Simon Bursell
@simonbursell.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Bursell
There's a bill to ban hunting foxes with packs of dogs coming before the dail on Dec 17th.
Fuck 'rural pursuits' sign and share and contact your FF, FG, and SF TDs and tell them to support the ban my.uplift.ie/petitions/pe...
Fuck 'rural pursuits' sign and share and contact your FF, FG, and SF TDs and tell them to support the ban my.uplift.ie/petitions/pe...
Petition to Ban Fox Hunting in Ireland
Can you support this campaign to bring in legislation banning the hunting of foxes using packs of dogs and horses?
my.uplift.ie
November 17, 2025 at 10:35 AM
There's a bill to ban hunting foxes with packs of dogs coming before the dail on Dec 17th.
Fuck 'rural pursuits' sign and share and contact your FF, FG, and SF TDs and tell them to support the ban my.uplift.ie/petitions/pe...
Fuck 'rural pursuits' sign and share and contact your FF, FG, and SF TDs and tell them to support the ban my.uplift.ie/petitions/pe...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
An Amoc shutdown later this century could see millions of Irish people become #climate migrants; this is something our politicians talking tough on cracking down on migration to Ireland should keep in mind, as I discuss in today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
John Gibbons: A big freeze could turn the Irish into climate refugees
We should reflect on 'get-tough' proposals on immigration: If the Amoc currents that moderate Ireland’s climate fail, temperatures will plunge, making grass-based agriculture impossible
www.irishexaminer.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:12 AM
An Amoc shutdown later this century could see millions of Irish people become #climate migrants; this is something our politicians talking tough on cracking down on migration to Ireland should keep in mind, as I discuss in today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
It says a lot about our new President that one of her first public events was with @antaisce.bsky.social to highlight our climate challenge and the need for climate justice 👏
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Moral duty ‘to act now’ on climate change for future generations, says Catherine Connolly
Figures of possible fines of between €8bn and €26bn for breaching emissions targets ‘incredible’, President says
www.irishtimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:14 PM
It says a lot about our new President that one of her first public events was with @antaisce.bsky.social to highlight our climate challenge and the need for climate justice 👏
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
IRELAND has dropped 4 places in the 2025 global Climate Change Performance Index.
Alarm bells are blaring on the new coalition's attitude to LNG (liquified natural gas - which often comes from fracking in the USA) and data centre expansion...
Alarm bells are blaring on the new coalition's attitude to LNG (liquified natural gas - which often comes from fracking in the USA) and data centre expansion...
November 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
IRELAND has dropped 4 places in the 2025 global Climate Change Performance Index.
Alarm bells are blaring on the new coalition's attitude to LNG (liquified natural gas - which often comes from fracking in the USA) and data centre expansion...
Alarm bells are blaring on the new coalition's attitude to LNG (liquified natural gas - which often comes from fracking in the USA) and data centre expansion...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
The EU MERCOSUR Trade Deal is being railroaded through — with promises of traceability safeguards the latest Trojan Horse.
But how credible are these assurances? And why should Ireland stand behind a deal that risks harming the Amazon and its Indigenous communities?
#MERCOSUR #COP30
But how credible are these assurances? And why should Ireland stand behind a deal that risks harming the Amazon and its Indigenous communities?
#MERCOSUR #COP30
November 12, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Reposted by Simon Bursell
The Govt flies to COP30 preaching climate leadership, but the glaring truth is this:
There is no tangible domestic climate action.
No credible pathway for emissions cuts.
No health-centered climate planning.
No transition for transport, agriculture, or energy at the scale science demands.
There is no tangible domestic climate action.
No credible pathway for emissions cuts.
No health-centered climate planning.
No transition for transport, agriculture, or energy at the scale science demands.
Neale Richmond: The government takes climate action seriously, but we recognise we need to do more
Minister of State Neale Richmond is in Brazil today at the UN’s annual climate summit.
www.thejournal.ie
November 12, 2025 at 8:11 AM
The Govt flies to COP30 preaching climate leadership, but the glaring truth is this:
There is no tangible domestic climate action.
No credible pathway for emissions cuts.
No health-centered climate planning.
No transition for transport, agriculture, or energy at the scale science demands.
There is no tangible domestic climate action.
No credible pathway for emissions cuts.
No health-centered climate planning.
