The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

#8 Compact Design

Mountain Labs Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. Compact design can be very complex, as it needs to use every bit of space wisely. Creating a small air quality monitor involved three design revisions and a lot of thought.
  2. The design process involves trial and error. Each version of the product had its own challenges, whether it was durability, assembly, or size balance.
  3. Choosing materials is important for the final product. Different types of wood can affect how the product looks and feels, and the design might need tweaks for the manufacturing process.

Webinar on The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. There will be a webinar discussing how to reduce the need for new mined battery minerals by 2050. It's a great opportunity to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The webinar is happening on August 22nd at 11:30 AM Eastern Time. Mark your calendar if you're interested in the future of battery minerals.
  3. You can read a detailed report called 'The Battery Mineral Loop' to get more insights before the webinar. It's a good way to prepare and understand the discussion better.

What is a "Worst Case" Climate Scenario?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2482 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. RCP8.5 is a worst-case climate scenario that is based on very unlikely assumptions and does not reflect current realities. It is important to understand that it's not just improbable, but actually impossible based on recent data.
  2. Defining a 'worst case' scenario isn’t straightforward. It can be influenced by values and politics, as different people might see different outcomes as more or less desirable.
  3. Creating climate scenarios should involve a broader group, including experts and everyday people. This way, we can address the political aspects and ensure the scenarios used for policy-making are relevant and realistic.

What's New: Canning, Quick Hydroponics, and More

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. The project turns prepping and homesteading into simple, accessible steps so people can prepare affordably and practically where they live.
  2. Recent additions include canning and quick hydroponics, with expanded sections and upcoming DIY solar cooker guides, all collected in a growing downloadable illustrated PDF.
  3. The guide is evolving and community-driven, welcoming reader input and supported by donations and subscriptions to keep updates coming.

The Most Amazing Climate Policy Figure

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2227 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The U.S. has made steady progress in reducing carbon emissions while growing its economy. This decarbonization happened even with changes in political leadership and policies.
  2. A significant factor in reducing emissions has been the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables. This change shows how technology can help improve environmental outcomes.
  3. Understanding why decarbonization has been consistent is important. It can help policymakers find ways to continue this trend and achieve goals like net-zero emissions by mid-century.
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A Fancy Phone Box to Help You Unplug

The Analog Family • 599 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. Design can influence our habits, like a fancy phone box that encourages us to put our phones away. When our devices are out of sight, we're less likely to think about them.
  2. Unplugging rituals can help us manage our phone use better. Simple actions, like hiding our phone or designating phone-free times, can promote healthier habits.
  3. Adults also need support in reducing screen time since there's no one to set limits for them. Creating structures or sharing the unplugging experience with others can make it easier to focus on the moment.

Germany under the sun

GEM Energy Analytics • 459 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar energy in Germany is rapidly increasing, with over one gigawatt installed each month. This growth is important because it helps meet their energy goals for the future.
  2. Solar power is very concentrated during certain months. In winter, it barely impacts energy supply, while spring and summer see a big increase in generation.
  3. Negative prices for solar energy are rising, meaning that sometimes the energy is worth less than nothing during high production times. This creates challenges for both producers and market management.

From Idealism to Realism

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4357 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Geopolitics often influences climate policies more than climate science itself. Countries prioritize their own interests over global climate agreements.
  2. The belief that scientific knowledge would automatically lead to climate action has proven overly optimistic. Many expected that understanding climate issues would unite nations, but it hasn't happened.
  3. Adapting to climate change is a slow process. The world will continue to gradually change, but there won't be a simple or happy resolution to the challenges posed by a warming planet.

For reality

The Crucial Years • 3976 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The climate crisis is worsening, with record-high carbon dioxide levels reported. It's a serious issue that we need to pay attention to because it affects our planet and future.
  2. Power is being prioritized over justice in today's political climate. This shift can lead to misinformation and further environmental harm, especially regarding the ongoing climate crisis.
  3. Clean energy solutions like solar and wind are ready to help us combat climate change. We need to focus on these technologies to build a sustainable future.

Will oil and gas consumption keep rising through 2050?

