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

Exploring the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator

0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Technology impact Public awareness
  1. The En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator helps people understand climate change and how different actions can impact the future. It's like a fun game where you can see what happens when you change policies around energy, land use, and more.
  2. If we keep doing things the way we are now, temperatures could rise by 3.3°C by 2100. This could make many areas unlivable because of extreme heat, drought, and food shortages.
  3. You can interact with the simulator to see what happens if we choose different paths, like using more renewable energy or planting trees. This is a great tool for learning about climate solutions and making better choices.

A Climate of Cooperation

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Geopolitics International cooperation Sustainability
  1. In the 1970s, scientists began to understand that human activities were a major cause of climate change. They saw rising carbon dioxide levels and pushed for international collaboration to study and address environmental issues.
  2. During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union signed the Environmental Bilateral agreement to protect the environment. This showed that even rival nations could cooperate on important global challenges like climate change.
  3. Today, the US and China face similar tensions but are still trying to work together on climate issues. Their partnership is crucial since they are the world's largest carbon emitters, and addressing climate change requires joint efforts.

The Arctic and its Resources

0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Resource Management Sustainable Development Climate change Biodiversity Geopolitical Issues
  1. The Arctic is warming much faster than other parts of the world, leading to the loss of sea ice, which can cause more global warming and rising sea levels.
  2. Despite the Arctic being rich in resources like oil, gas, and minerals, the environmental risks from extracting these resources are significant, affecting both the ecosystem and local communities.
  3. As new shipping routes open up due to melting ice, there's potential for economic growth, but this must be balanced with the need to protect the fragile Arctic environment and support indigenous populations.

February 2024 on course to Break Temperature Records

0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. February 2024 is likely to break temperature records due to rising global temperatures. Both human activity and natural patterns like El Niño are causing these increases.
  2. The interaction of different climate factors makes it hard to predict exact outcomes, but the data shows a clear trend of warming. Even without El Niño and other influences, global temperatures are still rising.
  3. Experts are analyzing climate data to understand these changes better. The findings highlight a concerning reality for our planet's future.

Climate Change's Next Victim? The Stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Ecosystems Weather Patterns Agriculture
  1. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is important for ocean currents, and it may collapse due to melting ice and more rain. This could greatly impact the global climate.
  2. If AMOC weakens, northern Europe might get colder, and some places could see worse droughts and heatwaves. This could also hit agriculture and force people to move.
  3. There is a new warning system to track AMOC's health using climate models. It's important to understand these changes to avoid serious consequences.
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Seabed vs. Greed

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Corporate Responsibility
  1. Seabed mining can harm delicate marine ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. This impacts the health of ocean life and disrupts local fishing communities.
  2. Local fishermen in Mexico opposed a mining project because it threatened their livelihoods and marine life. The Mexican government rejected the mining permit, considering environmental risks.
  3. Odyssey Marine Exploration sued Mexico after the permit was denied, claiming it violated their rights. This case highlights the struggle between corporate interests and environmental protection.

2023 Marks Record Sea Surface Temperatures

0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Oceanography Weather Patterns Biodiversity Environmental Science
  1. In 2023, sea surface temperatures reached a record high, which means our oceans are getting hotter. This is important because the ocean helps regulate the Earth's climate.
  2. As ocean temperatures rise, they disrupt weather patterns, leading to extreme events like heavy rain and strong winds. This change can harm both people and nature.
  3. Global temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate, risking serious environmental consequences. We're close to surpassing a critical temperature threshold that could lead to severe climate problems.

George H.W. Bush: “The Environmental President”

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental History Sustainability Natural resources Global Warming
  1. George H.W. Bush focused on environmental issues during his presidency, aiming to be known as 'the environmental president.' He made promises to tackle climate change and set up new initiatives.
  2. Under Bush's leadership, important laws like the Clean Air Act Amendments were passed, reducing harmful emissions and addressing air pollution from power plants.
  3. Bush also played a key role in international efforts against climate change, supporting agreements like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to unite countries in combating global warming.

