The hottest Climate & Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

American water is too clean

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Public Health Government spending Land use
  1. Since the 1970s the federal government centralized water regulation, removing local control and imposing stringent standards that have driven up utility costs and household water bills.
  2. Many recent EPA rules force expensive infrastructure projects and hookup moratoria while delivering little measurable health benefit, saddling cities with debt and limiting housing and growth.
  3. A smarter approach is to let local communities balance costs and benefits, use market tools like trading or better pricing, and target cheaper fixes (for example reducing agricultural runoff) rather than chasing near‑zero risk at any cost.

Top Links 786 Coal and the climate crisis. European auto dividens. Pitching for Gaza work. Hot Money. Metaphysical authority in Pakistan.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Energy
  1. Coal has been a major contributor to climate change, responsible for over 30% of CO2 emissions since the Industrial Revolution. It's important to understand how this affects the environment.
  2. There are interesting developments in the European auto industry that are worth exploring. Keeping up with these changes can give insight into how cars will evolve in the future.
  3. There's ongoing work related to Gaza that needs support and attention. Learning about these efforts can help raise awareness and possibly lead to action.

On Greenland's Ice Loss and Making the Planet Great Again

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Risks Environmental Science Ocean Currents
  1. Greenland's ice loss is 20% higher than previously estimated, with one trillion metric tons of ice lost since 1992.
  2. Melting ice sheets in Greenland can affect global ocean currents like the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
  3. Defamation lawsuits against climate skeptics are important to protect scientists and ensure factual climate change discussions.

Expanding liquefied natural gas: A bad, short-sighted strategy

The Climate Brink • 412 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Energy security Fossil fuels
  1. Expanding LNG infrastructure may reduce emissions short-term by displacing coal, but it locks in higher emissions in the long run.
  2. U.S. consumers now pay global prices for natural gas due to increased LNG exports, exposing them to international price fluctuations.
  3. Exporting LNG compromises U.S. energy security, as global pricing allows foreign powers to influence prices and threaten economic stability.
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The Price of Progress: How Economic Interests Are Destroying the Planet

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Law Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. Economic interests are leading to the destruction of important ecosystems like rainforests and wetlands. This is troubling because these places help clean our air and support many species.
  2. Many governments prioritize short-term profits over environmental protection, resulting in harmful projects that threaten biodiversity. This could lead to serious consequences for our planet's health.
  3. Robust environmental laws and smarter decisions are needed to protect these special areas. Without these, activities that harm the environment will continue to increase.

Overestimating Climate Change Damages

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Policy Analysis Economic Impact
  1. Estimating climate change damages is tricky. It's important to look at unexpected temperature changes instead of just the overall rise in temperatures over time.
  2. People adapt better in the long run than we might think. While weather shocks can hurt people immediately, they learn and adjust to new conditions over time.
  3. The costs of climate change are serious but not as high as some estimates suggest. Humanity has a good capacity for adaptation, which should be considered when assessing potential damages.

Hello!

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Climate Tech Africa Policy
  1. Kibao means 'a lot' in Swahili and also refers to a notice board. The author writes about various topics like energy, climate, tech, and Africa.
  2. The author offers a unique perspective as an African, scientist, policy wonk, feminist, and former stand-up comedian, bringing fresh insights to a range of subjects.
  3. The author welcomes feedback and comments from readers, aiming to engage in discussions and learn from others.

A self-governing forest

The Novelleist • 434 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainable Practices Biodiversity
  1. A group called Terra0 wants forests to be economically independent, meaning they can own land and profit from it just like people do. This could help protect forests from being cut down.
  2. Some places, like a river in New Zealand, have been given legal rights similar to people. Terra0's idea is to take this further by having forests that can manage themselves and make money.
  3. Their projects use technology and art, like NFTs, to create economic reasons to protect nature. By tying value to the environment, they hope people will take better care of it.

Data Dump: Oil and Gas Spills

The Land Desk • 432 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Fossil fuels Natural Gas Environmental Impact Oil Spills
  1. Headlines often focus on calamities related to clean energy, overlooking the more deadly impacts of oil and gas infrastructure.
  2. Oil and gas incidents, like hazardous material spills and pipeline failures, occur regularly and have significant environmental and societal consequences.
  3. Media coverage tends to sensationalize clean energy accidents while downplaying the frequent and impactful mishaps in the oil and gas industry.

Population growth or decline will have little impact on climate change

Sustainability by numbers • 392 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Population Studies Sustainability Environmental Policy Decarbonization
  1. Population changes won't significantly change our climate situation because they happen too slowly compared to how quickly we need to reduce emissions.
  2. Even with more people in the future, their overall impact on temperature rise will be very small if we focus on reducing emissions effectively.
  3. To tackle climate change, the best approach is to decarbonize our economies rather than trying to limit population growth, which won’t solve the problem fast enough.

