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Merlin Linehan

@merlinlinehan.bsky.social
150 followers 271 following 125 posts

Geopolitics | Climate Risks | Resilience Writer at: climatefrontiers.substack.com

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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Today's attack on climate action from the Daily Mail (whose parent company makes $$$$ running fossil fuel industry conferences) is that clean energy is "making the rich even richer"... 🤔 Never seen this line from them before - has the influence of Gary Stevenson reached the Mail editorial team?!
Screenshot from part of a Daily Mail article. The text reads "...been laid bare in scandalous detail in court papers. Now read how Net Zero is making the rich even richer - and, extraordinarily, there's even millions to be made by switching the turbines OFF"
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Some useful fact-checking here from @carbonbrief.org about a trope often pushed by the more fossil-fuel-aligned parts of the UK media... www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-wh...
carbonbrief.org
Factcheck: Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high - Carbon Brief
The UK’s high electricity prices have become intensely political, with competing claims over the cause of rocketing bills and how best to get them down.
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James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
This is the problem with the argument ‘we can just adapt’ to climate change. How do you adapt to this without massive health risks, an enormous blow to productivity and food security, and gargantuan adaptation costs? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Perhaps no surprise given the advantages - Chinese solar panels are taking off in Africa🚀☀️
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
No surprise the Telegraph are using the heatwave to attack net-zero. Selective quotes from a report used to try and discredit net zero tech.
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
The Telegraph is owned by Redbird Capital - a major investor in fossil fuels. So it's not a surprise that their response to this weekend's heat wave is *not* to focus on the fact that burning fossil fuels is causing increasingly extreme weather, but on more tenuous claims about clean energy...
Daily Telegraph headline - "Heatwaves to set off net zero meltdown" - with advert on the page from the National Lottery
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Today's Daily Express continues the effort by a number of UK media outlets to make climate change - which affects us all - a story about one man... Today's Daily Express advertisers include *TUI *Vitabiotics *Vintage Cash Cow *Iceland & *Yimbly.com
Daily Express headline: "Miliband's target makes zero sense". 

The text starts "Net zero nutters are continuing to talk rubbish! and it's no surprise with Ed Miliband as their pied piper"
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John Gibbons 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 @thinkorswim.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Impossible to overstate how much damage billionaire media owners have done to public understanding of the renewable energy transition. The Daily Mail is a cess pit of disinformation.
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Telegraph are at it again today... With advertising from Tesco, Lotto and Sainsburys.
Telegraph headline: "Miliband's green jobs revolution is pure fantasy". Below it is an image of Miliband outside wearing a hi vis jacket and hard hat, pointing to something outside of the picture
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Those lentil-weaving hippies at the London Stock Exchange Group reckon the global green economy is worth $7.9tr, is the fourth largest sector in the world, and has grown faster than every industry barring technology over the past decade. www.businessgreen.com/news/4413438...
businessgreen.com
London Stock Exchange puts value of global green economy at $7.9tr
Report confirms global green economy has enjoyed a compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent over the past decade, putting it second only to technology as the world's fastest growing sector
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John Gibbons 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 @thinkorswim.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
This thread by @georgemonbiot.bsky.social is essential reading.
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
'A cemetery of trees': vast green expanses turned to dust as loggers plunder South America’s Gran Chaco. Jaguars, giant armadillos + ocelots among species threatened by shrinking habitat in one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. How is this STILL happening?? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘A cemetery of trees’: vast green expanses turned to dust as loggers plunder South America’s Gran Chaco
Jaguars, giant armadillos and ocelots among species threatened by shrinking habitat in one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Climate change poses a threat to us all - and the evidence clearly shows the need for action. Yet today's Telegraph continues the effort to make this all about one man - & frame urgently-needed climate action as dangerous & extreme... With advertising from Coop, BMW, Trailfinders, Lotto & B&Q
Telegraph headline: "Ed Miliband's team of climate extremists is leading us to disaster"
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
We're just going to leave this here... www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
Screenshot of story from the Express, dated July 22 2018. Headline reads: "Tony Blair struck £9 MILLION deal for institute to advise on Saudi Arabia's modernisation"
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Spanish authorities are asking the public to refrain from speculation about the cause of the power blackouts. Meanwhile today’s Telegraph has run a big front page story blaming – you guessed it – clean energy policies… With advertising from John Lewis, Honda & the Battersea Decorative Fair
Daily Telegraph front page headline - "Net zero blamed for blackout chaos"
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James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Beyond shameless. Just treating its own readers with absolute contempt.
