The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Ignore climate change at your peril

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures significantly rising. This shows us that climate change is a serious issue and needs immediate attention.
  2. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are major causes of global warming. We need to cut our greenhouse gas emissions and invest in renewable energy to help combat this problem.
  3. Everyone can contribute to fighting climate change, even through small actions. Making sustainable choices in our daily lives and holding leaders accountable are important steps we can all take.

George H.W. Bush: “The Environmental President”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. George H.W. Bush focused on environmental issues during his presidency, aiming to be known as 'the environmental president.' He made promises to tackle climate change and set up new initiatives.
  2. Under Bush's leadership, important laws like the Clean Air Act Amendments were passed, reducing harmful emissions and addressing air pollution from power plants.
  3. Bush also played a key role in international efforts against climate change, supporting agreements like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to unite countries in combating global warming.

Hello 2024

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Talking about climate change is really important. It's key to help people understand how it affects our lives and the earth.
  2. 2023 was a record warm year, but we should see it as a warning for the future. The next years might be even hotter.
  3. As we move into 2024, we need to act fast to address climate issues. It's a crucial time for making changes that matter.

(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About the COP28 Climate Meeting

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. COP meetings are important for global climate action. They started in the 1990s and have aimed to create agreements to tackle climate change together.
  2. The 2015 Paris Agreement was a key milestone but many believe the goals set by countries are still not strong enough to combat rising temperatures.
  3. As COP28 approaches, there are concerns about the influence of fossil fuel interests on climate policies, which could hinder real action against climate change.

Breaking all the Wrong Records

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. For the first time, the global temperature was recorded over 2°C higher than pre-industrial levels on November 17 and 18, 2023. This is a big deal and shows how serious climate change is getting.
  2. 2023 is expected to be the hottest year ever, with serious weather issues like droughts and wildfires. To keep warming below 1.5°C, we need to sharply reduce carbon emissions, but current trends show we're heading in the wrong direction.
  3. At the upcoming COP28 conference, it's concerning that the president is from an oil company with plans that go against the goal of reducing fossil fuel use. This raises questions about the commitment to truly tackle climate change.
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Thinking about football, and FIFA in particular.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. FIFA has changed its bidding rules for the 2034 World Cup, making it easier for Saudi Arabia to be the only bidder. This shows FIFA's power and influence in the football world.
  2. The climate impact of hosting major events like the World Cup is significant, especially from fan travel and necessary infrastructure. FIFA's past claims of hosting carbon-neutral events have raised doubts.
  3. There's a call for fans and activists to push FIFA for better sustainability practices. Engaging in discussions and raising awareness is crucial to influence these sports bodies.

Headlines from a Warming World no.8

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The world's carbon budget is running out fast. If we keep polluting at the same rate, we might use up our chance to limit warming to 1.5°C in just six years.
  2. Nepal's glaciers are melting rapidly, losing nearly one-third of their ice in thirty years. This affects water supplies for millions and threatens the region's climate and agriculture.
  3. Shell is cutting jobs in its low-carbon division and focusing more on oil and gas, which goes against the goal of reducing global heating. This indicates a significant shift in priorities away from clean energy.

"Unfortunately, time is up.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Climate change is happening fast and causing severe problems. We've seen many climate records broken this year, which worries scientists.
  2. By the end of this century, many people might struggle to live due to extreme heat and lack of food. This could affect a significant part of the world's population.
  3. We can't just wait for new technologies to fix climate change. It's essential to take immediate action now instead of relying on uncertain future solutions.

Headlines from a Warming World no 6

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Extreme wet heat is becoming a real problem in many parts of the world. It could make life very difficult, especially for food and water security.
  2. South America is experiencing unusual heat linked to climate change, making such high temperatures much more likely. This trend will likely worsen as global temperatures rise.
  3. Drought is severely affecting the Amazon, threatening its ecosystems and the people living there. Urgent climate action is needed to address these extreme weather impacts.

Easing Climate Anxiety: The Power of Positive Action

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Many people are feeling anxious about climate change, and it's important to talk about it. Sharing feelings with friends or a professional can help ease the stress.
  2. Even small actions can make a difference and help reduce eco-anxiety. Finding ways to get involved can lead to a more positive mindset.
  3. There is hope for preventing the worst effects of climate change. Staying positive and proactive is key to overcoming feelings of despair.

