The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

China is killing the fish

Noahpinion • 27588 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. China has cleaned up many of its own environmental problems but is simultaneously running a huge distant-water fishing fleet that is depleting global fish stocks and harming ocean biodiversity.
  2. Many of those boats operate illegally or unreported — shutting off transponders, falsifying records, and using front companies — and they concentrate in poorer countries that can’t police their waters.
  3. This global overfishing steals livelihoods and future fish supplies and isn’t getting enough attention from environmental groups or international policy, creating a large, neglected conservation crisis.

Making Sense of the EPA Endangerment Finding Rule

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3974 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The EPA formally rescinded the 2009 Endangerment Finding and the vehicle greenhouse-gas rules by reinterpreting key words in the Clean Air Act, and it says this decision is based on legal reasoning rather than new claims about climate science.
  2. EPA's core legal claim is that vehicle emissions would have only a minuscule effect on global temperature and sea level, so they do not materially "contribute" to pollution that can "reasonably be anticipated to endanger" health or welfare, meaning the costs of regulation would outweigh de minimis benefits.
  3. The rule’s future is legally uncertain and could be overturned in court, and there is a clear opportunity for Congress to clarify the Clean Air Act and craft a bipartisan, coherent approach to greenhouse-gas policy.

It's time to abolish Natural England

Odds and Ends of History • 1675 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Politicians often pass politically risky decisions to arm's-length bodies to avoid blame, but that can prevent the government from actually delivering its strategy.
  2. Natural England’s statutory role in planning acts like a de facto veto—through SSSIs, nutrient rules and SANG requirements—causing delays and blocking housing projects even when the environmental case is weak.
  3. Abolishing or substantially reforming Natural England would put environmental trade-offs back with elected ministers so politicians must own the consequences, while keeping technical enforcement and data roles separate.

Space Junk: The Hidden Cost of Satellite Boom

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Companies plan to launch tens of thousands of low‑Earth‑orbit satellites, massively increasing orbital congestion and the number of objects burning up in the atmosphere.
  2. Satellites and rockets release pollutants like alumina, black carbon, and lithium when they burn up or launch, which can harm the ozone layer, warm the upper atmosphere, and accelerate climate change.
  3. Adopting sustainable manufacturing, better launch trajectories, carbon offsets, and stronger regulation could reduce these environmental risks, but without such measures the satellite boom could seriously alter climate, precipitation, and polar ice.
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War’s Hidden Fallout: How Conflict Fuels Climate Chaos

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Modern combat — from fighter jets and rockets to detonations — releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants during the fighting.
  2. Rebuilding and cleanup after wars add large, long‑lasting emissions and pollution, sometimes rivaling the annual output of whole countries.
  3. Multiple current conflicts together are a significant, often overlooked driver of the climate crisis, so cutting fossil fuel use in military operations could reduce that harm.

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Rare earth elements, especially neodymium, are crucial for the electric vehicle and wind energy industries. These materials are used in high-performance magnets that power modern technologies.
  2. China currently has a strong grip on the global supply of rare earths, using this leverage in its economic dealings. This situation highlights the irony of China’s reliance on coal even as it promotes green energy.
  3. The US is making significant investments to reduce its dependency on China for rare earths. There’s potential for the US to utilize its coal resources to help close the gap in rare earth production.

Buried by Snow—and by Shaky Science

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Recent winters have felt more extreme, but scientists currently don’t have strong evidence that the most intense nor’easters are getting steadily stronger over the long term.
  2. The IPCC plays a key role by sorting through hundreds of different and sometimes conflicting studies to give cautious, evidence-based conclusions instead of relying on any single paper.
  3. Science advances by testing claims, being honest about uncertainty, and changing course when new evidence shows earlier conclusions were wrong.

California Lawmakers Admit Their Plastic Bag Ban Backfired

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Top Five Climate Science Scandals 2025

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2846 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Bad or fake datasets and low-quality models have been used in climate research and major assessments. Those errors need prompt correction and retraction to restore scientific trust.
  2. Major climate assessments and agencies are highly politicized and swing with each administration, which undermines credibility. Depoliticizing these institutions would help rebuild public trust.
  3. Financial “climate risk” products and the continued reliance on extreme, implausible emissions scenarios are distorting research and policy. Climate science should use more realistic scenarios and clearer links between risks and evidence.

