The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Greenlist Decarbonizes Online Retail Returns

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 78 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability E-commerce Retail Technology Innovation
  1. Greenlist enables peer-to-peer returns, reducing carbon footprint and connecting customers with out-of-stock inventory.
  2. Retail returns cost over $800 billion annually and contribute to pollution, but Greenlist cuts costs and waste by reducing miles traveled and promoting packaging reuse.
  3. Founder Jess Owens prioritizes sustainability, aiming to make a positive impact on the planet despite challenges in fundraising and market adoption.

EU's critical minerals, nickel labor, and EVs may not cut it for auto sector

Green Rocks • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewables Energy transition Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Climate technologies require huge amounts of metal, impacting mining and emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Concerns rise over labor conditions in Indonesia's booming nickel industry with reports of worker mistreatment.
  3. The auto sector faces challenges in meeting climate goals, requiring carbon standard agreements and increased renewable energy use.
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How to Decarbonize the Global Electric Grid

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 78 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Greenhouse Gas Emissions Energy security Carbon Capture
  1. Decarbonizing the electric grid is crucial to reducing global emissions and reaching net zero.
  2. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.
  3. Investing in clean energy technologies, grid modernization, and policy changes are key steps to decarbonize the electric grid.

Why AI Won't Save Us, How Much Money is a Whale Worth, and other stories.

Green Graphic Design • 78 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment AI Economics
  1. Naomi Klein questions the effectiveness of AI in addressing the climate crisis under capitalism.
  2. The concept of assigning monetary value to species raises ethical concerns about valuing nature based on economic benefits.
  3. Critical view on green capitalism highlights the limitations of monetary solutions to environmental issues and the need to confront capitalism to address the climate crisis.

Carbon offsetting: climate fix or fail?🌲

Climate In Colour • 78 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Climate solutions
  1. The post discusses the topic of carbon offsetting and questions its effectiveness in addressing climate change.
  2. The author will be conducting research in Ghana's forests, working closely with the local community.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Climate In Colour.

Top Sustainable Book Recommendations

Green Graphic Design • 78 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Political Impact Environmental justice Greenwashing Fossil fuels
  1. All We Can Save is a great starting point to learn more about climate crisis solutions.
  2. A Planet to Win gives hope and insight into why a better future is needed for all aspects of life.
  3. This Changes Everything exposes the intersection of capitalism and climate crisis, offering a new perspective on traditional solutions.

A requiem for Bell Bowl Prairie

This Week in Birding • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecosystems Biodiversity Activism Legislation
  1. A group gathered at Bell Bowl Prairie to mourn its destruction by a bulldozer.
  2. Efforts to stop the destruction were unsuccessful due to legal system failures and lack of political action.
  3. Advocates call for updating endangered species laws and increasing funding for conservation to prevent similar devastation in the future.

On Solarpunk #9

On Solarpunk • 78 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Urban Development Environmentalism
  1. Freiburg, Germany has sustainable neighborhoods like Vauban and Rieselfeld with eco-friendly designs and low car usage.
  2. In the US, there are few similar projects to Freiburg like Ithaca's Ecovillage and Culdesac Tempe, showcasing alternatives to traditional housing.
  3. Community involvement and advocacy played a crucial role in shaping Vauban's development, showcasing the importance of public engagement in sustainable housing projects.

Carbon Sinks Are Failing

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Science Carbon Emissions Sustainability Natural resources
  1. Carbon sinks, like forests and oceans, are not absorbing as much CO2 as they used to. This could lead to faster global warming.
  2. Recent research shows that land carbon absorption was almost zero last year, raising concerns that current climate models are not accounting for this collapse.
  3. We need to be aware and prepared for potential warming beyond the predicted timelines, as natural processes that help regulate climate are breaking down.

Why This Documentary May Save The Whales

Public • 432 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Documentary Impact
  1. A new documentary reveals the connection between high-decibel sonar from wind industry vessels and specific whale deaths.
  2. The documentary exposes a major scientific scandal and a lack of transparency in government agencies like NOAA.
  3. The film urges viewers to understand that the increase in cetacean deaths is linked to wind industry activities, contradicting official statements.

