The hottest Environmental Science Substack posts right now

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The Seas Under Our Oceans

Everything Is Amazing • 1249 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. A vast freshwater reservoir was discovered under the seabed off the U.S. East Coast that could theoretically supply a city like New York for around 800 years.
  2. Researchers think the water was trapped by ancient glaciers and sealed in sediment layers hundreds of metres below the seafloor, and some samples are already close to drinkable.
  3. Similar offshore freshwater reservoirs may exist globally and represent a huge potential water resource, but accessing them will require major engineering, legal and political work.

My book is published in the US today, and I'm shortlisted for the Unwin Award

Sustainability by numbers • 454 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. An energy comparison tool got lots of user feedback and will be updated; a change log will be added and a carbon-emissions-equivalent feature is planned.
  2. Clearing the Air has been published in North America and is now available from major book retailers.
  3. Shortlisted for the Unwin Award, a recognition that highlights early-career non-fiction authors whose work makes a significant contribution.

NEW PAPER: All Excess Emissions must be Removed

Marginal Carbon • 138 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Countries with a history of high carbon emissions have run out of their fair share of carbon budget. They keep adding to their carbon debt with every new emission.
  2. To keep temperatures safe, all emissions beyond what's allowed must be removed. This means we need to deal with past, present, and future excess emissions.
  3. While cutting emissions is the main goal, some emissions are better dealt with using carbon removal strategies, called 'CDR-optimal' emissions.

A Takeover of the IPCC

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4102 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The IPCC is changing its approach to studying extreme weather events. Instead of just focusing on long-term changes, they are now looking at specific events and linking them to climate change.
  2. The new author team for the IPCC's report seems to be mainly focused on extreme event attribution, which may lead to more politically motivated claims about climate change and disasters.
  3. There are conflicting views in scientific studies about whether climate change is increasing monsoon rainfall in places like Pakistan. This shows the challenges and complexities involved in understanding climate impacts.

Mount St. Helens - An Awful Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Mount St. Helens had a huge eruption in 1980, which produced a lot of dramatic scientific observations and remarkable descriptions. Scientists used strong words to convey the massive impact of the event.
  2. The landscape at Mount St. Helens has undergone significant changes since the eruption, showing how nature can recover and adapt after destruction. Visitors can see new growth, diverse plants, and wildlife returning to the area.
  3. The experience of visiting Mount St. Helens is filled with awe and inspiration. It's a reminder of nature's power and resilience, making it a special place for reflection and appreciation.
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"Where were you when I needed you?"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3641 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The interest in older research can sometimes feel politically motivated rather than genuinely scientific. Researchers often feel frustrated when their older work is only revisited during specific political or ideological contexts.
  2. Fact-checking often misses the mark by focusing on discrediting certain views instead of genuinely verifying information. It can be biased and doesn't always follow scientific standards.
  3. There is a clear need for more structured support for scientists in addressing the media and factual accuracy. Professional channels should help scientists correct the record rather than put pressure on them from journalists.

Ice: The Penultimate Frontier

Transhuman Axiology • 813 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Floating ice islands could be a practical solution for creating new land, much cheaper than colonizing other planets. We already have icebergs that can be transformed into usable land without the high costs of space travel.
  2. The process to insulate these icebergs from melting is affordable and could really help maintain their size for a long time. Using air and lightweight materials, we can keep the ice from melting when in warm waters.
  3. Setting up a community or business on these ice islands might be more viable than starting a space colony. It’s a way to explore new opportunities without the severe risks and costs associated with space exploration.

This week: Bacteria anticipate the seasons! Placebos activate the same neurons as anesthesia! And don’t touch radio towers with hot dogs.

Niko McCarty • 79 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Bacteria can sense changes in seasons and adapt to prepare for colder weather. This helps them survive better when temperatures drop.
  2. Placebos work by activating the same brain neurons as pain relief drugs like anesthesia. This shows how our mind can influence our body’s responses.
  3. A fun fact: touching a hot dog to a radio tower can turn it into a speaker. Just a quirky reminder to be careful with food and electronics!

What Americans Really Think About Energy and Climate

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2208 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Many Americans want a balanced approach to energy, supporting both fossil fuels and renewable sources instead of cutting fossil fuels quickly.
  2. People care more about the cost, reliability, and convenience of energy than making big changes for climate change, and they don't want to spend too much more money on it.
  3. Despite worries about climate change seen in media, many Americans stay calm about extreme weather and want to find practical energy solutions rather than being scared into change.

Scientists Say

Doomberg • 6757 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Predictions for the hurricane season this year were very alarming, with many experts expecting a lot of severe storms. But as the season progressed, there were fewer storms than anticipated.
  2. When hurricanes did occur, some were extremely powerful, but overall, the lack of activity puzzled scientists and led to discussions about climate change's role in future storm patterns.
  3. Trust in scientists and experts has declined, as many people feel unsure about their predictions and analyses, highlighting a disconnect between scientific findings and public perception.

