Season 11: Episode 5 – Carbon
RTÉ’s award-winning science series 10 Things To Know About… is back, taking a deep dive into some of the challenges facing us in Ireland today and showing how Irish research is striving to provide solutions.
Presented by Kathriona Devereux, Amy Hassett and Fergus McAuliffe, the six-part series
shines a light on the science that shapes and connects us all — from our health and homes to
the planet we share.
Each week, we meet the researchers and communities working at the coalface of science and
innovation, revealing how Irish scientists are tackling some of the world’s most pressing
problems.
This season, we ask why change is so difficult, even when we want it, and explore how
individuals and communities are making changes to reimagine our farms and towns. We dig
deep into the materials and technologies behind how we build, from the gypsum mines of
Monaghan to the craftspeople preserving Ireland’s architectural heritage. As Ireland faces more
frequent and powerful storms, the series investigates the science of extreme weather and the
efforts to protect forests and coastal communities. We also examine the growing threat of
invasive species — from Asian hornets to aquatic invaders – and meet the scientists developing
new technologies to safeguard biodiversity. From the limestone landscapes of the Burren to the
depths of the Atlantic, the story of carbon reveals how this vital element connects life, geology,
and climate. Finally, the series explores the hidden world of bacteria and the urgent fight against
antibiotic resistance through ground-breaking research and collaboration.
With thought-provoking stories and a dash of curiosity, 10 Things to Know About… continues to
reveal the important research happening on our doorstep and how it’s changing our future.
Episode 5
Carbon is the very essence of life on earth. So how does this element, that is so central to our existence, pose such a threat to the planet? We investigate the story of carbon as the essential building block of all
organisms, to the rocks, soils and gases that form our landscapes. We explore the Burren, one of the
world’s great carbon stores, and examine the complex and dynamic variability of carbon dioxide concentrations in our oceans and atmosphere.
We need to better understand how changes in CO2 levels impact complex Earth systems, one of which is the huge transfer of heat, salt and carbon in our oceans. We meet the researchers who are carbon-dating marine sediment cores to monitor changes in Atlantic currents and sea temperatures, explore what shifts in the Atlantic Meridional Ocean Circulation (AMOC) mean for our people and industries, and reveal the innovative ways scientists are accurately modelling and preparing for changing oceans amid an uncertain future with higher CO2 levels.
Ultimately, we need to reduce carbon in our atmosphere and mitigate human-induced climate change. We head to Dublin Airport to meet the material scientists developing technology that can remove CO2 from air and capture it in ways that can contribute to the circular economy – is it time for take-off?
And in Curious Chronicles, Fergus lights a match in a cave to reveal the carbon footprint of our ancestors…
Meet the Presenters
Kathriona Devereux is an award-winning broadcaster, science communicator, and columnist with two decades of experience in the media industry. Her warmth, clarity and enthusiasm make her an ideal guide for tv audiences and she has presented and produced a wide range of factual programming for RTÉ, Virgin Media Television, BBC, and ARTE. Best known for presenting RTÉ’s flagship science series “10 Things to Know About” she has also hosted shows like “My Money and Me,” “The Consumer Show,” “Small World,” “The Science Squad,” and “Scope.” As a documentary maker, Kathriona has worked on notable projects such as “Cold Case Collins,” “The Irish Civil War,” “Steps of Freedom,” and the live Science Week series “Future Island.” She is also a weekly columnist for Cork’s daily newspaper, The Echo, where she writes on topics like climate, science, health, parenting, and local issues.
Fergus McAuliffe has a PhD in Environmental Science and is an award-winning science communicator. As Communications and Public Engagement Manager at Ireland’s Research Centre in Applied Geoscience he worked closely with researchers, artists, teachers and the media, and he has recently taken on the role as
the Head of Research Engagement and Impact at Trinity College Dublin. He has been part of the 10 Things team since its inception, writing and presenting short, quirky stories for his own segment titled “Weird Science”. Over the years, he has worked with the producers to evolve this segment to incorporate intriguing tales connecting science with arts and literature which he now presents as “Curious Chronicles”. In 2025, Fergus joined Kathriona and Amy as part of the main 10 Things presenting team and he has thoroughly enjoyed meeting the researchers and members of the public and looks forward to discussing their work on our tv screens.
Amy Hassett has a Master’s in neuroscience and a PhD in Marine Science/Neuroscience. Originally from Wexford, she has always been interested in learning about science, particularly biology and the natural world and before she joined 10 Things she presented RTÉjr’s “Let’s Find Out.” Amy has enjoyed branching out into more science communication-orientated projects over the last few years – particularly anything that gets the public more involved in citizen science – and she is the Coordinator of the Dublin Maker Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration of creativity, curiosity, and hands-on making!
Produced by New Decade and proudly supported by Geological Survey Ireland, Met Éireann,
Research Ireland and Teagasc, 10 Things to Know About… airs Monday 8th December at
8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player