The hottest Environmental Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

What is your plan for the planetary crisis?

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Disaster Preparedness Environmental Impact Community Engagement
  1. Millions need plans for the planetary crisis as climate change is now a present reality.
  2. Learn how to ruggedize your life to prepare for the accelerating discontinuities of the planetary crisis.
  3. The course offers frameworks for smarter choices, insights, and connections to navigate future uncertainties.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Europe backs down on climate disclosure rules with two-year delay

Callaway Climate Insights • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Clean Energy Climate Science Environmental Impact
  1. Europe delayed climate disclosure rules for 8 specific sectors by 2 years due to concerns over extra costs and bureaucracy.
  2. The delay may impact Europe's reputation as a climate change leader and is seen as a setback for investors managing climate risks.
  3. The delay also affects US Securities and Exchange Commission's own climate disclosure rule, highlighting challenges faced globally in climate reporting.

Crude Oil's Ubiquity

Helix • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Impact Health Effects Oil industry Sustainability
  1. Crude oil is essential in various industries, with half being used for transportation fuels and the other half in products with significant environmental impacts.
  2. Our daily lives are deeply intertwined with crude oil, from clothing to medications, raising questions about its effects on our health.
  3. Health issues can arise from exposure to petrochemical products, such as skin irritation and respiratory problems, emphasizing the need to understand its impact.

Misleading approaches to climate.

Douglass’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Renewable Energy
  1. Progressive-minded individuals often investigate underlying causes of climate issues but may fall into the trap of seeking solutions that revert society back to a previous state, hindering real systemic change.
  2. Merely advocating for mindset changes without a clear implementation plan and considering practical issues like energy production limitations or environmental impact of alternative solutions can be ineffective in addressing climate challenges.
  3. Relying solely on current strategies like solar panels without factoring in limitations and the need for backup systems from coal or oil can lead to unforeseen consequences and a failure to have a comprehensive, sustainable approach.

The Week in Repair: Dec 6-12

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Electronics Environmental Impact Circular Economy
  1. Activists worldwide are pushing for the 'right to repair' movement to combat expensive and environmentally damaging obsolescence of electronics and appliances.
  2. Big companies like John Deere and Facebook are being called out for restricting repair options, while others like Microsoft and iFixit are working to make repair tools more accessible.
  3. Efforts are being made to make products more repairable, reduce e-waste, and shift towards a circular economy model for environmental, financial, and supply chain benefits.

D-Students: Microsoft, Apple Get Failing Grades on France’s Repair Index. (For Now.)

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Repairability Tech Companies Environmental Impact Consumer behavior
  1. France introduced a Repairability Index to rate products based on repair-ability, giving failing grades to Apple and Microsoft products.
  2. The scoring system considers factors like documentation availability, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability, and pricing of spare parts.
  3. The French Repairability Index has prompted companies to rethink product design and serviceability, setting a precedent for promoting repair-friendly products.

The crisis couldn’t care less. It only grows more quickly.

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Climate Crisis
  1. The crisis is growing rapidly and won't wait for us to be prepared. It's essential to face the reality of the situation.
  2. Personal ruggedization is crucial - we need to learn how to get ready for the unprecedented transformations ahead. This course aims to help individuals become confident and capable in navigating the challenges of a world in crisis.
  3. The course provides a clear framework for decision-making in uncertain times and focuses on spotting opportunities for optimization to achieve lasting well-being amidst turbulent changes.

The Shock That Comes With Recognition

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Sustainability Ecology Natural Disasters
  1. Recognition of a sudden change in the world can be shocking, especially when people are unprepared for it.
  2. Upcoming announcements include a book and a condensed class focused on readying ourselves for living in a changing world.
  3. Writing is becoming slower due to physical challenges, leading to a shift towards shorter, more frequent podcasts as an alternative.

A utopia suffocated by smog?

Model Thinking • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Emissions Environmental Impact
  1. Open borders could potentially boost global carbon emissions, impacting climate change and global wealth in the long run.
  2. Emissions per capita in developed countries like the UK are significantly lower compared to developing countries, even with higher GDP per capita.
  3. Assumptions about countries following net zero emissions pledges impact predictions on total global emissions, with open borders showing mildly negative effects on the environment.

