The hottest Climate Science Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

Renewable Milestones: Scotland's Excess Energy and China's Solar Surge in 2023

The Planet • 353 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Scotland's renewable energy sector surpassed 100% of electricity demand, a 26% increase from the previous year
  2. The fossil fuel industry funded early climate science, including the development of the iconic 'Keeling curve'
  3. China installed a record-breaking 216.9 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023, surpassing any other nation

False Equivalence

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2384 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Science
  1. Renowned climate scientist Michael E. Mann won a defamation lawsuit against bloggers for over $1,000,000.
  2. The trial highlighted the defense arguing that Mann's methods were manipulative, the climate debate was intense, and Mann lacked evidence for reputation damage.
  3. The case focused more on politics and climate deniers versus climate science than on actual defamation, potentially impacting public criticism of science.

The Unstoppable Momentum of Outdated Science: 2024 Update

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2316 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🔬 Science Climate Science
  1. Climate research and policy are still heavily based on outdated and misleading scenarios like RCP8.5, which are causing a disconnect from reality and hindering progress.
  2. Studies in various fields can continue to gain momentum, even if they are based on flawed or outdated foundations, leading to a waste of resources and efforts.
  3. There is a pressing need for a significant reset in climate research to address the widespread usage of obsolete scenarios like RCP8.5, despite the acknowledged divergence from real-world data.

Attribution Stealth Advocacy at the NAS

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1089 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. A new committee formed by the National Academy of Sciences is seen as biased because it includes members with ties to groups that have an agenda against climate policy. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest.
  2. Some advocates argue that linking climate change to individual weather events is part of a strategy to support climate lawsuits, which might compromise the integrity of scientific research.
  3. There are worries that the push for extreme weather event attribution could replace established scientific frameworks, risking the credibility of major scientific institutions like the IPCC.
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Near-Term Climate News and Other Tall Tales

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Global warming is accelerating now, with a projection of about +1.7°C global temperature in 2027 and an observed rate near 0.31°C per decade. This pace, if it continues, means steady and rapid temperature increases over the coming decades.
  2. If today’s warming and CO2 trends hold, mid‑century and later decades could see temperatures well above 2°C and atmospheric CO2 possibly topping ~500 ppm by 2050, which would be dangerous for future generations. These changes will reshape lives within the lifetimes of people alive today.
  3. AI-generated fakery is becoming startlingly realistic, with faces and gestures that look human; this trend raises serious concerns about misinformation, cultural erosion, and how we’ll remember the past.

As Winter Melts Away

The Crucial Years • 1544 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. The changing climate is causing dramatic and extreme changes around the planet, with record-breaking temperatures and reduced snow coverage indicating the ongoing warming of the Earth.
  2. The diminishing cold air supply in the Arctic is a clear sign of the planet's warming climate, leading to changes in weather patterns and ecological impacts like ice melting and more extreme weather events.
  3. The impact of the climate crisis goes beyond physical consequences, affecting the psychological and emotional connection to the changing seasons and nature, emphasizing the importance of fighting to save the beauty and meaning of the natural world.

Oof. A Small Step Forward, and then...

The Crucial Years • 1155 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. The rich individuals or entities may not fully grasp or prioritize the urgency of the environmental crisis, as shown by certain investment decisions.
  2. Some significant steps towards divesting from fossil fuels have been taken, indicating a gradual shift away from reliance on them.
  3. Financial institutions like banks withdrawing from environmental initiatives could hinder progress towards decarbonization and indicate a shift in priorities.

Bonkers in Yonkers

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Climate policy should be based on the best-available science to be effective in addressing risks like sea level rise.
  2. Extreme, implausible scenarios like RCP8.5 can lead to misguided policy decisions and misallocation of resources.
  3. Regulatory capture by a small group of experts can result in the codification of flawed science in policies, highlighting the importance of oversight and accountability.

"You are being misinformed"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1707 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Science
  1. Misinformation in climate science is a significant issue, especially due to outdated climate scenarios like RCP8.5 and RCP4.5.
  2. Scientific integrity is crucial to uphold in producing accurate information for policy-making.
  3. Financial conflicts of interest can complicate expertise, leading to the perpetuation of misinformation.