Why Engineer Biology?

Niko McCarty • 39 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Cells can help solve big problems like hunger and climate change by using chemistry and physics to rearrange atoms into useful materials. They are like natural tools that can be engineered to do tasks we need.
  2. Engineering biology has a successful history, like when Norman Borlaug improved wheat crops in Mexico. These achievements show that one innovative solution can make a huge difference over time.
  3. Now is a great time to work in biotechnology because tools for studying and changing genes are getting cheaper and easier to use. This means more people, from different backgrounds, can contribute to solving biological challenges.

Breaking the Global Warming Gridlock

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1540 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Focusing only on reducing greenhouse gas emissions isn't enough to tackle climate issues. We need to look at other ways to manage and adapt to environmental changes.
  2. A clear division in how climate change is viewed causes political gridlock. Different groups have opposing views which makes finding common ground hard.
  3. Helping people adapt to the effects of climate change can actually support efforts to reduce emissions. We should aim to do both, rather than just one or the other.

Two Points on Climate Change

David Friedman’s Substack • 350 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The cause of global warming doesn't matter as much as what we can do about it. Whether it's humans causing it or not, we still need to think about ways to prevent or adapt to climate change.
  2. There's a lot of uncertainty about the future effects of climate change. Many studies make assumptions that might not hold true over time, so we need to be careful about how we plan for the future.
  3. We might not need to act immediately on climate issues. Waiting can provide us with better information, which can help us make smarter decisions later on.

Things I Like About Geology

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 439 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Geology shows us that a lot of Earth's history is missing in the rocks we see. For example, not all ancient events are recorded, which creates a unique beauty in how landscapes look today.
  2. The constant fight between uplift and erosion shapes our mountains. Mountains grow tall, but erosion, through water and wind, continuously wears them down, making them more interesting.
  3. Geology helps us understand deep time but also captures small moments in history. Trace fossils show us detailed actions of past life, connecting us to individual stories from millions of years ago.

Clean Water For Everyone?

Everything Is Amazing • 1031 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. A new type of aerogel can purify seawater using only sunlight. This means it could help provide clean water in areas that really need it.
  2. There is a huge problem with water scarcity around the world, and most of Earth's water isn’t drinkable. This breakthrough could change that by making desalination cheaper and more accessible.
  3. The process of using this aerogel might create waste, but there’s potential for that waste to be used in making batteries. This could solve multiple problems at once.

Climate Science Whiplash

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2424 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Climate science can seem confusing and contradictory, leading to what people call 'climate science whiplash.' Different studies can say opposite things, making it hard to know what to believe.
  2. When extreme weather happens, people easily find studies that support their views, often ignoring the bigger picture. This selective use of science is like picking only the pieces of a puzzle that fit into your view.
  3. It's important to trust rigorous assessments from credible sources like the IPCC. They provide a clearer picture of climate change effects, helping us understand what we should really worry about.

The Whale Fall Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a feast for many sea creatures. This event leads to a chaotic but vital ecosystem around the whale carcass.
  2. After larger scavengers eat their fill, bacteria step in to break down the whale's body, turning it into nutrients for other life forms. This process creates a thriving community in a place that usually has little life.
  3. The cycle of life and death in the ocean shows that nothing goes to waste. Even in death, a whale can support new life for decades, reminding us that everything in nature is interconnected.

Climate Change Did Not Cause the L.A. Fires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2160 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Climate change isn't the main cause of the L.A. fires; rather, the amount of flammable material and infrastructure choices play a bigger role. Clearing brush and using fireproof materials in construction can help save areas from fires.
  2. Steven Koonin argues that focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions won't address the immediate fire risks. He believes there are more direct and practical solutions to prevent such disasters.
  3. The discussion highlights differing opinions on climate issues, especially in relation to immediate environmental disasters like wildfires. It's important to consider various factors rather than attributing everything to climate change.

MIT and the non-existent I-129 problem

Gordian Knot News • 256 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The author feels disappointed in MIT's response to criticisms of their nuclear studies, specifically regarding a controversial analysis by a faculty member. They believe the school once encouraged rigorous debate and fact-based reasoning.
  2. Iodine-129, a radioactive element, is discussed as posing minimal health risk, but the author argues that the recent study on it fails to address its real impact on thyroid cancer risk. They highlight that the dangers may not be as significant as some suggest.
  3. The author criticizes the approach to radioactive waste management, suggesting that the focus should be on dilution rather than concentration. They believe this would significantly reduce health risks from contamination.

