The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics
The Take (by Jon Miltimore) 138 implied HN points 02 Nov 24
  1. When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
  2. The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
  3. Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.
Chartbook 400 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. China has a huge impact on global manufacturing, producing about one-third of the world's goods. This shows how essential China is in many important production areas.
  2. The rouble is experiencing significant fluctuations, which could affect the economy and trade. These changes can create challenges for Russia and its partners.
  3. PM2.5 pollution is harmful to health and has led to serious political issues in some areas. Understanding its effects can help address public health and environmental concerns.
Noahpinion 23706 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship is very controversial because it changes who can be a citizen based on their parents' visa status. Many believe this could lead to legal battles in court.
  2. His orders to limit environmental reviews have received praise as they could make it easier to get projects approved faster, addressing some concerns about long approval times.
  3. There is a growing perception among some that Trump's policies are targeting not just illegal immigration but also skilled legal immigration, which could affect America's ability to attract top talent.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 2345 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. North America is experiencing a significant 'fire deficit', meaning that the amount of land burning now is much lower than in the past. Even with recent fire years, the area burned is still far less than historical averages.
  2. The study suggests that aggressive fire suppression and land changes caused by human activities are major reasons for this fire deficit. This has led to more severe fires when they do occur because there is more fuel buildup in the forests.
  3. To manage future fires better, the study recommends increasing prescribed burning and using fire as a natural part of forest ecosystems. This approach could help reduce the severity of wildfires and improve the health of the forests.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 2912 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. A 9-year-old created a big number about daily plastic straw use, which caught the attention of the media and sparked a movement.
  2. States and cities started banning plastic straws based on that big number, but many didn't question its accuracy.
  3. The shift from plastic to paper straws became a popular environmental push, even though some people found the paper straws less enjoyable.
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Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey 2047 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Most plastic items that go into recycling bins don’t actually get recycled. Only a few types of plastic are from beverage bottles and jugs are commonly recycled.
  2. The recycling system often misleads people into believing they are helping the environment. In reality, many plastics end up in landfills or are even shipped to other countries, causing pollution.
  3. While plastic has many benefits, it’s important to rethink its use. Alternatives may not always be better, so focusing on reducing plastic waste is the best way forward.
David Friedman’s Substack 242 implied HN points 01 Mar 25
  1. The debate about climate change includes arguments about whether its overall effects are negative or if there can be positive impacts too. It's important to look at both sides to really understand the issue.
  2. Some scientists believe that overturning a key EPA finding on climate endangerment would be very hard, especially when many signs show that climate change is already hurting people now.
  3. There's a worry that a mistaken belief in a scientific consensus on climate change could be maintained because researchers often rely on each other's work. This can lead to bias if everyone is already leaning towards the same conclusion.
OK Doomer 253 implied HN points 26 Feb 25
  1. The super rich seem to know there's no bright future ahead for humanity. They are enjoying their last years on Earth while ignoring promises of a sustainable future.
  2. Many wealthy individuals are preparing for disaster, like building doomsday bunkers, which shows they aren't worried about the same issues the public face.
  3. There's a sense that leaders and elites are acting without consequences, showing little regard for the impacts of climate change and environmental destruction.
Sustainability by numbers 188 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. The podcast 'Solving for Climate' is starting its second season, focusing on conversations with experts who are working on climate change solutions.
  2. Reading can help us understand important topics, like the impacts of climate change and our agricultural practices, through different perspectives and stories.
  3. Generational differences in views about climate change may be overstated, and it's important to recognize common ground instead of blaming each other.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 4357 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.
The Crucial Years 3976 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. The climate crisis is worsening, with record-high carbon dioxide levels reported. It's a serious issue that we need to pay attention to because it affects our planet and future.
  2. Power is being prioritized over justice in today's political climate. This shift can lead to misinformation and further environmental harm, especially regarding the ongoing climate crisis.
  3. Clean energy solutions like solar and wind are ready to help us combat climate change. We need to focus on these technologies to build a sustainable future.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 5824 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. California is facing major wildfires, causing devastation in Los Angeles and forcing evacuations for nearly 180,000 people. The situation is worsened by a shortage of resources and rising crime.
