Damien Irving
@drclimate.bsky.social
Climate scientist. Data science educator. Tasmanian. Interested in Green politics. https://damienirving.github.io/
Reposted by Damien Irving
It's funny how hard we have to work to convince the world that uncontrolle data centre expansion is a climate risk when there's a fossil gas power station called the EXXONMOBIL POWER PLANT being built explicitly to power a data centre
Not enough people know about Homer City. The single largest fossil fuel plant that's being built *explicitly* to power a data centre.
This isn't a future projection, or some hollow marketing. This is physical stuff happening right now.
bsky.app/profile/keta...
This isn't a future projection, or some hollow marketing. This is physical stuff happening right now.
bsky.app/profile/keta...
November 10, 2025 at 8:17 PM
It's funny how hard we have to work to convince the world that uncontrolle data centre expansion is a climate risk when there's a fossil gas power station called the EXXONMOBIL POWER PLANT being built explicitly to power a data centre
Reposted by Damien Irving
Nice to be book of the day for @nextbigidea.bsky.social :) bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com/p/debate-me-...
Debate Me, Bro. Actually, Don't—Here's A Better Way to Persuade
Arguments don’t change minds—lived experience does. Here's how to create the kind of change that actually sticks.
bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com
August 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Nice to be book of the day for @nextbigidea.bsky.social :) bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com/p/debate-me-...
Reposted by Damien Irving
New post - a long review of @sarahsteinlubrano.bsky.social's book, Don't Talk About Politics.
This is a book that arrived just at the right time for me, helping some difficult ideas slide into place.
It lays out a fundamental challenge to politics-as-usual
in-between-days.ghost.io/the-hitchhik...
This is a book that arrived just at the right time for me, helping some difficult ideas slide into place.
It lays out a fundamental challenge to politics-as-usual
in-between-days.ghost.io/the-hitchhik...
The Hitchhiker's Guide to Political Psychology?
"The point, in short, is that we need to talk less about politics (in the sense of arguing with people) and instead build a world where those people are likely to encounter more and thus change their ...
in-between-days.ghost.io
November 10, 2025 at 9:32 AM
New post - a long review of @sarahsteinlubrano.bsky.social's book, Don't Talk About Politics.
This is a book that arrived just at the right time for me, helping some difficult ideas slide into place.
It lays out a fundamental challenge to politics-as-usual
in-between-days.ghost.io/the-hitchhik...
This is a book that arrived just at the right time for me, helping some difficult ideas slide into place.
It lays out a fundamental challenge to politics-as-usual
in-between-days.ghost.io/the-hitchhik...
Reposted by Damien Irving
Living with Long COVID often feels like living in a horror movie. Along with your disease comes a creepy Hive Mind refusal to acknowledge the dangers of COVID infection. In Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV show Pluribus, the Hive Mind comes to life:
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
"Pluribus" captures the isolation of COVID-awareness in a COVID denialist world
For years I've described having Long COVID as living in a horror movie. Now that horror movie (well, prestige Apple TV show) is here.
www.thegauntlet.news
November 10, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Living with Long COVID often feels like living in a horror movie. Along with your disease comes a creepy Hive Mind refusal to acknowledge the dangers of COVID infection. In Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV show Pluribus, the Hive Mind comes to life:
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
Reposted by Damien Irving
Are you the next leader of the Green Institute? We are now searching for the next leader or leadership team. If you are interested in pitching to the Board, please express your interest! More details here ... buff.ly/lcShmhi
Expression Of Interest – Green Institute Leadership - The Green Institute
Are you the next leader of the Green Institute? Background The Green Institute is the official think tank of the Australian Greens. Founded in 2008 by Margaret Blakers OAM and funded by a…
www.greeninstitute.org.au
November 8, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Are you the next leader of the Green Institute? We are now searching for the next leader or leadership team. If you are interested in pitching to the Board, please express your interest! More details here ... buff.ly/lcShmhi
Reposted by Damien Irving
Reposted by Damien Irving
It’s come to this. So sad for my once amazing organisation.
That said, I still say 99% of people at the operational coalface put 110% every day into making Australia safer and more prosperous. I’ve never experienced more passion in a public service. Anywhere.
