The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

A Hole in the Sky (Part 2)

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Global Cooperation Atmospheric science Sustainable Practices
  1. Paul Crutzen's research showed how man-made chemicals like CFCs harm the ozone layer. His work helped us understand the direct link between our activities and environmental damage.
  2. The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica led to global cooperation. Countries came together to create treaties like the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances that harm the ozone.
  3. Public awareness and strong environmental policies from leaders like Nixon and Carter played a key role in ozone protection. These actions set important regulations to help preserve our planet's atmosphere.

The discovery of a hole in the sky (Part:1)

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Climate Impact
  1. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used in products like refrigerators and aerosol sprays, were harming the ozone layer. This was a big deal because the ozone layer protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays.
  2. Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland conducted research that showed CFCs release chlorine in the atmosphere, which leads to ozone depletion. Their findings highlighted a serious global environmental issue, causing them to call for a ban on these substances.
  3. Despite initial resistance from the chemical industry, the government eventually took action against CFCs, leading to policies that phased them out. This response helped protect the ozone layer and was an important step in environmental policy.

Leading by Example: SC Johnson's Pioneering step in Corporate Environmental Responsibility

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Corporate Responsibility Green Technology Climate change
  1. SC Johnson was the first company to stop using harmful CFCs in their products, showing how businesses can lead in protecting the environment.
  2. The decision to remove CFCs not only helped the environment but also saved the company money by using cheaper alternatives.
  3. Other industries, like oil and gas, can follow SC Johnson's example by taking proactive steps to reduce pollution and invest in cleaner technologies.

Headlines from a Warming World No 14

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Sustainability Natural Disasters
  1. 2023 was the hottest year recorded, with significant temperature increases above pre-industrial levels. This is a worrying trend for climate change and its effects on the planet.
  2. Central Brazil is experiencing an unprecedented drought, severely impacting agriculture and water supplies. This situation highlights the challenges many regions face due to climate change.
  3. A landmark lawsuit in South Korea challenges the government's climate policies, representing a broader concern about climate action in East Asia. The outcome could influence future legal actions about climate responsibility in the region.

From Noosphere to the Technosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Earth Science Sustainability Geology Biodiversity Environmental Policy
  1. Earth used to be seen as unchanging, but scientists like James Hutton showed that it is always evolving, leading to our modern understanding of geology.
  2. Vladimir Vernadsky introduced the idea of the noosphere, which connects human thought and technology, suggesting we can work together to tackle global problems like climate change.
  3. The technosphere, created by humans, is shaping our planet and needs to be managed better, especially because it struggles with recycling waste and relies heavily on energy.
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Exploring the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Technology impact Public awareness
  1. The En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator helps people understand climate change and how different actions can impact the future. It's like a fun game where you can see what happens when you change policies around energy, land use, and more.
  2. If we keep doing things the way we are now, temperatures could rise by 3.3°C by 2100. This could make many areas unlivable because of extreme heat, drought, and food shortages.
  3. You can interact with the simulator to see what happens if we choose different paths, like using more renewable energy or planting trees. This is a great tool for learning about climate solutions and making better choices.

Facing the Future: The Staggering Economic Toll of Climate Change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Economics Inequality Global Warming Environmental Policy
  1. Climate change will likely cause a huge drop in global income, around 19% in the next 25 years. That's a lot of money we're talking about, around $38 trillion each year by 2049.
  2. Developing countries will suffer the most from climate change, facing income losses that could be 61% worse than those in richer nations. It's unfair that those who did the least to cause the problem will feel the biggest impact.
  3. We need to act fast and cut down on carbon emissions. The costs of not doing anything will be higher than what we need to spend to prevent warming.

Mission to Planet Earth: NASA's Ambitious Plan to Study Our Home from Space

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Space Exploration Climate Science
  1. NASA started the Earth Observing System in the late 1980s to study our planet's environment from space. This ambitious project aims to gather data on climate change and other global changes.
  2. George H.W. Bush's administration emphasized environmental issues and initiated significant space programs, but some of his team questioned the focus on big projects instead of immediate climate actions.
  3. Scientists like James Hansen argued for quicker solutions to climate change problems, suggesting smaller, faster satellites to gather essential data without waiting for larger projects to complete.

