Nostr notes by

This week I handed my newsletter to the one and only Queen of ...

2026-10-15T17:27:46Z

This week I handed my newsletter to the one and only Queen of Peat, ecologist Merritt Turetsky. Her big idea? Stop treating wet land as a problem to drain. Start seeing it as something to work with instead!

🌿 Good news: A new approach called paludiculture flips the script: instead of draining peatlands to farm them, it keeps them wet and grows what actually thrives there: cattails for insulation, sago for food, and much more.

🔥 Not-so-good news: When a peatland is drained, it turns from a carbon vault to carbon source. A single drained bog the size of Manhattan can release as much CO₂ as burning a few hundred thousand pounds of coal a day.

🐸 What you can do: Become a bog champion: visit a local wetland and learn what lives there, ask your garden store to drop peat-based compost, and back the groups working to protect peatlands! For more, check out Merritt's new book, Bogland.

This week, plan a visit to a wetland near you. We can’t protect what we don’t know and appreciate, and action begins the moment we start to care 💚

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/whats-hiding-beneath-the-bog

Earlier this summer, extreme heat was forcing major outdoor ...

2026-09-04T23:27:26Z

Earlier this summer, extreme heat was forcing major outdoor events to cancel — and the climate trolls had plenty to say about it.

“It’s just summer.”
“It’s been hotter before.”
“The climate has always changed.”
“Just tough it out.”

So in this episode of Cold Facts, Hot Takes, I’m taking on those arguments one by one.

Why are today’s heat waves becoming longer, stronger, and more dangerous? Why can’t natural factors explain the warming we’re seeing? What does extreme heat actually do to the human body? And no, the answer isn’t giving up air conditioning.

Because climate change isn’t really about “saving the planet.” It’s about saving us.

Enjoy the preview here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/preview-trolls-vs-heat-waves

Upgrade your subscription to watch the full episode: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/cfht-heatwaves

What does it look like when athletes personally experience ...

2026-07-30T21:13:45Z

What does it look like when athletes personally experience extreme heat and climate change?

This week, Talking Climate is hosted by two people who can answer that question firsthand: retired pro soccer/football player Imani Dorsey Kunzweiler and current pro Jasmyne Spencer - both EcoAthletes Champions.

⚽ Good news: Athletes everywhere are speaking up on climate and people are listening. Efforts range from integrating sustainability into college sports to climate-proofing community playing fields.

🌡️ Not-so-good news: The heat is already here, from Imani's near-collapse from heat exhaustion after a match to triathlons cancelled, youth tournaments suspended, and pro games played under wildfire smoke this summer alone.

📣 What you can do: You don't have to be an athlete or a climate scientist to make a difference. The most powerful thing any of us can do is use our voice, sharing our own story or backing teams and events going green.

Check out everything Imani and Jasmyne have to say below, and share it with the athlete, coach, or sports fan in your life to start a conversation this week. https://open.substack.com/pub/talkingclimatenewsletter/p/the-future-of-sports-depends-on-climate?r=1g6pfa&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Today is #ShowYourStripes day! The warming stripes, created by ...

2026-06-20T16:42:32Z

Today is #ShowYourStripes day!

The warming stripes, created by climate scientist Ed Hawkins show how the place where you live has changed over time.

They've been used on electric busses, concert backdrops, sports uniforms + more to raise awareness. This year, the UK's National Trust is projecting warming stripes onto Glastonbury Tor with the message: "Start a conversation about our warming world."

Find yours at showyourstripes.info - there are stripes by continent, country, and even city. Download them, share them, and start a conversation today.

Can we actually fix climate change? And if so -- how? This week, ...

2026-06-11T02:17:08Z

Can we actually fix climate change? And if so -- how?

This week, I handed Talking Climate over to climate scientist and Project Drawdown executive director Jonathan Foley.

His message is simple: yes, we can.

🥗 Good News: From cutting food waste to protecting forests to improving how we farm, many of the solutions already exist. They just have to be scaled.

