The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Space Debris: the Global Flagship Conference Takeaways from Saudi Arabia

Space Ambition • 159 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Sustainability
  1. The recent Space Debris Conference in Saudi Arabia gathered over 50 countries to discuss the growing issue of space debris. This problem arises from the increasing number of satellites and other objects in Earth's orbit.
  2. Experts stressed the need for global cooperation and innovative technologies to tackle space debris. They highlighted that ignoring this issue could lead to serious threats for future space missions and satellites.
  3. Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive role in addressing space debris, signing agreements with key organizations to enhance tracking and safety measures. Their commitment shows a strong dedication to ensuring safe and sustainable space exploration.

Baseload price and the support to renewables

GEM Energy Analytics • 259 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Germany's energy market has seen a shift where renewable energy support is now funded by the federal budget instead of consumers. This change eases the financial burden on consumers.
  2. The price for electricity from renewables is influenced by baseload prices. Lower baseload prices can increase the financial needs for funding renewable projects.
  3. Support mechanisms like feed-in tariffs and market premiums help renewable producers when market prices drop. However, these systems also mean that funding needs can fluctuate with market prices.

Online resources on electricity and energy

GEM Energy Analytics • 339 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. There are many websites that provide valuable data on electricity generation and energy prices, especially in Europe. These resources can help understand the energy market better.
  2. Tools like Ember Climate and Electricity Maps offer useful visualizations to track emissions and power generation in various regions.
  3. The International Energy Agency and the U.S. Energy Information Administration are great sources for reliable energy data and insights globally.

Space Ambition Useful Resources for Founders and Investors

Space Ambition • 99 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. There is a fellowship program for people interested in starting spacetech companies. It's starting soon and there are only a few spots left.
  2. They offer help for those with ideas for spacetech or sustainability start-ups looking for support or funding.
  3. Investors can get involved by reaching out for access to deal flow and investment opportunities in the space sector.
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Economics Links, 2/2/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Sustainability
  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.

🌾 Can we feed the future?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Farmers have made great progress in feeding a growing population, moving from three billion to eight billion people over the last 60 years. This was thanks to better technology and more farmland.
  2. Even with this success, experts worry that factors like climate change, crop diseases, and lack of investment in farming tech could hurt future food production. There's a lot at stake for the world's food supply.
  3. To continue improving food production, we need to embrace technology and find ways to share it better, especially in less developed areas. Innovations can help us meet the needs of a future population that could exceed nine billion.

Obsessed, entranced, seduced, panicked

Pinch of Dirt • 157 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Marie Kondo's method of decluttering involves keeping items that spark joy, starting with clothing and ending with sentimental items. It's a thorough process that aims to be done just once.
  2. Consider the environmental impact of decluttering - discarded items can end up in landfills, despite the potential for reuse. Donating items may not guarantee they will be resold or find a new home.
  3. Reflect on the idea of treating our homes and the Earth as sacred spaces. The responsibility for the objects we possess extends beyond just tidying up, prompting a deeper consideration for how we consume and discard.

An introduction to (green) Hydrogen

GEM Energy Analytics • 299 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Hydrogen is seen as important for reducing carbon emissions, but it's not a complete solution. It can help in specific tough areas but isn't the only answer.
  2. Producing hydrogen currently causes pollution because most of it is made from natural gas or coal. Only a tiny bit comes from clean methods like renewable energy.
  3. Green hydrogen is expensive to produce, and its high costs mean it will be limited. It's better used in areas where alternatives like electricity don't fit, not for everyday home heating or personal cars.

Comparing the Pace of Solar and Batteries

GEM Energy Analytics • 319 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar energy is growing really fast, and it's changing the way we think about energy costs. Europe is seeing a huge increase in solar capacity, with Germany leading the way.
  2. Batteries, especially large-scale ones and home batteries, are important for storing solar energy, but they still can't keep up with solar growth. More batteries are coming, but their impact is still limited right now.
  3. Electric vehicles (EVs) can help with energy storage too, but we need better support and smart systems for them to work effectively. Right now, we face challenges in making the most of EVs to store solar energy.

Markets Are Conversations

Surfing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Markets are conversations that can drive change at industrial scales.
  2. Changing conversations in sectors like energy is essential for speeding up change.
  3. Success in global energy transitions relies on complex coordination and can't be achieved with quick fixes.

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

210: It's (Not Necessarily) Fair to Mock Apple's "Mother Nature" Video

Hardcore Software • 396 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Apple's efforts to fight climate change go beyond the criticized video and involve significant, strategic initiatives.
  2. Apple's vertical integration approach to packaging optimizes materials, reduces waste, and enhances profitability.
  3. Apple's focus on sustainability extends to materials used in products, manufacturing processes, and transit efficiency, all contributing to environmental and financial benefits.

