The Crucial Years

The Crucial Years focuses on the urgent need for climate action, highlighting political, technological, and societal shifts towards combating climate change. It emphasizes renewable energy adoption, the dangers of fossil fuels, and the importance of community and political courage in addressing climate challenges, while critiquing media silence and misinformation.

Climate Change and Global Warming Renewable Energy Solutions Fossil Fuels and Environmental Impact Political Action and Policy Community and Social Resilience Media and Climate Communication Technological Innovations in Climate Solutions Activism and Grassroots Movements

The hottest Substack posts of The Crucial Years

And their main takeaways

A Great and Good Man

10712 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Media influence Social Issues Climate Policy Civic engagement
  1. Bill Moyers was a prominent figure in journalism and activism, known for his deep empathy and understanding of social issues. He exemplified what it means to be an engaged citizen and leader.
  2. His approach to interviewing was all about listening, which is rare in today's political landscape where talking often overwhelms conversation. This listening quality helped him connect with people and share meaningful stories.
  3. Moyers' legacy shows the importance of curiosity and reality-based understanding in navigating complex challenges, especially in today's times when society faces significant political and environmental issues.

More from a sense of duty...

2939 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Activism Fossil fuels
  1. It's important to show our duty as citizens, even if things seem tough. Making calls to our Senators about energy policies can make a difference.
  2. Legislation aimed at slowing down clean energy is harmful to everyone, risking jobs, increasing electricity costs, and making it harder to fight climate change.
  3. We need to rebuild support for renewable energy like solar power and take collective action to make our voices heard, especially in response to bad legislation.

So many moving pieces

2909 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Sustainable energy Climate Activism
  1. Climate change is a big deal, and it's getting worse faster than we thought. We need to pay attention because it's impacting everything from weather patterns to food production.
  2. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and intense, like heavy rain and severe heat. This is due to climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable.
  3. There's a push for clean energy solutions like solar and wind power, but financial systems and politics are blocking real action. We need to prioritize clean energy to tackle climate issues.

Buzzzzzzzzz

2959 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Ecosystems Conservation Renewable Energy Climate change
  1. Insect populations are declining rapidly, mainly due to climate change and shifting weather patterns. This affects entire ecosystems since many animals, like birds, rely on insects for food.
  2. Solar farms are proving to be beneficial for both insects and birds. They provide a safe habitat where insects can thrive, which in turn helps increase bird populations in those areas.
  3. Using solar panels on farmland could replace inefficient corn production while providing all the energy the U.S. needs. This shift can help combat climate change and support biodiversity.

On Democracy, Liberated Energy, and the Perfect Moment

1863 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Energy Policy Authoritarianism Social movements Environmental Issues
  1. Now is a key moment to push back against authoritarianism. Protests like No Kings Day give people a chance to stand up for their rights peacefully.
  2. Clean energy is essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which often lead to concentrated wealth and power. Harnessing solar energy can be a more democratic and accessible option.
  3. Big corporations are pulling back on climate promises, highlighting that we can't rely on them to save the planet. Communities need to take action and build sustainable solutions themselves.
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Nice little economy you've got there, be a shame...

3388 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Energy Policy Climate change Foreign Relations Corporate Influence
  1. Countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan are increasing their purchases of American liquefied natural gas to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration. This move illustrates how global energy politics are heavily influenced by economic pressures.
  2. The push for liquefied natural gas exports has potential negative effects on American consumers, as it can lead to higher natural gas prices. Increased exports can make energy more expensive for households relying on natural gas.
  3. Despite the focus on fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy. It's important to promote clean energy solutions as a way to combat climate change and lower energy costs for everyone.

Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long

3667 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Environmental justice Activism
  1. This is a tough time for climate and social justice activists, with funding cuts causing chaos and uncertainty.
  2. There's a rising movement and resolve against harmful policies and actions, with people actively rallying and making their voices heard.
  3. Despite the challenges, the cost of clean energy is falling, giving us a promising opportunity to shift toward renewable resources and fight for change.

The LA Fires and the Big Bang

4882 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Energy transition Scientific research
  1. Climate change is making wildfires worse due to extreme heat and drought in places like Los Angeles. This is causing devastation to homes and communities.
  2. Scientific advancements, like those from Edwin Hubble, help us understand our universe and climate, but there are fears that funding for vital climate research is being threatened.
  3. There's a growing concern about losing our ability to think critically about important issues. As we face bigger problems, understanding and intelligence seem to be declining.

We Interrupt the Ongoing Crisis for a Smidgen of Good News

3677 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Renewable Energy Artificial Intelligence
  1. The new Chinese AI program DeepSeek uses only a small fraction of the electricity needed by similar American AI systems. This could challenge the fossil fuel industry's excuse for building more power plants based on increased energy demands from AI.
  2. Fossil fuel stocks have not been performing well in comparison to the broader market for several years, raising concerns about the industry's future in a world moving towards decarbonization.
  3. In Europe, solar energy has recently outperformed coal for the first time, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the region.