‼️ Not-So-Good News: Political leadership is faltering, corporate momentum is slowing, and climate journalism continues to shrink. Yet clean tech from solar to heat pumps are becoming cheaper and more competitive every year.

💡 What YOU Can Do: Don't just focus on your carbon footprint—focus on your climate superpowers. Need help finding them? Project Drawdown's SHIFT platform, developed with Kimberly Nicholas, helps individuals identify actions that can create the biggest ripple effects.

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/climate-solutions-are-here-now-what

🎙️ Bonus: Jon and I will be discussing where climate action goes from here in a live webinar next week - June 16 at 2 PM ET. Register here to join us! https://lnkd.in/gYd6zkx4

What does it actually look like to move beyond fossil fuels — ...

2026-05-13T19:09:17Z

What does it actually look like to move beyond fossil fuels — not someday, but now?

🌍 Good news: In Colombia, 57 countries gathered last week for the first-ever global conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Together, they're creating practical roadmaps for reducing fossil fuel use.

🌊 Not-so-good news: A new study warns that much of coastal Louisiana may eventually be lost to rising seas, erosion, wetland loss, and sinking land. New Orleans could become an island in the Gulf.

♻️ Inspiration: In Louisiana, Glass Half Full is turning recycled glass into sand and gravel for coastal restoration - reminding us that solutions don’t have to start big to matter, and that we can feed two birds with one scone!

(yes, you see what I did there)

Read more in this week’s Talking Climate and don't forget to share what you learn, to make change contagious! https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/introducing-the-coalition-of-the

Climate change is already reshaping our energy systems, our ...

2026-04-29T18:09:56Z

Climate change is already reshaping our energy systems, our health, and even the basic medicines we rely on. But progress continues, and we can help.

⚡ Good news: Global investment in clean energy hit a record $2.3 trillion last year, outpacing fossil fuel investment for the second year in a row.

🦠 Not-so-good news: New research suggests that warming temperatures and drought may be fueling antibiotic resistance in soil, making infections harder to treat.

🌿 What we can do: The Nature Conservancy's free guide offers simple ways to get outside, from bird-watching to planting for pollinators to my personal fav: finding new ways to “wander and wonder.” Pick one thing and give it a try this week!

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/how-warming-soils-mean-weaker-antibiotics

⛪️ Good news: In the U.K., over 100 church leaders are ...

2026-04-08T20:41:34Z

⛪️ Good news: In the U.K., over 100 church leaders are calling out climate misinformation, making the moral case for why it causes real harm and delays action.

🐍 Not so good news: Climate change is shifting where species live—and in the case of venomous snakes, a new global study finds rising temperatures could increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters for millions.

🌱 What you can do: In the Netherlands, nearly 13M pavement tiles have been replaced with plants through a nationwide “tile flipping” challenge that's cooling neighborhoods, reducing flood risk, and restoring habitat. https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/faith-leaders-call-out-climate-lies

What if one of the most powerful climate solutions isn’t ...

2026-04-03T18:11:55Z

What if one of the most powerful climate solutions isn’t technology—but conversation?

💇‍♀️ Good news: Hairdressers may be some of the most effective climate communicators we’ve been overlooking. A U.K. study shows that when salons spark climate conversations, nearly 73% of clients say they’d adopt more eco-friendly habits.

⚠️ Not so good news: War doesn’t only devastate lives - it also drives massive emissions. A Climate and Community Institute analysis shows the first two weeks of the Iran conflict alone released about 5 million tonnes of carbon pollution. Rebuilding the damage will add even more.

🌱 What you can do: While negative news spreads faster, it’s positive, actionable stories that actually motivate us to act. Follow at least one source that shares climate solutions this week and share what you learn, on or offline. https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/this-everyday-job-can-activate-climate

🌱 Good news: Cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona are ...

2026-03-26T00:53:35Z

🌱 Good news: Cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona are redesigning streets for people instead of cars. This cuts pollution while improving health, local economies, and quality of life.

🌡️ Not so good news: Rising nighttime temperatures are disrupting sleep worldwide, with cascading effects on health, learning, and productivity—especially for the most vulnerable.

