The hottest Climate change Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Top Links 786 Coal and the climate crisis. European auto dividens. Pitching for Gaza work. Hot Money. Metaphysical authority in Pakistan.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Coal has been a major contributor to climate change, responsible for over 30% of CO2 emissions since the Industrial Revolution. It's important to understand how this affects the environment.
  2. There are interesting developments in the European auto industry that are worth exploring. Keeping up with these changes can give insight into how cars will evolve in the future.
  3. There's ongoing work related to Gaza that needs support and attention. Learning about these efforts can help raise awareness and possibly lead to action.

On Greenland's Ice Loss and Making the Planet Great Again

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Greenland's ice loss is 20% higher than previously estimated, with one trillion metric tons of ice lost since 1992.
  2. Melting ice sheets in Greenland can affect global ocean currents like the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
  3. Defamation lawsuits against climate skeptics are important to protect scientists and ensure factual climate change discussions.

Population growth or decline will have little impact on climate change

Sustainability by numbers • 392 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Population changes won't significantly change our climate situation because they happen too slowly compared to how quickly we need to reduce emissions.
  2. Even with more people in the future, their overall impact on temperature rise will be very small if we focus on reducing emissions effectively.
  3. To tackle climate change, the best approach is to decarbonize our economies rather than trying to limit population growth, which won’t solve the problem fast enough.
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Yes, Biden broke a promise. And it's okay.

The Land Desk • 432 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Climate change
  1. Biden has made some questionable decisions regarding public lands and energy, but he has also protected certain lands from fossil fuel energy development.
  2. Biden did not fulfill his promise to end oil and gas drilling on public lands, but he has taken significant actions to protect certain federal lands and reduce emissions.
  3. Judging politicians solely on promises kept or broken may not be productive; evaluating their policies and actions is more important.

Take the Under

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1334 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  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.

Whether the Storm

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. In the Anthropocene era, humans must protect and restore the Earth given our excessive impact on its ecosystems.
  2. We need to become rational and compassionate managers of the planet to address climate change and ecological disruptions.
  3. Storms, while disruptive and dangerous, also serve as a reminder of our place in nature and the need to prepare for managing the impacts of extreme weather.

Brace for impact: The case for Category 6 hurricanes

The Climate Brink • 353 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. A new study suggests the need for a Category 6 hurricane classification due to intensified storms from global warming.
  2. Hurricane intensity is not solely about wind speed, as factors like storm surge and rainfall play a significant role in damage.
  3. Adding a Category 6 could provide better information for emergency planning, but some argue the current scale already covers the impact.

A Memo for Trump's Energy Czar

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1226 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate change
  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.

Mining the Earth, Polluting the Future: The Impact of Gold Extraction on Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 416 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Gold mining is causing a lot of deforestation around the world, damaging many forests. In some places, thousands of hectares of land have been lost due to illegal mining activities.
  2. The process of extracting gold emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. In the coming years, this could exceed 100 million tonnes of emissions each year.
  3. To help reduce the negative impacts of gold mining, we need to focus on using renewable energy and new technologies that lower energy use. This could greatly help the environment.

My new book — Clearing the Air — is coming out in September!

Sustainability by numbers • 369 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. A new book titled 'Clearing the Air' will be released in September, focusing on climate change solutions through 50 questions and answers. It's designed to help readers understand how to tackle environmental issues more clearly.
  2. The book aims to provide straightforward answers to common doubts and questions about climate change, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and more.
  3. An audiobook version will be available, read by the author, allowing listeners to engage with the material in a personal way.

The Renewable Revolution Continues

Renewable Revolution • 459 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Clean technology prices have dropped, making solar and wind energy cheaper than before. This is great news for renewable energy as it becomes more accessible.
  2. The global demand for fossil fuels is leveling off, which means they might be losing their place in the energy market. More renewable energy sources like solar and wind are now providing most of the new electricity.
  3. Governments are stepping up their support for clean energy through new policies. As countries commit to increasing renewable energy production, it shows that the push for sustainability is stronger than ever.

