The hottest Environmental Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics
The Crucial Years β€’ 1195 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
  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.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1544 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  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.
The Line β€’ 2220 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
  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.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1684 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 24
  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.
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Construction Physics β€’ 11274 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 23
  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.
RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo β€’ 7567 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 23
  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.
Doomberg β€’ 7718 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 23
  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.
Construction Physics β€’ 6681 implied HN points β€’ 08 May 23
  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.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1454 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 23
  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.
The Land Desk β€’ 432 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  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.
The Planet β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  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.
Uncharted Territories β€’ 3930 implied HN points β€’ 09 May 23
  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.
HEATED β€’ 1670 implied HN points β€’ 12 Sep 23
  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.
ESG Hound β€’ 3637 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
  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.
Field Guide to the Anthropocene β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 24
  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.
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 201 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  1. China is constructing more coal plants, but they might end up burning less coal by running those plants less frequently.
  2. Despite the increase in coal plant construction, China's coal plants are operating at lower capacity factors, indicating a trend towards burning less coal in the future.
  3. Many of China's coal plants are operating at a financial loss due to high coal prices, and the country is shifting towards using coal as 'peaker plants' as renewable energy sources grow.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1175 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
  1. Teachable moments about climate change should be taught in schools to make the subject more immediate and engaging for students.
  2. It's concerning that misleading information and denial of climate change are being promoted in education, hindering students' understanding of the urgent issue.
  3. Educators and experts, like weatherman Jeff Berardelli, play a crucial role in providing accurate information and promoting climate education.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1514 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
  1. Recently recorded extreme heat events are unprecedented and have significant impacts on the planet.
  2. The rise in solar power generation is proving to be a vital and reliable alternative to traditional energy sources during heatwaves.
  3. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The Crucial Years β€’ 1145 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jul 23
  1. Water can be a powerful lens to explore issues of memory, resilience, and environmental impact.
  2. The film by dream hampton about Detroit highlights the flooding's impact on communities and memories.
  3. Specific histories of unfairness compound devastation in places like Detroit, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues.
COVID Reason β€’ 1533 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 23
  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.
Numlock News β€’ 137 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. A single nickel mine in Minnesota could unlock billions in EV subsidies, impacting electrification and consumers.
  2. Understanding the specific impacts of mining projects and legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act can shed light on climate goals and community conflicts.
  3. Navigating the politics of climate change on the ground involves balancing trade-offs, ensuring open dialogue, and making informed decisions about environmental impacts.
Technology, Environment, and Art β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
  1. Specialized thinking can lead to actions that may not be effective or truly sustainable.
  2. Efforts focused on finding the most environmentally friendly solutions may just be a minimization exercise within the existing industrial system.
  3. To truly move towards sustainability, we should focus on reducing industrial production, global trade, energy and material usage, and emphasize local dependence.
Β‘Do Not Panic! β€’ 1022 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jul 23
  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.
Polymathic Being β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
  1. Only 10% of plastic put in recycling bins is actually recycled.
  2. Recycling can have high contamination rates and often leads to materials being shipped overseas or dumped in landfills.
  3. To improve recycling, focus on reducing and reusing materials, design products for better recycling, and address the psychological aspect of recycling habits.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 309 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 23
  1. Animals like zooplanktons and amphipods can break down microplastics into even smaller particles, spreading them across oceans and affecting the environment.
  2. New technologies like diodes, thyristors, transistors, and capacitors are emerging to reduce the impact of fossil fuels and combat climate change.
  3. The widespread presence of microplastics poses a danger to both marine creatures and humans, impacting the carbon storage capacity of oceans and accelerating climate change.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 309 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 23
  1. Millions of people are displaced by climate change-induced disasters like floods and hurricanes, leading to refugees, resettlement, and stateless populations.
  2. New technologies are emerging to combat climate change, such as voltage inverters, comparators, and XOR gates in the renewable energy sector.
  3. Climate change disasters exacerbate conflicts, food insecurity, and competition for resources, necessitating a global effort to mitigate the impacts through climate action.
The Column β€’ 982 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jun 23
  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
The Crucial Years β€’ 747 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
  1. The Supreme Court decisions are attempting to prevent the politics of an earlier era from interfering with the current bought-and-paid-for nihilism.
  2. The Supreme Court's decisions on student debt and Clean Air Act show a trend of erasing history and dismantling earlier legislation put in place by effective Congresses.
  3. The Supreme Court's recent rulings on anti-gay bigotry and affirmative action indicate an effort to erase progress and surrender ground previously gained in social issues.
The Corbett Report β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 24
  1. A scientific study claimed that human breathing contributes to climate change by emitting methane and nitrous oxide. However, the study's conclusions are statistically questionable and heavily biased.
  2. The study raises concerns about the underlying agenda behind such research, hinting at a dark narrative that demonizes human existence and suggests population control as a solution.
  3. The propaganda surrounding climate change, such as 'climate anxiety,' is being used to manipulate people into believing that human life itself is the problem. It is vital to recognize the sacredness of life and resist such destructive ideologies.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 206 implied HN points β€’ 25 Nov 23
  1. Islands are disappearing due to rising sea levels, putting many at risk of displacement.
  2. Climate change is causing faster sea level rise, threatening the existence of many islands.
  3. Protective circuits, control systems, heat sinks, and gate drivers are crucial for managing power electronics.
The Discourse Lounge β€’ 531 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
  1. AC Transit has faced a decline in ridership over the years due to funding cuts and neglect.
  2. Efforts are needed to increase funding for AC Transit and prioritize bus services over suburban rail projects.
  3. Long-term solutions include reforming funding priorities, restoring lost bus lines, and promoting public transportation over private shuttles.
JΓ©rΓ΄me Γ  Paris β€’ 510 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 23
  1. Cost, price, and value of wind power are different concepts in the energy market, with costs being related to production, prices driven by market forces, and value including externalities like pollution and carbon emissions.
  2. Wind power has fixed costs, zero marginal cost, and can lower electricity prices for consumers, making it an attractive option compared to fossil fuel-based generation.
  3. Externalities like intermittency, carbon emissions, and security of supply contribute to the overall value proposition of wind power, impacting its role in the system and the pricing mechanisms in place.
Everything is Light β€’ 589 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
  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.
Yasha Levine β€’ 727 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 23
  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.