The hottest Sustainability Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Climate & Environment Topics

EU's critical minerals, nickel labor, and EVs may not cut it for auto sector

Green Rocks • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Climate technologies require huge amounts of metal, impacting mining and emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Concerns rise over labor conditions in Indonesia's booming nickel industry with reports of worker mistreatment.
  3. The auto sector faces challenges in meeting climate goals, requiring carbon standard agreements and increased renewable energy use.

History of Pigments: Tyrian Purple

Green Graphic Design • 78 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💾 History Sustainability
  1. Tyrian Purple, a pigment from snails, was highly valued in history for its rarity and difficulty to extract.
  2. The process of extracting Tyrian Purple involved crushing snails, soaking them, and boiling for over a week.
  3. Companies are now developing sustainable, animal-free alternatives to traditional Tyrian Purple extraction methods.

Sustainability, travel writing & duty

Talking Travel Writing • 78 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Sustainability
  1. Sustainable tourism is crucial for the well-being of communities, environments, and other activities in the long run.
  2. Responsible travel involves minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive outcomes of tourism.
  3. Tourism writers should prioritize sustainable tourism in their work to serve both readers and destination residents.

On Solarpunk #9

On Solarpunk • 78 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Freiburg, Germany has sustainable neighborhoods like Vauban and Rieselfeld with eco-friendly designs and low car usage.
  2. In the US, there are few similar projects to Freiburg like Ithaca's Ecovillage and Culdesac Tempe, showcasing alternatives to traditional housing.
  3. Community involvement and advocacy played a crucial role in shaping Vauban's development, showcasing the importance of public engagement in sustainable housing projects.
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Carbon Sinks Are Failing

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Carbon sinks, like forests and oceans, are not absorbing as much CO2 as they used to. This could lead to faster global warming.
  2. Recent research shows that land carbon absorption was almost zero last year, raising concerns that current climate models are not accounting for this collapse.
  3. We need to be aware and prepared for potential warming beyond the predicted timelines, as natural processes that help regulate climate are breaking down.

ESG's Russia Test: Trial by Fire or Crash and Burn?

Musings on Markets • 379 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💰 Finance Sustainability
  1. ESG might not be as helpful as it claims. Many companies that invested based on ESG ratings still lost money when Russia invaded Ukraine.
  2. There are three groups within the ESG movement: revisionists who think ESG can fix everything, expansionists who want to add more criteria, and utopians who still believe in its potential despite issues.
  3. The way ESG is measured and its goals can be unclear. This confusion can lead to companies just pretending to be good instead of actually improving their practices.

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

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

A modest proposal for resolving our differences on CO2.

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

The EV Revolution is Upon Us

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. The Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution will lead to significant changes in the world, impacting car repair shops, gas stations, electricity demand, and the road network.
  2. Mass market EV adoption is currently happening in China, with affordable EVs becoming increasingly available from various car manufacturers worldwide.
  3. By 2030, most cars will be EVs, with technology advancements leading to cheaper and more competitive electric vehicles with longer ranges.

EVs are taking us for a ride

WeBeGreen • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a solution to climate change, but their production has a significant environmental impact, especially due to lithium battery production.
  2. Transportation emissions, particularly from cars, are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
  3. There is a pressing need to think beyond traditional car-centric urban planning and explore innovative solutions for more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.

Just how Green is this low carbon concrete?

ESG Hound • 461 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Low-carbon concrete can have significantly lower GHG emissions compared to traditional concrete production.
  2. CarbonBuilt's technology involves using industrial materials and CO2 to reduce emissions and store carbon in solid form.
  3. It is important to consider the entire supply chain and potential environmental impacts when assessing the sustainability of green products.

Maine Micdrop: Auto Right to Repair Wins 84% Support At Polls

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Maine voters strongly support the right to repair automotive vehicles, mirroring efforts in other states. Voting yes on Question 4 allows car owners to choose where they get their vehicles repaired.
  2. Denver's Waste No More initiative promotes deconstruction over demolition to recycle and reuse construction materials, reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon footprint. Transitioning to deconstruction on a large scale faces challenges.
  3. Recognizing the environmental impact of construction waste, Denver residents passed the Waste No More ballot initiative. The ordinance requires the separation and recycling of several materials in construction and demolition activities.

Declining Birth Rates Are a Good Thing, Actually

antoniomelonio • 119 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. Declining birth rates might seem scary, but they can actually be a good thing. Fewer people could mean more space for nature and better quality of life.
  2. Overpopulation adds stress to our resources, but overconsumption is also a big problem. We have to find a balance and reduce our ecological impact.
  3. Instead of worrying about needing more people, we should focus on improving life for the people already here. Making life better for everyone can lead to a happier, healthier society.

