The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

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.

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.
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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.

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.

From Idealism to Realism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4357 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Geopolitics Environmental Policy Sustainability Crisis Management
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.

Six Things to Know About Your Electric Utility

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3179 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. Utilities have to serve everyone in their area, which limits how much risk they can take on new technologies. They often focus on proven ideas to avoid wasting customer money.
  2. Community opposition can make it really hard for utilities to expand infrastructure. This can slow down projects that are important for energy needs, as people often don’t want facilities near them.
  3. The push for renewable energy is complicated. While renewables can be cheaper, the technology for storing energy isn't perfect yet, leading utilities to still rely on fossil fuels during certain times.

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.

The Most Major Hurricanes Ever

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2973 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Natural Disasters Data Analysis
  1. In 2024, there were a lot of major hurricanes, tying with 2015 for the highest since records began, which raises questions about climate patterns.
  2. Despite the increase in hurricane landfalls, there hasn't been a clear trend showing that hurricanes are becoming more intense or frequent over time.
  3. Experts believe that while human activity may influence hurricanes, detecting these changes amidst natural variability is very challenging.

The North American Fire Deficit

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2345 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. North America is experiencing a significant 'fire deficit', meaning that the amount of land burning now is much lower than in the past. Even with recent fire years, the area burned is still far less than historical averages.
  2. The study suggests that aggressive fire suppression and land changes caused by human activities are major reasons for this fire deficit. This has led to more severe fires when they do occur because there is more fuel buildup in the forests.
  3. To manage future fires better, the study recommends increasing prescribed burning and using fire as a natural part of forest ecosystems. This approach could help reduce the severity of wildfires and improve the health of the forests.

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 Secret Behind Europe's Outsized Influence in Climate Science and Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3287 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Influence Sustainability Energy Sources
  1. A study shows that most climate scenarios used in global reports come from Europe. This means European views and ideas shape how we think about climate change.
  2. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are important tools in climate science, but they can reflect the biases and values of their developers. This could lead to skewed perceptions of energy sources like renewables compared to nuclear.
  3. The global efforts in climate modeling may not consider the needs of developing countries as much. Scenarios are often influenced by wealthy nations and may overlook how different regions approach climate solutions.

“Recycling” Makes Plastic Pollution Worse

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 2047 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Pollution Recycling Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. Most plastic items that go into recycling bins don’t actually get recycled. Only a few types of plastic are from beverage bottles and jugs are commonly recycled.
  2. The recycling system often misleads people into believing they are helping the environment. In reality, many plastics end up in landfills or are even shipped to other countries, causing pollution.
  3. While plastic has many benefits, it’s important to rethink its use. Alternatives may not always be better, so focusing on reducing plastic waste is the best way forward.

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.

"Climate Change is Showing its Claws"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2718 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Insurance Economics Global trends
  1. In 2024, global weather-related disaster losses reached $298 billion, with a significant portion occurring in the U.S., mainly due to hurricanes. This shows that while climate change impacts us, other factors like economic growth also play a big role.
  2. Today, disaster losses as a percentage of global GDP are less than they were 30 years ago. This suggests that despite increasing losses in dollars, extreme weather is not as devastating to the economy as it used to be.
  3. The rising insured losses are largely driven by construction in risky areas and inflation, rather than just climate change. It's important to consider these factors when looking at why disaster losses are increasing.

Tricks of the Trade

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3012 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. Many claims about hurricanes becoming stronger due to climate change are inflated. For example, a recent study suggested a storm was 40% more likely, but a closer look shows it was actually a small increase from 7.2% to 10%.
  2. Some scientific methods assume that every storm is affected by climate change without considering other factors. This oversimplification can lead to misleading results, like claiming a storm was 7,000% more likely when it’s really about understanding many influencing factors.
  3. Recent research indicates that in some areas, tropical cyclones are not actually becoming more destructive and may even be decreasing in intensity. This contradicts the narrative that climate change always leads to worse storms.

IPCC at the Crossroads

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2011 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy
  1. The IPCC is facing challenges keeping its assessments reliable and credible. If it doesn’t improve, it risks losing public trust.
  2. The amount of climate research published is increasing rapidly, making it tough for the IPCC to cite all relevant studies. This can lead to biases in its reports.
  3. There's a concern that the IPCC may be selectively citing studies, which could misrepresent the broader scientific consensus on climate issues.

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.

Climate Science Whiplash

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2424 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Science Policy Analysis Media influence
  1. Climate science can seem confusing and contradictory, leading to what people call 'climate science whiplash.' Different studies can say opposite things, making it hard to know what to believe.
  2. When extreme weather happens, people easily find studies that support their views, often ignoring the bigger picture. This selective use of science is like picking only the pieces of a puzzle that fit into your view.
  3. It's important to trust rigorous assessments from credible sources like the IPCC. They provide a clearer picture of climate change effects, helping us understand what we should really worry about.

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.

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.

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.

Hits and Misses

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1599 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Sustainability Renewable Energy Global trends
  1. IEA scenarios are not predictions but imaginative sequences that help envision possible futures. They aim to guide policy but vary in how closely they match reality.
  2. Outlook scenarios from the IEA have performed better than normative ones, showing a steady rise in global energy demand instead of a decline.
  3. There are big gaps between IEA projections for solar and nuclear energy and real-world outcomes, highlighting the need for better understanding and scenario evaluation.

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.

Chartbook 347 The trouble with transitioning: putting energy history back on its feet.

Chartbook • 1759 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Environmental History
  1. Traditional views say that moving away from fossil fuels will solve climate issues and that renewable energy will become cheaper. But this view may not be correct.
  2. An analysis of energy use shows that instead of switching from one energy source to another, we tend to use more energy from different sources at the same time.
  3. Decarbonizing our energy systems is a complicated task that is influenced by history and requires new approaches, especially as countries like China play a significant role in renewable energy technologies.

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.

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

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.

Thoughts on Being a California Fire Refugee

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1682 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Urban life Personal Stories Environmental Impact
  1. Unexpected fires can lead to urgent evacuations, often with little notice. It's important to stay alert and ready to move when living in fire-prone areas.
  2. During emergencies, normal routines can quickly change and navigating in the dark can be challenging. Using visible landmarks helps in such situations.
  3. Staying productive during stressful times can provide comfort and a sense of purpose. Finding ways to engage in work can help manage anxiety and offer distractions.

Global Warming and Air Pollution

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Air Pollution Climate Science Environmental Policy Public Health
  1. Recent studies suggest that global warming might not be solely caused by human activities. They're looking into how less air pollution could be affecting cloud cover and, in turn, the Earth's temperature.
  2. Scientists are unsure about why cloud cover is decreasing, which complicates predictions about climate change. It's clear that this area of research is still developing and not fully settled.
  3. The U.S. government has spent nearly half a trillion dollars on climate change initiatives. Many are now questioning if these efforts are based on outdated or incorrect science.