The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

taylor swift made fox news care about climate change

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 864 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Conservation Policy Media Celebrity Influence
  1. Fox News has acknowledged the reality of carbon emissions after reporting on Taylor Swift's private jet use.
  2. Private jets contribute significantly to carbon emissions, with celebrities like Swift producing much more than the average person.
  3. Progressives have proposed various solutions to address private jet emissions, but face resistance from conservatives.

Why did this climate scientist chain herself to a pipeline?

HEATED • 1670 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Activism Environmental Impact Policy Influence Climate Crisis
  1. Climate scientist Rose Abramoff took a personal risk to protest against the Mountain Valley Pipeline construction.
  2. The Mountain Valley Pipeline faces opposition due to its environmental impact, regulatory violations, and public health concerns.
  3. Despite facing consequences, Rose Abramoff remains committed to civil disobedience as she believes direct action is effective in combating fossil fuel projects.

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.

Revisiting the hot model problem

The Climate Brink • 845 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate research Climate Impacts Decarbonization
  1. Recent developments and data do not support the idea that the climate is more sensitive to emissions than previously thought.
  2. Certain climate models have high sensitivity to CO2, but community reviews have suggested narrowing down the range of climate sensitivity.
  3. The exact climate sensitivity estimates can vary across studies, but regardless, the priority remains the urgent need to decarbonize our society.
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The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition

Renewable Revolution • 1618 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Renewable Energy Climate change Sustainability Technology Innovation
  1. Technology change isn't straight and slow; it can grow rapidly in an S-curve pattern. This means innovations can spread faster than some people expect.
  2. We should focus on the new technologies coming into play instead of just looking at what we have now. What's happening in the present will give us a better idea of what's to come.
  3. Energy efficiency has a bigger impact than many realize. It's important to pay attention to how we can use less energy rather than just relying on new sources.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Wildfires Environmental Science Public Health Renewable Energy
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

The Point of No Return for the Warm Water Atlantic Current Is Coming Up Fast

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 196 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Ocean Currents Environmental Impact
  1. The tipping point for the Atlantic Ocean's heat circulation could happen within the next 10 to 20 years, which would lead to severe climate consequences. It's important to be aware of these changes as they can disrupt weather patterns significantly.
  2. Sea levels are already rising due to climate change, mostly because of melting ice in Greenland and Antarctica. If this trend continues, huge coastal cities could be submerged, affecting millions of people.
  3. While the situation may seem grim, it's crucial to stay hopeful and focus on living well. No matter what happens with climate change, finding joy in everyday life and working towards solutions is always possible.

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

The rise of vertical solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 459 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. The cost of solar panels has dropped a lot, making it cheaper to install solar energy systems. This means other costs like labor become more important to consider.
  2. Vertical solar panels can be helpful because they can generate energy at different times of the day. This helps capture more value from solar energy by producing power when it's needed most.
  3. Using vertical solar opens up new possibilities, like installing them as fences or along roads. This can save space and also provide benefits beyond just energy generation.

Truth About Carbon Sequestration

DARK FUTURA • 1493 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Carbon Sequestration
  1. Carbon sequestration initiatives are part of a broader agenda by globalist authorities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and control resource usage.
  2. Efforts to reduce carbon footprints are increasingly being institutionalized through systems like carbon credits, which track and coerce individuals to lower their CO2 emissions.
  3. The ultimate goal of carbon sequestration plans is to manipulate and control land use, leading towards a system where people are governed by their carbon footprint to maintain global financial stability.

Brown Outs

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Resources Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Concerns
  1. Solar power can be a good investment for homes, but it comes with high upfront costs. It may pay off in the long run, especially if you live in a sunny area.
  2. Batteries are important for solar systems, but they can be expensive and have their own limitations. Using solar without batteries may work as a backup in areas with minimal blackouts.
  3. Local conditions matter a lot when it comes to solar power's effectiveness. Some places may not be suitable for solar energy due to weather and maintenance challenges.

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.

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 Great Reallocation

Renewable Revolution • 799 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Capital Economics Policy
  1. Renewable energy doesn't actually need a huge increase in investment compared to fossil fuels. As fossil fuel spending goes down, the overall increase in spending is only about 2% a year.
  2. Investing in renewables is expected to grow significantly, doubling in the coming years while fossil fuel investments will decline. This shift is possible because renewable technology costs are dropping.
  3. The transition to a cleaner energy system is doable without needing massive funds. The main challenge is making sure that investments focus on developing the right infrastructure and policies.

The Grid, Part IV: The Hard and Soft Paths of Energy Strategy

Construction Physics • 8142 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy
  1. The US electrical grid is a massive machine supplying over 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
  2. Challenges face the grid like the introduction of variable electricity sources and decreasing reliability.
  3. Future energy strategies may involve a mix of large-scale infrastructure development and innovative, decentralized solutions.

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.

Twenty Years Later, 'An Inconvenient Truth' Has Been Thoroughly Debunked

Unmasked • 67 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Climate Policy Energy Policy Carbon Emissions Environmentalism Climate Activism Media Critique
  1. Many of the film's high‑profile climate predictions have not come true over the past twenty years, and critics argue those specific claims have been debunked.
  2. The film played a major role in pushing aggressive climate policies like net‑zero targets and electric vehicle mandates, which some now question given the disputed predictions.
  3. The situation highlights that experts and public figures can be overconfident or mistaken, with examples like the Kilimanjaro snow prediction and disputed CO2 measurement claims cited as evidence.

