The hottest Geography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

Walking Hokkaido: From Sapporo to Tomakomai

intellectualinting • 224 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🏝 Travel Urban life Cultural observations Geography Public Safety
  1. Japanese cities, like Sapporo, may not be visually pleasing, but they offer a clean and safe environment. The focus is on functionality over beauty.
  2. People in Japan share a strong sense of community, which contributes to the overall well-being of the city. This communal mindset is vital for urban life to thrive.
  3. Children can walk home alone from school in Japan, showcasing the high level of trust and respect in society. This cultural norm is different from what many might see in other countries.

The West Is Still Alive in Nevada

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Traditions Identity Geography Lifestyle
  1. Nevada has a unique spirit that sets it apart from other Western states. It's a place where the old Wild West vibe still exists, especially in small towns.
  2. The state is known for its tough and desolate landscapes, which can test the limits of those who venture there. Many who seek fortune may find both success and hardship.
  3. Visiting places like Elko can be an adventure filled with unexpected experiences, from lively bars to the harsh realities of the desert life.

ONE IMAGE: 40 Million Canadians

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 607 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geography Demographics Economics Population Policy
  1. About 90% of Canadians live close to the US border, which influences their economy and lifestyle. Most of Canada's population is concentrated in big cities like Toronto and Montreal.
  2. Canada's population density is quite low, with only 4 people per square kilometer outside urban areas. This means there are many large, empty spaces in the country.
  3. Canadians have a relatively high life expectancy and are mostly bilingual in English and French. About a quarter of the population are visible minorities, showcasing diversity.
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The Mountains of the Moon

Cosmographia • 499 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Exploration Geography
  1. Terra Phantasma is a new series exploring mysterious 'phantom lands' on ancient maps.
  2. The origin of the River Nile has puzzled great figures throughout history, with different theories and stories.
  3. Historical figures like Herodotus and Claudius Ptolemy have contributed differing explanations about the source of the River Nile.

Is the Savoy *Really* the Only Place you Must Drive on the Right?

Londonist: Time Machine • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture History Architecture Geography Travel
  1. Savoy Court in London is not the only place where you must drive on the right; there are other examples like bus stations, car parks, and public roads with reversed layouts.
  2. The Savoy Court's unique right-hand drive rule was established in 1902, but similar scenarios can be found elsewhere, challenging its exclusivity.
  3. Examples exist of public roads with unconventional driving directions, such as the Tottenham Hale gyratory system and minor roads like the one in Twickenham.

TLP's 2024 Swing-State Project: Pennsylvania (Part One)

The Liberal Patriot • 589 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political History Geography
  1. Pennsylvania is a crucial swing state that has been competitive in recent elections, with voter preferences changing over time.
  2. The state's demographic diversity and political landscape make it a microcosm of the country, with key areas like Philadelphia suburbs playing a significant role in elections.
  3. Voter registration trends show a narrowing gap between Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania, with party affiliations shifting in recent years.

Some data and thoughts on the complementarity between wind and solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 419 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Energy Policy Sustainability Geography Climate change
  1. The combination of wind and solar power works better in different places. For example, Germany benefits more from wind, while southern countries like Greece get more from solar energy because of their climate.
  2. Wind and solar energy do not produce electricity at the same rate all the time. There are many hours when either one is low, so we need good storage solutions like batteries to keep the lights on.
  3. Geographical differences matter a lot in how we can balance renewable energy. Countries with rivers can store energy easily, but places like Germany and France have a hard time sharing power because their wind and solar outputs are similar.

How The Modern World Lost & Found Its Newest Continent

Everything Is Amazing • 1398 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🔬 Science Geology Geography Cultural Studies History Oceanography
  1. Zealandia is a potential new continent, mapped in 2023, with its status still debated.
  2. Continents are typically identified by convention rather than strict criteria, leading to inconsistencies in definitions.
  3. There are millions of islands around the world, with many being uninhabited despite significant populations on some continents.

Age of Invention: The Second Soul, Part I

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1281 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Taxes Geography Society
  1. Salt was a crucial product in the past, impacting agriculture, food preservation, and even the economy of various regions.
  2. The control and taxation of salt played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires and states, showcasing the power dynamics associated with this essential commodity.
  3. Different geographical factors influenced the success of salt taxes, with regions like north-west Europe reaping the most rewards from this practice.