New CEO literally starts tomorrow.
That said, I still say 99% of people at the operational coalface put 110% every day into making Australia safer and more prosperous. I’ve never experienced more passion in a public service. Anywhere.
New CEO literally starts tomorrow.
BoM move to axe free flood warning tool has ‘potentially deadly consequences’, Queensland councils say
BoM move to axe free flood warning tool has ‘potentially deadly consequences’, Queensland councils say
Bureau of Meteorology says current system will be phased out as it no longer meets ‘cybersecurity, stability and resilience’ standards
*
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
Natural disaster-prone councils in south-east Queensland say the Bureau of Meteorology’s decision to axe its free real-time flood forecasting tool is a “cost shifting” exercise with “potentially deadly consequences”, with New South Wales emergency services also affected.
For nearly 30 years, the BoM has provided local governments, emergency services and water managers around the country with free access to Enviromon – a tool used to inform emergency alert systems which collects, displays and analyses data from rainfall and river level gauges for flood forecasting. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:36 PM
It’s come to this. So sad for my once amazing organisation.
That said, I still say 99% of people at the operational coalface put 110% every day into making Australia safer and more prosperous. I’ve never experienced more passion in a public service. Anywhere.
New CEO literally starts tomorrow.
That said, I still say 99% of people at the operational coalface put 110% every day into making Australia safer and more prosperous. I’ve never experienced more passion in a public service. Anywhere.
New CEO literally starts tomorrow.
Reposted by Damien Irving
BoM move to axe free flood warning tool has ‘potentially deadly consequences’, Queensland councils say
BoM move to axe free flood warning tool has ‘potentially deadly consequences’, Queensland councils say
Bureau of Meteorology says current system will be phased out as it no longer meets ‘cybersecurity, stability and resilience’ standards
*
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
Natural disaster-prone councils in south-east Queensland say the Bureau of Meteorology’s decision to axe its free real-time flood forecasting tool is a “cost shifting” exercise with “potentially deadly consequences”, with New South Wales emergency services also affected.
For nearly 30 years, the BoM has provided local governments, emergency services and water managers around the country with free access to Enviromon – a tool used to inform emergency alert systems which collects, displays and analyses data from rainfall and river level gauges for flood forecasting. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
BoM move to axe free flood warning tool has ‘potentially deadly consequences’, Queensland councils say
Reposted by Damien Irving
“A writer at the Times contacted me to talk. He said he was less interested in Mamdani himself than he was in the Africana Studies part…” On why maybe you shouldn’t talk to the New York Times about Zohran Mamdani.
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“A writer at the Times contacted me to talk. He said he was less interested in Mamdani himself than he was in the Africana Studies part…” On why maybe you shouldn’t talk to the New York Times about Zohran Mamdani.
Reposted by Damien Irving
In my years working in public interest communications, I learned reporters often have the story they plan to tell already formed in their minds before they contact “sources” and will use—and even shape—what is told to them in the service of that narrative.
Peter Coviello testifies to that process:
Peter Coviello testifies to that process:
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM
In my years working in public interest communications, I learned reporters often have the story they plan to tell already formed in their minds before they contact “sources” and will use—and even shape—what is told to them in the service of that narrative.
Peter Coviello testifies to that process:
Peter Coviello testifies to that process:
Reposted by Damien Irving
1/ Unfortunately for Minister Watt, environmental & conservation science, environmental legal & political integrity experts show how untenable his boast of "stronger environmental laws" is
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/ge...
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/ge...
November 8, 2025 at 6:32 AM
1/ Unfortunately for Minister Watt, environmental & conservation science, environmental legal & political integrity experts show how untenable his boast of "stronger environmental laws" is
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/ge...
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/ge...
Reposted by Damien Irving
The Canadien Government has made an ad about the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG terminal & PRGT Pipeline, and it's surprsingly honest and informative.
Honest Government Ad | Ksi Lisims & PRGT Pipeline
YouTube video by thejuicemedia
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:06 AM
The Canadien Government has made an ad about the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG terminal & PRGT Pipeline, and it's surprsingly honest and informative.
