The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Food culture Nutrition Sustainability
  1. Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
  2. The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
  3. Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.

A modest proposal for resolving our differences on CO2.

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Environmental Economics Energy Sources Sustainability
  1. Everyone has a personal view on the social cost of CO2, which can vary widely. It's important to recognize that even if you aren't sure about your view, it still exists.
  2. The trade-off between CO2 emissions and energy consumption is crucial for making decisions about energy sources. Finding a balance is more effective than choosing a source and adjusting to its costs later.
  3. To resolve disagreements on energy and CO2 impacts, we could gather opinions on the best balance and use the majority choice to guide our energy planning.

Homesteading: Preparing for Spring

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Homesteading Sustainability Cooking
  1. Start your seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Using tools like indoor gardens can help you grow food like lettuce and herbs easily.
  2. Raised beds are great for gardening, especially if your soil isn't good or if you have pests. They make it easier to cover plants and protect them.
  3. Invest in good gardening tools that can last. Taking care of your tools is important, so they work when you need them most.

The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 439 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Recycling Resource Management Innovation
  1. Battery minerals are becoming more efficient and less dependent on mining. Advances in recycling and chemistry can help meet demand without exhausting resources.
  2. In the coming decades, we might reach a point where we won't need to extract new battery minerals at all. We could rely on recycling old batteries instead.
  3. Countries have a big chance to shift from fossil fuel use to sustainable energy. This change can happen faster and cheaper than many think, especially if everyone works together.

Ice: The Penultimate Frontier

Transhuman Axiology • 813 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Science Geoengineering
  1. Floating ice islands could be a practical solution for creating new land, much cheaper than colonizing other planets. We already have icebergs that can be transformed into usable land without the high costs of space travel.
  2. The process to insulate these icebergs from melting is affordable and could really help maintain their size for a long time. Using air and lightweight materials, we can keep the ice from melting when in warm waters.
  3. Setting up a community or business on these ice islands might be more viable than starting a space colony. It’s a way to explore new opportunities without the severe risks and costs associated with space exploration.
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Differential knowledge interconnection

Engineering Ideas • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Data science Knowledge Management Ethics Sustainability
  1. Not all AI technologies are harmful. Some can help produce good knowledge that supports a sustainable future, while others might exploit flaws in society.
  2. Good knowledge helps connect and understand well-being, which is crucial for a sustainable civilization. It's important to have interconnected knowledge about all moral patients.
  3. AI capabilities that promote this interconnected knowledge are likely beneficial. However, there's a risk of technology dehumanizing society if not handled carefully.

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.

The Agrifoodtech Effect 🍽️

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability Innovation Investment
  1. The food system is facing big challenges, like harming the environment and contributing to climate change. We need to rethink how we produce and consume food to protect our planet.
  2. Agri-Foodtech is about using new technology to improve the entire food industry. This includes everything from apps to healthier food options that can change how we eat.
  3. Investments in foodtech are growing rapidly, showing its importance. However, there's a need for more focus on advanced technologies, not just quick delivery services, to drive future innovations.

No, Kerosene did NOT save the Sperm Whale

Material World • 1323 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecology Wildlife Sustainability Natural resources
  1. Sperm whales have unique features, like the biggest heads and brains among large animals. They are incredible divers and eat mysterious creatures from the ocean's depths.
  2. Whale oil was popular because it made great lantern fuel and was used in various industries. Even after kerosene was discovered, the hunting of sperm whales actually increased due to new uses for their oil.
  3. Whale populations only recovered significantly after international bans on whaling and the development of synthetic substitutes for whale oil. It shows that technology and regulations are important for conservation.

Paid content: Stuff that isn't useless

Wood From Eden • 384 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Gifts Consumerism Trends Sustainability
  1. The post suggests a list of useful material things to own. These items have been tested and proved their worth over time.
  2. It focuses on practical gifts to consider before the holiday season. The idea is to avoid useless items and choose things that bring real value.
  3. The content is meant for paid subscribers, indicating it's exclusive and curated for those willing to invest in quality information.

Hang on, are there ANY lost minerals?

Material World • 1269 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🔬 Science Geology Environmental Science Resources Sustainability
  1. Humans haven't really run out of minerals or resources, just gotten better at finding and extracting them. We still have plenty of well-known materials, even if they're harder to find in some places.
  2. Many stories about lost minerals, like certain types of marble, are exaggerated or incorrect. For example, some rare marbles still exist in significant amounts, contrary to popular belief.
  3. Instead of focusing on supposed lost minerals, it's more interesting to explore the minerals we continue to extract today, even when people think they've been exhausted.

