The hottest Climate change Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1903 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Sustainability Environmental Science Public Policy
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

Global Existential Risks

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1550 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🔬 Science Global Risks Climate change Artificial Intelligence Pandemics Nuclear Threats
  1. The U.S. government identified six major risks that could threaten humanity, including artificial intelligence and nuclear war. These risks could lead to catastrophic events affecting civilization.
  2. Climate change was found to be significant but not classified as an existential risk, meaning it won't likely cause human extinction. It's seen as a serious issue but not at the same level as other threats.
  3. Experts warn that focusing too much on familiar risks may blind us to emerging threats, like pandemics or asteroid impacts, which could have severe consequences. We need to pay attention to a broader range of potential dangers.

Scientists Say

Doomberg • 6757 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🔬 Science Climate change Meteorology Environmental Science Public Trust Scientific Integrity
  1. Predictions for the hurricane season this year were very alarming, with many experts expecting a lot of severe storms. But as the season progressed, there were fewer storms than anticipated.
  2. When hurricanes did occur, some were extremely powerful, but overall, the lack of activity puzzled scientists and led to discussions about climate change's role in future storm patterns.
  3. Trust in scientists and experts has declined, as many people feel unsure about their predictions and analyses, highlighting a disconnect between scientific findings and public perception.

A Memo for Trump's Energy Czar

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Legislation Climate change Government Accountability International relations
  1. Energy policy shouldn't just be about undoing past actions. There needs to be a clear plan moving forward that addresses the future needs of the country.
  2. The new energy czar has a chance to shape America's energy policies in a positive direction. This involves creating a comprehensive energy plan that considers reliability and affordability.
  3. It's important to balance energy production with environmental concerns. Supporting cleaner energy technologies can help reduce emissions while also meeting economic goals.

An America-sized hole in the world

The Crucial Years • 2172 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Global Politics Environmental Policy Sustainable Development
  1. America may not lead the fight against climate change anymore, but individuals can still make a difference through global action. Local efforts matter, especially in places with strong clean energy initiatives.
  2. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more affordable, and there's potential to rapidly increase their use. If we can double solar installations, we can make a real impact on climate goals.
  3. While the U.S. government may not prioritize clean energy, states and communities still recognize its economic benefits. This means there's a significant opportunity for grassroots movements and local investments to push for change.
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Suggestions to reform the German electricity market

Jérôme à Paris • 413 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Germany needs to redesign its electricity market to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. This means achieving reliable power delivery at the lowest cost while reducing carbon emissions.
  2. Renewable energy sources should not get special treatment, as they can already produce power at low costs. Instead, the focus should be on balancing supply and demand effectively without unnecessary subsidies.
  3. Smart meters must be rolled out faster to help households adjust their energy use and production. This would allow them to save money and contribute to a more stable electricity system.

Greenhouse Gases Deadly Dance: CO2, N2O and CH4 Emissions' Alarming Card

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Emissions Climate change Fossil fuels Agriculture
  1. Carbon dioxide emissions are still rising and could reach over 41 billion tons this year, which is concerning for our climate.
  2. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions are also increasing, with agriculture being a major contributor to nitrous oxide levels.
  3. To tackle these issues, we need to cut down on fossil fuels and change how we farm and use land to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Journalism Done Right

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1933 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Risk management Media Analysis
  1. Billion-dollar disasters, like hurricanes, are becoming more common, but this may be more about increasing populations and property in storm-prone areas than just climate change.
  2. The data used by NOAA to track these disasters was not originally intended to prove or analyze the impact of climate change, which raises questions about its relevance to climate policy.
  3. Experts agree that while climate change is real, the way we categorize and understand disaster costs is heavily influenced by societal growth and the increasing value of assets in risky areas.

Take the Under

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1334 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Population Growth Economic projections Policy Analysis Sustainability
  1. Recent projections show that the global population could peak earlier and lower than previously thought, which could lead to reduced carbon emissions.
  2. Using more realistic estimates for population and economic growth can suggest that climate change might be less severe than some models predict.
  3. Climate policies should be based on updated data and current realities, not outdated assumptions, to effectively address climate change.

So You Want to Learn Geoengineering?

Popular Rationalism • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geoengineering Climate change Public Policy
  1. Geoengineering is a real science aimed at fighting climate change. It includes methods like cloud seeding and solar reflection, but it needs full public transparency since it could affect everyone.
  2. There’s a long history of weather manipulation efforts, like Project Cirrus and Project Stormfury. Many of these projects had mixed results, leading to both discoveries and unexpected consequences.
  3. Public engagement is key for geoengineering to be used responsibly. People need to stay informed and participate in discussions about these technologies to ensure decisions are made ethically and transparently.

Fractured Planet: Glaciers Thawing, Rivers Running Dry, Reefs Vanishing

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates, with many disappearing completely. This is a big concern for water supply and ecosystems.
  2. Rivers around the world are drying up, with thousands vanishing completely in recent decades. This can affect agriculture, drinking water, and wildlife.
  3. Coral reefs are facing serious threats, with significant losses in the past few decades. If we don't act now, most coral reefs could be gone by the end of the century.

