The hottest Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

What I Learned About AI in 2023

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. Advancements in AI may not always lead to true improvement or problem-solving, as new technologies continue to replace previous ones without learning from past failures.
  2. There is evidence that AI may be making things worse, even in areas it is meant to excel in, such as ethics and safety, leading to a loss of expertise and rush to incorporate generative AI algorithms.
  3. AI models can have significant environmental impacts, using vast amounts of energy and water, highlighting the importance of developing more sustainable computational infrastructure and greener algorithms.

Development v. Environment

Vietnam Weekly • 255 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environment
  1. The post discusses the ongoing sand crisis and its impact on development and the environment.
  2. The author, Michael Tatarski, writes for the Vietnam Weekly and provides exclusive content for paying subscribers.
  3. Readers can upgrade to a paid subscription for more in-depth features and content.

Friday Links

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Forever chemicals are really tough to break down because of their chemical structure. Researchers are looking for ways to engineer microbes that can help eliminate these harmful substances.
  2. SGLT2 inhibitors can help the immune system clear out old cells, which could be important for health. There’s growing interest in how these inhibitors can benefit kidney treatment.
  3. Advances in cotton plant genomes could make it easier to breed better plants in the future. This could lead to improvements in cotton production and farming.

⚛☢ Here's what can end the nuclear renaissance, according to America's biggest bank

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. Nuclear power is being considered more seriously because it can produce a lot of clean energy, which is important in addressing climate change.
  2. The need for energy security has increased, especially after events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, making nuclear power a valuable option.
  3. Small modular reactors (SMRs) may solve key issues like high costs and slow construction times in the nuclear industry, potentially leading to a significant upgrade in energy capacity.
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What's got my attention this week #14

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Edinburgh festival season is here, featuring an interview with author Maggie O'Farrell at Fringe By The Sea about 'The Marriage Portrait'.
  2. An article discusses how newsletters are now akin to women's magazines in providing engaging content.
  3. There is a trend in adults reading children's books, an interesting lawsuit by women against the Swiss government over climate change, and other intriguing topics shared on The Shift With Sam Baker.

Top Links 551 Peak beef. The demand for rocket motors. New Delhi smog & ethical crystals.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. There's a growing trend called 'peak beef', which suggests that the demand for beef is reaching its highest point.
  2. Rocket motors are becoming more sought after, indicating an increase in interest for space or military technology.
  3. New Delhi is dealing with serious smog issues, while there's also a conversation about ethical crystals that might be more environmentally friendly.

Supply AND Demand

Knowledge Problem • 235 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Market value is determined by the interaction of supply and demand, allowing for price discovery.
  2. The traditional assumption in the electricity industry of fixed supply catering to demand is becoming obsolete due to digital technologies enabling flexible demand.
  3. Digital technologies and dynamic pricing are empowering consumers to have more control over their electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.

Sabine Hossenfelder promoting fossil fuels over electric vehicles

aukehoekstra • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Sabine Hossenfelder, a popular figure known for her physics background, has been criticized for promoting gasoline cars over electric vehicles.
  2. Electric vehicles can help solve grid issues and contribute positively to the energy system by offering flexibility and potential cost savings.
  3. The sales of electric vehicles continue to rise, with advancements in technology making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to fossil fuel cars.

Searching for Posthumanist AI

Cybernetic Forests • 259 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Large Language Models are anthropocentric and pose challenges to moving beyond human-centric ideologies
  2. Post-humanism emphasizes decentering humanity and focusing on the health of the planet and interconnected natural systems
  3. AI's current state reflects human biases and design decisions, and a posthumanist approach would require a shift towards technologies that facilitate listening and understanding the world outside ourselves

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Environment
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.

A win win opening for a president who badly needs one?

The Crucial Years • 1066 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. Environmental campaign is rapidly emerging in the Gulf of Mexico to halt LNG exports, influencing political and environmental grounds.
  2. Biden has the opportunity to show leadership by denying new LNG export licenses, which could cut costs for American consumers and address inflation concerns.
  3. Taking action against LNG exports can help Biden address his polling challenges, appeal to young voters concerned about climate change, and demonstrate commitment to clean energy initiatives.