Hello 2024

0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Natural resources Public awareness
  1. Talking about climate change is really important. It's key to help people understand how it affects our lives and the earth.
  2. 2023 was a record warm year, but we should see it as a warning for the future. The next years might be even hotter.
  3. As we move into 2024, we need to act fast to address climate issues. It's a crucial time for making changes that matter.

The Petrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire

0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Wildfires Fossil fuels Environmental Policy Natural Disasters
  1. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This is a big problem that puts both nature and people in danger.
  2. The fossil fuel industry contributes to global warming, which makes wildfires worse. By extracting fossil fuels, we are harming our environment and increasing fire risks.
  3. To help the planet, we should leave fossil fuels in the ground and consider using renewable energy. Everyone needs to think about what they can do to make a positive change.

COP28: Half-measures and loopholes for fossil fuels bear the mark of the oil industry's victory

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental justice
  1. The COP28 agreement has some promises for renewable energy, but experts think it won't be enough to meet climate goals. Countries need to do much more to limit global warming.
  2. Oil-producing countries influenced the COP28 talks, which led to weaker measures for cutting fossil fuel use. This might let them keep profiting from oil for longer.
  3. For a better future, we need to focus on developing renewable energy and raising awareness about climate change. Everyone should feel responsible for protecting the planet for future generations.

Breaking News from the COP28 Climate Talks

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Global Warming Environmental Activism Fossil fuels Sustainable Development
  1. A record number of fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP28, raising concerns about their influence on climate decisions. This year's summit has nearly four times more lobbyists than last year.
  2. Colombia and Samoa recently joined the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, showing a commitment to reduce fossil fuel dependency. These nations are taking steps toward managing a fair transition to renewable energy.
  3. Several oil and gas companies have made a pledge to cut methane emissions by 2030, but it's non-binding. This means they aren’t legally required to follow through, which makes it hard to trust their promises.

Headlines from a Warming World no.11

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Policy Legislation Ecosystems Global Warming
  1. COP28 is coming up, where leaders will discuss how to address climate change issues. There are concerns over the conference president's ties to the fossil fuel industry, which could affect the talks' impartiality.
  2. The European Union has passed a law to cut methane emissions from fossil fuels, marking a significant step in addressing climate change. This law aims to hold companies accountable and reduces reliance on Russian gas.
  3. Sweden will host a citizen assembly to gather public ideas on climate policies. This approach shows that involving everyday people in discussions can lead to effective solutions for climate challenges.

The Unseen Consequences of Climate Change

0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Mental health Sustainable Practices
  1. Many young people worry a lot about climate change, which can lead to what's called eco-anxiety. This stress comes from thinking about problems like global warming and extinction.
  2. Eco-anxiety affects people's mental health and can cause feelings of hopelessness and despair. It can also disrupt daily life and create physical symptoms like sleeplessness and irritability.
  3. Taking action, like learning about climate change and adopting sustainable habits, can help ease eco-anxiety. Individual efforts and community involvement are important in fighting climate change together.

Breaking all the Wrong Records

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Carbon Emissions Sustainability
  1. For the first time, the global temperature was recorded over 2°C higher than pre-industrial levels on November 17 and 18, 2023. This is a big deal and shows how serious climate change is getting.
  2. 2023 is expected to be the hottest year ever, with serious weather issues like droughts and wildfires. To keep warming below 1.5°C, we need to sharply reduce carbon emissions, but current trends show we're heading in the wrong direction.
  3. At the upcoming COP28 conference, it's concerning that the president is from an oil company with plans that go against the goal of reducing fossil fuel use. This raises questions about the commitment to truly tackle climate change.

Headlines from a Warming World, no.10

0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy transition Global Warming Sustainable Development
  1. The US and China have gotten together to cut emissions and expand renewable energy. They want to work on reducing methane emissions too, which is a big step for China.
  2. Recently, the world experienced its hottest 12-month period ever. Many people faced extreme heat waves that were made worse by climate change.
  3. The EU is making progress in its climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing renewable energy usage, especially after the energy disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.

