The hottest Environmental Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Chain Reaction

Doomberg • 6659 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. Nuclear energy has produced a massive amount of clean electricity over the years, showcasing its potential as a stable and affordable energy source.
  2. Germany's decision to abandon its nuclear power plants is now seen as a mistake, and there's hope they will shift their stance to support nuclear energy in the future.
  3. Many countries in Europe are starting to rethink their approach to nuclear energy, which might lead to a resurgence in its use to help combat climate change.

The Burning Truth: Climate Change’s Burning Impact on Global Crops

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Agriculture Food security Sustainability Environmental Impact
  1. Climate change is causing significant price increases for crops like cocoa, coffee, and mango, impacting food costs around the world.
  2. Many crops are suffering from rising temperatures, with some regions losing suitable land for growing key crops like coffee and cocoa.
  3. To cope with climate change, farmers need to adapt their methods, such as using crop diversification and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A Better Approach to Climate Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1884 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Sustainable Development Environmental Impact
  1. The Hartwell Paper suggests that climate policy should focus more on solving real-life problems like air pollution and poverty instead of just cutting emissions. This approach could lead to better solutions for everyone.
  2. Instead of relying on strict global agreements, climate policy should be decentralized and innovative. Local and regional solutions can be more effective and politically accepted.
  3. Successful climate policy should provide clear benefits to people, such as better air quality and energy security. When people see direct advantages, they are more likely to support climate initiatives.

Pain Control

Doomberg • 7727 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Regulations Environmental Impact Public Health Urban planning
  1. A new law in Ottawa limits how long cars can idle to reduce emissions, even in freezing temperatures. This change has sparked debates about balancing climate goals with everyday needs.
  2. Some lawmakers are considering studying the environmental impact of anesthesia gases used in medicine. This might lead to strict regulations on their use, showing how far some are willing to go for climate concerns.
  3. Many feel that not all small actions, like the ones mentioned, are equally important. It's crucial to find a balance between good intentions and real-life impacts on people's comfort and health.

Hot take on an AI catfight

Marcus on AI • 6165 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure National Security Economics Environmental Impact
  1. OpenAI is launching a big project called The Stargate Project, which plans to invest $500 billion to improve AI infrastructure in the U.S. Over the next four years, they hope this will help the country's economy and national security.
  2. Elon Musk is skeptical about the funding and the true financial health of OpenAI. He suggests that previous promises may not hold true and questions whether this project will really benefit the American people.
  3. There are several uncertainties about this project, like whether developing AI will actually be profitable and how it might impact jobs. People worry if the profits will help everyone or just the rich, and if the U.S. can truly keep up with China's advancements in AI.
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The Two Lies that killed Nuclear Power 2.0

Gordian Knot News • 300 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔬 Science Nuclear power Radiation Energy Policy Environmental Impact Public Health
  1. Nuclear power has been hurt by two major misconceptions: that major accidents are unlikely and any release of radiation would be disastrous. Both ideas oversimplify complex realities.
  2. The belief that all radiation exposure is harmful has led to expensive safety measures in nuclear plants, making them less competitive against cheaper energy sources like oil and coal.
  3. Evidence shows that our bodies can repair some damage from radiation and that low-level exposure doesn't necessarily lead to serious health issues, challenging common fears about nuclear safety.

Six Things to Know About Your Electric Utility

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3179 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Infrastructure Environmental Impact
  1. Utilities have to serve everyone in their area, which limits how much risk they can take on new technologies. They often focus on proven ideas to avoid wasting customer money.
  2. Community opposition can make it really hard for utilities to expand infrastructure. This can slow down projects that are important for energy needs, as people often don’t want facilities near them.
  3. The push for renewable energy is complicated. While renewables can be cheaper, the technology for storing energy isn't perfect yet, leading utilities to still rely on fossil fuels during certain times.

How many people died in disasters in 2024?

Sustainability by numbers • 211 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Disasters Sustainability Data Analysis Public Health Environmental Impact
  1. In 2024, fewer people died from disasters compared to previous years, thanks to fewer major earthquakes. The estimate was around 9,500 deaths, which is low compared to the high averages from past years.
  2. Floods, wildfires, and storms were the main causes of deaths in 2024. Many fatalities came from extreme weather events, particularly flooding in Africa and wildfires in South America.
  3. It's important to note that data on disaster deaths is often incomplete, especially for temperature-related deaths. Researchers have to estimate these numbers, leading to less reliable statistics overall.

