Barry McMullin
@autofac.bsky.social
Stranger in a strange land - aren't we all? Engineering academic #Decarbonisation #ComplexSystems. #CarbonAbolitionist #AndACyclist he/his
Why "autofac" you say? Well ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autofac
And: http://www.eeng.dcu.ie/~mcmullin/
Why "autofac" you say? Well ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autofac
And: http://www.eeng.dcu.ie/~mcmullin/
Pinned
Barry McMullin
@autofac.bsky.social
· Nov 16
postcarbonireland.org: GE2024
www.postcarbonireland.org
Update on petition for a dedicated #IE
#GE2024 Leaders' Debate on the Climate & Biodiversity emergency:
www.postcarbonireland.org/GE2024/
#GE2024 Leaders' Debate on the Climate & Biodiversity emergency:
www.postcarbonireland.org/GE2024/
Reposted by Barry McMullin
Today is David Graeber's birthday. He'd have been 65 years old today.
His ideas are still here and his message is more important than ever before which must remind us that a better world is possible.
His ideas are still here and his message is more important than ever before which must remind us that a better world is possible.
February 12, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Today is David Graeber's birthday. He'd have been 65 years old today.
His ideas are still here and his message is more important than ever before which must remind us that a better world is possible.
His ideas are still here and his message is more important than ever before which must remind us that a better world is possible.
Reposted by Barry McMullin
I admit, I don't think its possible
Trump on drug prices: "They're coming down by 500, 600, 700 percent ... numbers nobody ever thought possible"
February 12, 2026 at 7:14 PM
I admit, I don't think its possible
Reposted by Barry McMullin
En route to studio for this week’s Last Word on the environment with Matt Cooper on Today FM.
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the weekly slot, that kicked off in early February 2021. Time flies!
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the weekly slot, that kicked off in early February 2021. Time flies!
February 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM
En route to studio for this week’s Last Word on the environment with Matt Cooper on Today FM.
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the weekly slot, that kicked off in early February 2021. Time flies!
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the weekly slot, that kicked off in early February 2021. Time flies!
Reposted by Barry McMullin
A former US law enforcement officer's letter on the ethics of Ireland supplying fuelling facilities to US ICE deportation flights at Shannon. #ethics
February 12, 2026 at 11:24 AM
A former US law enforcement officer's letter on the ethics of Ireland supplying fuelling facilities to US ICE deportation flights at Shannon. #ethics
Reposted by Barry McMullin
China emissions 'flat or falling'
China’s carbon dioxide emissions have now been flat or falling for nearly two years according to new analysis. Emissions fell one per cent year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 and are likely to have declined by 0.3 per cent over the year.
China’s carbon dioxide emissions have now been flat or falling for nearly two years according to new analysis. Emissions fell one per cent year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 and are likely to have declined by 0.3 per cent over the year.
China’s emissions have stopped rising for two years. Is this the start of a decline?
Whether the current plateau becomes a sustained decline will depend largely on decisions in the next five-year plan, due in March
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 10:15 AM
China emissions 'flat or falling'
China’s carbon dioxide emissions have now been flat or falling for nearly two years according to new analysis. Emissions fell one per cent year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 and are likely to have declined by 0.3 per cent over the year.
China’s carbon dioxide emissions have now been flat or falling for nearly two years according to new analysis. Emissions fell one per cent year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 and are likely to have declined by 0.3 per cent over the year.
Reposted by Barry McMullin
BREAKING: UK heat pump sales hit a record in 2025: 125,037 units sold (+27% vs 2024).
Growth across all segments:
• Air-to-water +26%
• Ground/water source +32%
• DHW +36%
• UK-made units +38%
Growth across all segments:
• Air-to-water +26%
• Ground/water source +32%
• DHW +36%
• UK-made units +38%
February 12, 2026 at 10:15 AM
BREAKING: UK heat pump sales hit a record in 2025: 125,037 units sold (+27% vs 2024).