🏡 What you can do: Simple steps like adding window film, choosing reflective roofing, and planting trees can keep your home cooler, save money, and reduce the urban heat island effect, if you live in a city.

I am sorry there are not actually any stories about cats in the newsletter this week. I just couldn't resist this image of a cat trying to keep cool indoors.

Read on for all the details, and don't forget to share what you learn with others! https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/three-cities-that-are-cancelling

🌎 Good news: One of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on ...

2026-03-18T19:04:37Z

🌎 Good news: One of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, the Great Bear Sea, is Canada’s first - and the world's second largest - marine protected area network, co-governed by 17 First Nations.

⚠️ Not-so-good news: A new The Nature Conservancy Science study finds that 35% of the world already lives in areas where extreme heat limits safe outdoor activity for part of the year.

🌱 What you can do: Even small actions like planting native species or supporting community gardens can cool cities, reduce flooding, and support biodiversity.

And when we talk about climate solutions, anger and worry decreases: and hope rises! When we make climate action visible, it becomes contagious. https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/indigenous-led-ocean-protection-in

This week in Talking Climate: why a warming world can mean worse ...

2026-03-04T20:30:38Z

This week in Talking Climate: why a warming world can mean worse winter weather, and how one of the world's biggest cities just cleaned up its air 184 years ahead of forecast. Read on!

🌫️ Good news: London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone cut pollution in half and brought the city into legal air quality compliance 184 years earlier than forecast, proving that climate policy is health policy.

❄️ Not so good news: While average snowfall is declining in many places, a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture: which can mean heavier snow and more dangerous winter extremes where temps stay below freezing. Climate change isn’t eliminating winter; in some places, it’s intensifying it.

🤝 What you can do: One of the most effective climate actions individuals can take is joining a climate group. Collective action reminds us we're not alone, and drives systemic change. Use my lists to find your perfect fit ... and share your favourite climate group below! https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/why-winters-are-riskier-in-a-warmer

The US NSF has put out a "dear colleagues" letter that is ...

2026-02-25T15:52:10Z

The US NSF has put out a "dear colleagues" letter that is essentially a yard sale list for the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

It asks questions such as, "who'd like to take over some of NCAR's programs?," and, "Is anyone interested in commercial use of the Mesa Lab?

If you have any thoughts about this that you'd like to share, you can send them to NSF_NCAR@nsf.gov

Here is the letter: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/information/dcl-nsf-intent-restructure-critical-weather-infrastructure

What do the Winter Olympics, Bad Bunny, and “Grey’s ...

2026-02-19T15:18:56Z

What do the Winter Olympics, Bad Bunny, and “Grey’s Anatomy” have in common?

This week I’m delighted to welcome climate columnist Sammy Roth as guest editor of Talking Climate. He's spent over a decade writing on climate, culture, and clean energy, and his stories always inspire and surprise!

🌟 Good news: Climate storytelling is finally breaking into mainstream culture, thanks to Winter Olympians, Hollywood story-lines and Super Bowl halftime shows.

📉 Not-so-good news: Climate still appears in only a tiny fraction of film and TV content. Fossil fuel sponsorships remain widespread in sports, from Olympics to baseball, and climate journalism is shrinking in many major newsrooms.

🎯 What you can do: Support the culture and media you want to see. Watch, share, subscribe, and speak up — because entertainment companies, sports leagues, and news outlets pay attention when audiences demand change.

Read more here on smart ways to help climate storytelling reach the audiences it deserves: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/climate-through-sports-media-and

One of the most common objections I hear to climate action is: ...

2026-02-13T22:23:58Z

One of the most common objections I hear to climate action is: “But what about China?”

The person making this argument usually goes on to claim that China is doing nothing, while everyone else is making sacrifices. But that’s not what the data show.

Here’s the reality:

* As the U.S. doubles down on fossil fuels and blocks new wind and solar projects, its emissions are ticking up.

* In contrast, China’s emissions appear to have peaked — and may now be starting to decline.

* Last year, China installed a full half of all the world's new wind and solar energy.

