James Allan
@jamesallanatmos.bsky.social
Long haired atmospheric scientist at the University of Manchester and NCAS. Opinions my own.
Reposted by James Allan
Places are filling up fast for December's Air Quality in the 21st Century at the Royal Society of Chemistry.
It's a science adventure from the work of AQEG to net zero, health gains from air pollution actions, UFP, shipping, inequalities in exposure the ULEZ and more.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
It's a science adventure from the work of AQEG to net zero, health gains from air pollution actions, UFP, shipping, inequalities in exposure the ULEZ and more.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Places are filling up fast for December's Air Quality in the 21st Century at the Royal Society of Chemistry.
It's a science adventure from the work of AQEG to net zero, health gains from air pollution actions, UFP, shipping, inequalities in exposure the ULEZ and more.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
It's a science adventure from the work of AQEG to net zero, health gains from air pollution actions, UFP, shipping, inequalities in exposure the ULEZ and more.
www.rsc.org/events/detai...
Leaving politics aside, I'm sure that when the Epstein files drop, there'll be a mad rush to see how fast people can put them through the AI summary mangle. I'm very morbidly curious to know what's going to happen, given most of the evidence is likely to be incredibly boring.
November 20, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Leaving politics aside, I'm sure that when the Epstein files drop, there'll be a mad rush to see how fast people can put them through the AI summary mangle. I'm very morbidly curious to know what's going to happen, given most of the evidence is likely to be incredibly boring.
This is really interesting.
Unravelling an #airpollution mystery, #covid Eat Out to Help Out and the impacts of commercial cooking.
My latest piece for the Guardian focuses on work by @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
My latest piece for the Guardian focuses on work by @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Eat out to help out’ scheme added to air pollution in London, study finds
Commercial cooking shown to be cause of unusual peaks when policy was operating during pandemic in autumn 2020
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
This is really interesting.
Reposted by James Allan
The 2025-26 UK storm season has begun, and this week marks 10 years since the first named storm.
We spoke to NCAS researchers about what to expect for the new season and as the climate continues to warm.
ncas.ac.uk/uk-storm-sea...
We spoke to NCAS researchers about what to expect for the new season and as the climate continues to warm.
ncas.ac.uk/uk-storm-sea...
UK Storm Season 2025–26: Names, causes, and what to expect - NCAS
Find out why storms are named, what causes storms, and what to expect this season.
ncas.ac.uk
November 14, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The 2025-26 UK storm season has begun, and this week marks 10 years since the first named storm.
We spoke to NCAS researchers about what to expect for the new season and as the climate continues to warm.
ncas.ac.uk/uk-storm-sea...
We spoke to NCAS researchers about what to expect for the new season and as the climate continues to warm.
ncas.ac.uk/uk-storm-sea...
Reposted by James Allan
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high, according to new research by the Global Carbon Project.
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/decarbonisat...
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/decarbonisat...
Decarbonisation efforts are advancing, but they’re outpaced by rising energy demands - NCAS
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high, according to new research by the Global Carbon Project. The 2025 Global Carbon Budget projects...
ncas.ac.uk
November 13, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high, according to new research by the Global Carbon Project.
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/decarbonisat...
Read more:
ncas.ac.uk/decarbonisat...
While fresh air is good, trying to clean the air chemically is not. The atmospheric chemistry community has been saying this for a long time; the best ways of cleaning indoor air is physical removal (filters/sorbents/air exchange).
New air cleaner paper! @airqing.bsky.social challenged an oxidation-based cleaner with an air freshener, and saw tons of chemistry. In particular, ethanol (a common ingredient in cleaning products, and ubiquitous indoors) oxidized to form acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
Changes in Volatile Organic Compound Composition from an Oxidation-Based Air Cleaner
Air cleaning devices, or “air cleaners”, have the potential to improve indoor air by decreasing levels of air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in indoor environments. Many comm...
pubs.acs.org
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
While fresh air is good, trying to clean the air chemically is not. The atmospheric chemistry community has been saying this for a long time; the best ways of cleaning indoor air is physical removal (filters/sorbents/air exchange).