  2. The city government has been criticized for neglecting infrastructure improvements that could help in emergencies, like building water storage facilities. Years of red tape have delayed these critical projects.
  3. Environmental regulations are impacting water availability for firefighting efforts, with a small fish called the delta smelt blocking water releases. This situation highlights the tension between environmental concerns and urgent resource needs.
The Crucial Years 4882 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Climate change is making wildfires worse due to extreme heat and drought in places like Los Angeles. This is causing devastation to homes and communities.
  2. Scientific advancements, like those from Edwin Hubble, help us understand our universe and climate, but there are fears that funding for vital climate research is being threatened.
  3. There's a growing concern about losing our ability to think critically about important issues. As we face bigger problems, understanding and intelligence seem to be declining.
Faster, Please! 456 implied HN points 18 Feb 25
  1. Bipartisan environmental reform is hard to achieve because Republicans and Democrats have different ideas on what needs changing. One side wants to make building easier, while the other focuses on renewable energy.
  2. Many lawsuits against projects can cause delays and make them financially unfeasible. Even if most of these lawsuits fail, they still create uncertainty that can halt progress.
  3. Current environmental policies and lawsuits can block innovation instead of helping the environment. A reset might be needed to improve infrastructure and address climate change effectively.
Who is Robert Malone 16 implied HN points 27 Feb 25
  1. Prof. Happer believes that the idea of a climate crisis is based on false information and exaggeration about carbon dioxide's impact. He argues that the Earth's climate naturally changes and human influence shouldn't be overstated.
  2. He points out that the push for climate alarmism began in the 1990s, led by politicians who were rallying for stricter climate policies. He thinks that many scientists have adjusted their views to fit political agendas over time.
  3. Happer emphasizes that it's important to understand the role of carbon dioxide and the implications of climate policies, suggesting they can have significant economic costs. He believes discussions around climate change should be based on solid evidence and facts.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 3012 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. Many claims about hurricanes becoming stronger due to climate change are inflated. For example, a recent study suggested a storm was 40% more likely, but a closer look shows it was actually a small increase from 7.2% to 10%.
  2. Some scientific methods assume that every storm is affected by climate change without considering other factors. This oversimplification can lead to misleading results, like claiming a storm was 7,000% more likely when it’s really about understanding many influencing factors.
  3. Recent research indicates that in some areas, tropical cyclones are not actually becoming more destructive and may even be decreasing in intensity. This contradicts the narrative that climate change always leads to worse storms.
Sustainability by numbers 316 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Having more renewable energy sources like solar and wind doesn't always mean higher electricity costs. Some states with a lot of renewables actually have lower prices.
  2. Electricity prices vary widely between states due to many factors, not just the types of energy used. Things like distribution costs and market design play big roles.
  3. Tracking electricity prices over time can show the impact of renewable energy. Some states see lower prices with more renewables, while others may see prices rise.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1627 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Disasters can change a community forever, marking a point where everything feels different. People will remember the day before and the day after as a significant divide in their lives.
  2. Fires can spread quickly, affecting homes and neighborhoods, often forcing families to evacuate urgently. Smoke and visible flames can create a sense of urgency and fear.
  3. The emotional toll of losing a place of worship or gathering is profound. It can leave a community feeling lost and in need of support during recovery.
Doomberg 19853 implied HN points 17 Nov 24
  1. Chris Wright is a strong nominee for Secretary of Energy, having a solid background in engineering and energy resource development. He aims to boost domestic energy production and support the energy industry.
  2. Wright believes that hydrocarbons are essential for global energy needs and improving living standards for many people. He argues that energy is key to wealth and health around the world.
  3. His policy focuses on reducing energy poverty as a priority. He suggests that rather than just focusing on climate change, we should also think about how to provide affordable energy for everyone.
The Take (by Jon Miltimore) 257 implied HN points 14 Oct 24
  1. California's ban on plastic bags didn't work as planned. Instead of reducing waste, plastic bag trash increased significantly.
  2. When states copy California's ban, they often see similar problems, like using more heavy-duty plastic bags that aren't recycled properly.
  3. New policies can have unexpected effects, like increased energy use from washing reusable bags, which might lead to health issues if not maintained correctly.