In Search Of The Great Tree Of Fire

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Scientists are discovering massive structures deep within the Earth called mantle plumes, which resemble trees and can influence volcanic activity. These findings show that there's a lot we still don't know about what's beneath our feet.
  2. Currently, we've only drilled a tiny fraction of the Earth's crust, so many of these geological wonders are still unexplored. It’s exciting to think about what else scientists might find as they learn more.
  3. Some mantle plumes might be remnants from when a protoplanet collided with Earth billions of years ago. This idea suggests that parts of our planet could have 'alien' origins, which is pretty mind-blowing!

Energy Realism and Climate Pragmatism at the Department of Energy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Chris Wright believes in energy realism, recognizing that climate change is real but not the only pressing issue we face. He argues we should address various global problems, not just focus on climate.
  2. Wright supports practical solutions for climate change, like improving energy technology that is affordable and reliable. He thinks we need to balance climate goals with the benefits of fossil fuels.
  3. The Department of Energy plays a key role in advancing energy science and policies. Wright's leadership could help promote effective energy strategies that might appeal to both environmental and economic concerns.

Monday Links

Niko McCarty • 159 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Scientists can now deliver single molecules into living cells using special tools called nanopipettes. This could help in studying cell functions more precisely.
  2. Neuralink is facing problems with its brain chip as most of the threads inserted in the first human are not working. They plan to implant another chip in another person soon.
  3. Greenpeace is blocking the planting of Golden Rice, which is modified to help prevent vitamin A deficiency. This decision may change as the Philippine government intends to challenge it.

Hang on, are there ANY lost minerals?

Material World • 1269 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Humans haven't really run out of minerals or resources, just gotten better at finding and extracting them. We still have plenty of well-known materials, even if they're harder to find in some places.
  2. Many stories about lost minerals, like certain types of marble, are exaggerated or incorrect. For example, some rare marbles still exist in significant amounts, contrary to popular belief.
  3. Instead of focusing on supposed lost minerals, it's more interesting to explore the minerals we continue to extract today, even when people think they've been exhausted.

On Greenland's Ice Loss and Making the Planet Great Again

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Greenland's ice loss is 20% higher than previously estimated, with one trillion metric tons of ice lost since 1992.
  2. Melting ice sheets in Greenland can affect global ocean currents like the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
  3. Defamation lawsuits against climate skeptics are important to protect scientists and ensure factual climate change discussions.

Counting Materials

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 814 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The use of materials in the U.S. has evolved significantly since 1970, with some materials seeing reduced demand while the economy grows. This shows that it's possible to become more efficient in using resources.
  2. Many materials used today are sourced from other countries, meaning the U.S. is consuming but not producing everything. This raises questions about the sustainability of relying on foreign resources.
  3. As global living standards rise, the demand for materials will increase. It's important to manage these materials wisely to minimize environmental impact while still supporting industrial growth.

Cable Bacteria are Living Batteries

Asimov Press • 335 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Cable bacteria are unique microbes that act like living batteries by transferring electrons over long distances in mud. They help oxidize sulfide deep in sediment and transport energy to places where it can access oxygen.
  2. The discovery of cable bacteria challenges traditional views in biology, showing that organisms can work together like circuits and coordinate their energy processes over large spaces, which was not thought possible before.
  3. These bacteria have potential environmental benefits, like reducing methane emissions in rice paddies, but growing them for practical use is difficult, as they can't be cultured alone or genetically modified yet.

Forgotten Minerals #2: Caliche

Material World • 918 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. People often keep mining a resource even when substitutes are available. This happens because once we start mining something, we rarely stop.
  2. Caliche, a valuable rock in the Atacama desert, is still being mined heavily for its nitrogen, despite the invention of synthetic alternatives that could replace it.
  3. Interestingly, mining caliche can have less environmental impact than the modern methods used to create fertilizers, showing that old mining practices haven't completely disappeared.

The Vertical Evacuation Edition

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building is a special structure designed to keep people safe during a tsunami. It works by taking them up high instead of out of the building.
  2. This building has features like multiple ways to get to the roof and supplies to help people stay safe for up to two days after a tsunami.
  3. Coastal communities are becoming more aware of tsunami risks and are trying to improve safety signs and evacuation plans to protect schools and public places.

🌀 It's actually a huge failure that we can't control hurricanes

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Scientists have tried to control hurricanes before, but it didn't work out because we didn't understand how hurricanes really behave.
  2. There are new ideas being tested to weaken storms, like cooling ocean waters and using cloud seeding, but these methods are still in development.
  3. People are often skeptical about geoengineering methods because of past failures and concerns for safety, so open discussions are important to build trust.

Dead Trees Tell No Lies

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Certain dead trees in the Pacific Northwest help scientists learn about a major earthquake that happened about 1,100 years ago. The trees died due to seismic events, not fire or disease.
  2. Researchers used growth rings from these trees to narrow down the date of the earthquake to around 923 or 924 CE. This discovery helps understand what could happen in future earthquakes.
  3. The study shows how dedicated scientists work hard to solve mysteries in nature. Their findings can help with planning and improving safety in areas prone to earthquakes.