Aridity, Acidity, and Salinity: How Greenhouse Gases are Choking Our Soil

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Soil Health Environmental Policy Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. A large portion of the Earth's land is becoming drier, significantly affecting agriculture and ecosystems. This trend could worsen and impact billions of people who may face water shortages.
  2. Many lands are also suffering from high salinity and acidity, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. If these problems continue, we could see a lot of agricultural land damaged.
  3. Climate change is a major driver of these issues, causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather. To combat this, planting trees and using better irrigation can help improve soil health.

Pseudoscience, Greed, And Nihilism Behind Disinformation On Climate Change And Fires

Public • 413 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Disinformation Climate change Pseudoscience Nihilism
  1. Climate change is not the main cause of increasing wildfires globally, despite popular belief.
  2. The amount of area burned annually by fire has actually decreased over the last quarter-century.
  3. Preventing uncontrollable forest fires involves better forest management practices like selective logging and prescribed burning.

A modest proposal for resolving our differences on CO2.

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Economics Energy Sources Sustainability
  1. Everyone has a personal view on the social cost of CO2, which can vary widely. It's important to recognize that even if you aren't sure about your view, it still exists.
  2. The trade-off between CO2 emissions and energy consumption is crucial for making decisions about energy sources. Finding a balance is more effective than choosing a source and adjusting to its costs later.
  3. To resolve disagreements on energy and CO2 impacts, we could gather opinions on the best balance and use the majority choice to guide our energy planning.

Echoes of Extinction: A Funeral March for Species

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Ecosystems Conservation
  1. Many animal species are dying off, often due to climate change. This not only affects those specific animals but also the plants and ecosystems that rely on them.
  2. The death of single species, like flying foxes and corals, can disrupt the balance of nature. These losses can lead to problems like reduced food sources for other species and a drop in biodiversity.
  3. To prevent more animal deaths, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create environments that can adapt to changes in the climate.

The Climate Fix Book Club, Chapter 9 & Full Book

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Decarbonization Energy Efficiency Global Emissions
  1. Setting clear goals is crucial for progress, even if there are debates around the specifics. Policies should focus on addressing the root causes of issues, not just consequences.
  2. Decarbonization of the economy can happen through improving energy efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. These are essential to meet atmospheric carbon dioxide targets.
  3. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions should consider the balance between economic growth and environmental impact. Decarbonizing energy supply is crucial for significant progress.

An Ode to Our Front Yard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Biodiversity Urban wildlife Sustainable Practices
  1. Having a wild yard filled with native plants can support local wildlife and create a thriving ecosystem. It's great to see more people choosing this over traditional grass lawns.
  2. Neighbors might not always appreciate these wild gardens, but they bring more life and diverse plants and animals. A messy yard to some can mean a home for many creatures.
  3. Don't call grass lawns 'green deserts.' Even if they don’t have much diversity, they still support some life. We should think about how we use water and resources in our yards.

Biden’s Halt Of New Natural Gas Exports Will Hurt Poor People, Says Ex-Extinction Rebellion Leader

Public • 260 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Impact Environmental advocacy Clean Energy Global Warming Natural Gas
  1. Climate activists argue that halting natural gas exports from the US is crucial for combating global warming.
  2. There was pressure from various sources, including activists, politicians, and celebrities, for President Biden to pause new LNG export approvals.
  3. The study that influenced Biden's decision to halt LNG exports had inaccuracies and was quietly corrected, raising questions about the initial campaign against LNG.

EVs are taking us for a ride

WeBeGreen • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Electric Vehicles Carbon Emissions Environmental Impact Sustainability City Planning
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a solution to climate change, but their production has a significant environmental impact, especially due to lithium battery production.
  2. Transportation emissions, particularly from cars, are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
  3. There is a pressing need to think beyond traditional car-centric urban planning and explore innovative solutions for more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.

We Could Have Much Better, Stronger Homes. We'll Need Them.

OK Doomer • 91 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Disaster Preparedness Climate Impact Insurance Issues
  1. We need stronger homes to protect against natural disasters like tornadoes. Many people have experienced damage and loss during such events, which shows how important it is to be prepared.
  2. Other countries build homes that are better equipped to handle storms. It's about using smart designs and materials instead of relying on temporary solutions.
  3. Homeowners should consider making upgrades to their homes to improve safety. There are practical steps that can be taken, like reinforcing structures or creating safe spaces.

Just how Green is this low carbon concrete?

