The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

The Unthinkable Becomes Inevitable

Anima Mundi • 82 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Economics Human Rights Global Crisis Renewable Energy
  1. Economic systems can change quickly and unexpectedly. Slavery, once seen as essential, became morally wrong in a short time due to various factors like economic shifts and the resistance of enslaved people.
  2. Today's society faces a similar situation with climate change and inequality. Current systems are proving unsustainable, but many individuals and countries are hesitant to change because it might mean losing out in a competitive world.
  3. Younger generations are more open to alternative economic models because they haven't built their lives around the current unsustainable practices. If we act now to create and share new ways of living, we might be able to make positive changes before time runs out.

No, growing more food does not mean we always need more and more inputs

Sustainability by numbers • 301 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Agriculture Food security Environmental Policy Productivity
  1. High and middle-income countries are now producing the same or more food while using less fertilizer, pesticides, and land. This shows that it's possible to farm more efficiently.
  2. Total factor productivity (TFP) is crucial in growing food as it measures how much output can be increased without using more resources. Higher TFP means we can produce more food with less input.
  3. Low-income countries still need to increase their use of fertilizers and other inputs to improve food production, as they haven't yet reached the efficiency levels of wealthier nations.

Small Islands

rachaelmeager • 337 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Human Rights Environmental justice Conservation Cultural impact
  1. Forced resettlement of people for conservation can lead to serious ethical concerns, as it may be viewed as a form of genocide by those affected. It's crucial to balance conservation goals with human rights.
  2. Many people engage in activism mainly for emotional reasons, which can lead to a mix of real concern and performative actions that don’t address the actual issues. Understanding our true motives can help us engage more sincerely.
  3. Smaller crises in the world often get overlooked in favor of larger, more dramatic issues. We should pay attention to these smaller problems, as they are real and affect real people, and acknowledging them allows for a better understanding of larger-scale issues.

Building an operating system for Earth

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Ecosystems Environmental Policy Technology
  1. We need a new way to understand and respond to Earth's changes, using real-time data to prevent disasters before they happen. This would help us adjust our actions based on what the planet is experiencing right now.
  2. By gathering people from different fields—like scientists, artists, and leaders—we can work together to make better decisions for the planet. This teamwork can help us focus on what actually works instead of just arguing ideologies.
  3. The future can be shaped by using technology that helps us see the consequences of our actions beforehand. If we can visualize outcomes, we can choose paths that lead to a healthier planet.

Shifting Habitats: the Great Animal Migration due to Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Wildlife Ecosystems Conservation
  1. Many animals, like mosquitoes and fish, are moving north because of climate change. They're trying to find better places to live as their old homes become too warm.
  2. Birds and insects are arriving at their breeding spots earlier each year due to rising temperatures. This can lead to them missing food supplies when they need them most.
  3. To help migratory species survive, we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable energy. Working together globally is important to tackle this problem.
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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.

Climate migration, but backwards

¡Do Not Panic! • 628 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Migration Climate Impacts Weather Events
  1. Parts of the US with the biggest population growth are also the most at risk from climate change.
  2. Climate change is already impacting areas like Texas, Florida, and South Carolina with projections of increasing dangers in the future.
  3. Factors like denial, optimism bias, and group risk-taking contribute to people moving to high-risk climate areas despite the warnings.

Attribution Stealth Advocacy at the NAS

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Climate Science Environmental advocacy Scientific Integrity Extreme Weather
  1. A new committee formed by the National Academy of Sciences is seen as biased because it includes members with ties to groups that have an agenda against climate policy. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest.
  2. Some advocates argue that linking climate change to individual weather events is part of a strategy to support climate lawsuits, which might compromise the integrity of scientific research.
  3. There are worries that the push for extreme weather event attribution could replace established scientific frameworks, risking the credibility of major scientific institutions like the IPCC.

