The Climate Historian

The Climate Historian covers the intersection of science, politics, and the human impact on climate change. Recurring themes include political interference in climate science, the consequences of climate change on global and local scales, historical environmental events, and the importance of proactive climate policies and public awareness.

Climate Science Political Influence Environmental History Global Warming Effects Climate Policy Public Awareness Historical Events Resource Management Social Impact Technological Advances

The hottest Substack posts of The Climate Historian

And their main takeaways

Sounding the Climate Change Alarm: Lessons from Carl Sagan

19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate Science Environmental Policy Sustainability Ecology
  1. Carl Sagan connected the extreme climate of Venus to warnings about Earth's future. He showed us that understanding other planets can help us prevent our world from facing similar climate issues.
  2. Sagan proposed four key actions to tackle climate change: using fossil fuels more efficiently, developing alternative energy, reforestation, and helping the world's poorest. These ideas are still very important today.
  3. Despite Sagan's warnings and advancements in some areas, we are facing more climate challenges now. It's crucial that we change our thinking and take long-term actions for the planet's future.

Silencing Climate Whistle-Blowers

19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Scientific Integrity Political Influence Whistleblowing
  1. Climate scientists often face pressure from political leaders, leading to threats against their work. For instance, Virginia Burkett, a scientist at USGS, was demoted for opposing harmful actions by the Trump administration.
  2. Historical cases show that scientists like James Hansen faced censorship for speaking out on climate change. Even reputable scientists can be silenced because of their messages that contradict certain political views.
  3. The influence of special interests can lead to significant changes in scientific priorities. This jeopardizes crucial climate research as short-term profit motives often take precedence over environmental concerns.

Headlines of the Warming World No 15

19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental health Sustainable Practices Global Warming Activism
  1. Denmark has introduced the world's first carbon tax for agricultural emissions to fight climate change. This tax aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming and could inspire other countries to take similar action.
  2. Extreme heatwaves are becoming more common and severe around the world due to climate change. Recent heatwaves in places like India and Mexico have resulted in fatalities and power outages.
  3. Microplastics have been found in human tissue, including penises, raising concerns about their impact on health. This highlights the widespread issue of microplastic pollution and its potential effects on the human body.

Village Lost to Time Reemerges as Greece Faces Historic Drought

1 HN point • 03 Sep 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Water resources Environmental Impact Sustainable Practices
  1. The village of Kallio, once submerged under a reservoir, has reappeared due to Greece's severe drought. This shows how drought can reveal forgotten parts of history.
  2. Greece is currently facing a historic drought caused by extreme heat and lack of rainfall. These conditions are making water resources very limited and raising serious concerns.
  3. Climate change and overtourism are worsening Greece's water issues. Managing water use sustainably is now more important than ever to balance human needs and natural resources.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic

19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Environmental Policy Global Economy Resource Management
  1. The Arctic is becoming a very important area for countries around the world because of its natural resources and changes due to climate change. Many nations are paying more attention to it now.
  2. Climate change is rapidly warming the Arctic, which is causing ice to melt and opening new shipping routes. This affects not just local communities but also global weather patterns.
  3. As Asia's economy grows, countries like China are increasing their interest in the Arctic. This shift creates new possibilities and challenges for international cooperation in the region.
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Climate Alert: January 2024 the Hottest January in Recorded History

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. January 2024 was the hottest January on record, marking a worrying trend in global warming. The average temperature was 13.14°C, which is significantly higher than temperatures from past years.
  2. Over the last year, the planet experienced its highest average temperatures yet, highlighting an urgent climate crisis. This is concerning for global efforts to keep temperatures below the critical limits set by the Paris Agreement.
  3. Despite clear evidence of climate change, leaders are not taking strong enough action. It's important for everyone to get involved and push for changes that protect the environment for future generations.

Headlines from a Warming World no 7

19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Natural Disasters Ecology Mental health
  1. Hurricane Otis quickly went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, causing severe destruction in Mexico. This rapid intensification illustrates the dangers posed by warmer ocean temperatures due to climate change.
  2. The Amundsen Sea is warming three times faster than in the 20th century, leading to an increased melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet. This melting is expected to contribute significantly to rising sea levels, affecting coastal communities globally.
  3. Children and young people are facing serious mental health challenges related to climate change, known as eco-anxiety. Their concerns about air pollution and extreme weather highlight the urgent need for action on climate issues.