Dungeness Spit

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geology Ecology Natural History
  1. Dungeness Spit is a five-mile-long sandy spit named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, originally known as Tsi-tsa-kwick by the S’Klallam people. It's interesting how names can connect us to history and culture.
  2. This spit is about 5,000 years old and was formed as glaciers melted, causing the land to rise and create new sediment. Nature shows us how changes over time can create beautiful landscapes.
  3. Dungeness Spit is always changing, with natural forces moving materials like rocks and logs. It's a reminder of how dynamic and alive our natural world is, constantly evolving and adapting.

The Emergence of Duck Curves in Europe

GEM Energy Analytics • 319 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Climate Policy Market Analysis
  1. Solar energy in Europe has grown a lot in recent years. By the end of 2024, solar power capacity will nearly double, helping to meet electricity needs.
  2. Duck curves are becoming more common, showing that solar energy creates cheaper electricity prices in the afternoon. This trend is seen in countries like Greece, Germany, and Spain.
  3. The impact of solar energy isn't just in Europe; places like Australia are seeing similar effects. As solar use increases, it changes the price dynamics in electricity markets.

On incentives for rooftop and utility-scale solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 299 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Energy Energy Policy Market Dynamics Incentives
  1. Rooftop solar and utility-scale solar are quite different, even though they both use the same technology. Rooftop solar is small and connected to homes, while utility-scale solar is large and functions like a power plant.
  2. Incentives play a big role in how these solar systems behave in the market. Rooftop solar often lacks good incentives to respond to price changes, whereas utility-scale solar can better react to market prices.
  3. Both types of solar can be improved by better support schemes and incentives. It's important not just to generate energy but also to maximize its value in the market, ensuring more efficient and responsive use of solar power.

How Environmentalism Works in California

The Discourse Lounge • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Sustainability Climate Science Urban Development Regulations
  1. California's environmental regulations are changing quickly but have a complex history that shapes their current form. Understanding this history helps explain why these rules exist today.
  2. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was recently reformed, and there is a misunderstanding about how environmental protections are applied in California. They're now managed more broadly instead of on a project-by-project basis.
  3. There's a generational divide in the environmental movement, with different views coming from new climate science and earlier beliefs about growth and sustainability in cities.

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.

📉 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 Resource use
  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.

Whether the Storm

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Conservation Environmental justice Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. In the Anthropocene era, humans must protect and restore the Earth given our excessive impact on its ecosystems.
  2. We need to become rational and compassionate managers of the planet to address climate change and ecological disruptions.
  3. Storms, while disruptive and dangerous, also serve as a reminder of our place in nature and the need to prepare for managing the impacts of extreme weather.

Over the Cliff

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 373 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Politics Biodiversity Climate action
  1. Environmental consequences of another Trump administration could be dire due to dismantling regulations and environmental protections.
  2. The Project 2025 plan outlines radical changes including anti-science bias, climate denial, and drastic rollbacks on environmental regulations.
  3. The plan not only threatens environmental protection but also could have serious impacts on climate, air and water quality, wildlife, and even government structure.

A global green industrialisation initiative can have a ‘win-win-win’ outcome: Henry Huiyao Wang & Wang Zhi

Pekingnology • 120 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Green Technology Sustainable Development International cooperation Industrial Policy Decarbonisation
  1. We need a global effort to make green manufacturing work for everyone. This means working together instead of competing with each other.
  2. China can leverage its manufacturing power to help developing countries build clean industries, while also allowing the West to access advanced green technology.
  3. By investing in joint ventures and local partnerships, we can create a stronger industrial ecosystem that benefits all sides, leading to job creation and sustainability.

The Air Pollution Struggle

Vietnam Weekly • 412 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Pollution
  1. Air pollution continues to be a serious health issue in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  2. Forecasts for Vietnam's economic growth in 2024 range from 6% to 6.5%.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about poor oversight and scandals in construction management in cities like Da Lat.

Brace for impact: The case for Category 6 hurricanes

The Climate Brink • 353 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Hurricanes Climate change Weather Forecasting
  1. A new study suggests the need for a Category 6 hurricane classification due to intensified storms from global warming.
  2. Hurricane intensity is not solely about wind speed, as factors like storm surge and rainfall play a significant role in damage.
  3. Adding a Category 6 could provide better information for emergency planning, but some argue the current scale already covers the impact.

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.

An Illustrated Rain Harvesting Guide

OK Doomer • 84 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Water Management Environmental awareness
  1. Rainwater harvesting can be a solution for water scarcity, even if you don't live in a drought area. It's important to prepare and find ways to manage water efficiently.
  2. Setting up rainwater collection doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. There are many options and DIY methods that can make it accessible for everyone.
  3. Experimenting with different materials and kits can help you find what works best for your rain harvesting system. It's about making it easier and more practical for people to use.

