The hottest Environmental Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics
Beck of the Pack β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. The IPCC and certain renowned figures are seen as zealots focused on controlling human thriving instead of reducing CO2
  2. Disillusionment led to questioning established truths in various fields such as pharma, 9/11, and the green agenda
  3. Climate change may be influenced more by natural factors like fluctuations in sunlight and planetary dynamics rather than human actions
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.
Diane Francis β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 21
  1. Electric vehicles are not fully green unless their electricity comes from clean sources. It's important to consider where the power to charge them is generated.
  2. The true environmental impact of electric vehicles depends on the electricity used to recharge them, not just the vehicles themselves.
  3. To make electric vehicles truly eco-friendly, we need to ensure a shift towards renewable energy for electricity production.
Gordian Knot News β€’ 161 implied HN points β€’ 10 Sep 23
  1. Implement firm emission triggers with strict pass/fail enforcement for nuclear plants.
  2. Establish a fixed compensation system based on individual radiation harm profiles and a clear compensation model.
  3. Consider moving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for better oversight and regulation.
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Fight to Repair β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
  1. Microsoft supported a right-to-repair bill in Washington state, marking a shift in their stance, but the bill did not progress due to opposition from members, including a former Apple employee.
  2. Older phones are generally easier to repair than newer models, as research shows the most repairable phones have an average age of 7.8 years.
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with political and corporate endorsements, such as the Biden Administration's support and the Council of Europe's official backing.
Climate In Colour β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 23
  1. The post discusses the topic of carbon offsetting and questions its effectiveness in addressing climate change.
  2. The author will be conducting research in Ghana's forests, working closely with the local community.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Climate In Colour.
WeBeGreen β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 23
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a solution to climate change, but their production has a significant environmental impact, especially due to lithium battery production.
  2. Transportation emissions, particularly from cars, are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
  3. There is a pressing need to think beyond traditional car-centric urban planning and explore innovative solutions for more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
Science Forever β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 23
  1. ExxonMobil knew about climate change but misled the public, a paper details the corporate deceit.
  2. The paper has gained widespread attention and coverage from various news outlets like the New York Times and The Guardian.
  3. ExxonMobil's models accurately predicted future temperature rise, but they hid this information from the public.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 22
  1. Small changes in elevation can make a big difference in temperature and weather, like how snow sticks on certain spots. It's interesting how just a little elevation change can mean the difference between snow and rain.
  2. Different surfaces, like grass and pavement, hold heat differently, affecting where snow accumulates. For example, grass tends to be cooler, so snow collects on it more than on warm sidewalks.
  3. Climate change is causing shifts in snowfall patterns and precipitation. As temperatures rise, we may see less snow in the mountains and more rain, which could impact local ecosystems and water supply.
The Climate Historian β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 03 Sep 24
  1. The village of Kallio, once submerged under a reservoir, has reappeared due to Greece's severe drought. This shows how drought can reveal forgotten parts of history.
  2. Greece is currently facing a historic drought caused by extreme heat and lack of rainfall. These conditions are making water resources very limited and raising serious concerns.
  3. Climate change and overtourism are worsening Greece's water issues. Managing water use sustainably is now more important than ever to balance human needs and natural resources.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 23
  1. The English holly, originally from Europe, has become a common but invasive plant in Seattle parks. It was promoted by a socialite and children planting seeds in the early 20th century.
  2. Though hollies are pretty and provide winter berries, they choke out native plants and animals, spreading easily and causing ecological harm.
  3. Many efforts have been made to control this invasive plant, but it continues to thrive and pose challenges in green spaces around Seattle.
An Interpersonal Journal β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 23
  1. Levels of salt in freshwater bodies are increasing across North America, posing risks to ecosystems and potentially human health.
  2. The rise in freshwater salinity is primarily attributed to road salt usage, with even a modest reduction in usage showing potential to mitigate the issue.
