The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

To Assess or to Advocate?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3258 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental advocacy
  1. The IPCC's main job is to provide clear and neutral scientific assessments about climate change, not to promote specific policies or technologies.
  2. Recently, the IPCC has started to lean more towards climate advocacy, which could hurt its credibility and the trust it has with policymakers and the public.
  3. To stay credible, the IPCC needs to focus on its original mission of assessing climate science accurately and include a variety of views instead of pushing for specific actions.

A (successful) test of the state-by-state approach!

The Crucial Years • 2012 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Activism Legislation State Politics
  1. The state-by-state approach is an effective way to make climate progress. Even small victories in big states like New York can have huge impacts.
  2. New York has passed a 'polluter pays' law that requires fossil fuel companies to contribute financially to repair climate damage. This means that polluters will be held accountable for their actions.
  3. Activism and public pressure played a big role in getting this legislation signed. Many people came together to push for this change, showing how powerful community action can be.

Pain Control

Doomberg • 7727 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Regulations Environmental Impact Public Health Urban planning
  1. A new law in Ottawa limits how long cars can idle to reduce emissions, even in freezing temperatures. This change has sparked debates about balancing climate goals with everyday needs.
  2. Some lawmakers are considering studying the environmental impact of anesthesia gases used in medicine. This might lead to strict regulations on their use, showing how far some are willing to go for climate concerns.
  3. Many feel that not all small actions, like the ones mentioned, are equally important. It's crucial to find a balance between good intentions and real-life impacts on people's comfort and health.

The Plastic Beat: A Climate Change Angle

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Pollution Sustainability Ecosystems Health
  1. Microplastics are found in many parts of the human body, including the brain, blood, and lungs, which raises health concerns.
  2. Humans are ingesting and inhaling more microplastics than ever, often through food and air, making it a growing issue.
  3. The presence of microplastics in marine life is disrupting ecosystems and potentially contributing to climate change, highlighting the need for better solutions.

U.S. Hurricane Overview 2024

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2453 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Meteorology Environmental Policy Public Safety
  1. IncorporATINGcINFORMATIONALPANTLITACORDINGPLANDTLLGLNTVNTNAIRULTOTLNDMLTSNUPLSCYNTHININGNTNAMODTNTMLITYNTMAINTPLFINAINCT_UNIDAPITANLPTRAPULNTACDLOSONGHTBOUSCO_FFI_TLANTIR_AOTUFOQPKTTSNJOBSCOTPLATULNNA_MCOPOITMRAUSOONNA_CMNCAVSCOAWLTTBA_AWOLNTNPCLTIIF_USIWYSOFOKLNCINNTIRAMOLANFOLMUNGTMLMSNALITNCPLT_ALNUM_FFYN_TVOFNNTA_THNIOF_TOR_TFNAACNCNSWATNDF_TL_AATITMNA_LWIMSPWAAINFANNNLKCURRNTNCT
  2. ForongIITNLN_NIWHMNTMLAWSN_O_LINKATNGCLS_TFLNANF_TLIFURICRFOUOG_IITLUATNIIOATCSYPISITPLWCMNLWTI_AFOCRUFOUROTL_LIGHTNNBTIMYSWPLTOAWNITCLATO_A_SHALLOORA_OWNOITLLANFOA_TLNDUTMIOUSHCIMNT
  3. HURTLYA_WA_A_STANMUN_SPOWTTOITOLTLTROUC_ANIACUWTNRCICOMTI_TOSMFINKSI_W_AYNUSAHFLANTCVIF_RAWSOUFAT_T_M_TOTWTOUFOA_BMPOLO_IT_OWASW_A_ND_S_API_NSCAASATSCOD
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Global Shield Briefing (23 October 2024)

Global Shield's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Risks Sustainability
  1. Many countries are focusing on improving civil defense. This means everyone from the government to local communities needs to work together to be prepared for emergencies.
  2. Climate change is making existing global threats worse. Problems like pandemics and geopolitical tensions are now linked to changes in the climate.
  3. People need to listen actively to warnings about risks. If the audience isn't ready or willing to hear these messages, the warnings may not help at all.