Life Abounds

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Baby animals, like marmots and geoducks, can be very cute and inspire joy in nature. People often feel a nurturing instinct towards baby animals, similar to how they feel about human babies.
  2. The recovery of wildlife can surprise researchers, as seen with western toads at Mt. St. Helens after the eruption, which thrived in new conditions.
  3. Many baby marmots survive their first winter, which is good news for their populations. Cute baby animals help us connect with nature and remind us of the importance of wildlife conservation.

Top Links 593 How tariffs on imports from Mexico would hurt the US. Chinese v. Indian education. The rare whiskey bubble bursts & the danger of melting permafrost.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. Tariffs on imports from Mexico could lead to negative effects for the US economy, as they might raise prices and reduce access to goods.
  2. There is an ongoing comparison between the education systems of China and India, highlighting their differences and impacts on global development.
  3. The rare whiskey market is experiencing a decline, which shows the risks of investment in specialized products, along with concerns about climate change affecting permafrost.

A Short Note About A Mistake

The Abbey of Misrule • 707 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Be cautious of how your words can be hijacked by others for their own agendas.
  2. Make sure to research and clarify the background and intentions of any publication or platform that approaches you for content.
  3. Stand firm in your values and beliefs, and don't allow your writing to be used to support ideologies that you oppose.

Birdsong

The Commonplace • 1120 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Take time to observe the beauty around you, like birdsongs and nature, instead of being consumed by technology.
  2. There is enchantment in the everyday environment if we open ourselves to see and hear it.
  3. Utilize technology, like bird identification apps, to learn more about the world around you and the beauty of nature.

Dune 3: Planetary Regeneration?

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. The Kynes family in 'Dune' is crucial, with Pardot, Liet-Kynes, and Chani playing significant roles in planetary regeneration.
  2. The complex characters and the family business of planetary regeneration add depth and memorability to the 'Dune' story.
  3. Herbert's ecological themes in 'Dune' explore the aim of all life to maintain coordinated patterns of greater diversity, emphasizing the importance of sustaining life.

To the dolphin that scared the hell out of me while I was surfing

That Damn Optimist • 87 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Dolphins can surprise us in unexpected ways, like when they suddenly appear while surfing. Their presence can be both thrilling and a little scary.
  2. Even though dolphins might seem intimidating with their big fins and shadows, they also bring joy and life to the ocean. They can remind us that not everything that seems scary is harmful.
  3. Dolphins have a playful and musical side that can lift our spirits. Their playful leaps and sounds can feel like a celebration of life in the water.

National Association of Manufactured Consent: D.C. Group Floats Anti Right to Repair Tome

Fight to Repair • 118 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. The National Association of Manufacturers released a report against the right to repair but it recycled industry talking points and presented weak arguments.
  2. The report falsely claims that right to repair harms the environment, but in reality, creating and shipping replacement parts are more environmentally friendly than replacing entire devices.
  3. Different state right to repair laws can be burdensome, but they are a step towards a federal law that grants repair rights to all Americans, while still allowing for state-level legislation.

Fuck around & find out (who you fucked)

Situation Normal • 257 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Climate change is a big concern for many people. Most agree it's a serious issue that needs attention.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed by politics and media. Some choose to avoid it and prefer discussing other topics.
  3. Social connections are important, even if casual. Sharing interests can lead to new friendships or dates.

On First Looking into Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog

Dada Drummer Almanach • 221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. The Whole Earth Catalog was more than just a book; it represented an idea that individuals can take control of their own education and lives. It promoted the power of personal agency in shaping one’s environment.
  2. Stewart Brand's famous quote about information highlights a tension between making information accessible and recognizing its value. While information can be freely shared in some ways, its worth still holds significant economic implications.
  3. The catalog’s legacy is complicated. It began with a vision of ecological awareness and individual empowerment, but its ideas have been co-opted by corporate interests, raising questions about the true impact of technology on society.

The Population Bomb

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 17 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Environment
  1. The world's population hit 8 billion, largely due to longer life expectancies and better health care. This brings both business opportunities and environmental challenges.
  2. Population growth is expected to slow down significantly in the coming decades, influenced by factors like women's education and lower fertility rates. Many countries are facing issues related to aging populations and shrinking workforces.
  3. Countries like Japan and Germany show that a declining population can still lead to economic success, especially when they invest in automation and embrace environmental sustainability.

The journey is the whole point, the only point.

