The hottest Climate Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

A conversation with Claude

Noahpinion • 12529 implied HN points • 22 Mar 26
🔬 Science Climate
  1. AI will rapidly accelerate materials discovery and optimization, helping find candidates for things like room‑temperature superconductors, solid‑state batteries, novel catalysts, and topological or quantum materials while autonomous labs compress the loop from design to experiment.
  2. AI is most powerful where there’s a huge combinatorial search space, good simulation data, and fast experimental feedback (for example drugs, materials, climate parameterizations, and chip design), but it struggles where data are sparse, experiments are slow, or real progress requires new conceptual frameworks; and even when discoveries happen, manufacturability, testing, and regulatory inertia often dominate commercialization timelines.
  3. Beyond simple, teachable laws, AI can uncover complex but reproducible "Cloud Laws" that humans can’t easily compress or explain, potentially transforming biology, neuroscience, and social systems; these advances may function as powerful black‑box tools rather than neat, human‑readable theories.

🚀 FP! Week In Review, Briefly #25

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 21 Mar 26
đź•ą Technology Climate
  1. AI is surging with huge investments and a shift from answering questions to taking action, including efforts to build fully automated researchers, but it also brings real risks like security concerns, harmful chatbot behavior, and deepfakes.
  2. Energy is still the core currency of civilization: disruptions to energy quickly ripple into food and economic costs, and long-term progress depends on energy multiplied by knowledge — energy times information.
  3. Investors and scientists are leaning into big technologies like nuclear fusion, commercial space stations, and quantum computing, even as other industries such as batteries and some electric-vehicle realities face tough economic and practical challenges.

Chartbook 437 Unseasonal war (2): Europe, gas & yet another February war. Aka, "oops ... we did it again!"

Chartbook • 1859 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Energy use is strongly seasonal — winter heating drains gas stocks, so a war or supply shock at the end of February hits when reserves are at their lowest.
  2. Europe entered 2026 with unusually low gas storage and still relies on Russian pipelines and global LNG markets, so disruptions like a Strait of Hormuz shutdown or halted Qatari exports can push prices up across the whole market.
  3. Doubling down on gas-fired capacity increases dependence, while rapidly expanding solar and battery storage is a smarter, now-feasible way to replace significant gas supplies.

🚀 FP! Week In Review, Briefly #22

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Climate
  1. AI appears to be hitting a real productivity inflection, driving corporate growth and huge investments, but it’s also causing outages, disruption fears, and political backlash.
  2. Enhanced geothermal — so-called hot rock — could become a major, always-on clean power source if government-funded R&D, demonstrations, and permitting reforms reduce early drilling risk.
  3. American science and tech face worrying headwinds — brain drain, the squeezing out of foreign researchers, and high-profile safety mishaps — that could blunt future progress if not addressed.

Scowls and Smiles at the State of the Union. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
đź“° News Climate
  1. Trump used an unusually long State of the Union to celebrate achievements, goad opponents, criticize a Supreme Court tariff ruling, and warn Iran as he tries to reset his second term.
  2. A powerful nor’easter dumped heavy snow on New York City and prompted emergency volunteer snow-shoveling efforts, while experts debate whether such extreme storms are driven by climate change or uncertain science.
  3. Several crises are unsettling old narratives: Epstein-related arrests are prompting a reckoning among Britain’s elite, cartel violence has shattered the expat dream in Puerto Vallarta, and U.S. military movements have raised fears of confrontation with Iran.
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Top Links 993 Coal in Asia. Tobin's race. Saudi Arabia changes course. The authoritarian threat to golf.

Chartbook • 572 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Nearly 70 percent of global coal consumption is now concentrated in China and India.
  2. The featured links focus on major geopolitical and cultural shifts, including pieces on Tobin’s race, Saudi Arabia changing course, and the authoritarian threat to golf.
  3. This is a curated digest of links, images, and recommended reading that mixes free and subscriber-only content supported by reader contributions.

