The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Thirsty Cities: the Looming Water Crisis

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Water Crisis Sustainability Climate change Urban planning Resource Management
  1. Many big cities like Kabul, Cape Town, and Mexico City are facing serious water shortages. Their water levels are dropping because of climate change and overuse.
  2. Climate change leads to less rain and higher temperatures, making water evaporate faster. This is a major reason cities are running low on water.
  3. Cities can fight water shortages by saving water and using it wisely. Practices like rainwater harvesting and better irrigation can help them become more water-secure.

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.

Looking for Climate Perps

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 90 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental justice Global Warming Fossil fuels Social Inequality
  1. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's also influenced by social class and power dynamics. The wealthy and powerful often contribute to environmental harm while ignoring the consequences for those less fortunate.
  2. Most people don't have a say in important decisions regarding climate policy. Government and big businesses often make choices that affect everyone, without asking for public opinion.
  3. The effects of climate change disproportionately affect poorer nations and communities. Those who contributed the least to climate change tend to suffer the most from its impacts.

How many people died in disasters in 2024?

Sustainability by numbers • 211 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Disasters Sustainability Data Analysis Public Health Environmental Impact
  1. In 2024, fewer people died from disasters compared to previous years, thanks to fewer major earthquakes. The estimate was around 9,500 deaths, which is low compared to the high averages from past years.
  2. Floods, wildfires, and storms were the main causes of deaths in 2024. Many fatalities came from extreme weather events, particularly flooding in Africa and wildfires in South America.
  3. It's important to note that data on disaster deaths is often incomplete, especially for temperature-related deaths. Researchers have to estimate these numbers, leading to less reliable statistics overall.

eXports eXports eXports

The Crucial Years • 777 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Wildfires Environmental Activism
  1. In 2015, the US Congress repealed the ban on exporting US oil, contradicting climate change goals.
  2. America has become the largest exporter of gas and oil globally, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. There is a need for the Biden administration to halt licensing new LNG facilities to prevent further climate damage.
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Where are we illogically wasteful?

Reporting by Kyle Thiermann • 98 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment
  1. The post discusses illogical waste in everyday actions, like not sharing wooden sticks for coffee stirring.
  2. It questions societal practices of wastefulness in the name of cleanliness or convenience.
  3. The author highlights the need to reevaluate our behaviors to reduce unnecessary waste in different aspects of life.

Putting Southeast Asia on the Climate Tech Map

This Week in MCJ (My Climate Journey) • 157 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Innovation Renewable Energy Decarbonization Emissions Reduction Environmental Impact
  1. Southeast Asia is a region with significant potential for climate tech innovation and investment.
  2. There is a need for highly scalable, decentralized solutions in Southeast Asia's climate tech landscape.
  3. Opportunities in Southeast Asia include addressing emissions from land use change and agriculture, and focusing on growth tailwinds for high-growth climate tech companies.

Nuclear and nature: the love story no one wants to tell

Everything is Light • 157 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Clean Energy Climate action Nuclear Energy
  1. Some conservation groups oppose new nuclear power plants despite thriving wildlife around existing plants
  2. Building more nuclear power plants displaces fossil fuels, saves lives, and helps fight climate change
  3. Local support for nuclear power plants like Sizewell C is high due to job opportunities and clean energy benefits

Solar Power Won't Save You, but It Will Buy You Some Time

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Prepping Global Warming Survival
  1. Solar power can provide temporary relief but isn't a long-term solution for major crises. It's more about comfort and control than actual survival in tough situations.
  2. Having solar panels might seem helpful, but they can become useless if society collapses and you aren't able to maintain them or have access to battery replacements.
  3. Instead of solely relying on solar energy, it’s important to gain practical knowledge and skills in various areas, like growing food and securing water, to better prepare for future challenges.

Fostering Flexibility Through Electricity Tariff

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy consumption Sustainability
  1. Electricity prices can vary a lot, especially with more wind and solar power. This means we need to be flexible about when we use electricity.
  2. Better tariff structures can encourage people to use electricity when it's cheaper and more abundant, like during sunny or windy times.
  3. A new tariff system should charge people based on their electricity usage in real-time and how much they can use, rather than having a flat rate. This helps balance energy use with available resources.

The Mercury is Off the Charts

The Crucial Years • 946 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Wildfires Environmental Activism Climate Policy
  1. Global warming is rapidly increasing sea surface temperatures, with 2023 likely to be the hottest year yet.
  2. Despite the alarming climate situation, the fossil fuel industry is not making significant changes to reduce their impact.
  3. There is a call for urgent action to transition away from fossil fuels and support clean energy initiatives to combat the climate crisis.

