The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

Everybody Freeze! It’s the Climate Police

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2415 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Public Health
  1. New rules in Ottawa limit how long you can warm up your car in winter, aiming to cut emissions. Many people think this is silly given the extreme cold.
  2. Bureaucratic efforts to fight climate change, like the car warming rule, often get a lot of attention but may not really help the environment.
  3. There's a growing debate over whether such regulations are practical or just inconvenience people without making a real difference.

Chain Reaction

Doomberg • 6659 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. Nuclear energy has produced a massive amount of clean electricity over the years, showcasing its potential as a stable and affordable energy source.
  2. Germany's decision to abandon its nuclear power plants is now seen as a mistake, and there's hope they will shift their stance to support nuclear energy in the future.
  3. Many countries in Europe are starting to rethink their approach to nuclear energy, which might lead to a resurgence in its use to help combat climate change.

Climate superpowers

The Crucial Years • 1036 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Activism Environmental justice Sustainability Policy
  1. One way to inspire others for climate action is through music. Antonique Smith's new version of 'Love Song to the Earth' aims to unite people and inspire hope.
  2. Jessie Diggins uses her platform as a champion skier to advocate for climate change awareness. She believes athletes can lead conversations about protecting the planet.
  3. Connecting climate change to everyday lives is crucial. People need to understand how pollution affects their health and environment, especially in communities of color.

Energy Cheat Sheet

Construction Physics • 85601 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Systems Infrastructure Decarbonization Renewable Energy Efficiency
  1. Energy is the ability to do work, like moving or changing things. Everything we do requires energy, and we can't create or destroy it, only change its form.
  2. Most of the energy we use gets wasted, with many losses occurring during energy transformations. Only about a third of the energy consumed goes towards useful work.
  3. Hydrocarbons, like oil and gas, are easy to store and transport, but as we shift to electricity, we need better storage solutions to manage fluctuations in supply and demand.

The Vertical Evacuation Edition

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Natural Disasters Architecture Disaster Preparedness Environmental Science
  1. The Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building is a special structure designed to keep people safe during a tsunami. It works by taking them up high instead of out of the building.
  2. This building has features like multiple ways to get to the roof and supplies to help people stay safe for up to two days after a tsunami.
  3. Coastal communities are becoming more aware of tsunami risks and are trying to improve safety signs and evacuation plans to protect schools and public places.
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The North American Fire Deficit

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2345 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. North America is experiencing a significant 'fire deficit', meaning that the amount of land burning now is much lower than in the past. Even with recent fire years, the area burned is still far less than historical averages.
  2. The study suggests that aggressive fire suppression and land changes caused by human activities are major reasons for this fire deficit. This has led to more severe fires when they do occur because there is more fuel buildup in the forests.
  3. To manage future fires better, the study recommends increasing prescribed burning and using fire as a natural part of forest ecosystems. This approach could help reduce the severity of wildfires and improve the health of the forests.

Learn smart lessons from the L.A. fires, not stupid lessons

Noahpinion • 30118 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Climate change Disasters Insurance Preparedness
  1. Wildfires are getting more common, and insurance companies can't keep up. When too many people claim losses at once, some might not get paid.
  2. Climate change is making wildfires worse, but we can't change it overnight. It's a big issue that affects fire patterns.
  3. We really need to prepare for wildfires better than before because they are becoming more frequent and damaging. Improving forest management and regulations is crucial.

“Recycling” Makes Plastic Pollution Worse

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 2047 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Pollution Recycling Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. Most plastic items that go into recycling bins don’t actually get recycled. Only a few types of plastic are from beverage bottles and jugs are commonly recycled.
  2. The recycling system often misleads people into believing they are helping the environment. In reality, many plastics end up in landfills or are even shipped to other countries, causing pollution.
  3. While plastic has many benefits, it’s important to rethink its use. Alternatives may not always be better, so focusing on reducing plastic waste is the best way forward.

Climate “Endangerment”

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Public Health
  1. The debate about climate change includes arguments about whether its overall effects are negative or if there can be positive impacts too. It's important to look at both sides to really understand the issue.
  2. Some scientists believe that overturning a key EPA finding on climate endangerment would be very hard, especially when many signs show that climate change is already hurting people now.
  3. There's a worry that a mistaken belief in a scientific consensus on climate change could be maintained because researchers often rely on each other's work. This can lead to bias if everyone is already leaning towards the same conclusion.

We can terraform the Earth—not just Mars

The Novelleist • 380 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Geoengineering Climate change Ecosystems
  1. We have the technology and creativity to improve our planet, not just Mars. Projects like reforesting deserts are proof that we can restore ecosystems and make uninhabitable areas livable.
  2. Innovations in geoengineering allow us to control weather and climate. This means we can potentially cool down our planet, make it rain where needed, and reduce the effects of climate change.
  3. By shifting away from livestock farming and using plant-based alternatives, we can free up land for other uses. This could allow us to create new forests, cities, and renewable energy sources.

