The hottest Environment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The man who forgot to die

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Environment
  1. Changing your environment can have a significant impact on health and well-being without conscious efforts on lifestyle changes.
  2. Living in a toxic environment can hinder healthy habits and contribute to stress and health issues.
  3. Sometimes, embracing a new environment or location that nurtures well-being can lead to unexpected positive changes in health and life.

Inside Job: Secret Histories in the National Museum

Asimov Press • 186 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🔬 Science Environment
  1. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History holds millions of specimens, including a secret history of bioweapons experiments conducted by the U.S. military.
  2. Many animal specimens collected during military conflicts reveal connections between warfare and biological research programs, showing how these historical events influenced scientific endeavors.
  3. The presence of everyday specimens in the museum, like insects and rodents, can unveil hidden stories about government actions and ecological research, suggesting that even small details can have significant implications.

So long Aeolus, and thanks for all the wind data

Europe in Space • 117 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Aeolus satellite mission ended and made significant contributions to improving weather forecasting with its pioneering technology
  2. Aeolus had a unique instrument to collect global wind data and its impact goes beyond just weather forecasts
  3. The mission had a lasting impact and economic benefits, leading to approval for a second Aeolus mission
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

EU Systems Transformation Hub launched

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Environment
  1. EU Systems Transformation Hub launched to find systemic solutions for systemic crises in Europe.
  2. The Hub involves five organizations like Metabolic, EIT Climate-KIC, and the Club of Rome, with an open invite for more to join.
  3. The Hub focuses on mapping EU progress on Sustainable Development Goals, crafting progressive narratives for policymakers, and consulting with stakeholders.

The Case for 2 mSv/day. 2.0.

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Environment
  1. The historical dose limit for radiation exposure was set at 2 mSv per day, based on a time when no harmful effects were clearly detected. This suggests that at this level of exposure, there might not be significant health risks.
  2. Our body has a strong system for repairing DNA damage caused by radiation and natural processes. Most DNA issues are fixed quickly, which means low-level radiation may not lead to serious health problems.
  3. If we accept that 2 mSv per day is safe, it could change how we manage nuclear power. It may allow for safer operations and reduce unnecessary evacuations, ultimately making energy cheaper and more sustainable.

Intro to Economic Life 1: Creatures on a Planet

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 410 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Environment
  1. The economy is not separate from the planet, but rather a part of it, with everything deriving from the ecological systems of Earth. This interconnectedness should be a foundational element of economic analysis.
  2. Products we see as separate entities are actually collections of human labor and resources from the planet, with objects being made up of multiple acts of labor combined with natural elements like sunlight, air, water, and food.
  3. The illusion of separation in the economy can hide exploitative practices and hinder our ability to make informed decisions, leading to disconnection, confusion, and alienation. Understanding these interconnected processes is crucial to developing a holistic view of the economy.

On Environment, Chinese companies may be the model student

Beijing Channel • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🌐 International Environment
  1. Chinese companies operating abroad often bring advanced environmental practices and technologies, and in many projects they meet or exceed local and international standards while restoring damaged land.
  2. Their investments frequently deliver local benefits like steady jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and technical training, helping communities remain livable and prosperous.
  3. Despite these outcomes, Western media and political interests commonly portray these firms as environmentally or socially reckless, amplifying routine problems into broader accusations driven by geopolitics and competition.

Visit to Bataan NPP, 2013-09

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was nearly finished but never started due to political issues. It had been built during Marcos' regime but was halted after his overthrow.
  2. The plant has been neglected since the 1980s, meaning it suffers from damage and requires significant investment to be operational again. Some believe it could be revived in the future with the right leadership.
  3. Despite being outdated in some ways, the plant's control systems are considered reliable since they don't have software vulnerabilities. There's a discussion about improving monitoring without losing the existing analog system.

How Robins Got Their Name

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔬 Science Environment
  1. Robins named in England were given human names like Robert and Robin due to their familiarity and endearing qualities.
  2. American settlers in North America applied the name Robin to birds with orange breasts despite being different species from the English robin.
  3. The name Robin has been widely adopted by various birds across different continents, showcasing the historical influence of English colonization and erasure of indigenous knowledge.

Reality is a Privilege

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Many people are spending increasing amounts of time in virtual reality, which may become a compulsion and potential tool for survival in a degraded environment.
  2. As physical reality becomes less viable, the shift towards online life can lead to decreased social interaction, impacting mental health and social dynamics in cities.
  3. Good urban planning that prioritizes accessible physical spaces is essential to maintaining humanity and preventing a digital divide where individuals are forced to live more of their lives online.

