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
1574 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 23
  1. The video illustrates the impact of climate change through unprecedented floods in Greece.
  2. The urgency to take action against climate change is emphasized, as we witness extreme weather events becoming more common.
  3. Global efforts to meet climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement, are falling short and require more substantial commitments.
1773 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
  1. Conspiracy theories distract from what's happening in plain sight, like Blackrock appointing the CEO of a major oil company to its board.
  2. Financial institutions are backtracking on their commitments to decarbonize portfolios, favoring profits over addressing the climate crisis.
  3. Leaders like Brad Lander are taking a stand against financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, recognizing the need for real accountability and action.
1295 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 23
  1. False information spreads quickly, like rumors about electric vehicle fires, aided by social media and anti-environmental amplifiers.
  2. Compared to fossil fuel vehicles, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch on fire.
  3. It's important to consider the larger picture and relative impacts when evaluating new technologies or risks, like the benefits of windmills in reducing fossil fuel use.
1375 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 23
  1. The fossil fuel industry is pushing to export large amounts of fossil gas to preserve their profits, even though renewable energy sources are cheaper and cleaner.
  2. The rapid expansion of LNG export terminals could cause American greenhouse gas emissions to remain stagnant since 2005, impacting global warming.
  3. It is crucial to stop the continued expansion of LNG build-out to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources worldwide.
906 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Protest outside the Department of Energy in early February against permitting new LNG export terminals
  2. Arguments against granting new export licenses include high greenhouse gas emissions and negative impact on local communities
  3. Participate in peaceful civil disobedience or support rallies, with options for training sessions and online nonviolence training
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966 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 23
  1. There is a potential victory on pausing LNG exports, which could impact Biden's campaign and the planet positively.
  2. Campaigners and new data have highlighted the detrimental impact of LNG exports on the climate and American consumers.
  3. The administration's decision on LNG exports can be a crucial win for climate action and Biden's re-election efforts.
757 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  1. The documentary 'Bad River' tells the story of an indigenous community fighting an oil company, highlighting the universal struggle for land rights and environmental protection.
  2. The legal and political battle between the Bad River band and Enbridge over Line 5 demonstrates the importance of building broad coalitions to address both environmental and climate crises.
  3. The documentary emphasizes the need for alliances and friendships to form to create successful movements, showcasing the power of collaboration in environmental activism.
1066 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
  1. Environmental campaign is rapidly emerging in the Gulf of Mexico to halt LNG exports, influencing political and environmental grounds.
  2. Biden has the opportunity to show leadership by denying new LNG export licenses, which could cut costs for American consumers and address inflation concerns.
  3. Taking action against LNG exports can help Biden address his polling challenges, appeal to young voters concerned about climate change, and demonstrate commitment to clean energy initiatives.
926 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 23
  1. The COP negotiations serve as a way to talk and pressure each other but do not have legislative authority
  2. The outcomes at COP reflect the current state of the world and political pressure from mobilized people
  3. Language and agreements at COP do not immediately translate into tangible action, requiring further activism at the local level
1225 implied HN points β€’ 12 Sep 23
  1. California passed a significant climate law to force big companies to disclose their carbon emissions
  2. Activism led to New York University finally divesting from fossil fuels after a decade-long battle
  3. Record rainfall in Libya resulted in a tragic loss of life, signaling the urgent need to address climate change
1514 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
  1. Recently recorded extreme heat events are unprecedented and have significant impacts on the planet.
  2. The rise in solar power generation is proving to be a vital and reliable alternative to traditional energy sources during heatwaves.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
1175 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
  1. Teachable moments about climate change should be taught in schools to make the subject more immediate and engaging for students.
  2. It's concerning that misleading information and denial of climate change are being promoted in education, hindering students' understanding of the urgent issue.
  3. Educators and experts, like weatherman Jeff Berardelli, play a crucial role in providing accurate information and promoting climate education.
1145 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jul 23
  1. Water can be a powerful lens to explore issues of memory, resilience, and environmental impact.
  2. The film by dream hampton about Detroit highlights the flooding's impact on communities and memories.
  3. Specific histories of unfairness compound devastation in places like Detroit, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues.