Growth across all segments:
• Air-to-water +26%
• Ground/water source +32%
• DHW +36%
• UK-made units +38%
Growth across all segments:
• Air-to-water +26%
• Ground/water source +32%
• DHW +36%
• UK-made units +38%
"... the US would not fight for the Baltics if the Russians attacked and the US under Trump would never use nuclear weapons to defend Europe in any scenario. So saying you are helpless without the USA does make it more likely that the US will defend Europe—if anything it makes it less likely."
Just sent out this free piece. For two weeks now we have heard senior European policy makers speak lies. Europe cannot defend itself without the USA, the USA under Trump it committed to NATO, Europe is too weak. It is a generation of failure justifying its mistakes. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
The Worst Argument Possible
Of course Europe can defend itself, indeed it should.
open.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:18 AM
"... the US would not fight for the Baltics if the Russians attacked and the US under Trump would never use nuclear weapons to defend Europe in any scenario. So saying you are helpless without the USA does make it more likely that the US will defend Europe—if anything it makes it less likely."
Reposted by Barry McMullin
"there is no basis in science, and no discernible basis in law, for the [Minister's] assertion that delays in finalising [the carbon budgets] provide a justification for a delay in publication of the statutory 2026 update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP26)."
www.postcarbonireland.org/etc/2026/Let...
www.postcarbonireland.org/etc/2026/Let...
www.postcarbonireland.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
"there is no basis in science, and no discernible basis in law, for the [Minister's] assertion that delays in finalising [the carbon budgets] provide a justification for a delay in publication of the statutory 2026 update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP26)."
www.postcarbonireland.org/etc/2026/Let...
www.postcarbonireland.org/etc/2026/Let...
Reposted by Barry McMullin
If China's emissions had kept growing at previous levels emissions would like, what, maybe a full GIGATONNE higher....the area of avoided emissions here is like deleting the emissions of entire countries. This is happening at a scale that will very clearly have an effect in lessening disasters
February 12, 2026 at 8:18 AM
If China's emissions had kept growing at previous levels emissions would like, what, maybe a full GIGATONNE higher....the area of avoided emissions here is like deleting the emissions of entire countries. This is happening at a scale that will very clearly have an effect in lessening disasters
Reposted by Barry McMullin
It's a strange thing to not disclose in the post but this research was led by Google, which has seen rising greenhouse gas emissions for years now
I know it's extremely outdated and weird to say this but it's emissions that are causing climate change + AMOC collapse etc. Sorry to mention it
I know it's extremely outdated and weird to say this but it's emissions that are causing climate change + AMOC collapse etc. Sorry to mention it
February 12, 2026 at 8:43 AM
It's a strange thing to not disclose in the post but this research was led by Google, which has seen rising greenhouse gas emissions for years now
I know it's extremely outdated and weird to say this but it's emissions that are causing climate change + AMOC collapse etc. Sorry to mention it
I know it's extremely outdated and weird to say this but it's emissions that are causing climate change + AMOC collapse etc. Sorry to mention it
Reposted by Barry McMullin
I've never read a more kick ass start to a scientific paper. But then we haven't so clearly faced the end of our civilization before either.
#LeaveItInTheGround
doi.org/10.1093/bios...
#LeaveItInTheGround
doi.org/10.1093/bios...
February 7, 2026 at 10:07 AM
I've never read a more kick ass start to a scientific paper. But then we haven't so clearly faced the end of our civilization before either.
#LeaveItInTheGround
doi.org/10.1093/bios...
#LeaveItInTheGround
doi.org/10.1093/bios...
Reposted by Barry McMullin
Seriously true!
Tech companies: If I want to use AI, I will open up an LLM or other AI tool.
I do not need you forcing it on me in every single application and website I use. It's tiring and it's almost never useful.
I do not need you forcing it on me in every single application and website I use. It's tiring and it's almost never useful.
February 11, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Seriously true!
