The hottest Environmental Science Substack posts right now

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What will it take to build a Mars habitat?

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Building a habitat on Mars involves solving problems like radiation protection. Solutions include using Martian soil for shielding or growing special fungi that can handle radiation.
  2. We can use new technologies like 3D printing to create living spaces on Mars. This approach helps make building easier and can also be applied to sustainable construction on Earth.
  3. Producing oxygen on Mars is crucial because its atmosphere is mainly carbon dioxide. NASA has developed a device that can extract oxygen from the Martian air, which is an important step for future colonization.

Top 5 blockers to establish a foothold on Mars

Space Ambition • 259 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. To go to Mars, we really need to improve how we use fuel and build bigger rockets. Right now, our technology just isn’t strong enough.
  2. Living in space for a long time means we need larger spaceships with essential comforts like food and water. Making these spaceships in space instead of on Earth might be a smart solution.
  3. Radiation on Mars is a big health risk since it doesn't have a magnetic field like Earth. We need to find ways to protect astronauts from this danger while they explore.

Of Seals, Sea Lions, and the Locks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Harbor seals and sea lions can adapt to both saltwater and freshwater environments. They often move between these waters, showing their ability to thrive in different conditions.
  2. These animals have a unique way of navigating locks to switch from saltwater to freshwater. They can either wait for the locks to fill or use special culverts that help them travel.
  3. The history of these seals goes back to the Ice Age when they may have lived in freshwater lakes. This history could explain why they are drawn to freshwater today.

Running From Zombies in The Snow: A Guide to The Arctic Apocalypse

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Weather is becoming more unpredictable due to climate change, with extreme cold temperatures affecting areas not used to such conditions. It's important to understand that climate collapse means more chaotic weather patterns.
  2. Even if people talk about climate change, many are not willing to make real changes to combat it. The impact of our actions now will be felt by future generations.
  3. Everyone should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whether it's hot or cold, dry or wet. It's smart to have necessary supplies and warm clothing ready, no matter where you live.

Ghosts and Orphans

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. In the Ghost Forest of Copalis Beach, dead trees tell an interesting geological story. They died after the land sank and got flooded by seawater, a mystery that took almost 300 years to solve.
  2. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, where two tectonic plates meet, causes major earthquakes. These earthquakes can create tsunamis, like the one in 1700 that affected Japan and was linked to the dead trees in Washington.
  3. Studying old records and nature helps us understand our history better. It shows how geology impacts human life and reminds us to respect the natural world we live in.
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Carbon Sinks Are Failing

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Carbon sinks, like forests and oceans, are not absorbing as much CO2 as they used to. This could lead to faster global warming.
  2. Recent research shows that land carbon absorption was almost zero last year, raising concerns that current climate models are not accounting for this collapse.
  3. We need to be aware and prepared for potential warming beyond the predicted timelines, as natural processes that help regulate climate are breaking down.

Green Goo (Republished)

De Novo • 110 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Synthetic biology can create engineered organisms, which may outcompete natural organisms and harm ecosystems. We need to be careful about the kinds of organisms we create and the possible consequences.
  2. Creating mirror-image organisms could lead to unexpected environmental problems. If these organisms take over, they could cause damage far beyond what we're prepared for.
  3. We should invest in ways to contain engineered organisms and be aware of the risks of releasing them into nature. It's important to proceed cautiously when considering big changes to global ecosystems.

Twelve Miles

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. There are two very different ecosystems just twelve miles apart. One is a lush, shady forest filled with giant trees, while the other is a bright, hot area with colorful wildflowers.
  2. The old growth forest has survived for centuries, showcasing the beauty of tall Douglas firs and a variety of wildlife. It's a tranquil place that makes you feel connected to nature.
  3. In contrast, the Pumice Plain shows how life can quickly return after a volcanic eruption. It's full of new plant life and animals, reminding us that renewal and rebirth are always possible.

Urban Stalactites

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Urban stalactites, called calthemites, form from the weathering of concrete when water carries calcium hydroxide and reacts with carbon dioxide in the air. They look like tiny cave formations hanging from structures.
  2. The growth of these stalactites can happen quickly, with the best conditions allowing them to grow up to 2 mm a day. However, they can be fragile and might break if disturbed.
  3. In cities like Seattle, you can find these formations in places like tunnels, bridges, and parking garages. They add an interesting geological feature to urban landscapes.

Geology Did That

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Geology significantly shapes Seattle's landscape and environment, influencing everything from its hills to earthquake risks. People in Seattle often experience the effects of geology in their daily lives.
  2. The Seattle Fault Zone has raised old rocks to the surface, creating unique topographic features like hills and anomalies. These geological formations, such as Alki Point, showcase interesting sediment history.
  3. Seattle is home to several notable hills that have historical significance and provide great views. They are not only beautiful but also tell the story of the region's geological past.