Hits and Misses

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1599 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Sustainability Renewable Energy Global trends
  1. IEA scenarios are not predictions but imaginative sequences that help envision possible futures. They aim to guide policy but vary in how closely they match reality.
  2. Outlook scenarios from the IEA have performed better than normative ones, showing a steady rise in global energy demand instead of a decline.
  3. There are big gaps between IEA projections for solar and nuclear energy and real-world outcomes, highlighting the need for better understanding and scenario evaluation.

Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long

The Crucial Years • 3667 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Environmental justice Activism
  1. This is a tough time for climate and social justice activists, with funding cuts causing chaos and uncertainty.
  2. There's a rising movement and resolve against harmful policies and actions, with people actively rallying and making their voices heard.
  3. Despite the challenges, the cost of clean energy is falling, giving us a promising opportunity to shift toward renewable resources and fight for change.

Anchorage Aweigh

Doomberg • 6151 implied HN points • 17 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Natural resources Economic Impact
  1. Anchorage, Alaska, faces a potential energy crisis due to dwindling natural gas supplies. The community relies heavily on this resource for electricity and heating during cold winters.
  2. The local oil and gas companies have not been drilling enough new wells to replace the declining existing ones. This lack of action raises concerns about electrical outages and heating shortages in the future.
  3. Despite being a gas-rich state, Alaska's underproduction of new gas is leading it to a crisis point. Steps need to be taken to secure its energy supply for the upcoming years.

The Super Rich Know We're Doomed

OK Doomer • 253 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Global Warming Resource Management
  1. The super rich seem to know there's no bright future ahead for humanity. They are enjoying their last years on Earth while ignoring promises of a sustainable future.
  2. Many wealthy individuals are preparing for disaster, like building doomsday bunkers, which shows they aren't worried about the same issues the public face.
  3. There's a sense that leaders and elites are acting without consequences, showing little regard for the impacts of climate change and environmental destruction.

Six Things to Know About Your Electric Utility

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3179 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. Utilities have to serve everyone in their area, which limits how much risk they can take on new technologies. They often focus on proven ideas to avoid wasting customer money.
  2. Community opposition can make it really hard for utilities to expand infrastructure. This can slow down projects that are important for energy needs, as people often don’t want facilities near them.
  3. The push for renewable energy is complicated. While renewables can be cheaper, the technology for storing energy isn't perfect yet, leading utilities to still rely on fossil fuels during certain times.

IPCC at the Crossroads

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2011 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy
  1. The IPCC is facing challenges keeping its assessments reliable and credible. If it doesn’t improve, it risks losing public trust.
  2. The amount of climate research published is increasing rapidly, making it tough for the IPCC to cite all relevant studies. This can lead to biases in its reports.
  3. There's a concern that the IPCC may be selectively citing studies, which could misrepresent the broader scientific consensus on climate issues.

Solving for Climate: the podcast is back

Sustainability by numbers • 188 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Climate Science Agriculture
  1. The podcast 'Solving for Climate' is starting its second season, focusing on conversations with experts who are working on climate change solutions.
  2. Reading can help us understand important topics, like the impacts of climate change and our agricultural practices, through different perspectives and stories.
  3. Generational differences in views about climate change may be overstated, and it's important to recognize common ground instead of blaming each other.

We Interrupt the Ongoing Crisis for a Smidgen of Good News

The Crucial Years • 3677 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Renewable Energy Artificial Intelligence
  1. The new Chinese AI program DeepSeek uses only a small fraction of the electricity needed by similar American AI systems. This could challenge the fossil fuel industry's excuse for building more power plants based on increased energy demands from AI.
  2. Fossil fuel stocks have not been performing well in comparison to the broader market for several years, raising concerns about the industry's future in a world moving towards decarbonization.
  3. In Europe, solar energy has recently outperformed coal for the first time, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the region.

The Most Major Hurricanes Ever

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2973 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Natural Disasters Data Analysis
  1. In 2024, there were a lot of major hurricanes, tying with 2015 for the highest since records began, which raises questions about climate patterns.
  2. Despite the increase in hurricane landfalls, there hasn't been a clear trend showing that hurricanes are becoming more intense or frequent over time.
  3. Experts believe that while human activity may influence hurricanes, detecting these changes amidst natural variability is very challenging.