Reposted by Damien Irving
As COP30 begins, here's a gentle reminder that well-intentioned half measures aren't going to solve the climate crisis. The era of fossil fuels must come to an end. My latest in The Guardian... www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Net zero is an insidious loophole that distracts from the scientific imperative to eliminate fossil fuels | Joëlle Gergis
History tells us that polite incrementalism and political kowtowing will prevail at Cop30 – even as catastrophe unfolds around us
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:18 AM
As COP30 begins, here's a gentle reminder that well-intentioned half measures aren't going to solve the climate crisis. The era of fossil fuels must come to an end. My latest in The Guardian... www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Damien Irving
“I cannot emphasise enough that what Repacholi says in a few short sentences is both fundamentally absurd, and deeply terrifying in how it flew into the climate space without a single raised eyebrow.” @ketanjoshi.co writes.
Forget the Coalition, Labor has already abandoned net zero in all but name (and its excuses are absurd)
www.crikey.com.au
November 6, 2025 at 1:37 AM
“I cannot emphasise enough that what Repacholi says in a few short sentences is both fundamentally absurd, and deeply terrifying in how it flew into the climate space without a single raised eyebrow.” @ketanjoshi.co writes.
"Mr Abetz will on Thursday launch a promised DOGE-style Efficiency and Productivity Unit to rein in costs." #politas
www.themercury.com.au
November 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
"Mr Abetz will on Thursday launch a promised DOGE-style Efficiency and Productivity Unit to rein in costs." #politas
Reposted by Damien Irving
Who supports the Albanese Govt's new environment laws?
• Chevron
• BHP
• the Minerals Council of Australia
• the Business Council of Australia
Who doesn't support the new laws?
• Australian Conservation Foundation
• Greenpeace
• the Climate Council
• the Wilderness Society and more. 🤔 #auspol
• Chevron
• BHP
• the Minerals Council of Australia
• the Business Council of Australia
Who doesn't support the new laws?
• Australian Conservation Foundation
• Greenpeace
• the Climate Council
• the Wilderness Society and more. 🤔 #auspol
November 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Who supports the Albanese Govt's new environment laws?
• Chevron
• BHP
• the Minerals Council of Australia
• the Business Council of Australia
Who doesn't support the new laws?
• Australian Conservation Foundation
• Greenpeace
• the Climate Council
• the Wilderness Society and more. 🤔 #auspol
• Chevron
• BHP
• the Minerals Council of Australia
• the Business Council of Australia
Who doesn't support the new laws?
• Australian Conservation Foundation
• Greenpeace
• the Climate Council
• the Wilderness Society and more. 🤔 #auspol
Our dire state finances can't afford Forestry Tasmania, our climate can't afford Forestry Tasmania, our biodiversity can't afford Forestry Tasmania. #politas
Forestry Tasmania annual report hides $22.9 million loss from logging native forests – Bob Brown Foundation
Bob Brown Foundation is renewing calls for Forestry Tasmania (FT) to be abolished, and an end to native forest logging, after FT's latest annual report reveals
bobbrown.org.au
November 5, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Our dire state finances can't afford Forestry Tasmania, our climate can't afford Forestry Tasmania, our biodiversity can't afford Forestry Tasmania. #politas
Reposted by Damien Irving
Are we supposed to act like it’s normal for Chevron & BHP to be supporting Labor's ‘environment’ laws, while climate, enviro orgs criticise them?
Labor are yet again caving to their corporate donors and fossil fuel mates.
We need laws that work for nature, not big business.
Labor are yet again caving to their corporate donors and fossil fuel mates.
We need laws that work for nature, not big business.
November 5, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Are we supposed to act like it’s normal for Chevron & BHP to be supporting Labor's ‘environment’ laws, while climate, enviro orgs criticise them?
Labor are yet again caving to their corporate donors and fossil fuel mates.
We need laws that work for nature, not big business.
Labor are yet again caving to their corporate donors and fossil fuel mates.
We need laws that work for nature, not big business.
Reposted by Damien Irving
Tom Hanks explains to Stephen Colbert why he masks on the subway:
"I'm doing a play right now so I cannot get sick... I've had COVID enough in my life, I don't need to do that again. So I'm wearing this for health reasons."
Thank you Tom! Masks are still a key part of public health.