* Over the past two years, China installed more new solar power each year than the U.S. has installed in total across its entire history.

* China's clean exports alone are cutting CO2 outside its borders by 1% year on year.

Of course no country can fix climate change on its own. But just as it's a global problem, progress in one place helps everyone.

https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chinas-co2-emissions-have-now-been-flat-or-falling-for-21-months/

Since the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued ...

2026-02-13T22:22:59Z

Since the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued its Endangerment Finding in 2009, the scientific evidence connecting greenhouse gas emissions to health impacts from climate change has only grown stronger.

Over the past two decades, I’ve contributed to this body of research myself: quantifying the risks posed by rising CO₂ levels to people, infrastructure and the natural systems we depend on, and authoring multiple U.S. National Climate Assessments.

These authoritative and exhaustive reports helped build the scientific foundation that underpins the Endangerment Finding, and their conclusions weren’t based on ideology. They were rooted in rigorous, peer‑reviewed evidence; evidence that has only become clearer with time.

Research today shows that climate change is increasing the risk of allergies, dementia, fertility, heart disease, mortality and so much more. Maintaining science‑based policies isn’t just prudent—it’s the reliable foundation we need to build a safer, healthier and more resilient future.

Read more of my statement here: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/epa-repeal-endangerment-finding/

🏂 Good news: Winter athletes are becoming powerful climate ...

2026-02-11T21:42:08Z

🏂 Good news: Winter athletes are becoming powerful climate advocates because they’re seeing the changes firsthand. From Olympians to fans, groups like Protect Our Winters are pushing sports organizations and policymakers to cut emissions and protect the winters their sports depend on.

⛷️ Not-so-good news: Climate change is rapidly whittling down locations where Winter Olympics can reliably be held. By mid-century, only a handful of locations may be cold enough—and most would rely on artificial snow.

🧊 Inspiration: Glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre just kite-skied 4,000 km across Antarctica to collect critical ice data. Her example shows how science, courage, and communication can come together—even at the coldest edge of the planet.

What happens to winter sports in a warming world, and how can those of us who love snow and ice use our voices to catalyze change? Read more in this Winter Olympics edition of Talking Climate: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/can-the-winter-olympics-be-saved

The energy transition is happening, faster than many realize. ...

2026-02-05T17:04:02Z

The energy transition is happening, faster than many realize. This week, I look at how clean energy is surging, where we can get it wrong, why silence on climate is spreading, and what we can do about it.

🌞 Good news: Renewables are now so cheap they’re “virtually unstoppable.” Wind and solar plus storage are outpacing fossil fuels globally as well as in the US, UK, Australia .... simply because they make economic sense.

⚠️ Looks like good news, but isn’t (unless we do it right): Where we build clean energy matters. Poor siting can harm ecosystems and communities: and this week, approval of a new pumped storage facility in WA that threatens the Yakama Nation's sacred site embodies this risk.

🤐 Not-so-good news: “Climate hushing” is on the rise as political and industry leaders avoid the topic altogether, even at major global forums. But silence doesn’t neutralize climate risk; it just delays action when we can least afford it.

💬 What you can do: In an era of climate hushing, talking about climate change matters more than ever. Start with shared experiences, local impacts, and hopeful solutions. Our voices are still the most powerful climate tool we have!

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/climate-hushingthe-quiet-trend-undermining

🐘 Good News: What if wildlife isn’t just impacted by climate ...

2026-01-28T21:03:41Z

🐘 Good News: What if wildlife isn’t just impacted by climate change, but part of the solution? From forest elephants and sea otters to whales, penguins, and beavers, animals help store carbon, cool the planet, and keep ecosystems functioning. Protecting biodiversity isn’t separate from climate action: it’s central to it.

🐧 Not-So-Good News: Climate change is exacerbating the biodiversity crisis: skewing sex ratios in reptiles, shifting breeding seasons for penguins, and unraveling food webs species have relied on for millennia. These aren’t distant risks; they’re happening now.