ESG Hound • 461 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Green Technology Carbon Emissions Renewable Resources Sustainability Fossil fuels
  1. Low-carbon concrete can have significantly lower GHG emissions compared to traditional concrete production.
  2. CarbonBuilt's technology involves using industrial materials and CO2 to reduce emissions and store carbon in solid form.
  3. It is important to consider the entire supply chain and potential environmental impacts when assessing the sustainability of green products.

Big Oil's Renewable Retreat: A Step Back in Time

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Climate change Corporate Responsibility Environmental Impact
  1. Big oil companies like BP, Shell, and Equinor are cutting back on their investments in renewable energy. This means they are spending less money on projects like wind farms.
  2. Shareholders are pressuring these companies because of losses in their renewable energy sectors. They are feeling the impact of high costs and project failures.
  3. This reduction in investment could slow down progress on fighting climate change, making it harder to meet global energy goals. Governments could help by offering incentives for these companies to keep investing in renewables.

What is the Cost when Creatures churn Plastics into Microplastics? Nanoplastics and Lots More

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Plastic Pollution Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. Animals like zooplanktons and amphipods can break down microplastics into even smaller particles, spreading them across oceans and affecting the environment.
  2. New technologies like diodes, thyristors, transistors, and capacitors are emerging to reduce the impact of fossil fuels and combat climate change.
  3. The widespread presence of microplastics poses a danger to both marine creatures and humans, impacting the carbon storage capacity of oceans and accelerating climate change.

Hottest January in the History of Januaries

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 85 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate Impact Environmental Policy Sustainability Weather Patterns
  1. January 2025 was the hottest January ever recorded, surprising meteorologists who expected it to cool down after previous high temperatures.
  2. The Arctic is experiencing drastic changes, including low sea ice extent and volume, which could lead to an ice-free Arctic by as early as 2027.
  3. If you’re under fifty, consider where you live, as many places will face extreme heat and water scarcity in the future.

When Climate Change-induced Floods Strike, you get Refugees, Resettlement, and Rohingya

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Displacement Natural Disasters Climate change Refugees Environmental Impact
  1. Millions of people are displaced by climate change-induced disasters like floods and hurricanes, leading to refugees, resettlement, and stateless populations.
  2. New technologies are emerging to combat climate change, such as voltage inverters, comparators, and XOR gates in the renewable energy sector.
  3. Climate change disasters exacerbate conflicts, food insecurity, and competition for resources, necessitating a global effort to mitigate the impacts through climate action.

Taking Off, but Leaving a Lasting Mark: Airport Construction's Environmental Legacy

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Biodiversity Pollution Sustainable Development Ecology
  1. Airport construction can harm the environment, leading to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats. Many airports, like Heathrow and Istanbul, have caused significant damage to local ecosystems.
  2. Building or expanding airports increases greenhouse gas emissions. The aviation industry is responsible for a notable share of global carbon pollution, which could increase significantly without changes.
  3. It's important for airport authorities to engage with local communities and consider environmental impacts. Using cleaner fuels and adding green designs can help lessen the negative effects.

Drought in Africa, Drought in California: How Climate Change turns Drought to Job losses

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Technological solutions Renewable Energy
  1. Climate change is leading to job losses in different parts of the world, like Africa and California.
  2. Individuals in various sectors, from researchers to farmers, are at risk of losing their jobs due to climate-related issues.
  3. The impact of climate change on agriculture is causing significant economic losses and job displacements globally.

You Can Survive a Wildfire. Here's How.

OK Doomer • 91 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Climate Crisis Recovery Environmental Policy
  1. Wildfires are a serious risk that can happen anywhere, not just in places like California. It’s important to recognize this threat and start planning ahead.
  2. Preparing for a wildfire isn't just about having a plan to leave; it involves many steps to improve your chances of surviving and protecting your home.
  3. Many people don’t recover fully from wildfires, so it's essential to take preparation seriously. Governments and insurance can often fall short when disaster strikes.

The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition

Climateer • 302 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy transition Podcasts
  1. The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition discusses common mistakes in predicting the transition to clean technologies.
  2. Recommended climate podcasts include Volts, Catalyst, Cleaning Up, The Energy Transition Show, and My Climate Journey.
  3. Consider subscribing for occasional linkposts with interesting climate change articles and podcast recommendations.