A Climate of Cooperation

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Geopolitics International cooperation Sustainability
  1. In the 1970s, scientists began to understand that human activities were a major cause of climate change. They saw rising carbon dioxide levels and pushed for international collaboration to study and address environmental issues.
  2. During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union signed the Environmental Bilateral agreement to protect the environment. This showed that even rival nations could cooperate on important global challenges like climate change.
  3. Today, the US and China face similar tensions but are still trying to work together on climate issues. Their partnership is crucial since they are the world's largest carbon emitters, and addressing climate change requires joint efforts.

The Warming Arctic

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Weather Patterns
  1. The Arctic is warming quickly, which affects global weather patterns and can lead to more extreme weather events, like heatwaves and heavy rains.
  2. As Arctic ice melts, it raises sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities around the world, including in the UK.
  3. The loss of Arctic ice disrupts ocean currents and can harm wildlife, forcing animals to seek refuge in human areas, which leads to challenges for both wildlife and people.

This is the future that we saw coming but chose not to stop.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Urban planning Sustainability
  1. Hurricanes are getting stronger. Scientists suggest adding a new category to the hurricane scale to better warn people about this risk.
  2. Wildfires in places like Chile are getting worse, resulting in loss of life and homes. Climate change is making these fires bigger and more dangerous.
  3. Cities are taking steps to reduce pollution, like Paris tripling parking costs for SUVs. This shows a trend towards less car use and encourages greener transportation.

Seabed vs. Greed

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Corporate Responsibility
  1. Seabed mining can harm delicate marine ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. This impacts the health of ocean life and disrupts local fishing communities.
  2. Local fishermen in Mexico opposed a mining project because it threatened their livelihoods and marine life. The Mexican government rejected the mining permit, considering environmental risks.
  3. Odyssey Marine Exploration sued Mexico after the permit was denied, claiming it violated their rights. This case highlights the struggle between corporate interests and environmental protection.

A Conversation with a Climate Denier

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Political Response Misinformation
  1. Climate deniers are more common than many people think. They come from different backgrounds and are influenced by a variety of factors.
  2. Countries that depend heavily on fossil fuels, like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, often downplay climate change. For them, denial isn't just ignorance, it's about protecting their economies.
  3. The rise of social media has made it easier for misinformation about climate change to spread. This creates new challenges for understanding and addressing climate denial.

Ignore climate change at your peril

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Sustainability Renewable Energy Environmental Policy
  1. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures significantly rising. This shows us that climate change is a serious issue and needs immediate attention.
  2. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are major causes of global warming. We need to cut our greenhouse gas emissions and invest in renewable energy to help combat this problem.
  3. Everyone can contribute to fighting climate change, even through small actions. Making sustainable choices in our daily lives and holding leaders accountable are important steps we can all take.

Hello 2024

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Natural resources Public awareness
  1. Talking about climate change is really important. It's key to help people understand how it affects our lives and the earth.
  2. 2023 was a record warm year, but we should see it as a warning for the future. The next years might be even hotter.
  3. As we move into 2024, we need to act fast to address climate issues. It's a crucial time for making changes that matter.

The Petrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Wildfires Fossil fuels Environmental Policy Natural Disasters
  1. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This is a big problem that puts both nature and people in danger.
  2. The fossil fuel industry contributes to global warming, which makes wildfires worse. By extracting fossil fuels, we are harming our environment and increasing fire risks.
  3. To help the planet, we should leave fossil fuels in the ground and consider using renewable energy. Everyone needs to think about what they can do to make a positive change.

The Unseen Consequences of Climate Change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Mental health Sustainable Practices
  1. Many young people worry a lot about climate change, which can lead to what's called eco-anxiety. This stress comes from thinking about problems like global warming and extinction.
  2. Eco-anxiety affects people's mental health and can cause feelings of hopelessness and despair. It can also disrupt daily life and create physical symptoms like sleeplessness and irritability.
  3. Taking action, like learning about climate change and adopting sustainable habits, can help ease eco-anxiety. Individual efforts and community involvement are important in fighting climate change together.

Breaking all the Wrong Records

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Carbon Emissions Sustainability
  1. For the first time, the global temperature was recorded over 2°C higher than pre-industrial levels on November 17 and 18, 2023. This is a big deal and shows how serious climate change is getting.
  2. 2023 is expected to be the hottest year ever, with serious weather issues like droughts and wildfires. To keep warming below 1.5°C, we need to sharply reduce carbon emissions, but current trends show we're heading in the wrong direction.
  3. At the upcoming COP28 conference, it's concerning that the president is from an oil company with plans that go against the goal of reducing fossil fuel use. This raises questions about the commitment to truly tackle climate change.

