Damien Irving
@drclimate.bsky.social
Climate scientist. Data science educator. Tasmanian. Interested in Green politics. https://damienirving.github.io/
"A voluntary agreement to begin discussions on a roadmap to an eventual phase-out of fossil fuels."
Have you ever read such an absurd sentence?
Have you ever read such an absurd sentence?
End of fossil fuel era inches closer as Cop30 deal agreed after bitter standoff
Wealthy countries should triple funds for countries to tackle climate impacts, but deforestation and critical minerals blocked from final deal
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
"A voluntary agreement to begin discussions on a roadmap to an eventual phase-out of fossil fuels."
Have you ever read such an absurd sentence?
Have you ever read such an absurd sentence?
Reposted by Damien Irving
As I argue in The Language of Climate Politics: we are stuck not because climate politics are polarized, but because they’re UNIFIED (across the right and center-left) on the lie that we can keep using oil and gas but still deal with climate change anyway.
Here’s a good example of that discourse.
Here’s a good example of that discourse.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that the fight against climate change was not against the fuels that cause it — only the pollution they emit.
Von der Leyen says EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions
The comment could undermine European countries’ push at COP30 to move away from coal, oil and gas.
www.politico.eu
November 21, 2025 at 7:24 PM
As I argue in The Language of Climate Politics: we are stuck not because climate politics are polarized, but because they’re UNIFIED (across the right and center-left) on the lie that we can keep using oil and gas but still deal with climate change anyway.
Here’s a good example of that discourse.
Here’s a good example of that discourse.
Reposted by Damien Irving
An utter disgrace. A Trumpian level of destruction being wrought at the CSIRO under Albo.
"The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150. Four of its nine research focuses will not continue"
"The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150. Four of its nine research focuses will not continue"
Climate of fear: are CSIRO’s sweeping job cuts a sign Australia doesn’t care about the extinction crisis?
Ever decreasing funding for the globally respected government agency mirrors an industry-wide trend that could hinder scientific breakthroughs
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
An utter disgrace. A Trumpian level of destruction being wrought at the CSIRO under Albo.
"The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150. Four of its nine research focuses will not continue"
"The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150. Four of its nine research focuses will not continue"
20% of research staff in the Environment Research Unit (water, climate, biodiversity, oceans, waste, etc) to go!
“The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150"
“The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150"
Climate of fear: are CSIRO’s sweeping job cuts a sign Australia doesn’t care about the extinction crisis?
Climate of fear: are CSIRO’s sweeping job cuts a sign Australia doesn’t care about the extinction crisis?
Ever decreasing funding for the globally respected government agency mirrors an industry-wide trend that could hinder scientific breakthroughs
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Sweeping job cuts across the nation’s science agency this week have been foreshadowed for months, but the sheer scale of them has left many researchers within laboratories and offices across the country shocked.
Up to 350 research roles are on the cutting room floor across key areas – including environment, human health and minerals – as leaders of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) attempt to steer the agency from a steep funding cliff. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:29 PM
20% of research staff in the Environment Research Unit (water, climate, biodiversity, oceans, waste, etc) to go!
“The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150"
“The environment unit, which has more than 700 full-time equivalent roles, will be reduced by 130 to 150"
“It was revealed in Tasmanian Budget Estimates this week that salmon farming companies had released some 700 kg of florfenicol into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in less than two weeks.” #politas
Public health concerns raised about antibiotic use in salmon farms www.croakey.org/public-healt... #publichealth
Public health concerns raised about antibiotic use in salmon farms
www.croakey.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:31 AM
“It was revealed in Tasmanian Budget Estimates this week that salmon farming companies had released some 700 kg of florfenicol into the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in less than two weeks.” #politas
Reposted by Damien Irving
Quick!!!! Someone purchase some fire reduction offsets
A fire erupted in a pavilion of the UN’s climate talks in Brazil today, forcing panicked delegates to run for the exits and disrupting tense negotiations among ministers from around the world.
jrnl.ie/6881395
jrnl.ie/6881395
November 20, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Quick!!!! Someone purchase some fire reduction offsets
We're not funding creative arts, but at least we're inspiring them, I guess. 🙃 #politas
Ground Up: Tasmania’s stadium saga becomes ABC comedy series
Ground Up will take aim at Tasmania’s bid for an AFL team…
pulsetasmania.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
We're not funding creative arts, but at least we're inspiring them, I guess. 🙃 #politas
Reposted by Damien Irving
Yes, the president of the United States endorsed hanging senators and representatives.