777 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 23
  1. In 2015, the US Congress repealed the ban on exporting US oil, contradicting climate change goals.
  2. America has become the largest exporter of gas and oil globally, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. There is a need for the Biden administration to halt licensing new LNG facilities to prevent further climate damage.
946 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
  1. Global warming is rapidly increasing sea surface temperatures, with 2023 likely to be the hottest year yet.
  2. Despite the alarming climate situation, the fossil fuel industry is not making significant changes to reduce their impact.
  3. There is a call for urgent action to transition away from fossil fuels and support clean energy initiatives to combat the climate crisis.
876 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 23
  1. John Goodenough, who invented a powerful lithium-ion battery, helped keep the Texas power grid run smoothly during a heatwave.
  2. Batteries like the ones Goodenough invented are crucial for storing solar power and preventing energy crises.
  3. The use of batteries is growing worldwide to support renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
856 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
  1. 16 Montana youth are taking legal action to fight for a clean and healthful environment for future generations in a historic trial in the state.
  2. Climate change impacts on children are profound, highlighting the urgency for action and the need to address intergenerational injustices.
  3. The fight for climate justice extends beyond local trials, with efforts to hold the federal government accountable for its role in the climate crisis gaining support.
886 implied HN points β€’ 25 May 23
  1. Massachusetts is a liberal Democratic state with leaders pushing for green initiatives like divesting from fossil fuels and protesting against harmful projects like the MVP pipeline.
  2. The MVP pipeline project, a fracked gas pipeline running through Appalachia, is facing mass protests due to environmental concerns and the decreasing demand for fracked gas.
  3. There is a global movement towards renewable energy advocacy to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.
747 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
  1. The Supreme Court decisions are attempting to prevent the politics of an earlier era from interfering with the current bought-and-paid-for nihilism.
  2. The Supreme Court's decisions on student debt and Clean Air Act show a trend of erasing history and dismantling earlier legislation put in place by effective Congresses.
  3. The Supreme Court's recent rulings on anti-gay bigotry and affirmative action indicate an effort to erase progress and surrender ground previously gained in social issues.
827 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 23
  1. Realism can help combat ageism and older individuals can make a significant impact in progressive causes.
  2. It's important to be realistic about capabilities and call for changes when political figures are unable to perform effectively.
  3. Honesty is crucial in addressing challenges like climate change and transitioning responsibilities to younger generations can be positive.
597 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
  1. Hong Thi Minh is a brave climate activist from Vietnam who faced arrest for speaking out about climate crisis and coal use.
  2. Telling the truth about climate crisis can be dangerous in countries with oppressive governments, leading to arrests of activists.
  3. Supporting brave activists like Hong through global advocacy and pressure on governments is crucial for protecting human rights and advancing climate action.
737 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 22
  1. Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter is impacting communication, turning the platform into a dismal swamp.
  2. Organizers should not rely entirely on digital tools like Twitter, but also focus on building strong physical and virtual networks for effective activism.
  3. Real-action and physical networks, like Third Act's efforts in Nevada, can be more impactful than online activism alone.
827 implied HN points β€’ 01 Oct 22
  1. Consider finding delight in new ways in a challenging century
  2. Exploring alternative modes of transportation like trains and electric bikes can bring joy and sustainability
  3. The concept of blimps may offer a unique and joyful travel experience with reduced carbon emissions
508 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 22
  1. Big banks are major funders of fossil fuel expansion and need to be pressured to stop.
  2. Money in mainstream banking systems is contributing more to carbon emissions than individual activities like driving or flying.
  3. Banks that pledged to be sustainable are still funding fossil fuels and need to be held accountable.
577 implied HN points β€’ 22 Aug 22
  1. Drought in China is reducing hydropower availability and impacting the economy.
  2. Extreme heatwaves are leading to record temperatures and water shortages worldwide.
  3. Climate change is altering water patterns, leading to floods in some areas and droughts in others.
2 HN points β€’ 28 Nov 23
  1. New revelations show the unethical behaviors of some oil-rich nations in leveraging oil and gas deals globally.
  2. Documents reveal plans by countries like Saudi Arabia to increase fossil fuel usage, undermining global climate efforts.
  3. The actions of oil companies and countries to maintain profit from fossil fuels instead of transitioning to cleaner energy sources can have severe consequences for the planet.