The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

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Wastewater Worldwide, Fossil Fuel, fluoride: is it goodbye to Safe and Just Climate Limit?

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 10 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Pollution Sustainability Global Warming Emissions
  1. Scientists set safety limits for climate, arsenic, and freshwater, which are being breached globally.
  2. Burning fossil fuels leads to excessive carbon emissions and pollution from leaking fuel tanks.
  3. Increasing wastewater production and continued fossil fuel support pose major threats to safe and just climate limits.

Complicated Cases, Spills, Sludges: Time to call Oil Giants to Order

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 28 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Spills Health Effects Legal issues Corporate Responsibility
  1. Oil giants often refuse to fully compensate for environmental and health damages caused by oil spills.
  2. Research shows that oil spills lead to severe health issues for workers, locals, and the environment.
  3. To address this issue, there should be a focus on transparency, legal accountability, and limiting oil production.

Greenhouse gases, global warming: stark reminder of need for climate-ready world

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 22 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Global Warming Emissions Climate change
  1. Greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are increasing, contributing to global warming.
  2. Humans need to urgently take steps to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid further environmental damage.
  3. Business as usual practices could lead to a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, derailing efforts to reach climate targets.

🌳 Ecosia

Good Business, Better World • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Deforestation Renewable Energy Climate action
  1. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with over 168 million trees planted so far.
  2. Ecosia generates revenue through ads to fund tree planting and operates based on an impact model where clicks on ads support planting trees.
  3. Founder Christian Kroll started Ecosia after failed attempts at other internet ventures and the company focuses on environmental features in search results to promote climate-conscious decisions.

Multinational companies as "Mothers of lack of integrity" on Global Warming

Adetokunbo Sees • 1 HN point • 16 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Fossil fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy Regulations
  1. Multinational companies are failing to uphold their promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  2. Many global companies prioritize profits over commitments to combatting global warming
  3. Global banks contribute significant financing to fossil fuel companies, exacerbating climate change issues

From Noosphere to the Technosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Earth Science Sustainability Geology Biodiversity Environmental Policy
  1. Earth used to be seen as unchanging, but scientists like James Hutton showed that it is always evolving, leading to our modern understanding of geology.
  2. Vladimir Vernadsky introduced the idea of the noosphere, which connects human thought and technology, suggesting we can work together to tackle global problems like climate change.
  3. The technosphere, created by humans, is shaping our planet and needs to be managed better, especially because it struggles with recycling waste and relies heavily on energy.

Becky Lane: "​In 2050, every home in the UK will be as energy efficient as possible"​

2050 • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Efficiency Sustainability Market Growth
  1. By 2050, every home in the UK should be as energy efficient as possible by minimizing energy usage for heating.
  2. Not every home may reach the highest energy efficiency ratings due to factors like age and build design, so focus on incremental improvements.
  3. To advance energy efficiency, consider policy requirements tied to housing tenures to drive investments and increase market demand.

The Birth of NASA’s Global Change Program in the 1980s

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Earth Science Space Exploration Climate Policy
  1. In the 1980s, NASA began focusing on studying how Earth's systems interact and impact our climate. This was important because it highlighted the need for global cooperation to understand climate change.
  2. Ronald Reagan's presidency pushed for significant advancements in space exploration, leading to ambitious plans for a space station. His administration emphasized scientific progress and international collaboration in space.
  3. A key report from scientists stressed the urgency of monitoring environmental changes. It called for a comprehensive program to study how human actions are affecting the planet and its ability to support life.

The discovery of a hole in the sky (Part:1)

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Climate Impact
  1. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used in products like refrigerators and aerosol sprays, were harming the ozone layer. This was a big deal because the ozone layer protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays.
  2. Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland conducted research that showed CFCs release chlorine in the atmosphere, which leads to ozone depletion. Their findings highlighted a serious global environmental issue, causing them to call for a ban on these substances.
  3. Despite initial resistance from the chemical industry, the government eventually took action against CFCs, leading to policies that phased them out. This response helped protect the ozone layer and was an important step in environmental policy.

Russian Arctic Oil - the History and the Future

On Energy, Cabbages and Kings • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Politics Geopolitics Environment Natural resources
  1. There is a strong competition for energy resources in the Arctic region right now. This race is important as it can impact global energy supply and politics.
  2. The Vostok Oil project is currently the only significant source of growth for Russia's oil production. It's seen as crucial for the country's future oil strategy.
  3. Reading articles on Arctic energy can give you better insights into both the history and future of oil in that area. They can be a good addition to your reading list.

Where does one begin?

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Adaptation Mitigation Policy Resilience Futures Education
  1. Begin by asking why you’re doing this and who it matters for, not by diving straight into data or products.
  2. How far ahead your horizon of concern stretches — whether years or decades — should shape the choices you make, especially for the people you care about.
  3. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, so focus on adaptable, evolving personal strategies and on building better decision-making for uncertain futures.

The Shock That Comes With Recognition

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Sustainability Ecology Natural Disasters
  1. Recognition of a sudden change in the world can be shocking, especially when people are unprepared for it.
  2. Upcoming announcements include a book and a condensed class focused on readying ourselves for living in a changing world.
  3. Writing is becoming slower due to physical challenges, leading to a shift towards shorter, more frequent podcasts as an alternative.

A Hole in the Sky (Part 2)

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Global Cooperation Atmospheric science Sustainable Practices
  1. Paul Crutzen's research showed how man-made chemicals like CFCs harm the ozone layer. His work helped us understand the direct link between our activities and environmental damage.
  2. The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica led to global cooperation. Countries came together to create treaties like the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances that harm the ozone.
  3. Public awareness and strong environmental policies from leaders like Nixon and Carter played a key role in ozone protection. These actions set important regulations to help preserve our planet's atmosphere.