On being human in a transforming world

Anima Mundi • 164 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. The middle is disappearing: mid-level jobs, institutional knowledge, and the next generation are shrinking at once, and that hollow middle is what actually keeps societies working.
  2. Shared truth and governance are weakening as political power can override science and regulatory frameworks, creating an epistemic crisis about who decides what is real and how new technologies are managed.
  3. Elites and tech are often treated as escape routes rather than solutions — capital and innovation are relocating or being absorbed into existing power structures while public capacity is cut, leaving systems more fragile.

The Texas Flash Floods

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 5849 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate
  1. The recent Texas flash floods were devastating, causing many deaths and showing that a proper warning system is needed. This kind of tragedy should never happen again.
  2. The area where the floods occurred, known as 'flash flood alley', is prone to such disasters, and similar incidents have happened before. The history of flooding in this region is long-standing.
  3. Although flood deaths have decreased over time due to better preparation and warning systems, this recent event highlights that improvements are still needed, especially for vulnerable populations like summer campers.

Reading List 1/11/25

Construction Physics • 14614 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Climate
  1. The fires in Los Angeles caused massive destruction, displacing over 100,000 people and resulting in damages estimated at more than $50 billion. This highlights the growing risks of wildfires in urban areas.
  2. Self-driving tractors are advancing with new technology, allowing them to perform various farming tasks autonomously. This could help farmers manage labor shortages more effectively.
  3. Automation is not just limited to self-driving vehicles; companies like Chick-fil-A are using robots to automate tasks like lemon squeezing, improving efficiency and making jobs easier for employees.

Pikas Hit the Trail

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🔬 Science Climate
  1. Pikas are cute animals that have traveled a long way from Asia to North America over millions of years. They didn't just hop across in one go; it took many generations to spread out.
  2. Pikas have a unique relationship with their parasites, which helps scientists understand their history better. These tiny creatures help tell the story of the pikas and how they adapted over time.
  3. Climate change is a big threat to pikas today. As their homes warm up, they may struggle to find suitable places to live, especially since they can't go any higher into the mountains.

Banning natural gas exports

Slow Boring • 4697 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. Banning natural gas exports may have complex effects on global emissions and energy use.
  2. The decision to block LNG exports seems to be made without clear analysis of its net impact on emissions.
  3. Climate advocacy should focus on sustainable decarbonization through jobs, growth, and innovation.

Bill introduced in New Hampshire State to halt geoengineering

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3970 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🔬 Science Climate
  1. Bill introduced in New Hampshire to prevent deliberate geoengineering activities like cloud seeding and stratospheric aerosol injection.
  2. Weather modification history includes declassified projects like 'Project Popeye' during the Vietnam War.
  3. There have been a large number of weather modification-related patents issued since the ban on military use in 1978.

Some changes to Sustainability by Numbers in the new year

Sustainability by numbers • 615 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate
  1. The newsletter will broaden its focus beyond environmental topics to include demographics, technology, global health, and development while keeping a data-led approach to analyze problems and solutions.
  2. The newsletter is being renamed to "By the Numbers" to reflect the wider scope, and the change will happen automatically; some subscribers may leave, but the aim is to reach a broader set of global issues.
  3. The publication will remain free and unpaid, produced in spare time to keep it enjoyable, with plans to continue publishing data-driven posts into 2026.

Bodge-up and Badger

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Climate
  1. The Abundance Agenda has been rebranded, with the podcast continuing under a new name and still available across major platforms.
  2. A village was almost cut off from civilisation for a year because of badgers, and the reason behind it is more infuriating than you'd expect.
  3. There's a hard question about reaching Net Zero when China manufactures most renewable energy technology, and experts are exploring how to reconcile decarbonisation goals with global supply‑chain realities.

Reading List for 11/23/24

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Climate
  1. Shipping disruptions can lead to huge costs, like the $89 million loss from a single incident in the Suez Canal. Overall, global shipping costs could reach around $600 million from such events.
  2. Robots that perform specific construction tasks, like roofing, are becoming more common. Companies are focusing on automating certain jobs to improve efficiency in construction projects.
  3. Fusion energy investments are rising, with over $2.5 billion put into it in 2024. Countries like China are significantly increasing their spending on fusion technology.