We must fearlessly pursue truth, and truth alone

Heterodox STEM • 192 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. It's important for scientists to report accurate information about climate change, without exaggerating risks. This helps keep trust in science strong.
  2. Some published studies can mislead people by only showing negative aspects of climate data. A balanced view is necessary to understand the full picture.
  3. We should encourage honest and thorough research that combines both good and bad news about our world. Pursuing the truth is essential.

Otters in our Midst

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Otters are important urban wildlife and their poop, called spraint, can tell us a lot about their diet and health. Researchers study spraint to understand what otters eat and to check for parasites or pollution.
  2. River otters tend to be clean and use specific spots, called latrines, to poop. This behavior might be social, but researchers aren't completely sure why they do it.
  3. Even in polluted areas, river otters are resilient and continue to survive and reproduce. It's important for us to help make urban environments healthier for wildlife.

The "Cost" of LNT

Gordian Knot News • 131 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The cost of LNT (Linear No-Threshold) is hard to determine because it's a complicated question with many possible answers. Different views on what LNT means can lead to wildly different conclusions.
  2. Replacing LNT with a different radiation harm model could lead to lower costs for nuclear power. If we understand how our bodies can heal from radiation, it might make nuclear energy safer and more affordable.
  3. If we improve the regulatory and insurance systems for nuclear power, we might lower costs significantly. This could make nuclear energy a cheaper and more reliable option for everyone.

Tails of the City: Part 2

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 259 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Horsetails have existed since the time of dinosaurs and are among the oldest plants on Earth. They haven’t changed much over millions of years, making them fascinating survivors.
  2. While horsetails are often seen as garden pests, they have historical importance and have been used by various cultures for food and tools. However, some parts can be toxic, especially to horses.
  3. There is a common myth that horsetails can accumulate gold, but research shows they actually indicate arsenic. They are good at collecting silica, which gives them their nickname as 'scouring rush'.

Industry Impact, Predictive Tech, and Financial Prospects of Solar Storms Forecasting

Space Ambition • 199 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Solar storms can disrupt important systems like GPS, communications, and power grids. Understanding these storms helps us protect our technology and infrastructure.
  2. Predictive technology now allows us to forecast solar storms 20 hours in advance. This gives us time to prepare and possibly avoid some of the negative impacts.
  3. As satellite technology grows, so does the risk from solar storms. We're learning to adjust satellite operations to minimize damage and keep them functioning better in space.

The Alarming Shift: Impact of Human Activities on Ocean Currents

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Human activities are causing big changes in ocean currents, like a shift in the Deep Western Boundary Current that could harm our climate.
  2. As oceans warm and ice melts, the saltiness of water decreases, which affects how currents move and can lead to serious consequences like sea level rise.
  3. To fix these problems, we need to work together on climate change solutions, protect our oceans, and keep an eye on changes in ocean currents.

Venus Exploration: The Rationale for Investment and Missions, and the Objectives of the Search

Space Ambition • 159 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Studying Venus helps us understand climate change on Earth. Venus and Earth started out similarly, so learning what happened to Venus can give us clues about our own planet's future.
  2. Exploring Venus could lead to new technologies that help us deal with extreme conditions, both in space and here on Earth. These technologies could improve things like batteries and electronics.
  3. New missions to Venus are coming soon, which will gather fresh data and improve our knowledge about the planet. These missions are key to understanding whether Venus could have supported life in the past.

Space Debris: Don’t make the same mistake twice

Space Ambition • 539 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. There is a growing problem of space debris around Earth. With thousands of pieces of debris already up there, the risk of collision is increasing, which can endanger astronauts and future missions.
  2. To combat space debris, innovations like better spacecraft designs and more proactive measures are being proposed. Governments and organizations are working on new regulations to minimize debris creation and improve safety.
  3. A new industry is emerging focused on cleaning up space junk. Companies are developing technologies to capture and remove debris, which is becoming a significant market with potential for high revenues in the coming years.

Literally Imagine Dragons

Eat Shit and Prosper • 259 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Chlorophyll and heme are both essential chemicals in life, with similar structures that play key roles in energy production and oxygen transport. Chlorophyll helps plants make energy from sunlight, while heme carries oxygen in our blood.
  2. There's a mysterious porphyrin with vanadium at its center found in crude oil. It could belong to an ancient life form, and studying it may reveal new insights into the history of life on Earth.
  3. The idea of a lost type of microbial chemistry, possibly allowing for 'silanogenesis', imagines how ancient creatures might have used silicon compounds like silane for energy, similar to how some modern microbes produce methane.