Headlines from a Warming World no.9

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Disaster Management Sustainable energy
  1. Fossil fuel producers are planning to increase production, which goes against promises to limit global warming. This could lead to massive carbon emissions that make it harder to meet climate goals.
  2. Hurricane Otis caused severe destruction in Acapulco, affecting infrastructure and leaving many without basic necessities. This shows that we need better disaster management and preparedness for extreme weather.
  3. Coral reefs are declining rapidly, but efforts are underway to restore them through innovative projects. Healthy reefs are crucial for marine life and help protect coastlines, so these restoration efforts are really important.

Rishi Sunak's Shift on Climate Leaves UK's Climate Policy in the Shadows

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy transition Sustainable Practices Environmental Impact
  1. Rishi Sunak has changed the UK's climate policies, aiming to increase oil production and delay green requirements. This is seen as a big step back for climate action.
  2. The UK has strong laws in place to reduce greenhouse gases by 2050, but Sunak's decisions threaten to undermine these efforts and hinder progress in reducing emissions from homes.
  3. Global investment in clean energy is rapidly growing, but the UK risks falling behind other countries that are making stronger commitments to green energy and climate action.

Headlines from a Warming World no.8

0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Energy transition Biodiversity
  1. The world's carbon budget is running out fast. If we keep polluting at the same rate, we might use up our chance to limit warming to 1.5°C in just six years.
  2. Nepal's glaciers are melting rapidly, losing nearly one-third of their ice in thirty years. This affects water supplies for millions and threatens the region's climate and agriculture.
  3. Shell is cutting jobs in its low-carbon division and focusing more on oil and gas, which goes against the goal of reducing global heating. This indicates a significant shift in priorities away from clean energy.

"Unfortunately, time is up.”

0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. Climate change is happening fast and causing severe problems. We've seen many climate records broken this year, which worries scientists.
  2. By the end of this century, many people might struggle to live due to extreme heat and lack of food. This could affect a significant part of the world's population.
  3. We can't just wait for new technologies to fix climate change. It's essential to take immediate action now instead of relying on uncertain future solutions.

Heat Waves, Floods, Storms, and the Significance of Attribution Science

0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Extreme Weather Climate change Disaster Management Environmental Policy
  1. Attribution science helps us understand how much human-caused climate change affects specific extreme weather events. This research can guide us in creating better climate policies and protections.
  2. Major weather disasters like Hurricane Harvey and recent storms in Spain show the link between extreme weather and climate change. These events align with predictions made by climate models.
  3. There's a growing need for accountability in climate issues, and attribution science can help identify who is responsible for climate-related damages, potentially leading to legal action against major polluters.

Headlines from a Warming World no 6

0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. Extreme wet heat is becoming a real problem in many parts of the world. It could make life very difficult, especially for food and water security.
  2. South America is experiencing unusual heat linked to climate change, making such high temperatures much more likely. This trend will likely worsen as global temperatures rise.
  3. Drought is severely affecting the Amazon, threatening its ecosystems and the people living there. Urgent climate action is needed to address these extreme weather impacts.

Headlines from a Warming World no 5

0 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Extreme Weather Climate Policy
  1. September 2023 was the warmest September ever recorded, with temperatures significantly higher than previous years. This shows that global warming is becoming a bigger issue.
  2. Extreme weather events are costing the world an estimated $143 billion each year, mostly due to loss of life. The impacts of climate change are leading to more frequent and severe weather events.
  3. Brazil's Amazon is facing severe drought, impacting both people and wildlife. The rising temperatures are causing concerns about the future of this critical ecosystem.

Easing Climate Anxiety: The Power of Positive Action

0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate action Sustainability Mental health
  1. Many people are feeling anxious about climate change, and it's important to talk about it. Sharing feelings with friends or a professional can help ease the stress.
  2. Even small actions can make a difference and help reduce eco-anxiety. Finding ways to get involved can lead to a more positive mindset.
  3. There is hope for preventing the worst effects of climate change. Staying positive and proactive is key to overcoming feelings of despair.