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
A thousand more reasons for advertisers to steer clear of GB News... www.desmog.com/2025/04/28/g...
desmog.com
GB News Broadcast Almost 1,000 Anti-Climate Attacks Before and After 2024 Election
GB News gave a platform to at least 953 anti-climate attacks in the immediate run-up and aftermath of the 2024 general election, DeSmog can reveal. Half of these featured attacks on clean energy polic...
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
According to the UN, "methane traps more heat in the atmosphere per molecule than carbon dioxide... making it 80 times more harmful than CO2 for 20 years after it is released": www.unep.org/news-and-sto... Yet this is what appeared in today's Express to justify demands to resume fracking:
Screenshot of a letter to the Sunday Express telling readers that "It's okay to talk of releasing methane into the atmosphere, but it doesn't last very long before it dissipates, it's not as harmful as CO2 in that respect. The cost is the main argument, whether it is fracked here or in the US it will still release methane, but there won't be the release of CO2 from the huge diesel powered sea going vessels associated with the transportation of the gas. From an economic point of view fracking our own gas would be beneficial"
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Disturbing overtones here from the Mail on Sunday, telling its readers that "Globalism" (along with something it calls "warmism") has "made us a weakling"... Supported by advertising from B & Q, Asda, Waitrose, Ryobi, PaddyPower, Prezzo & Boots
Screenshot from a Mail on Sunday article authored by Peter Hitchens. The headline reads "Globalism. Warmism. We fell for both - and it made us a weakling".
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
The evidence is clear: We must transition to clean energy if humanity is to have a liveable future. Meanwhile today's Telegraph is pushing the idea that climate policy is bad because it's a threat to (checks notes) rural churches... This is what the Co-op & other advertisers are supporting...
Image of a Daily Telegraph article headlined "Churches are being sacrificed on the altar of net zero". The image shows the interior of a small church, with a man sitting in one of the pews
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Amy Westervelt @amywestervelt.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
I’m gonna say something that is going to sound crazy, but when has that ever stopped me from saying something publicly: there is a way in which the U.S. chucking its position in the world could actually fast-track energy transition. A few things that have me thinking this way 🧵
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Jax Jacobsen @jaxjacobsen.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/... This is insane. I just interviewed experts on this v issue this week for Climate Insider. They point out that creating H is very energy intensive, and only makes sense for hard-to-abate industries. It absolutely does not make sense for home heating.
thecanadianpressnews.ca
Alberta bill enables hydrogen home heating, electricity market remodelling
EDMONTON - Alberta's government is looking to give the green light to hydrogen as a home and commercial heating fuel in a move it says will boost demand and reduce
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
James Murray @james-bg.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
One other point about all the various articles attacking net zero - they are advocating for what is essentially a Trumpist strategy. Am not convinced he’s really the best model to follow right now.
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Fantastic article on the adoption of solar energy in Pakistan - the mass roll out of panels in the country cuts emissions but also cuts fuel bills and lessens dependence on an unreliable grid
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Oliver @oliver48.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
"China confirms that installing solar panels in deserts irreversibly transforms the ecosystem" '...solar panels ... alter soil conditions, encourage vegetation growth, and reshape the local climate...' glassalmanac.com/china-confir...
glassalmanac.com
China confirms that installing solar panels in deserts irreversibly transforms the ecosystem
For years, solar energy has been celebrated as one of the most promising solutions to fight climate change. But while the focus has often been on ... Continue Reading →
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Stunning growth in solar energy in 2024, driven by Chinese installation and production. Hope this trend can continue into 2025 as key to driving decarbonisation
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
The Daily Express once claimed to have turned over a new leaf on climate change: www.societyofeditors.org/soe_news/exp... Yet now they're lauding Donald Trump for "calling out the green hoax" and denouncing what they call "net zero madness"... With advertising from Aldi, Tesco & Asda...