💪 What We Can Do: Personal choices matter—not because they “fix” climate change on their own, but because they shift norms, start conversations, and inspire collective action. This January, choose sustainable habits that fit your life, share why they matter, and help catalyze systemic change.

Read more and share what you learn! https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/animals-are-climate-action-heroes

The Trump administration says it will dismantle the National ...

2025-12-19T00:44:29Z

The Trump administration says it will dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a cornerstone for American climate and weather science. I went on NPR today to explain what this could mean for climate research. Listen here: https://www.npr.org/2025/12/18/nx-s1-5648395/trump-moves-to-dismantle-a-global-mothership-of-climate-research

If you are in the US and you would like to send a message to your elected representative about this, American Geophysical Union has a template here: https://agu.quorum.us/campaign/151565/

Surprised by data showing a decrease in the people who say ...

2025-10-31T18:20:29Z

Surprised by data showing a decrease in the people who say they're afraid of climate change, even as climate-fuelled disasters grow? I'm not.

A big part of what’s driving this is the perfect storm of disinformation, polarization, and manipulation we're confronting today. As the clean energy transition accelerates, vested interests are doubling down on falsehoods and fear to delay it.

At the same time, social media algorithms — many deliberately optimized to amplify outrage and misinformation — are actively down-weighting factual information, boosting the trolls, and fracturing our sense of shared reality.

But there’s more to it than that. I saw this same downward trend in Canada after our devastating 2023 wildfire season. It turns out that when fear isn’t paired with a sense of efficacy — the belief that what we do matters — our defense mechanisms kick in. We disconnect, tune out, or even mock the very thing that frightens us.

“There's nothing I can do about it, so why should I care?”

That’s not apathy. It’s dissociation — a form of self-protection. But when it spreads, it leaves us even more vulnerable to what I've already discussed above: the rising tide of disinformation, polarization, and algorithmic manipulation deliberately designed to amplify confusion and delay the clean energy transition.

So what’s the antidote? Yale Program on Climate Change Communication has the answer: we need to know that others care and our actions matter: there is hope.

This week, we lost one of the world’s greatest advocates for ...

2025-10-06T23:03:15Z

This week, we lost one of the world’s greatest advocates for people and nature.

When I was a child, she was the first scientist I ever saw on screen — a young woman in Africa, working with chimpanzees. Decades later, I met her backstage at the Paris climate talks: still tireless, still hopeful, still reminding us that “only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential.”

Even in her final days, Dr. Jane Goodall was urging us not to give up, and now her legacy lives on through the countless voices she inspired — scientists, faith leaders, and citizens alike — to act with courage, lead with kindness, and never lose hope.

The best way to honour her? Do what Jane told us to do: believe that what you do makes a difference — and then do it.

Read more here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/jane-goodalls-final-lesson

This past week brought a landmark legal opinion for climate and ...

2025-07-30T21:57:05Z

This past week brought a landmark legal opinion for climate and set another series of staggering heat records: a powerful reminder of why we all have a role in accelerating climate solutions.

✅ Good news: The International Court of Justice issued a historic advisory opinion affirming that governments have a legal duty to address the "urgent and existential threat" of climate change. Initiated by Pacific Island law students, this ruling strengthens the case for climate justice and reparations world-wide.

⚠️ Not-so-good news: In Kashmir, climate change is disrupting water supplies and agriculture. This month saw the hottest temperatures in over 70 years, and glacial melt is threatening the region’s long-term water security, despite the area contributing little to global emissions.

💡 What you can do: Innovation is essential to climate action. Local startups are building climate solutions, and they need visibility, support, and partners — not just funding. Whether it's mentoring, amplifying their work, or connecting them with a pilot site, each of us can play a role (yes, you!)

Don't forget to share what you learn with others, so they also understand how climate change affects their lives and how they can contribute to meaningful solutions. The newsletter is called "Talking Climate" because it gives you stories and ideas on how to talk about climate every week!

Read the full edition here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-worlds-top-court-makes-a-climate

"The harsh reality of parenting today is this: our children ...

2025-07-25T16:11:28Z

"The harsh reality of parenting today is this: our children are living in a changing climate. What my generation perceived as extremes, you will know as average. What we perceived as volatility, you will experience as your norm.