  3. Efforts are being made by local governments and researchers to address the rising salt levels in freshwater bodies through exploring alternative salt usage and more efficient application methods.
GEM Energy Analytics β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 23
  1. Large-scale batteries can help store energy and improve the electricity system in Albania. They could be useful in stabilizing the grid and providing backup power.
  2. These batteries can also help with buying and selling electricity at different prices, which may become profitable in the future as the market develops. This could help businesses make more money from energy.
  3. Co-locating batteries with renewable energy sources can enhance performance and reduce costs related to energy supply. This allows for better management of energy production and consumption.
TP’s Substack β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
  1. Electrifying heavy-duty trucks is important for reducing transportation emissions. The heavy trucking sector needs focus to make a real impact on climate change.
  2. China sells about 1 million heavy-duty trucks annually, needing a lot of battery power to support this demand. Costs remain high, making it hard for businesses to switch from diesel.
  3. New electric truck options are emerging and gaining popularity in the market. With better battery technology and charging infrastructure, more companies might start using electric trucks in the next few years.
The Third Place β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
  1. Neglected urban areas like barren grass patches in cities can disrupt city flow and pose problems like attracting bad activities due to neglect.
  2. Transforming neglected spaces into green recreational areas with community input not only beautifies the area but also positively impacts the environment, creating win-win situations.
  3. Community involvement in urban design interventions fosters a sense of belonging, enhances neighborhood aesthetics, and manages resources like rainwater effectively.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 22
  1. Utility poles have a long history, starting as telegraph poles in the mid-1800s, and now there are about 150 million in the U.S. today. They're an essential part of our modern infrastructure, holding up power and communication lines.
  2. Many animals, like birds and squirrels, use utility poles for perching and nesting. However, this can be dangerous, as birds often get electrocuted or collide with wires.
  3. Utility poles can impact the environment negatively due to toxic treatments for protection against decay. Clean-up of these toxins is ongoing and often goes unnoticed, just like the poles themselves.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
  1. Bird die-offs in various parts of the world are linked to climate change and rising temperatures.
  2. Climate change is fueling events like El Nino, causing significant impacts on bird populations.
  3. Addressing bird die-offs requires changes in policies, individual actions, and a shift away from fossil fuel usage.
Gad’s Newsletter β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
  1. Introducing reusable cups in drive-thrus can slow down the service, leading to longer wait times and potential inefficiencies.
  2. Starbucks' focus on operational efficiency conflicts with the introduction of reusable cups, impacting speed and customer satisfaction.
  3. Visible queues in drive-thrus make operational inefficiencies more apparent, potentially affecting customer decisions and perception.
Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
  1. Companies using the term 'circular' for eco-friendly branding may not always follow through with sustainable practices.
  2. To combat 'circular washing', establishing a clear definition of circularity is essential.
  3. Regulation and accountability are crucial to ensure businesses actually implement environmentally friendly practices.
Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
  1. Overconsumption is pushing Earth Overshoot Day earlier each year, highlighting the urgency to change consumption habits.
  2. Repairing tools like bicycles promotes self-reliance and community, resisting corporate control over repair and parts.
  3. The push towards a circular economy needs careful consideration; ending ownership doesn't automatically address corporate power, and repairability is key to combating 'enshittification'.
Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 23
  1. Tesla faces a class action lawsuit over using software updates to alter vehicle performance and battery life.
  2. Repairability of electric vehicles is critical for wider adoption; battery pack lifespan and replacement costs influence total ownership costs.
  3. The shift to EVs won't automatically lead to a carbon-free world; the right to repair EVs is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
Green Graphic Design β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
  1. Algae Ink is now commercially available and offers high-contrast blacks, carbon sequestration, and light-fastness.
  2. The production process of Algae Ink replaces petroleum-derived pigments with plant-based pigments, making it a more sustainable ink option.
  3. Algae Ink has environmental benefits like being carbon-negative, sequestering carbon, and potentially offering recyclability advantages over petroleum-based inks.
