The hottest Environmental Issues Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Sunblock

Doomberg • 11128 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Environmental Issues Legislation State Politics Public Safety
  1. California's energy system is struggling because it has shifted away from reliable sources like nuclear and natural gas in favor of solar power. This change has made it harder to manage the electricity supply effectively.
  2. A major fire at California's large battery storage facility caused serious environmental damage and highlighted the risks of relying too much on green energy solutions without a solid backup plan.
  3. The government's new bill may worsen California's energy crisis by cutting tax credits for green energy projects, which could halt new installations and leave the state without enough power during peak demand times.

Radicals Have Burned California Before

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Environmental Issues
  1. California's progressive policies have often led to unintended disasters, like wildfires. Good intentions don't always result in good outcomes.
  2. Environmental activism can sometimes slow down crucial safety projects. In this case, protecting a rare plant delayed fire safety improvements.
  3. The struggle between environmental concerns and safety measures is an ongoing issue. It's important to find a balance to prevent disasters while protecting nature.

Top Links 637 America's trade deficits. The robots are coming. Israeli defense exports & Khian Sea - the toxic ship.

Chartbook • 615 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Technology Environmental Issues Global Economy
  1. America has a significant trade deficit, which means it imports more than it exports. This impacts the economy and job market.
  2. The rise of robots and automation is changing the workforce. Many fear job losses, but there are also opportunities for new types of work.
  3. Israel is a major player in defense exports, showing how countries invest in their military technology.

THB Insider #13

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 745 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Issues Natural Disasters Sports
  1. The post provides updates on several important topics like the Social Cost of Carbon and Billion Dollar Disasters. It's a good way to keep up with what's been happening recently.
  2. There are also new updates on climate scenarios and influential figures in climate science, like Michael Mann. This information can help you understand changing perspectives in climate science.
  3. Finally, there's mention of Colorado football which shows a variety of topics being discussed. This keeps the content diverse and engaging for readers.

Whiplash

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Energy Policy Environmental Issues Political strategy Legislation
  1. Trump has signed many executive orders that impact energy policy, and there are concerns about the long-term effects on the industry. Any decisions made now could shape the future of energy production for years.
  2. The recent orders have put a halt to wind energy leasing in many areas offshore, which might affect the growth of the wind sector. This means companies focused on wind energy could struggle moving forward.
  3. The orders also focus on exploring resources in Alaska, which may become a major point of attention. If successful, this could show how effective Trump's new policies could be for energy resources.
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Energy policy, politics, facts and narratives

Jérôme à Paris • 461 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Political narratives Public Opinion Corporate Influence Environmental Issues
  1. People often join groups that share their ideas, which can limit their understanding of complex topics like energy policy. It's easy to get stuck in a mindset when everyone around you thinks the same way.
  2. The energy sector is changing rapidly, leading to fear and uncertainty. Many are used to traditional energy sources and don't know how to adapt to newer options like electric vehicles, which can create hesitation.
  3. The ongoing debate about energy often reflects larger issues of fairness and efficiency. Some believe new solutions will benefit everyone, while others worry about being left behind or losing out.

Power Down Blunder

Doomberg • 7469 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Environmental Issues Global Warming
  1. Australia has great potential for renewable energy like solar and wind, but things aren't going as smoothly as planned.
  2. As they keep adding more renewable energy sources, the country is facing rising electricity prices and shortages, especially during peak demand times.
  3. The government is now asking people to cut back on using appliances like dishwashers to help the struggling energy grid.

Why Everywhere We Look, There We Are

Everything Is Amazing • 1547 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Human behavior Cognitive Science Social Responsibility Environmental Issues Storytelling
  1. People often see faces and familiar patterns in everyday things. This strange trick our brain plays is called pareidolia, and it shows how we connect what we see to ourselves.
  2. Our attachment to objects, like clothing or old gear, can be sentimental. This affection helps us care more about the environment and encourages us to repair instead of throw away.
  3. Understanding our cognitive biases, like pareidolia, can help us be more curious and appreciate the world around us. If we learn to see ourselves in everything, we might treat it all with more care.

a crisis of competence

bad cattitude • 332 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Policy Environmental Issues Societal Issues Media Critique
  1. Society seems to have lost its ability to think critically and evaluate leaders' competence. Many people now accept poor decisions without question.
  2. There is a growing trend of placing individuals in important roles based on factors like identity instead of skills or experience, which leads to ineffective systems.
  3. People are becoming demoralized and feel helpless, believing there's nothing they can do to change the issues around them.

Sorrow

Situation Normal • 184 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Natural Disasters Environmental Issues Climate change Community Response
  1. Los Angeles is facing multiple wildfires, causing significant destruction and uncertainty for many residents. People are worried about their homes and the loss of memories associated with them.
  2. The situation is overwhelming for those living in the area, with constant alerts and the threat of evacuation on their minds. It's hard for them to find peace in such a chaotic environment.
  3. Many people need help due to the fires, and there are charities available that can assist in the recovery process. Supporting these organizations can make a real difference for those affected.