Air pollution: Hidden in plain sight is ignored by political leaders due to short-sightedness and lack of vision

19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Pollution Climate change Political Response Public Health Environmental Policy
  1. Political leaders are often short-sighted and ignore serious issues like air pollution for immediate gains. This can be dangerous for future generations.
  2. Reducing short-lived climate pollutants can help the environment and improve public health. It's an important step to tackle climate change.
  3. The Green Party in England supports policies like the ULEZ expansion, showing commitment to addressing air pollution and its harmful effects.

Facing the Future: The Staggering Economic Toll of Climate Change

0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Economics Inequality Global Warming Environmental Policy
  1. Climate change will likely cause a huge drop in global income, around 19% in the next 25 years. That's a lot of money we're talking about, around $38 trillion each year by 2049.
  2. Developing countries will suffer the most from climate change, facing income losses that could be 61% worse than those in richer nations. It's unfair that those who did the least to cause the problem will feel the biggest impact.
  3. We need to act fast and cut down on carbon emissions. The costs of not doing anything will be higher than what we need to spend to prevent warming.

Nils Ekholm – The Influence of Man on Climate

0 implied HN points • 18 May 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental History Meteorology Human Impact
  1. Nils Ekholm was a key figure in early meteorological studies and participated in important Arctic research, showing that countries could work together on big scientific projects.
  2. He warned about human activities affecting the climate, especially through the burning of fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
  3. Ekholm's work on climate change was initially overlooked but highlighted that increased carbon dioxide could lead to a rise in Earth's temperatures.

The Santa Barbara Oil Spill: A Turning Point for Environmentalism

0 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Spills Environmental Policy Historical Events Marine life Public awareness
  1. The Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 was a huge disaster, spilling millions of gallons of oil and harming many animals and the environment.
  2. This incident raised public awareness about environmental issues, leading to stronger regulations and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  3. The spill marked a significant change in how the U.S. viewed oil drilling and environmental protection, influencing policies for years to come.

The Origins of Climate Change

0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental History Climate models
  1. Svante Arrhenius was an early scientist who studied how carbon dioxide affects our planet's temperature. He created a model that helped people understand the connection between CO2 and climate change.
  2. He predicted that doubling the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could raise temperatures by around 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. This was a significant insight into how human activities like burning fossil fuels impact the climate.
  3. Although his ideas faced skepticism at first, Arrhenius believed in the potential for better climates due to increased carbon dioxide. He hoped this would lead to more abundant crops and improved conditions for people.

The Warmest Day ... The Warmest Month ... The Warmest Year ...

0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Nuclear Energy Sustainability
  1. July 2024 has seen the highest daily global temperature ever recorded, reaching 17.15°C, which signals a worrying trend of rising temperatures.
  2. June 2024 also broke records, becoming the warmest June in history and making it 13 consecutive months of record high temperatures.
  3. Predictions suggest that by 2070, many cities currently in temperate zones will face harsher climates, showing how climate change could drastically alter our living conditions.

The Warming Arctic

0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Weather Patterns
  1. The Arctic is warming quickly, which affects global weather patterns and can lead to more extreme weather events, like heatwaves and heavy rains.
  2. As Arctic ice melts, it raises sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities around the world, including in the UK.
  3. The loss of Arctic ice disrupts ocean currents and can harm wildlife, forcing animals to seek refuge in human areas, which leads to challenges for both wildlife and people.

Headlines from a Warming World No 14

0 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Sustainability Natural Disasters
  1. 2023 was the hottest year recorded, with significant temperature increases above pre-industrial levels. This is a worrying trend for climate change and its effects on the planet.
  2. Central Brazil is experiencing an unprecedented drought, severely impacting agriculture and water supplies. This situation highlights the challenges many regions face due to climate change.
  3. A landmark lawsuit in South Korea challenges the government's climate policies, representing a broader concern about climate action in East Asia. The outcome could influence future legal actions about climate responsibility in the region.

