The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Glacial Gardens

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Climate change
  1. Glacier retreat creates unique landscapes with rocks and rubble that offer a constantly changing environment. Walking on these surfaces can be tricky and shows how glaciers shape the land.
  2. Despite being on glaciers, there are surprising ecosystems with plants and wildlife. These plants show that life can flourish in unexpected places, even in harsh conditions.
  3. Debris-covered glaciers may serve as safe havens for plants and animals as the climate warms. They can help species survive by providing a cooler habitat as they migrate to higher ground.

🔥 How to ignite a geothermal energy revolution

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geothermal Energy Clean Energy Regulation Innovation
  1. The need for clean energy collaboration between government and companies to drive innovation.
  2. Energy deregulation can be a catalyst for promoting innovation and commercialization in the private sector.
  3. Accommodating regulatory and policy environments can accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies.

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning Infrastructure Ecology Sustainability Urban Development
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

'Unabated'

The Crucial Years • 1395 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Carbon Capture
  1. UN Secretary General emphasizes the need to phase out fossil fuels completely to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees
  2. Using carbon capture to 'abate' emissions from fossil fuels is not effective and just a way for the industry to continue business as usual
  3. The focus of climate negotiations should be on stopping the flow of greenhouse gases by transitioning to renewable energy sources
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Alternative Facts

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Media influence Extreme Weather Environmental advocacy
  1. Disasters are influenced by human exposure and vulnerability, not just the intensity of extreme events, making cause-effect links challenging to establish.
  2. Climate advocates have historically tried to connect extreme weather events to climate change, leaning towards sensational narratives even when not fully supported by scientific consensus.
  3. Media outlets have become more fragmented, leading to tailored content that aligns with specific audience values, potentially influencing the reporting of climate change issues.

Solar cannibalization: more details

GEM Energy Analytics • 399 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar energy Market Dynamics Energy Policy Sustainability
  1. Solar energy is growing rapidly, but it faces a challenge called solar cannibalization, where high production leads to lower market prices. This means that when solar output is high, producers earn less money.
  2. The effect of solar cannibalization is expected to increase as more solar capacity comes online, especially during sunny months when energy supply exceeds demand. This could result in financial strain for solar power projects.
  3. Solutions that help manage electricity demand, like flexible uses of power and smart technology, may not be enough to balance the market. Policymakers need to better understand these dynamics as solar capacity expands.

Why Did NEPA Peak in 2016?

Maximum Progress • 235 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Law Regulatory Impact Policy Changes Trend Analysis
  1. NEPA compliance is costly and time-consuming, with reports taking over 5 years to complete.
  2. The FAST Act of 2015 led to significant decreases in the time to complete environmental impact statements.
  3. Though NEPA timelines have shown improvement since 2016, the impact of the FAST Act reforms on the true burden of environmental reviews remains uncertain.

Oof. A Small Step Forward, and then...

The Crucial Years • 1155 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental Activism Climate Science
  1. The rich individuals or entities may not fully grasp or prioritize the urgency of the environmental crisis, as shown by certain investment decisions.
  2. Some significant steps towards divesting from fossil fuels have been taken, indicating a gradual shift away from reliance on them.
  3. Financial institutions like banks withdrawing from environmental initiatives could hinder progress towards decarbonization and indicate a shift in priorities.

Forget Conspiracy Theories

The Crucial Years • 1773 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Climate Activism Natural Disasters
  1. Conspiracy theories distract from what's happening in plain sight, like Blackrock appointing the CEO of a major oil company to its board.
  2. Financial institutions are backtracking on their commitments to decarbonize portfolios, favoring profits over addressing the climate crisis.
  3. Leaders like Brad Lander are taking a stand against financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, recognizing the need for real accountability and action.

The Last Crusade or the Temple of Doom?

Logging the World • 398 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Renewable Energy
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic led to extreme groupings on each side of the argument, mimicking past experiences in climate change discussions
  2. Centrist views, acknowledging real problems but also the progress being made, are important in addressing climate change
  3. Promoting centrist voices and avoiding extreme rhetoric can be effective in fostering positive action and moving away from a sense of hopelessness

The ETC report on fossil fuels in transition

Renewable Revolution • 239 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Fossil fuels Policy Analysis Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. Fossil fuel demand has peaked, and we need to reduce it over the next three decades to tackle climate change effectively.
  2. By 2030, we can cut down fossil fuel use significantly with existing solutions, showing that change is not only possible but also necessary.
  3. New fossil fuel exploration is unnecessary because we need to focus on speeding up the transition to renewable energy instead.