Sustainability by numbers • 439 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The IEA's Current Policies Scenario is not a prediction of future events, but a 'what if' model based on existing policies. This means it shouldn't be taken as a definite forecast.
  2. Electric vehicle sales are expected to increase mainly in Europe and China, while the rest of the world might see stagnant growth due to lack of supportive policies and charging infrastructure.
  3. Solar energy deployment is expected to stall at 2024 levels for a long time, but this assumption might be overly conservative given that past projections have often underestimated actual growth.

Less hustle, more life

City Quitters • 559 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. Choosing a simpler life in the countryside can bring a sense of peace and community. People can feel more connected to their surroundings and the locals, which helps foster friendships.
  2. Building smaller homes that focus on essentials allows for a more sustainable lifestyle. It promotes less clutter and encourages a focus on what truly matters.
  3. Taking time to make thoughtful decisions in life and work can lead to better outcomes. A slower pace allows for deeper consideration and reduces stress from constant hustle.

"You need to grasp the nettle"

City Quitters • 379 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. It's important to focus on community spaces in rural areas. Smaller projects can have a bigger positive impact on people's lives.
  2. Designing with local resources fosters a sense of identity and connection. Using nearby materials can be more sustainable and supportive of the local economy.
  3. Embracing imagination and being open to new ideas can lead to great changes. Beauty exists not just in design but in the relationships and systems we build.

The Race to the Top in Six Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 279 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. China is currently the leader in clean technology innovation and manufacturing, having significantly increased its battery and solar production capacity. It also holds a majority share in global clean energy patents.
  2. All three main regions—China, Europe, and the U.S.—are rapidly deploying clean technologies like solar, wind, and electric vehicles, but China is ahead in terms of growth and scale.
  3. The U.S. and Europe are recognizing the need to catch up in this energy race, with investments in clean technologies expected to grow significantly in the coming years, indicating a shift towards competition.

Hello (New) World!

Nova Terra News • 738 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Nova Terra Inc. is focused on creating a sustainable future through innovative building materials like EcoBlox made from lime-stabilized compressed earth blocks.
  2. The founder, Lisa Morey, has a background in earthen masonry and is passionate about infusing technological innovation into traditional building methods.
  3. Acceleration in business growth, pitching to major projects like the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, and receiving positive feedback have energized Lisa Morey and Nova Terra Inc. for a promising future.

🌋 Hot rocks, new politics

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. New drilling technology is making it easier to access geothermal energy, which could help it become more popular. This means we might see more geothermal power plants in the future.
  2. The rising costs of gas plants are pushing energy companies to look for cheaper alternatives. Geothermal energy could be a good option since it uses heat from the Earth.
  3. Big Tech companies are starting to demand more clean energy. This is helping geothermal energy gain attention and support from policymakers in Washington.

Two Points on Climate Change

David Friedman’s Substack • 350 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The cause of global warming doesn't matter as much as what we can do about it. Whether it's humans causing it or not, we still need to think about ways to prevent or adapt to climate change.
  2. There's a lot of uncertainty about the future effects of climate change. Many studies make assumptions that might not hold true over time, so we need to be careful about how we plan for the future.
  3. We might not need to act immediately on climate issues. Waiting can provide us with better information, which can help us make smarter decisions later on.

The Secret Behind Europe's Outsized Influence in Climate Science and Policy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 3287 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. A study shows that most climate scenarios used in global reports come from Europe. This means European views and ideas shape how we think about climate change.
  2. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are important tools in climate science, but they can reflect the biases and values of their developers. This could lead to skewed perceptions of energy sources like renewables compared to nuclear.
  3. The global efforts in climate modeling may not consider the needs of developing countries as much. Scenarios are often influenced by wealthy nations and may overlook how different regions approach climate solutions.

The Incredible Inefficiency of the Fossil Energy System

Renewable Revolution • 339 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

Dirty Secret

Doomberg • 7905 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Global coal demand is smashing records, expected to reach an all-time high in 2023 due to strong demand in emerging economies like India and China.
  2. There seems to be a practical grand bargain between governments and the fossil fuel industry over climate change, with a focus on minimizing coal use in the West and leveraging coal in the developing world.
  3. Despite efforts in renewable energy, coal remains popular due to its cheap, reliable, and storable nature, with the International Energy Agency predicting a decline in demand by 2026 despite current high consumption.