Amazingly Wonderful or Atrociously Bad?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Technology Policy Environmental Issues
  1. We are at a crossroads between a future of control by a wealthy few or a harmonious society where everyone can thrive. It's essential to choose a path that empowers people and promotes cooperation.
  2. Our current way of living, driven by individualism and consumerism, isn't sustainable. We need to shift towards a society based on shared resources and community participation.
  3. Transforming our consciousness and understanding of the world is key. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can encourage positive change and foster a more compassionate society.

Top Links 590 The mad dash for Biden's climate dollars. How India and China's income distribution compare. The panzootic & getting beyond Confucius.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Climate Policy Government spending International relations Economic Inequality Environmental Issues
  1. Companies are hurriedly completing the paperwork to get loans from the Department of Energy for climate initiatives. They want to secure funding before deadlines.
  2. There is a comparison between income distribution in India and China, indicating different economic conditions and social structures in these countries.
  3. The concept of a 'panzootic' is discussed, which refers to widespread disease among animal species, and explores ideas beyond traditional Confucian thought.

Why Are Rat Populations In Big Cities Really Exploding? Leash Laws!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Urban life Animal Behavior Public Policy Transportation Environmental Issues
  1. Keeping un-neutered and un-spayed pets roaming in cities may help control rat populations. Allowing animals to do their natural job can help keep rodents in check.
  2. The rise of car culture in America has harmed pets and reduced their ability to manage rodent populations. By prioritizing cars, many cities have made it unsafe for pets to do their jobs.
  3. Rats are often blamed for problems caused by humans. Historically, they have been wrongfully accused of spreading diseases due to human actions and messy situations.

Tough Love for California

In My Tribe • 1306 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Policy Environmental Issues Budgeting
  1. California will likely need financial help from the federal government due to massive damages from wildfires. This support should come with conditions to improve how the state manages its resources.
  2. The state's public employee salaries are much higher than the national average. A bailout should come with rules to give the federal government more control over salary adjustments and workforce management.
  3. California struggles with water and forest management. New laws should allow federal agencies to build necessary water infrastructure and implement better forest practices to prevent wildfires.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #22

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Economic Policy Political trends Environmental Issues Technology Policy
  1. A semiconductor plant in Arizona is performing better than one in Taiwan, which is good news for US manufacturing growth. This means the US is making strides in producing important tech products domestically.
  2. Construction productivity is struggling, showing negative growth for decades. Long approval times and strict regulations are hurting the industry's efficiency.
  3. More Democrats are starting to support nuclear power as a cleaner energy source. This shift is important for addressing climate change and meeting energy demands, as even major tech companies back nuclear projects.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Economics Geopolitics Environmental Issues
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

The Paper Straw Thing Might Be the Dumbest Own-Goal by a Movement That Specializes in Dumb Own-Goals

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Issues Public Opinion Activism Legislation
  1. The switch from plastic to paper straws has not been well-received by the public. Many people find paper straws frustrating and ineffective.
  2. The straw ban was seen by some as a way to raise awareness for larger environmental issues, but it often felt like a trivial focus.
  3. Having celebrities like Adrian Grenier as spokespeople for such movements can make them seem less serious or impactful to the public.

The Oil War

Diane Francis • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Energy Politics Environmental Issues
  1. Illicit oil trade is booming, with many ships smuggling oil from Russia and Iran. This trade helps fund wars and poses environmental risks due to poorly maintained vessels.
  2. China and India play a major role in supporting Russia's economy by importing significant amounts of oil. This trend allows them to profit while indirectly supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine.
  3. Despite existing sanctions, the criminal activity in the oil sector continues to thrive. It's important for international authorities to step up enforcement and regulation to stop this dangerous trade.

All things go to eleven

Disaffected Newsletter • 2318 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Pollution Waste Management Sustainability
  1. We often can't talk about problems without turning them into a battle between good and evil. This makes it hard to have simple conversations about real issues.
  2. Many environmental discussions are charged with strong emotions, causing people to avoid or misinterpret the topic. We need to separate our concerns from political identities.
  3. Practical issues like plastic waste and poor urban planning are important but rarely talked about because they get caught up in political arguments. We should discuss these without taking sides.

MSNBC, Sunday Morning News Shows Completely Ignore Ohio Chemical Derailment

The Column • 1100 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Safety Regulations Corporate Accountability Political Debate Environmental Issues
  1. MSNBC and other Sunday morning news shows are not covering the Ohio chemical train derailment from a political standpoint
  2. The corporate media has covered the derailment as straight news, but with little critique of government and railway claims
  3. The lack of political scrutiny on the Ohio derailment highlights a trend of de-politicization in media coverage of environmental disasters

Nero Newsom Fiddles...