Words of Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Language History Geography Literature Society
  1. Seattle has a unique vocabulary that reflects its history and culture. Learning these words helps people connect with the city more deeply.
  2. Many terms in Seattle's lexicon come from local geography and community, like 'The Mountain' for Mt. Rainier or 'Skid Road' from the logging industry.
  3. The relationship between language and place is important. Understanding local terms can enrich our appreciation of the environment and the people around us.

Poor regions suffer more from extreme weather

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 16 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Extreme Weather Economic Impact Geography Research
  1. Poor regions are hit harder by extreme weather because they often lack the resources to recover. This is due to their location and economic status.
  2. Research shows that even in wealthier areas, like parts of Europe, countries with lower GDP are more affected by weather extremes than richer countries.
  3. A small increase in extreme weather events can significantly lower average income in struggling regions, making it important to consider these risks when investing in such areas.

The Sinking Cities Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1749 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Geography Infrastructure Urbanization Politics Sustainability
  1. Mexico City and Jakarta are sinking due to various factors like draining lakes and illegal wells
  2. Indonesia's plan to move its capital to Borneo from Jakarta is ambitious but faces challenges like corruption and cultural differences
  3. The sinking of these cities raises environmental and social concerns that need to be addressed

How To Understand the Provinces, Prefectures, Counties and Towns of China (Part 1)

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 412 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌐 International China Geography
  1. China's administrative structure includes province-level, prefecture-level, and county-level units.
  2. Prefecture-level units in China include prefecture-level cities, autonomous prefectures, and traditional prefectures.
  3. County-level units encompass districts, county-level cities, and counties, with varying urbanization levels.

The Ravineous City

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Urban Studies Geography History Nature Language
  1. Seattle has many natural ravines formed by a mix of geology, climate, and time. These ravines provide unique landscapes in the city.
  2. Different places use different terms for similar features; for example, Tacoma prefers 'gulch' over 'ravine'. This shows how local culture influences language.
  3. Ravenna is a well-known ravine in Seattle with interesting historical and linguistic connections. Its name reflects a mix of culture and nature.

Mapping Landscape Change

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
💾 History Maps Geography Cultures Urban Development
  1. Maps of Lake Union show how it has changed over time, reflecting both natural and human impacts. This gives us a glimpse into the area's history and development.
  2. The lake was named during an important picnic in 1854, where ideas about transportation and community connections were discussed. This moment highlights how people shape places.
  3. By the mid-20th century, Lake Union had become industrialized, illustrating the balance between nature and urban growth. It makes us wonder how it will look in the future.

McClellan of the Cascades

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
💾 History American history Civil War Exploration Geography Naturalism
  1. George McClellan was a Civil War general sent to scout a railroad route through the Cascade Mountains, but he ended up getting lost and misidentifying key passes.
  2. Despite his errors, McClellan was a keen observer of nature, documenting plants and geological features, and he had some interesting insights about the local environment.
  3. His journey reveals the importance of local knowledge, as his Indigenous guides warned him about deep snow, which he failed to appreciate, leading to his mistaken conclusions.

Digging to China, not

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Geography Cartography Monuments History
  1. There's a special monument in Seattle that shows the shortest route to its sister city, Galway, Ireland. It's made of granite and has a sloped side that points to the direct path between the two cities.
  2. If you dig a hole straight down in most parts of the U.S., you won't land in China. For example, if you dig from Seattle, you'll end up deep in the Indian Ocean.
  3. The distance you can see from a higher place, like a lighthouse, is important for navigation. You can predict how far you can see using simple math, which has helped sailors for a long time.

Welcome to Canada

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Running Culture Geography Fitness
  1. The journey to Canada started with a challenging run, showcasing the importance of preparation and recovery routines in overcoming physical pain.
  2. Listening to inspiring stories, like that of David Goggins, can provide motivation, but it's also essential to find a balance between pushing limits and respecting one's body.
  3. After facing pain during the run, the decision was made to switch to public transport to ensure a healthy arrival in Vancouver, emphasizing the value of adapting plans to maintain well-being.

