The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Limits to growth: solar edition

GEM Energy Analytics • 599 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Solar energy Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. Solar energy is growing quickly, but it has limits. Even though many people are excited about its future, there are economic reasons that might slow its growth.
  2. The value of solar electricity is decreasing as more solar power is added to the system. This means that while solar may be cheap to produce, its market value might drop, making it less profitable.
  3. Government support, like subsidies, could help solar energy continue to grow despite these challenges. However, it's unclear how committed governments will be to supporting solar if its market value drops significantly.

December 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Civil Rights Human Rights Economic Policy Environmental Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, dedicated his life to human rights and was a significant figure in American politics.
  2. During his presidency, Carter focused on civil rights, environmental protection, and human rights in foreign policy, making many impactful reforms.
  3. After leaving office, he continued to promote peace and health through the Carter Center, showing a commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

Hottest January in the History of Januaries

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 85 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate Impact Environmental Policy Sustainability Weather Patterns
  1. January 2025 was the hottest January ever recorded, surprising meteorologists who expected it to cool down after previous high temperatures.
  2. The Arctic is experiencing drastic changes, including low sea ice extent and volume, which could lead to an ice-free Arctic by as early as 2027.
  3. If you’re under fifty, consider where you live, as many places will face extreme heat and water scarcity in the future.

California’s electricity conundrum

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Natural resources Environmental Policy Climate change
  1. California has some of the highest electricity prices in the US, even though it's using more renewable energy. In 2023, its prices were about 70% higher than the national average.
  2. Several factors contribute to the high electricity costs in California, including expensive natural gas, wildfire-related expenses, and increased demand for power due to climate change.
  3. The shift to renewable energy is not the main reason for California's high prices. Other states with a lot of renewable energy actually pay less for electricity on average.
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Silencing Climate Whistle-Blowers

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Scientific Integrity Political Influence Whistleblowing
  1. Climate scientists often face pressure from political leaders, leading to threats against their work. For instance, Virginia Burkett, a scientist at USGS, was demoted for opposing harmful actions by the Trump administration.
  2. Historical cases show that scientists like James Hansen faced censorship for speaking out on climate change. Even reputable scientists can be silenced because of their messages that contradict certain political views.
  3. The influence of special interests can lead to significant changes in scientific priorities. This jeopardizes crucial climate research as short-term profit motives often take precedence over environmental concerns.

Space Debris: the Global Flagship Conference Takeaways from Saudi Arabia

Space Ambition • 159 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Technology development Environmental Policy International cooperation Sustainability
  1. The recent Space Debris Conference in Saudi Arabia gathered over 50 countries to discuss the growing issue of space debris. This problem arises from the increasing number of satellites and other objects in Earth's orbit.
  2. Experts stressed the need for global cooperation and innovative technologies to tackle space debris. They highlighted that ignoring this issue could lead to serious threats for future space missions and satellites.
  3. Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive role in addressing space debris, signing agreements with key organizations to enhance tracking and safety measures. Their commitment shows a strong dedication to ensuring safe and sustainable space exploration.

Green Lights Jan. 12: Top stories this week

Callaway Climate Insights • 196 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Green Technology Environmental Policy Sustainable Practices
  1. 2024 will be a challenging year for the climate with ominous reports predicting financial repercussions.
  2. California's efforts to address climate change face a temporary setback due to a budget crisis.
  3. ESG investing may see a resurgence as negative attention attracts investors towards renewable energy shares.

Two Really Dumb Things We Might Be Able to Stop

The Crucial Years • 886 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Climate Impact Environmental Policy
  1. Massachusetts is a liberal Democratic state with leaders pushing for green initiatives like divesting from fossil fuels and protesting against harmful projects like the MVP pipeline.
  2. The MVP pipeline project, a fracked gas pipeline running through Appalachia, is facing mass protests due to environmental concerns and the decreasing demand for fracked gas.
  3. There is a global movement towards renewable energy advocacy to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.

December 15, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Public Health Legislation
  1. The Safe Drinking Water Act was created 50 years ago to ensure clean and safe drinking water in the U.S. It set rules for how much contamination is allowed in our water.
  2. Despite this law improving water quality, many people still face challenges. Millions live in areas where water doesn't meet safety standards.
  3. Currently, new investments are being made to fix water systems, but ongoing challenges like funding and pollution from industries still threaten water safety.

