The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

How Environmentalism Works in California

The Discourse Lounge • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. California's environmental regulations are changing quickly but have a complex history that shapes their current form. Understanding this history helps explain why these rules exist today.
  2. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was recently reformed, and there is a misunderstanding about how environmental protections are applied in California. They're now managed more broadly instead of on a project-by-project basis.
  3. There's a generational divide in the environmental movement, with different views coming from new climate science and earlier beliefs about growth and sustainability in cities.

OSD 353: Everything is a gun now

Open Source Defense • 84 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Overly complex permitting and regulation impose huge compliance costs and delays, often killing startups and slowing deployment of lifesaving technologies like clean energy and carbon removal.
  2. The physical world runs on a permission-first model where hundreds of officials and overlapping rules can quietly veto projects, so most real-world activity is effectively forbidden unless someone grants permission.
  3. People who see obvious regulatory harms are well placed to point out and push back against the less visible regulatory thickets that block innovation and harm public welfare.

The Renewable Revolution Continues

Renewable Revolution • 459 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Clean technology prices have dropped, making solar and wind energy cheaper than before. This is great news for renewable energy as it becomes more accessible.
  2. The global demand for fossil fuels is leveling off, which means they might be losing their place in the energy market. More renewable energy sources like solar and wind are now providing most of the new electricity.
  3. Governments are stepping up their support for clean energy through new policies. As countries commit to increasing renewable energy production, it shows that the push for sustainability is stronger than ever.

No, growing more food does not mean we always need more and more inputs

Sustainability by numbers • 301 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. High and middle-income countries are now producing the same or more food while using less fertilizer, pesticides, and land. This shows that it's possible to farm more efficiently.
  2. Total factor productivity (TFP) is crucial in growing food as it measures how much output can be increased without using more resources. Higher TFP means we can produce more food with less input.
  3. Low-income countries still need to increase their use of fertilizers and other inputs to improve food production, as they haven't yet reached the efficiency levels of wealthier nations.

Building an operating system for Earth

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. We need a new way to understand and respond to Earth's changes, using real-time data to prevent disasters before they happen. This would help us adjust our actions based on what the planet is experiencing right now.
  2. By gathering people from different fields—like scientists, artists, and leaders—we can work together to make better decisions for the planet. This teamwork can help us focus on what actually works instead of just arguing ideologies.
  3. The future can be shaped by using technology that helps us see the consequences of our actions beforehand. If we can visualize outcomes, we can choose paths that lead to a healthier planet.
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Top Links 760 China's emissions reach a turning point. Mondrian goes dancing & Kazakh stunts.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Environmental Policy
  1. China's emissions are changing, and it seems like they might be hitting a significant point. This could affect global climate efforts.
  2. South Korea's trade surplus with the USA has also increased significantly since COVID, not just China's. This shows how trade dynamics are shifting.
  3. The article features links and insights that could provide interesting perspectives on current economic and environmental trends.

Limits to growth: solar edition

GEM Energy Analytics • 599 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

Proem to the Aenean Future

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 927 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. The future holds challenges around resource scarcity, but there's hope in human creativity and technology. People believe we can find solutions to navigate tough times ahead.
  2. Emphasizing the need for green energy and a sustainable way of life is crucial. Society must transition to alternative energy sources, like solar and hydrogen, while addressing environmental concerns.
  3. Space exploration could become practical and profitable. Investing in space tech might help solve Earth's resource problems and allow humanity to expand beyond our planet.

Top Links 776 California's carbon market hits the floor. Spying on luxury yacht builders. Kagame's extraordinary career & Goldin's sharp eye.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. California's carbon market is struggling, with recent auctions hitting the lowest price allowed. This shows challenges in the effectiveness of cap-and-trade programs for reducing emissions.
  2. There are some intriguing details about luxury yacht builders. This topic highlights a different side of luxury and the business around it.
  3. A look at Kagame's career reveals it to be quite remarkable, and Goldin's insights offer a unique perspective on various issues in the world today.

The Government Is Coming for Our Wilderness. The Falconers Aren’t Happy.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 306 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Falconry is becoming more recognized and has even reached national discussions, especially with public figures like RFK Jr. showing interest in the sport.
  2. There is growing concern among falconers about government policies that may affect public lands and environmental protections, which could harm both wildlife and their sport.
  3. Falconry gatherings show a tight-knit community that values tradition, remembrance, and the changing dynamics of participation within the sport.

The Idiots Are Yelling About Weather Machines Again

OK Doomer • 283 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Recent severe floods in Texas highlight the dangers of inadequate disaster response plans. Many people were unprepared for the sudden rise in water levels.
  2. Ancient Greek philosophers pointed out that concepts like compassion and self-interest might be illusions in how we view human behavior. They believed deeper truths about our motivations are often overlooked.
  3. The discussion around weather machines shows how misinformation can distract from real issues like climate change and policy failures impacting people's safety.

⚡️ When Jimmy Carter proposed his own DOGE

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

How big is the generational divide on climate change?

Sustainability by numbers • 304 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. People of all ages generally agree about climate change and its seriousness. The gaps in belief between younger and older generations are smaller than many think.
  2. While younger people often feel more emotional about climate change, older generations do recognize its impacts from personal experience. This doesn't mean they don't care;
  3. Younger generations tend to advocate for big changes from systems and corporations, while older generations often focus on individual actions they can take.