Reposted by Barry McMullin
I dunno if you can put a sympathetic spin on ‘Baby Mass Graves’
February 11, 2026 at 1:34 PM
I dunno if you can put a sympathetic spin on ‘Baby Mass Graves’
Reposted by Barry McMullin
4 stories in the @irishtimes.com highlight the crazy approach to climate action by the government. 3 articles detailing the heavy financial & social cost of climate breakdown, and 1 where the govt celebrates increasing climate emissions for the airport by lifting the passenger cap. 🤯 #SpeirGorm
February 10, 2026 at 9:01 AM
4 stories in the @irishtimes.com highlight the crazy approach to climate action by the government. 3 articles detailing the heavy financial & social cost of climate breakdown, and 1 where the govt celebrates increasing climate emissions for the airport by lifting the passenger cap. 🤯 #SpeirGorm
Reposted by Barry McMullin
If you drive your diesel car 100 miles it will cost between £5 & £6 in fuel tax (For the UK. Similar for Ireland)
If you fly 1000 miles, it will cost about £0 in fuel tax.
That's how committed we are to fighting climate change.
If you fly 1000 miles, it will cost about £0 in fuel tax.
That's how committed we are to fighting climate change.
February 10, 2026 at 11:22 AM
If you drive your diesel car 100 miles it will cost between £5 & £6 in fuel tax (For the UK. Similar for Ireland)
If you fly 1000 miles, it will cost about £0 in fuel tax.
That's how committed we are to fighting climate change.
If you fly 1000 miles, it will cost about £0 in fuel tax.
That's how committed we are to fighting climate change.
[Great, forensic, thread. Anyone interested in EU climate policy should take heed!]
It may be surprising that the EU's Climate Law - including the net 90% target for 2040 - passed in the European Parliament. A closer look at the adopted text explains why those in the EPP who favour weaker climate ambition could support the deal and did not vote with the far-right parties. /1
February 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM
[Great, forensic, thread. Anyone interested in EU climate policy should take heed!]
Reposted by Barry McMullin
Amsterdam will ban fossil fuel and meat advertisements in public spaces and on public transport starting May 1st. 🥳
The European city banning all fossil fuel and meat adverts in public
Amsterdam initially proposed the move in 2020, becoming the first city in the world to do so.
www.euronews.com
February 8, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Amsterdam will ban fossil fuel and meat advertisements in public spaces and on public transport starting May 1st. 🥳
Reposted by Barry McMullin
Repair Manifesto: If we can't fix it, we don't own it.
- Repair is better than recycling.
- Repair saves us money.
- Repair teaches basic engineering.
- Repair saves the planet.
- Repair connects people and things.
- Repair is sustainable.
#Minimalism
- Repair is better than recycling.
- Repair saves us money.
- Repair teaches basic engineering.
- Repair saves the planet.
- Repair connects people and things.
- Repair is sustainable.
#Minimalism
February 10, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Repair Manifesto: If we can't fix it, we don't own it.
- Repair is better than recycling.
- Repair saves us money.
- Repair teaches basic engineering.
- Repair saves the planet.
- Repair connects people and things.
- Repair is sustainable.
#Minimalism
- Repair is better than recycling.
- Repair saves us money.
- Repair teaches basic engineering.
- Repair saves the planet.
- Repair connects people and things.
- Repair is sustainable.
#Minimalism
Reposted by Barry McMullin
🆕 Several Earth system components may be closer to destabilisation than previously thought. Crossing key temperature thresholds could trigger feedback loops, pushing the planet toward a “Hothouse Earth” trajectory. Study by @oregonstate.edu, @iiasa.ac.at & PIK: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
February 11, 2026 at 4:52 PM
🆕 Several Earth system components may be closer to destabilisation than previously thought. Crossing key temperature thresholds could trigger feedback loops, pushing the planet toward a “Hothouse Earth” trajectory. Study by @oregonstate.edu, @iiasa.ac.at & PIK: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Barry McMullin
🚨 NEW 🚨 As cities and countries begin to ban junk food and fossil fuel advertising, the keynoter at an ad industry confab in London last week urged executives to stop making harmful adverts ... JUST KIDDING! Actually, he called for minimal regulation on advertising.