Scolding Crows

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Crows are very protective of their young and can become aggressive towards humans and other animals that come too close to their territory. It's not uncommon for a crow to scold you if you're in their area.
  2. Crows have been observed to mob other predators, like hawks and eagles, to protect themselves and their young. This shows their smart and social behavior as they work together to fend off threats.
  3. Studies have shown that crows can recognize faces and remember individuals who pose a threat to them. They teach younger crows to scold these dangerous figures, demonstrating their ability to learn and pass on knowledge.

Is the Gulf Stream in Danger of Collapse?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The Gulf Stream, part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), is in danger of collapsing and could do so in the coming decades. It's important because it impacts weather and climate in Europe and beyond.
  2. Scientists are concerned that human activities, particularly global warming, have been slowing down the AMOC for around 60-70 years. This slowdown is indicated by unusual cooling in parts of the northern Atlantic.
  3. Recent studies suggest there's a significant chance of AMOC collapse by 2050. Climate models have refined estimates, showing a 59% chance of collapse before that year.

Holey Moley

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 30 Dec 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Holes in nature, like those made by bees or woodpeckers, are often overlooked but are important homes for various creatures. These tiny spaces showcase how life adapts to different environments.
  2. Antlion pits are clever traps made by larvae to catch unsuspecting ants. The way they build these pits shows how animals can be both creative and ruthless in finding food.
  3. Saguaro cacti serve as long-term homes for birds, forming unique living spaces called boots. These holes highlight how plants and animals can work together and support each other's lives.

The War For Middle Earth!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The next ice age could potentially arrive much sooner than expected, possibly around 2033, and many people may need to relocate due to extreme weather changes.
  2. There is growing concern that climate issues are being hidden by governments and the true cause, including past nuclear tests, is not being fully acknowledged.
  3. Digital tracking and registration are becoming more common, making it easier for governments to monitor populations, especially as crises increase due to climate change.

A Desert Plant Condo

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 02 Dec 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Desert trumpets are unique plants that grow tall and have a bulbous shape, which helps them support themselves in the dry desert climate. They start growing just after spring rains, making them easy to spot.
  2. The inflated stems of desert trumpets store carbon dioxide, allowing the plant to continue photosynthesis even when it's dry, which helps reduce water loss. This unique adaptation is important for survival in harsh conditions.
  3. Wasps often use the stems of desert trumpets to build nests. However, some wasps can parasitize each other, creating a complex food chain right inside the plant's stems.

Tsunamis in the Tsound

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Tsunamis can occur in the Puget Sound area due to earthquakes, with one significant event happening around 1,100 years ago. This caused large waves and impacted the land.
  2. Some past tsunamis affected local communities, leading to temporary abandonment of villages. This shows the lasting impact of natural disasters on people's lives.
  3. Recent geological activities, like the Tongan eruption, remind us of the powerful forces of nature. These events can create unusual phenomena, like waves and atmospheric changes, showing how connected we are to the Earth.

Of Douglas fir and History

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Douglas fir trees are not just beautiful; they play a significant role in the natural history of their environment. People can connect with nature by observing the wildlife that feeds and nests in these majestic trees.
  2. The naming of the Douglas fir reflects a rich history of exploration and study, showing how different cultures, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have interacted with and valued the tree. Names can tell us stories about a place and its people.
  3. Learning the scientific names of plants can make people feel more connected to nature. It encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.

How does the Air Quality Index work anyways?

Counting Stuff • 43 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The Air Quality Index is a single score that combines 6 pollutants into a usable number for people to understand.
  2. Time frames are important in the AQI, as it is based on daily air quality summaries and forecasts are encouraged for planning purposes.
  3. The AQI simplifies complex air quality data by using a linear scaling system, with the max value among pollutants determining the overall index.

The Kingdome of Heat Domes

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The term 'heat dome' has recently become popular and represents a specific weather pattern linked to climate change. This shows how language around climate issues is evolving quickly as extreme weather becomes more common.
  2. Weather events like heat domes and polar vortices are becoming more intense due to climate change, indicating that these extreme conditions may occur more frequently in the future.
  3. Historical temperature records show that the heat we experience today might not have happened in millions of years, emphasizing the significant changes our climate is undergoing right now.

Herring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Herring spawning events are vital to Puget Sound's ecosystem and attract a variety of wildlife. These events help connect the food chain and support many animals, both sea life and birds.
  2. Each female herring can lay a huge number of eggs, which provide food for young fish and other creatures. This means herring play a crucial role in nourishing the local food web.
  3. Herring are not only important for marine life but also for Indigenous communities. They have been a key food source for these communities historically and continue to be significant today.

Terror of the Docks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Teredo clams, often called shipworms, are actually bivalve clams that eat wood. They can cause significant damage to wooden structures, like piers, making them a big problem for dock builders.
  2. These clams have been around for thousands of years, munching through wood in many parts of the world. Their destructive nature has been noted by writers and maritime workers throughout history.
  3. Modern efforts to control shipworm damage include using less wood in construction. Despite past challenges, these clams are still here and likely will be part of our marine ecosystem for a long time.