Trump endorses hanging Democratic members of Congress
"Their words cannot be allowed to stand."
www.motherjones.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Yes, the president of the United States endorsed hanging senators and representatives.
Reposted by Damien Irving
Incrementalism for progressive reform; pedal to the metal on neoliberal bastardry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Government playing down impact of CSIRO job cuts
The prime minister, when in opposition, accused the Coalition of "hollowing out" the CSIRO. Now, following the announcement 350 research positions at the organisation will be cut, he is being accused ...
www.abc.net.au
November 20, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Incrementalism for progressive reform; pedal to the metal on neoliberal bastardry.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Damien Irving
This is why for a long time I've found the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science a rather insulting propaganda exercise
www.abc.net.au/news/science...
CSIRO funding as a percentage of GDP:
1982-83 = 0.17
2024-25 = 0.03
...
Scientific extinction event imminent?
www.abc.net.au/news/science...
CSIRO funding as a percentage of GDP:
1982-83 = 0.17
2024-25 = 0.03
...
Scientific extinction event imminent?
The CSIRO cuts are just the tip of the iceberg for Australia's science funding
Australia is known as a country of innovators, but with a combination of brain drain, continuous cuts, and a loss of critical science projects, is Australia losing its edge?
www.abc.net.au
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
This is why for a long time I've found the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science a rather insulting propaganda exercise
www.abc.net.au/news/science...
CSIRO funding as a percentage of GDP:
1982-83 = 0.17
2024-25 = 0.03
...
Scientific extinction event imminent?
www.abc.net.au/news/science...
CSIRO funding as a percentage of GDP:
1982-83 = 0.17
2024-25 = 0.03
...
Scientific extinction event imminent?
Reposted by Damien Irving
Better approve some more gas fields and coal mines.
Scientists say they are "speechless" after witnessing significant coral death at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Survey finds 60 per cent of Ningaloo coral has turned to stone
Scientists say they are "speechless" after witnessing significant coral death at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
www.abc.net.au
November 19, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Better approve some more gas fields and coal mines.
Reposted by Damien Irving
100's of jobs cut at CSIRO when it has never been more important for govts to invest in science & research. Why can Labor find $$ for AUKUS but not our nation’s premier science, industry & research org? The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding & prevent cuts.
November 19, 2025 at 3:37 AM
100's of jobs cut at CSIRO when it has never been more important for govts to invest in science & research. Why can Labor find $$ for AUKUS but not our nation’s premier science, industry & research org? The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding & prevent cuts.
Reposted by Damien Irving
A reminder that gas is not a vital industry to Australia.
As Polly Hemming explains, if anything, it costs the Australian economy.
Some more gas myths debunked here: thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
As Polly Hemming explains, if anything, it costs the Australian economy.
Some more gas myths debunked here: thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
November 19, 2025 at 12:16 AM
A reminder that gas is not a vital industry to Australia.
As Polly Hemming explains, if anything, it costs the Australian economy.
Some more gas myths debunked here: thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
As Polly Hemming explains, if anything, it costs the Australian economy.
Some more gas myths debunked here: thepoint.com.au/factchecks/2...
Reposted by Damien Irving
"CSIRO 350 job cuts a damning indictment on Government priorities, misses 'golden opportunity' on research" my column on the CSIRO research cuts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
CSIRO 350 job cuts a damning indictment on Government priorities, misses 'golden opportunity' on research
The announcement this week that CSIRO are to cut 350 research jobs is another damning indictment on Australia’s ongoing failure to prioritise research and development.
thepoint.com.au
November 19, 2025 at 12:26 AM
"CSIRO 350 job cuts a damning indictment on Government priorities, misses 'golden opportunity' on research" my column on the CSIRO research cuts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
A car dealership company!! #politas
Hobart city block previously marked for UTAS precinct purchased by car dealership
A confidentiality agreement over the sale of a city block previously proposed as a university precinct has lifted, revealing a major Australian car dealership as the successful buyer.
www.abc.net.au
November 18, 2025 at 9:55 PM
A car dealership company!! #politas
Reposted by Damien Irving
The CSIRO has announced it will axe up to 350 research jobs as the national science agency faces long-term financial challenges.
satpa.pe/Y5h2qY0
satpa.pe/Y5h2qY0
CSIRO to cut 350 jobs
satpa.pe
November 18, 2025 at 9:10 PM
The CSIRO has announced it will axe up to 350 research jobs as the national science agency faces long-term financial challenges.
satpa.pe/Y5h2qY0
satpa.pe/Y5h2qY0
Reposted by Damien Irving
A government that can’t bring itself to tax fossil fuel, big tech or any wealth properly but defunds its critical institutions is not a good government, sorry
November 18, 2025 at 8:17 PM
A government that can’t bring itself to tax fossil fuel, big tech or any wealth properly but defunds its critical institutions is not a good government, sorry
Reposted by Damien Irving
“CSIRO has announced it will slash up to 350 jobs as the national science agency grapples with long-term financial challenges … with current funding failing to keep pace with the rising costs of running a modern science agency.”