buff.ly/J9oPe6L
buff.ly/J9oPe6L
Industry Pushes Back on UK Ad Bans
In a speech to UK advertising executives last week, Lord Ed Vaizey had nothing good to say about a new ban on junk food ads aimed at children. Nor did the Conservative peer mention a petition signed…
www.desmog.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:56 PM
🚨 NEW 🚨 As cities and countries begin to ban junk food and fossil fuel advertising, the keynoter at an ad industry confab in London last week urged executives to stop making harmful adverts ... JUST KIDDING! Actually, he called for minimal regulation on advertising.
buff.ly/J9oPe6L
buff.ly/J9oPe6L
Reposted by Barry McMullin
When you build a farming system around two food items, both enormously carbon intensive and destructive to the environment, you also make yourself vulnerable to market fluctuations.
It's a system that doesn't work for anyone, bar a few wealthy men and women at the top.
It's a system that doesn't work for anyone, bar a few wealthy men and women at the top.
February 11, 2026 at 12:21 PM
When you build a farming system around two food items, both enormously carbon intensive and destructive to the environment, you also make yourself vulnerable to market fluctuations.
It's a system that doesn't work for anyone, bar a few wealthy men and women at the top.
It's a system that doesn't work for anyone, bar a few wealthy men and women at the top.
Reposted by Barry McMullin
"Every vice-signal, whether it’s Trump or Farage or Jenrick or Herbert Kickl, is telling you the rules are over. If you can’t believe them the first time, at least believe them the 100th." @zoesqwilliams.bsky.social
The Anti-Vice Popular Front is expanding
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The Anti-Vice Popular Front is expanding
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The rise of vice-signalling: how hatred poisoned politics
Over the last 10 years, the terms of political debate have changed completely – and week by week they seem to get worse
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:34 PM
"Every vice-signal, whether it’s Trump or Farage or Jenrick or Herbert Kickl, is telling you the rules are over. If you can’t believe them the first time, at least believe them the 100th." @zoesqwilliams.bsky.social
The Anti-Vice Popular Front is expanding
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
The Anti-Vice Popular Front is expanding
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Barry McMullin
Weird how they keep finding more money to fund the gestapo that is damaging job numbers by deporting workers but can't find any for a universal healthcare system that will save money, a free housing for homeless folk program that will save money, or universal basic income that'll boost the economy.
February 11, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Weird how they keep finding more money to fund the gestapo that is damaging job numbers by deporting workers but can't find any for a universal healthcare system that will save money, a free housing for homeless folk program that will save money, or universal basic income that'll boost the economy.
Reposted by Barry McMullin
They keep doing studies on UBI and the answer keeps coming back, “It’s more than worth it.” Stunned by this outcome conservatives say, “that can’t be right. Let’s do another study.” Rinse and repeat.
February 11, 2026 at 2:11 AM
They keep doing studies on UBI and the answer keeps coming back, “It’s more than worth it.” Stunned by this outcome conservatives say, “that can’t be right. Let’s do another study.” Rinse and repeat.
Reposted by Barry McMullin
“I think Greenland was a wake-up call. There is more talk [in Brussels] about replacing one dependency with another.”
This is what I told the Wall Street Journal about Europe’s increasing dependence on US LNG following the end of Russian pipeline gas.
This is what I told the Wall Street Journal about Europe’s increasing dependence on US LNG following the end of Russian pipeline gas.
February 11, 2026 at 12:04 PM
“I think Greenland was a wake-up call. There is more talk [in Brussels] about replacing one dependency with another.”
This is what I told the Wall Street Journal about Europe’s increasing dependence on US LNG following the end of Russian pipeline gas.
This is what I told the Wall Street Journal about Europe’s increasing dependence on US LNG following the end of Russian pipeline gas.