Deforestation in the Amazon has halved in the last few years

Sustainability by numbers • 266 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Deforestation Sustainability Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Deforestation in the Amazon has significantly decreased, halving over the past few years, thanks to new policies and leadership.
  2. Lula da Silva's administration has made real progress in reducing forest loss, following a troubling period of increased deforestation under the previous president.
  3. While the trend is positive, challenges remain and ongoing efforts are crucial to meet the target of ending deforestation by 2030.

Dirty Secret

Doomberg • 7905 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy
  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.

Waiting for the Great Turn?

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate action Sustainability Environmental Policy Fiction Technology
  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.

Vertical farming: a local solution for greens, but not feeding the world any time soon

Sustainability by numbers • 339 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability Farming Agriculture Food security
  1. Vertical farming can grow greens indoors, but it won't solve global food issues soon. It's too energy-intensive and often expensive.
  2. Growing leafy greens like lettuce can work if electricity costs are low. However, for staple crops like wheat, vertical farming is not a practical option right now.
  3. While vertical farms might use less land, they can have a bigger carbon footprint than traditional farming, depending on the energy source used.

Running From Zombies in The Snow: A Guide to The Arctic Apocalypse

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Weather Patterns Environmental Science Sustainability Disaster Preparedness
  1. Weather is becoming more unpredictable due to climate change, with extreme cold temperatures affecting areas not used to such conditions. It's important to understand that climate collapse means more chaotic weather patterns.
  2. Even if people talk about climate change, many are not willing to make real changes to combat it. The impact of our actions now will be felt by future generations.
  3. Everyone should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whether it's hot or cold, dry or wet. It's smart to have necessary supplies and warm clothing ready, no matter where you live.

Paid content: Packing the spring box

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Sustainability Cooking Nutrition Seasonal
  1. Packing a spring box is an important task for preparing for the season. It involves organizing and storing supplies that will help with gardening and planting.
  2. Creating a rational vegetable garden can lead to better productivity and more enjoyable gardening experiences. Planning ahead and using resources wisely is key.
  3. Paid subscriptions can provide access to special content that dives deeper into gardening topics. This can help gardeners learn more and improve their skills.

#8 Compact Design

Mountain Labs Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
🪑 Design Product Design User Experience Sustainability Materials Prototyping
  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.

Aridity, Acidity, and Salinity: How Greenhouse Gases are Choking Our Soil

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. A large portion of the Earth's land is becoming drier, significantly affecting agriculture and ecosystems. This trend could worsen and impact billions of people who may face water shortages.
  2. Many lands are also suffering from high salinity and acidity, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. If these problems continue, we could see a lot of agricultural land damaged.
  3. Climate change is a major driver of these issues, causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather. To combat this, planting trees and using better irrigation can help improve soil health.

Webinar on The Battery Mineral Loop

Renewable Revolution • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Renewable Energy Resource Management Environmental Policy Webinars
  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’s the impact of artificial intelligence on energy demand?

Sustainability by numbers • 402 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Artificial Intelligence Sustainability Efficiency
  1. AI and data centers currently use only a small portion of the world's electricity, about 1 to 2%. Even with the rise in AI, experts expect this demand to grow slowly in the coming years.
  2. People often worry about energy demands from AI, similar to past fears about data centers. However, improvements in technology and efficiency have kept actual energy use in check.
  3. The future energy demand of AI is uncertain, and while it will likely increase, it may not be as drastic as some predict. Continued efficiency improvements will be key to managing this growth.

Trains and transmission: A climate solution hiding in plain sight?

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Energy Policy Transportation Sustainability Infrastructure
  1. Building transmission lines along railroads can help reduce climate change and improve both passenger and freight train service. This idea uses existing land to create cleaner energy options and faster trains.
  2. Electrifying trains can lead to less pollution, faster travel, and more efficient freight shipping. New battery technologies make this more affordable than before.
  3. Government plans highlight the right areas for train electrification and better energy transmission. However, significant funding and cooperation will be necessary to turn these plans into reality.