Nonzero Newsletter 384 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. Trump's approach to tariffs risks damaging long-term US power. Countries are already looking to trade more with others instead of relying solely on the US.
  2. The era of American economic dominance is fading as other nations form stronger trade ties. This change means the US may lose influence if it doesn't adapt.
  3. Competition between AI companies may lead to less thorough testing of new models. This rush could create safety issues with powerful AI technologies becoming available too quickly.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 2453 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
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Global Shield's Newsletter 59 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Many countries are focusing on improving civil defense. This means everyone from the government to local communities needs to work together to be prepared for emergencies.
  2. Climate change is making existing global threats worse. Problems like pandemics and geopolitical tensions are now linked to changes in the climate.
  3. People need to listen actively to warnings about risks. If the audience isn't ready or willing to hear these messages, the warnings may not help at all.
The Crucial Years 1604 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. Some big oil companies are planning to build new gas plants to power energy-hungry data centers for AI. But experts suggest that solar farms next to these centers would be a quicker and cleaner solution.
  2. A recent ruling in Montana gave children a constitutional right to a clean environment, aiming to protect their future from climate change. This could inspire similar lawsuits in other states.
  3. In Germany, many people are installing solar panels on their balconies, leading to significant savings on electricity bills. This trend is spreading to Spain and could be a game-changer for apartment living.
Doomberg 6205 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. The federal government has become complicated, making it hard for people to follow all the laws. This can lead to serious trouble even for innocent individuals.
  2. Presidents have a lot of power to make decisions quickly through executive orders, which can change important policies without a lot of oversight.
  3. Recent actions by President Biden to ban offshore drilling show how the government is shifting from traditional practices. This has left some groups happy while others are concerned about its long-term impact.
Doomberg 7015 implied HN points 03 Jan 25
  1. Colorado has shifted from a swing state leaning Republican to strongly Democratic in recent elections. This change reflects a broader trend of leftward political movement in the state.
  2. Governor Jared Polis is promoting renewable energy, especially wind power, which now generates a significant portion of Colorado's electricity. He seems to be inspired by policies from other progressive leaders.
  3. An interesting proposal called SunTrain aims to transport renewable energy using trains instead of traditional power lines. This could provide a new way to move excess energy while utilizing existing rail infrastructure.
Life Since the Baby Boom 1613 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. The Tragedy of the Commons shows how individual self-interest can harm the common good. If everyone takes too much from a shared resource, like a pasture, it can lead to disaster for everyone.
  2. Not all experts agree on how to manage shared resources. While Garrett Hardin warned about the dangers of overuse, Elinor Ostrom showed that communities can effectively cooperate to manage their resources without strict government control.
  3. Trusting science can sometimes mean questioning popular beliefs. It’s important to look at different viewpoints and actual case studies to understand how people manage shared resources.
Faster, Please! 731 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Jimmy Carter's administration pushed for deregulation in industries like airlines and trucking to boost the economy. The goal was to make it easier for businesses to operate and compete.
  2. The Energy Mobilization Board was proposed to speed up energy project approvals, but it faced backlash from environmentalists and various interest groups. They were concerned it could weaken environmental protections.
  3. Carter's ideas for energy reform highlighted a struggle between meeting energy needs and protecting the environment. Ultimately, the board was rejected, showcasing the challenges of balancing these competing interests.
The Crucial Years 2172 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. America may not lead the fight against climate change anymore, but individuals can still make a difference through global action. Local efforts matter, especially in places with strong clean energy initiatives.
  2. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming more affordable, and there's potential to rapidly increase their use. If we can double solar installations, we can make a real impact on climate goals.
  3. While the U.S. government may not prioritize clean energy, states and communities still recognize its economic benefits. This means there's a significant opportunity for grassroots movements and local investments to push for change.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 1697 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  1. Some climate activists are creating echo chambers on social media, blocking people they disagree with. This limits discussion about different views on climate issues.
  2. There is a growing concern that climate activism is becoming too exclusive and not practical enough to be effective in real-world situations.
  3. A focus on strict ideological purity is hurting the climate movement, making it harder to bring in new supporters and make meaningful progress.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 40 implied HN points 03 Jun 25
  1. It's important not to overcomplicate solutions with too many strict requirements. Keeping it simple can help in finding effective answers.