Endangered Promises

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. The Endangered Species Act has had successes in saving various species from extinction over the years.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the Endangered Species Act, largely driven by political and industry interests.
  3. Challenges facing the ESA include legislative and judicial attacks, as well as the broader threat of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Beyond Growth: A Strategy for Tackling Power. My speech to the EU Conference

System Change • 668 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Climate change
  1. The Money Interest holds real power over the planet and must be challenged by focusing on monetary policy.
  2. The economic model discussed highlights the need to shift focus from attacking the 99% for consumption to holding the 1% accountable for overproduction.
  3. To mobilize the majority for change, we must shine a light on the finance sector, educate ourselves on monetary policy, and focus on challenging the 1% instead of the 99%.

Small Islands

rachaelmeager • 337 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Forced resettlement of people for conservation can lead to serious ethical concerns, as it may be viewed as a form of genocide by those affected. It's crucial to balance conservation goals with human rights.
  2. Many people engage in activism mainly for emotional reasons, which can lead to a mix of real concern and performative actions that don’t address the actual issues. Understanding our true motives can help us engage more sincerely.
  3. Smaller crises in the world often get overlooked in favor of larger, more dramatic issues. We should pay attention to these smaller problems, as they are real and affect real people, and acknowledging them allows for a better understanding of larger-scale issues.

Building an operating system for Earth

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. We need a new way to understand and respond to Earth's changes, using real-time data to prevent disasters before they happen. This would help us adjust our actions based on what the planet is experiencing right now.
  2. By gathering people from different fields—like scientists, artists, and leaders—we can work together to make better decisions for the planet. This teamwork can help us focus on what actually works instead of just arguing ideologies.
  3. The future can be shaped by using technology that helps us see the consequences of our actions beforehand. If we can visualize outcomes, we can choose paths that lead to a healthier planet.

Shifting Habitats: the Great Animal Migration due to Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Many animals, like mosquitoes and fish, are moving north because of climate change. They're trying to find better places to live as their old homes become too warm.
  2. Birds and insects are arriving at their breeding spots earlier each year due to rising temperatures. This can lead to them missing food supplies when they need them most.
  3. To help migratory species survive, we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable energy. Working together globally is important to tackle this problem.

We can terraform the Earth—not just Mars

The Novelleist • 380 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. We have the technology and creativity to improve our planet, not just Mars. Projects like reforesting deserts are proof that we can restore ecosystems and make uninhabitable areas livable.
  2. Innovations in geoengineering allow us to control weather and climate. This means we can potentially cool down our planet, make it rain where needed, and reduce the effects of climate change.
  3. By shifting away from livestock farming and using plant-based alternatives, we can free up land for other uses. This could allow us to create new forests, cities, and renewable energy sources.

Climate migration, but backwards

¡Do Not Panic! • 628 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Parts of the US with the biggest population growth are also the most at risk from climate change.
  2. Climate change is already impacting areas like Texas, Florida, and South Carolina with projections of increasing dangers in the future.
  3. Factors like denial, optimism bias, and group risk-taking contribute to people moving to high-risk climate areas despite the warnings.

The Return of the Rust Belt

The New Urban Order • 359 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Climate change
  1. Cities in the Rust Belt like Buffalo, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis are emerging as top housing markets for 2024, showing significant price appreciation.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, cities in the Midwest and Rust Belt are now becoming more attractive due to affordability compared to traditionally booming cities in the South and West.
  3. Factors like housing affordability, climate change, and government and private investments are influencing the resurgence of the Rust Belt cities in 2024.