"But the Island I love, and I wish I were not seeing it in one of the seasons of hell."

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Impact Extreme Weather
  1. Greece has been facing extremely high temperatures, reaching 44.5ºC in June 2024. This heat has caused several fatalities, including tourists who couldn't cope with the conditions.
  2. The heatwaves are getting more severe and last longer now. In July, Greece had 16 days where temperatures stayed above 37°C, even during the night.
  3. Research shows that these heatwaves are a result of climate change, and they hurt poorer countries more. As global warming continues, the impacts of heatwaves will get worse for everyone.

The New Normal: How Invasive Species are Redefining Ecosystems in a Warming World

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Global Warming Biodiversity Climate Impact
  1. Invasive species, like blue crabs and octopuses, are spreading to new areas because of climate change and human activities. This can really disrupt local ecosystems and harm native species.
  2. The Mediterranean Sea is warming much faster than the rest of the world, which affects how marine species move and survive. This warming is creating a situation where more species become invasive.
  3. If we want to fix this issue, we need to restore natural habitats and reduce fossil fuel use. It's crucial to keep an eye on invasive species before they cause more damage.

California Against the Sea

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental justice Sea Level Rise
  1. California's coastline is facing serious threats from rising sea levels and climate change. The impact of these changes affects not just the environment but also the people and communities that live there.
  2. Urban development along the coast has destroyed natural habitats. Protecting properties with barriers like sea walls can lead to more erosion and disrupt marine life, highlighting the need for better coastal management.
  3. Indigenous communities have valuable knowledge about sustainable coastal practices. Their involvement is crucial in developing solutions to environmental challenges caused by rising sea levels.

The Hellish Reality of Venus

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Atmospheric science Planetary Science Environmental Impact Space Exploration
  1. Venus has a very thick atmosphere mostly made of carbon dioxide, which traps heat and creates extreme temperatures of about 464°C. This causes a runaway greenhouse effect, making Venus one of the hottest places in our solar system.
  2. In the past, Venus might have had liquid water and a more Earth-like climate. But intense heating from the Sun caused water to evaporate, leading to the loss of its oceans and transforming it into a dry, barren planet.
  3. Earth is not immune to similar environmental issues. If we keep increasing greenhouse gas emissions, we could face severe climate changes in the future, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect our planet.

Headlines from a Warming World

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Legal action Public awareness Wildlife Conservation
  1. Summer 2023 was the hottest on record, driven by human activities and natural events. This extreme heat led to wildfires and severe weather around the world.
  2. Young activists are using legal actions to push for stronger climate policies, claiming that governments are failing to protect their rights. These cases are gaining traction and could lead to more accountability.
  3. One person can make a difference! Greta Thunberg's activism inspired many people in Switzerland to make greener choices. Her efforts highlight that individual actions can impact the conversation about climate change.

Europe backs down on climate disclosure rules with two-year delay

Callaway Climate Insights • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Climate Science Environmental Impact
  1. Europe delayed climate disclosure rules for 8 specific sectors by 2 years due to concerns over extra costs and bureaucracy.
  2. The delay may impact Europe's reputation as a climate change leader and is seen as a setback for investors managing climate risks.
  3. The delay also affects US Securities and Exchange Commission's own climate disclosure rule, highlighting challenges faced globally in climate reporting.

Headlines from a Warming World no.4

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Renewable Energy
  1. September 2023 was one of the hottest months ever recorded, with many countries in Europe experiencing temperatures significantly above normal. This highlights the urgent effects of climate change.
  2. The UK government is pushing back its plans for cleaner energy, which some see as a major setback. This includes delays in banning petrol cars and new licenses for oil and gas extraction.
  3. A recent study found that most carbon offset schemes are ineffective, meaning they don't really help reduce greenhouse gases. This raises concerns about relying on such projects to combat climate change.

Ears to the ground: climate tech entrepreneurs and investors debate key drivers of sustainable business

The Green Techpreneur • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Tech Investing Startups Energy Efficiency
  1. Small companies are key drivers of climate innovation, leading with new technologies and ideas.
  2. Consumer preference and regulatory pressure are pushing large organizations towards sustainability and ESG impact.
  3. Investors are increasingly focused on environmental metrics and seeking sustainable investment opportunities.

Mission to Planet Earth: NASA's Ambitious Plan to Study Our Home from Space

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Space Exploration Climate Science
  1. NASA started the Earth Observing System in the late 1980s to study our planet's environment from space. This ambitious project aims to gather data on climate change and other global changes.
  2. George H.W. Bush's administration emphasized environmental issues and initiated significant space programs, but some of his team questioned the focus on big projects instead of immediate climate actions.
  3. Scientists like James Hansen argued for quicker solutions to climate change problems, suggesting smaller, faster satellites to gather essential data without waiting for larger projects to complete.

🎆 Double your impact before midnight 🎆

Hothouse // Solutions • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate action Sustainability Environmental advocacy Philanthropy
  1. You can double your donation to Hothouse before midnight because of a matching offer. This means your contribution will go twice as far in supporting climate journalism.
  2. Every little bit helps, so even if you can only donate $5 or $10, it still makes a difference. More individual donations show that there’s a strong community supporting the cause.
  3. Hothouse is committed to climate action through reader support. Donating helps them continue their important work and reach more people with their message.

Why John Podesta was Biden's only choice for Kerry's climate role

Callaway Climate Insights • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Advocacy Climate research Climate Impact
  1. John Podesta was chosen as Biden's top climate advisor due to his experience in climate negotiations and close relationships within the Biden Administration.
  2. Podesta's selection reflects a strategic move for the Democratic party in an election year, rather than maximizing climate progress.
  3. Naming political figures over scientific or corporate leaders in climate roles may delay impactful climate actions until after elections.