State-by-state electricity mixes and prices in the United States

Sustainability by numbers • 279 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Electricity Policy Data
  1. There are interactive slide decks available that show how electricity sources and prices vary across different states in the US. This makes it easy for people to understand where their electricity comes from.
  2. The slide decks get updated with new data to reflect changes in energy policy and the electricity market over time. It's helpful for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends and figures.
  3. Users can freely explore the data on electricity mixes and prices without needing permission, promoting accessibility and awareness about energy consumption.

Three small Christmas presents

The Crucial Years • 1604 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Sustainable energy Climate justice Climate Science
  1. Some big oil companies are planning to build new gas plants to power energy-hungry data centers for AI. But experts suggest that solar farms next to these centers would be a quicker and cleaner solution.
  2. A recent ruling in Montana gave children a constitutional right to a clean environment, aiming to protect their future from climate change. This could inspire similar lawsuits in other states.
  3. In Germany, many people are installing solar panels on their balconies, leading to significant savings on electricity bills. This trend is spreading to Spain and could be a game-changer for apartment living.

Seventh Plan’s the Charm

Doomberg • 6232 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Sustainability Climate change International Collaboration
  1. Japan relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, which makes having a strong energy plan very important for the country. They need reliable and cheap energy to stay competitive in the global economy.
  2. After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan's use of nuclear energy dropped significantly, but there are now efforts to reopen some reactors. This shift back to nuclear energy is seen as crucial for Japan's energy strategy.
  3. The upcoming Seventh Strategic Energy Plan will outline Japan’s energy goals for the next few years. This plan will impact investments and the country's approach to energy efficiency and renewable sources.

The Democrats finally come clean on gas

The Crucial Years • 1315 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy Production Environmental justice Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. The Democrats have finally acknowledged the negative impacts of natural gas and its exports on climate change. This honesty is an important step for addressing environmental issues moving forward.
  2. Past policies favored natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, but high methane leak rates from fracking have shown that it's not a perfect solution for the climate crisis.
  3. The shifting energy landscape is pushing for a focus on renewable sources like wind and solar, instead of relying on natural gas exports, which could harm national and global climate efforts.

NEW PAPER: All Excess Emissions must be Removed

Marginal Carbon • 138 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Carbon Emissions Environmental Science Sustainability Global Warming
  1. Countries with a history of high carbon emissions have run out of their fair share of carbon budget. They keep adding to their carbon debt with every new emission.
  2. To keep temperatures safe, all emissions beyond what's allowed must be removed. This means we need to deal with past, present, and future excess emissions.
  3. While cutting emissions is the main goal, some emissions are better dealt with using carbon removal strategies, called 'CDR-optimal' emissions.

A win of sorts on something really important

The Crucial Years • 1743 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Impact Energy transition Regulatory Affairs Activism
  1. The Biden administration paused permits for new LNG export terminals, which could help reduce environmental damage. This decision is significant because increased LNG exports would greatly impact climate change.
  2. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now requiring more environmental reviews for these projects, which is a positive step for local communities affected by pollution. This could slow down the construction of new terminals, giving more time for analysis and opposition.
  3. There is growing evidence that exporting natural gas is just as harmful to the climate as exporting coal. People should understand the environmental and economic risks of increasing LNG exports, as it could lead to higher energy prices for American consumers.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Doomberg • 6570 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Crisis Government regulations
  1. Wind and solar energy can't always provide power, especially during winter when the weather is less favorable. So, relying solely on these sources can leave countries without enough electricity.
  2. Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy is causing problems not just for itself but for neighboring countries too. This has resulted in rising energy prices and political tension in regions like Norway and Sweden.
  3. A debate is happening in Germany about potentially bringing back nuclear energy as a reliable power source. It involves looking at the technical, political, and financial challenges of restarting their nuclear reactors.

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Science Public Policy
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

Power Down Blunder

Doomberg • 7469 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Environmental Issues Global Warming
  1. Australia has great potential for renewable energy like solar and wind, but things aren't going as smoothly as planned.
  2. As they keep adding more renewable energy sources, the country is facing rising electricity prices and shortages, especially during peak demand times.
  3. The government is now asking people to cut back on using appliances like dishwashers to help the struggling energy grid.