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

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

Headlines from a warming world

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Oceans are warming fast, with the past two months being the hottest on record. This warming is ongoing and affects the climate globally.
  2. Recent storms, like Storm Daniel, show how severe climate events are increasing in both frequency and intensity, causing devastating impacts in places like Greece and Libya.
  3. Six out of nine planetary boundaries have been crossed, meaning humans are affecting the Earth's systems in dangerous ways. This calls for serious action to protect our planet.

"The climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Burning fossil fuels is the main cause of climate change, and we urgently need to switch to clean energy sources.
  2. Al Gore has been a long-time advocate for climate change awareness, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
  3. Young people are stepping up and demanding action on climate issues, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference.

Kenya hosts first-ever Africa Climate Summit.

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The Africa Climate Summit in Kenya is a big event with over 13,000 delegates, focusing on Africa working together to tackle climate change on their own terms.
  2. Companies like Kakuma Ventures and M-KOPA Solar are showcasing how they're improving lives through renewable energy, helping communities access clean power and digital services.
  3. The summit aims to fix Africa's lack of weather data, which is crucial for agriculture and disaster readiness, so countries can make better decisions related to climate challenges.

Oil, Gas and Concrete

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The UK government is still moving forward with new oil and gas licenses, even though fossil fuel use is making climate change worse. They are focused on keeping political power rather than supporting urgent climate action.
  2. Countries like Greece are experiencing serious climate issues, but they continue to approve a lot of new construction projects. This overdevelopment threatens both the environment and the economy, especially tourism.
  3. A shift towards renewable energy could create jobs and boost the economy. It's important for governments to invest in cleaner energy to help combat climate change.

Crossing the Earth system boundaries

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Humans have crossed seven out of eight environmental safety boundaries, which means we are putting Earth's stability at risk. This includes issues like climate change and water contamination.
  2. Air pollution is the only boundary not yet crossed, but it's still a major concern. The findings show that we need to take serious action to protect our planet.
  3. There are two main ideas on how to address these problems: one is to create a more sustainable economy while still allowing for growth, and the other is to rethink our economy to focus less on constant growth and consumption.

Never underestimate the power of a woman

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' made people really think about how human actions hurt the environment. It taught us that our health is connected to the planet's health.
  2. Carson faced strong pushback from chemical companies when she raised concerns about pesticides like DDT harming wildlife and humans. They tried to discredit her, but her message was important.
  3. Her work played a big role in starting the environmental movement, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the ban on DDT.

#51: The sensible approach

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 20
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Building sustainable business models can help companies become more resilient in uncertain times. This means they’re better able to handle changes when they happen.
  2. Investing in long-term relationships with suppliers can lead to better products and prices. Businesses like Super 8 have found that working closely with growers has great benefits.
  3. A shift in mindset is necessary for companies to embrace new ways of doing business. Being open to change and innovation helps businesses build strength during tough times.

#47: Industrial unpredictability

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 23 Sep 20
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Industrial food is made in large amounts, which makes it uniform and predictable. This means you often get the same taste every time, like how fast food always tastes similar.
  2. However, creating food that surprises and delights is much harder and usually requires skill and experience. Artisanal food can do this because it doesn't need to be the same every time.
  3. The future of food might involve large-scale production that can still offer unexpected flavors. This could take advanced technology to achieve, like artificial intelligence that understands taste.

Scope 3 Emissions: Why they are so Elusive?

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Calculating Scope 3 emissions is tough because companies often stop at their immediate suppliers. It gets complex as you need to trace emissions back through multiple tiers of suppliers.
  2. Scope 3 emissions include not just what a company directly causes but also the emissions from the entire supply chain. This can lead to overlapping calculations and make it hard to get accurate data.
  3. Understanding these emissions helps companies see their true environmental impact. However, setting boundaries for analysis is crucial to avoid getting lost in endless calculations.

