The hottest Fossil fuels Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

Chartbook 347 The trouble with transitioning: putting energy history back on its feet.

Chartbook • 1759 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Environmental History
  1. Traditional views say that moving away from fossil fuels will solve climate issues and that renewable energy will become cheaper. But this view may not be correct.
  2. An analysis of energy use shows that instead of switching from one energy source to another, we tend to use more energy from different sources at the same time.
  3. Decarbonizing our energy systems is a complicated task that is influenced by history and requires new approaches, especially as countries like China play a significant role in renewable energy technologies.

The Democrats finally come clean on gas

The Crucial Years • 1315 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Energy Production Environmental justice Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. The Democrats have finally acknowledged the negative impacts of natural gas and its exports on climate change. This honesty is an important step for addressing environmental issues moving forward.
  2. Past policies favored natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, but high methane leak rates from fracking have shown that it's not a perfect solution for the climate crisis.
  3. The shifting energy landscape is pushing for a focus on renewable sources like wind and solar, instead of relying on natural gas exports, which could harm national and global climate efforts.

My Back Pages: Stranded Assets and Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Energy transition
  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.

Fire Weather

The Chris Hedges Report • 392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Fossil fuels Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. Wildfires are becoming more common due to climate change and a reliance on fossil fuels. Areas like California are facing intense fire seasons, which scientists warned would happen.
  2. The boreal forests, which play a critical role in storing carbon and providing fresh water, are being destroyed by industrial activities like oil extraction. This destruction contributes to the worsening fire conditions.
  3. Modern homes are highly flammable because they're made with many petroleum-based materials. When they catch fire, they can burn much hotter than older buildings, making wildfires even more dangerous.

The Cleantech Revolution

Renewable Revolution • 799 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Sustainability Fossil fuels Electrification Energy Efficiency
  1. The energy system is changing fast because of renewables, electrification, and efficiency. These changes are happening more quickly than many people think.
  2. Clean technology is getting cheaper and more popular, outpacing fossil fuels. Over the last decade, costs have dropped significantly and energy generation from sources like solar has grown a lot.
  3. Fossil fuels are on the decline. Renewables are set to take over energy generation, making it clear that we need to accelerate our shift to clean energy technologies.
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Full Circle

Doomberg • 8635 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Global impact Energy transition
  1. Germany's energy strategy has led to a self-induced mess with the dismantling of nuclear reactors and reliance on coal, showing the consequences of climate initiatives on a national scale.
  2. The destruction of Nord Stream pipelines has raised questions about the involvement of political leaders and the lack of clarity or accountability regarding the incidents.
  3. Germany's shift towards expanding gas-fired power plants to compensate for the exit from coal showcases the challenges and complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Um, I think we all just won

The Crucial Years • 3816 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Fossil fuels Climate Impacts Renewable Energy Activism
  1. Biden's decision to halt the biggest fossil fuel expansion on earth is a major win in standing up to the fossil fuel industry.
  2. Exporting natural gas can raise prices for American consumers, and Biden's stance could help in reducing inflation.
  3. The decision is seen as both brave and strategic, aiming to gain support from young climate-conscious voters and addressing concerns about future impacts on greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse Gases Deadly Dance: CO2, N2O and CH4 Emissions' Alarming Card

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Greenhouse Gases Emissions Climate change Fossil fuels Agriculture
  1. Carbon dioxide emissions are still rising and could reach over 41 billion tons this year, which is concerning for our climate.
  2. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions are also increasing, with agriculture being a major contributor to nitrous oxide levels.
  3. To tackle these issues, we need to cut down on fossil fuels and change how we farm and use land to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Incredible Inefficiency of the Fossil Energy System

Renewable Revolution • 339 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Efficiency Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Sustainability Environmental Policy
  1. Fossil fuel energy systems are really inefficient, wasting about two-thirds of energy before it even provides any benefit. This waste amounts to around $4.6 trillion every year.
  2. The main reason for this inefficiency is fossil fuels themselves, particularly in power plants and gas engines, which are responsible for almost half of the total energy waste globally.
  3. New technologies like renewables, local energy sources, and electric vehicles are becoming more efficient. They're replacing fossil fuels because they’re cost-effective and significantly reduce energy waste.

An odd silence

The Crucial Years • 2630 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Activism
  1. The global climate crisis is not receiving the attention it deserves in mainstream media.
  2. Record-high temperatures and other alarming climate events are being overshadowed by more 'headline-friendly' news stories.
  3. The urgency and scale of the climate crisis require swift and unprecedented action, even though these changes may not fit into traditional news narratives.

Oof. A Small Step Forward, and then...

The Crucial Years • 1155 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Environmental Activism Climate Science
  1. The rich individuals or entities may not fully grasp or prioritize the urgency of the environmental crisis, as shown by certain investment decisions.
  2. Some significant steps towards divesting from fossil fuels have been taken, indicating a gradual shift away from reliance on them.
  3. Financial institutions like banks withdrawing from environmental initiatives could hinder progress towards decarbonization and indicate a shift in priorities.

Expanding liquefied natural gas: A bad, short-sighted strategy

The Climate Brink • 412 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Renewable Energy Energy security Fossil fuels
  1. Expanding LNG infrastructure may reduce emissions short-term by displacing coal, but it locks in higher emissions in the long run.
  2. U.S. consumers now pay global prices for natural gas due to increased LNG exports, exposing them to international price fluctuations.
  3. Exporting LNG compromises U.S. energy security, as global pricing allows foreign powers to influence prices and threaten economic stability.