All things go to eleven

Disaffected Newsletter • 2318 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We often can't talk about problems without turning them into a battle between good and evil. This makes it hard to have simple conversations about real issues.
  2. Many environmental discussions are charged with strong emotions, causing people to avoid or misinterpret the topic. We need to separate our concerns from political identities.
  3. Practical issues like plastic waste and poor urban planning are important but rarely talked about because they get caught up in political arguments. We should discuss these without taking sides.

🌻 Climate politics hits the limits of 'no'

Faster, Please! • 182 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Clean energy is making real progress, but an anti-growth movement that lives in veto mode is blocking projects and undermining that momentum.
  2. Focusing on saying "no" to development and technology slows climate solutions; policy should instead enable building and scaling clean innovations.
  3. People who back growth and abundance should promote a new, constructive environmentalism that prioritizes construction, climate tech, and practical solutions over obstruction.

The truth about Big Toilet Paper

HEATED • 1867 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Toilet paper production leads to deforestation and significant carbon emissions
  2. Consumer choices and advocacy can drive sustainability in the toilet paper industry
  3. The preference for toilet paper over bidets in America is influenced by historical factors and societal perceptions

Do You Split Your Toilet Paper With Strangers?

Anima Mundi • 164 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The world is going through not just a crisis, but a transition. We need to focus on how we can build better relationships with each other and the environment.
  2. We can learn from successful small-scale practices that prioritize care and regeneration. These practices show that working together and sharing resources can help us thrive.
  3. It's important to pay attention to what care looks like in our lives. Simple acts of kindness can create stronger communities and help us notice the connections we often overlook.

Is Travel Overrated?

The Contender • 1827 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Sustainability
  1. Revenge travel can create crowded and high-anxiety tourist destinations
  2. Cities are reconsidering tourist economies due to overcrowding and disrespect towards locals
  3. Tourists sometimes treat locals as extras in their social media posts and engage in inappropriate behaviors

Homesteading: The Regenerative Farming Paradox

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Industrial farming has damaged soil biology so crops can be less nutritious, because tillage, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides break the fungal and microbial networks that make trace minerals plant-available.
  2. Regenerative practices—no-till, cover crops, diverse rotations, and adding organic matter—rebuild soil life, and you can see measurable improvements in soil function within a few years and in crop micronutrients within about 5–10 years.
  3. Expect a short-term yield dip and more year-to-year variability during the transition, but long-term benefits include better drought resilience, lower input costs, improved nutrition, and often comparable or better yields if you maintain diversity and patience.

Do you know how controlled you are?

Disaffected Newsletter • 2597 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Machines today are often designed to make tasks more complicated for users instead of being user-friendly. This can lead to frustration and inefficiency.
  2. Some appliances have features that seem eco-friendly but actually complicate how they work, making users jump through hoops to get what they want.
  3. Government regulations and societal trends can shape product designs, leading to less functionality and more constraints on how we use everyday tools.

“Recycling” Makes Plastic Pollution Worse

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 2047 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Most plastic items that go into recycling bins don’t actually get recycled. Only a few types of plastic are from beverage bottles and jugs are commonly recycled.
  2. The recycling system often misleads people into believing they are helping the environment. In reality, many plastics end up in landfills or are even shipped to other countries, causing pollution.
  3. While plastic has many benefits, it’s important to rethink its use. Alternatives may not always be better, so focusing on reducing plastic waste is the best way forward.

How can we rewild the Earth at scale?

The Novelleist • 912 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Rewilding means restoring nature and biodiversity on a large scale. This can start at home, focusing on planting native species and fostering local wildlife.
  2. Humans can play a positive role in nature, rather than being a destructive force. By forming strong relationships with ecosystems and local communities, we can support a healthier planet.
  3. It's important to protect and empower Indigenous communities who have historically cared for the land. Their knowledge and connections can help in rewilding efforts, making conservation more effective.

Finding Lost Hills: An ‘Our Towns’ Report.