The Alimonti Addendum

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1266 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🔬 Science Climate Science
  1. A scientific paper was retracted due to negative press and criticism, not due to substantive issues.
  2. The retraction was driven by a single sentence in the paper, not related to data or analysis.
  3. Peer review process irregularities and external influences impacted the retraction, highlighting issues in scientific publishing.

Solving for Climate: the podcast is back

Sustainability by numbers • 188 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. The podcast 'Solving for Climate' is starting its second season, focusing on conversations with experts who are working on climate change solutions.
  2. Reading can help us understand important topics, like the impacts of climate change and our agricultural practices, through different perspectives and stories.
  3. Generational differences in views about climate change may be overstated, and it's important to recognize common ground instead of blaming each other.

The man who invented a time machine

The Crucial Years • 876 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. John Goodenough, who invented a powerful lithium-ion battery, helped keep the Texas power grid run smoothly during a heatwave.
  2. Batteries like the ones Goodenough invented are crucial for storing solar power and preventing energy crises.
  3. The use of batteries is growing worldwide to support renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In search of a foundational set of water principles

Climate Water Project • 117 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. The water cycle is complex and requires integrating knowledge from various sciences and methodologies.
  2. The set of water principles aims to simplify and highlight the most important interactions in the water cycle.
  3. Understanding the connections between groundwater, surface water, and land cover is crucial for managing water resources effectively.

Why Global Warming Has Accelerated: Hansen's Lay Explanation

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Cleaning up air pollution from shipping is leading to more warming because fewer clouds are blocking sunlight. It’s like removing a blanket that kept our planet cooler.
  2. Recent findings suggest that the climate is more sensitive to CO2 than previously thought, meaning small increases in CO2 could lead to bigger temperature rises.
  3. If warming continues, it could disrupt ocean currents, leading to severe weather changes and rising sea levels as ice melts. This could change the climate in places like Europe drastically.

Climate Cons

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 20 May 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. The climate debate has shifted from discussing pollution to claiming a climate emergency, leading to the rise of organizations that spread alarmist messages to gain influence and donations.
  2. A scientist named Steven Koonin argues that climate science isn't as settled as people think. He believes that most severe weather events aren't increasing and that extreme predictions about climate change often aren't based on solid facts.
  3. Koonin points out that natural factors like volcanic activity have more impact on climate than commonly acknowledged. He emphasizes the importance of using accurate science and not exaggerating threats in climate discussions.

mathiness instills confidence

bad cattitude • 165 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🔬 Science Climate Science
  1. Mathiness can make people feel more confident, especially if they aren't familiar with math.
  2. Adding complex math or 'mathiness' to information can influence how people perceive its quality, especially if they lack knowledge in math and models.
  3. It's important to be cautious of trusting information just because it includes numbers or complex equations; don't assume accuracy or rigor without verifying.

Global Warming and Air Pollution

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Recent studies suggest that global warming might not be solely caused by human activities. They're looking into how less air pollution could be affecting cloud cover and, in turn, the Earth's temperature.
  2. Scientists are unsure about why cloud cover is decreasing, which complicates predictions about climate change. It's clear that this area of research is still developing and not fully settled.
  3. The U.S. government has spent nearly half a trillion dollars on climate change initiatives. Many are now questioning if these efforts are based on outdated or incorrect science.

Ok, Doomer #5

Parachute • 19 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Over 116 million people from 185 countries have participated in Fridays for Future climate strikes.
  2. Investing in women's health and education can help reduce 70 gigatons of CO2 by 2050.
  3. Countries with more female representation in parliament tend to have stronger climate change policies.

Interview with Prof. William Happer – Climate Scare Is Based on Lies

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Prof. Happer believes that the idea of a climate crisis is based on false information and exaggeration about carbon dioxide's impact. He argues that the Earth's climate naturally changes and human influence shouldn't be overstated.
  2. He points out that the push for climate alarmism began in the 1990s, led by politicians who were rallying for stricter climate policies. He thinks that many scientists have adjusted their views to fit political agendas over time.
  3. Happer emphasizes that it's important to understand the role of carbon dioxide and the implications of climate policies, suggesting they can have significant economic costs. He believes discussions around climate change should be based on solid evidence and facts.