The Second Miracle

Gordian Knot News • 212 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🔬 Science Nuclear Energy Environmental Impact Resource Management Technological Innovation
  1. Humanity has faced many challenges, but we've been lucky to discover amazing solutions like fossil fuels and nuclear energy that have helped us thrive. These discoveries have led to huge improvements in our quality of life.
  2. Nuclear energy is powerful and produces less pollution, but it comes with risks like radiation exposure. Thankfully, we also have a natural DNA repair system that helps protect us from some of this damage.
  3. As we move forward, it's important for us to embrace nuclear power responsibly while being aware of its challenges. If we hadn't recognized its potential, we could have faced serious problems in our civilization.

Age of Invention: How Coal Really Won

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 2145 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💾 History Industrial Revolution Inventions Environmental Impact
  1. During the late 1500s, people in England started using coal instead of wood for heating. This change was not just about using a cheaper fuel; it actually transformed how land was used, allowing more space for crops.
  2. The rise of coal in households was influenced by advances in technology like chimneys and coal grates, which made it possible to burn coal more efficiently and with less smoke. These innovations helped shift people's preferences towards coal.
  3. Coal became popular in brewing and other industries because it was cheaper than wood. This increased demand for coal, eventually leading to a significant rise in its use in homes and cities.

Thoughts on Being a California Fire Refugee

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1682 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Urban life Personal Stories Environmental Impact
  1. Unexpected fires can lead to urgent evacuations, often with little notice. It's important to stay alert and ready to move when living in fire-prone areas.
  2. During emergencies, normal routines can quickly change and navigating in the dark can be challenging. Using visible landmarks helps in such situations.
  3. Staying productive during stressful times can provide comfort and a sense of purpose. Finding ways to engage in work can help manage anxiety and offer distractions.

Whales Die, While Officials, Media, and Environmentalists Lie

RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo • 7567 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Global Warming
  1. Whales are dying along the East Coast due to offshore wind turbines and oil & gas drilling, raising concerns about environmental impacts.
  2. There is uncertainty and disagreement among experts and agencies about the connection between offshore wind activities and whale deaths.
  3. Offshore wind projects may have limited impact on global emissions and climate change, but they are still considered integral for state plans.

A win of sorts on something really important

The Crucial Years • 1743 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Impact Energy transition Regulatory Affairs Activism
  1. The Biden administration paused permits for new LNG export terminals, which could help reduce environmental damage. This decision is significant because increased LNG exports would greatly impact climate change.
  2. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now requiring more environmental reviews for these projects, which is a positive step for local communities affected by pollution. This could slow down the construction of new terminals, giving more time for analysis and opposition.
  3. There is growing evidence that exporting natural gas is just as harmful to the climate as exporting coal. People should understand the environmental and economic risks of increasing LNG exports, as it could lead to higher energy prices for American consumers.

Andrew Leach: The day Alberta almost went dark

The Line • 2220 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy crisis Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Climate Resilience
  1. Alberta almost faced a power crisis due to project delays affecting wind and solar energy generation.
  2. Cold snap increased electricity demand in Alberta, highlighting the importance of reliable energy sources.
  3. Delays in critical energy projects like Cascade and Genesee expansion contributed to the vulnerability of Alberta's grid system.

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.

The grid part II - the golden age of the power industry

Construction Physics • 11274 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🔬 Science Electricity Industry Infrastructure Regulation Environmental Impact
  1. In the 1930s, federal projects like the Hoover Dam increased electrification and capacity, but growth slowed due to the Great Depression.
  2. Post-World War II saw the Golden Age of the electric power industry with massive growth in electricity generation, consumption, and industry assets.
  3. The end of the Golden Age came in the late 1960s due to factors like environmental concerns, technical challenges, and the 1973 energy crisis, leading to rising costs and stagnation.

☢️ Germany’s lost nuclear decade: A Quick Q&A with … energy researcher Jan Emblemsvåg

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Nuclear power Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Policy decisions
  1. Germany's decision to move away from nuclear power has resulted in significant financial losses and missed opportunities for cleaner energy. They could have saved a lot of money while maintaining their energy production.
  2. Public fear from past nuclear disasters, like Chernobyl and Fukushima, greatly influenced Germany's reluctance to rely on nuclear energy. This created strong political pressure against it over the years.
  3. Recently, there are signs that Germany might reconsider its stance on nuclear power due to rising energy costs and the diminishing influence of anti-nuclear political parties. Changes could happen in future elections.

