The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Bicycle cheer

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Brazil's former president Bolsonaro has created a negative impact but has since left, possibly allowing for positive changes in the country.
  2. Positive initiatives around the world include electric car adoption in Norway, book bans in Texas countered by a banned book section in El Paso libraries, and reforestation through drone technology in Canadian forests.
  3. Various efforts worldwide promote bicycle culture, from creative storage solutions in Amsterdam to bike refurbishing programs in the UK benefiting refugees and prisoners.

#38: Agathonicity

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jul 20
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. Agathonicity means some things get better with use. For example, your favorite pair of worn-in shoes or a well-loved book can provide a richer experience over time.
  2. Many modern products are designed to be thrown away instead of repaired. This throwaway culture makes us less likely to seek out items that improve with age and care.
  3. Designers can create products that require more from users, leading to a stronger, more loyal connection. By asking users to engage more, items can become more valuable and enjoyable over time.

Potentially Attractive Amenity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Nature quickly takes back space when humans leave, as seen in a Seattle block filled with trees and shrubs after a building was demolished. It shows how resilient nature can be.
  2. Instead of building more structures, letting nature thrive in urban areas could create beneficial environments for both plants and animals. Less management of these spaces could lead to more biodiversity.
  3. Urban green spaces should allow nature to grow and decompose naturally. Places that embrace the natural cycle can improve the quality of life for all city residents.

The Week in Repair: Feb 27 - March 5

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Farmers unions petition FTC for action against John Deere's unfair competition practices.
  2. EU lawmakers seek quicker adoption of circular economy practices to reduce environmental impact of resource extraction.
  3. Extended warranties are seen as beneficial for cost-effective repairs, but right to repair initiatives are gaining momentum in ensuring repair options for consumers.
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The future for cars, hydrogen or battery?

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is facing challenges compared to battery technology, leading to a shift in focus from major automotive manufacturers like VW and Toyota.
  2. Battery technology advancements, such as faster charging times and longer ranges, are making electric vehicles more practical and appealing compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  3. Technological innovations, like the development of nuclear batteries, may offer alternative energy sources for cars in the future, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.

How to use blockchain to ramp up your global supply chain

The Green Techpreneur • 20 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Blockchain can be used to bring transparency to supply chains by tracking transactions and transport from farmers to consumers.
  2. To succeed as a greentech entrepreneur, be prepared for financial challenges at the start and prioritize storytelling to engage consumers.
  3. Implementing blockchain in the supply chain can face challenges like educating farmers in remote areas and motivating consumers to engage with the technology.

The Week in Repair: Feb 8-15

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, empowering individuals to fix their own devices and reduce waste.
  2. Manufacturers are facing challenges in providing access to spare parts, repair information, and tools, hindering independent repair shops and DIY fixers.
  3. An increasing number of individuals and organizations are advocating for the right to repair, pushing for legislative changes to support repairability and sustainability.

The Week in Repair: Jan 25-Feb 1

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Germany is introducing a repairability index to encourage companies to build products that are easier to repair, rather than replace.
  2. Legislation like House Bill 1810 and right to repair laws aim to make tech products more durable and repairable, reducing e-waste.
  3. A circular economy approach is needed for electric vehicles, emphasizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling to tackle environmental issues.

Welcoming David Energy to the Equal Ventures family

Equal Ventures • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 21
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Equal Ventures welcomes David Energy to their family, focusing on using technology to address climate change challenges.
  2. Commercial buildings offer significant opportunity for energy efficiency improvements, with estimates suggesting major carbon footprint reduction is possible through real-time energy management solutions.
  3. David Energy aims to revolutionize energy management by providing real-time solutions, potentially democratizing access to leading energy management capabilities.

Week in Repair: Jan 11-18

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Farmers are taking legal action against John Deere for breaking federal anti-trust laws.
  2. Consumer advocates push for a 'repair instead of throw away' principle in the EU to reduce electronic waste.
  3. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is challenging the DMCA to protect the 'Right to Repair,' focusing on the free speech aspect of repair restrictions.