Homesteading: December Dreaming

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Running a small farm means training employees and setting clear routines so things keep running smoothly when you travel.
  2. Winter brings special chores and setbacks—watching animals for cold-related illness, fixing broken equipment, and getting beds prepped and bulbs planted for spring.
  3. Managing animals and produce is both rewarding and hands-on: use stored harvests to feed livestock, adjust breeding and sales strategies, and accept wildlife as part of a healthy ecosystem.

Solar cannibalization: more details

GEM Energy Analytics • 399 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar energy is growing rapidly, but it faces a challenge called solar cannibalization, where high production leads to lower market prices. This means that when solar output is high, producers earn less money.
  2. The effect of solar cannibalization is expected to increase as more solar capacity comes online, especially during sunny months when energy supply exceeds demand. This could result in financial strain for solar power projects.
  3. Solutions that help manage electricity demand, like flexible uses of power and smart technology, may not be enough to balance the market. Policymakers need to better understand these dynamics as solar capacity expands.

Paid content: Parables for pruning an apple tree

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Pruning an apple tree is important for its health and growth. It helps the tree produce better fruit and stay strong.
  2. There are techniques to prune effectively that can improve the overall structure of the tree. Learning these can make caring for a tree easier.
  3. Knowing when and how to prune is key to successful gardening. Timing your pruning can lead to the best results for your apple tree.

The ETC report on fossil fuels in transition

Renewable Revolution • 239 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Fossil fuel demand has peaked, and we need to reduce it over the next three decades to tackle climate change effectively.
  2. By 2030, we can cut down fossil fuel use significantly with existing solutions, showing that change is not only possible but also necessary.
  3. New fossil fuel exploration is unnecessary because we need to focus on speeding up the transition to renewable energy instead.

Paid content: Against vacuum cleaning

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Technology isn't just about smartphones; we should think about other gadgets too. Getting rid of more tech can help simplify our lives.
  2. Vacuum cleaning might not be the best choice for keeping our spaces tidy. There are other, simpler methods to clean without using machines.
  3. It's good to question the tools we use daily. Sometimes, going back to basics can be healthier and more efficient.

How much food did the world produce in 2024?

Sustainability by numbers • 379 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. In 2024, global food production of staple crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans is expected to hit record highs. This is good news as it means more food is available.
  2. While some crops like corn may not reach last year's records, overall yields for most staples are strong. This shows that farming practices are improving.
  3. Other crops like cocoa and coffee have mixed results; cocoa production has dropped while coffee is nearly at record levels. It highlights how different crops respond differently to growing conditions.

#59: Algae, the New Oil Rush

Snaxshot • 159 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. The olive oil market is growing with premium brands like Brightland and Graza standing out.
  2. Zero Acre Oil offers a sustainable cooking oil alternative with health benefits and environmental advantages.
  3. Algae Cooking Club is introducing algae oil as a new culinary ingredient, focusing on flavor enhancement and collaborations with culinary icons.

A story from the margins

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. A group of artists moved to a small village because they wanted a richer cultural life, not just to be closer to nature. They believe it's possible to create an interesting and fulfilling life in a remote place.
  2. Living in a rural area comes with challenges like power cuts and lack of infrastructure, but the group uses these limitations as inspiration for creativity. They focus on building a sense of community and care for the place.
  3. They regularly engage with others through programs and a magazine, inviting people to learn and share ideas. This approach shows that rural living can be vibrant and collaborative, despite its obstacles.

The Sinking Cities Edition

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

Ignore that bomb, someone lit a fire-cracker!

The Crucial Years • 1295 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. False information spreads quickly, like rumors about electric vehicle fires, aided by social media and anti-environmental amplifiers.
  2. Compared to fossil fuel vehicles, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch on fire.
  3. It's important to consider the larger picture and relative impacts when evaluating new technologies or risks, like the benefits of windmills in reducing fossil fuel use.

It seems like the next big fight

The Crucial Years • 1375 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The fossil fuel industry is pushing to export large amounts of fossil gas to preserve their profits, even though renewable energy sources are cheaper and cleaner.
  2. The rapid expansion of LNG export terminals could cause American greenhouse gas emissions to remain stagnant since 2005, impacting global warming.
  3. It is crucial to stop the continued expansion of LNG build-out to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources worldwide.

Do US states with more renewable energy have more expensive electricity?