An odd silence

The Crucial Years • 2630 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Activism
  1. The global climate crisis is not receiving the attention it deserves in mainstream media.
  2. Record-high temperatures and other alarming climate events are being overshadowed by more 'headline-friendly' news stories.
  3. The urgency and scale of the climate crisis require swift and unprecedented action, even though these changes may not fit into traditional news narratives.

Limits to growth: solar edition

GEM Energy Analytics • 599 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar energy Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. Solar energy is growing quickly, but it has limits. Even though many people are excited about its future, there are economic reasons that might slow its growth.
  2. The value of solar electricity is decreasing as more solar power is added to the system. This means that while solar may be cheap to produce, its market value might drop, making it less profitable.
  3. Government support, like subsidies, could help solar energy continue to grow despite these challenges. However, it's unclear how committed governments will be to supporting solar if its market value drops significantly.

Federated Ecovillages & Steps Towards a Modern Cybersyn

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 609 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Community Building
  1. Decouple from the capitalist system by creating alternative systems like free housing collectives and community land trusts.
  2. Build federated ecovillages and interconnected communities to share resources, knowledge, and create a cooperative network.
  3. Use modern technologies and community databases to work towards a modern Cybersyn system for fair distribution of resources and fostering collective autonomy.

X-Change: The Race to the Top

Renewable Revolution • 199 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Technology Geopolitics Electric Vehicles Energy transition
  1. China is currently leading the way in clean technology, especially in solar and battery manufacturing, but the US and Europe are increasing their investments quickly.
  2. Europe has a strong position in generating electricity from solar and wind, while China is ahead in electric vehicle sales with plans to grow even more.
  3. The competition between these regions is good for the world as it drives innovation and reduces costs, speeding up the move away from fossil fuels.

Finding Barakah: The country where clean energy is a blessing

Everything is Light • 589 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Environmental Impact Collaboration Energy transition
  1. The United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant is a significant step towards transitioning to clean energy.
  2. The collaboration and cooperation between the UAE and South Korea in building the Barakah power plant is a model for international partnerships.
  3. The UAE's focus on developing national talent for operating the nuclear power plant showcases a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

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.

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.

Near-Term Climate News and Other Tall Tales

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Global Warming Carbon Emissions Climate Modeling Science communication
  1. Global warming is accelerating now, with a projection of about +1.7°C global temperature in 2027 and an observed rate near 0.31°C per decade. This pace, if it continues, means steady and rapid temperature increases over the coming decades.
  2. If today’s warming and CO2 trends hold, mid‑century and later decades could see temperatures well above 2°C and atmospheric CO2 possibly topping ~500 ppm by 2050, which would be dangerous for future generations. These changes will reshape lives within the lifetimes of people alive today.
  3. AI-generated fakery is becoming startlingly realistic, with faces and gestures that look human; this trend raises serious concerns about misinformation, cultural erosion, and how we’ll remember the past.

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.

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 Carbon Markets 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.

Warming in the pipeline: Decoding our climate commitment

The Climate Brink • 569 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Emissions Scientific research
  1. Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have a long-lasting impact on warming the Earth because they remain in the atmosphere for a really long time.
  2. There's a scientific question about future warming if emissions stopped today, known as 'warming in the pipeline', with varying viewpoints based on assumptions.
  3. Different assumptions made in calculations determine whether there will be little warming in the coming decades or significant warming over thousands of years, emphasizing the long-term effects of greenhouse gases.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #157

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 215 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Energy Technology Environment
  1. Advanced nuclear technology is moving forward with a U.S. Department of Energy program that will help new companies test their reactor designs faster. This could really impact the country's energy future.
  2. A company called Vulcan is working to make rare earth magnets in the U.S. without relying on China, which is important for technology like electric vehicles and smartphones. They recently raised $65 million to expand their production.
  3. MIT researchers have used AI to design new antibiotics that could fight superbugs like MRSA and gonorrhea. This could be a big step forward in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.