Real political courage

The Crucial Years • 1913 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Some politicians are demonstrating real political courage by taking a stand against expanding fossil fuel production
  2. The UK's decision to open the North Sea to new oil and gas drilling is being challenged by a Conservative MP's resignation
  3. There is growing pressure for countries to halt the expansion of fossil fuel production to combat the climate crisis

Warning for 2025: Last Year Saw Record-breaking Disasters and Losses

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Last year was extremely tough for many countries, with record disasters and a lot of deaths due to climate issues. Places like Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and several others faced serious problems like extreme heat and floods.
  2. The Earth's temperatures were the highest ever recorded, indicating that climate change is getting worse. Many regions are seeing more heat, heavier rain, and rising sea levels as a result.
  3. If we keep consuming resources the same way, we will face even more disasters in the future. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take steps now to protect our planet.

⚡ What will power the future US economy?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Encouraging clean energy is important for the future economy. A good way to support this is through a carbon tax and removing unnecessary regulations.
  2. There's a proposal to end some subsidies for alternative fuels, while introducing a carbon tax that would go up over time. This could help make cleaner energy more competitive.
  3. It's tough to predict the best mix of energy sources years into the future. Relying on experts to decide specific energy goals may not be the best approach.

🌳 🌈 Time for a hard reset for environmental policy: A Quick Q&A with … Emily Domenech

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

We're robbing kids of their future--but also their present

The Crucial Years • 1434 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Growing climate anxiety is affecting young people who feel let down by political and economic institutions not addressing the climate emergency.
  2. Institutions like banks, car companies, and universities resisting change are contributing to generational theft as today's practices guarantee future upheaval.
  3. The emotional toll of climate change on children and youth, exacerbated by governmental inaction, poses mental health risks and highlights the need for urgent, proactive responses.

Silencing Climate Whistle-Blowers

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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.

Odds and Ends #49: How bat protection regulations broke Britain's planning system

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💾 History Environmental Policy
  1. Bat protection rules in the UK have complicated the planning system, causing delays and issues for construction projects.
  2. Some areas in Europe are actually doing well in terms of economic growth, contrary to common beliefs comparing them to the US.
  3. Many Netflix films are made but quickly forgotten, as the platform produces a lot of content that doesn't stick with viewers.

Global Heat Waves: The New Normal in a Warming World

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Heat waves are happening more often and are becoming more intense. Many places around the world are experiencing temperatures much higher than before.
  2. The number of people affected by heat waves is increasing significantly. More workers are feeling the impacts of extreme heat, highlighting a growing concern for health and safety.
  3. To combat the rising heat, it's crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting down pollution is necessary to lessen the severity of heat waves and protect lives.

Top Links 652 China's manufacturing dominance. The rouble running riot. How PM2.5 kills & the politics of the Rebecca riots.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

What Trump gets wrong about US power

Nonzero Newsletter • 384 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

A few seconds of video

The Crucial Years • 1574 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The video illustrates the impact of climate change through unprecedented floods in Greece.
  2. The urgency to take action against climate change is emphasized, as we witness extreme weather events becoming more common.
  3. Global efforts to meet climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement, are falling short and require more substantial commitments.

Fire Weather

The Chris Hedges Report • 392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

The weather is nice so we have to freak out about heatwaves now

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Currently, even though the weather is nice, many people are still worried about heatwaves and climate change. It seems like there's always something to worry about, regardless of the actual conditions.
  2. In Germany, the current temperatures aren't as extreme as some predictions suggest, but the media is still making a big deal out of potential heat. Often, it's not the heat itself that's dangerous, but how suddenly it increases.
  3. Instead of banning fun summer activities, a better solution for helping vulnerable people during heatwaves would be to provide air conditioning. It's important to focus on practical solutions rather than creating fear around the nice weather.

Do US states with more renewable energy have more expensive electricity?

Sustainability by numbers • 316 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Toxic Avengers

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. The administration is rolling back chemical and environmental safeguards and reallowing toxic substances like paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and PFAS, which will raise cancer, neurological, and developmental harms.
  2. These policy changes will hit farmworkers, low-income and minority communities hardest and contaminate water and food for millions, creating huge long-term health and cleanup costs other countries are trying to avoid.
  3. The drive to deregulate is driven by prioritizing corporate profit and political power over public health, treating harm as an acceptable externality and sustained by misinformation and loyalist support rather than rational self-interest.

The Super Rich Know We're Doomed

OK Doomer • 253 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Climate “Endangerment”

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Dingus of the week: Climate change

Men Yell at Me • 409 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Climate change is a big problem that we all contribute to. Our actions, like overconsumption and reliance on fossil fuels, play a part in causing extreme weather events.
  2. People often look for someone to blame during disasters like hurricanes. This can lead to the spread of conspiracy theories instead of acknowledging our collective responsibility.
  3. Despite the dire situation, there is still hope. We've solved environmental issues before and can work together to combat climate change if we focus on the facts and solutions.

The IEA’s New Net Zero Roadmap

Renewable Revolution • 199 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

SOME IMAGES: This Morning's Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Al Gore and Bill Clinton came close to tackling climate change 30 years ago, but some politicians blocked progress.
  2. Dealing with global warming will likely cost a lot of money in the future, especially for managing wildfires.
  3. The biggest future dangers from climate change may not be wildfires, but issues related to water systems in Asia.

Ostriches Executed for No Good Reason

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. The recent killing of nearly 400 disease-free ostriches in Canada raises serious concerns about government actions and their treatment of animals. Many people are upset about how these animals were handled and killed for no good reason.
  2. Owning and caring for birds like ostriches and emus can foster a loving bond, as they are affectionate creatures. People who keep these birds feel a deep connection and often see them as part of the family.
  3. To protect backyard flocks from government interventions that may lead to culling, it's suggested that people focus on breeding disease-resistant birds. This approach allows owners to maintain healthy flocks without relying on government assistance.