Well deserved. I was one of many aerosol scientists who sprayed their coffee over the screen when the WHO made that 'particles bigger than 5 microns can't be airborne' statement, and while many in our field fought to raise awareness, Morawska is one in particular that deserves recognition.
Great news as Prof Lidia Morawska who has done fantastic work on particulate matter and raised awareness of the fact that covid 19 can be spread via airborne route has just won a prize in recognition of her achievements
Australian scientist who alerted world that Covid is airborne wins top science prize
Prof Lidia Morawska says recognition of her research comes at a fraught time – an ‘age of anti-science’
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Well deserved. I was one of many aerosol scientists who sprayed their coffee over the screen when the WHO made that 'particles bigger than 5 microns can't be airborne' statement, and while many in our field fought to raise awareness, Morawska is one in particular that deserves recognition.
Reposted by James Allan
It’s clear that atmospheric science plays a vital role in our collective effort to tackle climate change.
As #COP30 begins, check out our 4 stories of climate science in action: ncas.ac.uk/cop30-and-cl...
As #COP30 begins, check out our 4 stories of climate science in action: ncas.ac.uk/cop30-and-cl...
COP30 and climate science in action - NCAS
Stories of climate science in action at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science during COP30.
ncas.ac.uk
November 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM
It’s clear that atmospheric science plays a vital role in our collective effort to tackle climate change.
As #COP30 begins, check out our 4 stories of climate science in action: ncas.ac.uk/cop30-and-cl...
As #COP30 begins, check out our 4 stories of climate science in action: ncas.ac.uk/cop30-and-cl...
New PhD projects available at the Aerosol Science CDT, including one of mine (it involves burning stuff). Please pass on to those who might be interested.
www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/2026-projects/
www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/2026-projects/
2026 projects | Aerosol Science CDT
www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk
November 11, 2025 at 11:52 AM
New PhD projects available at the Aerosol Science CDT, including one of mine (it involves burning stuff). Please pass on to those who might be interested.
www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/2026-projects/
www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/2026-projects/
Reposted by James Allan
"We live on a planet on the brink of disaster -- This year’s State of the Climate Report warns of imminent climate chaos" by @brianmchugh.bsky.social for @yorkshirebylines.co.uk:
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environ...
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environ...
We live on a planet on the brink of disaster
This year’s State of the Climate Report warns of imminent climate chaos
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"We live on a planet on the brink of disaster -- This year’s State of the Climate Report warns of imminent climate chaos" by @brianmchugh.bsky.social for @yorkshirebylines.co.uk:
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environ...
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/environ...
1.5°C was always going to be a challenge, but I'm not convinced there is the collective will to meet 2°C either. I think the debate around geoengineering is inevitably shifting from 'if' we think it's a good idea, to 'when' it will become a necessity (assuming it isn't already).
Climate plans don't limit dangerous warming, UN says ahead of COP
The UN's review of national climate plans shows the world is well off track to limit warming
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 2:13 PM
1.5°C was always going to be a challenge, but I'm not convinced there is the collective will to meet 2°C either. I think the debate around geoengineering is inevitably shifting from 'if' we think it's a good idea, to 'when' it will become a necessity (assuming it isn't already).
Here's an interesting one, linking prenatal PM2.5 and O3 exposure with autism. The also found the most significant link was with ammonium sulphate, but given the location and time period, this could be a proxy for industrial emissions.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Prenatal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Components and Autism Risk in Childhood
This cohort study of births in a Canadian province examines whether higher prenatal exposures to fine particulate matter and its components are associated with risk of autism spectrum disorder.
jamanetwork.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Here's an interesting one, linking prenatal PM2.5 and O3 exposure with autism. The also found the most significant link was with ammonium sulphate, but given the location and time period, this could be a proxy for industrial emissions.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Here's one that's done the rounds today, a new report from Ricardo that looks at the impacts of domestic burning, with a particular focus on Hertfordshire. The number the Guardian is quoting is 2,500 deaths from domestic burning annually. (1/3)
www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-...
www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-...