Launching a new podcast on climate solutions

Sustainability by numbers • 268 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Podcasting Climate solutions
  1. A new podcast called 'Solving for Climate' is focused on discussing solutions for climate change. It features conversations with experts who are actively working on these solutions.
  2. The first series has five episodes that will be released weekly. The first two episodes showcase different perspectives from notable figures in the energy sector.
  3. The host is learning about the challenges of podcasting and hopes to improve in future seasons after this initial learning experience.

Homes That Breathe

Anima Mundi • 82 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Green Technology Ecosystems
  1. Buildings can be grown from living materials instead of built from traditional resources. This means using fungi and bacteria to create strong, eco-friendly structures.
  2. These new homes are designed to work with nature, providing benefits like filtering water and supporting local ecosystems instead of harming them.
  3. The process of creating homes this way could lower costs and make construction more sustainable, as it uses renewable materials and lessens environmental impact.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.1. Global Warming

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Global Warming Environmental Economics Sustainability Societal Impact
  1. Global warming is not just an environmental issue; it is changing how economies and societies work. The costs of addressing climate change could take away resources needed for future progress.
  2. As the climate shifts, we face serious challenges like unstable weather and changing environments. This affects our infrastructure and could lead to even worse disasters if not addressed quickly.
  3. Handling global warming will likely consume a lot of resources that could have helped us adapt to other economic changes. We need to think about how to support those who suffer as we transition to a more sustainable society.

Canada’s Oil Sands Among the World's Biggest Sources of Air Pollution

Need to Know by Stephen Leahy • 78 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Pollution Regulation Activism
  1. Canada's oil sands are one of the world's biggest sources of air pollution.
  2. Oil and gas operations in Canada are the biggest source of air pollution and CO2 emissions in the country.
  3. Canada is facing a crucial battle to reduce oil and gas pollution, with current reduction plans being weakened by industry lobbying.

Specialized thinking leads to ineffectual actions

Technology, Environment, and Art • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. Specialized thinking can lead to actions that may not be effective or truly sustainable.
  2. Efforts focused on finding the most environmentally friendly solutions may just be a minimization exercise within the existing industrial system.
  3. To truly move towards sustainability, we should focus on reducing industrial production, global trade, energy and material usage, and emphasize local dependence.

The man who invented a time machine

The Crucial Years • 876 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Climate Science Conservation Global impact
  1. John Goodenough, who invented a powerful lithium-ion battery, helped keep the Texas power grid run smoothly during a heatwave.
  2. Batteries like the ones Goodenough invented are crucial for storing solar power and preventing energy crises.
  3. The use of batteries is growing worldwide to support renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Tracking the invisible from space: greenhouse gases

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Remote Sensing Environmental Policy Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane cause climate change. Satellites can help us see how much of these gases are in the air and where they come from.
  2. Satellites give us a big picture of greenhouse gas levels globally, even in hard-to-reach places. This information is important for climate research and making smart policies.
  3. Companies are starting to use satellite data to track their emissions because it's now a big deal for investors and consumers. This means there’s a push for better tracking and reducing greenhouse gases.

Biomass Overview

Climateer • 907 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy
  1. Biomass is a diverse energy source, but be cautious as it may not be as clean as expected.
  2. Different types of biomass have varying pros, cons, and environmental impacts.
  3. Biomass energy may look good on paper, but in practice, it can face challenges like supply limitations and negative environmental impacts.

The kids are alright

The Crucial Years • 856 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Activism
  1. 16 Montana youth are taking legal action to fight for a clean and healthful environment for future generations in a historic trial in the state.
  2. Climate change impacts on children are profound, highlighting the urgency for action and the need to address intergenerational injustices.
  3. The fight for climate justice extends beyond local trials, with efforts to hold the federal government accountable for its role in the climate crisis gaining support.

Grid Upgrade - Part 1: the reasons

GEM Energy Analytics • 139 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Sustainability Renewable Energy Infrastructure Decarbonization
  1. We need to upgrade our electricity grid because electricity use is rising with new technology and applications. This includes electric cars and heating, which all require more power.
  2. The grid must handle a lot more energy generation from renewable sources like wind and solar. This means we need to build more infrastructure to support the increased output.
  3. Many new energy projects are located far from where the electricity is needed. To solve this, we must improve connections and cooperation between regions to reliably deliver energy where it’s required.