We all have a role to play in securing our shared future, that begins by talking about it and committing to action.

And as a parent, it means committing to advocating for policies that keep you safe, protect your future, and empower you to make a difference."

In this essay, my colleague at Planet Ed Laura Schifter writes a letter to her daughters, a heartfelt exploration of the changes in both parenthood and childhood made necessary by the impacts of climate change.

Read the full essay here: https://time.com/7302203/floods-are-becoming-more-common/

As the world faces intensifying climate extremes, voices of ...

2025-07-18T15:38:42Z

As the world faces intensifying climate extremes, voices of compassion are speaking out. This week’s newsletter explores hope, heartbreak, and how each of us can help connect the dots.

🌿 Good news: Pope Leo XIV is carrying forward Pope Francis' legacy by elevating climate action as a moral imperative. From calling for a "conversion of hearts" at a special Mass to approving a new liturgy "for the care of creation," his leadership echoes the calls of Catholic bishops from the Global South for climate justice and systemic change.

🌊 Very bad news: Tragic flooding in Texas has claimed the lives of over 135 people and left many more still missing, two weeks later. As climate change fuels stronger and more frequent extremes, to keep people safe we need more investment in weather and climate services— not less.

💡 What you can do: A global study shows that people don’t automatically link extreme weather to climate change—but when someone they trust explains the connection, their support for solutions grows. That messenger could be you!

Read more here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/todays-floods-are-tomorrows-warnings

Newspaper coverage of climate change around the globe dropped 6% ...

2025-07-09T15:31:49Z

Newspaper coverage of climate change around the globe dropped 6% from May to June 2025 -- and by 28% compared to June 2024, despite increasing frequency and severity of climate-fueled extreme weather events.

Read more: https://mecco.colorado.edu/summaries/issue102.html

A while back when I discussed plastic pollution in my newsletter ...

2025-06-26T17:59:25Z

A while back when I discussed plastic pollution in my newsletter Talking Climate, I said the most important way we can cut it is not by recycling (only 8% is actually recycled) but rather by advocating for plastic bans where we live.

And now, guess what - there’s peer-reviewed evidence this works!

Find the article here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9274

These days, I’m often accused of being a “hopium peddler” ...

2025-06-10T16:28:59Z

These days, I’m often accused of being a “hopium peddler” -- someone who offers false comfort or even delusional solutions to climate change -- by some who are so worried about climate change, they've decided there's nothing we can do about it. They've given up, and they want everyone else to, too.

But as a climate scientist who’s spent two decades warning about its very real risks, I know that despair is just as dangerous as denial. That's why, in this special edition of Talking Climate, I take a fresh look at the rise of climate doomerism—why it’s spreading, what the science says, and why giving up is the only thing that will guarantee our failure.

So if you’ve ever wondered, is it too late? -- this one’s for you!

Read the full edition of the newsletter here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/are-we-really-doomed

NASA’s iconic Goddard Institute for Space Studies—home to Jim ...

2025-06-02T17:27:12Z

NASA’s iconic Goddard Institute for Space Studies—home to Jim Hansen and hundreds more scientists, creator of the GISS model and keeper of the global temperature record—has been evicted from its longstanding NYC office above the “Seinfeld” restaurant.

Why? The government told them to move out.

Read more here: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nasas-goddard-institute-for-space-studies-faces-eviction-under-trump-plan/

🐔 Good news: In Zambia, a resilient new chicken breed called ...

2025-05-21T22:51:04Z

🐔 Good news: In Zambia, a resilient new chicken breed called the Zambro is helping farmers adapt to extreme heat and drought. These hardy birds grow quickly, lay plenty of eggs, and require less food and water.

🍚 Not-so-good news: In Japan, a rice shortage two years after a record-breaking heat wave is a stark reminder of how climate change affects even the most basic foods. Japan may import 20x more rice this year than in 2024, raising concerns for both food security and local farmers.

