Shortlisted for Non-Fiction Book of The Year, Irish Book Awards 2025

‘An outstanding work’ - Michael D. Higgins

‘Explosive’ - Irish Times

‘An honest, uncompromising book that pulls no punches in identifying the powerful interests that are stymieing Ireland’s transition to a more equitable low carbon future for all. Essential reading for the public and policymakers alike.’ - Mary Robinson

A passionate case for reimagining Irish farming and agriculture in the age of climate change, from a respected environmental journalist.

Ireland has tended to think of itself as a ‘Goldilocks’ country: not too hot, not too cold, and well positioned to ride out the climate emergency. But this is a fantasy: the effects of climate change in Ireland will be profound, and at the moment we’re not doing nearly enough about it. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Ireland has the resources to dramatically reduce its emissions while making itself far more resilient. This book shows how it can be done.

Above all, we must reimagine the ways in which we use the land. The agrifood sector accounts for 38 percent of Ireland's greenhouse emissions – and just 7 percent of gross national income. As John Gibbons shows, Ireland's dramatic shift towards the most polluting food sectors – driven by a small number of agribusiness giants and facilitated by the state – benefits the few while imposing huge costs on the many. It doesn't have to be this way, and Gibbons, who grew up on a mixed farm, demonstrates how we can adopt a low-emissions farming model while preserving farmers' livelihoods, making the countryside a better place to live, and providing something Ireland noticeably lacks: food security.

The Lie of the Land is a sharp critique of the poor decisions that have left Ireland in such a vulnerable position, and a thorough analysis of the wishful thinking and outright dishonesty that have upheld the current state of Irish agribusiness. It also offers an inspiring vision of how – through a farming revolution, developing renewable energy (including our vast offshore wind resources), and significantly accelerating efforts to decarbonize transport and housing – we can prepare for the new realities of the climate crisis.

‘Well-argued and well-written’ - Matt Cooper

‘A sharp critique’ - The Currency

‘An education for anyone confused by the disputes that complicate climate policy in Ireland and a look at the alternatives to the business-as-usual approach. But mostly, it's a plea for honesty on these topics, as hiding from the truth has been Ireland’s approach for too long.’ - Irish Independent

‘Compelling and passionate … eye-opening’ - Sunday Independent

‘Read this exposé of malicious planetary negligence and be inspired to act before it’s too late’ - Michael Mann

‘Offers some clear ideas for an Irish path into a safer future – the time for climate complacency has passed’ - Bill McKibben

‘A benchmark book … the inside story from a great author on Ireland's failure to take the threat of climate change seriously’ - Prof. John Sweeney

Pages: 272, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm