The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

What We Learned from the Wind.

Breaking the News • 731 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Systems
  1. The destructive wind was caused by a 'downburst,' which is a torrent of colder air that creates high-velocity vortices when it hits the ground.
  2. Extreme weather events like this signal the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to withstand the impacts of climate change.
  3. Households can adapt to disruptions with a mix of old and new strategies, like using candles, flashlights, smartphones, and public resources like libraries.

How Bad Will Things Get Now?

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Disasters Environmental Policy Wildlife Public awareness
  1. Climate disasters like wildfires, storms, and heatwaves are expected to get much worse in the future. We need to prepare for more extreme events.
  2. There's concern about how leadership is addressing climate change, with some leaders denying its seriousness. This adds to fears about future environmental policies.
  3. The next decade is crucial, and people need to understand the potential threats to humanity so they can advocate for better solutions.

In which a leading Green intellectual demands wide-scale deindustrialisation, permanent rationing, the prohibition of all new construction and the end of the banking system – all to save the climate

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 235 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmentalism Energy transition Sustainable Development
  1. Some Green leaders in Germany want to reduce industry and even stop new buildings to help the environment. They believe this will improve climate conditions.
  2. The push for a more controlled economy includes ideas like rationing living space and limiting how much people can travel. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions.
  3. These ideas imply big changes, like having no banks and less personal wealth, which could upset many people's daily lives and freedoms.

X-change: Electricity

Renewable Revolution • 159 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate change Sustainability Energy Policy Environmental Economics
  1. Solar and wind energy are growing really fast, but we need to speed up even more to hit climate goals. Continuous growth is happening, and it's pretty exciting!
  2. Even though there are obstacles, the reasons for switching to renewable energy are stronger. Solutions are everywhere, and they're outpacing the barriers we're facing.
  3. The fossil fuel era is coming to an end. By 2030, renewable energy could produce a lot more electricity than fossil fuels, and it’s crucial we keep pushing for change.

African development in an era of climate change

An Africanist Perspective • 158 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Development Economic Impacts
  1. Poverty is not a viable climate strategy, as energy poor countries struggle with funding climate strategies and face worsening conditions over time.
  2. Access to energy resources is vital for economic development; African countries should focus on using available resources to ensure sustainable access to energy for their populations and industries.
  3. African countries must play geopolitical hardball to secure funds and technologies for energy transition and develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies based on their unique challenges instead of adopting generic foreign policies.
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How cheap will solar projects get?

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Energy Sustainability Energy Economics Environmental Policy
  1. The cost of solar projects has gone down a lot over the last decade, but it is expected to decrease by only about a third in the next decade. This is still good, but not as impressive as before.
  2. Solar module prices were dropping fast, but that trend is slowing down. Improvements in manufacturing are now changing more slowly and the costs of projects could squeeze profits for developers.
  3. Oversizing solar projects, where the installed capacity is greater than the inverter capacity, might become common. This is partly because transmission costs aren’t increasing as quickly as module prices.

Greenhouse Gases Deadly Dance: CO2, N2O and CH4 Emissions' Alarming Card

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Emissions Climate change Fossil fuels Agriculture
  1. Carbon dioxide emissions are still rising and could reach over 41 billion tons this year, which is concerning for our climate.
  2. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions are also increasing, with agriculture being a major contributor to nitrous oxide levels.
  3. To tackle these issues, we need to cut down on fossil fuels and change how we farm and use land to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This Must Be Made Personal For Deniers

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Corporate Influence Global Warming Environmental justice
  1. Ensuring accountability for systemic crimes is crucial, with heavy financial penalties, especially for those profiting from reprehensible practices like the British empire's opium trade
  2. Uncomfortable parallels exist between historical criminal enterprises like the opium trade, the opioid crisis, and modern fossil fuel industries, hinting at potential criminalization
  3. Legal actions such as climate scientist Michael Mann's successful defamation lawsuit highlight the importance of holding false accusers accountable, pushing for strict consequences against defamers

Fractured Planet: Glaciers Thawing, Rivers Running Dry, Reefs Vanishing

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates, with many disappearing completely. This is a big concern for water supply and ecosystems.
  2. Rivers around the world are drying up, with thousands vanishing completely in recent decades. This can affect agriculture, drinking water, and wildlife.
  3. Coral reefs are facing serious threats, with significant losses in the past few decades. If we don't act now, most coral reefs could be gone by the end of the century.

There is no nature

storyvoyager • 13 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Conservation Sustainability Environmental Ethics Climate Policy Biodiversity
  1. There is no separate "nature" — humans and the rest of life share one interconnected planet.
  2. Treating nature as an optional accessory makes it seem nonessential, but we depend on planetary ecosystems for our survival.
  3. Nature isn’t just a walk in the forest or a scenic backdrop; it’s the whole complex system that supports life everywhere.

Will people move for climate change?

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Migration Disaster Preparedness Media influence
  1. People are currently moving towards disaster zones, like Florida, Phoenix, and Austin, instead of away due to climate change.
  2. Many Americans moving to high-risk areas are aware of potential property damage from climate change but prioritize current benefits like views and low cost of living.
  3. The media might underestimate Americans' strong attachment to their communities, demonstrated by factors like interest in remote work and NIMBYist sentiment.

The bright future of solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 119 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Investment Trends Global Market Technological Advancements
  1. Solar energy is growing fast around the world, especially with China leading in solar panel installation. Countries like Australia and Germany still produce more solar energy per person.
  2. Investment in solar power is booming, with a significant chunk of renewable investments going into solar projects. This trend shows that people are serious about switching to cleaner energy.
  3. The future looks bright for solar installations, with expectations for rapid growth in capacity. However, challenges like grid limitations and dependence on imports from China could affect this growth.

In search of a foundational set of water principles

Climate Water Project • 117 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Hydrology Ecology Sustainability Climate Science
  1. The water cycle is complex and requires integrating knowledge from various sciences and methodologies.
  2. The set of water principles aims to simplify and highlight the most important interactions in the water cycle.
  3. Understanding the connections between groundwater, surface water, and land cover is crucial for managing water resources effectively.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Mining Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.

Upbeat Environmental News?

crimeandpunishment • 117 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Electric Vehicles
  1. Non-profit organizations like The Progress Network and Environmental Health News share positive environmental news to inspire collective action.
  2. Countries are joining forces to address environmental challenges, such as cutting methane emissions, leading to a healthier future.
  3. Investments in green initiatives and infrastructure are boosting the economy while supporting sustainability goals, like electric vehicle adoption.

Land Subsidence: the Megadanger lying in Wait for Megacities

Adetokunbo Sees • 416 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sea Level Rise Climate change
  1. Megacities around the world are facing the threat of land subsidence, sinking at a faster rate than sea levels are rising.
  2. Groundwater extraction is a significant factor contributing to land subsidence in various regions, such as Africa, Asia, and the eastern coast of the United States.
  3. Combining the effects of land subsidence and rising sea levels due to climate change poses a frightening challenge for coastal cities globally, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management practices.

COP30 - Psyops in Action

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Globalism Indigenous rights Environmental Activism International relations
  1. COP30 is a major UN climate conference happening in Brazil, focused on limiting global temperature rise and promoting green policies. However, many feel these changes could hurt economies and families instead.
  2. There's a growing concern that the UN and other organizations are pushing an agenda that undermines national sovereignty and promotes global control. Critics argue that this could lead to ineffective spending on unproven technologies.
  3. Indigenous participation at COP30 has drawn attention, with many activists involved in protests. Some believe these protests are orchestrated to support the UN’s narrative, raising questions about the authenticity of the movement.

Henry Huiyao Wang: China must ensure its green energy leadership is good for the world

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Green Energy Global Governance Sustainability Climate change International relations
  1. China is becoming a leader in green energy, producing more solar panels and electric vehicles than ever before. This shift is important for both their economy and the global fight against climate change.
  2. The transition to green energy is not just about technology; it requires cooperation across countries to truly make a difference. Everyone needs to work together to address climate issues that affect us all.
  3. Trust is key for China as it moves into this new green economy. To help the world, China should invest in other countries and build relationships that benefit everyone.

The Thing We All Need to Survive. We Don't Get Nearly Enough.

OK Doomer • 146 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Public Health Political issues
  1. The world is facing many challenges like climate change, pandemics, and political issues. These problems are interconnected and make life more complicated.
  2. Truth and honesty are very important during tough times. We need to acknowledge reality and not hide from the truth.
  3. There is something essential for survival that we often overlook. It is as vital as food and water, but we rarely talk about it.

Finding Glaciers in the West

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural History Exploration Geology
  1. In the 1800s, scientists believed there were no glaciers in the U.S. outside of Alaska until Clarence King discovered them in the Cascades. This was a surprising revelation since people had been aware of glaciers in places like Switzerland long before.
  2. Many explorers and writers, including Native guides, had actually seen and written about the glaciers in the Cascades before King announced their existence. Their contributions were often overlooked by later scientists.
  3. Today, glaciers are rapidly disappearing due to climate change. In the future, people may react with similar excitement if glaciers are found in the U.S. again, as there will be very few left.