No transition for transport, agriculture, or energy at the scale science demands.
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Why is the Government playing chicken with Europe on climate?
My latest for the Irish Times.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
My latest for the Irish Times.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Why is the Government playing chicken on climate with Europe?
At a time of climate crisis: Climate action is fiscal prudence
www.irishtimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Why is the Government playing chicken with Europe on climate?
My latest for the Irish Times.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
My latest for the Irish Times.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
November 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Why am I voting for Catherine? She’s an ambassador for an Ireland that would have brought me home sooner.
Her election feels like the beginning of a broader movement to build a better Ireland, one worth fighting for, worth canvassing for. It’s a vision that feels like home.
Katie Ryan
Kilrush
Her election feels like the beginning of a broader movement to build a better Ireland, one worth fighting for, worth canvassing for. It’s a vision that feels like home.
Katie Ryan
Kilrush
October 11, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Why am I voting for Catherine? She’s an ambassador for an Ireland that would have brought me home sooner.
Her election feels like the beginning of a broader movement to build a better Ireland, one worth fighting for, worth canvassing for. It’s a vision that feels like home.
Katie Ryan
Kilrush
Her election feels like the beginning of a broader movement to build a better Ireland, one worth fighting for, worth canvassing for. It’s a vision that feels like home.
Katie Ryan
Kilrush
Reposted by Simon Bursell
It makes far more sense, economically, socially, and environmentally, to instead of flying, invest in a direct rail line to Derry and Donegal.
Such a project would reconnect and strengthen the island, while moving us toward a genuinely more sustainable and healthier transport future for all.
Such a project would reconnect and strengthen the island, while moving us toward a genuinely more sustainable and healthier transport future for all.
Opinion: Between lifting the cap and new Derry flights, is Darragh O'Brien minister for climate, or just transport?
Darragh O’Brien needs to make sure that his transport portfolio isn’t making things harder for his climate portfolio, Dr Catherine Conlon
www.thejournal.ie
October 11, 2025 at 9:33 AM
It makes far more sense, economically, socially, and environmentally, to instead of flying, invest in a direct rail line to Derry and Donegal.
Such a project would reconnect and strengthen the island, while moving us toward a genuinely more sustainable and healthier transport future for all.
Such a project would reconnect and strengthen the island, while moving us toward a genuinely more sustainable and healthier transport future for all.
Reposted by Simon Bursell
I don't want to get all Chesterton's Fence here, but if you don't understand that a "microscopic snail" is an indicator species that's protected for the health of the entire ecosystem, you probably shouldn't be forming "good relationships" with developers
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Rachel Reeves clears planning blockage amid ‘good relationship’ with developer
Exclusive: Chancellor says 20,000 homes were being held up due to ‘some snails that are a protected species or something’
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I don't want to get all Chesterton's Fence here, but if you don't understand that a "microscopic snail" is an indicator species that's protected for the health of the entire ecosystem, you probably shouldn't be forming "good relationships" with developers
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Yes, I want to see headlines about the millions of euros that are spent so people who were once elected can store their car in the centre of Dublin. haul them in front of an oireachtas committee!
“The Office of Public Works spends around €1.2 million every year leasing car parking... spaces for the Revenue Commissioners cost over €100,000 annually. Parking for Leinster House itself runs to a similar figure each year. These are recurring bills, quietly signed off without any outrage”
Those outraged by a €100k bike shed should look at the annual cost of renting out car park spaces
www.thejournal.ie/readme/bike-...
www.thejournal.ie/readme/bike-...
October 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Yes, I want to see headlines about the millions of euros that are spent so people who were once elected can store their car in the centre of Dublin. haul them in front of an oireachtas committee!
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Everyone knows that Catherine Connolly has more integrity than most politicians but the way she has responded to constant media scrutiny and attack with calmness, clarity and honesty is truly brilliant.
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Catherine Connelly – Presidential campaign
Catherine Connolly, Independent presidential candidate
www.rte.ie
October 3, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Everyone knows that Catherine Connolly has more integrity than most politicians but the way she has responded to constant media scrutiny and attack with calmness, clarity and honesty is truly brilliant.
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
TCD: “Politics and sociology students said they are both leaning towards Independent Catherine Connolly as their preferred candidate.
This is a choice which seems overwhelmingly popular among their peers on campus.”