"I'm doing a play right now so I cannot get sick... I've had COVID enough in my life, I don't need to do that again. So I'm wearing this for health reasons."
Thank you Tom! Masks are still a key part of public health.
November 4, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Tom Hanks explains to Stephen Colbert why he masks on the subway:
"I'm doing a play right now so I cannot get sick... I've had COVID enough in my life, I don't need to do that again. So I'm wearing this for health reasons."
Thank you Tom! Masks are still a key part of public health.
"I'm doing a play right now so I cannot get sick... I've had COVID enough in my life, I don't need to do that again. So I'm wearing this for health reasons."
Thank you Tom! Masks are still a key part of public health.
Reposted by Damien Irving
BREAKING: The Albanese Labor Government just joined with the Coalition to vote against an inquiry into AUKUS proposed by the Greens.
November 4, 2025 at 5:49 AM
BREAKING: The Albanese Labor Government just joined with the Coalition to vote against an inquiry into AUKUS proposed by the Greens.
Reposted by Damien Irving
Bizarre to think that Labor used to be the party for and of the workers. #auspol
🚨BREAKING🚨
Labor has just voted AGAINST granting super to workers under 18.
The Greens amendment would have seen all workers under 18 have the right to superannuation contributions, regardless of how many hours they worked.
Labor has just voted AGAINST granting super to workers under 18.
The Greens amendment would have seen all workers under 18 have the right to superannuation contributions, regardless of how many hours they worked.
November 4, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Bizarre to think that Labor used to be the party for and of the workers. #auspol
I knew the Teals would suck, but honestly I thought they’d be better than this on the environment at least.
Zoe Daniel joins the chorus of deeply unhelpful hot takes from non-experts about the EPBC reforms.
This opinion piece is so poorly constructed and full of deeply ignorant and superficial commentary. It reads like it’s written by a Labor staffer.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This opinion piece is so poorly constructed and full of deeply ignorant and superficial commentary. It reads like it’s written by a Labor staffer.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Australia must put politics aside and pass nature laws that benefit the economy and the environment. We owe it to our kids | Zoe Daniel
There’s no such thing as a perfect legislative solution. It’s about finding one that’s workable – for the community, for the economy and for nature
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I knew the Teals would suck, but honestly I thought they’d be better than this on the environment at least.
Reposted by Damien Irving
"Net zero" is a signifier with no actual meaning.
And that, of course, is why it is so beloved of the major parties and the press gallery. They can sound serious and committed without actually promising to do anything. Net zero commitment indeed.
--
Have you subscribed to my blogletter yet?
And that, of course, is why it is so beloved of the major parties and the press gallery. They can sound serious and committed without actually promising to do anything. Net zero commitment indeed.
--
Have you subscribed to my blogletter yet?
Net zero reality and the extinction of politics-as-usual
On words without meaning, meaning without worlds
The sheer inanity, the ecocidal banality of our current political discourse was encapsulated perfectly this morning on the floor of the House of Repre...
in-between-days.ghost.io
November 3, 2025 at 6:30 AM
"Net zero" is a signifier with no actual meaning.
And that, of course, is why it is so beloved of the major parties and the press gallery. They can sound serious and committed without actually promising to do anything. Net zero commitment indeed.
--
Have you subscribed to my blogletter yet?
And that, of course, is why it is so beloved of the major parties and the press gallery. They can sound serious and committed without actually promising to do anything. Net zero commitment indeed.
--
Have you subscribed to my blogletter yet?
Reposted by Damien Irving
"The contract to build the {BoM} website, as opposed to its design, was originally signed to Accenture in August 2019 for $31.4 million... {this contract} has been amended 10 times ... and the full cost of the build has more than doubled to $78 million."
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/2025/11...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/2025/11...
‘Practically unusable’: Inside the BoM’s website shambles
The Bureau of Meteorology’s new website was rushed out – years overdue and almost $47 million over budget – despite testing scores falling below the standard for release.
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
November 3, 2025 at 3:56 AM
"The contract to build the {BoM} website, as opposed to its design, was originally signed to Accenture in August 2019 for $31.4 million... {this contract} has been amended 10 times ... and the full cost of the build has more than doubled to $78 million."
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/2025/11...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/2025/11...