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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

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.

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.

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.
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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.

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.

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

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.

Forget Conspiracy Theories

1773 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Climate Activism Natural Disasters
  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.

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.

A few seconds of video

1574 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Biodiversity Conservation
  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.

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.

What can we do with a sentence?

1514 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Activism Renewable Energy
  1. The sentence calling for transitioning away from fossil fuels is a new tool for activists to use in climate discussions
  2. Past significant climate sentences have changed the direction of climate discussions and policies
  3. Activists need to ensure clear, plain language in agreements to effectively push for the end of the fossil fuel era

No Human Has Ever Seen it Hotter

1514 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Clean Energy Climate Crisis
  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.

It's So Hot

1494 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate Activism Climate solutions
  1. The planet's temperature crossed the 2.0 degrees Celsius mark for the first time, highlighting the urgent need to address global warming
  2. The conflict in Palestine is exacerbating environmental issues, with the region facing challenges like water scarcity and desertification due to climate change
  3. Addressing conflicts like the one in Palestine is crucial to redirecting attention towards combating climate change and preserving a livable planet for all

Energy from Heaven

1454 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Global Warming Climate action Environmental Impact
  1. We have the potential to power our world with renewable energy like solar and wind, which are not only abundant but also provide a cost-effective solution.
  2. The rapid growth of solar and wind power is crucial to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions globally.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar can have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving natural habitats.

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.

'Unabated'

1395 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Carbon Capture
  1. UN Secretary General emphasizes the need to phase out fossil fuels completely to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees
  2. Using carbon capture to 'abate' emissions from fossil fuels is not effective and just a way for the industry to continue business as usual
  3. The focus of climate negotiations should be on stopping the flow of greenhouse gases by transitioning to renewable energy sources

It seems like the next big fight

1375 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Natural Disasters Sustainability
  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.

Ignore that bomb, someone lit a fire-cracker!

1295 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Weather Policy Natural Disasters
  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.

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.

Teachable Moments Require... Teaching

1175 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  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.

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.

A win win opening for a president who badly needs one?

1066 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Environment Energy Policy Activism
  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.

Different Kinds of Winning

966 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Fossil fuels Adaptation Finance Policy
  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.