The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

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.

Summer School is In

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Policy Making Science Education Extreme Weather
  1. Climate change is a big issue that affects the economy, and there are many different opinions on how to deal with it.
  2. The course aims to teach students about climate science and policies, focusing on practical solutions in a complex political environment.
  3. Students will get access to a reading list that supplements the lectures, helping them explore different perspectives on climate issues.

Top Links 776 California's carbon market hits the floor. Spying on luxury yacht builders. Kagame's extraordinary career & Goldin's sharp eye.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Climate change Regulations Sustainable Practices
  1. California's carbon market is struggling, with recent auctions hitting the lowest price allowed. This shows challenges in the effectiveness of cap-and-trade programs for reducing emissions.
  2. There are some intriguing details about luxury yacht builders. This topic highlights a different side of luxury and the business around it.
  3. A look at Kagame's career reveals it to be quite remarkable, and Goldin's insights offer a unique perspective on various issues in the world today.

Can We Afford Large-scale Solar PV?

Construction Physics • 27768 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Energy Storage Infrastructure Cost Analysis
  1. Solar energy can supply a significant part of electricity demand, with estimates suggesting it could meet 30-40% without needing a lot of extra infrastructure.
  2. Affordable batteries are crucial as they help balance supply and demand, not just for solar but for any energy system.
  3. If the costs of solar panels and batteries keep dropping, we might be able to meet up to 80% of electricity demand with solar, which makes the future of solar power look promising.

More from a sense of duty...

The Crucial Years • 2939 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Activism Fossil fuels
  1. It's important to show our duty as citizens, even if things seem tough. Making calls to our Senators about energy policies can make a difference.
  2. Legislation aimed at slowing down clean energy is harmful to everyone, risking jobs, increasing electricity costs, and making it harder to fight climate change.
  3. We need to rebuild support for renewable energy like solar power and take collective action to make our voices heard, especially in response to bad legislation.
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The Most Amazing Climate Policy Figure

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2227 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Decarbonization Energy consumption Sustainability
  1. The U.S. has made steady progress in reducing carbon emissions while growing its economy. This decarbonization happened even with changes in political leadership and policies.
  2. A significant factor in reducing emissions has been the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables. This change shows how technology can help improve environmental outcomes.
  3. Understanding why decarbonization has been consistent is important. It can help policymakers find ways to continue this trend and achieve goals like net-zero emissions by mid-century.

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.

So many moving pieces

The Crucial Years • 2909 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Sustainable energy Climate Activism
  1. Climate change is a big deal, and it's getting worse faster than we thought. We need to pay attention because it's impacting everything from weather patterns to food production.
  2. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and intense, like heavy rain and severe heat. This is due to climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable.
  3. There's a push for clean energy solutions like solar and wind power, but financial systems and politics are blocking real action. We need to prioritize clean energy to tackle climate issues.

Private Jets: The Luxury with A Huge Carbon Footprint

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Emissions Sustainability Transportation Luxury goods
  1. Private jets cause a lot of pollution. They can emit as much carbon dioxide in a year as 177 cars.
  2. The number of private jets is increasing, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions over time. They are often used for short trips, which makes the pollution worse.
  3. Using private jets is a luxury that only a small percent of the world enjoys. Reducing their use could help lessen the environmental impact.

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.

What is a "Worst Case" Climate Scenario?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2482 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. RCP8.5 is a worst-case climate scenario that is based on very unlikely assumptions and does not reflect current realities. It is important to understand that it's not just improbable, but actually impossible based on recent data.
  2. Defining a 'worst case' scenario isn’t straightforward. It can be influenced by values and politics, as different people might see different outcomes as more or less desirable.
  3. Creating climate scenarios should involve a broader group, including experts and everyday people. This way, we can address the political aspects and ensure the scenarios used for policy-making are relevant and realistic.

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.

Buzzzzzzzzz

The Crucial Years • 2959 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Ecosystems Conservation Renewable Energy Climate change
  1. Insect populations are declining rapidly, mainly due to climate change and shifting weather patterns. This affects entire ecosystems since many animals, like birds, rely on insects for food.
  2. Solar farms are proving to be beneficial for both insects and birds. They provide a safe habitat where insects can thrive, which in turn helps increase bird populations in those areas.
  3. Using solar panels on farmland could replace inefficient corn production while providing all the energy the U.S. needs. This shift can help combat climate change and support biodiversity.

How does geothermal energy work, and why don’t we use it more?

Sustainability by numbers • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Technology Electricity
  1. Geothermal energy is mostly untapped, even though there's a lot of heat under the Earth's surface. It only provides about 0.3% of the world's electricity, which is quite low considering its potential.
  2. There are different types of geothermal energy like shallow heat for home heating and deep heat for electricity generation. However, to produce electricity, we need very high temperatures which are only found in certain areas of the world.
  3. Despite being cost-effective in the long run, geothermal projects have high initial costs and risks, making investment less appealing. Government support for geothermal energy is also not as strong as for other renewable sources.

Atlantic Hurricanes Preseason 2025

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1943 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Hurricanes Climate change Weather Patterns Natural Disasters
  1. So far in 2025, there haven't been any hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere, which could set a new record for the latest first hurricane. This shows there's a significant lack of storm activity this year.
  2. It's important to focus on data when discussing hurricane activity rather than just opinions. Data can give us a clearer picture of changes in hurricane behavior and climate science.
  3. The NOAA suggests that we shouldn't rush to say human-caused climate change has changed hurricane activity a lot. There's still a lot we don't know about how these storms are behaving.

