The hottest Substack posts of As If We Were Staying

And their main takeaways
4 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. The newsletter focuses on finding and creating alternatives to climate-related issues, aiming for a positive future. It's important to think about how we can improve the world rather than just focusing on problems.
  2. The creator has experience in both science and climate action, blending knowledge of biology and technology with grassroots climate solutions. This combination of backgrounds helps in understanding complex environmental challenges.
  3. The writing aims to tackle both technical solutions and the emotional aspects of climate change, encouraging readers not to give up and to stay engaged in sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and community in addressing these issues.
5 implied HN points 25 Jan 25
  1. The Superorganism is a way to describe a system that seeks to extract resources without caring for people or the planet. To resist it, we need to be aware of its blind spots and act where it least expects us.
  2. Our strategy should focus on breaking down the wealth and resources of the Superorganism. This means we should find ways to disrupt its systems and also create new, independent sources of wealth that aren't tied to it.
  3. Building a strong community outside of the Superorganism is key. By supporting local economies and working together, we can create resilience and sustainability while lessening the Superorganism's hold over us.
3 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. Using AI can be a helpful tool for deep conversations, but it shouldn't replace real human interactions. It's important to find a balance so we don’t lose the richness of personal relationships.
  2. AI can optimize energy usage and processes, but there's a risk it might outgrow our control. We need to think carefully about how we integrate AI into our lives to ensure it's used for good.
  3. A good approach may be to develop a symbiotic relationship with AI. This means leveraging its strengths while still valuing the unique qualities humans bring to interactions and decision-making.
1 implied HN point 09 Feb 25
  1. The automobile industry changed the design of our cities, taking away spaces that were once meant for people. Streets used to be safe places for everyone, but cars changed that, leading to rises in accidents and fatalities.
  2. Big companies shaped public perceptions about cars being essential for modern life. They promoted the idea that owning a car was necessary, while at the same time, they bought and destroyed public transport systems to make way for more cars.
  3. We need to imagine a new future for our cities away from car dependency. It’s important for everyone to contribute ideas for a better urban design that prioritizes people, nature, and community, instead of serving corporate interests.
3 implied HN points 11 Dec 24
  1. Mainstream media is losing trust as many people see its biases and manipulations. Recent events, like a high-profile shooting, have made this clear to the public.
  2. Information Asymmetry affects consumers by giving corporations more knowledge than regular people. This can lead to companies hiding harmful practices and making choices difficult for consumers.
  3. To improve the situation, we need to support independent journalism and community-driven businesses. By doing this, we can push for better regulations and solutions to corporate power.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
3 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. Communities often end up missing out on wealth created in their area because big companies take profits away. People need to recognize this and push for change to keep more benefits local.
  2. Effective activism involves directly addressing the systems and industries that drain wealth from communities. This means fighting for better local governance and working together to build stronger, more resilient areas.
  3. Individuals can find ways to make a difference by focusing on their strengths and interests. Whether it's through education, environmental efforts, or community organization, everyone can contribute to creating a fairer system.
3 HN points 04 Sep 24
  1. Social media often creates a false sense of accomplishment, making us feel like we are active in activism without actually making real change. We can get caught up in online outrage instead of doing the hard work needed in real life.
  2. Real change requires us to align our actions with our values and make sacrifices. It’s about focusing on long-term goals, which often aren’t flashy or fun, but important for making a real impact.
  3. We need to recognize that social media can be entertaining but is not a substitute for deep, meaningful community engagement. True activism happens offline and requires commitment and clarity about what we want to change.
1 implied HN point 13 Sep 24
  1. The journey to writing a book can be tough, filled with challenges that test your determination. It's important to embrace these struggles as part of the learning process.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can help shape your writing and connect with readers. Authentically blending life lessons with broader themes can create a compelling narrative.
  3. Consistency is key in writing. Setting deadlines and regularly producing work helps improve your craft and keeps your creative energy flowing.
4 implied HN points 14 Nov 23
  1. Cooperation evolved on Earth comes with great reward but at the cost of regulation, without which complex systems will fall apart.
  2. The parallels between cancer and capitalism show how capitalism resists regulation and gamifies growth, leading to consequences on a finite planet.
  3. To recover from the impacts of capitalism, individuals can act as a decentralized immune system, burst the illusory bubble created by capitalism, and integrate into a new system aligned with the Earth.
2 implied HN points 12 Mar 24
  1. We are facing many crises all at once, called a polycrisis. This means it's affecting us in many parts of our lives and makes us feel overwhelmed.
  2. Horror can be seen as the fear of losing control or understanding in uncertain situations. To get through it, we need to confront what scares us, rather than avoiding it.