The Revenue Trap - Problem #1

Fish Food for Thought • 9 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Businesses can fall into a trap by focusing too much on short-term revenue instead of long-term success. This can hurt customer satisfaction and employee well-being.
  2. Cutting costs and pushing aggressive sales tactics may provide quick profits, but they can lead to losing loyal customers over time.
  3. To avoid this trap, companies should reinvest profits into growth and innovation, and focus on building strong relationships with customers.

Equal's 2022 Climate Wish List

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. 2021 saw record climate funding and renewed focus on climate policy, but 2022 is anticipated to be even more promising with new talent, capital, and digital innovations entering the climate tech space.
  2. Key areas of interest in 2022 include empowering the green workforce through software solutions, turning buildings into digital power plants using batteries and EVs, and establishing data connectivity services to manage distributed energy resources effectively.
  3. The shift towards circularity is expected to grow, especially in areas like food, packaging, and materials, driving the need for software solutions that enable businesses to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

The Kingdome of Heat Domes

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

December 31, 2021

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The author reflects on the interconnectedness of all life and the need to focus on what truly matters, beyond material possessions and capitalist nightmares.
  2. The author discusses the impact of personal actions on the environment, highlighting the importance of making conscious decisions to reduce one's carbon footprint.
  3. The author advocates for a shift in societal norms and governmental regulations to address climate change, emphasizing the urgency of collective action and sacrifices to prevent further environmental degradation.

A Mount Rushmore For Sustainability?

Surfing the Future • 1 HN point • 02 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Consider creating a sustainability version of Mount Rushmore showcasing notable figures like Richard Sandor, Rachel Carson, and Gro Harlem Brundtland.
  2. Richard Sandor made significant contributions to the financial world by pioneering interest rate futures contracts and emissions trading, leading to the creation of influential exchanges.
  3. Sandor's mentor, Ronald Coase, emphasized the difficulties in designing markets and the importance of viewing failure as part of the learning process.

Waiting for the Great Turn?

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

It's 2025 and life is still messy

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💰 Finance Sustainability
  1. The author writes on various topics related to economics and finance throughout the week, with Mondays focusing on ESG and sustainability, and Fridays being more lighthearted and fun.
  2. The posts challenge common theories and emphasize understanding the real world through experimental data rather than traditional economic models.
  3. Life and financial markets are unpredictable, and it's important to embrace curiosity about how things really work instead of relying on rigid theories.

The Rise of Batteries in Six Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 2 HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Battery sales are increasing rapidly, doubling every couple of years. This growth is driven by more people using electric cars and other battery technologies.
  2. The cost of batteries is dropping while their quality is improving. Over the past 30 years, battery prices have fallen a lot, making them more affordable and effective for various uses.
  3. Batteries are crucial for reducing fossil fuel use and cutting down emissions. They are expected to replace a substantial amount of fossil fuel demand in transport and electricity sectors.

The environmental impact of agricultural crops

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We need to feed more people, so farming has gotten more intense, which can hurt the environment. A new study shows exactly where agriculture is doing well and where it needs to improve.
  2. Different crops affect the environment in different ways, depending on where they are grown. For example, soybean and palm oil farming can be worse near water bodies because of runoff, while crops grown at higher altitudes may need more intensive farming.
  3. The study gives a clear picture of how sustainable or harmful different crops are. It finds that palm oil production in Southeast Asia is damaging, while soybean farming in the US and West Africa can be more sustainable.

Proposal for flying car cable gondola system

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 6 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Flying cars, or eVTOLs, currently have limited range and perform poorly in bad weather. These challenges need to be addressed to make them more practical.
  2. A cable gondola system could help overcome the limitations of flying cars by allowing them to hitch onto cables for part of their journey. This could improve their efficiency and reduce the need for long-range flight.
  3. Using suspended cables could be a less disruptive transportation method compared to traditional roads and rail systems. It's worth considering if this approach is more environmentally friendly, especially for wildlife.