#Áras25 #Aras25 @catherinegalway.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
This is a choice which seems overwhelmingly popular among their peers on campus.”
#Áras25 #Aras25 @catherinegalway.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
‘Her ideas benefit young people’: What TCD students make of the presidential hopefuls
Catherine Connolly appears leading choice on campus ahead of rivals Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin
www.irishtimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
TCD: “Politics and sociology students said they are both leaning towards Independent Catherine Connolly as their preferred candidate.
This is a choice which seems overwhelmingly popular among their peers on campus.”
#Áras25 #Aras25 @catherinegalway.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
This is a choice which seems overwhelmingly popular among their peers on campus.”
#Áras25 #Aras25 @catherinegalway.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Reminder: Our Govt is obsessed with shutting off Court oversight of bad environmental decisions.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
Environmental damage is putting European way of life at risk, says report
The report makes for worrying reading.
www.irishexaminer.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Reminder: Our Govt is obsessed with shutting off Court oversight of bad environmental decisions.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Ar aghaidh linn. @catherinegalway.bsky.social #spéirghorm
September 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Ar aghaidh linn. @catherinegalway.bsky.social #spéirghorm
Reposted by Simon Bursell
The £22bn deal announced today between the British government and Microsoft to build AI data centres across the country makes it all the more imperative that we read @pbresnihan.bsky.social and Pat Brody’s new book From the Bog to the Cloud. A quick thread. 1/7
September 17, 2025 at 8:47 AM
The £22bn deal announced today between the British government and Microsoft to build AI data centres across the country makes it all the more imperative that we read @pbresnihan.bsky.social and Pat Brody’s new book From the Bog to the Cloud. A quick thread. 1/7
Reposted by Simon Bursell
A more accurate headline:
Legislation to increase emissions, fuel the climate catastrophe, and worsen public health in the works, minister confirms.
Legislation to increase emissions, fuel the climate catastrophe, and worsen public health in the works, minister confirms.
Legislation to end Dublin Airport passenger cap in the works, minister confirms
Darragh O’Brien said he will be ‘coming forward to cabinet, hopefully before the Budget, with legislative options’.
www.thejournal.ie
September 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
A more accurate headline:
Legislation to increase emissions, fuel the climate catastrophe, and worsen public health in the works, minister confirms.
Legislation to increase emissions, fuel the climate catastrophe, and worsen public health in the works, minister confirms.
Reposted by Simon Bursell
I LOVE a sand battery. Big pile of sand! It works!
Exciting clean energy breakthrough if you missed it: Finland launches world's largest sand battery in Pornainen! 13m tall, stores 100 MWh of renewable power as heat in sand at 450°C for weeks. Heats homes/offices/schools, cuts CO2 by 70% vs old woodchip plant.
www.independent.co.uk/tech/sand-ba...
www.independent.co.uk/tech/sand-ba...
World’s largest sand battery switches on in huge boost to clean energy
Thermal storage system holds enough energy to heat homes, offices and a school
www.independent.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I LOVE a sand battery. Big pile of sand! It works!
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Right-wing abundance-bros operate in an ecosystem of ultra-low-information, mostly on a combination of X and substack, with the big accounts just spewing out vaguely correct-sounding chunks of text that crumble at the slightest interrogation.
This has ~1.2k RTs on X, and it's just....made up
This has ~1.2k RTs on X, and it's just....made up
August 1, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Right-wing abundance-bros operate in an ecosystem of ultra-low-information, mostly on a combination of X and substack, with the big accounts just spewing out vaguely correct-sounding chunks of text that crumble at the slightest interrogation.
This has ~1.2k RTs on X, and it's just....made up
This has ~1.2k RTs on X, and it's just....made up
Reposted by Simon Bursell
These articles really shine a light on what a pile of shite the "we must feed the world at the expense of water quality and emissions" arguments are.
The world is being fed rubbish that's undermining local food production too
The world is being fed rubbish that's undermining local food production too
🔴 NEW: How Ireland’s ‘Mediocre’ Milk Powder Made it Big in West Africa
📝 @brigitte-whl.bsky.social @phoebecooke.bsky.social @shaunacorr.bsky.social with Beloved John @premiumtimesng.bsky.social 👇
www.desmog.com/2025/07/14/i...