Research shows major health and economic benefits from reducing domestic burning in UK homes
A new report by Ricardo shows that reducing the burning of solid fuels in UK homes could contribute to savings up to £54 million in healthcare costs
www.ricardo.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Here's one that's done the rounds today, a new report from Ricardo that looks at the impacts of domestic burning, with a particular focus on Hertfordshire. The number the Guardian is quoting is 2,500 deaths from domestic burning annually. (1/3)
www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-...
www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-...
New satellite data products just dropped!
😎 First glimpses from space!
The new #Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission has delivered its first preliminary images during commissioning.
Sentinel-4’s spectrometer is hosted on @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite 🧪🌍
@josefaschbacher.esa.int @ec.europa.eu @esaearth.esa.int
The new #Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission has delivered its first preliminary images during commissioning.
Sentinel-4’s spectrometer is hosted on @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite 🧪🌍
@josefaschbacher.esa.int @ec.europa.eu @esaearth.esa.int
October 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM
New satellite data products just dropped!
Reposted by James Allan
Applications are now open for 200 new PhD Studentships and Fellowships.
We're investing in early career researchers, in partnership with philanthropic support - to develop the next generation of research leaders.
Share with someone you know!
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/bic...
We're investing in early career researchers, in partnership with philanthropic support - to develop the next generation of research leaders.
Share with someone you know!
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/bic...
October 21, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Applications are now open for 200 new PhD Studentships and Fellowships.
We're investing in early career researchers, in partnership with philanthropic support - to develop the next generation of research leaders.
Share with someone you know!
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/bic...
We're investing in early career researchers, in partnership with philanthropic support - to develop the next generation of research leaders.
Share with someone you know!
www.manchester.ac.uk/research/bic...
I've got mixed feelings about the notion that this is because of reduced sulphur emissions. On the one hand, it means rapid short term warming. On the other, it supports the notion that marine cloud brightening might be feasible as a geoengineering technique.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Mysterious 'warm blob' breaks records in the North Pacific Ocean
Temperatures have surged across a large area of the north Pacific - and scientists don't know exactly why.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I've got mixed feelings about the notion that this is because of reduced sulphur emissions. On the one hand, it means rapid short term warming. On the other, it supports the notion that marine cloud brightening might be feasible as a geoengineering technique.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
As a PHEV user myself, I'm aware that this issue isn't new. The short version is that this relates to the fact that they assumed people would plug in plug-in hybrids more than they do, but it does speak to a wider issue of 'perverse incentives'. (1/6)
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Plug-in hybrids pollute almost as much as petrol cars, report finds
Analysis of 800,000 European cars found real-world pollution from plug-in hybrids nearly five times greater than lab tests
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:33 AM
As a PHEV user myself, I'm aware that this issue isn't new. The short version is that this relates to the fact that they assumed people would plug in plug-in hybrids more than they do, but it does speak to a wider issue of 'perverse incentives'. (1/6)
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Another 'first paper' from one of my PhD students, this time by Osayomwanbor Oghama. This paper is looking at stove emissions, focused on the chemical profiling using CIMS and AMS according to different fuels and burning conditions.
doi.org/10.1039/D5EA...
doi.org/10.1039/D5EA...
Variations in oxygenated and nitrogen-containing primary organic compounds based on the fuel type and burning condition in stove emissions
Biomass burning emits primary organic gases and particles on a global scale, partly from domestic combustion. While there is growing understanding of the composition and characteristics of these emiss...
doi.org
October 14, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Another 'first paper' from one of my PhD students, this time by Osayomwanbor Oghama. This paper is looking at stove emissions, focused on the chemical profiling using CIMS and AMS according to different fuels and burning conditions.
doi.org/10.1039/D5EA...
doi.org/10.1039/D5EA...