Global Shield Briefing (23 October 2024)

Global Shield's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Reading List 07/05/2025

Construction Physics • 10021 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Environmental Policy
  1. A tiny electric motor was created by William McLellan, inspired by Richard Feynman's ideas on miniaturization. It opened the door to the world of nanotechnology, despite having no practical use.
  2. California is easing environmental rules under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), making it easier to build new housing. This change aims to address the state's housing crisis and high costs.
  3. Volvo is leading the electric truck market with nearly half the market share in Europe and North America. They delivered their 5,000th electric semi truck, showing strong growth in this sector.

Trump's executive orders: Five big takeaways

Noahpinion • 23706 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Greenland Fantasia

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Greenland's future is framed as crucial to the fate of the whole planet, highlighting its global environmental and geopolitical importance.
  2. Historical imagery of a Moravian mission ties Greenland's colonial and cultural past to present concerns, suggesting history matters for understanding its current challenges.
  3. The content sits behind a paid, subscription-based publication and is presented as exclusive, with clear prompts encouraging readers to subscribe.

Is this a watershed moment?

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Trump déjà vu: It's always about him

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8019 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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 Cost of Confused Climate Science

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1636 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. A high-profile scientific study that claimed catastrophic climate impacts and massive economic losses has been retracted.
  2. Motivated reasoning and confirmation bias lead people to accept alarming climate claims quickly and without enough skepticism.
  3. Sensational media coverage amplifies climate alarm, and that panic often persists even after studies are corrected or retracted.

Oklahoma Mom Demands We Stop Dumping Sewage On America's Farmland

The DisInformation Chronicle • 640 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. A federal rule allows treated sewage sludge labeled as “biosolids” to be spread on farmland, which can introduce pathogens and chemical pollutants into the air, soil, water, and food supply.
  2. People living near land-applied sewage report serious acute and chronic health problems—like nausea, respiratory issues, infections, and neurological symptoms—while officials often downplay or dismiss their complaints.
  3. Community members organized, did independent research, formed a nonprofit, and are pushing for federal action to stop land-disposal of sewage and push for safer waste solutions.

GOP Kills Border Deal They Asked For & Trump's Plans for the Environment Are Truly Scary

kareem • 5916 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

In Praise of Chris Wright

Doomberg • 19853 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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 Greenland Rare Earths Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Greenland has rich rare earth deposits, but they're also concerned about the environmental effects of mining. They've decided not to mine if it means harming their land.
  2. While China dominates rare earth processing, Greenland is using their resources to ask for better partnerships. They want to work with people who handle the toxic waste responsibly.
  3. Instead of just being a place for resource extraction, Greenland is pushing for sustainable development and a diverse economy. They're asking more modern questions about how to protect their environment while growing.

Human Progress versus Climate Evangelism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4583 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The first half of 2025 saw remarkably low deaths from extreme weather events, much lower than the historical average. This suggests significant progress in disaster management and safety.
  2. Despite these achievements, there is a push from climate advocates to create more fear about climate change, aiming to mobilize public concern and policy changes.
  3. It's important to recognize and celebrate the progress made in reducing weather-related deaths while being cautious about the narrative that emphasizes only the dangers.

An Eerie Light

The Crucial Years • 3457 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. America's relationship with science is changing. Instead of supporting scientific exploration, there seems to be a trend towards cutting funding for important research, which is really concerning.
  2. Fairness in society is declining, with actions that reverse progress made in terms of equality. This includes moves against voting rights and support for disadvantaged communities, showing a shift away from promoting fairness.
  3. A sense of servility is growing, where companies and individuals seem to be bowing down to those in power instead of standing up for democratic values. It's important to resist and push for change where we can.

Berlin hospitals struggle to treat hundreds of slip-and-falls after repeated snow and ice storms because environmental laws forbid the use of melting agents on stairs and sidewalks

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 238 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
📰 News Environmental Policy
  1. Hospitals are overwhelmed with hundreds of slip-and-fall injuries from weeks of ice and snow, with many fractures and serious cases straining emergency services.
  2. Environmental rules banning salt on sidewalks and stairs to protect plants have kept pedestrian areas icy, even though roads and bike paths are still treated.
  3. Authorities only recently allowed salt in exceptional cases and suggested personal precautions like shoe spikes, but the move came after many injuries and left legal uncertainty.

Well Cited

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3032 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The Department of Energy (DOE) Climate Working Group report cites a lot of research accurately, which is a positive sign for scientific integrity.
  2. It's important for scientific studies to be interpreted correctly, even if they support policies that some researchers might not agree with.
  3. The author suggests that some citations in the report could be improved for clarity and recommends updates to ensure accuracy.