Addressing Global Divides on a Crackling Globe of Deepening Faults

The Planet • 314 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Risks Economic Growth Climate Crisis
  1. Global wealth inequality is increasing, with the ultra-rich getting richer while more than half of the world's population is becoming poorer.
  2. There is a need for effective and fair governments to address global issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality.
  3. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a shift towards sustainable practices, reducing inequalities, and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

Canadian wildfires and climate change

The Climate Brink • 550 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Climate change Future Impacts
  1. Canadian wildfires are being affected by climate change, with hotter conditions and fuel aridity making fires more likely and destructive.
  2. Climate change is not the only factor worsening wildfires, as a history of wildfire suppression has primed forests for catastrophic fires.
  3. Scientific literature shows a strong link between climate change and wildfires, with warmer conditions leading to more fire incidents.

After a Record-Hot January: Finding Balance Between Beauty and Climate Concerns

The Planet • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Data Global Warming Nature Climate models Environmental Impact
  1. The global sea surface temperatures hit a new modern record high, which is a serious concern for climate change.
  2. Research suggests that the Atlantic overturning circulation (AMOC) is moving towards a tipping point, which could have catastrophic consequences for Europe's climate.
  3. It is crucial to appreciate and protect nature's beauty while also being mindful of the urgent climate concerns and potential tipping points.

The Idiots Are Yelling About Weather Machines Again

OK Doomer • 283 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Disaster Response Environmental Policy Philosophy Public Health
  1. Recent severe floods in Texas highlight the dangers of inadequate disaster response plans. Many people were unprepared for the sudden rise in water levels.
  2. Ancient Greek philosophers pointed out that concepts like compassion and self-interest might be illusions in how we view human behavior. They believed deeper truths about our motivations are often overlooked.
  3. The discussion around weather machines shows how misinformation can distract from real issues like climate change and policy failures impacting people's safety.

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.

The Anthropocene: What's In A Name?

Surfing the Future • 139 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Climate change Sustainability Biodiversity Evolution
  1. Naming periods of significant change is crucial for understanding history and its impact on the present and future.
  2. The concept of Anthropocene, denoting the era where human activities have significant geological impacts, sparks debates among scientists about its start date and implications.
  3. Embracing new paradigms like sustainability and circularity is essential for addressing climate and biodiversity emergencies, even if the recognition like the Anthropocene remains a point of contention.

Appropriate Technology, Permacomputing, Post Growth, and Ecomodernism.

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 511 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Technology Economics Sustainability Permaculture Climate change
  1. To address climate change, we need to rethink our approach to technology and economics.
  2. Technology is influenced by social and political systems, and alone cannot solve all our problems.
  3. Appropriate technology and permacomputing offer sustainable alternatives to traditional tech.

The Future Looks Green: Hemp, Algae, and Ideas for Ecovillages and Cooperative Life

Sunshine and Seedlings: A Newsletter by HydroponicTrash • 511 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy Circular Economy
  1. Plants like hemp and algae have a wide range of uses and can help in creating sustainable communities.
  2. Circular systems can help in stopping waste and regenerating the ecosystem for a better future.
  3. Exploring alternative energy sources like biogas from hemp and algae can provide sustainable solutions to our energy needs.

🌀 It's actually a huge failure that we can't control hurricanes

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Hurricanes Geoengineering Climate change Environmental Science
  1. Scientists have tried to control hurricanes before, but it didn't work out because we didn't understand how hurricanes really behave.
  2. There are new ideas being tested to weaken storms, like cooling ocean waters and using cloud seeding, but these methods are still in development.
  3. People are often skeptical about geoengineering methods because of past failures and concerns for safety, so open discussions are important to build trust.

🐝⚛ Bees 1, Mark Zuckerberg's nuclear plans 0

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nuclear Energy Biodiversity Regulatory Challenges Energy Policy
  1. A rare bee species stopped Mark Zuckerberg's plan for a nuclear-powered AI data center. The discovery created many environmental and regulatory issues.
  2. This situation is similar to a past case where a tiny fish halted a big dam project. It shows the tension between environmental protections and large infrastructure plans.
  3. There's a growing discussion about the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. as we face challenges in expanding clean energy.