Articles

Why the energy transition is hard, and why it matters more than ever

Invited talk to SEAI board

Posted on September 8, 2025

In September, I was very grateful to be asked to give a talk to the board of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. [Read More]

Tags: energy

Why ‘No Additional Warming’ Is a Dangerous Climate Loophole

At a Time of Climate Crisis - GWP* risks backsliding for methane-intensive sectors

Posted on September 4, 2025

Why ‘No Additional Warming’ Is a Dangerous Climate Loophole [Read More]

Tags: climate column policy

From Turf Fires to Tomorrow - A Local History of Climate, and What We Do Next

Article for the Macroom Historical Society

Posted on September 1, 2025

When I think about climate change, I don’t begin with melting glaciers or distant conferences. I think about my grandfather, who left the cement factory in Limerick in the 1970s to become a self-employed plumber. The oil shocks had pushed Ireland to diversify how we powered and heated our lives.... [Read More]

Tags: climate

HVO is a climate “quick fix” that could be worse than fossil fuels

At a Time of Climate Crisis - There are serious questions over the sustainability of hydrotreated vegetable oil and the industries that are promoting its use

Posted on August 7, 2025

Column for the Irish Times, August 7th 2025 [Read More]

Tags: climate column policy

Overshooting 1.5 degrees - What happens now?

At a Time of Climate Crisis - Focusing solely on the feasibility of 1.5 risks paralysis; instead, debate should centre on how to reduce warming and prepare for large-scale carbon drawdown

Posted on July 3, 2025

Irish Times Column, July 3rd 2025 [Read More]

Tags: climate column policy