Week's assorted articles

0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Geology History Digital Preservation Cultural heritage
  1. Women have historically hunted in many societies, which challenges the old idea that only men were hunters. This shows that gender roles in ancient communities were likely more flexible than previously thought.
  2. Researchers are studying a lake in Toronto to mark the impact of humans on the Earth, potentially defining a new geological age called the Anthropocene. The layers in the lake tell a story of human activities throughout the years.
  3. Due to rising sea levels, Tuvalu is working on creating a digital version of itself to preserve its culture and history. This could make it the first fully digitized nation in the metaverse.

The discovery of a hole in the sky (Part:1)

0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Climate Impact
  1. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used in products like refrigerators and aerosol sprays, were harming the ozone layer. This was a big deal because the ozone layer protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays.
  2. Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland conducted research that showed CFCs release chlorine in the atmosphere, which leads to ozone depletion. Their findings highlighted a serious global environmental issue, causing them to call for a ban on these substances.
  3. Despite initial resistance from the chemical industry, the government eventually took action against CFCs, leading to policies that phased them out. This response helped protect the ozone layer and was an important step in environmental policy.

Thinking about football, and FIFA in particular.

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Climate action Environmental Impact Corruption Sports Management
  1. FIFA has changed its bidding rules for the 2034 World Cup, making it easier for Saudi Arabia to be the only bidder. This shows FIFA's power and influence in the football world.
  2. The climate impact of hosting major events like the World Cup is significant, especially from fan travel and necessary infrastructure. FIFA's past claims of hosting carbon-neutral events have raised doubts.
  3. There's a call for fans and activists to push FIFA for better sustainability practices. Engaging in discussions and raising awareness is crucial to influence these sports bodies.

(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About the COP28 Climate Meeting

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy International Agreements Sustainability Environmental History Climate Science
  1. COP meetings are important for global climate action. They started in the 1990s and have aimed to create agreements to tackle climate change together.
  2. The 2015 Paris Agreement was a key milestone but many believe the goals set by countries are still not strong enough to combat rising temperatures.
  3. As COP28 approaches, there are concerns about the influence of fossil fuel interests on climate policies, which could hinder real action against climate change.

A Photo from Space: A Captivating View of Our Fragile Planet

0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Space Exploration Environmental Science Climate Policy Sustainability
  1. The first photo of Earth from space was taken in 1946 by a camera on a V-2 missile. It's interesting to think how early we started capturing our planet from above.
  2. The Apollo 8 mission led to iconic images like 'Earthrise' which changed how people viewed our planet. This photo made many realize how fragile and small Earth really is.
  3. Before the space age, people saw their environment as just their immediate surroundings. The photos from space helped expand our view to the entire planet and increased awareness about caring for it.

"From an altitude high in the clear stratosphere, will come pictures of storms raging far if not near"

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Meteorology Literature Fiction
  1. In the late 19th century, Edward Everett Hale imagined a space station called the Brick Moon, highlighting early thoughts about satellites and space travel. It was pretty amazing that someone back then dreamed about humans living in space!
  2. Throughout the 20th century, scientists like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and Hermann Oberth made important strides in rocketry, paving the way for modern space exploration. Their ideas helped turn the dream of traveling to other planets into reality.
  3. In the 1950s, meteorologists began to recognize the potential of weather satellites to improve forecasts and observe storms. This technology eventually helped scientists predict complex weather patterns and better understand the atmosphere.

Never underestimate the power of a woman

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmentalism Sustainability Pollution Science Public Health Activism
  1. Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' made people really think about how human actions hurt the environment. It taught us that our health is connected to the planet's health.
  2. Carson faced strong pushback from chemical companies when she raised concerns about pesticides like DDT harming wildlife and humans. They tried to discredit her, but her message was important.
  3. Her work played a big role in starting the environmental movement, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the ban on DDT.

Climate Action Report 2023: A Sobering Reality Check on Global Warming

0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Carbon Emissions Renewable Energy Transportation Food Systems Climate justice
  1. The world is not making enough progress in reducing carbon emissions. Almost all indicators for climate action are falling behind, with only electric vehicle sales on track.
  2. We need to dramatically speed up our efforts in renewable energy, public transportation, and food production to combat climate change effectively. This includes phasing out coal and improving how we grow and consume food.
  3. It's important to make sure that climate action is fair for everyone. When making changes, we should listen to those affected and ensure that the benefits and costs are shared justly.