🥕 What you can do: Nearly 40% of the world’s food is wasted as nearly 2 billion people go hungry--and it's a big source of heat-trapping gas emissions, too! From smarter storage and meal planning to food-sharing apps and policy advocacy, reducing food waste is an effective climate action we can all be part of.

Read the full newsletter here: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/climate-on-our-plates

More evidence that recent cuts to health, science and climate ...

2025-05-21T18:39:29Z

More evidence that recent cuts to health, science and climate don't reflect what voters want:

New research from the Yale Program on Climate Communication finds 75% of registered US voters want federal agencies to maintain or increase efforts to protect people from the health harms of global warming.

Read more: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/a-majority-of-registered-voters-want-federal-agencies-to-increase-their-efforts-to-protect-people-from-the-health-harms-of-global-warming-2/?utm_source=Yale+Program+on+Climate+Change+Communication&utm_campaign=5b0d6c66c2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_12_03_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-5b0d6c66c2-348444605

Over 130 economists have issued a statement highlighting the ...

2025-05-19T15:36:47Z

Over 130 economists have issued a statement highlighting the detrimental economic impacts of gutting the National Climate Assessment process.

Their statement makes it clear that:

"Our resilience as a nation depends on our willingness to face reality head-on. For over three decades, the National Climate Assessment has drawn on the best available science to understand how climate change affects every region of the United States and every sector of the U.S. economy, helping us make smarter, more informed decisions.

Halting this work is as shortsighted as it is unlawful. The Act itself makes clear that climate research is vital to “national economic well-being,” “public health and safety,” and “international cooperation.” Denying Americans this knowledge undermines the Constitution’s promise to “promote the general welfare” and “secure the blessings of liberty for future generations,” weakening our country’s ability to prepare for future challenges."

Read more here: https://support-nca.org/

Think people of faith don’t care about the planet? Hundreds of ...

2025-04-17T21:46:27Z

Think people of faith don’t care about the planet? Hundreds of congregations—and even global church leaders—say otherwise. From compost heaps to global climate summits, many faith communities are leading the way.

✅ Good News: Christian denominations around the world—Presbyterian, Nazarene, Catholic, Orthodox, LDS, and more—are planting gardens, switching to clean energy, and teaching & advocating for creation care.

⚠️ Not-So-Good News: Although nearly 90% of U.S. Christian leaders acknowledge climate change is real and human-caused, most aren’t talking about it. This creates a false impression among congregants that their leaders don't care.

💡 What You Can Do: If you're part of a congregation—or know someone who is—there are so many ways faith communities can lead on climate. From free toolkits and carbon calculators to global networks and youth engagement, I've got a big list of ways to start the conversation and take action this week.

Read more: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/more-than-thoughts-and-prayers

Negative news gets the clicks and shares: but it can also leave ...

2025-01-21T18:02:14Z

Negative news gets the clicks and shares: but it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless. That’s why, every week, I share good news too. Like what? Like how hundreds of cities around the world--including the most recent, Chicago--are now powering all their municipal buildings with renewables.

Want to stay inspired and be encouraged to take action? Ditch doom-scrolling and try hope-scrolling: following people, organizations, and stories that share progress and ideas for a better future. My latest newsletter is packed with resources that will brighten your feed.

Check them out, and share!

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/would-you-click-if-i-said-the-world

Yup, Fred's comment is exactly the type I was referring to in ...

2025-01-08T18:17:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…z46y
_________________________

Yup, Fred's comment is exactly the type I was referring to in my commentary about negativity on Mastodon!

PS. I should also mention that my data shows clear evidence of ...

2025-01-07T15:47:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…syyd
_________________________

PS. I should also mention that my data shows clear evidence of algorithmic changes on Facebook (Fall 2018), X (Fall 2022 and ongoing) and now Threads (Nov 2024) explicitly downweighting climate content.

In Aug 2018, 'clean energy' was added to FB's "socially sensitive topics" list, and my page's growth was cut in half. A few months later, 'climate change' was added. My page growth froze at 46k then decreased, and my engagement dropped about 10x.

