The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics
philsiarri β€’ 22 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 25
  1. AI became everyday infrastructure: agentic systems and wider GPU access made generative tools and smarter search part of normal workflows.
  2. Big hardware launches β€” like the NVIDIA RTX 5090, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Switch 2 β€” pushed performance and helped new device formats reach mainstream appeal.
  3. The year favored steady integration over sudden disruption, with sustainability shifting from an aspiration to an industry requirement.
Splattern β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 24
  1. Leaving a warm home can be really tough, especially when the food is delicious and the company is great. It's hard to say goodbye to comforts like good cooking.
  2. Meeting new people on the journey can be rewarding. For example, Liam shared his farm life and offered food and company, making the experience special.
  3. Community involvement is important, especially during emergencies. People often show up to help in crises, but it's better if they're prepared and involved beforehand.
Surfing the Future β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. Stephen Wolfram's TED talk on computational thinking explores AI, the universe, and more, opening up new possibilities for the future.
  2. Earth being a computing process is a fascinating concept with implications for sustainability and AI.
  3. The work of James Lovelock, especially his Gaia theory, holds significance and influences the thinking of many individuals.
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Sustainability by numbers β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
  1. There are interactive slide decks available that show how electricity sources and prices vary across different states in the US. This makes it easy for people to understand where their electricity comes from.
  2. The slide decks get updated with new data to reflect changes in energy policy and the electricity market over time. It's helpful for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends and figures.
  3. Users can freely explore the data on electricity mixes and prices without needing permission, promoting accessibility and awareness about energy consumption.
OK Doomer β€’ 253 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 25
  1. The super rich seem to know there's no bright future ahead for humanity. They are enjoying their last years on Earth while ignoring promises of a sustainable future.
  2. Many wealthy individuals are preparing for disaster, like building doomsday bunkers, which shows they aren't worried about the same issues the public face.
  3. There's a sense that leaders and elites are acting without consequences, showing little regard for the impacts of climate change and environmental destruction.
Tessa Fights Robots β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 25
  1. The author feels strongly about the impact of chemtrails on the sky and expresses frustration over their presence. They see the blue sky as something precious that is often taken away.
  2. In recent times, the author has shifted their focus from the sky to more pressing ground issues, but they still keep an eye on the sky and appreciate clear days.
  3. The piece contains personal reflections and encourages readers to support the author's work through subscriptions or donations.
Chris Arnade Walks the World β€’ 771 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  1. The Dutch culture emphasizes good citizenship, seen in how they are thoughtful, friendly, and helpful to strangers.
  2. The Netherlands is clean and functional due to being a high-trust society, which allows for nice things without fear of them being misused.
  3. Placing a focus on pedestrians and cyclists over cars has made Dutch cities more livable and charming, contrasting with the struggles in the US.
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 24
  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.
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 364 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
  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.
Men Yell at Me β€’ 409 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 24
  1. Climate change is a big problem that we all contribute to. Our actions, like overconsumption and reliance on fossil fuels, play a part in causing extreme weather events.
  2. People often look for someone to blame during disasters like hurricanes. This can lead to the spread of conspiracy theories instead of acknowledging our collective responsibility.
  3. Despite the dire situation, there is still hope. We've solved environmental issues before and can work together to combat climate change if we focus on the facts and solutions.
GEM Energy Analytics β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 18 Aug 23
  1. Solar panels help reduce carbon emissions, but the best place to put them matters a lot. Areas that rely heavily on coal or gas for power see bigger benefits when switching to solar.
  2. The amount of energy a solar panel can produce depends on where it is installed. For example, sunnier places generate more energy, meaning they can offset more emissions.
  3. The environmental impact also varies based on how solar panels are made and installed. In some cases, it can take just a few months to offset emissions, while in others, it might take many years.
Soaring Twenties β€’ 92 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 25
  1. Summer is a time for fresh fruits, like tomatoes, which require a lot of attention to grow well. It’s a rewarding experience to grow your own food.
  2. Hunting for caterpillars on plants can be a fun and engaging task, helping to protect the crops. Keeping an eye on pests is important for a successful garden.
  3. Making salsa is not just about following a strict recipe; it’s about enjoying the process and the flavors that come together from fresh ingredients. Cooking can be a joyful and creative activity.
Bureau of Adventure β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. Cruise ships are getting bigger mainly because larger ships can serve more passengers at a lower cost per person. This helps cruise companies make more money but also leads to some criticism.