NEM 3.0 is good, actually

cleanenergyreview • 0 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar Power Energy Policy Environmental Impact
  1. The transition to NEM 3.0 in California initially caused short-term decline in solar installations, but aims for a healthier market in the long term.
  2. NEM 3.0 shifts towards an 'Avoided Cost Calculator' for new solar installations, aiming to better reflect underlying energy costs and values, especially for peak times.
  3. While NEM 3.0 impacts the value of PV-only systems, the installation of PV + BESS systems can still hold significant value and be beneficial, leading to the next phase of distributed energy management growth in California.

Big Cow

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Environmental Impact Political Tensions
  1. In India, a group called the Holy Cowboys is dedicated to rescuing cows and punishing those who harm them. They see cows as important symbols in their culture and history.
  2. The cow is a significant point of debate in the USA, dividing people into two groups: those who support cattle farming and those who advocate for reducing meat and dairy consumption for environmental reasons.
  3. The conflict over the cow reflects broader tensions, and it may lead to serious debates in the future, emphasizing how food choices can impact social and political issues.

The Hellish Reality of Venus

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Atmospheric science Planetary Science Environmental Impact Space Exploration
  1. Venus has a very thick atmosphere mostly made of carbon dioxide, which traps heat and creates extreme temperatures of about 464°C. This causes a runaway greenhouse effect, making Venus one of the hottest places in our solar system.
  2. In the past, Venus might have had liquid water and a more Earth-like climate. But intense heating from the Sun caused water to evaporate, leading to the loss of its oceans and transforming it into a dry, barren planet.
  3. Earth is not immune to similar environmental issues. If we keep increasing greenhouse gas emissions, we could face severe climate changes in the future, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect our planet.

"But the Island I love, and I wish I were not seeing it in one of the seasons of hell."

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Impact Extreme Weather
  1. Greece has been facing extremely high temperatures, reaching 44.5ºC in June 2024. This heat has caused several fatalities, including tourists who couldn't cope with the conditions.
  2. The heatwaves are getting more severe and last longer now. In July, Greece had 16 days where temperatures stayed above 37°C, even during the night.
  3. Research shows that these heatwaves are a result of climate change, and they hurt poorer countries more. As global warming continues, the impacts of heatwaves will get worse for everyone.

February 2024 on course to Break Temperature Records

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. February 2024 is likely to break temperature records due to rising global temperatures. Both human activity and natural patterns like El Niño are causing these increases.
  2. The interaction of different climate factors makes it hard to predict exact outcomes, but the data shows a clear trend of warming. Even without El Niño and other influences, global temperatures are still rising.
  3. Experts are analyzing climate data to understand these changes better. The findings highlight a concerning reality for our planet's future.

The Dark Side of the Fashion Industry

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Sustainability Labor Rights Consumerism Environmental Impact
  1. Fast fashion creates a lot of waste and pollution. It produces billions of clothing items each year, with most ending up in landfills or polluting the ocean.
  2. The fashion industry uses a huge amount of water and chemicals, harming both people and ecosystems. Growing cotton and dyeing fabrics often uses toxic materials that contaminate water sources.
  3. Many workers in the fast fashion industry face exploitation, including low pay and unsafe working conditions. The industry often relies on the labor of vulnerable populations, leading to serious human rights violations.

Rishi Sunak's Shift on Climate Leaves UK's Climate Policy in the Shadows

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy transition Sustainable Practices Environmental Impact
  1. Rishi Sunak has changed the UK's climate policies, aiming to increase oil production and delay green requirements. This is seen as a big step back for climate action.
  2. The UK has strong laws in place to reduce greenhouse gases by 2050, but Sunak's decisions threaten to undermine these efforts and hinder progress in reducing emissions from homes.
  3. Global investment in clean energy is rapidly growing, but the UK risks falling behind other countries that are making stronger commitments to green energy and climate action.

Thinking about football, and FIFA in particular.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Climate action Environmental Impact Corruption Sports Management
  1. FIFA has changed its bidding rules for the 2034 World Cup, making it easier for Saudi Arabia to be the only bidder. This shows FIFA's power and influence in the football world.
  2. The climate impact of hosting major events like the World Cup is significant, especially from fan travel and necessary infrastructure. FIFA's past claims of hosting carbon-neutral events have raised doubts.
  3. There's a call for fans and activists to push FIFA for better sustainability practices. Engaging in discussions and raising awareness is crucial to influence these sports bodies.