Headlines from a Warming World no.9

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Disaster Management Sustainable energy
  1. Fossil fuel producers are planning to increase production, which goes against promises to limit global warming. This could lead to massive carbon emissions that make it harder to meet climate goals.
  2. Hurricane Otis caused severe destruction in Acapulco, affecting infrastructure and leaving many without basic necessities. This shows that we need better disaster management and preparedness for extreme weather.
  3. Coral reefs are declining rapidly, but efforts are underway to restore them through innovative projects. Healthy reefs are crucial for marine life and help protect coastlines, so these restoration efforts are really important.

Headlines from a Warming World no.8

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Energy transition Biodiversity
  1. The world's carbon budget is running out fast. If we keep polluting at the same rate, we might use up our chance to limit warming to 1.5°C in just six years.
  2. Nepal's glaciers are melting rapidly, losing nearly one-third of their ice in thirty years. This affects water supplies for millions and threatens the region's climate and agriculture.
  3. Shell is cutting jobs in its low-carbon division and focusing more on oil and gas, which goes against the goal of reducing global heating. This indicates a significant shift in priorities away from clean energy.

"Unfortunately, time is up.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. Climate change is happening fast and causing severe problems. We've seen many climate records broken this year, which worries scientists.
  2. By the end of this century, many people might struggle to live due to extreme heat and lack of food. This could affect a significant part of the world's population.
  3. We can't just wait for new technologies to fix climate change. It's essential to take immediate action now instead of relying on uncertain future solutions.

Heat Waves, Floods, Storms, and the Significance of Attribution Science

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Extreme Weather Climate change Disaster Management Environmental Policy
  1. Attribution science helps us understand how much human-caused climate change affects specific extreme weather events. This research can guide us in creating better climate policies and protections.
  2. Major weather disasters like Hurricane Harvey and recent storms in Spain show the link between extreme weather and climate change. These events align with predictions made by climate models.
  3. There's a growing need for accountability in climate issues, and attribution science can help identify who is responsible for climate-related damages, potentially leading to legal action against major polluters.

Headlines from a Warming World no 6

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Environmental Policy Sustainability
  1. Extreme wet heat is becoming a real problem in many parts of the world. It could make life very difficult, especially for food and water security.
  2. South America is experiencing unusual heat linked to climate change, making such high temperatures much more likely. This trend will likely worsen as global temperatures rise.
  3. Drought is severely affecting the Amazon, threatening its ecosystems and the people living there. Urgent climate action is needed to address these extreme weather impacts.

Headlines from a Warming World no.4

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Global Warming Environmental Policy Renewable Energy
  1. September 2023 was one of the hottest months ever recorded, with many countries in Europe experiencing temperatures significantly above normal. This highlights the urgent effects of climate change.
  2. The UK government is pushing back its plans for cleaner energy, which some see as a major setback. This includes delays in banning petrol cars and new licenses for oil and gas extraction.
  3. A recent study found that most carbon offset schemes are ineffective, meaning they don't really help reduce greenhouse gases. This raises concerns about relying on such projects to combat climate change.

Headlines from a Warming World no.3

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Global Warming
  1. Fossil fuel companies should be left out of climate discussions because they often mislead the public and harm climate action. This change is supported by growing legal actions against these companies.
  2. The Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels are at record lows, which highlights serious climate change problems. Less ice means more ocean exposure to sunlight, leading to more warming and further ice loss.
  3. The Gulf Stream has weakened significantly over the past 40 years, which affects climate and weather patterns. This change provides clear evidence of how human activities are impacting ocean currents and global climate.

Headlines from a Warming World

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Legal action Public awareness Wildlife Conservation
  1. Summer 2023 was the hottest on record, driven by human activities and natural events. This extreme heat led to wildfires and severe weather around the world.
  2. Young activists are using legal actions to push for stronger climate policies, claiming that governments are failing to protect their rights. These cases are gaining traction and could lead to more accountability.
  3. One person can make a difference! Greta Thunberg's activism inspired many people in Switzerland to make greener choices. Her efforts highlight that individual actions can impact the conversation about climate change.