Bad Storms, Bad Science

Natural Selections • 12 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔬 Science Climate Science
  1. Climate science often relies on models that may not fully prove human actions are the main cause of temperature increases. It's important to question what we assume about these models.
  2. Some media outlets present conclusions about climate change as facts, which can mislead people. They may not explore other possible reasons for climate events.
  3. True science should consider multiple explanations for observations instead of insisting on a single cause. It's essential to keep an open mind in scientific discussions.

Nils Ekholm – The Influence of Man on Climate

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 18 May 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Nils Ekholm was a key figure in early meteorological studies and participated in important Arctic research, showing that countries could work together on big scientific projects.
  2. He warned about human activities affecting the climate, especially through the burning of fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
  3. Ekholm's work on climate change was initially overlooked but highlighted that increased carbon dioxide could lead to a rise in Earth's temperatures.

Mission to Planet Earth: NASA's Ambitious Plan to Study Our Home from Space

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. NASA started the Earth Observing System in the late 1980s to study our planet's environment from space. This ambitious project aims to gather data on climate change and other global changes.
  2. George H.W. Bush's administration emphasized environmental issues and initiated significant space programs, but some of his team questioned the focus on big projects instead of immediate climate actions.
  3. Scientists like James Hansen argued for quicker solutions to climate change problems, suggesting smaller, faster satellites to gather essential data without waiting for larger projects to complete.

(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About the COP28 Climate Meeting

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. COP meetings are important for global climate action. They started in the 1990s and have aimed to create agreements to tackle climate change together.
  2. The 2015 Paris Agreement was a key milestone but many believe the goals set by countries are still not strong enough to combat rising temperatures.
  3. As COP28 approaches, there are concerns about the influence of fossil fuel interests on climate policies, which could hinder real action against climate change.

The Carbon Dioxide Number

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Charles David Keeling invented a way to measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which became the foundation for understanding climate change. His work started in the 1950s and helped us see how human activities affect the Earth's climate.
  2. The Keeling Curve shows that carbon dioxide levels have been steadily rising over the years, proving that our actions contribute to climate change. This curve became a major symbol of the greenhouse effect and climate research.
  3. Scientists realized that the oceans can only absorb so much carbon dioxide, which affects global temperatures. Early researchers warned that increasing carbon emissions would lead to significant changes in our climate.

Europe backs down on climate disclosure rules with two-year delay

Callaway Climate Insights • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Europe delayed climate disclosure rules for 8 specific sectors by 2 years due to concerns over extra costs and bureaucracy.
  2. The delay may impact Europe's reputation as a climate change leader and is seen as a setback for investors managing climate risks.
  3. The delay also affects US Securities and Exchange Commission's own climate disclosure rule, highlighting challenges faced globally in climate reporting.

The Origins of Climate Change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Svante Arrhenius was an early scientist who studied how carbon dioxide affects our planet's temperature. He created a model that helped people understand the connection between CO2 and climate change.
  2. He predicted that doubling the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could raise temperatures by around 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. This was a significant insight into how human activities like burning fossil fuels impact the climate.
  3. Although his ideas faced skepticism at first, Arrhenius believed in the potential for better climates due to increased carbon dioxide. He hoped this would lead to more abundant crops and improved conditions for people.

Eunice Newton Foote: A fascinating tale of feminism and climate change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Apr 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. Eunice Newton Foote was a pioneer in both women's rights and climate science. She showed that different amounts of carbon dioxide can affect the earth's temperature.
  2. At an important science meeting, Foote's research was read by a man because women weren't allowed to present. Her work was largely forgotten for many years.
  3. Her findings about the warming effects of gases like carbon dioxide were ahead of her time. If she had more support, she could have made an even bigger impact in science.

John Tyndall: The Blue Sky and the Radiant Heat of Gases

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science
  1. John Tyndall studied the Alps and became passionate about them, using his scientific knowledge to understand glaciers and mountain climate. His explorations helped open the era of Alpine climbing and tourism.
  2. Tyndall discovered why the sky looks blue by experimenting with light. He found that sunlight scatters more when it hits air particles, especially scattering blue light more than other colors.
  3. He also studied greenhouse gases and how they trap heat, which is important for keeping Earth warm. His work laid the groundwork for understanding climate change and the greenhouse effect.