A bunch of handy charts about climate change

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Green Energy Emissions Technology Global impact
  1. Climate change is becoming increasingly severe, evidenced by events like record-breaking heat, melting sea ice, and more frequent natural disasters.
  2. Efforts to address climate change are promising, with advancements in green technologies like solar power and batteries offering hope for managing the crisis.
  3. The responsibility for carbon emissions is shifting, with developed countries like the US and Europe reducing emissions significantly, while countries like China remain major contributors.

An America-sized hole in the world

The Crucial Years • 2172 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Global Politics Environmental Policy Sustainable Development
  1. America may not lead the fight against climate change anymore, but individuals can still make a difference through global action. Local efforts matter, especially in places with strong clean energy initiatives.
  2. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more affordable, and there's potential to rapidly increase their use. If we can double solar installations, we can make a real impact on climate goals.
  3. While the U.S. government may not prioritize clean energy, states and communities still recognize its economic benefits. This means there's a significant opportunity for grassroots movements and local investments to push for change.

Shrinking the Tent

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1697 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Activism Energy Pragmatism
  1. Some climate activists are creating echo chambers on social media, blocking people they disagree with. This limits discussion about different views on climate issues.
  2. There is a growing concern that climate activism is becoming too exclusive and not practical enough to be effective in real-world situations.
  3. A focus on strict ideological purity is hurting the climate movement, making it harder to bring in new supporters and make meaningful progress.

My Back Pages: Stranded Assets and Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Energy transition
  1. It's important not to overcomplicate solutions with too many strict requirements. Keeping it simple can help in finding effective answers.
  2. Voter control over political parties is crucial. If voters don't guide the system, they might need to start their own candidates.
  3. To tackle climate issues, we should work backward from our goals, like aiming for zero fossil fuel use by 2050, and think of necessary steps to achieve that.

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.

Storage Units

Doomberg • 6525 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Storage Environmental Policy Climate Science
  1. Transitioning solely to renewable energy sources is risky because no region has successfully operated a reliable grid using only wind and solar power.
  2. Building storage systems, like batteries, is expensive and may not solve the issues of reliability when renewables aren't producing energy.
  3. Conducting small-scale experiments at home can help individuals understand how much backup power they really need when the grid is unstable.

Is this a watershed moment?

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Policy
  1. Northamptonshire experienced the wettest September on record, leading to serious flooding and a review of flood management systems in the area.
  2. Experts emphasize the need for communities to adapt to climate change to become more resilient against flooding risks.
  3. Local leaders are seeking funding to improve flood defenses, as more extreme weather events are expected in the future.

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.

Climate Journalism Done Right

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1933 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Risk management Media Analysis
  1. Billion-dollar disasters, like hurricanes, are becoming more common, but this may be more about increasing populations and property in storm-prone areas than just climate change.
  2. The data used by NOAA to track these disasters was not originally intended to prove or analyze the impact of climate change, which raises questions about its relevance to climate policy.
  3. Experts agree that while climate change is real, the way we categorize and understand disaster costs is heavily influenced by societal growth and the increasing value of assets in risky areas.

All Their Stupid Ideas Can be Reversed and We Will Make the Deserts Bloom

Welcome to Absurdistan • 7311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Food Systems Climate solutions Environmental Activism
  1. Human desires drive the economy, and marketing determines our choices.
  2. A shift towards traditional, healthy foods like full-fat dairy and grass-fed beef is happening despite mainstream trends.
  3. Soil restoration using cattle can help make deserts bloom and revitalize the earth.

Solar Panels for Collapse, Are They Worth It? Here's an Honest Answer.

OK Doomer • 114 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Disaster Community Property
  1. Installing solar panels can be a smart move during power outages or natural disasters. They helped one family during a tornado, allowing them to stay in their home instead of facing a difficult situation.
  2. While solar panels can add value to a home and provide energy security, they also come with risks. It's important to consider whether they are truly worth the investment based on individual needs and local conditions.
  3. Finding scalable and adaptable solutions, rather than just relying on expensive setups, is key. Community support and cheaper options may be more beneficial in the long run.

Defending the status quo is not environmentalism

Noahpinion • 12941 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmentalism Development Climate change
  1. American environmentalism began as conservationism, aiming to protect natural habitats from industrial encroachment.
  2. Modern environmental challenges require building new things like solar panels and dense cities with high-quality infrastructure.
  3. There is a fundamental disagreement within the U.S. environmental movement between those who envision reshaping human development for nature's harmony and those who want to maintain the status quo.