This Week in Canada: Be Careful What You Say About God

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Canada and Alberta struck a major federal-provincial energy deal to fast-track privately financed pipelines and build a huge carbon-capture project, aiming to make Canada an energy superpower and access Asian markets.
  2. The agreement is a grand bargain: Alberta gets pipeline access while Ottawa extracts commitments to deep emissions cuts, signaling an industrial transformation and energy transition.
  3. A proposed anti-hate bill could create legal risks for religious believers and chill speech about God, making people more cautious about what they say on matters of faith.

“The Daily” runs a greenwashing BP ad

HEATED • 2083 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
đź“° News Climate
  1. The Daily aired a greenwashing BP ad despite promising to end fossil fuel sponsorships
  2. BP broke its promise to stop corporate reputation ads by running climate credentials ad
  3. BP has a history of climate misinformation and greenwashing, benefiting from ads in outlets like The Daily

The Bible Is on Trial in Europe. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
đź“° News Climate
  1. A scholar warns Britain and parts of Europe may be sliding toward serious political breakdown, arguing the conditions for civil conflict could already be present.
  2. European courts are testing the line between hate‑speech rules and religious expression, with a high‑profile case asking whether quoting the Bible can be treated as a crime.
  3. U.S. politics and institutions are under strain from fast, controversial executive moves—military threats, pardons, immigration pauses, and court fights—fueling polarization and uncertainty.

The Texas Floods Were an Avoidable Tragedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1766 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. The recent floods in Texas caused over 90 deaths, highlighting the need for better safety measures in flood-prone areas. Many people believe this tragedy could have been prevented with proper planning and warnings.
  2. There is a call for a U.S. Disaster Review Board to help analyze and improve responses to such disasters. This board could ensure lessons are learned and that similar tragedies don't happen again.
  3. Although the U.S. has improved weather forecasts and evacuation procedures, this incident shows that more work is needed. The tragic events remind us that continuous improvement in disaster preparedness is essential.

Loose Ends

Doomberg • 10309 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Climate
  1. It's important for analysts to reflect on their past work to improve and learn from mistakes.
  2. Understanding the political landscape is crucial for predicting market trends, especially in energy markets.
  3. The strategy of imposing sanctions against Russia may be ineffective and could have negative consequences on the global financial system.

Sadiq Khan’s Techno Feudalism

The Free Mind • 1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Sadiq Khan's plans reflect a clear long-term vision, gradually changing private car ownership and lifestyle expectations.
  2. Cities like London are aiming for radical changes by 2030 to combat global warming, pushing for zero meat, dairy, and limited clothing consumption.
  3. The concept of 'radical incrementalism' involves small changes leading to significant impacts in shifting public behavior, like the introduction of pay-per-mile road charging.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 81

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. The U.S. Army successfully boosted its recruitment by changing its marketing strategy, enlisting over 62,000 recruits in a year. This shows that a fresh approach can make a big difference in attracting new participants.
  2. Fatih Birol has become an influential figure, gaining attention from various groups, including politicians and climate activists. His insights on energy and climate issues are in high demand.
  3. Forbes created an email service that lets people send messages to their future selves, leading to a unique way for individuals to reconnect with their past thoughts and feelings. Many people have received emails from their younger selves, creating a bridge to their former lives.

Do As I Say

Doomberg • 10825 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Rule-by-decree mandates may harm the green energy agenda
  2. Electric vehicles may not be practical in extreme weather conditions
  3. Countries differ in their approach to EV mandates

More Misleading News

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
đź“° News Climate
  1. Headlines often exaggerate or simplify stories, turning speculative or partial findings into sensational claims that overstate the evidence.
  2. Speculative wording and single-data examples aren't proof; readers should look for context, source data, and alternative explanations before treating a claim as fact.
  3. Early reports and headlines can change as evidence is confirmed or disproven, so initial impressions — like naming a 'person of interest' — aren't always accurate.