Sustainability by numbers • 316 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Having more renewable energy sources like solar and wind doesn't always mean higher electricity costs. Some states with a lot of renewables actually have lower prices.
  2. Electricity prices vary widely between states due to many factors, not just the types of energy used. Things like distribution costs and market design play big roles.
  3. Tracking electricity prices over time can show the impact of renewable energy. Some states see lower prices with more renewables, while others may see prices rise.

The imperfect LCOE and CfD

GEM Energy Analytics • 439 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. LCOE is not a reliable measure for wind and solar energy. It can mislead comparisons and decisions about energy costs.
  2. The value of electricity changes over time, especially for renewables. When the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, electricity prices can drop, making more generation less valuable.
  3. Support programs like Contract-for-Difference (CfD) might help producers but can hurt the overall system. They do not encourage efficient energy production based on market prices.

Who Makes the Rules?

Vittles • 164 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Sushi has become popular in Pakistan, and restaurants have adapted it to local tastes. You can find sushi rolls like spicy prawn tempura and chicken rolls in many places.
  2. The introduction of Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, was risky but aimed at wealthy customers seeking new dining experiences. Restaurants like Fujiyama created a status symbol around trying such exotic food.
  3. There is a growing interest in using local seafood for sushi in Karachi, but many people still prefer imported ingredients. This shows a disconnect between local culture and the coastal resources available.

The EV Revolution in Five Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 259 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are rapidly increasing, with countries reaching significant market shares in about six years. In 2023, around 20% of car sales will be EVs.
  2. Experts continuously revise their predictions upward for EV growth as prices drop and more people prefer EVs. Many now expect about 40% of cars sold in 2030 to be electric.
  3. The rise of EVs is pushing down sales of traditional gas cars and oil demand. As more EVs are sold, we could see a significant drop in oil use within 15 years.

Communing with nature

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.

Sorry, Davos: e-waste is a tragedy, not an opportunity

Fight to Repair • 138 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. E-waste is a significant problem globally, causing harm to people and ecological systems through pollution, inhumane extraction of raw materials, and other disasters.
  2. The idea pushed by some, like the World Economic Forum, that e-waste can be seen as a financial opportunity and a way to boost the economy is criticized as overlooking the true impact and complexity of the issue.
  3. Repairing electronics rather than constant disposal is highlighted as a more sustainable solution that could lead to a more resilient community, a reduction in repair costs, and the circulation of money locally.

Your ideas for improving capitalism

The Novelleist • 445 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Employee ownership and cooperatives can help create a fairer economy. When workers own part of their companies, they may feel more invested in their success.
  2. Protecting housing as a basic need is important. Just like utilities, housing should be safe from big corporations that inflate prices and make it hard for everyday people to afford a home.
  3. Encouraging pro-social behavior, like investing in renewable energy, can help tackle climate change. Companies can be incentivized to do better for the environment and communities.

Paid content: Stuff that isn't useless

Wood From Eden • 384 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Energy-as-a-service

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Energy-as-a-service is a new way to think about energy. Instead of paying for the electricity you use, you would pay for the services it provides, like heating or lighting.
  2. Mini-grids in Africa show how flexible energy solutions can work. These small systems can innovate with different pricing models to meet local needs.
  3. Smart technology could make it easier for consumers to handle their energy use. If providers take care of the complexity, people could just enjoy reliable services without worrying about fluctuating prices.

Why We Need More Ivy

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Ivy can help cover bare concrete walls along freeways, making them look nicer and reduce graffiti. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows easily and creates a green layer.
  2. Covering walls with ivy can reduce noise pollution and make driving more pleasant. The leaves help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for people nearby.
  3. Ivy also helps improve air quality by capturing pollutants from the air. It acts like a natural filter, making the city environment healthier for everyone.

What’s the impact of artificial intelligence on energy demand?

Sustainability by numbers • 402 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

In search of lithium

Everything is Light • 235 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Cornwall has a rich mining history, especially with tin and copper, shaping modern Cornwall.
  2. The global demand for lithium is rising due to electric vehicles and solar panels, potentially leading to shortages by 2025.
  3. Mining lithium in Cornwall is seen as an opportunity for economic growth, jobs, and a sustainable supply of a crucial element for the green transition.

Managing the Landscape of Fear

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 235 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The Anthropocene presents a landscape of fear due to human impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
  2. The IPCC report emphasizes the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment to ensure a sustainable future.
  3. Rewilding initiatives, like the 30x30 conservation plan, aim to reduce fear in the landscape by restoring natural habitats and biodiversity.