The hottest Climate Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Reading List 1/11/25

Construction Physics • 14614 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automation Infrastructure Climate Robotics Transportation
  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.

It's Only Ice (Like Nothing You've Ever Seen)

Everything Is Amazing • 1697 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🔬 Science Oceanography Climate Microbiology Atmospheric science
  1. Ice flowers are unique formations in the Arctic created by a process called sublimation, where water vapor turns directly into ice. They can actually support microbes even though they are very salty.
  2. Hair ice is another strange phenomenon that resembles frozen hair, formed by a fungus that stabilizes thin strands of ice. This shows how nature can create artistic ice structures.
  3. Pykrete is a mix of ice and sawdust proposed as a material for building a large aircraft carrier during World War II. Although interesting, it was deemed impractical because it required constant cold temperatures to maintain its structure.

Reading List for 11/23/24

Construction Physics • 8977 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Construction Automation Robotics Energy 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.

The AI Wave Accelerates

Nonzero Newsletter • 485 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Infrastructure Climate
  1. New AI technology like OpenAI's Operator can help with tasks, but it's still not perfect and makes mistakes. This shows that AI is getting better, but we need to manage our expectations.
  2. There's a growing belief among experts that advanced AI could be here sooner than expected. This brings both excitement and concern about what it means for jobs and society.
  3. Recent events highlight the importance of careful thinking and understanding before jumping to conclusions, like in the case of undersea cable damages where initial fears of sabotage were proven wrong.

THB Insider #12

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🔬 Science Climate Energy Technology Research Policy
  1. The author will soon evaluate their predictions for 2024 and will post about the upcoming 2025 predictions. It's a fun way to look back and see how accurate they were.
  2. A new paper has been posted for feedback and will be revised based on comments received. This is a chance for readers to engage and contribute their thoughts.
  3. The author is planning a Q&A session and is inviting readers to submit their questions. It's an opportunity for direct interaction and to discuss important topics.
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THB 2025 Predictions

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies International relations Climate
  1. The post raises ten questions about what might happen in 2025, covering various topics like politics and sports. It's a fun way to think about the future and invite readers to share their predictions.
  2. One question asks which leaders from the G7 countries will still be in power next year. This suggests interest in global politics and leadership stability.
  3. The author encourages readers to comment with their thoughts and predictions. The best predictions can win a lifetime subscription, making it interactive and engaging.

Pikas Hit the Trail

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Climate Biodiversity
  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 Government Policy 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 Geoengineering Climate Weather Military Environment
  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.

Top Links 582 The EU-US divergence. Climate adaptation. Consuming Baghdad. Class is not a thing its a happening.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Employment Class Climate
  1. There's a noticeable difference between how the EU and US are handling policies and strategies. This divergence affects various areas like trade and climate issues.
  2. As climate change impacts increase, there's a growing need for effective adaptation strategies to deal with these changes. Communities worldwide are developing plans to better cope with climate impacts.
  3. The concept of class is evolving; it's seen more as a dynamic process influenced by current events rather than a fixed social status. This view can change our understanding of social structures.

What we learned at Davos 2024: global aristocracy intends on 'Rebuilding Trust' through censorship and surveillance

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3950 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Surveillance Censorship Climate China
  1. The global elite at Davos aim to 'Rebuild Trust' through censorship and surveillance.
  2. Davos lacks real debate as participants are vetted for conformity to agenda narratives.
  3. Davos 2024 focused on familiar topics like climate change and stakeholder capitalism.

Loose Ends

Doomberg • 10309 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance Energy Politics Climate Market Analysis
  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.

Civilian Control, 1.5 Degrees, and Your Friendly Neighborhood National Security State

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Climate National Security Civil Rights Government
  1. Civilian control of the military is important, but there are concerns about military leaders pushing back against civilian authority. Sometimes people desire military intervention to resolve political issues.
  2. Global warming has surpassed the 1.5°C threshold, which raises alarms about climate change and its impact. Reports show that we might already be facing this critical level of warming.
  3. The security state seems to be increasing its focus on citizens with different opinions. This could lead to targeting individuals who hold views contrary to those in power.

Power transitions: Britain, America, China

World Game • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Climate International relations Power Dynamics
  1. Geopolitics drives changes in energy sources, and this isn't just about climate; it's about power. The race to find new energy solutions can change global dominance.
  2. Historically, shifts in energy use have transformed world leaders. Britain rose to power with coal and steam, followed by America with electricity and factories.
  3. We may be on the brink of a new energy transition with solar power and AI. This could reshape global power dynamics again, just like past energy revolutions.

Prime Time

Doomberg • 6766 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy Technology Policy Climate Nuclear
  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.

Sadiq Khan’s Techno Feudalism

The Free Mind • 1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Climate Technology Economics Society
  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.

Gaining Steam

Doomberg • 9401 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🌍 World Politics Energy Nuclear Decarbonization Climate Government
  1. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau expressed serious commitment to nuclear power for the country's future energy needs.
  2. Grassroots efforts led by groups like Canadians for Nuclear Energy have influenced political outcomes in favor of nuclear power.
  3. Support for nuclear energy is growing in the US as leaders recognize its necessity for significant decarbonization of the economy.

The End of Coffee

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Economics Culture Climate Health
  1. By 2050, scientists predict that coffee may not be available like it is today because of climate change. Countries that grow most of the world's coffee are facing droughts and weather problems.
  2. Coffee is important in our daily lives, both as a comforting drink and as a part of our culture. It's also been shown to boost our mood and attention.
  3. The rising prices and production issues for coffee show how climate change can affect even the smallest things we love. It's a reminder to think about how our habits might change in the future.

HS2: The day they cancelled the 21st Century

Striking 13 • 2176 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Infrastructure Economy Environment Climate Transport
  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

You're Not a Fearmonger. You Have Sentinel Intelligence.

OK Doomer • 139 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Society Psychology Media Climate
  1. Cassandra, a character from Greek mythology, could see the future and warn others, but nobody believed her. This shows how hard it can be when people ignore important warnings.
  2. Many people today feel like Cassandra because they notice threats like climate change but are dismissed as negative or paranoid. There's a common tendency to avoid tough conversations and stick to positive thinking.
  3. Having 'sentinel intelligence' means being aware of real threats and speaking out about them, even if others react negatively. This awareness is important for making informed decisions for a better future.

The most epic (and literal) gaslighting of all time

The Crucial Years • 1903 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Energy Legislation Economy International relations
  1. Exxon prioritizes profit over renewable energy, stating wind and solar power don't offer sufficient returns for shareholders.
  2. Exxon's history of deceit and denial regarding climate change has hindered progress for decades.
  3. The need for government intervention to address the climate crisis is highlighted, as market profits often impede meaningful solutions.

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

HEATED • 1926 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Terrorism National Security Political strategy
  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.

The Possibility of Pikas

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Wildlife 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.

World roundup: January 10 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 766 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Climate International
  1. 2023 was the hottest year on record with global temperatures reaching 1.48 degrees Celsius higher than in the 19th century.
  2. There is concern whether the increasing temperatures are a one-time spike or the new normal.
  3. Humanity is close to breaching the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

The Church of England's Road to Davos moment.

The Free Mind • 1257 implied HN points • 29 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Climate Environment
  1. The Church of England has a focus on 'Net Zero', which may be worrisome due to associations with past movements that led to destruction.
  2. Individuality and self-individuation are crucial in resisting mass movements, as emphasized by Carl Jung.
  3. Religion can offer meaning, purpose, and social stability, but caution is needed when religious zealotry shifts towards extreme ideals such as 'Net Zero'.