The Real Enemy

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Nationalism Political polarization International cooperation
  1. Nationalism is a big problem for addressing climate change. It stops countries from working together and tackling the urgent issue of global warming.
  2. People are often focused on their own countries and ignore the need for cooperation. This 'mine' vs 'ours' mindset won’t help solve climate issues.
  3. For real change to happen, everyone needs to unite and fight against climate change together. Without that, the planet will keep suffering.

Some early lessons of 2024 in the energy sector

Jérôme à Paris • 510 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Policy Investments Market Trends
  1. Solar energy is growing really fast, leading to more electricity than we often need, causing prices to drop sometimes.
  2. Energy storage is becoming super important to handle all the extra solar power, but keeping up with the growth is tricky.
  3. Despite talk of a big rise in energy demand, actual usage is mostly stable or even going down in many places, especially in Europe.

Chewing the cud could sink the planet

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Agriculture Food Systems
  1. Raising cows and sheep produces a lot of methane, which is a major contributor to climate change. This is because methane is released when these animals digest their food and is much worse for the planet than carbon dioxide.
  2. Livestock generates 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is even more than the transport sector. This includes not just the methane from their digestion, but also emissions from raising feed and pasture.
  3. A Japanese seaweed startup has found a way to cut methane emissions from cows by adding a specific type of red algae to their feed. This could reduce their methane output by more than 90%.

📉 Well, they ran the numbers on degrowth — and it's not good

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Degrowth Ecology Consumption
  1. Degrowth means living better with less stuff, focusing more on well-being than just economic growth. It suggests we should intentionally reduce production and consumption to fit within our planet's limits.
  2. However, following the degrowth idea doesn't guarantee a perfect, eco-friendly world. It might not look like a dreamy utopia where nature and humanity perfectly blend together.
  3. Research shows that reducing consumption to meet basic needs is challenging and requires significant changes in how we live. Simply downsizing isn't easy and can have complex implications.

SOME IMAGES: This Morning's Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Global Warming Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Climate Impact
  1. Al Gore and Bill Clinton came close to tackling climate change 30 years ago, but some politicians blocked progress.
  2. Dealing with global warming will likely cost a lot of money in the future, especially for managing wildfires.
  3. The biggest future dangers from climate change may not be wildfires, but issues related to water systems in Asia.

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.

The Aenean Challenge

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 4004 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Economic Impact
  1. Our current energy sources are running low. Most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels, and they will run out in a few decades if we don't find new sources.
  2. Rare earth metals are essential for modern technology, but we have limited supplies, and most come from only a few countries. This makes our reliance on them risky.
  3. Water is becoming scarcer, especially for agriculture, which uses most of it. Finding solutions like desalination will require a lot of energy, but we are already facing energy limitations.

A Thing to Think About That Isn't That Thing

The Crucial Years • 1275 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate Policy Environmental Activism Sustainability
  1. Balcony solar panels are a convenient and popular way for apartment dwellers to harness solar energy in Germany. These small solar setups are easy to install and can power small appliances, promoting energy independence.
  2. The U.S. has stricter regulations regarding solar installations, making it difficult for similar plug-and-play systems to thrive. This contrasts with Europe, where regulations are often more relaxed, leading to faster adoption of such technologies.
  3. Balcony solar systems are a part of a larger trend in renewable energy. This small yet meaningful step represents a growing movement toward sustainable living and empowerment in combating climate change.

Take the Under

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1334 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Population Growth Economic projections Policy Analysis Sustainability
  1. Recent projections show that the global population could peak earlier and lower than previously thought, which could lead to reduced carbon emissions.
  2. Using more realistic estimates for population and economic growth can suggest that climate change might be less severe than some models predict.
  3. Climate policies should be based on updated data and current realities, not outdated assumptions, to effectively address climate change.

Some consequences of solar on the electricity markets

GEM Energy Analytics • 899 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Electricity Markets Energy Policy
  1. Solar energy is growing quickly and changing the electricity market. As solar power is cheaper to produce, it often leads to lower prices during sunny times.
  2. The value of solar energy isn’t highest when the sun is shining most. It’s more valuable during peak demand times like morning and evening.
  3. As more solar energy is used, the need for traditional power sources is decreasing, which is affecting imports, exports, and the costs of maintaining power reserves.

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.

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.