One to watch. Even before Dieselgate, I'd heard 'cycle beating' was an open secret in the industry and the academic community were already reporting curiously high emissions, so it's safe to assume they were all at it. (1/4)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Dieselgate': Five carmakers go on trial over emissions cheat claims
The trial is the latest chapter of what has become known as the
www.bbc.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 9:10 AM
One to watch. Even before Dieselgate, I'd heard 'cycle beating' was an open secret in the industry and the academic community were already reporting curiously high emissions, so it's safe to assume they were all at it. (1/4)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I was asked to do a talk about AI in Atmospheric Chemistry a couple of weeks ago and as part of this I presented the latest version of the Gartner Hype Cycle (h/t @loftytopping.bsky.social). Worryingly, LLMs are currently on the wrong part of the rollercoaster. Now see www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
October 11, 2025 at 10:49 AM
I was asked to do a talk about AI in Atmospheric Chemistry a couple of weeks ago and as part of this I presented the latest version of the Gartner Hype Cycle (h/t @loftytopping.bsky.social). Worryingly, LLMs are currently on the wrong part of the rollercoaster. Now see www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The UK emissions inventory for 2023 has been published (naei.energysecurity.gov.uk). Been picking through the numbers and one thing that's reassuring is that it appears that the downward trend in NOx from transport is continuing post-COVID. We've still got a way to go, but it's good news.
October 9, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The UK emissions inventory for 2023 has been published (naei.energysecurity.gov.uk). Been picking through the numbers and one thing that's reassuring is that it appears that the downward trend in NOx from transport is continuing post-COVID. We've still got a way to go, but it's good news.
This is important work an tallies with data I've seen from the supersite during heatwaves. As the climate warms up, the contribution to PM from secondary organic matter increases, and this is something we still have a relatively poor handle on compared to other sources.
Out this week in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science: VCPs, biogenic VOCs and traditional anthropogenic PM respond to heat and smoke to drive summer PM pollution outside NYC, highlighting vulnerabilities of urban air quality under global change. @chemdelphine.bsky.social @dbm.bsky.social
Emerging drivers of urban aerosol increase global change vulnerability in a US megacity
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science - Emerging drivers of urban aerosol increase global change vulnerability in a US megacity
rdcu.be
October 2, 2025 at 9:43 AM
This is important work an tallies with data I've seen from the supersite during heatwaves. As the climate warms up, the contribution to PM from secondary organic matter increases, and this is something we still have a relatively poor handle on compared to other sources.
This policy isn't a surprise, but it's the exact wording that I'm interested in. Looking at the key words, they're basically saying "We know climate change is bad, but we can make little difference as a country, so why bother trying?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Tories pledge to scrap landmark climate legislation
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says her party would axe legally binding targets to cut emissions.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 8:51 AM
This policy isn't a surprise, but it's the exact wording that I'm interested in. Looking at the key words, they're basically saying "We know climate change is bad, but we can make little difference as a country, so why bother trying?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by James Allan
Scientists increasingly assess interventions against misinformation mainly via truth discernment. Tobia Spampatti argues in Nature Climate Change that pursuing truth discernment may not be sufficiently beneficial to society if interventions do not improve behaviour and other outcomes. 🧪
Truth discernment may not help to overcome misinformation - Nature Climate Change
Scientists increasingly assess interventions against misinformation mainly via truth discernment. However, pursuing truth discernment may not be sufficiently beneficial to society if interventions do not improve behaviour and other outcomes.
go.nature.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Scientists increasingly assess interventions against misinformation mainly via truth discernment. Tobia Spampatti argues in Nature Climate Change that pursuing truth discernment may not be sufficiently beneficial to society if interventions do not improve behaviour and other outcomes. 🧪
Reposted by James Allan
Last week we hosted the first UK Atmospheric Chemistry Conference, with the @ukceh.bsky.social and @nceoscience.bsky.social.
September 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Last week we hosted the first UK Atmospheric Chemistry Conference, with the @ukceh.bsky.social and @nceoscience.bsky.social.