Headlines from a Warming World no.3

0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Global Warming
  1. Fossil fuel companies should be left out of climate discussions because they often mislead the public and harm climate action. This change is supported by growing legal actions against these companies.
  2. The Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels are at record lows, which highlights serious climate change problems. Less ice means more ocean exposure to sunlight, leading to more warming and further ice loss.
  3. The Gulf Stream has weakened significantly over the past 40 years, which affects climate and weather patterns. This change provides clear evidence of how human activities are impacting ocean currents and global climate.

Headlines from a warming world

0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Environmental Policy Ecosystems Sustainability
  1. Oceans are warming fast, with the past two months being the hottest on record. This warming is ongoing and affects the climate globally.
  2. Recent storms, like Storm Daniel, show how severe climate events are increasing in both frequency and intensity, causing devastating impacts in places like Greece and Libya.
  3. Six out of nine planetary boundaries have been crossed, meaning humans are affecting the Earth's systems in dangerous ways. This calls for serious action to protect our planet.

"The climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis.”

0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Fossil fuels Sustainability Environmental Policy Activism
  1. Burning fossil fuels is the main cause of climate change, and we urgently need to switch to clean energy sources.
  2. Al Gore has been a long-time advocate for climate change awareness, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
  3. Young people are stepping up and demanding action on climate issues, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference.

Kenya hosts first-ever Africa Climate Summit.

0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Data Collection
  1. The Africa Climate Summit in Kenya is a big event with over 13,000 delegates, focusing on Africa working together to tackle climate change on their own terms.
  2. Companies like Kakuma Ventures and M-KOPA Solar are showcasing how they're improving lives through renewable energy, helping communities access clean power and digital services.
  3. The summit aims to fix Africa's lack of weather data, which is crucial for agriculture and disaster readiness, so countries can make better decisions related to climate challenges.

The Invisible Killer

0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Health Effects Food security Biodiversity
  1. Heat is a serious issue right now, not just in the future. It harms people and the planet, leading to health problems and environmental damage.
  2. Extreme heat affects food production by damaging crops and livestock. This can cause food shortages and increased prices, making it harder for many to access food.
  3. Rising sea levels from climate change threaten coastal areas and can force many people to leave their homes. It's crucial to reduce carbon emissions to help tackle these problems.

Oil, Gas and Concrete

0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability
  1. The UK government is still moving forward with new oil and gas licenses, even though fossil fuel use is making climate change worse. They are focused on keeping political power rather than supporting urgent climate action.
  2. Countries like Greece are experiencing serious climate issues, but they continue to approve a lot of new construction projects. This overdevelopment threatens both the environment and the economy, especially tourism.
  3. A shift towards renewable energy could create jobs and boost the economy. It's important for governments to invest in cleaner energy to help combat climate change.

Rishi Sunak's Government: Reversing Pledges, Scrapping Policies, and Abandoning Promises on Climate Change

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy change Fossil fuels Climate action Environmental Impact
  1. Rishi Sunak's government is reversing key climate pledges, affecting the UK's commitment to net zero emissions.
  2. There have been cuts to programs aimed at improving energy efficiency and support for poorer countries facing climate challenges.
  3. Sunak's focus on economic issues leaves little room for urgent climate action, causing critics to argue that he is backtracking on important environmental commitments.

Two Climate Change Stories to Read This Week

0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Greenwashing Health Effects Energy Policy Environmental Impact
  1. Greenwashing is when companies pretend to be environmentally friendly, while still harming the planet. Recently, Shell's ads were banned because they didn't show their actual impact on the environment.
  2. The EU is cracking down on misleading claims about products' environmental friendliness. Many companies have been caught giving vague or false information about how green their products really are.
  3. Extreme heat is becoming a serious health problem, especially for pregnant women and newborns. High temperatures can cause various health issues and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Crossing the Earth system boundaries

0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Environmental justice Resource Management
  1. Humans have crossed seven out of eight environmental safety boundaries, which means we are putting Earth's stability at risk. This includes issues like climate change and water contamination.
  2. Air pollution is the only boundary not yet crossed, but it's still a major concern. The findings show that we need to take serious action to protect our planet.
  3. There are two main ideas on how to address these problems: one is to create a more sustainable economy while still allowing for growth, and the other is to rethink our economy to focus less on constant growth and consumption.

