The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

Paid content: Packing the spring box

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  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.

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink 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.

Solar Power Won't Save You, but It Will Buy You Some Time

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar power can provide temporary relief but isn't a long-term solution for major crises. It's more about comfort and control than actual survival in tough situations.
  2. Having solar panels might seem helpful, but they can become useless if society collapses and you aren't able to maintain them or have access to battery replacements.
  3. Instead of solely relying on solar energy, it’s important to gain practical knowledge and skills in various areas, like growing food and securing water, to better prepare for future challenges.
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Fostering Flexibility Through Electricity Tariff

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Electricity prices can vary a lot, especially with more wind and solar power. This means we need to be flexible about when we use electricity.
  2. Better tariff structures can encourage people to use electricity when it's cheaper and more abundant, like during sunny or windy times.
  3. A new tariff system should charge people based on their electricity usage in real-time and how much they can use, rather than having a flat rate. This helps balance energy use with available resources.

Launching a new podcast on climate solutions

Sustainability by numbers • 268 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

Spotlight: Harriet Brettle – Head of Market Analysis and Business Intelligence at ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications

Space Ambition • 239 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. You can switch careers to the space industry, even if your background is in finance or another field. It’s important to follow your passion and explore new opportunities.
  2. Joining space-related communities can help you build connections and gain valuable experience. Volunteering and participating in events are great ways to get started.
  3. Sustainability is key in the space industry, and it's vital to consider the environmental impact of space activities. Every industry needs to be more responsible and think about the future.

LECTURE NOTES: 5.1. Global Warming

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  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.

Specialized thinking leads to ineffectual actions

Technology, Environment, and Art • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Specialized thinking can lead to actions that may not be effective or truly sustainable.
  2. Efforts focused on finding the most environmentally friendly solutions may just be a minimization exercise within the existing industrial system.
  3. To truly move towards sustainability, we should focus on reducing industrial production, global trade, energy and material usage, and emphasize local dependence.

The man who invented a time machine

The Crucial Years • 876 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. John Goodenough, who invented a powerful lithium-ion battery, helped keep the Texas power grid run smoothly during a heatwave.
  2. Batteries like the ones Goodenough invented are crucial for storing solar power and preventing energy crises.
  3. The use of batteries is growing worldwide to support renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Tracking the invisible from space: greenhouse gases

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane cause climate change. Satellites can help us see how much of these gases are in the air and where they come from.
  2. Satellites give us a big picture of greenhouse gas levels globally, even in hard-to-reach places. This information is important for climate research and making smart policies.
  3. Companies are starting to use satellite data to track their emissions because it's now a big deal for investors and consumers. This means there’s a push for better tracking and reducing greenhouse gases.

Grid Upgrade - Part 1: the reasons

GEM Energy Analytics • 139 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. We need to upgrade our electricity grid because electricity use is rising with new technology and applications. This includes electric cars and heating, which all require more power.
  2. The grid must handle a lot more energy generation from renewable sources like wind and solar. This means we need to build more infrastructure to support the increased output.
  3. Many new energy projects are located far from where the electricity is needed. To solve this, we must improve connections and cooperation between regions to reliably deliver energy where it’s required.

Celebrating International Women in Robotics Day on October 4th (and all October really!)

Robots & Startups • 139 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. International Women in Robotics Day is celebrated on October 4th and the entire month of October.
  2. The Women in Robotics organization publishes an annual collection of '50 women in robotics you need to know about.'
  3. Celebration events for International Women in Robotics Day are happening across the USA and the launch of new Women in Robotics chapters is taking place.

Open Friday Thread: Sustainability through affection

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Sustainability involves a continuous cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and preserving local memory and relationships.
  2. Economic externalities impact us all, and it's essential to be aware of them and resist indifference by building connections with people and places.
  3. Building affection and goodwill through activities like gardening can be as crucial as enhancing soil fertility, fostering interdependence and meaningful human connections.

Strategies to Boost Heat Pump Adoption [Part II]

Volted: Electrify your Life • 98 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Installing high-efficiency heat pumps can lead to significant cost savings on heating bills.
  2. Engaging HVAC contractors and providing them with incentives and training is crucial for boosting heat pump adoption.
  3. Streamlining financing options through instant rebates and zero-interest loans can help make heat pumps more accessible to consumers.

London’s 21st Century Woodsmen

London in Bits • 137 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Sustainability
  1. London has a large number of trees that need maintenance to provide essential services for the city.
  2. Most wood from felled trees in London is chipped or burned as biomass, but there's a growing interest in using it more positively.
  3. Companies like Fallen and Felled are repurposing London's wood to create furniture, highlighting the benefits of using local timber.

Living On The Land, Part 1

Adapt : Survive : Prevail • 137 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Sustainability
  1. Living on the land brought moral and logistical challenges, highlighting trade-offs humans must make to survive.
  2. Building a home on steep land required creative solutions like using stones for a stable foundation.
  3. Creating infrastructure and a garden revealed the personal joy in building a world that aligns with personal values and ideals.

Far and Wide

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 13 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Urban sprawl leads to bigger homes but worsens traffic and pollution. As people move away from city centers, commuting becomes longer and driving increases, causing congestion and environmental damage.
  2. The growth of gated communities is driven by a desire for safety and socioeconomic segregation. These neighborhoods often exclude lower-income residents, creating a divide in access to resources and services.
  3. Urban sprawl also drives up housing costs, making it harder for people to afford homes. Stricter zoning laws and lower housing supply contribute to higher prices and reduced economic opportunity for everyone.