Image of a Daily Express article from 26th March 2025 with the headline "Exploitation of our net zero madness is never-ending". The article has an image showing chimneys and cooling towers pouring out steam or smoke. Below is an image of the author and text reading "Tim Newark Political commentator". The image also (to the right) shows an excerpt from the article reading "US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has already called out the green hoax and, by the tie we have realised it too, the US will be far ahead of us in prosperity and security"
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
David Roberts @volts.wtf · 21/03/2025
"More than three years after Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to stop building new coal projects abroad, the country’s Belt and Road Initiative is increasingly driven by renewables." It's not altruism, y'all. Shit's cheaper.
semafor.com
China’s foreign infrastructure push is greener than ever
Renewables beat fossil fuels in China’s overseas power projects last year.
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Terrific chart in this terrific piece by @pilitaclark.bsky.social:
ft.com
Gas, not net zero, has driven up UK power bills
Britain has been unhelpfully exposed to international price shocks
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Sam Bright @writesbright.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Over the past two decades, the Conservative Party has taken *£7.2 million* from senior figures at the GWPF - the UK's main climate science denial group
desmog.com
Conservatives Have Taken £7.2 Million from Climate Denial Group Funders and Directors
Funders and directors of the UK’s leading climate science denial group have donated more than £7 million to the Conservative Party over the past two decades, DeSmog can reveal. The Global Warming Poli...
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Meanwhile the Daily Express was telling its readers earlier this week that "climate change is not an existential threat but one we can adapt to" & that "a little more carbon dioxide makes the world greener". All supported with advertising from Waitrose, Morrisons and Aldi...
Screenshot of Daily Express article from Wednesday 12th March. Text: "In order to be world leaders, according to Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband and his green zealots.World leaders in what – self¬destruction? The whole idea that carbon is some sort of atmospheric poison that we must rid our planet of is utter nonsense. If anything, a little more carbon dioxide makes the world greener and increases our growing seasons, generating more food for everyone.
The whole idea that carbon is some sort of atmospheric poison that we must rid our planet of is utter nonsense. If anything, a little more carbon dioxide makes the world greener and increases our growing seasons, generating more food for everyone.
Farmers actually add carbon dioxide inside their greenhouses to grow better fruit and veg.
Climate change is an issue, obviously, but mankind has always been inventive at responding to changes in temperature. We’ve certainly never halted the progress of civilisation before in order to try and alter the climate. It is a wildly spurious and risky gamble.
We need scientists to stand up and bravely say climate change is not an existential threat but one we can adapt to.
We need scientists to stand up and bravely say climate change is not an existential threat but one we can adapt to."
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
A really useful thread showing how media outlets like GB news are spreading misinformation on climate (and other topics). Plus how to combat this, by highlighting to companies who advertise in these media outlets and are associating themselves with damaging misinformation
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Simon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 26/02/2025
NEW: Official advisers CCC say UK shld cut emissions 87% by 2040 ⚖️Net cost of net-zero 73% less than thought 💷Total cost to 2050 = £108bn (~£4bn/yr, 0.2% GDP) 🏡🚗H’hold energy/fuel bills to fall £1,400 🔌Electrification is key THREAD + charts www.carbonbrief.org/... 1/10
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Alice I McCombs ❌ 👑 🐈‍⬛ @earthwins.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Britain’s net zero economy is booming, CBI says www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Britain’s net zero economy is booming, CBI says
Green sector growing at triple the rate of the UK economy, providing high-wage jobs and increasing energy security
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Richard Wilson @fishrise.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Here's some food for thought for anyone thinking of increasing oil exports ... The original story is from Bloomberg - a hotbed of rabid radicals. theprogressplaybook.com/2024/11/28/c...
theprogressplaybook.com
China’s EV boom set to push gasoline demand off a cliff
Electric models and hybrids have accounted for more than half of retail passenger vehicle sales in the four months from July.