  2. Sustainability is another big reason for bigger ships. As companies aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, larger and more efficient ships help them meet those environmental goals.
  3. Despite the trend of bigger ships, there are limits. Some destinations can't handle large ships due to physical restrictions and tourism infrastructure, which may keep smaller ships in demand.
Γ“mΓ³s Digest β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 23
  1. The story discusses the migration of people to West Cork in the 1970s and 1980s seeking a new cultural lifestyle
  2. The narrative highlights the importance of being persistent and kind when seeking to learn from experts in different crafts
  3. Sally Barnes's experience with smoking wild salmon reveals the environmental challenges and changes in fish quality over the years
let them eat cake β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 23
  1. The importance of valuing traditional food culture and the impact of commercialization on it.
  2. The shift in focus from the quality of food to branding and packaging in the modern food industry.
  3. Reflecting on the notion of authenticity and craftsmanship in the context of manufacturing and food production.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 25
  1. Private jets cause a lot of pollution. They can emit as much carbon dioxide in a year as 177 cars.
  2. The number of private jets is increasing, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions over time. They are often used for short trips, which makes the pollution worse.
  3. Using private jets is a luxury that only a small percent of the world enjoys. Reducing their use could help lessen the environmental impact.
Surfing the Future β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
  1. System change can often creep up on us, and we adapt without realizing it, leading to the 'shifting baseline syndrome'. We tend to imagine today's world as how it was yesterday, which may not be the case.
  2. The concept of rewilding offers a chance to reset our baselines, allowing nature to rebound faster than expected. This shift could lead to 'Knepp' potentially becoming a verb symbolizing unexpected transformation.
  3. In the sustainability space, there has been a dilution of the original system change ambition over time due to mainstreaming. The concept of triple bottom line has evolved and must continue to adapt to drive urgent systemic changes.
As If We Were Staying β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 26
  1. There are endless ideas but not enough follow-through; we need producers who turn plans into real projects.
  2. Platforms and media reward clever re‑arrangement of ideas and engagement. That creates idea churn and distracts from doing the hard practical work.
  3. The way forward is building local regenerative hubs, coordinated funding, and hands‑on experiments that prove alternatives to extractive systems.
GEM Energy Analytics β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 23
  1. Green hydrogen production in Europe must meet strict rules to ensure it's sourced from renewable energy. These rules include standards for additionality, geographic, and temporal correlation to confirm the electricity is genuinely green.
  2. The 'green grid' exception allows hydrogen producers in certain high-renewable bidding zones to bypass some of these strict rules. This means they can count their hydrogen as renewable without developing additional renewable energy sources.
  3. As European countries consider increasing the number of bidding zones, there are concerns that this might lead to less efficient use of renewable electricity. It's important to ensure that the hydrogen production doesn’t divert green energy from more direct uses like heating or electric vehicles.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 208 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 25
  1. Climate change is causing significant price increases for crops like cocoa, coffee, and mango, impacting food costs around the world.
  2. Many crops are suffering from rising temperatures, with some regions losing suitable land for growing key crops like coffee and cocoa.
  3. To cope with climate change, farmers need to adapt their methods, such as using crop diversification and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Technology, Environment, and Art β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. Wildlife photography can reveal beauty that is hard to see in real life, but it may not capture the feeling of peace of just observing wildlife.
  2. Our consumerist and hyper-capitalistic system hides its destructive nature by providing entertainment and analgesics for its killing. It destructs relationships with nature.
  3. The need for a global philosophy and moral resolve to live harmoniously is essential for a sustainable future. Being around nonhuman life can inspire us to fight for solutions.
GEM Energy Analytics β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
  1. Wind and solar energy work well together, especially because they produce power at different times of the year. This balance is important for a reliable energy system.
  2. The wind energy industry is facing challenges like rising costs and lower investor confidence, making it harder to reach energy goals in the EU.
  3. Solar energy is booming, but if we lean too much towards it, we might mess up the balance with wind energy. Both are needed for creating green hydrogen and meeting heating demands effectively.
Field Guide to the Anthropocene β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jun 23
  1. To address climate change effectively, we need new, innovative thinking
  2. Carbon dioxide removal and storage technologies like DAC face immense challenges and may not be the most effective solutions
  3. Carbon offsets have limitations and may not be as effective as hoped, requiring more direct action to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 266 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
  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.
