The hottest Biodiversity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

The Iron and the Forest

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Technology has advanced a lot, but we've often forgotten to work together with nature. It's important to design our systems in a way that respects the environment.
  2. Nature has its own ways of solving problems that we can learn from. For example, forests help each other thrive without competition, and we should do the same in our communities.
  3. Real progress should focus on long-term health for both people and the planet. Instead of quick fixes, we need solutions that take care of the environment and ensure a better future.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

Nature doesn't need rights

storyvoyager • 11 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Nature doesn’t need rights; instead, we need to change how we view our connection to it. We should stop trying to dominate it and start working with it.
  2. Our focus on accumulating wealth is harming the planet. We need to shift our mindset towards nurturing nature instead of consuming it.
  3. Real change can happen if we take inspiration from communities that are in touch with nature. When we listen to those who are connected to the land, we can rebuild ecosystems and create a better future.

We need a new ecology of thought

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. We are deeply connected to nature and must remember this bond to protect our planet. Understanding where we come from can help us appreciate and take care of our environment.
  2. Modern society often sees itself as separate from nature, which contributes to environmental harm. We need to change how we view our relationship with the Earth to make better choices.
  3. Every action we take affects the planet in some way. We must respect resources and think more about how our daily lives impact the natural world.
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Little Red Fish of Lake Sammamish

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Kokanee salmon, also known as little red fish, have returned to Lake Sammamish after facing serious population declines. It's exciting to see them swimming up streams where they have been going for thousands of years.
  2. Their comeback is thanks to local efforts to restore their habitat and educate the community. People have worked hard on projects like removing barriers for fish passage and building small hatcheries.
  3. A recent discovery shows that there may still be native kokanee salmon in Lake Washington, which scientists thought were gone. This opens up new possibilities for their conservation and health.

Of Leaves and Drains

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Autumn brings beautiful colors, which show the changing leaves and a hidden world of nests. It’s like nature’s surprise when the trees lose their leaves.
  2. Leaf blowers are noisy and create confusion about where to put leaves. Instead, using a rake is a better way to clean up and be nice to neighbors.
  3. You can help keep drains clean by adopting a drain in your area. It's a fun way to reduce litter and can even be a community project.

Potentially Attractive Amenity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Nature quickly takes back space when humans leave, as seen in a Seattle block filled with trees and shrubs after a building was demolished. It shows how resilient nature can be.
  2. Instead of building more structures, letting nature thrive in urban areas could create beneficial environments for both plants and animals. Less management of these spaces could lead to more biodiversity.
  3. Urban green spaces should allow nature to grow and decompose naturally. Places that embrace the natural cycle can improve the quality of life for all city residents.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

Terror of the Docks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🔬 Science Biodiversity
  1. Teredo clams, often called shipworms, are actually bivalve clams that eat wood. They can cause significant damage to wooden structures, like piers, making them a big problem for dock builders.
  2. These clams have been around for thousands of years, munching through wood in many parts of the world. Their destructive nature has been noted by writers and maritime workers throughout history.
  3. Modern efforts to control shipworm damage include using less wood in construction. Despite past challenges, these clams are still here and likely will be part of our marine ecosystem for a long time.

I want it to matter, but it doesn’t

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 30 Jun 25
💰 Finance Biodiversity
  1. Biodiversity issues in investing are gaining attention, but they still don't seem to affect stock prices much. Even with better data, the connection remains unclear.
  2. A recent study in China tried to measure how awareness of biodiversity risks impacts stock trading. The results showed that stocks related to biodiversity had similar performance, with minimal difference.
  3. Overall, the research suggests that focusing on biodiversity risks might not lead to better investment returns, making it hard to justify their importance in decision-making.

🌳 Ecosia

Good Business, Better World • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with over 168 million trees planted so far.
  2. Ecosia generates revenue through ads to fund tree planting and operates based on an impact model where clicks on ads support planting trees.
  3. Founder Christian Kroll started Ecosia after failed attempts at other internet ventures and the company focuses on environmental features in search results to promote climate-conscious decisions.

WTF is Bioregionalism (and why AI?)

Crypto Good • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Bioregionalism treats natural features like mountains, rivers, and watersheds as real place boundaries, helping people feel rooted and responsible for their local ecosystem.
  2. Smartphones plus AI tools (photo ID and chat models like Gemini, Grok, and Suno) become portable field guides and creative studios that can identify species and generate images, music, and stories on the spot.
  3. Everyday people can use simple mobile AI workflows to learn local flora and fauna, celebrate their place, and take practical action to protect and regenerate their bioregion.

