The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Tides of Trouble: Fish Populations face Challenges in Numerous Basins

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecosystems Sustainability
  1. Fish populations in the Amazon, Gulf of Guinea, and Mediterranean Sea are declining dramatically. This decline is alarming as it threatens the species and the ecosystems they support.
  2. These bodies of water also play a vital role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. As fish populations decrease, their ability to help combat climate change through carbon sequestration is reduced.
  3. To tackle these challenges, we need to protect fish habitats, reduce overfishing, and take action against climate change. It's important for the health of our oceans and the planet.

The Fate of the Chubby Unicorn

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation Ecology Biodiversity Sustainable Practices
  1. Rhinos, often called 'Chubby Unicorns,' are in danger of extinction due to poaching for their horns. These horns are very valuable and have caused severe decline in their population, especially in Asia.
  2. Conservationists are working hard to save rhinos, using tracking devices and other methods to protect them from poachers. This work is challenging but crucial for the survival of the species.
  3. There is ongoing debate about legalizing the trade of rhino horns, but many conservationists fear it could worsen poaching. So far, efforts to save them focus more on direct conservation methods.

The Green Economy Is A Lie

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Consumerism Renewable Energy
  1. Companies often use buzzwords like "green" and "circular" in misleading ways, but repair can provide a more mindful approach to consumption.
  2. Promises of innovation and technology solving climate change often overlook the real costs of production, labor, and environmental impacts.
  3. Narratives of a 'clean energy economy' gloss over the human and ecological violence inherent in the pursuit of convenience and consumption, highlighting the importance of repair and addressing the true costs of our consumption habits.

Twelve Miles

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Environmental Science
  1. There are two very different ecosystems just twelve miles apart. One is a lush, shady forest filled with giant trees, while the other is a bright, hot area with colorful wildflowers.
  2. The old growth forest has survived for centuries, showcasing the beauty of tall Douglas firs and a variety of wildlife. It's a tranquil place that makes you feel connected to nature.
  3. In contrast, the Pumice Plain shows how life can quickly return after a volcanic eruption. It's full of new plant life and animals, reminding us that renewal and rebirth are always possible.
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Exxon knew

Science Forever • 79 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. ExxonMobil knew about climate change but misled the public, a paper details the corporate deceit.
  2. The paper has gained widespread attention and coverage from various news outlets like the New York Times and The Guardian.
  3. ExxonMobil's models accurately predicted future temperature rise, but they hid this information from the public.

Drying Lakes, Drying Streams, Drying Rivers: Blame Climate Change for Drying Water Bodies

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Energy Storage Water Crisis Population Growth
  1. Climate change plays a significant role in the drying up of lakes, streams, and rivers around the world.
  2. Human activities contribute to the water level decline in water bodies, along with climate change.
  3. As the world's population grows, the stress on water resources, migration, and conflicts due to drying water bodies could increase.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Global Warming Media Criticism
  1. The media often creates a sense of urgency about climate change, especially around big events like COP26. This can sometimes lead to fear and panic rather than constructive solutions.
  2. There are positive developments regarding climate change that are often overlooked by those focusing solely on the negatives. It's important to recognize the progress being made.
  3. Political leaders may use the climate crisis for their own advantage, which can complicate the conversation and actions needed to address the issue. We should look critically at their motives.

The Vicissitudes of Nanohabitats

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Urban Ecology Environmental Impact
  1. Small changes in elevation can make a big difference in temperature and weather, like how snow sticks on certain spots. It's interesting how just a little elevation change can mean the difference between snow and rain.
  2. Different surfaces, like grass and pavement, hold heat differently, affecting where snow accumulates. For example, grass tends to be cooler, so snow collects on it more than on warm sidewalks.
  3. Climate change is causing shifts in snowfall patterns and precipitation. As temperatures rise, we may see less snow in the mountains and more rain, which could impact local ecosystems and water supply.

Village Lost to Time Reemerges as Greece Faces Historic Drought

The Climate Historian • 1 HN point • 03 Sep 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Water resources Environmental Impact Sustainable Practices
  1. The village of Kallio, once submerged under a reservoir, has reappeared due to Greece's severe drought. This shows how drought can reveal forgotten parts of history.
  2. Greece is currently facing a historic drought caused by extreme heat and lack of rainfall. These conditions are making water resources very limited and raising serious concerns.
  3. Climate change and overtourism are worsening Greece's water issues. Managing water use sustainably is now more important than ever to balance human needs and natural resources.

Spills, Pipes, Deforestation’s Rhyme: Rainforests Carbon Crime

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Deforestation Oil Spills Carbon Emissions Biodiversity Environmental Policy
  1. Oil spills are a big problem in rainforests like the Amazon and Niger Delta, damaging the environment and hurting local wildlife.
  2. These rainforests help absorb carbon dioxide, which is important for fighting climate change, but oil extraction is making this harder.
  3. Without cutting back on oil drilling and protecting these forests, we risk releasing a lot of carbon back into the atmosphere, making climate change even worse.

Are Bicycles Becoming Less Sustainable?