Bonkers in Yonkers

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Regulation Sea Level Rise
  1. Climate policy should be based on the best-available science to be effective in addressing risks like sea level rise.
  2. Extreme, implausible scenarios like RCP8.5 can lead to misguided policy decisions and misallocation of resources.
  3. Regulatory capture by a small group of experts can result in the codification of flawed science in policies, highlighting the importance of oversight and accountability.

A few seconds of video

The Crucial Years • 1574 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Biodiversity Conservation
  1. The video illustrates the impact of climate change through unprecedented floods in Greece.
  2. The urgency to take action against climate change is emphasized, as we witness extreme weather events becoming more common.
  3. Global efforts to meet climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement, are falling short and require more substantial commitments.

Energy from Heaven

The Crucial Years • 1454 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Global Warming Climate action Environmental Impact
  1. We have the potential to power our world with renewable energy like solar and wind, which are not only abundant but also provide a cost-effective solution.
  2. The rapid growth of solar and wind power is crucial to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions globally.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar can have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving natural habitats.

Fire Weather

The Chris Hedges Report • 392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Fossil fuels Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. Wildfires are becoming more common due to climate change and a reliance on fossil fuels. Areas like California are facing intense fire seasons, which scientists warned would happen.
  2. The boreal forests, which play a critical role in storing carbon and providing fresh water, are being destroyed by industrial activities like oil extraction. This destruction contributes to the worsening fire conditions.
  3. Modern homes are highly flammable because they're made with many petroleum-based materials. When they catch fire, they can burn much hotter than older buildings, making wildfires even more dangerous.

The weather is nice so we have to freak out about heatwaves now

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Events Public Health Environmental Policy Science communication
  1. Currently, even though the weather is nice, many people are still worried about heatwaves and climate change. It seems like there's always something to worry about, regardless of the actual conditions.
  2. In Germany, the current temperatures aren't as extreme as some predictions suggest, but the media is still making a big deal out of potential heat. Often, it's not the heat itself that's dangerous, but how suddenly it increases.
  3. Instead of banning fun summer activities, a better solution for helping vulnerable people during heatwaves would be to provide air conditioning. It's important to focus on practical solutions rather than creating fear around the nice weather.

Japan and Climate, Not As Bad As It Looks, Part II

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles Emissions Reduction Energy Policy Climate Policy
  1. Japan played a significant role in pioneering solar energy and electric vehicles, contributing to the fight against climate change.
  2. The 2010 Strategic Energy Plan in Japan aimed to increase low-carbon electricity, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and promote renewable energy and nuclear power.
  3. The Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan led to policy changes, shifts in energy sources, and a new political focus on climate-friendly initiatives.

Japan and Climate Change: Not As Bad As It Looks, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Japan is facing challenges in tackling climate change due to influence from the fossil fuel lobby, but there are also strong economic forces pushing for a transition to renewable energy.
  2. The shift to renewable energy sources like solar and wind in Japan is becoming more cost-effective than operating coal or gas-fired power plants, creating a game-changing incentive for producers and consumers.
  3. Globally, there is a trend towards clean energy investment over fossil fuels, leading to a shift in the auto industry towards battery-powered electric vehicles and a decrease in the financial viability of new coal plants.

Oil, Climate, Oppenheimer, and Restructuring

Life in the 21st Century • 275 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Climate Energy Renewables Institutions
  1. Transitioning away from oil use is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing energy waste
  2. Restructuring transportation infrastructure to be more efficient can help in cutting oil consumption
  3. There is a need to reevaluate and revalue daily human life to address the inadequacies and obsolescence of current institutions and values

Why degrowth eco-socialism?

Adapt : Survive : Prevail • 275 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Degrowth Capitalism Socialism
  1. Capitalist growth prioritizes profit over human needs, leading to suffering and environmental degradation.
  2. Degrowth eco-socialism advocates for reducing overall economic activity to align with human needs and sustainability.
  3. Creating an egalitarian society through wealth redistribution and instituting socialism is crucial for a sustainable future.