Grid Upgrade - Part 2: what lies ahead

GEM Energy Analytics • 139 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. The electricity grid is growing slowly and facing congestion. This means it may get overcrowded and not work as well as it should.
  2. Local opposition can delay grid projects, making them take longer and cost more. People sometimes do not want new lines near their homes, which leads to complications.
  3. Grid fees are likely to increase as upgrades are needed. As more money is spent on improving the grid, utility bills may go up for everyone.

Sorrow

Situation Normal • 184 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Environmental Issues Climate change Community Response
  1. Los Angeles is facing multiple wildfires, causing significant destruction and uncertainty for many residents. People are worried about their homes and the loss of memories associated with them.
  2. The situation is overwhelming for those living in the area, with constant alerts and the threat of evacuation on their minds. It's hard for them to find peace in such a chaotic environment.
  3. Many people need help due to the fires, and there are charities available that can assist in the recovery process. Supporting these organizations can make a real difference for those affected.

Open Friday Thread: Sustainability through affection

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Conversation
  1. Sustainability involves a continuous cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and preserving local memory and relationships.
  2. Economic externalities impact us all, and it's essential to be aware of them and resist indifference by building connections with people and places.
  3. Building affection and goodwill through activities like gardening can be as crucial as enhancing soil fertility, fostering interdependence and meaningful human connections.

Urban birdwatchers, conservation, and bending the biodiversity curve

This Week in Birding • 137 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Urban wildlife Nature connection Environmental Activism
  1. Biodiversity loss is a significant threat and changing our ways is crucial for restoration.
  2. Landscaping yards with native plants can greatly support bird populations and wildlife.
  3. Engaging urban residents in observing nature can lead to more interest in conservation and restoration efforts.

Strategies to Boost Heat Pump Adoption [Part II]

Volted: Electrify your Life • 98 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Sustainability Climate Policy Green Technology
  1. Installing high-efficiency heat pumps can lead to significant cost savings on heating bills.
  2. Engaging HVAC contractors and providing them with incentives and training is crucial for boosting heat pump adoption.
  3. Streamlining financing options through instant rebates and zero-interest loans can help make heat pumps more accessible to consumers.

Two Really Dumb Things We Might Be Able to Stop

The Crucial Years • 886 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate Impact Environmental Policy
  1. Massachusetts is a liberal Democratic state with leaders pushing for green initiatives like divesting from fossil fuels and protesting against harmful projects like the MVP pipeline.
  2. The MVP pipeline project, a fracked gas pipeline running through Appalachia, is facing mass protests due to environmental concerns and the decreasing demand for fracked gas.
  3. There is a global movement towards renewable energy advocacy to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.

Tracking the Invisible from Space: Greenhouse Gases. Part 2: Private Sector Solutions.

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Private sector Satellite Technology Artificial Intelligence
  1. The private sector is playing a big role in tracking greenhouse gas emissions with new satellite technologies. Companies are using satellites and AI to gather and analyze data on emissions more effectively.
  2. Different startups are focusing on monitoring specific gases or emission sources, making it easier to identify pollution hotspots. This helps companies and governments target their efforts to reduce emissions.
  3. While progress has been made in satellite monitoring, there's still a lot to learn about how greenhouse gases behave in the atmosphere. Better models and more data are needed to fully understand and manage these emissions.

Far and Wide

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 13 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Urban planning Sustainability
  1. Urban sprawl leads to bigger homes but worsens traffic and pollution. As people move away from city centers, commuting becomes longer and driving increases, causing congestion and environmental damage.
  2. The growth of gated communities is driven by a desire for safety and socioeconomic segregation. These neighborhoods often exclude lower-income residents, creating a divide in access to resources and services.
  3. Urban sprawl also drives up housing costs, making it harder for people to afford homes. Stricter zoning laws and lower housing supply contribute to higher prices and reduced economic opportunity for everyone.

The energy transition in five charts

Renewable Revolution • 219 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Climate change Energy Policy Environmental Impact
  1. The switch to renewable energy is all about using better technology. Renewables like solar and wind are cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient than fossil fuels.
  2. Renewable energy growth isn’t slow and steady; it’s growing quickly in an exponential way. This means countries and companies need to move fast to keep up.
  3. China is leading the way in renewable energy technology. Their advancements are setting the pace for other countries like the U.S. and those in Europe.

My book is published today!

Sustainability by numbers • 545 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues
  1. The book offers a data-driven look at environmental problems and how to solve them with a cautiously hopeful tone.
  2. It promotes urgent optimism in tackling solvable environmental issues relying on focused human effort and data-driven solutions.
  3. The book covers various environmental challenges and highlights the interconnected solutions to address them.