Leading by Example: SC Johnson's Pioneering step in Corporate Environmental Responsibility

0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Corporate Responsibility Green Technology Climate change
  1. SC Johnson was the first company to stop using harmful CFCs in their products, showing how businesses can lead in protecting the environment.
  2. The decision to remove CFCs not only helped the environment but also saved the company money by using cheaper alternatives.
  3. Other industries, like oil and gas, can follow SC Johnson's example by taking proactive steps to reduce pollution and invest in cleaner technologies.

Ignore climate change at your peril

0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Sustainability Renewable Energy Environmental Policy
  1. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures significantly rising. This shows us that climate change is a serious issue and needs immediate attention.
  2. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are major causes of global warming. We need to cut our greenhouse gas emissions and invest in renewable energy to help combat this problem.
  3. Everyone can contribute to fighting climate change, even through small actions. Making sustainable choices in our daily lives and holding leaders accountable are important steps we can all take.

Spying in the Stratosphere

0 implied HN points • 03 May 23
💾 History Cold War Aerospace Environmental Science Intelligence
  1. The Lockheed U-2 plane was used for spying during the Cold War and could fly very high, making it unique for its time. Pilots had to deal with tough conditions and were at risk if they didn't manage their speed correctly.
  2. Besides spying, the U-2 gathered important scientific data, including radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. This helped scientists understand air circulation and its effects on the environment.
  3. The development of the U-2 also led to advancements in satellite technology. Scientists realized that satellites could collect crucial data about the earth's atmosphere and weather patterns, paving the way for modern weather satellites.

July 16, 1945, 5.29 a.m.

0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
💾 History Nuclear policy Cold War Geopolitics Health Impact
  1. The Trinity Test on July 16, 1945, marked the beginning of the atomic age, significantly affecting global politics and raising serious ethical questions about atomic weapons.
  2. Residents living near the test site suffered from radiation sickness and increased infant mortality rates, as they were not warned about the dangers of the fallout.
  3. The fear of nuclear war persists today, with concerns about nuclear winter and the responsibility to push for the abolition of nuclear weapons to ensure global safety.

Mission to Planet Earth: NASA's Ambitious Plan to Study Our Home from Space

0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Space Exploration Climate Science
  1. NASA started the Earth Observing System in the late 1980s to study our planet's environment from space. This ambitious project aims to gather data on climate change and other global changes.
  2. George H.W. Bush's administration emphasized environmental issues and initiated significant space programs, but some of his team questioned the focus on big projects instead of immediate climate actions.
  3. Scientists like James Hansen argued for quicker solutions to climate change problems, suggesting smaller, faster satellites to gather essential data without waiting for larger projects to complete.

The Dark Side of the Fashion Industry

0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Sustainability Labor Rights Consumerism Environmental Impact
  1. Fast fashion creates a lot of waste and pollution. It produces billions of clothing items each year, with most ending up in landfills or polluting the ocean.
  2. The fashion industry uses a huge amount of water and chemicals, harming both people and ecosystems. Growing cotton and dyeing fabrics often uses toxic materials that contaminate water sources.
  3. Many workers in the fast fashion industry face exploitation, including low pay and unsafe working conditions. The industry often relies on the labor of vulnerable populations, leading to serious human rights violations.

John Tyndall: An Insatiable Thirst For Knowledge

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 22
🔬 Science History Physics Environment Education Research
  1. John Tyndall is known for his work on the greenhouse effect, explaining how gases in the atmosphere trap heat and make Earth livable.
  2. His early education came from a Catholic teacher, John Conwill, which greatly influenced Tyndall despite his family's Protestant background.
  3. Tyndall was dedicated to learning, attending lectures and pursuing a Ph.D. in natural sciences, which led him to significant discoveries in physics and chemistry.

Pioneering NASA's Earthly Applications

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Meteorology Technology advancements Environmental Science
  1. NASA launched its first successful weather satellite, TIROS-I, in 1960. This satellite changed how we observed and studied weather patterns from space.
  2. Some leaders at NASA, like William Pickering, wanted to use technology for more than just space exploration. They believed that using satellites could benefit everyday life, like improving weather forecasts and communication.
  3. As the Cold War intensified, the U.S. saw space exploration as a matter of national pride. The massive Apollo program aimed to land a man on the moon and showed the importance of science and engineering for the country's reputation.