Those who danced were thought insane by those who couldn't hear the music

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 298 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Climate
  1. By 2025, materials science, plant/animal breeding, and energy systems are closest to the ambitious technical goals, while medicine, disaster control, and especially precise weather control lag well behind.
  2. Without a major AI revolution, the next five years will bring steady gains: renewables, storage, materials, and crop improvements will move substantially, but life extension, earthquake/eruption control, and weather steering will only improve modestly.
  3. If abundant, well-aligned superintelligent AI appears by 2030, discovery and design in medicine, materials, energy, and agriculture could accelerate dramatically, yet physical scaling, safety, regulation, politics, and the chaotic nature of weather will still constrain full realization.

HS2: The day they cancelled the 21st Century

Striking 13 • 2176 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. HS2 project cancellation in the UK is criticized for hindering progress and development, especially in terms of infrastructure, economy, and environmental impact
  2. HS2 aimed to address capacity issues in the existing rail system, improve connectivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions from travel
  3. The decision to cancel HS2 is seen as short-sighted, as it not only fails to save money but also overlooks the long-term benefits and potential financial gains of the project

Climate Newspeak

Doomberg • 7656 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Energy policy dissenters may face accusations of hate crimes.
  2. Proposed laws targeting positive speech about fossil fuels raise concerns about free speech limitations.
  3. The labeling of opposing views on energy policy as 'digital hate' may normalize censorship.

The Climate Change Nothingburger

AND Magazine • 1061 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate
  1. The decision to freeze LNG export licenses has raised questions about its impact on global warming.
  2. Data shows that Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels are not melting but increasing.
  3. Glaciers are actually growing in some parts of the world, contradicting the narrative of widespread melting.

Biden's climate f*ckboy behavior

HEATED • 2024 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. Biden may have not necessarily lost a legal challenge if he rejected the Willow project.
  2. Even if Biden lost a legal challenge, he could have still prevented the project from moving forward.
  3. There was no need for Biden to approve Willow in order to implement new regulations protecting the Arctic.

Republicans use Israel-Hamas war to drum up fake climate controversy

HEATED • 1926 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate
  1. Republicans use global conflict to push back against climate action, which experts say harms the fight against terror.
  2. By creating a fake climate controversy, Republicans wrongly pit climate concerns against terrorism fears.
  3. Factually, climate change poses a bigger threat than terrorism, as experts indicate it affects national security more significantly.

Prime Time

Doomberg • 6766 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Climate
  1. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly increase power demand, potentially impacting the journey towards electrifying everything.
  2. The nuclear industry is experiencing a resurgence as evidenced by Amazon's move to power a data center with nuclear energy, reflecting a larger trend of increasing nuclear capacity globally.
  3. There is growing concern about whether the uranium fuel supply chain can meet the demand created by the rapid pivot towards nuclear energy, highlighting the importance of understanding the nuclear fuel cycle.

The Possibility of Pikas

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🔬 Science Climate
  1. Pikas are small mammals that usually live in rocky areas at high elevations, but some have been found at lower elevations, like the Columbia River Gorge. These unique habitats help them survive despite the warmer climate.
  2. Researchers found that moss plays an important role for pikas at lower elevations by keeping them cooler and happier. Moss helps create a nice environment for these little creatures as temperatures can often be too hot for them.
  3. Pikas are adapting to their new lower habitats by spending less energy storing food for winter and more time in the shade of trees. This shows they might have the ability to adjust to climate change better than some other animals.

Can the end justify the means?

A Lawyer Writes • 1022 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Attorney general argues protestors' views on climate change don't justify criminal damage.
  2. Court of Appeal to provide guidance on protestors' defense to charges of criminal damage.
  3. Acquittals will not be affected by upcoming Court of Appeal hearing.

Africa’s 2023 Year in Review

An Africanist Perspective • 1167 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Climate
  1. Reforms in Nigeria's petroleum sector can have a significant impact on the regional economy.
  2. African countries face challenges in navigating the political economy of energy and climate change, impacting their energy future.
  3. Increased Gulf cash and influence in Africa poses both investment opportunities and risks for African economies.