The Sinking Cities Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1749 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Geography Infrastructure Urbanization Politics Sustainability
  1. Mexico City and Jakarta are sinking due to various factors like draining lakes and illegal wells
  2. Indonesia's plan to move its capital to Borneo from Jakarta is ambitious but faces challenges like corruption and cultural differences
  3. The sinking of these cities raises environmental and social concerns that need to be addressed

Ignore that bomb, someone lit a fire-cracker!

The Crucial Years • 1295 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Weather Policy Natural Disasters
  1. False information spreads quickly, like rumors about electric vehicle fires, aided by social media and anti-environmental amplifiers.
  2. Compared to fossil fuel vehicles, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch on fire.
  3. It's important to consider the larger picture and relative impacts when evaluating new technologies or risks, like the benefits of windmills in reducing fossil fuel use.

It seems like the next big fight

The Crucial Years • 1375 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Natural Disasters Sustainability
  1. The fossil fuel industry is pushing to export large amounts of fossil gas to preserve their profits, even though renewable energy sources are cheaper and cleaner.
  2. The rapid expansion of LNG export terminals could cause American greenhouse gas emissions to remain stagnant since 2005, impacting global warming.
  3. It is crucial to stop the continued expansion of LNG build-out to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources worldwide.

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 imperfect LCOE and CfD

GEM Energy Analytics • 439 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Electricity Markets Cost Analysis Sustainability
  1. LCOE is not a reliable measure for wind and solar energy. It can mislead comparisons and decisions about energy costs.
  2. The value of electricity changes over time, especially for renewables. When the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, electricity prices can drop, making more generation less valuable.
  3. Support programs like Contract-for-Difference (CfD) might help producers but can hurt the overall system. They do not encourage efficient energy production based on market prices.

Numlock Sunday: James Temple on the mine with 2.4 million vehicles in it

Numlock News • 137 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Energy transition
  1. A single nickel mine in Minnesota could unlock billions in EV subsidies, impacting electrification and consumers.
  2. Understanding the specific impacts of mining projects and legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act can shed light on climate goals and community conflicts.
  3. Navigating the politics of climate change on the ground involves balancing trade-offs, ensuring open dialogue, and making informed decisions about environmental impacts.

EU Needs 205 Billion Euros for 11 GW's of Nukes

Gordian Knot News • 161 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Regulatory issues Environmental Impact European Union
  1. The EU plans to spend 205 billion Euros to add 11 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2050. This huge expense raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of nuclear power.
  2. A European Commissioner believes nuclear energy is crucial for a clean energy system, but there are doubts about whether this investment will actually benefit the EU's energy costs and competitiveness.
  3. The high prices for building nuclear plants could make it hard for industries to operate in Europe, especially when other countries offer much cheaper energy options.

The EV Revolution in Five Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Transportation Technology Policy
  1. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing, with countries reaching significant market shares in about six years. In 2023, around 20% of car sales will be EVs.
  2. Experts continuously revise their predictions upward for EV growth as prices drop and more people prefer EVs. Many now expect about 40% of cars sold in 2030 to be electric.
  3. The rise of EVs is pushing down sales of traditional gas cars and oil demand. As more EVs are sold, we could see a significant drop in oil use within 15 years.

Reflexive Realism on Climate Change

The Joyous Struggle • 197 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Fossil fuels
  1. Pension funds' investments in fossil fuels can unknowingly support the climate crisis.
  2. Moving pensions away from fossil fuels can help shape a different reality and combat climate change.
  3. Divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy can have significant financial, social, and environmental impacts.

Ditch cars and reduce mining

The Land Desk • 255 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Transportation Mining Electric Vehicles Environmental Impact
  1. Transportation sector with internal combustion engines is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
  2. Electric vehicles require more minerals like copper, rare earth elements, cobalt, nickel, and lithium for batteries.
  3. Transitioning from internal combustion cars to electric vehicles may result in a significant increase in mining, which can harm the environment and communities.

When the flood comes

The Land Desk • 255 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate
  1. The author realized a climate disaster was imminent when a weather app predicted heavy rain in Greece.
  2. They were surprised by the forecast of five inches of rain in a single day.
  3. The post discusses the impacts of extreme weather events related to climate change.

No Human Has Ever Seen it Hotter

The Crucial Years • 1514 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Clean Energy Climate Crisis
  1. Recently recorded extreme heat events are unprecedented and have significant impacts on the planet.
  2. The rise in solar power generation is proving to be a vital and reliable alternative to traditional energy sources during heatwaves.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.