Who is Robert Malone • 24 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Policy Public Safety Environmental Issues
  1. California is facing serious issues due to poor management decisions that aim to return the state to a less developed era. This has led to crises like fires and water shortages.
  2. Leaders like Gavin Newsom are criticized for neglecting essential services and infrastructure, all while prioritizing other countries over their own citizens' safety.
  3. There's concern that the political elite, educated in globalist programs, may be more loyal to organizations like the World Economic Forum than to the needs of their own country.

Trapped Among the Root Causes

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 610 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Metaphor Engineering Problem Solving Environmental Issues
  1. Looking for root causes can be attractive, but sometimes it's better to focus on finding and implementing imperfect, temporary solutions instead of getting lost in the complexity of the 'true cause' of a problem.
  2. In complex systems like the environment or human societies, the idea of a single 'root cause' can be elusive, and efforts to dig deep might lead to unintended consequences due to interconnected issues.
  3. Patching things can be a practical approach, especially in evolving systems like nature and societies. Embracing the continuous cycle of problem-solving and expecting new challenges and solutions may be more sustainable than aiming for one perfect fix.

Environ-Mental!

Disaffected Newsletter • 719 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
😂 Humor Social Commentary Environmental Issues Cultural critique Everyday life
  1. Some extreme environmentalists want to take drastic actions, like shutting down airports and banning wood burning, claiming it's for future generations.
  2. There is a mention of frustrations in everyday scenarios, like dealing with angry employees at Dunkin Donuts.
  3. Traffic behavior is highlighted, showing how many drivers ignore rules, leading to chaos on the roads.

My book is published today!

Sustainability by numbers • 545 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues
  1. The book offers a data-driven look at environmental problems and how to solve them with a cautiously hopeful tone.
  2. It promotes urgent optimism in tackling solvable environmental issues relying on focused human effort and data-driven solutions.
  3. The book covers various environmental challenges and highlights the interconnected solutions to address them.

Fortress North America

Diane Francis • 679 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Geopolitics Environmental Issues Resource Management Economic strategy
  1. Germany's move to stop using nuclear power made it depend on Russian energy, highlighting how important energy independence is for countries. Now, many are reconsidering their energy policies.
  2. North America could work better together to manage its energy resources and reduce reliance on OPEC countries. By teaming up, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico could supply energy to themselves and help allies like Europe.
  3. Fossil fuels will still be necessary for a long time, and using a mix of energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, is realistic. Proper planning can help reduce emissions while still meeting energy needs.

Environmental Readings To Start Your Week

crimeandpunishment • 78 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Climate change Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. Reading about environmental issues can help fill gaps in our knowledge and understanding.
  2. With the current climate crisis, we need to shift towards a more proactive and holistic approach to protecting our planet.
  3. Reading reliable sources can educate us on environmental issues and empower us to advocate for necessary changes.

DOJ plows ahead: supporting farmers in Deere anti-trust lawsuit - Week in Repair

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Legislation Enforcement Environmental Issues
  1. The US Department of Justice is supporting farmers in an anti-trust lawsuit against Deere, highlighting the importance of right to repair and fighting against repair restrictions imposed by companies.
  2. There is a growing movement among farmers to use older machines and explore open-source tractor software to ensure they can repair their equipment themselves, especially in rural areas where repair options are limited.
  3. Legislation is being introduced in multiple states, including Colorado, to force manufacturers to provide tools and resources necessary for farmers to make their own repairs, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address repair issues in farming equipment.

Of Leaves and Drains

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Nature Conservation Urban Ecology Biodiversity
  1. Autumn brings beautiful colors, which show the changing leaves and a hidden world of nests. It’s like nature’s surprise when the trees lose their leaves.
  2. Leaf blowers are noisy and create confusion about where to put leaves. Instead, using a rake is a better way to clean up and be nice to neighbors.
  3. You can help keep drains clean by adopting a drain in your area. It's a fun way to reduce litter and can even be a community project.

The Mountain

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Geology Local culture Conservation Indigenous rights
  1. The Puyallup Tribe wants to restore the original name of Mount Rainier to reflect its cultural significance. They translate it as 'the mother of all waters.'
  2. Debates over Mount Rainier's height have occurred in the past, with some arguing it should still be considered the tallest due to its sea level base. This sparked public outrage when it was declared the fourth highest peak.
  3. Climate change may affect the mountain's height over time. Changes in glaciers and erosion could alter its official elevation, so its status as a landmark might keep shifting.

Đời cha im lặng, đời con nhặt rác

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 17
🌍 World Politics Environmental Issues Government Corruption Protest Movements
  1. Taking action is more important than just picking up trash. Preventing pollution is crucial.
  2. Good governance plays a significant role in addressing environmental issues. Governments should prevent wrongdoings and promote positive actions.
  3. Protesting can raise awareness and hold governments accountable. It is a way for people to demand better governance and environmental protection.