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Repair Recycling Emissions Circular Economy
  1. Some argue the sustainability of bicycles is decreasing with the introduction of e-bikes and resource-intensive materials, prompting a need to return to simpler designs and materials.
  2. Not all bicycles have the same environmental impact, especially when considering their lifecycle, repairability, and the materials they are made of.
  3. Repairing bicycles is a crucial way to extend their lifespan and combat the disposable culture in the cycling industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing repair over constant innovation.

Yes Happy Earth Day!

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Diversity Carbon Footprint Ecosystems Wildlife
  1. Celebrate Earth Day by committing to protect the planet's diversity and ecosystems, conserving energy and water, and treating all entities as valuable members of the whole.
  2. Acknowledging the beauty of the planet and the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to maintain its beauty for future generations.
  3. Encouraging the preservation of wildlife, forests, oceans, and the connection between all living beings on Earth.

Air-Conditioner Repair in a Warming World

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability E-Waste
  1. Access to air conditioning is crucial for health and safety, especially in marginalized communities during extreme-heat events.
  2. Tenants face challenges when waiting for AC repairs, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect renters' rights.
  3. The debate around air conditioning includes ethical considerations, such as its impact on the environment and calls for more sustainable solutions.

The Terrible Trafficking in Animals: results of the Trend on the Climate Front

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation efforts Climate Impact Habitat Loss
  1. Illegal wildlife trade, including poaching of songbirds, elephants, and tigers, is a significant issue contributing to species depletion and biodiversity loss worldwide.
  2. The demand for ivory and tiger parts remains high, driving the continued poaching and trafficking of these animals despite conservation efforts.
  3. Improving legislation, creating awareness about the consequences of wildlife crime, and promoting alternative livelihoods can help combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species.

Rhapsody in Ruin: Climate Change's Devastating Impacts on Animal Habitats

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Biodiversity Conservation Environmental Impact
  1. Frog habitats are drying up due to climate change, with many facing drought conditions that could make them unlivable by the end of the century.
  2. Elephants are struggling with rising temperatures and food shortages, forcing them to travel far for water and forage, which can lead to conflicts with humans.
  3. Koala populations are declining as their habitats experience extreme heat and bushfires, putting them at risk of losing large areas of their home by 2070.

Fish are going extinct. Birds are going extinct.

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Extinction Deforestation Global Emissions
  1. Consumerism, deforestation, and overfishing are major factors leading fishes like Java Stingaree and other animals to the brink of extinction.
  2. Global consumption patterns show a significant rise in freshwater usage fueled by increasing population and per capita spending over the years.
  3. To address climate change and prevent the extinction of species like the vaquitas porpoise, sustainable consumption, responsible fishing, and forest regeneration are vital.

Street Notes 6: Solar panels aren’t just a climate solution

Parachute • 58 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar Power Jobs Savings Green Technology
  1. Solar panels offer more than just a climate solution - they bring value to individuals and communities.
  2. Solar industry creates jobs for people of diverse backgrounds, offering stable career paths in a transitioning economy.
  3. Solar power provides energy resilience, independence, cost savings, and financial security to households, transforming lives beyond environmental benefits.

Black Swans in Utah and Florida

The Sunday Morning Post • 58 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Ecosystems Sea Level Rise Water Crisis
  1. Black Swan events are rare and unpredictable, and can have major impacts on economies and societies.
  2. Utah's Great Salt Lake is drying up due to water diversion from increased development, posing serious environmental and economic risks.
  3. Florida faces rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes, leading to potential property loss and insurance rate hikes.

The True Efficacy of Carbon Removal Technology

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 58 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Carbon Removal Climate tech Funding
  1. Carbon removal technologies like afforestation and carbon capture play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and achieving net zero emissions.
  2. Innovative startups are developing novel methods for carbon capture, such as direct air capture and biochar production.
  3. Investment in carbon removal technologies is increasing, with significant VC funding going towards startups in this sector.

Why I'm Writing a Climate Out-Of-Office

Green Graphic Design • 58 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Extreme Weather Natural Disasters Global Warming Sustainability
  1. Extreme weather events due to the climate crisis are becoming more common and impactful
  2. Working conditions during extreme weather can be unsafe and unhealthy, requiring time and space to handle
  3. Creating a climate-related out-of-office message is important for self-care and to communicate with clients during challenging weather conditions

Home Electrification Fights Climate Change

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 58 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency
  1. Home electrification can help reduce carbon emissions by switching to electric-powered appliances and adopting cleaner energy sources.
  2. Electric appliances are more energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to fossil fuel appliances, saving money and reducing carbon emissions.
  3. Government incentives, like rebates and tax credits, encourage home electrification and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies.

Ai to Combat Climate Change

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 58 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Artificial Intelligence Renewable Energy Climate Modeling Disaster Response
  1. Artificial intelligence can optimize the way we live, work, and allocate resources to fight climate change and adapt to its effects.
  2. There are opportunities for startups and corporations to use AI in combating climate change by analyzing data and making informed decisions.
  3. AI has potential in climate tech for mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and fundamentals like climate research, climate finance, and behavioral changes.