A Conversation with a Climate Denier

0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Political Response Misinformation
  1. Climate deniers are more common than many people think. They come from different backgrounds and are influenced by a variety of factors.
  2. Countries that depend heavily on fossil fuels, like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, often downplay climate change. For them, denial isn't just ignorance, it's about protecting their economies.
  3. The rise of social media has made it easier for misinformation about climate change to spread. This creates new challenges for understanding and addressing climate denial.

Headlines from a Warming World

0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Legal action Public awareness Wildlife Conservation
  1. Summer 2023 was the hottest on record, driven by human activities and natural events. This extreme heat led to wildfires and severe weather around the world.
  2. Young activists are using legal actions to push for stronger climate policies, claiming that governments are failing to protect their rights. These cases are gaining traction and could lead to more accountability.
  3. One person can make a difference! Greta Thunberg's activism inspired many people in Switzerland to make greener choices. Her efforts highlight that individual actions can impact the conversation about climate change.

The Hellish Reality of Venus

0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Atmospheric science Planetary Science Environmental Impact Space Exploration
  1. Venus has a very thick atmosphere mostly made of carbon dioxide, which traps heat and creates extreme temperatures of about 464°C. This causes a runaway greenhouse effect, making Venus one of the hottest places in our solar system.
  2. In the past, Venus might have had liquid water and a more Earth-like climate. But intense heating from the Sun caused water to evaporate, leading to the loss of its oceans and transforming it into a dry, barren planet.
  3. Earth is not immune to similar environmental issues. If we keep increasing greenhouse gas emissions, we could face severe climate changes in the future, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect our planet.

California Against the Sea

0 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental justice Sea Level Rise
  1. California's coastline is facing serious threats from rising sea levels and climate change. The impact of these changes affects not just the environment but also the people and communities that live there.
  2. Urban development along the coast has destroyed natural habitats. Protecting properties with barriers like sea walls can lead to more erosion and disrupt marine life, highlighting the need for better coastal management.
  3. Indigenous communities have valuable knowledge about sustainable coastal practices. Their involvement is crucial in developing solutions to environmental challenges caused by rising sea levels.

"But the Island I love, and I wish I were not seeing it in one of the seasons of hell."

0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Impact Extreme Weather
  1. Greece has been facing extremely high temperatures, reaching 44.5ºC in June 2024. This heat has caused several fatalities, including tourists who couldn't cope with the conditions.
  2. The heatwaves are getting more severe and last longer now. In July, Greece had 16 days where temperatures stayed above 37°C, even during the night.
  3. Research shows that these heatwaves are a result of climate change, and they hurt poorer countries more. As global warming continues, the impacts of heatwaves will get worse for everyone.

A Hole in the Sky (Part 2)

0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Global Cooperation Atmospheric science Sustainable Practices
  1. Paul Crutzen's research showed how man-made chemicals like CFCs harm the ozone layer. His work helped us understand the direct link between our activities and environmental damage.
  2. The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica led to global cooperation. Countries came together to create treaties like the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances that harm the ozone.
  3. Public awareness and strong environmental policies from leaders like Nixon and Carter played a key role in ozone protection. These actions set important regulations to help preserve our planet's atmosphere.

Headlines from a Warming World no.4

0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Renewable Energy
  1. September 2023 was one of the hottest months ever recorded, with many countries in Europe experiencing temperatures significantly above normal. This highlights the urgent effects of climate change.
  2. The UK government is pushing back its plans for cleaner energy, which some see as a major setback. This includes delays in banning petrol cars and new licenses for oil and gas extraction.
  3. A recent study found that most carbon offset schemes are ineffective, meaning they don't really help reduce greenhouse gases. This raises concerns about relying on such projects to combat climate change.

This is the future that we saw coming but chose not to stop.

0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Urban planning Sustainability
  1. Hurricanes are getting stronger. Scientists suggest adding a new category to the hurricane scale to better warn people about this risk.
  2. Wildfires in places like Chile are getting worse, resulting in loss of life and homes. Climate change is making these fires bigger and more dangerous.
  3. Cities are taking steps to reduce pollution, like Paris tripling parking costs for SUVs. This shows a trend towards less car use and encourages greener transportation.