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

Can China Stop Electricity Prices From Going Up In The U.S?
Originally published on Forbes.com on December 14, 2025
The U.S. should settle the tariff trade war with China, and agree to buy many solar panels, grid batteries, and wind turbines at basement prices. In effect, China would be helping to stabilize electricity prices in the U.S. Read More>>

The Electric Revolution: Dire Consequences For Your Pocketbook
Originally published on Forbes.com on December 4, 2025
Electricity cost is vital in household lights, ovens, and heating/cooling systems. A 50% uptick in electricity cost over the next 10 years is a frightening prospect. Read More>>

Electricity Prices Will Shoot Up Due To Federal Mandates
Originally published on Forbes.com on November 23, 2025
The price surge of new electricity in the next few years, plus general pass-along tariff increases, may seriously curtail Donald Trump’s promise to reduce inflation. Read More>>

Fossil Electricity Not Growing Globally, So What Is Growing And Where?
Originally published on Forbes.com on November 11, 2025
Wind and solar renewables are growing fast, and are forecast to meet all new demand for electrical power in 2025. The generation of fossil electricity will be flat in 2025 compared with 2024, the first time since the Covid pandemic. Read More on this blog>>
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Recent Blog Posts
- The Eternal Message of Good King WenceslasThe Message of Good King Wenceslas One of my favorite Christmas Carols is called Good King Wenceslas. It was an English carol that appeared in my country when Australia was a British colony. Very popular carol in Australia. I always loved the story within the carol, which was written in 1853 by John Mason Neale,… Read more: The Eternal Message of Good King Wenceslas
- Christmas Letter for December 2025I woke up last week, sat up in bed, peered out the window, and saw these balloons close up. Only in Albuquerque! Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was quiet this year. Independence, Kansas, was too quiet, so we ventured to a casino, run by the Osage tribe, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. There we enjoyed a good Thanksgiving dinner of… Read more: Christmas Letter for December 2025
- How Were Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed?Encounters with Famous Scientists It is not often that I have had the opportunity to meet renowned scientists. On one occasion, I met James Van Allen in Florida. He is known for discovering the Van Allen belts—regions of charged particles such as protons and electrons that encircle the earth. Van Allen designed a Geiger Counter… Read more: How Were Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed?
- Simplexity Numbers 3 and 4 — A New Concept to Get AheadSimplexity is a new word that means a simple concept, but one that may be complex to put into practice. Here are two new examples. Scroll down to see a list of earlier simplexities. Simplexity No 3. Reach for New Things. Roko Paskov was a College Professor at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. He… Read more: Simplexity Numbers 3 and 4 — A New Concept to Get Ahead
- Thanks and Giving….Both are ImportantWHATS IN THIS BLOG:• A beautiful pay-it-forward story• Tips: how to be more thankful• Tips: how to be more giving A BEAUTIFUL PAY-IT-FORWARD STORY:This comes from my step-daughter Kim McGrath and occurred during the week of Thanksgiving many years ago. She used to teach a class of twenty 6-7 year olds in a public school.… Read more: Thanks and Giving….Both are Important
Other books by Ian
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Latest Comments
As always, great stuff, Ian!
Ian… thank you for this great blog updating us on your recent travels and fun experiences across parts of USA.…
Thank you, Ian, for your blog on the destruction of the ancient city of Sodom. It appears that Dr Collins…










Testing on aug 11