The Invisible Killer

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Health Effects Food security Biodiversity
  1. Heat is a serious issue right now, not just in the future. It harms people and the planet, leading to health problems and environmental damage.
  2. Extreme heat affects food production by damaging crops and livestock. This can cause food shortages and increased prices, making it harder for many to access food.
  3. Rising sea levels from climate change threaten coastal areas and can force many people to leave their homes. It's crucial to reduce carbon emissions to help tackle these problems.

Oil, Gas and Concrete

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental Impact Sustainability
  1. The UK government is still moving forward with new oil and gas licenses, even though fossil fuel use is making climate change worse. They are focused on keeping political power rather than supporting urgent climate action.
  2. Countries like Greece are experiencing serious climate issues, but they continue to approve a lot of new construction projects. This overdevelopment threatens both the environment and the economy, especially tourism.
  3. A shift towards renewable energy could create jobs and boost the economy. It's important for governments to invest in cleaner energy to help combat climate change.

Rishi Sunak's Government: Reversing Pledges, Scrapping Policies, and Abandoning Promises on Climate Change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy change Fossil fuels Climate action Environmental Impact
  1. Rishi Sunak's government is reversing key climate pledges, affecting the UK's commitment to net zero emissions.
  2. There have been cuts to programs aimed at improving energy efficiency and support for poorer countries facing climate challenges.
  3. Sunak's focus on economic issues leaves little room for urgent climate action, causing critics to argue that he is backtracking on important environmental commitments.

Two Climate Change Stories to Read This Week

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Greenwashing Health Effects Energy Policy Environmental Impact
  1. Greenwashing is when companies pretend to be environmentally friendly, while still harming the planet. Recently, Shell's ads were banned because they didn't show their actual impact on the environment.
  2. The EU is cracking down on misleading claims about products' environmental friendliness. Many companies have been caught giving vague or false information about how green their products really are.
  3. Extreme heat is becoming a serious health problem, especially for pregnant women and newborns. High temperatures can cause various health issues and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Scope 3 Emissions: Why they are so Elusive?

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Emissions Sustainability Carbon accounting Supply Chains Environmental Impact
  1. Calculating Scope 3 emissions is tough because companies often stop at their immediate suppliers. It gets complex as you need to trace emissions back through multiple tiers of suppliers.
  2. Scope 3 emissions include not just what a company directly causes but also the emissions from the entire supply chain. This can lead to overlapping calculations and make it hard to get accurate data.
  3. Understanding these emissions helps companies see their true environmental impact. However, setting boundaries for analysis is crucial to avoid getting lost in endless calculations.

Sustainability: An Introduction

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Circular Economy Resource Management Environmental Impact Human behavior
  1. Sustainability means creating systems that can last forever, not just using solar panels or wind turbines. It's about how we live and use resources in a way that doesn't deplete them.
  2. The way we consume resources needs to change to match the planet's ability to regenerate them. Ideas like a Circular Economy and Degrowth suggest we can consume smarter and build better without running out of resources.
  3. Caring about sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s about people too. Everything we need comes from others, so if we want to take care of ourselves, we should care about how we treat our environment and society.

What are the Basics of Building a Personal Climate Strategy?

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Sustainability Resilience Environmental Impact
  1. Having a personal climate strategy is crucial. If you don't have a plan for dealing with climate changes, it's hard to plan for the future.
  2. The climate crisis is already happening and will affect every aspect of our lives. We need to think about how we make choices and where we want to live going forward.
  3. There are specific steps you can take to prepare for a tough future. Learning about personal ruggedization can help you make better decisions and stay resilient.

Rising Temps, Falling Records: A Climate Record Smackdown

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Emissions Global Warming Environmental Impact
  1. Last year, the world saw its hottest temperatures ever recorded, surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. This signals a climate crisis that is becoming more serious.
  2. Greenhouse gas emissions reached record highs, leading to a rise in ocean temperatures and severe consequences for ecosystems. The increase in emissions has been linked to human activities like energy production and agriculture.
  3. There is an urgent need to cut down on fossil fuel use to combat climate change. Everyone, from individuals to governments, needs to take action to protect our planet.