Updates on Spain (as of April 2024)

GEM Energy Analytics • 179 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Renewables Market Trends Solar energy
  1. Spain is currently experiencing negative prices in the energy market, meaning they pay less than zero for electricity. This is a first for the country and has happened multiple times in April 2024.
  2. There is a record amount of energy stored in Spanish hydro reservoirs, which is leading to very low electricity prices. These reservoirs have more energy than has been seen in the past ten years.
  3. The capture rates for solar energy are extremely low, with some months showing just 20%. This indicates that solar power is not being used efficiently, especially when prices are so low.

Mining the Earth, Polluting the Future: The Impact of Gold Extraction on Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 416 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Deforestation Emissions Climate change Sustainability
  1. Gold mining is causing a lot of deforestation around the world, damaging many forests. In some places, thousands of hectares of land have been lost due to illegal mining activities.
  2. The process of extracting gold emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. In the coming years, this could exceed 100 million tonnes of emissions each year.
  3. To help reduce the negative impacts of gold mining, we need to focus on using renewable energy and new technologies that lower energy use. This could greatly help the environment.

September Flood Update

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Disaster relief Public Safety Environmental Impact Community support
  1. The author is almost finished with the repairs on their house that was damaged by flooding. It has been a challenging process, but progress is being made.
  2. They express deep gratitude to the donors who helped fund the rehabilitation of their home. The support from the community has been very important.
  3. There is a video update included for supporters to see the current state of the repairs. It shows the journey and effort put into fixing the house.

My new book — Clearing the Air — is coming out in September!

Sustainability by numbers • 369 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Issues Sustainability Renewable Energy Geoengineering
  1. A new book titled 'Clearing the Air' will be released in September, focusing on climate change solutions through 50 questions and answers. It's designed to help readers understand how to tackle environmental issues more clearly.
  2. The book aims to provide straightforward answers to common doubts and questions about climate change, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and more.
  3. An audiobook version will be available, read by the author, allowing listeners to engage with the material in a personal way.

Renewable Milestones: Scotland's Excess Energy and China's Solar Surge in 2023

The Planet • 353 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Climate Science Greenhouse Gases Global Warming
  1. Scotland's renewable energy sector surpassed 100% of electricity demand, a 26% increase from the previous year
  2. The fossil fuel industry funded early climate science, including the development of the iconic 'Keeling curve'
  3. China installed a record-breaking 216.9 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023, surpassing any other nation

The Renewable Revolution Continues

Renewable Revolution • 459 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Sustainability Climate change
  1. Clean technology prices have dropped, making solar and wind energy cheaper than before. This is great news for renewable energy as it becomes more accessible.
  2. The global demand for fossil fuels is leveling off, which means they might be losing their place in the energy market. More renewable energy sources like solar and wind are now providing most of the new electricity.
  3. Governments are stepping up their support for clean energy through new policies. As countries commit to increasing renewable energy production, it shows that the push for sustainability is stronger than ever.

Endangered Promises

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Legislation Biodiversity Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. The Endangered Species Act has had successes in saving various species from extinction over the years.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the Endangered Species Act, largely driven by political and industry interests.
  3. Challenges facing the ESA include legislative and judicial attacks, as well as the broader threat of climate change and biodiversity loss.

What about the cost?

Everything is Light • 668 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Policy Costs Renewables Nuclear power
  1. Comparing the costs of different energy sources is more complex than just looking at the upfront costs of individual components.
  2. The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) metric is not sufficient for assessing cost-effectiveness because it overlooks various factors like system costs and reliability.
  3. It's essential to consider the true costs of energy sources, including factors like backup power needs, disposal costs, and environmental impacts, to make informed and effective energy policy decisions.

Climate change is easy to prove if you screw the pooch badly enough

Tilting At Windmills • 334 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Climate models Data Collection Scientific Integrity
  1. Climate change models have not accurately predicted outcomes despite drastic measures being proposed.
  2. Temperature readings used to support climate change claims may be inaccurate due to biases in monitoring stations.
  3. There is skepticism around the credibility of climate scientists and their data collection methods.

Hydropower and seasonal electricity storage

GEM Energy Analytics • 339 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Storage Decarbonization
  1. Hydropower with large reservoirs can store energy for a long time, helping balance electricity supply when renewable sources like wind and solar are low.
  2. As we move towards renewable energy, seasonal storage will be essential. However, using hydrogen for storage can be very expensive.
  3. Countries with more hydropower can better manage their energy needs, especially during peak demands, giving them an advantage over those that rely on costly alternatives.

Heat maps on Germany: renewables and prices

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewables Energy Data Visualization Sustainability
  1. Germany's renewable energy sources like solar and wind are working well together, especially during the winter. This means Germany can rely on both types of energy to help meet their needs.
  2. Heat maps show that solar energy has a big impact on electricity prices, especially during sunny afternoons in the spring and summer. When there's lots of solar power, prices can drop.
  3. Comparing Germany with France on energy prices, we see Germany benefits from more solar energy during the day. This can lead to lower prices in Germany, especially in the afternoon.