How these brothers harnessed the carbon market to rescue India's tea plantations

The Green Techpreneur • 4 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Two brothers transformed their struggling tea plantation into a climate action project by using Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW). This process helps capture carbon dioxide while also improving soil health.
  2. By spreading crushed basalt rock on their farmland, they make the soil less acidic and boost crop yields for local farmers. This method provides benefits to both the environment and the community.
  3. They aim to make India a key player in the carbon market by offering affordable carbon credits, with the goal of scaling their project to remove millions of tons of CO2 by 2030.

Surf scoter

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The surf scoter is a bird known by many different names, highlighting the variety of ways people refer to it. This shows how unique and interesting this bird is.
  2. Surf scoters are very active, especially in the morning and evening, diving for food like insects and crustaceans. They spend more time underwater than on the surface while feeding.
  3. During mating season, male surf scoters compete for the attention of a female in a dramatic display of courtship. The female chooses among them while they show off their skills in the water.

Young and Restless

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Seattle's geology is really active and always changing. This means the ground can shake, and the city’s landscape can shift unexpectedly.
  2. There are ancient clams found in Seattle that were pushed up from underwater due to an earthquake 1,100 years ago. This shows how powerful nature can be.
  3. People in Seattle are starting to realize how connected they are to the land’s history and geology. It's important to stay aware of the potential dangers that come with living in such a dynamic area.

Thomas C. Chamberlin: The Global Carbon Cycle

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. Thomas C. Chamberlin played a key role in developing the planetesimal hypothesis, which explains how planets formed from solid particles instead of a hot gas cloud. This challenged earlier ideas about how our solar system emerged.
  2. Chamberlin was one of the first to link changes in carbon dioxide levels to climate shifts, suggesting that rising CO2 could lead to warmer temperatures and impact the Earth's ice ages.
  3. Despite his early support for the carbon dioxide theory of climate change, he later changed his mind after conflicting experiments, highlighting the evolving nature of scientific understanding.

Discovering the Stratosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. The atmosphere is crucial for life on Earth. It keeps our planet warm and protects us from harsh conditions.
  2. Léon-Philippe Teisserenc de Bort discovered the stratosphere by launching balloons to measure temperature at high altitudes. This showed that the air doesn't always get colder as you go higher.
  3. Teisserenc de Bort named the layers of the atmosphere, calling the lower part the troposphere, which holds our weather, and the upper part the stratosphere, where the temperature starts to rise due to the ozone layer.

Spying in the Stratosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 23
💾 History Environmental Science
  1. The Lockheed U-2 plane was used for spying during the Cold War and could fly very high, making it unique for its time. Pilots had to deal with tough conditions and were at risk if they didn't manage their speed correctly.
  2. Besides spying, the U-2 gathered important scientific data, including radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. This helped scientists understand air circulation and its effects on the environment.
  3. The development of the U-2 also led to advancements in satellite technology. Scientists realized that satellites could collect crucial data about the earth's atmosphere and weather patterns, paving the way for modern weather satellites.

Guy Stuart Callendar

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. Guy Stuart Callendar connected human-made carbon dioxide to global warming through his research. He discovered that burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
  2. During a tough time in Europe, many people turned to authoritarian leaders, which led to events like the annexation of Austria by Germany. These political changes created further instability in the region.
  3. Callendar's work emphasized the need to understand how human activities impact Earth’s climate. Though his findings were initially overlooked, they laid important groundwork for later climate science discussions.

A Photo from Space: A Captivating View of Our Fragile Planet

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. The first photo of Earth from space was taken in 1946 by a camera on a V-2 missile. It's interesting to think how early we started capturing our planet from above.
  2. The Apollo 8 mission led to iconic images like 'Earthrise' which changed how people viewed our planet. This photo made many realize how fragile and small Earth really is.
  3. Before the space age, people saw their environment as just their immediate surroundings. The photos from space helped expand our view to the entire planet and increased awareness about caring for it.

2023 Marks Record Sea Surface Temperatures

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Science
  1. In 2023, sea surface temperatures reached a record high, which means our oceans are getting hotter. This is important because the ocean helps regulate the Earth's climate.
  2. As ocean temperatures rise, they disrupt weather patterns, leading to extreme events like heavy rain and strong winds. This change can harm both people and nature.
  3. Global temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate, risking serious environmental consequences. We're close to surpassing a critical temperature threshold that could lead to severe climate problems.

Pioneering NASA's Earthly Applications

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🔬 Science Environmental Science
  1. NASA launched its first successful weather satellite, TIROS-I, in 1960. This satellite changed how we observed and studied weather patterns from space.
  2. Some leaders at NASA, like William Pickering, wanted to use technology for more than just space exploration. They believed that using satellites could benefit everyday life, like improving weather forecasts and communication.
  3. As the Cold War intensified, the U.S. saw space exploration as a matter of national pride. The massive Apollo program aimed to land a man on the moon and showed the importance of science and engineering for the country's reputation.