  3. To change and grow, we need to rethink our beliefs and frameworks that have been shaped by capitalism. Embracing change is key to moving past the horrors we face.
1 implied HN point 25 Jun 24
  1. Queer Ecology goes beyond just finding queer behavior in animals. It challenges our views on nature and encourages us to see connections and interdependence in all living things.
  2. This field of study highlights how our understanding of ecology has often been limited by narrow cultural perspectives. By considering diverse viewpoints, we can uncover a fuller picture of our natural world.
  3. It invites us to rethink our relationship with nature, moving from a stance of fear or indifference to one of wonder and respect. We can learn so much more when we appreciate the intelligence and connections present in non-human life.
1 implied HN point 30 Apr 24
  1. Many people unknowingly invest in companies that contribute to climate pollution and violence. This includes investments in fossil fuels, military weapons, and businesses involved in deforestation and forced labor.
  2. Our current economic system focuses too much on profit, often ignoring the social and environmental impacts. This has led to significant inequality and harm to society and the planet.
  3. To make better investment choices, look into where your money is going. Consider using more ethical funds and banks that support positive changes for the environment and society.
1 implied HN point 19 Mar 24
  1. Deciding what to take during an evacuation helps us see what really matters. Many possessions are unimportant, but some things hold deep personal value.
  2. Staying connected to the land is crucial in facing the challenges of our environment. We can't just run away; we need to commit to where we are and take responsibility.
  3. To help our forests and communities thrive, we should learn from indigenous practices. Understanding and caring for our local environment is essential for a healthier future.
2 implied HN points 26 Sep 23
  1. An ecological civilization is seen as a needed transition from the damaging industrial civilization.
  2. Key aspects include renewable energy, sustainable urbanization, and circular industry practices.
  3. Equitable distribution of resources fosters resilience and is vital for transitioning to an ecological civilization.
1 implied HN point 04 Feb 24
  1. Climate activists need support from loved ones to keep going and make activism aspirational and enriching.
  2. Procrastination can be a result of negative emotions tied to a task, leading to a cycle of avoidance and reinforcement of negative feelings.
  3. Challenging the status quo in climate activism may face resistance, especially from privileged individuals who play devil's advocate, but unity and pleasure can make the revolution irresistible.
1 implied HN point 15 Jan 24
  1. Oil barons are consuming ancient sunlight in the form of fossil fuels, leading to unsustainable energy use.
  2. Fossil fuel companies, like Shell, burn the equivalent of Earth's plant production multiple times over each year.
  3. To combat fossil fuel dependency, individuals can focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources like electric appliances and electric vehicles.
1 implied HN point 24 Oct 23
  1. Trees have been powerful metaphors throughout history, representing different aspects of human life and environmental impact.
  2. The repurposing of churches into various establishments reflects a change in societal values and the importance of preserving community spaces.
  3. Repurposing technologies and structures, like shipping containers, for environmental efforts symbolizes the potential for positive transformation and regeneration in the face of climate change.
1 implied HN point 10 Oct 23
  1. Solarpunk focuses on envisioning a sustainable and flourishing future.
  2. Solarpunk emphasizes the importance of alternative narratives to combat pessimism.
  3. Solarpunk advocates for a shift towards appropriate technology aligned with ecological well-being.
0 implied HN points 20 Dec 23
  1. The most important thing is to view social change as problem-solving.
  2. Capitalism and socialism are strategies attempting to solve the same problem of limited resources.
  3. There's a third option: cooperative governance involving local participation and decision-making.
0 implied HN points 19 Feb 24
  1. Our origin stories shape how we see the world. Different cultures tell different stories about where we come from, and those stories influence our actions and beliefs.
  2. Life on Earth is special and rare. The unique conditions and events that allowed life to flourish here emphasize how precious our existence is.
  3. We have a responsibility to cherish and protect life. By recognizing our position as fortunate caretakers of Earth, we can find purpose and hope in our lives.
0 implied HN points 04 Sep 22
  1. The newsletter is focused on navigating through the challenges of the anthropocene era.
  2. It references the idea of being fully committed to a place, as mentioned in Robin Wall Kimmerer's book.
  3. Encourages readers to reflect on whether they can embrace a sense of belonging and commitment to the environment.
0 implied HN points 03 Jul 24
  1. Solar Punk Farms focuses on bioregional regeneration, which means caring for the local ecosystem and community. They aim to heal the land and promote biodiversity after past environmental damage.
  2. Community is a big part of their vision. They encourage local people and queer folks to get involved, making sustainable living fun and engaging rather than just serious work.
  3. The farm combines ideas from solarpunk, queer theory, and permaculture. They believe in creating a positive vision for the future while also addressing social and environmental issues.