Sowing Solidarity: How Lebanon’s Wineries Remain Rooted

Vittles • 159 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Environment
  1. Lebanon's wineries are facing tough times due to conflict and destruction. Many winemakers are shifting their focus from producing wine to supporting their communities.
  2. The connection to the land is really important for these winemakers. They feel a strong pride in their heritage and want to preserve their agricultural traditions amidst the chaos.
  3. Support from abroad is crucial for the survival of Lebanon's wine industry. Winemakers need strong export partnerships to keep their businesses alive as local markets struggle.

Imagining a World Beyond Consumerism

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Going beyond consumerism is challenging because it is deeply ingrained in our societal norms and behaviors.
  2. Consumerism is not just about consumption or capitalism; it is a cultural and economic way of life that influences our sense of normality.
  3. To move beyond consumerism, we need to understand and address the emotional, social, economic, technological, legal, political, and spiritual logics that drive it, while also reimagining our societal norms and narratives.

Iceland's new found popularity

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Environment
  1. Tourism is Iceland's biggest export industry, but there are concerns about the impact on the environment and culture.
  2. Tourism has played a significant role in Iceland's economy, especially in times of crisis like the financial crash and pandemic.
  3. The increase in tourism has led to infrastructure challenges and a debate on sustainable tourism practices in Iceland.

Every Story is a Degrowth Story!

Breaking Smart • 101 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. There are three main forces affecting our world: internet nomads, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Each of these will impact our lives in different ways over the next 10 to 15 years.
  2. Internet nomads, like political groups using social media, are likely to peak first and create short-term chaos, but may not last long-term due to their inability to build stable systems.
  3. AI will evolve quickly as technology improves and becomes more common, which might lead to bigger changes in society, while climate change will pose significant challenges, affecting everyday life in profound ways.

2023 Was the Year Cities Sued — And Won

The New Urban Order • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. Cities are increasingly using litigation to address problems that policies can't solve.
  2. City legal departments are evolving from being slow and conservative to actively participating in affirmative litigation.
  3. Cities are winning lawsuits against companies like Kia, Hyundai, Big Oil, and 3M for issues like car theft, climate change, and pollution.

Smoke on the Water

Unbound • 600 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📰 News Environment
  1. Accidents like the train derailment in Ohio can have long-lasting and terrible effects on communities.
  2. There is a growing sense of uneasiness and concern over industrial mishaps, shortages of goods, and global tensions.
  3. The media focus on perceptions and ideas rather than on reporting on actual events, leading to a loss of trust in institutions.

Weekly Wednesday: The worst shell game

Deprogram • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. The Montana GOP is using flashy attacks on the LGBTQ community to cover for a land grab.
  2. Governor Gianforte is focused on exploiting Montana's lands and resources for the carbon economy.
  3. Montana's history of disasters linked to exploitation warns against using bigotry to distract from environmental concerns.

Sunday West 47

Wrong Side of History • 289 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Environment
  1. Being cringe might be beneficial for society, as coolness can be fleeting and exclusionary.
  2. Soft power is crucial to maintaining a country's influence, but it often follows financial power.
  3. The roles of old and young in radical political movements seem to be reversing, with elderly individuals taking on more active roles.

Citing Danger of “Ink Spills” Epson Programs End of Life for Some Printers

Fight to Repair • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. Epson printers have a pre-determined 'end of life' programmed into their software without clear disclosure at purchase, pushing customers to replace or service their printers.
  2. Users encountering the 'end of life' message can temporarily reset it using an Epson utility for Windows, but Mac users must seek service or replace the printer.
  3. Epson designed their printers to stop working to prevent potential property damage from ink spills or safety issues, leading to concerns about electronic waste and right-to-repair practices.

Declining Birth Rates Are a Good Thing, Actually

antoniomelonio • 119 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Declining birth rates might seem scary, but they can actually be a good thing. Fewer people could mean more space for nature and better quality of life.
  2. Overpopulation adds stress to our resources, but overconsumption is also a big problem. We have to find a balance and reduce our ecological impact.
  3. Instead of worrying about needing more people, we should focus on improving life for the people already here. Making life better for everyone can lead to a happier, healthier society.