Wood in danger

Wood From Eden • 480 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Human Impact
  1. Dutch elm disease has devastated elm tree populations worldwide due to a unique destructive fungal infection.
  2. The industrial revolution has facilitated the spread of tree pathogens globally through transportation networks.
  3. Efforts such as vaccination and selective breeding show promise in combating tree diseases, highlighting the importance of human intervention in preserving tree species.

The key takeaway from MIT’s Great Climate Policy Debate

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Debate Nuclear power Sustainability Energy
  1. All four experts agreed that stopping nuclear energy development after the Three Mile Island accident was a big mistake. If nuclear power had been embraced earlier, we might have made better progress on reducing carbon emissions.
  2. There's a strong belief that we can still fully commit to nuclear energy now because the technology is safe and effective. The main barriers are complex regulations and legal challenges that make it hard to move forward.
  3. The panel recognized that achieving NetZero carbon emissions soon will be very difficult. It might be time for people with differing views on climate to collaborate and focus on making nuclear energy more widely used.

Can electric vehicles provide some flexibility to the grid?

GEM Energy Analytics • 139 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) could help us use renewable energy better by shifting when we consume power. This means charging EVs when there's a lot of renewable energy available.
  2. The amount of energy EVs can store is significant, but it's not enough to fully cover all renewable energy peaks. We still need other ways to manage energy demand.
  3. To make EV charging more effective and encourage cheaper energy use, we need smart meters and dynamic pricing. This way, people can charge their cars when electricity prices are low.

Lump of Coal

Doomberg • 151 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Pollution Natural resources Climate Policy
  1. Coal is a controversial fuel, and many people don't fully understand its value. It's important to look at its role in energy and society.
  2. As we'll explore, coal has had a significant impact on industries and economies. Understanding its importance can change how we see this resource.
  3. The goal is to dive deeper into coal's complexities and recognize its potential benefits alongside its challenges. This perspective can lead to better discussions about energy sources.

Planting Trees Is a Great Plan B

Climateer • 755 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Carbon Sequestration Biodiversity Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  1. Planting trees is a good way to help mitigate climate change, but it's not a substitute for reducing emissions and protecting existing forests.
  2. Reforestation projects should aim to recreate natural forests using native species to avoid negative impacts like habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
  3. While aggressive tree planting could remove significant amounts of carbon, realistic forestation efforts need to consider costs, competing land uses like agriculture, and the challenges of maintaining forest areas.

In Delhi it's the season to choke

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Pollution Environmental policies Public Health Comparison Progress
  1. In Delhi, the air pollution season is a serious health concern causing significant reductions in life expectancy.
  2. Both Beijing and Delhi face severe air pollution issues due to a combination of factors like geography, industrial sources, and weather.
  3. China has made significant progress in addressing air pollution through coordinated efforts including monitoring, pollution abatement, and restrictions on industries like coal-fired power plants.

A few basic truths about offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 510 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Offshore Wind Decarbonization Energy transition Supply Chain
  1. Offshore wind was meant to be more expensive and a side show in the energy transition.
  2. Banks took construction risks initially, leading to offshore wind being almost as cheap as onshore wind in some regions.
  3. Offshore wind is necessary in some places due to geographical constraints and can provide diversification in renewable energy systems.

If We Lose the Amazon, Plant Medicine Goes With it 🌳💀

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Indigenous rights Wildlife Deforestation Activism
  1. The Amazon rainforest is in danger due to activities like oil extraction, logging, and mining, threatening unique plant medicines and indigenous cultures.
  2. Multiple organizations are working tirelessly to protect the Amazon, indigenous territories, and fight against illegal activities disrupting the rainforest.
  3. Conservation efforts are complex, require long-term stability and consistency, and face challenges such as profit-driven destruction, political instability, and risks to activists.

L.A. Will Keep Having Catastrophic Fires No Matter Who You Blame

KERFUFFLE • 131 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Urban Development Ecosystems Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. Los Angeles is naturally a grassland, not a desert, and wildfires are part of its ecosystem. This means that as long as we live there, we're going to deal with fires.
  2. Urban development in L.A. happened very quickly, making it one of the few cities that sits right next to wild nature. This close proximity makes it more likely for fires to spread from wild areas to neighborhoods.
  3. Many of the problems with wildfires come from development patterns established long ago. The places where we live today were built before the fire risks were fully understood.

Build Nuclear. Frak. Drill.

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 455 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Emissions Policy
  1. Nuclear energy is a cost-effective and clean solution for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  2. Modern nuclear energy plants are safe, produce minimal waste, and are more efficient than other renewable energy sources.
  3. Choosing nuclear energy is crucial for addressing climate change and has been successfully implemented in countries like France.