Where is Greenpeace or Greta?

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. There are serious environmental issues happening due to the conflict in Ukraine, with harmful weapons damaging the land. It raises questions about the response from global environmental activists.
  2. Landmines and other weapons are creating long-term environmental destruction in Ukraine, which will take years and a lot of money to clean up.
  3. The situation highlights how war can lead to ecological damage, which some experts are now calling 'ecocide,' showing that war can harm nature as much as people.

Shameless Self-Promotion

The Crucial Years • 2869 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The last few years have shown a big rise in clean energy, like solar and wind, which is starting to replace fossil fuels. This change is important because it can help fight climate change.
  2. Even though clean energy is getting cheaper and more available, there are still challenges to overcome, like the fossil fuel industry trying to hold back progress. Sticking together and pushing for change is essential.
  3. The book promotes the idea that clean energy should no longer be seen as an 'alternative' but as the main way to power our world. It emphasizes that moving away from fossil fuels can lead to a more equal and sustainable future.

More from a sense of duty...

The Crucial Years • 3059 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. It's important to show our duty as citizens, even if things seem tough. Making calls to our Senators about energy policies can make a difference.
  2. Legislation aimed at slowing down clean energy is harmful to everyone, risking jobs, increasing electricity costs, and making it harder to fight climate change.
  3. We need to rebuild support for renewable energy like solar power and take collective action to make our voices heard, especially in response to bad legislation.

Top Five Climate Change Narratives in the Media

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3003 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Many stories link unrelated topics, like sports or health issues, to climate change. This can oversimplify complex issues and just feeds a narrative.
  2. Shocking predictions about climate disasters grab attention and are often presented without considering their plausibility. This can create fear rather than informed discussion.
  3. Media often frames climate discussions in a way that divides people into heroes and villains based on their views. This can make issues feel political rather than based on facts.

Freighthopping

Doomberg • 7015 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

"Not Gold Standard Science"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1864 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The EPA used research to claim that greenhouse gas emissions are lower than expected, but they didn't explain why this is the case. This leaves out important factors that need to be considered.
  2. High-end emissions scenarios, which expected more pollution, were based on unrealistic technology and economic assumptions. Reality has shown that these extreme predictions were unlikely to happen.
  3. The way the EPA is changing emission standards misinterprets the research. It's like saying we don't need safety measures because a big accident didn't happen, ignoring that the measures are what kept it from happening in the first place.

So many moving pieces

The Crucial Years • 2909 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Climate change is a big deal, and it's getting worse faster than we thought. We need to pay attention because it's impacting everything from weather patterns to food production.
  2. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and intense, like heavy rain and severe heat. This is due to climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable.
  3. There's a push for clean energy solutions like solar and wind power, but financial systems and politics are blocking real action. We need to prioritize clean energy to tackle climate issues.

The Bitter End

Doomberg • 6205 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

The Climate Conversation is Changing

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1727 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The climate conversation is shifting, with more emphasis on understanding the actual risks of climate change rather than just the scary headlines. It's important to know the real science behind what's happening.
  2. Recent reports highlight how climate data can be misunderstood or misrepresented. For example, some believe hurricanes are increasing, but recent studies show no clear trend in hurricane frequency.
  3. Adaptation to climate change is more effective than many realize. Studies show that people and infrastructures are improving their resilience to changes like heat waves and wildfires.

Their Democracy

Doomberg • 7077 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

TGIF: Hellfire

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5824 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Eight is Enough

Doomberg • 6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Webinar on The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. There will be a webinar discussing how to reduce the need for new mined battery minerals by 2050. It's a great opportunity to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The webinar is happening on August 22nd at 11:30 AM Eastern Time. Mark your calendar if you're interested in the future of battery minerals.
  3. You can read a detailed report called 'The Battery Mineral Loop' to get more insights before the webinar. It's a good way to prepare and understand the discussion better.

What is a "Worst Case" Climate Scenario?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2482 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. RCP8.5 is a worst-case climate scenario that is based on very unlikely assumptions and does not reflect current realities. It is important to understand that it's not just improbable, but actually impossible based on recent data.
  2. Defining a 'worst case' scenario isn’t straightforward. It can be influenced by values and politics, as different people might see different outcomes as more or less desirable.
  3. Creating climate scenarios should involve a broader group, including experts and everyday people. This way, we can address the political aspects and ensure the scenarios used for policy-making are relevant and realistic.

Storage Units

Doomberg • 6525 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.