The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Are California’s environmental reforms a model for the ‘Abundance Agenda?’

Urben Field Notes • 91 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. California is focusing on housing and advanced manufacturing with its new environmental reforms. This shows a different way of governing that prioritizes specific goals over a wide range of interests.
  2. The reforms include exemptions for building new housing without stringent environmental reviews. This aims to make housing more affordable while also helping the environment by promoting denser living areas.
  3. However, some worry that the reforms might harm environmental protections. Balancing housing needs with environmental care remains a challenge as leaders push for change.

Solving for Climate: the podcast is back

Sustainability by numbers • 188 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The podcast 'Solving for Climate' is starting its second season, focusing on conversations with experts who are working on climate change solutions.
  2. Reading can help us understand important topics, like the impacts of climate change and our agricultural practices, through different perspectives and stories.
  3. Generational differences in views about climate change may be overstated, and it's important to recognize common ground instead of blaming each other.

Trees and Politics

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Launching a new podcast on climate solutions

Sustainability by numbers • 268 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. A new podcast called 'Solving for Climate' is focused on discussing solutions for climate change. It features conversations with experts who are actively working on these solutions.
  2. The first series has five episodes that will be released weekly. The first two episodes showcase different perspectives from notable figures in the energy sector.
  3. The host is learning about the challenges of podcasting and hopes to improve in future seasons after this initial learning experience.

Tracking the invisible from space: greenhouse gases

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Two Really Dumb Things We Might Be Able to Stop

The Crucial Years • 886 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

Towards a Quieter City

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture 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 Bad Will Things Get Now?

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Climate disasters like wildfires, storms, and heatwaves are expected to get much worse in the future. We need to prepare for more extreme events.
  2. There's concern about how leadership is addressing climate change, with some leaders denying its seriousness. This adds to fears about future environmental policies.
  3. The next decade is crucial, and people need to understand the potential threats to humanity so they can advocate for better solutions.

How cheap will solar projects get?

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

An Apology to the Insiders

Gordian Knot News • 131 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🔬 Science Environmental Policy
  1. Some people in the nuclear industry feel offended by criticisms, believing the blame is directed at them rather than the broken system. It's important to clarify that the focus should be on changing the system, not attacking individuals.
  2. The author reflects on their experience in a flawed system, sharing a personal story about a report they wrote that was ignored to protect jobs. This shows how systems can trap people into doing the wrong thing.
  3. The author wants to apologize to those in the industry for any misunderstanding, emphasizing that the real problem lies in the system that has led to negative outcomes, not in the people who worked within it.

L.A. Will Keep Having Catastrophic Fires No Matter Who You Blame

KERFUFFLE • 131 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Los Angeles is naturally a grassland, not a desert, and wildfires are part of its ecosystem. This means that as long as we live there, we're going to deal with fires.
  2. Urban development in L.A. happened very quickly, making it one of the few cities that sits right next to wild nature. This close proximity makes it more likely for fires to spread from wild areas to neighborhoods.
  3. Many of the problems with wildfires come from development patterns established long ago. The places where we live today were built before the fire risks were fully understood.

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

Public • 469 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Why Global Warming Has Accelerated: Hansen's Lay Explanation

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 100 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Cleaning up air pollution from shipping is leading to more warming because fewer clouds are blocking sunlight. It’s like removing a blanket that kept our planet cooler.
  2. Recent findings suggest that the climate is more sensitive to CO2 than previously thought, meaning small increases in CO2 could lead to bigger temperature rises.
  3. If warming continues, it could disrupt ocean currents, leading to severe weather changes and rising sea levels as ice melts. This could change the climate in places like Europe drastically.

How the European Union passed a brave new law to protect our planet's forests, only to realise that it is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare that nobody wants

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 158 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The EU passed a new law to protect forests, but many people now think it's too complicated and doesn't really help anyone.
  2. The law could hurt trade relationships, especially with countries in South America, affecting a lot of local economies.
  3. Even the lawmakers who supported this regulation are now realizing it may be unworkable and possibly damaging to their own industries.

Aridity, Acidity, and Salinity: How Greenhouse Gases are Choking Our Soil

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. A large portion of the Earth's land is becoming drier, significantly affecting agriculture and ecosystems. This trend could worsen and impact billions of people who may face water shortages.
  2. Many lands are also suffering from high salinity and acidity, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. If these problems continue, we could see a lot of agricultural land damaged.
  3. Climate change is a major driver of these issues, causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather. To combat this, planting trees and using better irrigation can help improve soil health.

Hottest January in the History of Januaries

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 85 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Taking Off, but Leaving a Lasting Mark: Airport Construction's Environmental Legacy

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Airport construction can harm the environment, leading to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats. Many airports, like Heathrow and Istanbul, have caused significant damage to local ecosystems.
  2. Building or expanding airports increases greenhouse gas emissions. The aviation industry is responsible for a notable share of global carbon pollution, which could increase significantly without changes.
  3. It's important for airport authorities to engage with local communities and consider environmental impacts. Using cleaner fuels and adding green designs can help lessen the negative effects.

You Can Survive a Wildfire. Here's How.