Regenerative Design: Ecotech Policies

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. To sustain our environment, we need to enhance the interactions within ecosystems. By doing this, the waste we produce can be managed better and turned back into useful resources.
  2. We should focus on using more natural materials in our products, which will break down and help nourish the environment instead of creating pollution. For example, swapping plastic for biodegradable options like cardboard.
  3. Building designs can integrate more green elements, like plants and trees, to help manage temperature and purify air. This connects our structures back to nature and supports ecosystem health.

Regenerative Design: Biotic Sustainability

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Sustainable populations need to manage their resources carefully to avoid ecological collapse. When a population grows too large for its environment, it can deplete resources and lead to a collapse.
  2. The circular economy concept aims to recycle resources and manage waste effectively, but it can be challenging due to the laws of thermodynamics. Living systems manage energy and waste in a way that avoids chaos and disorder.
  3. Ecosystems thrive on diversity. Different organisms can fill various roles and niches, helping to maintain balance and sustainability, while human systems often lack this necessary diversity to effectively manage waste.

Systems Thinking, Objects and Networks

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Complex problems like climate change need complex thinking. We can't just look at individual parts; we must see the whole system and how it all connects.
  2. When people want to change things but can't, it's often because of poor communication and coordination between different groups. Both developers and planners might have good intentions, but they need to work together to make real progress.
  3. To really solve problems, we should focus on the bigger picture and the relationships around the issue. By understanding the system we are in, we can find better ways to create meaningful change.

Sustainability: An Introduction

Divergent Futures • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Sustainability means creating systems that can last forever, not just using solar panels or wind turbines. It's about how we live and use resources in a way that doesn't deplete them.
  2. The way we consume resources needs to change to match the planet's ability to regenerate them. Ideas like a Circular Economy and Degrowth suggest we can consume smarter and build better without running out of resources.
  3. Caring about sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s about people too. Everything we need comes from others, so if we want to take care of ourselves, we should care about how we treat our environment and society.

Vegetarian. Not vegan.

Tech Ramblings • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. A vegetarian diet is seen as a sustainable way to feed everyone. It uses fewer resources compared to meat-based meals.
  2. Eating meat can be unsafe due to how animals are treated and fed. A vegetarian diet might be a healthier choice overall.
  3. Vegan diets can be more restrictive and lead to nutritional gaps. It's often better to choose natural, unprocessed foods instead.

#22 - Wes Carter | How to Solve Packaging Pollution

Win-Win • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Wes Carter believes that turning the packaging industry into a closed-loop economy can help solve ocean pollution. He suggests using new biodegradable materials instead of traditional plastics.
  2. It's important to understand which recycling methods are effective and which aren't. This knowledge can help in making better decisions about waste management.
  3. Companies and consumers need to be motivated to consider the true environmental costs of their choices. This could involve changing how business incentives are structured.

#21 - Hannah Ritchie | Why We Aren't Doomed by Climate Change

Win-Win • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We need to rethink what sustainability really means. It's not just about cutting back, but finding ways to improve our lives while being kind to the planet.
  2. Some climate problems that we worry about might not be as big as they seem, while others are more serious than we think. It's important to look at the facts.
  3. There are successful ideas and technologies out there that can help us tackle environmental issues. We can aim for solutions that benefit both the environment and our quality of life.

Making Sustainable Living Practical (and Irresistible)

As If We Were Staying • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar Punk Farms focuses on bioregional regeneration, which means caring for the local ecosystem and community. They aim to heal the land and promote biodiversity after past environmental damage.
  2. Community is a big part of their vision. They encourage local people and queer folks to get involved, making sustainable living fun and engaging rather than just serious work.
  3. The farm combines ideas from solarpunk, queer theory, and permaculture. They believe in creating a positive vision for the future while also addressing social and environmental issues.

Energy gluttony in the AI age

Handy AI • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Large language models use a lot of energy, much more than we can currently power sustainably. This can create serious environmental issues as these models grow and become more popular.
  2. Tech companies often turn to fossil fuels to meet the high energy needs of AI, reversing progress made in using renewable energy. This can harm the environment and put a strain on water resources.
  3. We need more transparency from AI companies about their energy use, along with better regulations and a focus on renewable energy. This way, we can manage the energy consumption of AI more responsibly.

