The hottest Environmental Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

December 15, 2024

Letters from an American • 16 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  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.

Bird Law

Of All Trades • 6 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) has changed, allowing for accidental harm to certain bird species during construction without penalties. This makes it easier for projects to proceed without lengthy delays.
  2. Previously, strict enforcement of the MBTA caused significant disruptions and delays for many construction projects. Now, with a more focused interpretation, balance can be struck between protecting birds and allowing necessary development.
  3. Understanding the trade-offs in environmental protection is important. We need to build and grow while considering wildlife, but sometimes compromises are necessary for progress.

From Infinite Progress to Delusional Despotism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

What are we waiting for?

WeBeGreen • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 27.06.2025

steigan.no • 3 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy
  1. Norge is prioritizing energy for data centers over climate goals, which raises concerns about environmental impacts and energy consumption. This means a lot of energy that could help the environment is instead going to run these data centers.
  2. A recent referendum showed that 95% of Hungarians oppose Ukraine's EU membership, highlighting strong public sentiment against expansion. This could slow down Ukraine's EU aspirations amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
  3. The U.S. has stopped funding the vaccine alliance Gavi, while Norway continues to invest significantly. This shift in funding reflects differing priorities in global health initiatives and vaccine safety concerns.
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The damage caused by sea level rise to cities

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Sea level rise can seriously damage city infrastructure, making some areas nearly unsellable. Insurance companies struggle to assess risks, especially in places like Miami.
  2. Most climate models suggest that sea levels will rise less than one meter by 2100, which is manageable for cities. However, cities like Osaka may face more significant challenges.
  3. We have three choices: do nothing and risk the worst, speed up efforts to reduce carbon emissions, or adapt our infrastructure to cope with rising sea levels. The future depends on the actions we take today.

Waiting for the Great Turn?

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. The book 'The Ministry for the Future' shows how a major climate disaster can spark significant action for climate change. It highlights how India becomes a leader in climate solutions after a severe heatwave.
  2. Several innovative ideas are proposed, such as a carbon coin to reduce emissions and geoengineering to cool the planet. These solutions aim to encourage more sustainable practices and cooperation on a global scale.
  3. The book also explores controversial actions like climate terrorism, raising questions about what lengths people might go to for climate justice. It makes readers think about potential real-life turning points for climate action.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

I hate SUVs and pickup trucks

Klement on Investing • 5 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

California’s electricity conundrum

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

YIMBY to windfarms

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Let the sunshine in

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  1. Solar farms in New York State have helped increase farmland prices by 18% from 2015 to 2021. This shows that renewable energy can positively affect local economies.
  2. Farmland close to electric substations saw the most price increases. Locations far from the grid didn't benefit as much, making it more challenging for solar developers.
  3. Higher local electricity prices led to even greater appreciation in land values. Proper planning for renewable energy can improve lives and reduce electricity costs.

Can carbon capture work?

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

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 Environmental Policy
  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.

Seabed vs. Greed

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 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 Environmental Policy
  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 Unseen Consequences of Climate Change

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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.

The Petrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

Daily Exasperation #8

Exasperated Infrastructures • 0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

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

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

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

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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.

A Hole in the Sky (Part 2)

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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
  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
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 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.

Exploring the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy
  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 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
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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 Environmental Policy
  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.