The key takeaway from MIT’s Great Climate Policy Debate

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Debate Nuclear power Sustainability Energy
  1. All four experts agreed that stopping nuclear energy development after the Three Mile Island accident was a big mistake. If nuclear power had been embraced earlier, we might have made better progress on reducing carbon emissions.
  2. There's a strong belief that we can still fully commit to nuclear energy now because the technology is safe and effective. The main barriers are complex regulations and legal challenges that make it hard to move forward.
  3. The panel recognized that achieving NetZero carbon emissions soon will be very difficult. It might be time for people with differing views on climate to collaborate and focus on making nuclear energy more widely used.

A Fancy Phone Box to Help You Unplug

The Analog Family • 599 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🪑 Design Product Design User Experience Sustainability Visual communication
  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 Energy Sustainability Solar Power Policy
  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.

Low-carbon tech needs much fewer materials than it used to; this matters for resource extraction in the future

Sustainability by numbers • 364 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Resource Management Circular Economy Renewable Energy
  1. Low-carbon technology is using way fewer materials now than in the past. This means we can reduce the need for new resource extraction in the future.
  2. Many materials from old solar panels and batteries can be recycled more effectively, which could lead to a 'super-circular' economy. This is better than just making one new item from one old item.
  3. Improvements in material efficiency for solar panels and batteries mean that even if we don’t recycle everything perfectly, we can still have enough materials for more new products.

Proem to the Aenean Future

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 927 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Environmental Policy Resource Management Sustainability
  1. The future holds challenges around resource scarcity, but there's hope in human creativity and technology. People believe we can find solutions to navigate tough times ahead.
  2. Emphasizing the need for green energy and a sustainable way of life is crucial. Society must transition to alternative energy sources, like solar and hydrogen, while addressing environmental concerns.
  3. Space exploration could become practical and profitable. Investing in space tech might help solve Earth's resource problems and allow humanity to expand beyond our planet.

Less hustle, more life

City Quitters • 559 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Architecture Sustainability Personal Development
  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 Architecture Sustainability Community Education Innovation
  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 Energy Sustainability Technology Economics Policy
  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 Entrepreneurship Innovation Construction Investing
  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.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.1. Global Warming

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Global Warming Environmental Economics Sustainability Societal Impact
  1. Global warming is not just an environmental issue; it is changing how economies and societies work. The costs of addressing climate change could take away resources needed for future progress.
  2. As the climate shifts, we face serious challenges like unstable weather and changing environments. This affects our infrastructure and could lead to even worse disasters if not addressed quickly.
  3. Handling global warming will likely consume a lot of resources that could have helped us adapt to other economic changes. We need to think about how to support those who suffer as we transition to a more sustainable society.

Economics Links, 2/2/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Sustainability Energy
  1. The rising 10-year Treasury yield means higher costs for government debt and could hurt stock prices as investors change their expectations.
  2. Traders need to be careful with market momentum, as it can shift unexpectedly, leading to losses when everyone stops buying at high prices.
  3. Renewable energy projects face high costs to connect to the grid, and large battery systems have limitations, raising questions about their reliability.

Homesteading 101: The Bee's Knees

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Homesteading Gardening Sustainability
  1. Winter can be tough for homesteaders, but it's important to have plans for the changing weather. They are preparing for colder weather while also looking forward to spring.
  2. Growing your own food, like fruits and vegetables, is rewarding. They are expanding their garden and starting indoor plants to enjoy fresh produce even in winter.
  3. Keeping bees is a new exciting project that can help with friends and the garden. They are looking into this as a way to produce honey and support their plants.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #125

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 92 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy AI Sustainability Data Innovation
  1. Commonwealth Fusion is making big strides toward clean energy with plans for the world's first commercial fusion power plant in Virginia, which could be operational by the early 2030s.
  2. Off-grid solar microgrids could greatly help power AI data centers quickly and affordably, making use of solar energy, especially in sunny regions like the U.S. Southwest.
  3. A new method called HORNET combines atomic force microscopy and AI to map RNA structures. This could improve our understanding of RNA and lead to better treatments for diseases.

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.

Launching a new podcast on climate solutions

Sustainability by numbers • 268 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Sustainability Environmental Policy Podcasting Climate solutions
  1. A new podcast called 'Solving for Climate' is focused on discussing solutions for climate change. It features conversations with experts who are actively working on these solutions.
  2. The first series has five episodes that will be released weekly. The first two episodes showcase different perspectives from notable figures in the energy sector.
  3. The host is learning about the challenges of podcasting and hopes to improve in future seasons after this initial learning experience.

All things go to eleven

Disaffected Newsletter • 2318 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Pollution Waste Management 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.