Name the Damn Perp

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Global Warming Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. When talking about climate change, it is important to identify who is really responsible for the problem. Blaming 'humanity' takes the focus away from those in power.
  2. The climate crisis is driven by wealthy individuals and corporations who make choices that harm the environment. They are the ones who have the power to change things.
  3. To inspire real action on climate change, the conversation should target the rich and powerful, because they are the ones who can actually make a difference.

Thoughts on the Energy Transition

GEM Energy Analytics • 219 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Sustainability Renewable Energy Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. A presentation on the Energy Transition is available for download. It's based on various sources and designed for live discussions.
  2. The slides alone do not explain everything, so the spoken context is important for understanding fully.
  3. Feedback and contact are encouraged, showing that the creator values input from others.

Renewables Mania And Woke Dogma Behind Hawaii Fire, Not Climate Change

Public • 469 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Wildfires Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Disinformation
  1. Climate change may not have directly caused the Hawaii fire, as the strong winds from Hurricane Dora played a significant role.
  2. Human-made changes to the landscape, including the growth of invasive grasses due to former sugar cane farms, contributed to the fire's intensity.
  3. Issues like failure to clear flammable grasses around electric wires and delayed release of water by a state official also played crucial roles in the Hawaii fire.

The IEA’s New Net Zero Roadmap

Renewable Revolution • 199 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Environmental Policy Technological Innovation
  1. The IEA's new roadmap shows strong support for reaching net zero, emphasizing action over theory. They are optimistic about the future of renewable energy and the shift away from fossil fuels.
  2. Key actions are needed by 2030 to make progress, including tripling renewable energy capacity and reducing methane emissions. These steps are essential for a successful energy transition.
  3. Investing in renewable energy is cheaper in the long run than sticking to traditional energy sources. This transition not only saves costs but also creates millions of new jobs in the clean energy sector.

From Infinite Progress to Delusional Despotism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political Ideologies Authoritarianism Environmental Policy
  1. Unlimited growth can't continue as our planet faces serious ecological problems. The idea that we can keep getting richer while harming the Earth isn't realistic anymore.
  2. Wealth is becoming concentrated in the hands of a few, and this can lead to a lack of understanding about the real issues because rich people may live in bubbles. Some billionaires are focusing more on their egos than on helping the planet.
  3. We have a choice to build a better future and move away from power that is held tightly by a few. There’s potential for a much better system where communities share resources and make decisions together.

Trees and Politics

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Urban Development Climate change Public Health Social justice
  1. Seattle has a history of cutting down trees for economic gain, starting from the days of early settlers.
  2. There is a recent shift towards valuing trees and nature for their benefits to both the ecosystem and human health.
  3. The city council is revising the Tree Protection Ordinance, but the proposed changes may not be strong enough to protect trees and support the community effectively.

Tracking the invisible from space: greenhouse gases

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Remote Sensing Environmental Policy Sustainability Carbon Emissions
  1. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane cause climate change. Satellites can help us see how much of these gases are in the air and where they come from.
  2. Satellites give us a big picture of greenhouse gas levels globally, even in hard-to-reach places. This information is important for climate research and making smart policies.
  3. Companies are starting to use satellite data to track their emissions because it's now a big deal for investors and consumers. This means there’s a push for better tracking and reducing greenhouse gases.

Towards a Quieter City

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Public Health Environmental Policy
  1. Complaining about noise pollution in the city is often met with the suggestion to move, but cities are increasingly recognizing the health risks associated with noise and taking action.
  2. Noise pollution can have serious health impacts, including hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased stress in adults, as well as sleep loss and cognitive impairment in children.
  3. Efforts to address noise pollution vary, with some cities implementing tech-driven solutions like 'noise radar,' but challenges arise in enforcement, appropriate consequences for noise makers, and balancing noise regulations with other policing priorities.

How cheap will solar projects get?

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Solar energy Renewable Energy Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. The cost of solar projects has gone down a lot over the last decade, but it is expected to decrease by only about a third in the next decade. This is still good, but not as impressive as before.
  2. Solar module prices were dropping fast, but that trend is slowing down. Improvements in manufacturing are now changing more slowly and the costs of projects could squeeze profits for developers.
  3. Oversizing solar projects, where the installed capacity is greater than the inverter capacity, might become common. This is partly because transmission costs aren’t increasing as quickly as module prices.