From Birdsong to Silence

0 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Climate change Ecosystems Agriculture
  1. Bird populations are declining, with 48% of species in the UK seeing a drop from 2015 to 2020. This means there are fewer birds singing and chirping around us.
  2. Habitat loss, toxic pesticides, and climate change are major factors behind this decline. These issues make it harder for birds to survive and find food.
  3. Birds are important for our environment, helping with things like pest control and pollination. Losing them could lead to bigger problems in nature, so it's vital to support conservation efforts.

The Carbon Dioxide Number

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Global Warming
  1. Charles David Keeling invented a way to measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which became the foundation for understanding climate change. His work started in the 1950s and helped us see how human activities affect the Earth's climate.
  2. The Keeling Curve shows that carbon dioxide levels have been steadily rising over the years, proving that our actions contribute to climate change. This curve became a major symbol of the greenhouse effect and climate research.
  3. Scientists realized that the oceans can only absorb so much carbon dioxide, which affects global temperatures. Early researchers warned that increasing carbon emissions would lead to significant changes in our climate.

Discovering the Stratosphere

0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🔬 Science Atmosphere Meteorology Environmental Science Physics
  1. The atmosphere is crucial for life on Earth. It keeps our planet warm and protects us from harsh conditions.
  2. Léon-Philippe Teisserenc de Bort discovered the stratosphere by launching balloons to measure temperature at high altitudes. This showed that the air doesn't always get colder as you go higher.
  3. Teisserenc de Bort named the layers of the atmosphere, calling the lower part the troposphere, which holds our weather, and the upper part the stratosphere, where the temperature starts to rise due to the ozone layer.

Guy Stuart Callendar

0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
🔬 Science Climate change Meteorology Environmental Science
  1. Guy Stuart Callendar connected human-made carbon dioxide to global warming through his research. He discovered that burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
  2. During a tough time in Europe, many people turned to authoritarian leaders, which led to events like the annexation of Austria by Germany. These political changes created further instability in the region.
  3. Callendar's work emphasized the need to understand how human activities impact Earth’s climate. Though his findings were initially overlooked, they laid important groundwork for later climate science discussions.

The Years of Drought and Dust

0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Drought
  1. The Great Depression was a major economic crisis that started with a stock market crash in 1929, causing widespread unemployment and financial hardships. Many people's lives were turned upside down, and banks failed, leaving people without savings.
  2. The Dust Bowl was a severe drought that hit the Midwest in the 1930s, worsening the struggles of farmers. With crops failing and dust storms threatening their livelihoods, many families had to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.
  3. The greenhouse effect is when certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, keeping the Earth's surface warmer. This concept was introduced in studies by scientists as early as the 1930s, though it only became widely acknowledged much later.

Thomas C. Chamberlin: The Global Carbon Cycle

0 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Geology Environmental Science Historical Analysis
  1. Thomas C. Chamberlin played a key role in developing the planetesimal hypothesis, which explains how planets formed from solid particles instead of a hot gas cloud. This challenged earlier ideas about how our solar system emerged.
  2. Chamberlin was one of the first to link changes in carbon dioxide levels to climate shifts, suggesting that rising CO2 could lead to warmer temperatures and impact the Earth's ice ages.
  3. Despite his early support for the carbon dioxide theory of climate change, he later changed his mind after conflicting experiments, highlighting the evolving nature of scientific understanding.

Eunice Newton Foote: A fascinating tale of feminism and climate change

0 implied HN points • 08 Apr 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Feminism Climate Science Historical Figures
  1. Eunice Newton Foote was a pioneer in both women's rights and climate science. She showed that different amounts of carbon dioxide can affect the earth's temperature.
  2. At an important science meeting, Foote's research was read by a man because women weren't allowed to present. Her work was largely forgotten for many years.
  3. Her findings about the warming effects of gases like carbon dioxide were ahead of her time. If she had more support, she could have made an even bigger impact in science.