  2. Voter control over political parties is crucial. If voters don't guide the system, they might need to start their own candidates.
  3. To tackle climate issues, we should work backward from our goals, like aiming for zero fossil fuel use by 2050, and think of necessary steps to achieve that.
The Chris Hedges Report 392 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. Wildfires are becoming more common due to climate change and a reliance on fossil fuels. Areas like California are facing intense fire seasons, which scientists warned would happen.
  2. The boreal forests, which play a critical role in storing carbon and providing fresh water, are being destroyed by industrial activities like oil extraction. This destruction contributes to the worsening fire conditions.
  3. Modern homes are highly flammable because they're made with many petroleum-based materials. When they catch fire, they can burn much hotter than older buildings, making wildfires even more dangerous.
Doomberg 6392 implied HN points 26 Nov 24
  1. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is a strong political figure and is positioning himself for future opportunities as he cannot serve another term as governor. He has a powerful background and significant financial support.
  2. California has special rules that allow it to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than the rest of the U.S., which has major impacts on the auto industry across the country.
  3. The Biden administration has been slow to approve California's recent emissions waiver applications, and this could give California a lot more power in setting its own environmental rules, especially after Trump's election.
Gordian Knot News 131 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. Some people in the nuclear industry feel offended by criticisms, believing the blame is directed at them rather than the broken system. It's important to clarify that the focus should be on changing the system, not attacking individuals.
  2. The author reflects on their experience in a flawed system, sharing a personal story about a report they wrote that was ignored to protect jobs. This shows how systems can trap people into doing the wrong thing.
  3. The author wants to apologize to those in the industry for any misunderstanding, emphasizing that the real problem lies in the system that has led to negative outcomes, not in the people who worked within it.
Doomberg 7077 implied HN points 13 Nov 24
  1. Washington state has a very green energy mix, relying heavily on hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, and clean natural gas. This means they produce a lot of electricity without creating much pollution.
  2. Residents in Washington mostly heat their homes with electricity, and there is a push for using heat pumps instead of traditional heating methods. This shows a trend toward using more electric options for home heating.
  3. Recently, voters in Washington supported a measure to protect the use of natural gas despite the state's general lean towards environmental initiatives. This reflects a growing divide between urban and rural opinions on energy policies.
Doomberg 6525 implied HN points 05 Nov 24
  1. Transitioning solely to renewable energy sources is risky because no region has successfully operated a reliable grid using only wind and solar power.
  2. Building storage systems, like batteries, is expensive and may not solve the issues of reliability when renewables aren't producing energy.
  3. Conducting small-scale experiments at home can help individuals understand how much backup power they really need when the grid is unstable.
NN Journal 178 implied HN points 03 Oct 24
  1. Northamptonshire experienced the wettest September on record, leading to serious flooding and a review of flood management systems in the area.
  2. Experts emphasize the need for communities to adapt to climate change to become more resilient against flooding risks.
  3. Local leaders are seeking funding to improve flood defenses, as more extreme weather events are expected in the future.
Today's Edition Newsletter 8019 implied HN points 31 Jan 24
  1. During Trump's presidency, actions were often evaluated based on advancing his personal interests.
  2. President Biden is taking a measured approach against Iran-backed militias to avoid widening a war in the Middle East.
  3. House Republicans seem focused on political maneuvers, such as risking a government shutdown, rather than addressing significant issues like immigration reform.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 1933 implied HN points 24 Oct 24
  1. Billion-dollar disasters, like hurricanes, are becoming more common, but this may be more about increasing populations and property in storm-prone areas than just climate change.
  2. The data used by NOAA to track these disasters was not originally intended to prove or analyze the impact of climate change, which raises questions about its relevance to climate policy.
  3. Experts agree that while climate change is real, the way we categorize and understand disaster costs is heavily influenced by societal growth and the increasing value of assets in risky areas.
kareem 5916 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Republicans rejected a bipartisan border deal they previously demanded, showing political gamesmanship over genuine compromise.
  2. Mandating parental consent for Black history month education in Florida schools showcases needless government interference in education.
  3. Trump's proposed extreme anti-environment plans for a second term are described as horrific, showcasing a disregard for public health and safety.