Breaking the News • 1051 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sustainability
  1. Lost Hills is a small town in California's Central Valley that represents a mix of agriculture, immigration, and community challenges. It produces a significant amount of food but struggles with economic inequality.
  2. The town is seeing positive changes due to investments in community services, such as a pedestrian bridge and better housing options. Philanthropic efforts are helping to improve education and overall quality of life for residents.
  3. Local schools focus on building trust with families and adapting to their needs, providing a range of support services. This helps create a sense of community and fosters success for students from diverse backgrounds.

A few pictures & stories from Iceland

Volts • 1592 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Sustainability
  1. Author visited Iceland through an invitation and shares mini-travelogue
  2. Visited Svartsengi geothermal power plant that fosters an ecosystem of innovative companies
  3. The Resource Park around the power plant showcases companies utilizing geothermal resources in various sectors

The Eight Deadly Sins of Analyzing the Energy Transition

Renewable Revolution • 1618 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Technology change isn't straight and slow; it can grow rapidly in an S-curve pattern. This means innovations can spread faster than some people expect.
  2. We should focus on the new technologies coming into play instead of just looking at what we have now. What's happening in the present will give us a better idea of what's to come.
  3. Energy efficiency has a bigger impact than many realize. It's important to pay attention to how we can use less energy rather than just relying on new sources.

Prepping, in an Apartment?

OK Doomer • 99 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. You can grow useful food in an apartment — microgreens, herbs, and small containers add real nutrition and flavor without much space.
  2. Small-scale systems like grow closets and flexible solar panels make urban growing more reliable and let you expand even in tight spaces.
  3. Practical care matters: watch container weight on railings, use drip pans and spill mats, and avoid standing water to prevent mold and damage.

On Lifestyle

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 1572 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Achieving sustainable eating may require personalized interventions.
  2. Removing vegetarian and vegan labels from menus could guide consumers towards reduced consumption of animal products.
  3. Good intentions often fail to convert to action, situational changes can help people make plant-based choices.

The rise of vertical solar

GEM Energy Analytics • 459 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The cost of solar panels has dropped a lot, making it cheaper to install solar energy systems. This means other costs like labor become more important to consider.
  2. Vertical solar panels can be helpful because they can generate energy at different times of the day. This helps capture more value from solar energy by producing power when it's needed most.
  3. Using vertical solar opens up new possibilities, like installing them as fences or along roads. This can save space and also provide benefits beyond just energy generation.

The Global Food Institute, an update

Longer Tables with José Andrés • 825 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. The Global Food Institute aims to inspire a new generation to solve big food problems through policy, innovation, and humanities.
  2. The Institute has made progress, including participation in events like the World Food Forum and the launch of the Alliance for a Sustainable Future.
  3. Key leaders like Bill Dietz and Tara Scully are driving research, policy work, and curriculum development at the Institute.

Brown Outs

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar power can be a good investment for homes, but it comes with high upfront costs. It may pay off in the long run, especially if you live in a sunny area.
  2. Batteries are important for solar systems, but they can be expensive and have their own limitations. Using solar without batteries may work as a backup in areas with minimal blackouts.
  3. Local conditions matter a lot when it comes to solar power's effectiveness. Some places may not be suitable for solar energy due to weather and maintenance challenges.

Sustainability by any other name

Irina Slav on energy • 864 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💰 Finance Sustainability
  1. French government banning oil and gas investments in certain sustainable funds may set a precedent for future regulations.
  2. The rigorous certification process for ESG labels includes evaluating impact indicators like CO2 emissions and renewable energy output.
  3. Investors may face challenges if funds in different countries have conflicting preferences for including oil and gas stocks in ESG portfolios.

Hits and Misses

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1599 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. IEA scenarios are not predictions but imaginative sequences that help envision possible futures. They aim to guide policy but vary in how closely they match reality.
  2. Outlook scenarios from the IEA have performed better than normative ones, showing a steady rise in global energy demand instead of a decline.
  3. There are big gaps between IEA projections for solar and nuclear energy and real-world outcomes, highlighting the need for better understanding and scenario evaluation.