YIMBY to windfarms

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Environmental Policy Urban Development
  1. Many people support wind and solar energy, but they often oppose having them in their own communities. This is called NIMBYism, which stands for 'Not In My Back Yard.'
  2. Wind farms can actually boost the finances of local towns by increasing tax revenues, which helps pay for local services and infrastructure.
  3. When towns have more money from wind farms, they can invest in growth, leading to more jobs and lower property taxes over time, making it beneficial for residents overall.

I hate SUVs and pickup trucks

Klement on Investing • 5 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Public Safety Urban planning Environmental Policy
  1. SUVs and pickup trucks are bigger than some tanks, making them a danger on the roads. Smaller cars can do the same job more safely.
  2. The design of SUVs can lead to more severe injuries or deaths for pedestrians, especially children. Studies show that if these larger vehicles were replaced with regular cars, many lives could be saved.
  3. Driving an SUV doesn't make motorists safer; advancements in car safety technology are the bigger reason for decreased motorist deaths. Choosing a smaller, regular car is better for everyone.

Oxfam names perp, Olympic-level surveillance, Boots on the ground...where?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Carbon Emissions Wealth Inequality Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. The super-rich have a huge negative impact on the environment through their private jets and yachts. They emit more carbon in a short time than average people do in their whole lives.
  2. Oxfam's report shows that climate change hits the poorest the hardest, even though they contribute the least to the problem. It's unfair that those who do the least suffer the most.
  3. There is potential for governments to collect significant funds from wealth taxes on billionaires and corporations, which could help finance climate efforts. This suggests that the very wealthy need to be held accountable for their emissions.

Is deforestation in the Amazon falling?

Sustainability by numbers • 145 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Deforestation Amazon Brazil Environmental Policy Conservation efforts
  1. Deforestation rates in the Amazon have fallen by 42% compared to last year.
  2. Lula da Silva, the new Brazilian president, has seen success in reducing deforestation since taking office.
  3. Getting deforestation down to zero will take time and effort due to economic trade-offs and the need for a multi-country approach.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Global Warming Media Criticism
  1. The media often creates a sense of urgency about climate change, especially around big events like COP26. This can sometimes lead to fear and panic rather than constructive solutions.
  2. There are positive developments regarding climate change that are often overlooked by those focusing solely on the negatives. It's important to recognize the progress being made.
  3. Political leaders may use the climate crisis for their own advantage, which can complicate the conversation and actions needed to address the issue. We should look critically at their motives.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Environmental Policy Global Economy Resource Management
  1. The Arctic is becoming a very important area for countries around the world because of its natural resources and changes due to climate change. Many nations are paying more attention to it now.
  2. Climate change is rapidly warming the Arctic, which is causing ice to melt and opening new shipping routes. This affects not just local communities but also global weather patterns.
  3. As Asia's economy grows, countries like China are increasing their interest in the Arctic. This shift creates new possibilities and challenges for international cooperation in the region.

Can carbon capture work?

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Carbon Capture Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been criticized for its high failure rates in projects, historically failing 88% of the time. This raises doubts about its effectiveness for climate change action.
  2. Studies suggest that CCS could improve and become more effective if its rollout follows the learning patterns seen with wind and solar energy in the past.
  3. While CCS could help keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, achieving the more ambitious 1.5-degree target seems unlikely without significant improvements and a drastic reduction in failure rates.

Climate Cons

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 20 May 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Media Analysis Public Perception Climate change
  1. The climate debate has shifted from discussing pollution to claiming a climate emergency, leading to the rise of organizations that spread alarmist messages to gain influence and donations.
  2. A scientist named Steven Koonin argues that climate science isn't as settled as people think. He believes that most severe weather events aren't increasing and that extreme predictions about climate change often aren't based on solid facts.
  3. Koonin points out that natural factors like volcanic activity have more impact on climate than commonly acknowledged. He emphasizes the importance of using accurate science and not exaggerating threats in climate discussions.

A Look at Line 5

An Interpersonal Journal • 79 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Michigan
  1. Understanding local environmental issues is crucial to being an informed community member.
  2. Diverse perspectives on current environmental debates help in forming a well-rounded understanding of the situation.
  3. Careful consideration is needed when evaluating the risks and benefits of maintaining infrastructure that impacts critical ecosystems.