Space Ambition β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
  1. Satellite data can greatly help farmers by improving crop yields and monitoring crop health. This information allows for better planning and decision-making in farming.
  2. Using space data can lead to more sustainable farming practices. Farmers can track things like carbon storage and soil health, which helps protect the environment.
  3. The use of satellite imagery is still new in agriculture, but it has a lot of potential. However, challenges such as regional differences and competition from traditional farming methods can slow its adoption.
Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1031 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. Using reflective surfaces like aluminum foil can offer limited protection against wildfires.
  2. Choosing lighter colors for buildings can help keep them cool and reduce urban heat islands.
  3. Structural colors and coatings may offer innovative ways to regulate building temperatures in the future.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 208 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 25
  1. Microplastics are found in many parts of the human body, including the brain, blood, and lungs, which raises health concerns.
  2. Humans are ingesting and inhaling more microplastics than ever, often through food and air, making it a growing issue.
  3. The presence of microplastics in marine life is disrupting ecosystems and potentially contributing to climate change, highlighting the need for better solutions.
In My Tribe β€’ 273 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 24
  1. Banks face significant costs when forced to divert funds away from profitable fossil fuel loans to support unprofitable green energy ventures. This often results in financial burdens on depositors and can lead to bank failures.
  2. Scientific research is becoming risk-averse due to heavy reliance on citation metrics, which encourages safe, incremental work and often ignores innovative, high-risk projects. This can slow down advancements in science.
  3. Higher education significantly influences social class in America, creating a unified culture among graduates. In contrast, those without a college education often lack a sense of community and solidarity.
GEM Energy Analytics β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
  1. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly increasing in Europe, with goals set to nearly double their capacity by 2030. This is important because it shows a big shift towards cleaner energy.
  2. The electricity market is experiencing more volatility, making it harder to balance supply and demand. This means that energy prices can change a lot, sometimes going negative when there's too much renewable energy and not enough demand.
  3. To deal with these changes, strategies like energy storage, demand-side response, and dynamic pricing are becoming increasingly important. These can help manage when and how energy is used to keep the power system stable.
Adetokunbo Sees β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 25
  1. Many big cities like Kabul, Cape Town, and Mexico City are facing serious water shortages. Their water levels are dropping because of climate change and overuse.
  2. Climate change leads to less rain and higher temperatures, making water evaporate faster. This is a major reason cities are running low on water.
  3. Cities can fight water shortages by saving water and using it wisely. Practices like rainwater harvesting and better irrigation can help them become more water-secure.
The Analog Family β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
  1. E-bikes can really change your daily life by making errands and travel more enjoyable and practical. They allow for easy transport of kids and groceries without the stress of traffic.
  2. People of all ages and backgrounds are curious about e-bikes, which sparks conversations everywhere. Owning one can make you feel like a celebrity as others ask about your ride.
  3. E-bikes are a great alternative to cars, especially for short trips, and they provide a fun way to stay active. They bring joy and excitement to everyday routines, enhancing overall quality of life.
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 188 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 25
  1. The podcast 'Solving for Climate' is starting its second season, focusing on conversations with experts who are working on climate change solutions.
  2. Reading can help us understand important topics, like the impacts of climate change and our agricultural practices, through different perspectives and stories.
  3. Generational differences in views about climate change may be overstated, and it's important to recognize common ground instead of blaming each other.
Sustainability by numbers β€’ 211 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 25
  1. In 2024, fewer people died from disasters compared to previous years, thanks to fewer major earthquakes. The estimate was around 9,500 deaths, which is low compared to the high averages from past years.
  2. Floods, wildfires, and storms were the main causes of deaths in 2024. Many fatalities came from extreme weather events, particularly flooding in Africa and wildfires in South America.
  3. It's important to note that data on disaster deaths is often incomplete, especially for temperature-related deaths. Researchers have to estimate these numbers, leading to less reliable statistics overall.
Space Ambition β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 22
  1. Space missions currently rely on packed food supplies, which run out and can be hard to replenish. Scientists believe that producing food in space could solve this problem, but it needs a lot of research and funding.
  2. Astronauts will need new tools to create food that works in space, like vertical farming systems and 3D printing technologies. Different projects are being funded to develop these systems for growing essential food resources in space.
  3. Government space agencies like NASA and ESA are focusing on developing technologies for sustainable food production in space, which could also help with food issues on Earth. Innovating in food production is a long-term goal that requires collaboration and investment.