Running Dry

Climatescape Community Dispatch • 58 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Water Crisis Resource Management Activism Indigenous rights
  1. Access to fresh water is decreasing due to climate change impacts like rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, leading to a water crisis globally.
  2. The water crisis in the United States is varied, with regions like the western U.S. facing drought, competition over dwindling water resources, and disregard for Indigenous water rights.
  3. Copper mining, necessary for climate change solutions like electric vehicles, poses a significant threat to water resources due to its high water usage, emphasizing the importance of alternative solutions and prioritizing water reuse, recycling, and Indigenous community involvement.

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.

The German energy transition threatens to be an unaffordable, unrealisable disaster, according to the government's own independent auditors

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Government oversight
  1. Independent auditors warn that German energy transition is unsustainable due to lack of reliable backup power for intermittent renewable sources.
  2. Germany is far behind in reaching renewable energy installation targets, needing a significant increase in wind and solar project installations.
  3. Massive grid expansions required for the energy transition in Germany are still inadequate, leading to doubts about the project's feasibility and affordability.

How can we get the world to talk about factory farming?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 6 HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Animal Welfare Media Influencers Narrative Advocacy
  1. Silence favors the status quo, making it vital to bring attention to issues like factory farming to create change.
  2. Media coverage of factory farming has not grown significantly, highlighting the need for innovative tactics to increase visibility.
  3. Engaging influencers, providing credible data, and focusing on newsworthy angles can help spark conversations about factory farming.

They lie about Plastics. They lie about Fossil Fuel. They'll lie about Anything

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Plastics Greenhouse Gas Emissions Recycling Circular Economy
  1. Big Oil companies lie about their plans to zero out greenhouse gas emissions and their efforts to address plastic waste challenges.
  2. Despite making colossal profits, Big Oil companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Aramco continue to spread misinformation about their environmental impact.
  3. Developing a circular economy, reducing plastic and private vehicle usage, and holding corporations accountable for lies about recycling and pollution can lead to significant positive changes in addressing climate crises.

Name the Damn Perp

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Warming Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. When talking about climate change, it is important to identify who is really responsible for the problem. Blaming 'humanity' takes the focus away from those in power.
  2. The climate crisis is driven by wealthy individuals and corporations who make choices that harm the environment. They are the ones who have the power to change things.
  3. To inspire real action on climate change, the conversation should target the rich and powerful, because they are the ones who can actually make a difference.

Biofuels: the US could switch to electric cars and solar power on just a fraction of the land

Sustainability by numbers • 296 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Renewables Transportation Land use
  1. Growing biofuels in the US is a poor use of land, especially when solar energy needs much less land and could power the country three times over.
  2. Biofuels may not have as positive an impact on the environment as initially assumed, with some studies suggesting they could increase emissions.
  3. Switching from biofuels to solar power for electric cars in the US could significantly reduce land use and still meet transportation needs.

Broken Promises, Broken Pledges: Big Oil's Play on Climate Promises

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Storage Electric Vehicles
  1. Big Oil companies are continuing to invest heavily in fossil fuel projects despite breaking climate promises.
  2. Surging climate technologies, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, are rapidly developing to combat climate change.
  3. Efforts should be made to curb Big Oil's profit-driven spending to address the climate crisis.

Good regulation vs bad regulation

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Transportation Energy transition Housing Markets Public Health
  1. Some government regulation — like limits on noise and requirements for workplace protections — can improve public health and raise local property values.
  2. Installing noise barriers next to busy roads quickly increases nearby home prices (about 6.8% within 100m) and could unlock roughly $110 billion in lost property value nationwide.
  3. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles reduces traffic noise and could further boost property values (an estimated $77 billion gain), so faster EV uptake would help homeowners near noisy streets.

China is building more coal plants but might burn less coal

Sustainability by numbers • 201 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Emissions Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. China is constructing more coal plants, but they might end up burning less coal by running those plants less frequently.
  2. Despite the increase in coal plant construction, China's coal plants are operating at lower capacity factors, indicating a trend towards burning less coal in the future.
  3. Many of China's coal plants are operating at a financial loss due to high coal prices, and the country is shifting towards using coal as 'peaker plants' as renewable energy sources grow.

Trains and transmission: A climate solution hiding in plain sight?

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Transportation Sustainability Infrastructure
  1. Building transmission lines along railroads can help reduce climate change and improve both passenger and freight train service. This idea uses existing land to create cleaner energy options and faster trains.
  2. Electrifying trains can lead to less pollution, faster travel, and more efficient freight shipping. New battery technologies make this more affordable than before.
  3. Government plans highlight the right areas for train electrification and better energy transmission. However, significant funding and cooperation will be necessary to turn these plans into reality.

Electrification is efficiency: The world will need less energy after the energy transition

Sustainability by numbers • 248 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Efficiency Electrification Energy transition Transport
  1. Electrification leads to greater efficiency in energy systems.
  2. Transitioning to electrification results in a significant drop in final energy demand.
  3. Different sectors have varying prospects for electrification, with some showing more opportunities than others.