Climate Alert: January 2024 the Hottest January in Recorded History

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. January 2024 was the hottest January on record, marking a worrying trend in global warming. The average temperature was 13.14°C, which is significantly higher than temperatures from past years.
  2. Over the last year, the planet experienced its highest average temperatures yet, highlighting an urgent climate crisis. This is concerning for global efforts to keep temperatures below the critical limits set by the Paris Agreement.
  3. Despite clear evidence of climate change, leaders are not taking strong enough action. It's important for everyone to get involved and push for changes that protect the environment for future generations.

This Is Not A Peasant's Revolt

Surfing the Future • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Environmental Policy Protests European Union
  1. Farmers protesting against certain aspects of the EU Green Deal are not comparable to historical peasant revolts.
  2. Many of these protesting farmers benefit from significant subsidies and are entrenched in unsustainable agricultural practices.
  3. Farmers resisting change in agriculture are delaying the necessary shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly system.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Environmental Policy Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

Headlines from a Warming World no 7

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Natural Disasters Ecology Mental health
  1. Hurricane Otis quickly went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, causing severe destruction in Mexico. This rapid intensification illustrates the dangers posed by warmer ocean temperatures due to climate change.
  2. The Amundsen Sea is warming three times faster than in the 20th century, leading to an increased melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet. This melting is expected to contribute significantly to rising sea levels, affecting coastal communities globally.
  3. Children and young people are facing serious mental health challenges related to climate change, known as eco-anxiety. Their concerns about air pollution and extreme weather highlight the urgent need for action on climate issues.

Air pollution: Hidden in plain sight is ignored by political leaders due to short-sightedness and lack of vision

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Air Pollution Climate change Political Response Public Health Environmental Policy
  1. Political leaders are often short-sighted and ignore serious issues like air pollution for immediate gains. This can be dangerous for future generations.
  2. Reducing short-lived climate pollutants can help the environment and improve public health. It's an important step to tackle climate change.
  3. The Green Party in England supports policies like the ULEZ expansion, showing commitment to addressing air pollution and its harmful effects.

What are we waiting for?

WeBeGreen • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Plastic Pollution Sustainability Climate change
  1. The environmental and climate challenge is not just technical - it's also political and economical, with the need for drastic global climate efforts.
  2. Research presents roadmaps for achieving 100% renewable energy globally, which would require less land than currently used for power generation.
  3. There is a need to shift towards renewable energy, democratize energy production, and hold industries accountable for their environmental impact.

You are likely funding climate pollution, military weapons, and forced labor, here's how to divest.

As If We Were Staying • 1 implied HN point • 30 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Corporate Responsibility
  1. Many people unknowingly invest in companies that contribute to climate pollution and violence. This includes investments in fossil fuels, military weapons, and businesses involved in deforestation and forced labor.
  2. Our current economic system focuses too much on profit, often ignoring the social and environmental impacts. This has led to significant inequality and harm to society and the planet.
  3. To make better investment choices, look into where your money is going. Consider using more ethical funds and banks that support positive changes for the environment and society.

July 2024 Becomes Second-Hottest Month on Record, Narrowly Missing Top Spot

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy
  1. July 2024 was the second hottest month ever recorded, just a tiny bit cooler than July 2023. This means our planet is still getting warmer.
  2. Global temperatures are about 1.48°C higher than pre-industrial levels, showing clear signs of climate change. These changes will keep happening unless we reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Temperature changes were felt everywhere, with Europe experiencing a notably hot month, while some areas like Antarctica and parts of the U.S. saw cooler temperatures.

Daily Exasperation #8

Exasperated Infrastructures • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Infrastructure Transportation Urban planning Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. The statement from the Governor's spokesperson about combating climate change lacks substance and may not effectively reduce emissions.
  2. Focusing on highway-widening projects might not be the most beneficial use of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  3. Empty, vague statements can lead to costly projects that might not benefit those in need.

The Warmest Day ... The Warmest Month ... The Warmest Year ...

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Nuclear Energy Sustainability
  1. July 2024 has seen the highest daily global temperature ever recorded, reaching 17.15°C, which signals a worrying trend of rising temperatures.
  2. June 2024 also broke records, becoming the warmest June in history and making it 13 consecutive months of record high temperatures.
  3. Predictions suggest that by 2070, many cities currently in temperate zones will face harsher climates, showing how climate change could drastically alter our living conditions.