📝 @brigitte-whl.bsky.social @phoebecooke.bsky.social @shaunacorr.bsky.social with Beloved John @premiumtimesng.bsky.social 👇
www.desmog.com/2025/07/14/i...
How Ireland’s ‘Mediocre’ Milk Powder Made it Big in West Africa
In a packed function room in Lagos, Nigeria, the jaunty sounds of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’ start to play. Then, as a giant sparkler and confetti cannon erupt, a curtain slowly parts to reveal a spin...
www.desmog.com
July 16, 2025 at 7:46 AM
These articles really shine a light on what a pile of shite the "we must feed the world at the expense of water quality and emissions" arguments are.
The world is being fed rubbish that's undermining local food production too
The world is being fed rubbish that's undermining local food production too
Reposted by Simon Bursell
This framing is misleading.
It's super important that we recognise that there's no 'new normal' until we stop burning fossil fuels - it just keeps getting worse & worse!
As the scientists quoted in the article say "today’s high temperatures are likely to be average by 2050, & cool by 2100"
It's super important that we recognise that there's no 'new normal' until we stop burning fossil fuels - it just keeps getting worse & worse!
As the scientists quoted in the article say "today’s high temperatures are likely to be average by 2050, & cool by 2100"
‘Profound concern’ as scientists say extreme heat ‘now the norm’ in UK
Frequency of heatwaves and flooding raises fears over health, infrastructure and how society functions
www.theguardian.com
July 14, 2025 at 8:02 AM
This framing is misleading.
It's super important that we recognise that there's no 'new normal' until we stop burning fossil fuels - it just keeps getting worse & worse!
As the scientists quoted in the article say "today’s high temperatures are likely to be average by 2050, & cool by 2100"
It's super important that we recognise that there's no 'new normal' until we stop burning fossil fuels - it just keeps getting worse & worse!
As the scientists quoted in the article say "today’s high temperatures are likely to be average by 2050, & cool by 2100"
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Looking for hopeful news in dark times? Read this excerpt from @billmckibben.bsky.social's powerful new book:
4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment
In the past two years, without much notice, solar power has begun to truly transform the world’s energy system.
www.newyorker.com
July 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Looking for hopeful news in dark times? Read this excerpt from @billmckibben.bsky.social's powerful new book:
Reposted by Simon Bursell
Texas politicians have been loudly denying the link between climate change and extreme floods
But behind closed doors, the oil companies that fund those politicians have been acknowledging that storms and floods are getting worse—so they can prepare their own infrastructure for what's to come
But behind closed doors, the oil companies that fund those politicians have been acknowledging that storms and floods are getting worse—so they can prepare their own infrastructure for what's to come
Abbott says megafloods are “just part of nature.” The fossil fuel industry disagrees.
In leaked audio from a meeting last month, gas industry representatives acknowledged that extreme weather is getting wackier and more dangerous.
heated.world
July 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Texas politicians have been loudly denying the link between climate change and extreme floods
But behind closed doors, the oil companies that fund those politicians have been acknowledging that storms and floods are getting worse—so they can prepare their own infrastructure for what's to come
But behind closed doors, the oil companies that fund those politicians have been acknowledging that storms and floods are getting worse—so they can prepare their own infrastructure for what's to come
Reposted by Simon Bursell
In October, I had a very long chat with Alan Moore. On magick, sci-fi, the perils of ecological doomerism, the joy of occultist pranks, the psychogeography of Stoke Newington, the invention of the taser - and much more!
As a Christmas treat here it is IN FULL.
seamas.medium.com/its-a-rabbit...
As a Christmas treat here it is IN FULL.
seamas.medium.com/its-a-rabbit...
It’s a rabbit out of a hat: On magick, fantasy and pretty much everything else, with Alan Moore
In October of this year, I spent a balmy evening talking with Alan Moore on the week that he had two — count ’em!— new books on the…
seamas.medium.com
December 23, 2024 at 1:14 PM
In October, I had a very long chat with Alan Moore. On magick, sci-fi, the perils of ecological doomerism, the joy of occultist pranks, the psychogeography of Stoke Newington, the invention of the taser - and much more!
As a Christmas treat here it is IN FULL.
seamas.medium.com/its-a-rabbit...
As a Christmas treat here it is IN FULL.
seamas.medium.com/its-a-rabbit...