Blight of the Plebs

Doomberg • 7718 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Impact
  1. Living near wind farms can have negative impacts like noise pollution and disruption to farming.
  2. There can be aggressive legal tactics in the wind industry to collect tax credits, leading to conflicts with rural communities.
  3. There is a divide between urban and rural areas on climate change, with rural areas more skeptical and urban areas more supportive of climate action.

Big Oil's Renewable Retreat: A Step Back in Time

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Renewable Energy Climate change Corporate Responsibility Environmental Impact
  1. Big oil companies like BP, Shell, and Equinor are cutting back on their investments in renewable energy. This means they are spending less money on projects like wind farms.
  2. Shareholders are pressuring these companies because of losses in their renewable energy sectors. They are feeling the impact of high costs and project failures.
  3. This reduction in investment could slow down progress on fighting climate change, making it harder to meet global energy goals. Governments could help by offering incentives for these companies to keep investing in renewables.

Book Review: Healthy Buildings

Construction Physics • 6681 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Environmental Impact Work Environment
  1. Healthy Buildings book focuses on how indoor environments impact health and productivity.
  2. Improving ventilation and air quality indoors can lead to better cognitive performance and reduce the spread of airborne pathogens.
  3. Creating standards for healthier buildings may require government incentives rather than relying solely on voluntary certifications.

Why did this climate scientist chain herself to a pipeline?

HEATED • 1670 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Activism Environmental Impact Policy Influence Climate Crisis
  1. Climate scientist Rose Abramoff took a personal risk to protest against the Mountain Valley Pipeline construction.
  2. The Mountain Valley Pipeline faces opposition due to its environmental impact, regulatory violations, and public health concerns.
  3. Despite facing consequences, Rose Abramoff remains committed to civil disobedience as she believes direct action is effective in combating fossil fuel projects.

Starving Palestine

Vittles • 282 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Agriculture Culinary culture Environmental Impact
  1. Israeli actions in Palestine, especially in Masafer Yatta, have severely impacted local pastoralist communities. Many shepherds face violence and loss of land, making it hard for them to sustain their traditional way of life.
  2. Food sovereignty is crucial for Palestinians, as their access to traditional agricultural knowledge is shrinking. This loss affects their health and cultural practices, making dependency on outside, often expensive, food sources more common.
  3. The fight for food sovereignty in Palestine is part of a broader struggle against colonialism. It represents a way for Palestinians to assert their rights, heritage, and identity amidst ongoing challenges.

Following the science to the grave

¡Do Not Panic! • 1022 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Environmental Impact Public Health Activism
  1. Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent around the world, a glimpse into the future of climate change.
  2. Countries heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture are facing economic turmoil due to extreme heat and climate change.
  3. The scientific community can be influenced by capitalist interests, leading to dangerous consequences like downplaying climate change risks.

ABC, CBS and NBC Evening News Reports on Canadian Wildfires Ignore Climate Change’s Role Entirely

The Column • 982 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Climate change Global Warming Environmental Impact
  1. ABC, CBS, and NBC evening news reports on Canadian wildfires ignored climate change's role
  2. The increased risk of wildfires due to climate change is well-documented
  3. Journalists should emphasize the connection between climate change and natural disasters in their reporting

SpaceX's Texas Rocket is Going To Cause A Lot More Damage Than Anyone Thinks

ESG Hound • 3637 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🔬 Science Space Exploration Environmental Impact Wildlife Conservation Risk Assessment Regulatory Oversight
  1. FAA granted SpaceX a license for the Starship orbital test, but the potential damage could be catastrophic.
  2. The noise levels from SpaceX's testing were higher than predicted, impacting the environment and wildlife.
  3. SpaceX's launch facility in Texas lacks essential safety features, raising concerns about the safety of the operation.

As Winter Melts Away

The Crucial Years • 1544 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability Natural Disasters
  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.

Sanitizer Surge: Cautionary Consequences of COVID-19 Crisis

COVID Reason • 1546 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Environmental Impact Public Health Crisis Management
  1. The surge in demand for hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 crisis led to unintended consequences.
  2. The FDA's decision to relax regulations in response to the demand resulted in an influx of inexperienced hand sanitizer manufacturers.
  3. The environmental catastrophe in Carson, California, highlights the importance of considering potential risks and consequences during a crisis.