The Burning Truth: Climate Change’s Burning Impact on Global Crops

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Agriculture Food security Sustainability Environmental Impact
  1. Climate change is causing significant price increases for crops like cocoa, coffee, and mango, impacting food costs around the world.
  2. Many crops are suffering from rising temperatures, with some regions losing suitable land for growing key crops like coffee and cocoa.
  3. To cope with climate change, farmers need to adapt their methods, such as using crop diversification and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

How We Make Progress Now

The Crucial Years • 3607 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental justice Energy transition Climate Activism Sustainable Practices
  1. The new administration's actions have quickly reversed many climate policies, making it crucial to organize and push back against these changes over time.
  2. While traditional protests have been important, the current political climate may require fresh strategies and new ways of engaging people to create real change.
  3. There's a strong shift towards renewable energy that can be leveraged, as public support for clean energy is growing despite efforts from opposition.

From Idealism to Realism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4357 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Geopolitics Environmental Policy Sustainability Crisis Management
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.

For reality

The Crucial Years • 3976 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Climate justice Sustainability
  1. The climate crisis is worsening, with record-high carbon dioxide levels reported. It's a serious issue that we need to pay attention to because it affects our planet and future.
  2. Power is being prioritized over justice in today's political climate. This shift can lead to misinformation and further environmental harm, especially regarding the ongoing climate crisis.
  3. Clean energy solutions like solar and wind are ready to help us combat climate change. We need to focus on these technologies to build a sustainable future.

L.A. Was Built to Burn

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4363 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Ecosystems Urban Development Natural Disasters Environmental policies
  1. Los Angeles is built in a way that fire is part of its natural environment. This means wildfires will keep happening regardless of who is in charge.
  2. The area has a history of being described as a grassland, not a desert, and fires are a normal part of this ecosystem.
  3. Some experts believe that certain areas in L.A. should never have been developed because they are prone to burning, making homes there very risky.

The LA Fires and the Big Bang

The Crucial Years • 4882 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Energy transition Scientific research
  1. Climate change is making wildfires worse due to extreme heat and drought in places like Los Angeles. This is causing devastation to homes and communities.
  2. Scientific advancements, like those from Edwin Hubble, help us understand our universe and climate, but there are fears that funding for vital climate research is being threatened.
  3. There's a growing concern about losing our ability to think critically about important issues. As we face bigger problems, understanding and intelligence seem to be declining.

Chartbook 347 The trouble with transitioning: putting energy history back on its feet.

Chartbook • 1759 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Environmental History
  1. Traditional views say that moving away from fossil fuels will solve climate issues and that renewable energy will become cheaper. But this view may not be correct.
  2. An analysis of energy use shows that instead of switching from one energy source to another, we tend to use more energy from different sources at the same time.
  3. Decarbonizing our energy systems is a complicated task that is influenced by history and requires new approaches, especially as countries like China play a significant role in renewable energy technologies.

Climate Science Whiplash

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2424 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Science Policy Analysis Media influence
  1. Climate science can seem confusing and contradictory, leading to what people call 'climate science whiplash.' Different studies can say opposite things, making it hard to know what to believe.
  2. When extreme weather happens, people easily find studies that support their views, often ignoring the bigger picture. This selective use of science is like picking only the pieces of a puzzle that fit into your view.
  3. It's important to trust rigorous assessments from credible sources like the IPCC. They provide a clearer picture of climate change effects, helping us understand what we should really worry about.

So You Want to Learn Geoengineering?

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geoengineering Climate change Public Policy
  1. Geoengineering is a real science aimed at fighting climate change. It includes methods like cloud seeding and solar reflection, but it needs full public transparency since it could affect everyone.
  2. There’s a long history of weather manipulation efforts, like Project Cirrus and Project Stormfury. Many of these projects had mixed results, leading to both discoveries and unexpected consequences.
  3. Public engagement is key for geoengineering to be used responsibly. People need to stay informed and participate in discussions about these technologies to ensure decisions are made ethically and transparently.

Reading List for 11/30/24

Construction Physics • 9186 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Construction Automotive Technology Environment
  1. High-rise construction is booming in Canada, with many Canadian cities leading in the number of skyscrapers being built compared to US cities.
  2. Mild hybrids, which are cars that use a small electric motor to support a gasoline engine, are becoming popular in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations.
  3. Offshore oil drilling is seeing a revival, as companies invest heavily in new technologies and seek new sources of oil in response to rising energy prices.

"Climate Change is Showing its Claws"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2718 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Insurance Economics Global trends
  1. In 2024, global weather-related disaster losses reached $298 billion, with a significant portion occurring in the U.S., mainly due to hurricanes. This shows that while climate change impacts us, other factors like economic growth also play a big role.
  2. Today, disaster losses as a percentage of global GDP are less than they were 30 years ago. This suggests that despite increasing losses in dollars, extreme weather is not as devastating to the economy as it used to be.
  3. The rising insured losses are largely driven by construction in risky areas and inflation, rather than just climate change. It's important to consider these factors when looking at why disaster losses are increasing.