Why We Need To Build A Lunar Economy ASAP

Theology • 0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🔬 Science Sustainability
  1. Building a lunar economy is mainly about solving logistics, not just technology or funds. We need better systems to transport goods to the Moon efficiently.
  2. The Moon should be viewed as a launchpad for further space exploration, helping to protect humanity from potential threats on Earth. We need to create a sustainable presence there.
  3. Having a good logistics network is essential for a thriving lunar community. This means using existing skills from Earth, like those of truck drivers, to manage space transport and maintain operations.

No one wants it to be true.

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We all need to take responsibility for our future because our leaders have failed to act on climate change. It's not just someone else's problem anymore; it's up to each of us to find our own way through the chaos.
  2. Being prepared for climate challenges can help us build better lives for ourselves. Learning how to make smart choices about where we live and how we interact with our surroundings is crucial.
  3. There are strategies and solutions available to help us adapt to a changing world. It's important to act now, get informed, and connect with others to ensure a more secure future.

How mining giant Rio Tinto and Founders Factory selected their 2024 cohort

The Green Techpreneur • 0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Rio Tinto is investing in climate tech by partnering with Founders Factory to support early-stage startups focused on making mining greener and safer.
  2. The mining industry faces big challenges in cutting emissions while increasing mineral production, especially in remote locations where energy use is high.
  3. Startups in the program are using innovative technologies, like AI and biology, to recover metals and improve mining processes, aiming for a more sustainable future.

#18 The Fresh Outlook: Articles and insights for founders and teams

Meliora by Ana Stoica • 0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Founders should think carefully about their reasons for leaving their company and how to value their business before making any moves.
  2. New EU rules for sustainability reporting are important for businesses to know, as they affect how companies report their environmental impact.
  3. There are exciting innovations happening in tech that can inspire founders to solve problems in their own industries.

Is There a Way to Light the Path Forward?

Anima Mundi • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Civilization faces a double bind where continuing growth leads to ecological harm, but stopping may lead to suffering. We need to rethink our relationship with nature to avoid negative outcomes.
  2. Heliogenesis promotes using solar energy to create sustainable systems, like how plants use sunlight. This shift can help us build a society that nurtures both people and the environment.
  3. We should focus on designing technologies that heal the planet rather than harm it. By working together and valuing community, we can create a future that treasures well-being over consumption.

🎆 Double your impact before midnight 🎆

Hothouse // Solutions • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. You can double your donation to Hothouse before midnight because of a matching offer. This means your contribution will go twice as far in supporting climate journalism.
  2. Every little bit helps, so even if you can only donate $5 or $10, it still makes a difference. More individual donations show that there’s a strong community supporting the cause.
  3. Hothouse is committed to climate action through reader support. Donating helps them continue their important work and reach more people with their message.

What are the Basics of Building a Personal Climate Strategy?

The Snap Forward • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Having a personal climate strategy is crucial. If you don't have a plan for dealing with climate changes, it's hard to plan for the future.
  2. The climate crisis is already happening and will affect every aspect of our lives. We need to think about how we make choices and where we want to live going forward.
  3. There are specific steps you can take to prepare for a tough future. Learning about personal ruggedization can help you make better decisions and stay resilient.

How to fund and launch your renewable energy project

The Green Techpreneur • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Renewable energy is growing fast due to high fuel costs and government support. This creates good opportunities for investments and projects in this sector.
  2. To successfully launch a renewable project, focus on reducing risks, securing land and permits, and proving energy resources. Having these ready makes it easier to attract investors.
  3. Clear communication is key. Present your project simply and acknowledge your weaknesses so investors can see you are trustworthy and realistic.

The best of The Green Techpreneur

The Green Techpreneur • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The Green Techpreneur helps climate tech startups connect with investors and offers valuable insights through interviews and articles.
  2. In 2024, the subscriber list grew, and there were partnerships established to help climate tech startups get investment ready.
  3. For 2025, a big focus will be on connecting startups with investors and expanding investments in clean technologies and climate solutions.

Why You Should Consider an EV

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. EVs are really fun to drive because they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. This makes them feel exciting without the bumps and noise you get from regular cars.
  2. They offer more space inside since they don't have a big engine taking up room. Some even have extra storage in the front.
  3. Driving an EV is less tiring because they handle bumps and noise well. Long drives feel easier, and you just relax more while driving.