A Better Approach to Climate Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1884 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Sustainable Development Environmental Impact
  1. The Hartwell Paper suggests that climate policy should focus more on solving real-life problems like air pollution and poverty instead of just cutting emissions. This approach could lead to better solutions for everyone.
  2. Instead of relying on strict global agreements, climate policy should be decentralized and innovative. Local and regional solutions can be more effective and politically accepted.
  3. Successful climate policy should provide clear benefits to people, such as better air quality and energy security. When people see direct advantages, they are more likely to support climate initiatives.

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.

Global Heat Waves: The New Normal in a Warming World

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Extreme Weather Environmental Policy
  1. Heat waves are happening more often and are becoming more intense. Many places around the world are experiencing temperatures much higher than before.
  2. The number of people affected by heat waves is increasing significantly. More workers are feeling the impacts of extreme heat, highlighting a growing concern for health and safety.
  3. To combat the rising heat, it's crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting down pollution is necessary to lessen the severity of heat waves and protect lives.

🌳 🌈 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.

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.

Mining the Earth, Polluting the Future: The Impact of Gold Extraction on Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 416 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Deforestation Emissions Climate change Sustainability
  1. Gold mining is causing a lot of deforestation around the world, damaging many forests. In some places, thousands of hectares of land have been lost due to illegal mining activities.
  2. The process of extracting gold emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. In the coming years, this could exceed 100 million tonnes of emissions each year.
  3. To help reduce the negative impacts of gold mining, we need to focus on using renewable energy and new technologies that lower energy use. This could greatly help the environment.

How big is the generational divide on climate change?

Sustainability by numbers • 304 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. People of all ages generally agree about climate change and its seriousness. The gaps in belief between younger and older generations are smaller than many think.
  2. While younger people often feel more emotional about climate change, older generations do recognize its impacts from personal experience. This doesn't mean they don't care;
  3. Younger generations tend to advocate for big changes from systems and corporations, while older generations often focus on individual actions they can take.

Top Links 755 The non-drama of America's energy transition. Muscling Starlink into Gambia. The weirdness of Neom & 1930s aero.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. America's energy transition is happening slowly but steadily. The demand for electricity is starting to grow again, similar to the rates we saw in the 1990s.
  2. Starlink is making efforts to expand its internet service in Gambia. This could help improve internet access in the region.
  3. The Neom project has some unusual elements that remind us of 1930s aviation design. It's a mix of old ideas and futuristic plans.

Pain Control

Doomberg • 7727 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Regulations Environmental Impact Public Health Urban planning
  1. A new law in Ottawa limits how long cars can idle to reduce emissions, even in freezing temperatures. This change has sparked debates about balancing climate goals with everyday needs.
  2. Some lawmakers are considering studying the environmental impact of anesthesia gases used in medicine. This might lead to strict regulations on their use, showing how far some are willing to go for climate concerns.
  3. Many feel that not all small actions, like the ones mentioned, are equally important. It's crucial to find a balance between good intentions and real-life impacts on people's comfort and health.

Global Shield Briefing (23 October 2024)

Global Shield's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Risks Sustainability
  1. Many countries are focusing on improving civil defense. This means everyone from the government to local communities needs to work together to be prepared for emergencies.
  2. Climate change is making existing global threats worse. Problems like pandemics and geopolitical tensions are now linked to changes in the climate.
  3. People need to listen actively to warnings about risks. If the audience isn't ready or willing to hear these messages, the warnings may not help at all.

Seventh Plan’s the Charm

Doomberg • 6232 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Sustainability Climate change International Collaboration
  1. Japan relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, which makes having a strong energy plan very important for the country. They need reliable and cheap energy to stay competitive in the global economy.
  2. After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan's use of nuclear energy dropped significantly, but there are now efforts to reopen some reactors. This shift back to nuclear energy is seen as crucial for Japan's energy strategy.
  3. The upcoming Seventh Strategic Energy Plan will outline Japan’s energy goals for the next few years. This plan will impact investments and the country's approach to energy efficiency and renewable sources.

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.

NEW PAPER: All Excess Emissions must be Removed

Marginal Carbon • 138 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Carbon Emissions Environmental Science Sustainability Global Warming
  1. Countries with a history of high carbon emissions have run out of their fair share of carbon budget. They keep adding to their carbon debt with every new emission.
  2. To keep temperatures safe, all emissions beyond what's allowed must be removed. This means we need to deal with past, present, and future excess emissions.
  3. While cutting emissions is the main goal, some emissions are better dealt with using carbon removal strategies, called 'CDR-optimal' emissions.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Doomberg • 6570 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Crisis Government regulations
  1. Wind and solar energy can't always provide power, especially during winter when the weather is less favorable. So, relying solely on these sources can leave countries without enough electricity.
  2. Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy is causing problems not just for itself but for neighboring countries too. This has resulted in rising energy prices and political tension in regions like Norway and Sweden.
  3. A debate is happening in Germany about potentially bringing back nuclear energy as a reliable power source. It involves looking at the technical, political, and financial challenges of restarting their nuclear reactors.

Power Down Blunder

Doomberg • 7469 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Environmental Issues Global Warming
  1. Australia has great potential for renewable energy like solar and wind, but things aren't going as smoothly as planned.
  2. As they keep adding more renewable energy sources, the country is facing rising electricity prices and shortages, especially during peak demand times.
  3. The government is now asking people to cut back on using appliances like dishwashers to help the struggling energy grid.

My Back Pages: Stranded Assets and Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Energy transition
  1. It's important not to overcomplicate solutions with too many strict requirements. Keeping it simple can help in finding effective answers.
  2. Voter control over political parties is crucial. If voters don't guide the system, they might need to start their own candidates.
  3. To tackle climate issues, we should work backward from our goals, like aiming for zero fossil fuel use by 2050, and think of necessary steps to achieve that.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.