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Just found out that M&S are advertising on GB News Radio. M&S talk a lot about their 'green' credentials – so do they really want to be spending money with a channel that spreads climate misinformation?
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Orla Dwyer @orladwyer.carbonbrief.org · 14/02/2025
In the past two years, floods ruined soybeans growing in Brazil, a hurricane destroyed millions of $$ worth of crops in Jamaica and drought hit Sri Lankan rice This new interactive map gives a snapshot of how extreme weather is damaging crops, feat. 100 news stories from 2023-24 buff.ly/42Rqf2D
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Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Yesterday, I returned from 3 weeks in Costa Rica, where I went to find out what can be learned from their spectacular success rewilding a country. I cannot overstate how awe-inspiring the trip was: nature loss CAN be reversed on a huge scale, benefiting *everyone*.
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Old King Cole @stephencole.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
If you advertise on GB News I will not buy your product. Repost if you agree.
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Mark Stoll @markstoll.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Some good news among the awful. #tigers #endangeredspecies #ecology #India #environment #conservation www.sfgate.com/news/world/a...
sfgate.com
Study finds India doubled its tiger population in a decade and credits conservation efforts
India doubled its tiger population in a little over a decade by protecting the big cats...
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Stop Funding Hate @stopfundinghate.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Boycotts *are* free speech - pass it on...
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Stop Funding Hate @stopfundinghate.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
A massive thanks to @bylinetimes.bsky.social for this write up following the escalation of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric on GB News - and to everyone who's taken action over the past 24 hours: bylinetimes.com/2025/01/31/g...
bylinetimes.com
GB News Hit by Guest Boycott After Hosts Label LGBT+ People 'Paedos' and 'Deviants'
There was a flurry of Ofcom complaints after a series of offensive remarks by presenters on the right-wing channel
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Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Baffled and dismayed by the toxic narratives being pumped into the UK by GB News and the like? Here's 6 simple ways you can help it stop: stopfundingheat.info/how-can-i-ge...
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Susan Oman @suoman.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Come do a funded PhD with me! Difference and power in the time of responsible AI: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Difference and power in the time of responsible AI at University of Sheffield on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Difference and power in the time of responsible AI at University of Sheffield, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Stop Funding Hate @stopfundinghate.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
If you like #StopFundingHate then you'll love our sister campaign #StopFundingHeat - please do show them some love and give them a follow! bsky.app/profile/stop...
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Richard Wilson @fishrise.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
My thoughts on the Kamikaze King of Coal ... open.substack.com/pub/fishrise...
open.substack.com
Trump’s gift to World
But mostly to China:
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Reposted by Merlin Linehan
Stop Funding Heat @stopfundingheat.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Quick reminder that GB News have been giddily pushing Trump's anti-climate lines for ages now 🫥 We'll keep sharing lists of advertisers on the channel so you can let them know what their ££ is going to. Often, they'll pull their ads. ∴ Less money, less megaphone
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Merlin Linehan @merlinlinehan.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
This is a key trend to watch: if a heavily industrialised country like China can shift away from fossil fuels and electrify successfully it will serve as a role model for the world. Coal/oil remain dominant but renewables installations are surging
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Noah Kaufman @noahqkaufman.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
For anyone writing Chris Wright stories: his conclusion that climate change is no biggie comes from a common mischaracterization of the economics literature. This could be a good opportunity to explain that to people (1/x)
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Richard Wilson @fishrise.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Reposting this because it cannot be said too often: Dirt-cheap Sodium batteries are an irresistible energy revolution now kicking off. Listen carefully and you can hear the Fossil Fuel death knell tolling. aukehoekstra.substack.com/p/batteries-...
aukehoekstra.substack.com
Batteries: how cheap can they get?
How dirt cheap batteries will completely transform our electricity grid, paving the way for solar and wind and replacing grid reinforcements with grid buffers.
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