A Newsletter About Climate Solutions (yes those, but mostly the other kind)

As If We Were Staying • 4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The newsletter focuses on finding and creating alternatives to climate-related issues, aiming for a positive future. It's important to think about how we can improve the world rather than just focusing on problems.
  2. The creator has experience in both science and climate action, blending knowledge of biology and technology with grassroots climate solutions. This combination of backgrounds helps in understanding complex environmental challenges.
  3. The writing aims to tackle both technical solutions and the emotional aspects of climate change, encouraging readers not to give up and to stay engaged in sustainable practices. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and community in addressing these issues.

How to Make Your Holiday Cooking More Sustainable 🥘🌿

Hothouse // Solutions • 5 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Plan ahead for leftovers. Thinking of fun and creative ways to use leftover food can help reduce waste and make your meals even better.
  2. Consider reducing red meat in your meals. Swapping it out for chicken, turkey, or plant-based options can make your holiday cooking more eco-friendly.
  3. Try to include a variety of foods on your plate. This not only boosts flavor but also helps promote biodiversity, which is good for the planet.

#19 Vanishing packaging, heavy blankets and spontaneous gestures

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jun 20
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. Design can reduce environmental impact by creating squishier, biodegradable packaging that decomposes quickly.
  2. Weighted blankets, like Gravity Blankets, offer comfort and security by using physical weight to mimic human touch, showing how design can evoke emotion.
  3. Designers can consider incorporating elements of comforting weight into designs to create a psychological sense of comfort.

The impact of renewable energy on electricity costs

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Renewable energy, like wind and solar, generally helps to lower electricity prices rather than raise them. In Spain, for example, these sources cut prices by up to 58% compared to using only fossil fuels.
  2. The recent energy crisis was mainly due to rising natural gas prices, not the shift to renewable energy. Without renewables, the costs and inflation would have been even worse.
  3. While renewables can be less reliable at times, investing in energy storage and other clean sources can solve the supply issues. Stopping the shift to renewables will likely lead to higher electricity bills and inflation.

A Christmas Special: What Founders Say About Building, Luck, and Staying Grounded

The Green Techpreneur • 4 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Building a startup takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, especially in the early stages. Founders often face tough challenges and must stay motivated even when things get difficult.
  2. Having a strong team is really important for success. Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded people can make a big difference in overcoming obstacles.
  3. Patience and learning from failures are key in entrepreneurship. Each setback can teach valuable lessons and help build resilience for future challenges.

The ESG Movement: The "Goodness" Gravy Train Rolls On!

Musings on Markets • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 21
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Measuring goodness in businesses is really hard. Different people have different views on what is 'good,' making it tough to agree on what counts.
  2. Being a good company might help some businesses make more money, but it can also hurt others. The proof that being good pays off is still unclear.
  3. Trusting companies to be good for society isn’t enough. It’s important for individuals to make their own choices and not just rely on businesses to solve social issues.

Blue Action in the Bahamas: how this accelerator is rapidly scaling ocean tech

The Green Techpreneur • 4 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The Blue Action Accelerator helps startups focus on ocean tech to combat climate change. They support innovative solutions like carbon capture and coral restoration, which are crucial for preserving our oceans.
  2. Island nations are particularly vulnerable to climate change but they serve as good testing grounds for new climate solutions. These smaller areas can quickly adapt and test technologies that might work on a larger scale.
  3. The accelerator prioritizes startups that are passionate about solving environmental issues and can provide scientific innovations. They also help with funding and connections to make these solutions happen.

The Incredible, Edible Egg Yolk

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 19
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Egg yolks are packed with important nutrients like vitamins and essential fatty acids, while egg whites contain fewer nutrients, making yolks a more nutritious choice.
  2. Egg yolks can help resolve common nutrient deficiencies in Americans, as they contain essential nutrients like copper, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and E.
  3. Select pastured eggs for higher nutritional quality, especially in the yolk, as they offer essential nutrients and are a source of carotenoids and fatty acids for overall health.

Transforming the Future: My Top Climate Change Champions

Save Our Happy Place • 4 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Joining the climate movement is important, and everyone can contribute in their own way, whether through time, money, or skills.
  2. Connecting with others in the climate movement can be inspiring and can lead to friendships that help in tackling the climate crisis together.
  3. There are many charities focused on climate change that work on different issues, so you can find a cause that fits your interests and make a direct impact.