Data Dump: Oil and Gas Spills

The Land Desk • 432 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Fossil fuels Natural Gas Environmental Impact Oil Spills
  1. Headlines often focus on calamities related to clean energy, overlooking the more deadly impacts of oil and gas infrastructure.
  2. Oil and gas incidents, like hazardous material spills and pipeline failures, occur regularly and have significant environmental and societal consequences.
  3. Media coverage tends to sensationalize clean energy accidents while downplaying the frequent and impactful mishaps in the oil and gas industry.

Forget Conspiracy Theories

The Crucial Years • 1773 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Climate Activism Natural Disasters
  1. Conspiracy theories distract from what's happening in plain sight, like Blackrock appointing the CEO of a major oil company to its board.
  2. Financial institutions are backtracking on their commitments to decarbonize portfolios, favoring profits over addressing the climate crisis.
  3. Leaders like Brad Lander are taking a stand against financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, recognizing the need for real accountability and action.

Different Kinds of Winning

The Crucial Years • 966 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Fossil fuels Adaptation Finance Policy
  1. There is a potential victory on pausing LNG exports, which could impact Biden's campaign and the planet positively.
  2. Campaigners and new data have highlighted the detrimental impact of LNG exports on the climate and American consumers.
  3. The administration's decision on LNG exports can be a crucial win for climate action and Biden's re-election efforts.

Renewable Milestones: Scotland's Excess Energy and China's Solar Surge in 2023

The Planet • 353 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Climate Science Greenhouse Gases Global Warming
  1. Scotland's renewable energy sector surpassed 100% of electricity demand, a 26% increase from the previous year
  2. The fossil fuel industry funded early climate science, including the development of the iconic 'Keeling curve'
  3. China installed a record-breaking 216.9 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023, surpassing any other nation

Water as Lens

The Crucial Years • 1145 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Plastic Pollution Fossil fuels Conservation
  1. Water can be a powerful lens to explore issues of memory, resilience, and environmental impact.
  2. The film by dream hampton about Detroit highlights the flooding's impact on communities and memories.
  3. Specific histories of unfairness compound devastation in places like Detroit, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues.

eXports eXports eXports

The Crucial Years • 777 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Fossil fuels Renewable Energy Wildfires Environmental Activism
  1. In 2015, the US Congress repealed the ban on exporting US oil, contradicting climate change goals.
  2. America has become the largest exporter of gas and oil globally, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. There is a need for the Biden administration to halt licensing new LNG facilities to prevent further climate damage.

The IEA's World Energy Outlook 2023

Renewable Revolution • 339 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Energy Policy Environmental Economics Global Warming
  1. Renewable energy is quickly growing and could supply half of all power by 2030. Electric vehicles are also set to increase significantly on the roads.
  2. China's demand for energy is slowing down, which is important because it has been a major factor in global energy growth. This could change where energy demand comes from.
  3. By 2030, we are likely to see big changes in the energy system. The transition to clean energy is already happening, and more investment is needed to reach climate goals.

The ETC report on fossil fuels in transition

Renewable Revolution • 239 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy transition Fossil fuels Policy Analysis Sustainability Technological Innovation
  1. Fossil fuel demand has peaked, and we need to reduce it over the next three decades to tackle climate change effectively.
  2. By 2030, we can cut down fossil fuel use significantly with existing solutions, showing that change is not only possible but also necessary.
  3. New fossil fuel exploration is unnecessary because we need to focus on speeding up the transition to renewable energy instead.

Reflexive Realism on Climate Change

The Joyous Struggle • 197 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Renewable Energy Carbon Emissions Fossil fuels
  1. Pension funds' investments in fossil fuels can unknowingly support the climate crisis.
  2. Moving pensions away from fossil fuels can help shape a different reality and combat climate change.
  3. Divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy can have significant financial, social, and environmental impacts.

Free Hong

The Crucial Years • 597 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Activism Renewable Energy Environmental justice Fossil fuels
  1. Hong Thi Minh is a brave climate activist from Vietnam who faced arrest for speaking out about climate crisis and coal use.
  2. Telling the truth about climate crisis can be dangerous in countries with oppressive governments, leading to arrests of activists.
  3. Supporting brave activists like Hong through global advocacy and pressure on governments is crucial for protecting human rights and advancing climate action.

Just how Green is this low carbon concrete?

ESG Hound • 461 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Green Technology Carbon Emissions Sustainability Fossil fuels
  1. Low-carbon concrete can have significantly lower GHG emissions compared to traditional concrete production.
  2. CarbonBuilt's technology involves using industrial materials and CO2 to reduce emissions and store carbon in solid form.
  3. It is important to consider the entire supply chain and potential environmental impacts when assessing the sustainability of green products.

Environmental Readings To Start Your Week

crimeandpunishment • 78 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Climate change Fossil fuels Renewable Energy
  1. Reading about environmental issues can help fill gaps in our knowledge and understanding.
  2. With the current climate crisis, we need to shift towards a more proactive and holistic approach to protecting our planet.
  3. Reading reliable sources can educate us on environmental issues and empower us to advocate for necessary changes.

Top Sustainable Book Recommendations

Green Graphic Design • 78 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Political Impact Environmental justice Greenwashing Fossil fuels
  1. All We Can Save is a great starting point to learn more about climate crisis solutions.
  2. A Planet to Win gives hope and insight into why a better future is needed for all aspects of life.
  3. This Changes Everything exposes the intersection of capitalism and climate crisis, offering a new perspective on traditional solutions.

Stranded Assets & Our Climate Future

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Crisis Fossil fuels Activism
  1. The stranded assets problem in the fossil fuel industry involves financial, political, and environmental challenges.
  2. There is a need for a more radical climate movement to address the inaction of the fossil fuel industry and financial institutions.
  3. Political means may not be sufficient to force the necessary changes, so alternate strategies must be considered.