Club a Koala to Death and Save the Planet!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. The modern 'left' has shifted away from traditional left-wing values like workers' rights, social welfare, and conservation, embracing contradictory and exaggerated positions.
  2. The proposed wind turbine development in Queensland highlights a radical departure from traditional conservationism, calling for the eradication of koala habitat and using inhumane methods like a 'sharp blow with a hammer to the skull' for euthanizing koalas.
  3. The author argues that the current progressive ideology is not representative of traditional leftism but is a cult-like adherence to globalist doctrine, emphasizing the need to stop referring to them as 'the left.'

On International Repair Day: Much To Celebrate

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🌐 International Environment
  1. International Repair Day is an occasion to celebrate repair skills, promote sustainability, and advocate for a more circular economy worldwide.
  2. Significant progress has been observed globally with the adoption of repair laws in various regions, including the US, Canada, India, and the EU.
  3. The movement for the right to repair is growing, aiming for repair accessibility for all, with events, advocacy, and initiatives globally to support a shift towards a more repairable world.

Two podcasts

Jérôme à Paris • 72 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Environment
  1. I recently spoke at two different events: one about offshore wind finance and another on renewable energy investment.
  2. The presentation on offshore wind finance can be found on YouTube, but it's in French.
  3. The podcast on renewable energy investment is available in English and discusses how investors can approach this market.

Articles You'll Want to Read

OK Doomer • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
📰 News Environment
  1. It's hard to keep up with all the news because there are so many updates happening every day. Important information can easily get overlooked.
  2. There's a need for news that offers context and is presented less frequently so we can process it better. Fast news can be overwhelming.
  3. To help people stay informed without the chaos, a new news roundup will provide important stories and analysis in a more digestible way.

A New Way

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Environment
  1. Humans struggle with change but are fascinated by the critical moments of change
  2. Communities often face challenges in adapting to new ways of life
  3. Cultural and religious beliefs can play a significant role in shaping community values and actions

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #126

Creative Destruction • 28 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Things might seem worse due to perceived obsolescence, where products are designed to feel outdated even if they still work well. This affects our identity as consumers and leads to lower quality of life.
  2. We're entering a post-reality era where people's feelings shape what's considered real, influenced heavily by AI and social media. This creates echo chambers and challenges our grasp on shared truths.
  3. Instead of just trying to scale quickly, we should focus on building deeper relationships and connections. Real impact comes from understanding and caring about the communities we serve.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 233 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. January storms led to a power outage, revealing the joy of unplugging and simplifying.
  2. The coming of electricity changed our relation with reality negatively, according to a philosopher.
  3. The Monthly Salon encourages discussions on various topics, from literature to current events.

Food is Political

Nomad No More • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Environment
  1. Food choices have political implications in modern society.
  2. Cooking at home can help combat societal issues like food waste and unhealthy eating habits.
  3. Investing time in cooking and being resourceful with food can have positive impacts on health, finances, and the environment.

NEPA Reform and Infrastructure

Knowledge Problem • 58 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environment
  1. NEPA was established in 1970 to protect the environment and involves thorough environmental impact assessments for federal projects.
  2. There have been debates about NEPA's benefits and drawbacks, with delays and litigation being common criticisms.
  3. Proposals for NEPA reform aim to balance environmental protection with reducing delays in project approvals.

What Yellowstone gets wrong by trying to be too right

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Environment
  1. Yellowstone strives for truth, but its portrayal of Montana can be misleading and harmful.
  2. The show overlooks economic struggles and industrial history of Montana, focusing more on a romanticized narrative.
  3. Montana is a place of contradictions, where personal experiences and stories may not align with popular narratives like those portrayed in Yellowstone.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #76

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 229 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Environment
  1. Figure demonstrated a robot learning to make coffee based on observing humans, showcasing a general purpose AI approach.
  2. Rabbit introduced an AI model that translates human directives into actions without traditional app interfaces, paired with affordable hardware.
  3. US saw a decline in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 despite economic growth, emphasizing the need for continued emissions reduction efforts.

Tell me what you want (in this publication)

The New Urban Order • 39 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
💼 Business Environment
  1. The author is looking to engage with their audience through new ways like podcasts and events in 2024.
  2. The publication features a diverse range of subscribers with unique backgrounds and focuses, such as urban housing design, homelessness initiatives, and carbon footprint awareness.
  3. There is a call for readers to share their thoughts and preferences through a short survey, encouraging engagement with the publication.