Decoding Carbon Offset Markets for Tech: Basics, Trends and Challenges

Growing Products Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Carbon offsetting involves compensating for greenhouse gas emissions using carbon credits or offsets.
  2. The carbon market includes Compliance Carbon Market (CCM) and Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), each with its unique regulations and trading systems.
  3. Challenges in carbon offsetting include issues like exaggerated emission reductions, indigenous rights violations, and neocolonialism concerns.

Hottest January in the History of Januaries

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 85 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. January 2025 was the hottest January ever recorded, surprising meteorologists who expected it to cool down after previous high temperatures.
  2. The Arctic is experiencing drastic changes, including low sea ice extent and volume, which could lead to an ice-free Arctic by as early as 2027.
  3. If you’re under fifty, consider where you live, as many places will face extreme heat and water scarcity in the future.

Tides of Trouble: Fish Populations face Challenges in Numerous Basins

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Fish populations in the Amazon, Gulf of Guinea, and Mediterranean Sea are declining dramatically. This decline is alarming as it threatens the species and the ecosystems they support.
  2. These bodies of water also play a vital role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. As fish populations decrease, their ability to help combat climate change through carbon sequestration is reduced.
  3. To tackle these challenges, we need to protect fish habitats, reduce overfishing, and take action against climate change. It's important for the health of our oceans and the planet.

Garbatrage: for sustainable robotics

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. A paper presented at the Association for Computing Machinery conference highlighted repurposing old hoverboards for robotics, showcasing sustainability in the field.
  2. Robots in New York City made from discarded hoverboards emphasize the potential for innovative recycling in creating sustainable robotics.
  3. Subscription to Robots & Startups offers a 7-day free trial, granting access to exclusive content and archives for deeper insights into the realm of robotics.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #125

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 92 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  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.

Why It's So Hard to Build a Collapse Proof Community

OK Doomer • 109 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. Building a strong community is really difficult. Many people think it can solve a lot of problems, but it requires a lot of effort and resources.
  2. Examples like Babcock Ranch show that creating resilient communities often needs significant investment and planning. It's not just about having a nice neighborhood; it takes money and careful design.
  3. Many efforts to create climate-smart communities are happening globally, but the assumptions about community often overlook the real challenges involved. It's important to be realistic about what it takes to make these ideas work.

On International Repair Day: Much To Celebrate

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🌐 International Sustainability
  1. International Repair Day is an occasion to celebrate repair skills, promote sustainability, and advocate for a more circular economy worldwide.
  2. Significant progress has been observed globally with the adoption of repair laws in various regions, including the US, Canada, India, and the EU.
  3. The movement for the right to repair is growing, aiming for repair accessibility for all, with events, advocacy, and initiatives globally to support a shift towards a more repairable world.

Climate Con Job

Diane Francis • 399 implied HN points • 28 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. The media often creates a sense of urgency about climate change, especially around big events like COP26. This can sometimes lead to fear and panic rather than constructive solutions.
  2. There are positive developments regarding climate change that are often overlooked by those focusing solely on the negatives. It's important to recognize the progress being made.
  3. Political leaders may use the climate crisis for their own advantage, which can complicate the conversation and actions needed to address the issue. We should look critically at their motives.

Urban Stalactites

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🔬 Science Sustainability
  1. Urban stalactites, called calthemites, form from the weathering of concrete when water carries calcium hydroxide and reacts with carbon dioxide in the air. They look like tiny cave formations hanging from structures.
  2. The growth of these stalactites can happen quickly, with the best conditions allowing them to grow up to 2 mm a day. However, they can be fragile and might break if disturbed.
  3. In cities like Seattle, you can find these formations in places like tunnels, bridges, and parking garages. They add an interesting geological feature to urban landscapes.

#5: October Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Sustainability
  1. Japan Airlines is offering a clothing rental service for travelers. This could help people pack lighter and reduce the fuel used for flights.
  2. There are new high-speed trains connecting Miami and Orlando, making travel easier in Florida. More routes are being planned too, which is exciting!
  3. United Airlines is expanding its fleet with more planes. This shows they are focusing on premium travelers and growing internationally.

Are Bicycles Becoming Less Sustainable?