The energy transition in five charts

Renewable Revolution • 219 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The switch to renewable energy is all about using better technology. Renewables like solar and wind are cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient than fossil fuels.
  2. Renewable energy growth isn’t slow and steady; it’s growing quickly in an exponential way. This means countries and companies need to move fast to keep up.
  3. China is leading the way in renewable energy technology. Their advancements are setting the pace for other countries like the U.S. and those in Europe.

2023 Was the Year 3D Printed Homes Hit the Mainstream

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. 3D printed homes have become mainstream in 2023, with various projects and collaborations showcasing their potential.
  2. There is optimism that 3D printed homes could help solve the affordable housing crisis due to potential cost reduction, sustainability, and efficiency benefits.
  3. However, skepticism exists around whether the popularity of 3D printed homes will be lasting, similar to the limited uptake of traditional 3D printing technology for everyday use.

X-change: Electricity

Renewable Revolution • 159 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Solar and wind energy are growing really fast, but we need to speed up even more to hit climate goals. Continuous growth is happening, and it's pretty exciting!
  2. Even though there are obstacles, the reasons for switching to renewable energy are stronger. Solutions are everywhere, and they're outpacing the barriers we're facing.
  3. The fossil fuel era is coming to an end. By 2030, renewable energy could produce a lot more electricity than fossil fuels, and it’s crucial we keep pushing for change.

Think Water And Waves, Not Just Fish

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Focus on the broader market landscapes rather than just individual businesses ("fish") in terms of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
  2. Anita Roddick's legacy through The Body Shop highlights the importance of corporate responsibility agendas in the business realm.
  3. The collapse of The Body Shop's UK arm underlines the need for market evolution to promote sustainable practices among businesses.

How cheap will solar projects get?

GEM Energy Analytics • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The cost of solar projects has gone down a lot over the last decade, but it is expected to decrease by only about a third in the next decade. This is still good, but not as impressive as before.
  2. Solar module prices were dropping fast, but that trend is slowing down. Improvements in manufacturing are now changing more slowly and the costs of projects could squeeze profits for developers.
  3. Oversizing solar projects, where the installed capacity is greater than the inverter capacity, might become common. This is partly because transmission costs aren’t increasing as quickly as module prices.

There is no nature

storyvoyager • 13 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. There is no separate "nature" — humans and the rest of life share one interconnected planet.
  2. Treating nature as an optional accessory makes it seem nonessential, but we depend on planetary ecosystems for our survival.
  3. Nature isn’t just a walk in the forest or a scenic backdrop; it’s the whole complex system that supports life everywhere.

We are the World

Life in the 21st Century • 58 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Sustainability
  1. The United States exports thermal coal despite reducing domestic use, leading to accusations of hypocrisy
  2. Coal fires industrialization, with India increasing coal-fired power capacity
  3. China leads in solar power due to historical American neglect of solar development

In search of a foundational set of water principles

Climate Water Project • 117 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The water cycle is complex and requires integrating knowledge from various sciences and methodologies.
  2. The set of water principles aims to simplify and highlight the most important interactions in the water cycle.
  3. Understanding the connections between groundwater, surface water, and land cover is crucial for managing water resources effectively.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.

Substantive Sustainability Gets More Clicks

computers suck • 117 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Substantive sustainability work leads to higher click-through rates in online ads compared to greenwashing
  2. Using science-based language in ads, such as carbon emissions reduction stats, is more effective than vague greenwashing claims
  3. Consumers aged 25-54 show significantly higher engagement with ads featuring substantive sustainability messaging

Want to Grow Your Own Food During The Apocalypse? Sound like Fun?

OK Doomer • 139 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Many people think they can't grow food, but that's not true. With persistence and experience, anyone can start a garden.
  2. Starting a garden helps with sustainability and can lower grocery bills. Even city dwellers can grow food in small spaces.
  3. The real challenge often comes from local rules and the opinions of others. It's important to start now and gain experience, even if it feels tough.

EU Systems Transformation Hub launched

Surfing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Sustainability
  1. EU Systems Transformation Hub launched to find systemic solutions for systemic crises in Europe.
  2. The Hub involves five organizations like Metabolic, EIT Climate-KIC, and the Club of Rome, with an open invite for more to join.
  3. The Hub focuses on mapping EU progress on Sustainable Development Goals, crafting progressive narratives for policymakers, and consulting with stakeholders.

Henry Huiyao Wang: China must ensure its green energy leadership is good for the world

Pekingnology • 56 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. China is becoming a leader in green energy, producing more solar panels and electric vehicles than ever before. This shift is important for both their economy and the global fight against climate change.
  2. The transition to green energy is not just about technology; it requires cooperation across countries to truly make a difference. Everyone needs to work together to address climate issues that affect us all.
  3. Trust is key for China as it moves into this new green economy. To help the world, China should invest in other countries and build relationships that benefit everyone.

The Heliogenesis Manifesto

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. We should approach life and work like a garden, nurturing growth instead of rushing for progress. Taking time for rest and connection is essential.
  2. Heliogenesis focuses on creating responsibly and sustainably, valuing what nourishes us instead of just taking resources. It's about building things that help, not harm.
  3. Belonging and leadership are more about support and safety, not control or fitting in. Change happens slowly through trust and connection.