Anxiety Addiction & Ascension β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
  1. Incorporating woke ideology into high-precision industries like Formula 1 can risk diminishing performance and value.
  2. Formula 1 is facing challenges with ESG initiatives that could impact its commercial viability, like reducing track action affecting spectator interest.
  3. The clash between the excellence of Formula 1 and the ideological interference of ESG initiatives poses a significant threat to the sport's future.
Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
  1. The Agricultural Right to Repair Act aims to give farmers more flexibility in repairing their own equipment by requiring manufacturers to provide necessary tools and information.
  2. Corporations, including those in the agricultural industry, may publicly support repair efforts but use tactics behind closed doors to extract profit, highlighting the need for legislation like the Agricultural Right to Repair Act.
  3. While there is a history of right to repair bills failing at the federal level due to political divisions, there is potential for progress at the state level, where repair laws have started passing through legislatures and being signed into law.
nicosmid β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
  1. Bitcoin mining power usage in 2023 was around 16-18 GW with over 50% coming from renewable sources.
  2. Bitcoin mining industry leads in using sustainable energy and saw a significant increase in the mix of renewable sources.
  3. Bitcoin miners can operate independently of traditional power grids and 75.3% of off-grid mining relies on sustainable energy.
Technology, Environment, and Art β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 24
  1. Human happiness and contentment is tied to the health of the biosphere, including all life forms, not just humans
  2. We need more thinkers who ask basic, general questions without relying on specialized knowledge, encouraging a return to fundamental philosophy
  3. We should move beyond prioritizing profit and measurable variables to embrace a new philosophy emphasizing harmony with the biosphere and a shift towards empathetic and wise thinking
Material World β€’ 120 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 23
  1. Copper is a vital metal in our daily lives, but it is becoming harder to obtain in high quantities due to diminishing natural resources.
  2. In the past, there were radical ideas, like using nuclear weapons for mining copper, but technological advancements in mining techniques eventually proved more effective.
  3. Innovation in mining methods has been a gradual process, leading to better extraction of metals like copper, making them more accessible and affordable over time.
Fight to Repair β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 22
  1. Climate change is not the main threat to the planet, but rather runaway consumption and production leading to biodiversity loss.
  2. Reducing consumption and focusing on repair can help combat ecological collapse, especially in wealthier nations.
  3. Recent news highlights issues such as cybersecurity flaws in cars, Samsung's new repair app, and legal battles over biometric data collection.
WeBeGreen β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 01 Dec 22
  1. There is a disconnect between our actions and their consequences, such as the impact of our waste on the environment like water scarcity.
  2. The process of treating wastewater to turn it into drinking water includes multiple steps like screening out contaminants and filtering out microplastics.
  3. Issues like sewage dumping scandals highlight the consequences of pollution on water quality and food sources, emphasizing the need for better regulations and accountability.
JoeWrote β€’ 29 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
  1. Many Americans dislike flying due to high prices, uncomfortable seats, and poor customer service.
  2. For-profit airlines operate as a cartel, engaging in anti-competitive practices that harm consumers.
  3. Nationalizing airlines and shifting to public ownership can lead to more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly air travel.
Neuro Athletics β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 25
  1. Wildfire smoke can harm your brain. Breathing in toxins can lead to problems like Alzheimer's over time.
  2. Air pollution affects our mood and mental health. It can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, making it harder to think clearly.
  3. There are simple ways to protect your brain. Things like using air purifiers, eating healthy foods, and managing stress can really help.
Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. The quality of fresh produce and flowers, especially red roses, has drastically decreased since 2020, raising questions about the impact of various factors like supply chain interruptions, climate change, and transportation methods.
  2. Imported cut flowers, like red roses, have a significant carbon footprint due to their long, emissions-intensive journey involving climate-controlled greenhouses, refrigerated trucks, and air travel.
  3. The post highlights concerns about consumerism, manipulation, and coercion in business models, emphasizing the importance of waking up to the lies and manipulation around us.