Headlines from a warming world

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Environmental Policy Ecosystems Sustainability
  1. Oceans are warming fast, with the past two months being the hottest on record. This warming is ongoing and affects the climate globally.
  2. Recent storms, like Storm Daniel, show how severe climate events are increasing in both frequency and intensity, causing devastating impacts in places like Greece and Libya.
  3. Six out of nine planetary boundaries have been crossed, meaning humans are affecting the Earth's systems in dangerous ways. This calls for serious action to protect our planet.

"The climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Fossil fuels Sustainability Environmental Policy Activism
  1. Burning fossil fuels is the main cause of climate change, and we urgently need to switch to clean energy sources.
  2. Al Gore has been a long-time advocate for climate change awareness, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
  3. Young people are stepping up and demanding action on climate issues, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference.

Kenya hosts first-ever Africa Climate Summit.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Renewable Energy Environmental Policy Data Collection
  1. The Africa Climate Summit in Kenya is a big event with over 13,000 delegates, focusing on Africa working together to tackle climate change on their own terms.
  2. Companies like Kakuma Ventures and M-KOPA Solar are showcasing how they're improving lives through renewable energy, helping communities access clean power and digital services.
  3. The summit aims to fix Africa's lack of weather data, which is crucial for agriculture and disaster readiness, so countries can make better decisions related to climate challenges.

The Santa Barbara Oil Spill: A Turning Point for Environmentalism

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Spills Environmental Policy Historical Events Marine life Public awareness
  1. The Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 was a huge disaster, spilling millions of gallons of oil and harming many animals and the environment.
  2. This incident raised public awareness about environmental issues, leading to stronger regulations and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  3. The spill marked a significant change in how the U.S. viewed oil drilling and environmental protection, influencing policies for years to come.

The Carbon Dioxide Number

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Science Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Global Warming
  1. Charles David Keeling invented a way to measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which became the foundation for understanding climate change. His work started in the 1950s and helped us see how human activities affect the Earth's climate.
  2. The Keeling Curve shows that carbon dioxide levels have been steadily rising over the years, proving that our actions contribute to climate change. This curve became a major symbol of the greenhouse effect and climate research.
  3. Scientists realized that the oceans can only absorb so much carbon dioxide, which affects global temperatures. Early researchers warned that increasing carbon emissions would lead to significant changes in our climate.

Systems Thinking, Objects and Networks

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Systems Thinking Urban planning Environmental Policy
  1. Complex problems like climate change need complex thinking. We can't just look at individual parts; we must see the whole system and how it all connects.
  2. When people want to change things but can't, it's often because of poor communication and coordination between different groups. Both developers and planners might have good intentions, but they need to work together to make real progress.
  3. To really solve problems, we should focus on the bigger picture and the relationships around the issue. By understanding the system we are in, we can find better ways to create meaningful change.

#21 - Hannah Ritchie | Why We Aren't Doomed by Climate Change

Win-Win • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Data science Environmental Policy Climate solutions
  1. We need to rethink what sustainability really means. It's not just about cutting back, but finding ways to improve our lives while being kind to the planet.
  2. Some climate problems that we worry about might not be as big as they seem, while others are more serious than we think. It's important to look at the facts.
  3. There are successful ideas and technologies out there that can help us tackle environmental issues. We can aim for solutions that benefit both the environment and our quality of life.

Flames of Fury: The Unrelenting Path of Wildfires

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Ecology
  1. Wildfires are becoming more common and dangerous worldwide. Major events in countries like Portugal, Greece, and Australia have caused huge damage and loss of life.
  2. Climate change plays a big role in worsening wildfires. Increased heat and drought conditions, along with strong winds, make fires spread more quickly.
  3. To fight wildfires effectively, we need to address climate change. This means cutting down on pollution, using renewable energy, and adopting better land management practices.

Rising Tides, Rising Temperatures: A Future Uncertain

Adetokunbo Sees • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Greenhouse Gases Sustainable energy
  1. Carbon dioxide emissions are rising, and we're relying heavily on fossil fuels for energy. This situation makes it hard to meet climate goals.
  2. If we continue with our current practices, we could see significant increases in global warming and more extreme weather events by 2050.
  3. To avoid a tough future, everyone needs to come together to support better climate policies and raise awareness about climate change.