For reality

3976 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Climate justice Sustainability
  1. The climate crisis is worsening, with record-high carbon dioxide levels reported. It's a serious issue that we need to pay attention to because it affects our planet and future.
  2. Power is being prioritized over justice in today's political climate. This shift can lead to misinformation and further environmental harm, especially regarding the ongoing climate crisis.
  3. Clean energy solutions like solar and wind are ready to help us combat climate change. We need to focus on these technologies to build a sustainable future.

How We Make Progress Now

3607 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental justice Energy transition Climate Activism Sustainable Practices
  1. The new administration's actions have quickly reversed many climate policies, making it crucial to organize and push back against these changes over time.
  2. While traditional protests have been important, the current political climate may require fresh strategies and new ways of engaging people to create real change.
  3. There's a strong shift towards renewable energy that can be leveraged, as public support for clean energy is growing despite efforts from opposition.

The FDR era comes to an end

4414 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Leadership Social Issues
  1. The recent election represented a major shift away from the values established during the FDR era. It feels like a significant connection to that time has been broken, which raises concerns about the future.
  2. Current challenges, especially regarding climate and energy, seem daunting, but there is an opportunity to rebuild our energy system. The focus on renewable energy could help create a more equitable and sustainable world.
  3. Local leaders need to act decisively on climate change policies. There’s a need for strong initiatives to reduce pollution and invest in green projects, which are critical to making meaningful progress.

The Carter/Reagan moment and the Biden/Trump moment

1813 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Presidential History
  1. Jimmy Carter was a strong advocate for solar energy, emphasizing its potential to free the U.S. from reliance on foreign oil. His early support included funding for solar research and ambitious goals for solar energy use in America.
  2. The transition to clean energy has faced obstacles from political leaders like Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, who pushed for fossil fuel dependency. However, recent legislation, like the Inflation Reduction Act, has reignited investment in renewable energy.
  3. There is a growing global movement supporting clean energy, and many countries, including China, are advancing in this area. This collective effort can help counteract any slowdowns in the U.S. transition towards a green energy future.

A (successful) test of the state-by-state approach!

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.

Climate superpowers

1036 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Activism Environmental justice Sustainability Policy
  1. One way to inspire others for climate action is through music. Antonique Smith's new version of 'Love Song to the Earth' aims to unite people and inspire hope.
  2. Jessie Diggins uses her platform as a champion skier to advocate for climate change awareness. She believes athletes can lead conversations about protecting the planet.
  3. Connecting climate change to everyday lives is crucial. People need to understand how pollution affects their health and environment, especially in communities of color.

'You're not the boss of me'

2252 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Climate Policy Public Opinion Elections Environmental Activism Policy Analysis
  1. The rejection of climate change by influential leaders is alarming. It shows a lack of understanding of the scientific evidence that clearly indicates global warming and its disastrous effects.
  2. The fossil fuel industry is a powerful force against climate action. Many politicians are siding with their interests, making it tough to push for renewable energy solutions.
  3. We need to appeal to people's self-interest in promoting clean energy. Highlighting that solar and wind power are cheaper and more reliable can help shift public opinion towards adopting these technologies.

Three small Christmas presents

1604 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Sustainable energy Climate justice Climate Science
  1. Some big oil companies are planning to build new gas plants to power energy-hungry data centers for AI. But experts suggest that solar farms next to these centers would be a quicker and cleaner solution.
  2. A recent ruling in Montana gave children a constitutional right to a clean environment, aiming to protect their future from climate change. This could inspire similar lawsuits in other states.
  3. In Germany, many people are installing solar panels on their balconies, leading to significant savings on electricity bills. This trend is spreading to Spain and could be a game-changer for apartment living.

An America-sized hole in the world

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.

A win of sorts on something really important

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.

The Democrats finally come clean on gas

1315 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy Production Environmental justice Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. The Democrats have finally acknowledged the negative impacts of natural gas and its exports on climate change. This honesty is an important step for addressing environmental issues moving forward.
  2. Past policies favored natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, but high methane leak rates from fracking have shown that it's not a perfect solution for the climate crisis.
  3. The shifting energy landscape is pushing for a focus on renewable sources like wind and solar, instead of relying on natural gas exports, which could harm national and global climate efforts.

A Thing to Think About That Isn't That Thing

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.

Um, I think we all just won

3816 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Climate Impacts Renewable Energy Activism
  1. Biden's decision to halt the biggest fossil fuel expansion on earth is a major win in standing up to the fossil fuel industry.
  2. Exporting natural gas can raise prices for American consumers, and Biden's stance could help in reducing inflation.
  3. The decision is seen as both brave and strategic, aiming to gain support from young climate-conscious voters and addressing concerns about future impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

Tart but sweet

587 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Thanksgiving Cooking Recipes Celebrations Traditions
  1. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and appreciate what we have, even if the circumstances are challenging. It’s important to stay grateful during tough times.
  2. Sharing moments with loved ones during the holidays can bring joy and comfort. These gatherings help strengthen our connections.
  3. Finding sweetness in hard situations can be uplifting. It reminds us that there is hope and positivity, even when things seem tough.