Top Links 776 California's carbon market hits the floor. Spying on luxury yacht builders. Kagame's extraordinary career & Goldin's sharp eye.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. California's carbon market is struggling, with recent auctions hitting the lowest price allowed. This shows challenges in the effectiveness of cap-and-trade programs for reducing emissions.
  2. There are some intriguing details about luxury yacht builders. This topic highlights a different side of luxury and the business around it.
  3. A look at Kagame's career reveals it to be quite remarkable, and Goldin's insights offer a unique perspective on various issues in the world today.

The rapidly shrinking carbon budget

The Climate Brink • 569 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. The global carbon budget is shrinking, meaning we have less time to limit warming to 1.5C or 2C.
  2. To meet climate goals, global emissions must reach zero by specific years, which may be challenging.
  3. The carbon budget is a dynamic target that requires rapid reductions in emissions to avoid overshooting temperature targets.

Warming in the pipeline: Decoding our climate commitment

The Climate Brink • 569 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have a long-lasting impact on warming the Earth because they remain in the atmosphere for a really long time.
  2. There's a scientific question about future warming if emissions stopped today, known as 'warming in the pipeline', with varying viewpoints based on assumptions.
  3. Different assumptions made in calculations determine whether there will be little warming in the coming decades or significant warming over thousands of years, emphasizing the long-term effects of greenhouse gases.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #157

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 215 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Advanced nuclear technology is moving forward with a U.S. Department of Energy program that will help new companies test their reactor designs faster. This could really impact the country's energy future.
  2. A company called Vulcan is working to make rare earth magnets in the U.S. without relying on China, which is important for technology like electric vehicles and smartphones. They recently raised $65 million to expand their production.
  3. MIT researchers have used AI to design new antibiotics that could fight superbugs like MRSA and gonorrhea. This could be a big step forward in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.

Canadian wildfires and climate change

The Climate Brink • 550 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Canadian wildfires are being affected by climate change, with hotter conditions and fuel aridity making fires more likely and destructive.
  2. Climate change is not the only factor worsening wildfires, as a history of wildfire suppression has primed forests for catastrophic fires.
  3. Scientific literature shows a strong link between climate change and wildfires, with warmer conditions leading to more fire incidents.

The Idiots Are Yelling About Weather Machines Again

OK Doomer • 283 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Recent severe floods in Texas highlight the dangers of inadequate disaster response plans. Many people were unprepared for the sudden rise in water levels.
  2. Ancient Greek philosophers pointed out that concepts like compassion and self-interest might be illusions in how we view human behavior. They believed deeper truths about our motivations are often overlooked.
  3. The discussion around weather machines shows how misinformation can distract from real issues like climate change and policy failures impacting people's safety.

The Anthropocene: What's In A Name?

Surfing the Future • 139 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Naming periods of significant change is crucial for understanding history and its impact on the present and future.
  2. The concept of Anthropocene, denoting the era where human activities have significant geological impacts, sparks debates among scientists about its start date and implications.
  3. Embracing new paradigms like sustainability and circularity is essential for addressing climate and biodiversity emergencies, even if the recognition like the Anthropocene remains a point of contention.

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

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  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.

How big is the generational divide on climate change?

Sustainability by numbers • 304 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. People of all ages generally agree about climate change and its seriousness. The gaps in belief between younger and older generations are smaller than many think.
  2. While younger people often feel more emotional about climate change, older generations do recognize its impacts from personal experience. This doesn't mean they don't care;
  3. Younger generations tend to advocate for big changes from systems and corporations, while older generations often focus on individual actions they can take.

The EU as suicide pact, or: How Germany is slowly dismantling its electrical grid and why the EU won't let them fix it

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 262 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change
  1. Germany is moving away from reliable energy sources like coal and gas in favor of wind and solar, but these new sources can be unreliable. This could lead to problems keeping the lights on.
  2. The EU is blocking Germany's plans to build new gas plants to support its energy transition, despite a clear need for more stable power. Without these plants, the energy grid might face failures.
  3. The push for renewables might not solve climate issues and could actually lead to dangerous situations. It's essential to find practical solutions that ensure energy security while addressing environmental concerns.