Author, Scientist, Petroleum Engineer, Speaker, Forbes.com Contributor.
Ian obtained his Ph.D. in physics from Adelaide University, Australia. He has consulted all over the world. Learn more>>
New Book Release about Energy Crossroads
I’ve just released a new book called How Oil and Gas Companies are Pivoting Toward Climate Change published by Cambridge Scholars in the UK.
Intended for experts and lay readers, the book outlines efforts by oil and gas companies to clean up their greenhouse gas emissions while addressing the transition from fossil energies to renewable energies like wind and solar.
How Oil and Gas Companies are Pivoting Toward Climate Change is based on a selection from almost 150 articles I’ve published with Forbes.com over the last three years. This book takes an honest look at the fast-charging energy transition from the unique perspective of a solar space scientist turned oilfield engineer.
How far are global leaders such as BP, Occidental, and ExxonMobil pivoting toward climate change?
To see the list of Chapters, click here.
Is the urgency about climate change as dire as climate aficionados are saying? Should a small oil company owner sell now before the demand for oil drops?” More on this book>>
To buy this book, Click here and enter the code AUTHOR40 for a 40% discount.
To read the press release click here.
Reviews
“A very well written book, with good spread of chapters, well sourced, a much needed documentation which describes a key topic of our times in down to earth (accesible to all regardless their technical background) manner.” ~ Ion Ispas, Ph.D., Associate Professor, George P. Livermore Chair, Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University
“Dr. Palmer presents a balanced and objective view of an industry which receives a great deal of criticism these days, and yet provides a commodity without which our modern society cannot currently function. He tells the reader how we got to this point of energy dependence and how even the large oil companies are investing resources in alternative sources of energy such as hydrogen, ammonia, solar and wind energy among others. It is clear that change is coming in energy production and consumption. Dr. Palmer sets out a clear vision of what is being done and what needs to be done to make the eventual transition from fossil fuel to renewables. It is a book that will serve the oil and gas industry insider as well as the person on the street who is concerned about getting to work, and the health of the planet.” ~ Randy Bunn, Attorney, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“This book is a great insight on the importance of our planet’s energy future and the direction of mankind!” ~ Cliff Taylor, an oilman from Oklahoma.
“There is a lot of information, well-sourced, and the key takeaways serve as solid reinforcement for the reader“. ~ Bill Strobel, President, Zeeospheres Ceramics LLC.
Republished from Forbes.com

What Energy Influencers Are Saying: Bill Gates, Chris Wright, And Donald Trump
Originally published on Forbes.com on November 7, 2025
Gates has pivoted toward adaptation to climate change. Wright has pivoted away from climate change and back to traditional energies. Trump has doubled down on restricting wind and solar renewables. All are strongly pushing nuclear energy. Read More>>

Can Australia Save U.S. Rare Earths? Trump, Albanese Confirm Deal
Originally published on Forbes.com on October 22, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Albanese has a big win with President Trump about exporting rare earths and confirming the massive AUKUS project to further develop nuclear attack submarines. Read More>>

Holtec Backs Down, Reveals Achilles’ Heel For U.S. Nuclear Resurgence
Originally published on Forbes.com on October 14, 2025
SMRs have been spotlighted by the Secretary of Energy to help resolve the power surge needed for data centers and AI. But SMRs create 2 to 30 times more nuclear waste. Read More>>

Is The Energy Transition Unraveling? The Energy Export Race Ramps Up
Originally published on Forbes.com on October 08, 2025
The oil and gas industry in the U.S. is affirming President Trump’s goal of producing more energy and selling more oil and gas to the world. Read More on this blog>>
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Recent Blog Posts
- Simplexity, A New Concept For Your Advantage—This Day, This Year, and Your LifeSimplexity is a new word that means a simple concept, but one that may be complex to put into practice. Here are two examples. Simplexity No 1. Keep your body moving.I recall over many years ago seeing my heart doctor on TV saying to elderly people why it’s important to keep moving your body. As… Read more: Simplexity, A New Concept For Your Advantage—This Day, This Year, and Your Life
- The Oregon Coast – Land of Milk and HoneyIt’s been several years since I visited the Oregon Coast. In my mind, it competes with the Great Ocean Road in southern Australia that is featured in many travel brochures. We booked an AirBNB on the beachfront, managed by Shanti, and spent a delightful week in Yachats. Its pronounced Yahats, I believe, and is a… Read more: The Oregon Coast – Land of Milk and Honey
- Global Warming is True – But it’s Not All Caused by Greenhouse GasesWho cares? Climate change follows global warming, and climate change is a big controversy. For example, a lot of people in the oil and gas industry, where I worked for 30 years, don’t believe in climate change, or don’t want to. This is because the industry is responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions… Read more: Global Warming is True – But it’s Not All Caused by Greenhouse Gases
- Helping People Displaced By Hurricane KatrinaI was in Houston almost exactly 20 years ago when New Orleans was hit by hurricane Katrina, one of the most damaging US hurricanes ever. Evacuees from Katrina were bused to Houston where I lived. I pitched in to help, and this is a repeat of the emotional story I wrote on 1 September 2005.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++… Read more: Helping People Displaced By Hurricane Katrina
- Casey Just Wants to Play – New Book About Casey the Farm DogKim Pollock McGrath is the author of four children’s books. This is the fifth, and I think it’s the most endearing. Perhaps because I love playful dogs. Perhaps because Kim is a late bloomer – she waited many years before she started writing in midlife. Perhaps because her sister Staci was the one person who… Read more: Casey Just Wants to Play – New Book About Casey the Farm Dog
Other books by Ian
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Latest Comments
Ian… Thanks for your blog about simplexity. I sure would like to join you in increasing my physical activity. At…
Ian… I believe there is a typo in your article about the dust bowl in Texas as stated it took…
Another splendid article, Ian, that makes me want to get up and move. Thank you!










Testing on aug 11