🌳 🌈 Time for a hard reset for environmental policy: A Quick Q&A with … Emily Domenech

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Infrastructure Bipartisan Issues Activism
  1. Bipartisan environmental reform is hard to achieve because Republicans and Democrats have different ideas on what needs changing. One side wants to make building easier, while the other focuses on renewable energy.
  2. Many lawsuits against projects can cause delays and make them financially unfeasible. Even if most of these lawsuits fail, they still create uncertainty that can halt progress.
  3. Current environmental policies and lawsuits can block innovation instead of helping the environment. A reset might be needed to improve infrastructure and address climate change effectively.

Interview with Prof. William Happer – Climate Scare Is Based on Lies

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Carbon Emissions Climate change Greenhouse Gases
  1. Prof. Happer believes that the idea of a climate crisis is based on false information and exaggeration about carbon dioxide's impact. He argues that the Earth's climate naturally changes and human influence shouldn't be overstated.
  2. He points out that the push for climate alarmism began in the 1990s, led by politicians who were rallying for stricter climate policies. He thinks that many scientists have adjusted their views to fit political agendas over time.
  3. Happer emphasizes that it's important to understand the role of carbon dioxide and the implications of climate policies, suggesting they can have significant economic costs. He believes discussions around climate change should be based on solid evidence and facts.

The Secret Behind Europe's Outsized Influence in Climate Science and Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3287 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Influence Sustainability Energy Sources
  1. A study shows that most climate scenarios used in global reports come from Europe. This means European views and ideas shape how we think about climate change.
  2. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are important tools in climate science, but they can reflect the biases and values of their developers. This could lead to skewed perceptions of energy sources like renewables compared to nuclear.
  3. The global efforts in climate modeling may not consider the needs of developing countries as much. Scenarios are often influenced by wealthy nations and may overlook how different regions approach climate solutions.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Wildfires Environmental Science Public Health Renewable Energy
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

Tricks of the Trade

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3012 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. Many claims about hurricanes becoming stronger due to climate change are inflated. For example, a recent study suggested a storm was 40% more likely, but a closer look shows it was actually a small increase from 7.2% to 10%.
  2. Some scientific methods assume that every storm is affected by climate change without considering other factors. This oversimplification can lead to misleading results, like claiming a storm was 7,000% more likely when it’s really about understanding many influencing factors.
  3. Recent research indicates that in some areas, tropical cyclones are not actually becoming more destructive and may even be decreasing in intensity. This contradicts the narrative that climate change always leads to worse storms.

The War For Middle Earth!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Science Natural Disasters Public Policy
  1. The next ice age could potentially arrive much sooner than expected, possibly around 2033, and many people may need to relocate due to extreme weather changes.
  2. There is growing concern that climate issues are being hidden by governments and the true cause, including past nuclear tests, is not being fully acknowledged.
  3. Digital tracking and registration are becoming more common, making it easier for governments to monitor populations, especially as crises increase due to climate change.

THB Insider #13

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 745 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Issues Natural Disasters Sports
  1. The post provides updates on several important topics like the Social Cost of Carbon and Billion Dollar Disasters. It's a good way to keep up with what's been happening recently.
  2. There are also new updates on climate scenarios and influential figures in climate science, like Michael Mann. This information can help you understand changing perspectives in climate science.
  3. Finally, there's mention of Colorado football which shows a variety of topics being discussed. This keeps the content diverse and engaging for readers.

Do US states with more renewable energy have more expensive electricity?

Sustainability by numbers • 316 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Energy Sources Environmental Policy
  1. Having more renewable energy sources like solar and wind doesn't always mean higher electricity costs. Some states with a lot of renewables actually have lower prices.
  2. Electricity prices vary widely between states due to many factors, not just the types of energy used. Things like distribution costs and market design play big roles.
  3. Tracking electricity prices over time can show the impact of renewable energy. Some states see lower prices with more renewables, while others may see prices rise.

The Wildfire Prep Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1146 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Quality Urban planning
  1. Being prepared for wildfires in LA is very important. Make sure to have a go-bag ready with essential items like masks, goggles, and fire-resistant clothing.
  2. Plan multiple escape routes from your home, as traffic can get very bad during evacuations. Knowing alternate paths can help you get out more easily.
  3. Keep your home and car ready for quick evacuations. This means keeping your gas tank full and clearing any flammable vegetation around your home.

‘You Can Taste the Fires in the Back of Your Throat’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Disaster Response Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. Disasters can change a community forever, marking a point where everything feels different. People will remember the day before and the day after as a significant divide in their lives.
  2. Fires can spread quickly, affecting homes and neighborhoods, often forcing families to evacuate urgently. Smoke and visible flames can create a sense of urgency and fear.
  3. The emotional toll of losing a place of worship or gathering is profound. It can leave a community feeling lost and in need of support during recovery.