above the pre-pandemic annual mortality rate…that’s 120K unanticipated dead people per year in North America. That’s roughly 2 fully loaded standard commercial jets crashing & killing everyone aboard each day.”
The impact of AI in the short term is likely to be damaging. Certainly for the environment but also for employment (if AI delivers in job cuts) and financial stability if, and when, the wheels come off.
I mostly avoid The Atlantic's stories but there are three writers there that I always trust & read, and Charlie Warzel is one of them. This is a great piece.
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
Here’s How the AI Crash Happens
The U.S. is becoming an Nvidia-state.
www.theatlantic.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
The impact of AI in the short term is likely to be damaging. Certainly for the environment but also for employment (if AI delivers in job cuts) and financial stability if, and when, the wheels come off.
Reposted by Brendan
How dies this scan?
”This week an Imam admitting sending messages in an Islamist chat room. He discussed bombing churches and shooting white people in the head.
He was given 150 hours community service.”
”This week an Imam admitting sending messages in an Islamist chat room. He discussed bombing churches and shooting white people in the head.
He was given 150 hours community service.”
This week British Catholic priest Mark Rowles admitting sending racist messages in neo-Nazi chat room. He discussed bombing mosques and shooting black people in the head. He was given 150 hours community service. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Cardiff Catholic priest Mark Rowles sentenced for sending racist neo-Nazi messages
Father Mark Rowles was arrested by counter terror police for extreme right wing activity on social media.
www.bbc.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:25 PM
How dies this scan?
”This week an Imam admitting sending messages in an Islamist chat room. He discussed bombing churches and shooting white people in the head.
He was given 150 hours community service.”
”This week an Imam admitting sending messages in an Islamist chat room. He discussed bombing churches and shooting white people in the head.
He was given 150 hours community service.”
Reposted by Brendan
Reporter on BBC Breakfast just mentioned that the Sandringham Estate is around the same size as the city of Nottingham, which just seems absolutely insane to me.
November 1, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Reporter on BBC Breakfast just mentioned that the Sandringham Estate is around the same size as the city of Nottingham, which just seems absolutely insane to me.
Reposted by Brendan
Make no mistake about this. Knowing what we know about the Genocide in Palestine, if you still intend to vote Labour, Tory or Reform you are part of it, you are complicit, you are guilty.
There’s no excuses anymore.
There’s no excuses anymore.
October 29, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Make no mistake about this. Knowing what we know about the Genocide in Palestine, if you still intend to vote Labour, Tory or Reform you are part of it, you are complicit, you are guilty.
There’s no excuses anymore.
There’s no excuses anymore.
Reposted by Brendan
Whilst a lot of what Bill Gates wrote in his memo makes a certain amount of sense, his main point that short term emissions reduction is not the priority is based on flawed and out of date data.
I’ve scribbled on his graph below to add a very important line - reality.
#climatechange #acceleration
I’ve scribbled on his graph below to add a very important line - reality.
#climatechange #acceleration
October 30, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Whilst a lot of what Bill Gates wrote in his memo makes a certain amount of sense, his main point that short term emissions reduction is not the priority is based on flawed and out of date data.
I’ve scribbled on his graph below to add a very important line - reality.
#climatechange #acceleration
I’ve scribbled on his graph below to add a very important line - reality.
#climatechange #acceleration
Reminds me of Mick and Billy who were both truck drivers. One day Mick is driving along and sees Billy's truck pulled over by the side of the road. Mick stops to speak. Billy says "Truck's broken down and I've a load of monkeys in the back, if I give you £100 will you take them to the zoo?".../1
October 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Reminds me of Mick and Billy who were both truck drivers. One day Mick is driving along and sees Billy's truck pulled over by the side of the road. Mick stops to speak. Billy says "Truck's broken down and I've a load of monkeys in the back, if I give you £100 will you take them to the zoo?".../1
Best of luck to Dan and Good Law Project.
We're trying to make legal history: we are asking the High Court to find for the first time ever that a defamation claim brought against @danneidle.bsky.social is a SLAPP under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. goodlaw.social/raiz
We’re helping Dan Neidle face down a seven-figure SLAPP | Good Law Project
A barrister who was flogging tax avoidance schemes is now suing Dan Neidle for a defamation payout of over £8m. But we’re not backing down.
goodlaw.social
October 29, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Best of luck to Dan and Good Law Project.
Those of us who are old enough will recall that pre-1995, Gates saw "little commercial potential" for the Internet. He landed on his feet with MS but don't let a man who recently sat around a table and blew smoke up Trump's backside tell you anything about the future or the climate.
This is just mind-bendingly wrong-headed. ‘Let’s just adapt, tech will save us’ has always been a reckless strategy, but as evidence mounts that natural carbon sinks are failing it really does start to sink into a form of climate denialism.
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
Bill Gates Delivers ‘Tough Truths’ on Climate Just Before Big U.N. Talks
Bill Gates argues against focusing on emissions goals in favor of measures of human development.
www.newsweek.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Those of us who are old enough will recall that pre-1995, Gates saw "little commercial potential" for the Internet. He landed on his feet with MS but don't let a man who recently sat around a table and blew smoke up Trump's backside tell you anything about the future or the climate.
A very helpful explanation of ethanol green washing.
Why Ethanol for Vehicles, Even With Carbon Capture, Increases CO2 and Pollution and Should be Abandoned
Ethanol damages climate & air quality, raises costs, & requires enormous land vs battery-electric vehicles powered by wind or solar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6E1...
Ethanol damages climate & air quality, raises costs, & requires enormous land vs battery-electric vehicles powered by wind or solar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6E1...
Why Ethanol for Vehicles, Even With Carbon Capture, Increases CO2 & Pollution & Should be Abandoned
YouTube video by Mark Z. Jacobson
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:24 PM
A very helpful explanation of ethanol green washing.
Reposted by Brendan
There never was a ceasefire.
October 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
There never was a ceasefire.
Reposted by Brendan
Reposted by Brendan