Oxfam names perp, Olympic-level surveillance, Boots on the ground...where?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Carbon Emissions Wealth Inequality Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. The super-rich have a huge negative impact on the environment through their private jets and yachts. They emit more carbon in a short time than average people do in their whole lives.
  2. Oxfam's report shows that climate change hits the poorest the hardest, even though they contribute the least to the problem. It's unfair that those who do the least suffer the most.
  3. There is potential for governments to collect significant funds from wealth taxes on billionaires and corporations, which could help finance climate efforts. This suggests that the very wealthy need to be held accountable for their emissions.

Launching a new podcast on climate solutions

Sustainability by numbers • 268 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Podcasting Climate solutions
  1. A new podcast called 'Solving for Climate' is focused on discussing solutions for climate change. It features conversations with experts who are actively working on these solutions.
  2. The first series has five episodes that will be released weekly. The first two episodes showcase different perspectives from notable figures in the energy sector.
  3. The host is learning about the challenges of podcasting and hopes to improve in future seasons after this initial learning experience.

Global Shield Briefing (23 October 2024)

Global Shield's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Risks Sustainability
  1. Many countries are focusing on improving civil defense. This means everyone from the government to local communities needs to work together to be prepared for emergencies.
  2. Climate change is making existing global threats worse. Problems like pandemics and geopolitical tensions are now linked to changes in the climate.
  3. People need to listen actively to warnings about risks. If the audience isn't ready or willing to hear these messages, the warnings may not help at all.

A bunch of handy charts about climate change

Noahpinion • 21882 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Green Energy Emissions Technology Global impact
  1. Climate change is becoming increasingly severe, evidenced by events like record-breaking heat, melting sea ice, and more frequent natural disasters.
  2. Efforts to address climate change are promising, with advancements in green technologies like solar power and batteries offering hope for managing the crisis.
  3. The responsibility for carbon emissions is shifting, with developed countries like the US and Europe reducing emissions significantly, while countries like China remain major contributors.

🌀 It's actually a huge failure that we can't control hurricanes

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Hurricanes Geoengineering Climate change Environmental Science
  1. Scientists have tried to control hurricanes before, but it didn't work out because we didn't understand how hurricanes really behave.
  2. There are new ideas being tested to weaken storms, like cooling ocean waters and using cloud seeding, but these methods are still in development.
  3. People are often skeptical about geoengineering methods because of past failures and concerns for safety, so open discussions are important to build trust.

Infinity Missions

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 164 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Philosophy Investment Space Exploration Climate change
  1. Infinity Missions focus on avoiding infinite downsides, like preventing existential threats, which often leads to massive government spending on projects like the Manhattan Project and climate change initiatives.
  2. Private companies are now pursuing Infinity Missions to chase infinite upsides, such as developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which is seen as having vast potential rewards.
  3. These Infinity Missions change the usual rules of investment and resource allocation, allowing for long timelines, attracting top talent, and enabling funding for projects that may seem wasteful in traditional contexts.

From the Storm to the Stormtroopers

Thinking about... • 288 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fascism Climate change Disinformation Government Democracy
  1. Disinformation can turn people against their government, making it hard to respond to real crises like climate change. It's easier for some leaders to create enemies than to solve problems.
  2. When people lose faith in democracy, they'll look to a strong leader instead of the law. This can lead to a dangerous kind of politics where personal favors replace justice.
  3. As climate change worsens, politicians may blame people from other countries instead of their own policies. This creates more division and conflict among people.

Carbon Sinks Are Failing

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Science Carbon Emissions Sustainability Natural resources
  1. Carbon sinks, like forests and oceans, are not absorbing as much CO2 as they used to. This could lead to faster global warming.
  2. Recent research shows that land carbon absorption was almost zero last year, raising concerns that current climate models are not accounting for this collapse.
  3. We need to be aware and prepared for potential warming beyond the predicted timelines, as natural processes that help regulate climate are breaking down.

Defending the status quo is not environmentalism

Noahpinion • 12941 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmentalism Development Climate change
  1. American environmentalism began as conservationism, aiming to protect natural habitats from industrial encroachment.
  2. Modern environmental challenges require building new things like solar panels and dense cities with high-quality infrastructure.
  3. There is a fundamental disagreement within the U.S. environmental movement between those who envision reshaping human development for nature's harmony and those who want to maintain the status quo.

Is this a watershed moment?

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Policy
  1. Northamptonshire experienced the wettest September on record, leading to serious flooding and a review of flood management systems in the area.
  2. Experts emphasize the need for communities to adapt to climate change to become more resilient against flooding risks.
  3. Local leaders are seeking funding to improve flood defenses, as more extreme weather events are expected in the future.

Dingus of the week: Climate change

Men Yell at Me • 409 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Natural Disasters Sustainability Public awareness
  1. Climate change is a big problem that we all contribute to. Our actions, like overconsumption and reliance on fossil fuels, play a part in causing extreme weather events.
  2. People often look for someone to blame during disasters like hurricanes. This can lead to the spread of conspiracy theories instead of acknowledging our collective responsibility.
  3. Despite the dire situation, there is still hope. We've solved environmental issues before and can work together to combat climate change if we focus on the facts and solutions.