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Some argue the sustainability of bicycles is decreasing with the introduction of e-bikes and resource-intensive materials, prompting a need to return to simpler designs and materials.
  2. Not all bicycles have the same environmental impact, especially when considering their lifecycle, repairability, and the materials they are made of.
  3. Repairing bicycles is a crucial way to extend their lifespan and combat the disposable culture in the cycling industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing repair over constant innovation.

Robots for Morocco earthquake, sustainability, choreography, agriculture, investment and IPOs

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. Robots are being developed for various applications like earthquake response, sustainability, choreography, agriculture, investment, and IPOs.
  2. The robotics industry is exploring autonomous functions in trucking, driving, flying, bartending, education, fashion, and fast food.
  3. Key articles on interesting topics include one about Doosan and Bear Robotics, the NIST economic analysis of US manufacturing, and Madeline Gannon's robotic choreography installation in Miami.

California Legislature Passes Electronics Right To Repair

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability
  1. California Legislature passed a Right to Repair Act, a big win for consumers, small repair shops, and the environment, following years of lobbying resistance from tech firms.
  2. Designer Ollee Means breathes new life into old chairs by restoring and revitalizing them, highlighting the importance of repair and sustainability in modern design.
  3. Google agrees to 10 years of Chromebook support and sustainability measures like adaptive charging, saving costs, reducing waste, and promoting longer-lasting devices.

Precision Fermentation: The Future of Food

WeBeGreen • 59 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Animal agriculture has major environmental impacts, is inefficient, and requires vast resources - Precision Fermentation offers a sustainable alternative.
  2. Precision Fermentation uses microorganisms to create specific food components, like proteins, without the need for animals, potentially revolutionizing the food industry.
  3. The shift to Precision Fermentation in food production can significantly reduce land use, energy consumption, and environmental harm caused by traditional agricultural practices.

Air-Conditioner Repair in a Warming World

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability
  1. Access to air conditioning is crucial for health and safety, especially in marginalized communities during extreme-heat events.
  2. Tenants face challenges when waiting for AC repairs, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect renters' rights.
  3. The debate around air conditioning includes ethical considerations, such as its impact on the environment and calls for more sustainable solutions.

Ford gets Tough with patent for "Repo-Bot" Technology - Week in Repair

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Ford has applied for a patent for a self-repossessing vehicle that can drive itself to an impound lot if payments are missed, showing a new direction in car technology.
  2. There is a concerning trend of companies adding strings and restrictions to products, like Volkswagen's refusal to help locate a child due to unpaid subscription and Apple charging for SOS satellite service after two years.
  3. Consumer Reports supports repair bills, Sonos is making changes to facilitate repairs by using screws instead of glues, and movements like Repair Cafe and exploration of waste reduction show a push towards more sustainable practices.

When The World Ends, You'll Still Need to Go

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sustainability
  1. The collapse of modern society could lead to serious challenges, especially concerning basic needs like waste management. It's important to think about how we would handle everyday issues in a disaster scenario.
  2. Many people lack knowledge about the plumbing systems we rely on, such as toilets and sewage. Understanding these systems is crucial for preparing for potential future crises.
  3. Even the wealthiest individuals with survival plans need to consider practical solutions for sanitation. Without proper waste management, fancy bunkers won't be very useful.

Food is Political

Nomad No More • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Sustainability
  1. Food choices have political implications in modern society.
  2. Cooking at home can help combat societal issues like food waste and unhealthy eating habits.
  3. Investing time in cooking and being resourceful with food can have positive impacts on health, finances, and the environment.

Nutrition Pillars at Parkday

Particulars • 58 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Sustainability
  1. Personalized nutrition can lead to improvements in eating habits and health outcomes.
  2. Emphasizing diversity of foods and flavors can support a positive relationship with food and improve overall diet quality.
  3. Choosing minimally processed, whole foods and incorporating plant-based options can have significant health benefits and support sustainability goals.

Under your feet

Tabletops • 58 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🪑 Design Sustainability
  1. New Apple Stores are using more sustainable terrazzo flooring
  2. Apple is incorporating bio-resin terrazzo, a sustainable alternative
  3. This choice reflects Apple's commitment to sustainable design

Beni Makes Secondhand Shopping Seamless

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Sustainability
  1. Beni aims to reduce carbon emissions from the clothing industry by making secondhand shopping seamless through a browser extension.
  2. The browser extension targets 'aspirational secondhand shoppers' who understand the value of secondhand but find it time-consuming and inconvenient.
  3. Beni's goal is to transform norms of consumption by making secondhand shopping the new norm and helping to increase the share of circular business models in the fashion industry.