Not “challenges”. They’re choices. 😡
Not “challenges”. They’re choices. 😡
CSIRO to cut up to 350 research jobs in major overhaul
After 440 positions were slashed last year, the CSIRO has announced more staff cuts across the country in a bid to remain financially viable.
www.abc.net.au
November 18, 2025 at 6:15 AM
“CSIRO has announced it will slash up to 350 jobs as the national science agency grapples with long-term financial challenges … with current funding failing to keep pace with the rising costs of running a modern science agency.”
Not “challenges”. They’re choices. 😡
Not “challenges”. They’re choices. 😡
Reposted by Damien Irving
This is obscene.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
‘Sad day for publicly funded science’: up to 350 more jobs to go at CSIRO
Australia’s national scientific agency announces more research job losses as it looks for budgetary savings
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
This is obscene.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
Reposted by Damien Irving
That's more than 1,100 jobs lost at the CSIRO over the last two years.
"Combined, the staff association estimates that equates to cutting the agency’s size by a third."
This is more cuts to the CSIRO than was attempted by the Abbott government.
www.smh.com.au/national/csi...
"Combined, the staff association estimates that equates to cutting the agency’s size by a third."
This is more cuts to the CSIRO than was attempted by the Abbott government.
www.smh.com.au/national/csi...
CSIRO to slash hundreds of jobs in cost-saving drive
The staff association at the nation’s leading scientific research organisation says the latest round of cuts marks “a sad day for publicly funded science”.
www.smh.com.au
November 18, 2025 at 4:53 AM
That's more than 1,100 jobs lost at the CSIRO over the last two years.
"Combined, the staff association estimates that equates to cutting the agency’s size by a third."
This is more cuts to the CSIRO than was attempted by the Abbott government.
www.smh.com.au/national/csi...
"Combined, the staff association estimates that equates to cutting the agency’s size by a third."
This is more cuts to the CSIRO than was attempted by the Abbott government.
www.smh.com.au/national/csi...
Reposted by Damien Irving
Australia needs to get back into the business of giving loans to owner occupiers rather than property investors - and if the government won’t do it, then APRA should.
November 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Australia needs to get back into the business of giving loans to owner occupiers rather than property investors - and if the government won’t do it, then APRA should.
Reposted by Damien Irving
Melbourne’s largest and most important water supply catchment at risk johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
Mines over water: Melbourne’s largest and most important water supply catchment at risk
On 21 October 2025, the Victorian Government announced plans to protect Melbourne’s water supply catchments – the systems that deliver clean water to over five million people. It was welcome news for ...
johnmenadue.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Melbourne’s largest and most important water supply catchment at risk johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
I’ve found myself paying less and less attention to climate COPs as the years (and emissions) go by. I’m not sure I could fully articulate all the reasons why… fortunately Tim has done exactly that 👏
All (climate) COPs are bastards.
I've been threatening to write this for years. Here it finally is.
"Just as communities, acting together in concert for common security, can make the cops obsolete, a globe of communities acting in concert for the climate can make the COPs obsolete."
I've been threatening to write this for years. Here it finally is.
"Just as communities, acting together in concert for common security, can make the cops obsolete, a globe of communities acting in concert for the climate can make the COPs obsolete."
All (climate) COPs Are B*stards
On the need to "Defund the COPs"
The ACAB slogan has always jarred with me somewhat.
I understand (and respect) it as a systemic critique, intended to reveal that it's impossible for any individual,...
in-between-days.ghost.io
November 17, 2025 at 10:09 AM
I’ve found myself paying less and less attention to climate COPs as the years (and emissions) go by. I’m not sure I could fully articulate all the reasons why… fortunately Tim has done exactly that 👏
Reposted by Damien Irving
Now that the Sept and Oct data are (belatedly) in, it looks like 2025 will be the second warmest year in the record (~80% probability). The last three years are in a class of their own.
November 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Now that the Sept and Oct data are (belatedly) in, it looks like 2025 will be the second warmest year in the record (~80% probability). The last three years are in a class of their own.