Why it sucks to be an alien

It Could Be Different • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biodiversity
  1. Aliens visiting Earth could be like alien grad students researching and dealing with unexpected challenges caused by humans.
  2. Humans may unknowingly impact alien researchers, like accelerating their technological advancements and environmental destruction.
  3. Alien observer Marvin learns about Earth's complexities, challenges with interacting with humans, and unintended consequences of their presence.

From Noosphere to the Technosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Earth used to be seen as unchanging, but scientists like James Hutton showed that it is always evolving, leading to our modern understanding of geology.
  2. Vladimir Vernadsky introduced the idea of the noosphere, which connects human thought and technology, suggesting we can work together to tackle global problems like climate change.
  3. The technosphere, created by humans, is shaping our planet and needs to be managed better, especially because it struggles with recycling waste and relies heavily on energy.

Mangroves Over Carbon Capture Technologies:

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Mangroves are amazing at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, doing a better job than many technical solutions like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). They absorb millions of tons of carbon each year, which is like taking millions of cars off the road.
  2. While CCS tries to use technology to solve carbon emissions issues, it can be very costly and often doesn't deliver on promises. It's complex and needs a lot of energy, which can sometimes create more pollution instead of reducing it.
  3. Protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems is a natural and effective approach to combat climate change. They not only help store carbon but also support wildlife and protect coastal communities from storms and erosion.

The Arctic and its Resources

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  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.

The Warming Arctic

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  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.

2023 Marks Record Sea Surface Temperatures

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  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.

Headlines from a Warming World no.8

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

The Invisible Killer

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

From Birdsong to Silence

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  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.

#6: Stacking the deck

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 19
🍲 Food & Drink Biodiversity
  1. Low-intervention wine means less control in the winemaking process. Winemakers focus on letting nature take its course rather than forcing a specific outcome.
  2. High-intervention wine requires a lot of control and predictability. This method uses various techniques to ensure the wine meets exact expectations.
  3. Thinking differently about control can help in many areas of life. Embracing uncertainty and letting things develop naturally can lead to better and more surprising outcomes.

The New Normal: How Invasive Species are Redefining Ecosystems in a Warming World

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Invasive species, like blue crabs and octopuses, are spreading to new areas because of climate change and human activities. This can really disrupt local ecosystems and harm native species.
  2. The Mediterranean Sea is warming much faster than the rest of the world, which affects how marine species move and survive. This warming is creating a situation where more species become invasive.
  3. If we want to fix this issue, we need to restore natural habitats and reduce fossil fuel use. It's crucial to keep an eye on invasive species before they cause more damage.

The Business of De-Extinction: Can it Save Species or Will it Fail?

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🔬 Science Biodiversity
  1. De-extinction is a hot topic and some companies are getting a lot of money for it, like Colossal Biosciences, which is valued at over ten billion dollars. This shows that there is interest in trying to save endangered species.
  2. Every year, many species are going extinct, with estimates saying between 10,000 and 100,000 species each year. This mass extinction has huge impacts on our economy and environment.
  3. While de-extinction is an exciting idea, stopping climate change and reducing fossil fuel use is a more effective way to save the most species and the planet overall.

Drowning in Disaster: The Rising Tide of Flash Floods

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Flash floods are becoming more frequent and deadly worldwide, causing large loss of life, displacement, and big economic damage.
  2. Climate change is a major driver because warmer air holds more moisture and changes rainfall patterns, and fires and land loss make runoff and flooding worse.
  3. Future projections show more intense short-duration rains and greater flood risk for people and ecosystems, so cutting greenhouse gas emissions is essential to lower that risk.

Garbage Without Borders: The Global Scandal of Trash Pollution

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity
  1. Trash now reaches the planet's remotest places — from the deep sea and isolated islands to Mount Everest — showing pollution is truly global.
  2. Humanity produces huge amounts of plastic, fishing gear, e-waste, and municipal waste that are mostly unrecycled, creating massive garbage patches and harming wildlife.
  3. Waste also drives climate pollution through plastics and landfill methane and is expected to grow if unchecked. Solving the problem needs individual action, better policies, global cooperation, and industry innovation.