Chewing the cud could sink the planet

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Agriculture Food Systems
  1. Raising cows and sheep produces a lot of methane, which is a major contributor to climate change. This is because methane is released when these animals digest their food and is much worse for the planet than carbon dioxide.
  2. Livestock generates 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is even more than the transport sector. This includes not just the methane from their digestion, but also emissions from raising feed and pasture.
  3. A Japanese seaweed startup has found a way to cut methane emissions from cows by adding a specific type of red algae to their feed. This could reduce their methane output by more than 90%.

Rhapsody in Ruin: Climate Change's Devastating Impacts on Animal Habitats

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Biodiversity Conservation Environmental Impact
  1. Frog habitats are drying up due to climate change, with many facing drought conditions that could make them unlivable by the end of the century.
  2. Elephants are struggling with rising temperatures and food shortages, forcing them to travel far for water and forage, which can lead to conflicts with humans.
  3. Koala populations are declining as their habitats experience extreme heat and bushfires, putting them at risk of losing large areas of their home by 2070.

Name the Damn Perp

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Warming Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. When talking about climate change, it is important to identify who is really responsible for the problem. Blaming 'humanity' takes the focus away from those in power.
  2. The climate crisis is driven by wealthy individuals and corporations who make choices that harm the environment. They are the ones who have the power to change things.
  3. To inspire real action on climate change, the conversation should target the rich and powerful, because they are the ones who can actually make a difference.

How the German energy transition has committed taxpayers to paying billions of Euros for the sun to shine

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewables Climate change Environmental Economics Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy transition has made taxpayers pay billions for solar energy, even when supply exceeds demand. This means people are paying producers for electricity that isn't really needed.
  2. The costs for solar feed-in tariffs are rising every year, and future projections expect them to reach even higher levels. This could lead to major budget issues for the government.
  3. New rules for solar subsidies aim to prevent overproduction from larger solar farms, but smaller operators remain a problem without a clear solution. Many small solar users may not benefit from these changes.

Ice: The Penultimate Frontier

Transhuman Axiology • 813 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Science Geoengineering
  1. Floating ice islands could be a practical solution for creating new land, much cheaper than colonizing other planets. We already have icebergs that can be transformed into usable land without the high costs of space travel.
  2. The process to insulate these icebergs from melting is affordable and could really help maintain their size for a long time. Using air and lightweight materials, we can keep the ice from melting when in warm waters.
  3. Setting up a community or business on these ice islands might be more viable than starting a space colony. It’s a way to explore new opportunities without the severe risks and costs associated with space exploration.

CLIMATE MADNESS: Wind turbines FREEZING in the cold

The Freedom Corner with PeterSweden • 4009 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Wind turbines are freezing in cold temperatures, causing significant electricity production loss.
  2. Diesel generators are being used to de-ice wind power turbines in winter, leading to increased electricity prices.
  3. Cold weather affects wind power reliability, impacting electricity supply for new electric vehicles.

Tour de Farce

Doomberg • 8885 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Climate change Media Propaganda Government
  1. The destruction of the dam in Ukraine is undeniable proof that war is destructive and impactful.
  2. John Kerry's focus on climate change amidst ongoing conflicts raises questions about priorities.
  3. Confidence in the media is declining, especially in the coverage of climate change, leading to a growing disconnect with the electorate.

Germany Is Being Served Up on a Platter to the Far Right

Persuasion • 2240 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy
  1. Germany's energy policies are leading to a decrease in electricity generation, impacting the economy and potentially fueling support for the far right.
  2. The transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar in Germany has not kept up with energy demand, causing reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. The shift away from nuclear power in Germany has resulted in challenges balancing the energy grid and economic consequences, contributing to dissatisfaction and political shifts.

Seaflooding

Uncharted Territories • 3930 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Ecosystems Environmental Impact
  1. Seaflooding can help mitigate the impact of rising sea levels while creating new habitats and boosting the economy.
  2. Flooded areas can lead to the growth of vibrant ecosystems, capturing carbon and attracting wildlife.
  3. Potential locations for seaflooding include the Dead Sea and the Sahara desert, with benefits such as lowering ocean levels and increasing economic activity.

Some emissions are more equal than others

Irina Slav on energy • 2004 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Scientific research Energy consumption Carbon Footprint Climate change
  1. Some emissions are necessary to help avoid catastrophic climate change.
  2. Scientists need to focus on the bigger emission picture rather than solely worrying about their own emissions.
  3. There is a call for cognitive dissonance among scientists when it comes to emissions and the necessity of some emissions.

How now green cow?

Irina Slav on energy • 1729 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Energy transition Climate change
  1. The European Union needs to act fast on climate policy to avoid a right-wing shift in upcoming elections.
  2. People in Europe are starting to question the promises and impacts of the energy transition.
  3. The current EU leadership's approach to the energy transition is facing growing resistance, especially due to its impact on cost of living and quality of life.