Summer School is In

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Policy Making Science Education Extreme Weather
  1. Climate change is a big issue that affects the economy, and there are many different opinions on how to deal with it.
  2. The course aims to teach students about climate science and policies, focusing on practical solutions in a complex political environment.
  3. Students will get access to a reading list that supplements the lectures, helping them explore different perspectives on climate issues.

Virtue Theater Misdirects STEM R&D Funding

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Carbon Capture Climate Policy Environmental Economics Technology Innovation Carbon Sequestration
  1. Capturing CO2 at scale won’t magically solve emissions because most industrial uses of captured CO2 release it back to the atmosphere, and the market for permanently storing or using that CO2 is tiny compared to global emissions.
  2. Doing this properly would need massive, expensive infrastructure—millions of miles of pipelines, huge geological storage, and rebuilt steam networks—which is likely economically and logistically unrealistic at the scale needed.
  3. Even if the technology works, investors and policymakers can create a lot of costly, symbolic projects (virtue theater) that don’t deliver permanent climate benefits and may just enrich startups or rely on short-term subsidies.

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.

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.

Go Ahead And Have Kids

Cremieux Recueil • 664 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Population Growth Economic Impact Technological progress Environmental Policy
  1. Having children is unlikely to worsen climate change, so fears about parenting in a warming world can be eased. Many studies suggest that over time, having more kids can lead to greater innovation and productivity, which could actually improve living conditions.
  2. The economic models show that whether the population declines or stabilizes, the long-term impact on emissions and temperatures will be similar. This suggests that having more people won't necessarily be bad for the planet.
  3. It's important to stop worrying about not having kids because of climate concerns. Those who care about the future and the environment are often the ones who can make positive changes, making it more beneficial to raise children.

Oceans of Change: Breaching the Sixth Planetary Boundary

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Biodiversity Loss Carbon Emissions Environmental Policy Pollution
  1. Ocean acidification has now passed a safe planetary limit, making large parts of the ocean corrosive to shells and threatening shellfish, plankton, corals, and other calcifying life.
  2. Rising acidification weakens the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2, drives harmful shifts in species and coastal ecosystems, and raises the risk of triggering other environmental tipping points.
  3. Preventing worse damage means urgent global action to cut CO2 emissions, protect and restore mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes, and expand research, monitoring, and international cooperation.

Blight of the Plebs

Doomberg • 7718 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. Living near wind farms can have negative impacts like noise pollution and disruption to farming.
  2. There can be aggressive legal tactics in the wind industry to collect tax credits, leading to conflicts with rural communities.
  3. There is a divide between urban and rural areas on climate change, with rural areas more skeptical and urban areas more supportive of climate action.

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.

‘You Can Taste the Fires in the Back of Your Throat’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Disaster Response Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. Disasters can change a community forever, marking a point where everything feels different. People will remember the day before and the day after as a significant divide in their lives.
  2. Fires can spread quickly, affecting homes and neighborhoods, often forcing families to evacuate urgently. Smoke and visible flames can create a sense of urgency and fear.
  3. The emotional toll of losing a place of worship or gathering is profound. It can leave a community feeling lost and in need of support during recovery.

Recovering from the flood

Disaffected Newsletter • 1658 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Disasters Floods Recovery Weather Community support
  1. Vermont experienced severe flooding that caused extensive damage, with many homes destroyed and roads impassable. People have lost everything, and the landscape has changed significantly.
  2. The author has lost their job and is struggling financially, needing to move into a new apartment after their current home was flooded. They are looking for support to recover from the disaster.
  3. Any extra funds raised will go towards helping others affected by the flood, including providing assistance to a displaced tenant. The author emphasizes the need for community support and collective recovery.

Selling Solar The Wrong Way

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Energy Policy Sustainability Innovation Environmental Impact
  1. Solar power costs are still high compared to other energy sources, despite some prices coming down. Many people only find it worthwhile when there are significant tax credits.
  2. Solar energy works best in sunny locations and for specific applications, like home installations or powering small devices. Large solar plants aren't always the best solution.
  3. In the short term, solar could help ease the energy demands in sun-rich areas while focusing on long-term solutions like nuclear and natural gas for power generation.

Batteries light the way to renewable energy but the IEA is missing it

aukehoekstra • 139 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Batteries
  1. Stationary batteries are becoming increasingly affordable, paving the way for a smooth transition to solar and wind energy while enhancing grid resilience.
  2. There's a disconnect between current grid management practices and the shift towards decentralized, renewables-powered grids with the aid of batteries.
  3. The International Energy Agency's predictions for battery growth and usage seem vastly inadequate and fail to align with historical data and future energy needs.

A Potential Solution to Climate Catastrophe

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Geoengineering Carbon Removal Climate Policy Environmental Ethics Climate Science
  1. Ocean iron fertilization could rapidly pull CO2 out of the air by seeding parts of the ocean and boosting phytoplankton, and proponents say it might restore safer CO2 levels within a few decades.
  2. The science and ecology are uncertain — experiments and studies show mixed results and risks like harmful algal blooms, damage to fisheries, and unintended climate effects could occur.
  3. Even if it works, it poses a political and ethical problem because it could let powerful actors avoid cutting emissions and keep exploiting the planet instead of making systemic change.

If it destroys life, it is progress?

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Pollution Agriculture Sustainability Ecology Climate change
  1. Progress that destroys ecosystems and species is not real progress; true progress must protect life on Earth.
  2. Economic systems have turned nature and basic needs into commodities, concentrating wealth for a few while wrecking environments and livelihoods.
  3. Technological automation and today's economy make humans increasingly replaceable and consumable, leaving younger generations disillusioned about their value.