A Drowsy God and Parboiled Pease

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
💾 History Local history Botany Exploration Geography
  1. William Fraser Tolmie, a botanist, explored Alki in 1833 but found it lacking fresh water, which made it unsuitable for a trading post. Despite this, he appreciated the area's beauty.
  2. The Denny Party, which arrived later in 1851, is credited as the founders of Seattle, despite many original settlers leaving the area soon after due to its challenges.
  3. There are debates about how to pronounce 'Alki,' with locals splitting between 'Al-kye' and 'Al-kee', reflecting differences in historical vs. modern usage.

D is for...

Mister Slang • 117 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Language Literature History Geography Health
  1. Some dirty words have origins in diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.
  2. Venereal diseases were often associated with foreign countries in slang terms.
  3. There were various slang terms for venereal diseases and their symptoms, as well as treatments throughout history.

VFYW: A Glass Pyramid Scheme

The Weekly Dish • 32 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Food Geography Community Travel
  1. The VFYW contest connects people through shared experiences and memories related to travel and food. It's nice to see how a simple contest can create bonds among participants.
  2. Grief and loss are common themes shared among the community, showing support for each other during tough times. The stories shared help many to cope with their own feelings of loss.
  3. Exploring different US cities through the VFYW contest reveals unique architectural styles and local culture. It's fascinating to see how people's guesses reflect their personal connections and knowledge of places.

Magnolia, My Magnolia

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Botany History Geography Navigation Literature
  1. George Davidson was great at navigating waterways but not so much with identifying trees. He once mistakenly named a spot after magnolias, when it actually had madrones.
  2. Davidson focused heavily on underwater plants like kelp, which he documented in detail. This knowledge was important for helping sailors navigate safely.
  3. Despite his botanical mistake, Davidson left a lasting impact on maritime navigation in the Pacific Coast. His work helped sailors understand the waters better.

Lesson Plan: Model Home

The Field Trip Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🚌 Education Geography Art Architecture Design Literature
  1. The lesson plan focuses on teaching children about different housing styles around the world
  2. Children are encouraged to create a blueprint design of their own home and build a model home from another part of the world
  3. Additional ideas include hosting a mini film festival, studying global weather patterns, and building structures from around the world

208: Idaho

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Geography Military Personal narrative
  1. Felix, a former infantry soldier, is finding a new path after leaving the military due to health issues. He’s excited about a job opportunity at a nuclear waste facility that fits his skills and pays well.
  2. The training at Idaho National Laboratory is intense and hands-on, mixing real-life tactics with safety lessons. Felix stands out in the training because of his extensive military experience and leadership skills.
  3. The local culture in Idaho is shifting as many people move there from different states, affecting its politics and social conversations. There's a sense of change happening in the community, making it an interesting place.

The Lost Islands Of Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
💾 History Urban History Geography Cartography Local history
  1. Seattle used to have more islands than it does now. Some islands formed quickly and then disappeared due to construction and changing landscapes.
  2. At one point, Seattle was completely surrounded by water, making it an island for a brief period in history. This showed how much the city has changed over time.
  3. Certain places in and around Seattle, like Seward Park and Foster Island, had unique histories as 'temporary islands' due to seasonal water levels.

A run through the woods: Missouri edition

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Nature Adventure Food Culture Geography
  1. The author enjoyed a run in Lone Elk State Park in Missouri, where they discovered interesting mushrooms that resembled those on their burger.
  2. They caught up with an old math tutor who shared an exciting new discovery in logic and math, which could change how math is taught.
  3. Missouri's geography is significant, showcasing limestone and being a key area for studying river flooding due to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

For Pete's Sake

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 24 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture History Geography
  1. Place names like Mount Rainier and Puget Sound come from explorers who wanted to honor their friends. These names have interesting stories connected to their origins, linking back to significant historical figures.
  2. Both Rainier and Puget have Huguenot heritage, tracing their family histories back to France. Their family stories reflect the impact of religious persecution in their homeland, which led them to new places.
  3. Indigenous names for these places have rich meanings based on a deep understanding of the land. Today, many people are reconsidering the significance of place names and their histories, aiming for more just and inclusive naming practices.