OK Doomer • 91 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Wildfires are a serious risk that can happen anywhere, not just in places like California. It’s important to recognize this threat and start planning ahead.
  2. Preparing for a wildfire isn't just about having a plan to leave; it involves many steps to improve your chances of surviving and protecting your home.
  3. Many people don’t recover fully from wildfires, so it's essential to take preparation seriously. Governments and insurance can often fall short when disaster strikes.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Spills, Pipes, Deforestation’s Rhyme: Rainforests Carbon Crime

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Oil spills are a big problem in rainforests like the Amazon and Niger Delta, damaging the environment and hurting local wildlife.
  2. These rainforests help absorb carbon dioxide, which is important for fighting climate change, but oil extraction is making this harder.
  3. Without cutting back on oil drilling and protecting these forests, we risk releasing a lot of carbon back into the atmosphere, making climate change even worse.

My Back Pages: Stranded Assets and Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. It's important not to overcomplicate solutions with too many strict requirements. Keeping it simple can help in finding effective answers.
  2. Voter control over political parties is crucial. If voters don't guide the system, they might need to start their own candidates.
  3. To tackle climate issues, we should work backward from our goals, like aiming for zero fossil fuel use by 2050, and think of necessary steps to achieve that.

The Geopolitics of the Arctic

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Name the Damn Perp

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 110 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Good regulation vs bad regulation

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Some government regulation — like limits on noise and requirements for workplace protections — can improve public health and raise local property values.
  2. Installing noise barriers next to busy roads quickly increases nearby home prices (about 6.8% within 100m) and could unlock roughly $110 billion in lost property value nationwide.
  3. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles reduces traffic noise and could further boost property values (an estimated $77 billion gain), so faster EV uptake would help homeowners near noisy streets.

Climate Cons

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 20 May 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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
  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 Environmental Policy
  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
  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.

My Political Views

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Socialism aims to make the economy fairer for everyone by giving more power to the people. It's about using capitalism as a tool for better society, not just for profit.
  2. Climate change is a big issue caused by human activity, particularly from fossil fuels. We need to focus on clean energy sources like solar and wind power to help fix this problem.
  3. Education should help kids think critically and not just use technology all the time. It's important for them to learn how to spot misinformation and be curious about the world around them.

In Heat

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Europe is facing extreme heat waves that are causing concern for public health and infrastructure. With rising temperatures, cities like Paris are struggling to cope with the effects on their buildings and services.
  2. Feline High-Rise Syndrome is a real danger for urban cats, as they can fall from windows and suffer serious injuries. A recent close call highlighted the importance of keeping windows safe for pets, especially during hot weather.
  3. The author critiques climate policy and economic decisions, suggesting that current strategies are harming American competitiveness. They believe the focus should be on enhancing clean energy innovation rather than restrictive legislation that might endanger jobs and industries.

The Fire Before the Fire

KERFUFFLE • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Residents of Altadena asked SoCal Edison to turn off the power to prevent fires, but the request was ignored.
  2. A fire known as the Eaton Fire later broke out, highlighting the danger of power lines during dry conditions.
  3. The causes of fires, like the one in Pacific Palisades, can be complex and may involve various factors like fireworks and weather conditions.

The prophet of parking

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Donald Shoup changed how we think about parking, showing that it's too cheap and needs proper pricing to avoid problems like congestion. This change affects where we live and how our cities are planned.
  2. Minimum parking requirements can lead to unnecessary costs and too much parking being built, which wrecks city layouts and makes housing more expensive. Eliminating these requirements can help allow for better city designs.
  3. Shoup's approach includes using money from parking fees to improve local areas, gaining community support for pricing parking. His work has sparked a global movement for parking reform.

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 Environmental Policy
  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.

Headlines from a Warming World no 7

The Climate Historian • 19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Global Warming and Air Pollution

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Recent studies suggest that global warming might not be solely caused by human activities. They're looking into how less air pollution could be affecting cloud cover and, in turn, the Earth's temperature.
  2. Scientists are unsure about why cloud cover is decreasing, which complicates predictions about climate change. It's clear that this area of research is still developing and not fully settled.
  3. The U.S. government has spent nearly half a trillion dollars on climate change initiatives. Many are now questioning if these efforts are based on outdated or incorrect science.

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 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.

December 29, 2024

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Interview with Prof. William Happer – Climate Scare Is Based on Lies

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Prof. Happer believes that the idea of a climate crisis is based on false information and exaggeration about carbon dioxide's impact. He argues that the Earth's climate naturally changes and human influence shouldn't be overstated.
  2. He points out that the push for climate alarmism began in the 1990s, led by politicians who were rallying for stricter climate policies. He thinks that many scientists have adjusted their views to fit political agendas over time.
  3. Happer emphasizes that it's important to understand the role of carbon dioxide and the implications of climate policies, suggesting they can have significant economic costs. He believes discussions around climate change should be based on solid evidence and facts.

Surviving the unexpected

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Climate change is causing unpredictable and extreme weather events, like sudden storms and heatwaves. These events can be very damaging and might happen more often in the future.
  2. Many communities are struggling to deal with the aftermath of these disasters, and rebuilding can take a long time. People need to be patient and help each other during these tough times.
  3. Human activities, like cutting down trees, are making the effects of climate change worse. It's important for everyone to recognize their role and work together to find solutions for a better future.