Pinch of Dirt • 157 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Environment
  1. The journey is the whole point and the only point of The Great Saunter event in Manhattan
  2. Traveling to Antarctica as a tourist may not be environmentally defensible, raising questions about ethics and moral values
  3. Plant hardiness zones are shifting northward, impacting the native vs introduced plant debate

Why It's Great News That The Earth Sucks

Everything Is Amazing • 963 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. The Earth has fascinating and dangerous underwater sinkholes, like the Great Blue Hole and the Yongle Blue Hole.
  2. Exploring the geological impact on our lives can reveal intriguing connections to our world's history and future.
  3. Scientists finding deep-sea features like the Taam ja' Blue Hole may provide insights into life on other planets.

E-scooters are good and Britain should legalise them

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Environment
  1. E-scooters can help reduce car usage and congestion in cities due to their compact design and ability to take up less space.
  2. Legalizing e-scooters can lead to positive downstream consequences, such as reducing car dependence, reshaping urban geography, and creating a more sustainable environment.
  3. Regulating e-scooters through legalization can improve safety standards, encourage responsible riding behavior, and prompt the development of infrastructure to accommodate different modes of transportation.

Thought Strewn All Around Us

Desystemize • 702 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Environment
  1. At the Fluidity Forum, people gather to explore thinking and consciousness.
  2. Knowledge is not just facts and memories, but a pointer to patterns in environments over time.
  3. Our interactions with the environment shape and inform our understanding of the world around us.

TechnoGlobalist Terrorism and the Criminalization of Human Life

DrV’s Newsletter, Notes, Essays, Articles, Videos, and Book Chapters • 78 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Environment
  1. Behaviors such as subsistence fishing and farming might be criminalized as ecocide, leading to severe penalties for a large part of the population.
  2. Eating for survival could be considered as a crime against the environment, labeled as ecocide.
  3. There is an agenda to guilt and make individuals pay for simple everyday actions like drinking coffee, hinting at a larger scheme from previous years.

The Sweet Spot Between Doomscrolling and Hopium Smoking

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. People feel alone when they realize how serious our problems are. They want to talk and connect with others who share their worries.
  2. Many distractions in our culture, like politics, pull attention away from the real issues at hand. They can feel like a way to ignore the reality of difficult times ahead.
  3. It's important to acknowledge that doom and uncertainty won't disappear. Finding a balance between awareness and hope can help navigate these feelings better.

Cochran's Great Insight

The Heart Attack Diet • 139 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Environment
  1. Common diseases that affect many people should be carefully examined for underlying causes, like pathogens or recent environmental changes.
  2. Pathogens play a significant role in causing diseases, such as the example of sickle-cell anaemia in Africa being a defense against malaria.
  3. The rise of 'diseases of modernity' like heart disease, cancer, and obesity may be linked to long-term exposure to environmental toxins in food and water.

How To Read for Trends

Think Future • 119 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Identifying trends involves looking for patterns over time, both increasing and decreasing, in various aspects of society and industry.
  2. Reading news for trends involves focusing on 'real news' that provides deep insights and understanding of issues, rather than temporary headlines or human interest stories.
  3. Deep-lying trends impact many surface-level changes, with monitoring deep trends providing valuable insights for forecasting the future.

All models are wrong, but some are tragically misleading

Gordian Knot News • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Evacuating people from the Fukushima area was delayed, and some evacuation decisions may not have been based on the actual risk levels involved. This led to unnecessary stress for many residents.
  2. A lot of the radiation exposure from the Fukushima disaster was less harmful than initially thought. Some areas had low radiation levels that people were advised to evacuate from, leading to disruption in their lives.
  3. Models predicting cancer risks from radiation exposure can be misleading. In some cases, the predicted health impacts did not match what real-life studies showed.

Overcoming challenges in Martian and Earth agriculture: a path to sustainable food production

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Growing food on Mars will be challenging. Scientists need to consider energy needs, special farming techniques, and the importance of making the environment attractive for all settlers.
  2. For a permanent Mars colony, it’s better to produce most food on-site rather than bringing it from Earth. This means finding ways to efficiently grow food using available Martian resources.
  3. Advancements in technology, like genetic engineering and farm automation, are crucial. These innovations can help make food production sustainable both on Mars and here on Earth.