An odd silence

2630 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Activism
  1. The global climate crisis is not receiving the attention it deserves in mainstream media.
  2. Record-high temperatures and other alarming climate events are being overshadowed by more 'headline-friendly' news stories.
  3. The urgency and scale of the climate crisis require swift and unprecedented action, even though these changes may not fit into traditional news narratives.

The most epic (and literal) gaslighting of all time

1903 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Energy Legislation Economy International relations
  1. Exxon prioritizes profit over renewable energy, stating wind and solar power don't offer sufficient returns for shareholders.
  2. Exxon's history of deceit and denial regarding climate change has hindered progress for decades.
  3. The need for government intervention to address the climate crisis is highlighted, as market profits often impede meaningful solutions.

A Massive Win, and What It Means

2002 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy Energy Health Agriculture Research
  1. A huge victory against the fossil fuel industry has been achieved by halting new licenses for LNG export terminals.
  2. Biden's decision sets a climate test for American fossil fuel expansion plans, signaling a transition from natural gas as a 'bridge fuel'.
  3. The fight for climate justice needs to include considerations for impacts on communities and involve effective monitoring and engagement with frontline leaders.

Friction is growing

2062 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy
  1. The global economy is facing increasing friction due to the impacts of the climate crisis.
  2. The insurance industry is experiencing challenges in modeling risks and providing coverage due to climate change.
  3. Renewable energy capacity is growing rapidly, but there are significant challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Real political courage

1913 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate Crisis Environmental Policy
  1. Some politicians are demonstrating real political courage by taking a stand against expanding fossil fuel production
  2. The UK's decision to open the North Sea to new oil and gas drilling is being challenged by a Conservative MP's resignation
  3. There is growing pressure for countries to halt the expansion of fossil fuel production to combat the climate crisis

As Winter Melts Away

1544 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability Natural Disasters
  1. The changing climate is causing dramatic and extreme changes around the planet, with record-breaking temperatures and reduced snow coverage indicating the ongoing warming of the Earth.
  2. The diminishing cold air supply in the Arctic is a clear sign of the planet's warming climate, leading to changes in weather patterns and ecological impacts like ice melting and more extreme weather events.
  3. The impact of the climate crisis goes beyond physical consequences, affecting the psychological and emotional connection to the changing seasons and nature, emphasizing the importance of fighting to save the beauty and meaning of the natural world.

Back on the march

2421 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism Organizing Environmental justice
  1. Participants showed up in force for the March to End Fossil Fuels in Manhattan despite the ongoing pandemic.
  2. The event was organized by individuals like Jean Su who worked hard to bring people together, despite differing views.
  3. The march was a public demonstration of determination to continue the fight against climate change, with speakers emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

We're robbing kids of their future--but also their present

1434 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Green Technology Climate Impacts
  1. Growing climate anxiety is affecting young people who feel let down by political and economic institutions not addressing the climate emergency.
  2. Institutions like banks, car companies, and universities resisting change are contributing to generational theft as today's practices guarantee future upheaval.
  3. The emotional toll of climate change on children and youth, exacerbated by governmental inaction, poses mental health risks and highlights the need for urgent, proactive responses.

Fully Recharged

1684 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Conservation Sustainability Environmental Impact Climate Crisis
  1. Batteries have greatly improved energy density over the last century, making them more practical for cars and other uses.
  2. The rapid progress in battery technology is expected to continue, with increasing energy density, affordability, and innovation.
  3. Efforts are being made to ensure ethical sourcing of materials for batteries, address social inequities, and push for sustainable growth in the battery industry.

You flood it, you pay for it.

1195 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Deforestation Green Technology Environmental Impact
  1. States are considering 'climate superfund' laws to hold Big Oil accountable, treating disasters as toxic dumps caused by corporations.
  2. Legislators are working to make Big Oil pay for the climate damage they cause, with Vermont leading the way in potentially adopting such laws.
  3. The transition to renewable energy, along with laws holding fossil fuel industry accountable, is vital to combat climate change and protect communities.

Oof. A Small Step Forward, and then...

1155 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental Activism Climate Science
  1. The rich individuals or entities may not fully grasp or prioritize the urgency of the environmental crisis, as shown by certain investment decisions.
  2. Some significant steps towards divesting from fossil fuels have been taken, indicating a gradual shift away from reliance on them.
  3. Financial institutions like banks withdrawing from environmental initiatives could hinder progress towards decarbonization and indicate a shift in priorities.