Fully Recharged

The Crucial Years • 1684 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Conservation Sustainability Environmental Impact Climate Crisis
  1. Batteries have greatly improved energy density over the last century, making them more practical for cars and other uses.
  2. The rapid progress in battery technology is expected to continue, with increasing energy density, affordability, and innovation.
  3. Efforts are being made to ensure ethical sourcing of materials for batteries, address social inequities, and push for sustainable growth in the battery industry.

Rhapsody in Ruin: Climate Change's Devastating Impacts on Animal Habitats

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Biodiversity Conservation Environmental Impact
  1. Frog habitats are drying up due to climate change, with many facing drought conditions that could make them unlivable by the end of the century.
  2. Elephants are struggling with rising temperatures and food shortages, forcing them to travel far for water and forage, which can lead to conflicts with humans.
  3. Koala populations are declining as their habitats experience extreme heat and bushfires, putting them at risk of losing large areas of their home by 2070.

Data Dump: Oil and Gas Spills

The Land Desk • 432 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Fossil fuels Natural Gas Environmental Impact Oil Spills
  1. Headlines often focus on calamities related to clean energy, overlooking the more deadly impacts of oil and gas infrastructure.
  2. Oil and gas incidents, like hazardous material spills and pipeline failures, occur regularly and have significant environmental and societal consequences.
  3. Media coverage tends to sensationalize clean energy accidents while downplaying the frequent and impactful mishaps in the oil and gas industry.

You flood it, you pay for it.

The Crucial Years • 1195 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Deforestation Green Technology Environmental Impact
  1. States are considering 'climate superfund' laws to hold Big Oil accountable, treating disasters as toxic dumps caused by corporations.
  2. Legislators are working to make Big Oil pay for the climate damage they cause, with Vermont leading the way in potentially adopting such laws.
  3. The transition to renewable energy, along with laws holding fossil fuel industry accountable, is vital to combat climate change and protect communities.

Radioactive Living — with grand views of San Francisco!

Yasha Levine • 727 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Environmental Impact
  1. Treasure Island in San Francisco has a radioactive past due to experiments with radioactive materials and ships contaminated with nuclear fallout.
  2. The island's history includes training with real radioactive materials, raising concerns about radiation exposure for residents and construction workers.
  3. Despite the radioactive risks, major developments and construction projects are ongoing on Treasure Island, leading to concerns about the spread of radioactive dust to surrounding areas.

September Flood Update

Disaffected Newsletter • 739 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Disaster relief Public Safety Environmental Impact Community support
  1. The author is almost finished with the repairs on their house that was damaged by flooding. It has been a challenging process, but progress is being made.
  2. They express deep gratitude to the donors who helped fund the rehabilitation of their home. The support from the community has been very important.
  3. There is a video update included for supporters to see the current state of the repairs. It shows the journey and effort put into fixing the house.

Endangered Promises

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Legislation Biodiversity Climate change Environmental Impact
  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.

Finding Barakah: The country where clean energy is a blessing

Everything is Light • 589 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Environmental Impact Collaboration Energy transition
  1. The United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant is a significant step towards transitioning to clean energy.
  2. The collaboration and cooperation between the UAE and South Korea in building the Barakah power plant is a model for international partnerships.
  3. The UAE's focus on developing national talent for operating the nuclear power plant showcases a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Energy from Heaven

The Crucial Years • 1454 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Global Warming Climate action Environmental Impact
  1. We have the potential to power our world with renewable energy like solar and wind, which are not only abundant but also provide a cost-effective solution.
  2. The rapid growth of solar and wind power is crucial to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions globally.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar can have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving natural habitats.

After a Record-Hot January: Finding Balance Between Beauty and Climate Concerns

The Planet • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Nature Climate models Environmental Impact
  1. The global sea surface temperatures hit a new modern record high, which is a serious concern for climate change.
  2. Research suggests that the Atlantic overturning circulation (AMOC) is moving towards a tipping point, which could have catastrophic consequences for Europe's climate.
  3. It is crucial to appreciate and protect nature's beauty while also being mindful of the urgent climate concerns and potential tipping points.