The hottest Climate change Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

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.

Rising Tides, Falling Freshwater: The Saltwater Intrusion Crisis

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Biodiversity Climate change Conservation
  1. Saltwater intrusion is a growing problem worldwide, affecting freshwater supplies in many coastal areas. It's happening due to rising sea levels and climate change.
  2. This issue can harm ecosystems by increasing salinity, leading to the extinction of various plant and animal species. Many species are already at risk, which could worsen climate change further.
  3. To combat saltwater intrusion, countries should protect natural areas like wetlands and mangroves. These can help keep saltwater out of freshwater supplies and support local wildlife.

‘You Can Taste the Fires in the Back of Your Throat’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Disaster Response Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. Disasters can change a community forever, marking a point where everything feels different. People will remember the day before and the day after as a significant divide in their lives.
  2. Fires can spread quickly, affecting homes and neighborhoods, often forcing families to evacuate urgently. Smoke and visible flames can create a sense of urgency and fear.
  3. The emotional toll of losing a place of worship or gathering is profound. It can leave a community feeling lost and in need of support during recovery.

Suggestions to reform the German electricity market

Jérôme à Paris • 534 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.
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Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2100 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.

#204: When bad things happen

Maybe Baby • 1279 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Disaster Human experience Climate change Personal Reflection
  1. Losing a home in a disaster is more than just losing a building; it can feel like losing your entire world and memories. It's really hard to imagine what that must be like.
  2. When big disasters happen, people often struggle with how to process the pain. It can be confusing to know whether to look closely at the suffering or to step back and avoid it.
  3. Feeling powerless during crises leads to different reactions. Some believe in personal responsibility, while others think a bigger movement is necessary to create real change.

🌀 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.

Deforestation in the Amazon has halved in the last few years

Sustainability by numbers • 266 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Deforestation Sustainability Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Deforestation in the Amazon has significantly decreased, halving over the past few years, thanks to new policies and leadership.
  2. Lula da Silva's administration has made real progress in reducing forest loss, following a troubling period of increased deforestation under the previous president.
  3. While the trend is positive, challenges remain and ongoing efforts are crucial to meet the target of ending deforestation by 2030.

Running From Zombies in The Snow: A Guide to The Arctic Apocalypse

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Science Sustainability Disaster Preparedness
  1. Weather is becoming more unpredictable due to climate change, with extreme cold temperatures affecting areas not used to such conditions. It's important to understand that climate collapse means more chaotic weather patterns.
  2. Even if people talk about climate change, many are not willing to make real changes to combat it. The impact of our actions now will be felt by future generations.
  3. Everyone should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whether it's hot or cold, dry or wet. It's smart to have necessary supplies and warm clothing ready, no matter where you live.

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 Far Right Politics 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.

Aridity, Acidity, and Salinity: How Greenhouse Gases are Choking Our Soil

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. A large portion of the Earth's land is becoming drier, significantly affecting agriculture and ecosystems. This trend could worsen and impact billions of people who may face water shortages.
  2. Many lands are also suffering from high salinity and acidity, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. If these problems continue, we could see a lot of agricultural land damaged.
  3. Climate change is a major driver of these issues, causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather. To combat this, planting trees and using better irrigation can help improve soil health.

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.

Global Existential Risks

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1648 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.

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.

Echoes of Extinction: A Funeral March for Species

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Ecosystems Conservation
  1. Many animal species are dying off, often due to climate change. This not only affects those specific animals but also the plants and ecosystems that rely on them.
  2. The death of single species, like flying foxes and corals, can disrupt the balance of nature. These losses can lead to problems like reduced food sources for other species and a drop in biodiversity.
  3. To prevent more animal deaths, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create environments that can adapt to changes in the climate.

A Memo for Trump's Energy Czar

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1226 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.

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.

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.

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.

"To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, scientists say…"

The Liberal Patriot • 1316 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Climate Impacts
  1. Climate discussions often mention limiting global warming to avoid the worst impacts, but there's no scientific consensus on specific limits.
  2. Focusing on the 1.5°C threshold as crucial is arbitrary, without solid scientific basis.
  3. Considering the costs of limiting warming is essential as it involves trade-offs and impacts on human well-being.

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.

2023's unexpected and unexplained warming

The Climate Brink • 1257 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Greenhouse Gases
  1. 2023 experienced unexpected and unexplained warming, breaking temperature records.
  2. Various factors such as El Niño, volcanic eruptions, and human greenhouse gas emissions influence global temperature fluctuations.
  3. Predicting 2024's temperatures is challenging due to uncertainties from the unique behavior of the current El Niño event.

Elon Musk's climate censorship

HEATED • 2122 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Independent Journalism
  1. Elon Musk has blocked Twitter users from interacting with Substack posts, impacting independent climate publications like HEATED.
  2. This policy makes it difficult for climate writers to share their work on Twitter, a key platform for climate-focused content.
  3. Musk's actions highlight the challenges faced by independent writers and underscore the importance of alternative growth strategies for publications like HEATED.

Our modern-day Columbuses

HEATED • 2004 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Billionaires Climate change
  1. Billionaires are not necessarily the smartest, but they excel at using the capitalist system for their benefit.
  2. The climate solutions proposed by billionaires often aim to preserve the status quo that keeps them in power.
  3. Indigenous activists advocate for reciprocal climate solutions that benefit both humans and the environment.

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.

Technically, that New York City flood was “mild”

HEATED • 1788 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sea Level Rise Extreme Weather
  1. New York City's recent flood, although catastrophic, was considered 'mild' by coastal flooding standards
  2. The flood was a combination of heavy rainfall causing flash floods and coastal flooding from high tides
  3. Climate change is making extreme floods in NYC more frequent, highlighting the urgent need for better infrastructure and climate adaptation plans