Now, changes in the Threads algorithm made in November have similarly frozen my Threads account and tanked engagement there as well. Here's the data below.

For more on how X's changes have boosted denial, read [@ketan](https://climatejustice.social/@ketan )'s analysis here: https://ketanjoshi.co/2023/03/28/musk-is-remaking-twitter-into-a-climate-denier-sanctuary/

Other interesting platform-specific tidbits: On Mastodon people ...

2025-01-07T15:40:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…k7c0
_________________________

Other interesting platform-specific tidbits:

On Mastodon people were most likely to share, while on LinkedIn they were least likely to.

More people hit the heart button on Threads, but Bluesky was tops for comments.
‪
Bottom line:

One of the main reasons I use social media is to provide accurate + relevant climate info, so I use analyses like this to help inform where best to spend my time. These days, engagement is:

* on its way up on LinkedIn + Bluesky
* holding steady on Mastodon
* headed down on Threads, Facebook + X

I hope this is of interest - feel free to comment and share your own experiences!

Here's the even more interesting part: the absolute values. ...

2025-01-07T15:39:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…lpyn
_________________________

Here's the even more interesting part: the absolute values.

Twitter used to be the clear winner for me, but Bluesky is rapidly catching up. Even though I have 3x more followers on X than Bluesky, the actual numbers on positive or neutral engagement here is nearly as high. That's amazing - and this is why, if you want to hear the most from me, I recommend following me on Bluesky directly or on my fediverse bridge account rather than this one. Here it is -> [@katharinehayhoe.com](https://bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/katharinehayhoe.com )

I didn't bother to analyze the negative X comments by ...

2025-01-07T15:37:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…eqv3
_________________________

I didn't bother to analyze the negative X comments by category this time, but they are not substantially different than the analysis I did previously here. Little imagination, but lots of variety -- because the point isn't to make their point, but rather to reject the need for climate action. In pursuit of that goal, any excuse will do.

Comparing the percentage of comments that are negative versus ...

2025-01-07T15:35:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…qn28
_________________________

Comparing the percentage of comments that are negative versus neutral/positive on each platform, you can also see that (a) Twitter has always had proportionately more trolls than other platforms, but also (b) trolling has massively increased post-Musk.

Note 1: The reason there were no negative comments on FB is because my page there has been shadow-banned since Aug 2018 when climate change & clean energy were added to the list of politically sensitive topics and FB refused (twice) to verify my identity, the step they claim is needed to post on those topics. So only a tiny fraction of the people who already follow my page see my posts there. They are not shared beyond that tiny bubble.

Note 2: it's also interesting that negative comments on Twitter/X, LinkedIn and Threads are nearly 100% denial, whereas negative comments on Mastodon are 100% from people worried about climate but who are mansplaining me or who want to harass or attack me for different reasons (e.g. not explaining the science the way they think I should, saying that climate action can make a difference, standing firm on the social science of effective communication, being a person of faith, etc.). This platform is #1 for "friendly fire," which is why I still post but don't engage here very much. It's not good for my mental health. If you want to see more of my posts here though, no worries: I have a bluesky bridge account [@katharinehayhoe.com](https://bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/katharinehayhoe.com )

Onward!

I first compared normalized engagement: likes, shares + comments ...

2025-01-07T15:30:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…5d7c
_________________________

I first compared normalized engagement: likes, shares + comments per 1000 followers.

You can see the big changes in Twitter/X over time, plus the stark differences in engagement between FB/LI versus Threads/Bluesky, with Mastodon in the middle.

These are the key facts everyone needs to know about climate ...

2025-01-07T15:29:49Z

These are the key facts everyone needs to know about climate change, according to Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (npub1uqu…chu2) :

It's real.

It's us.

It's serious - and already dangerous.

But there are solutions.

I shared this post across 7 different social media platforms, including FB, LI, Mastodon, Threads, X and Twitter both pre-and post-Musk.

Here's how their engagement stacked up. 🧵

https://fediscience.org/@kathhayhoe/113507294720813822

If you’d like to learn more about the increasingly solid and ...

2024-12-28T15:57:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…65d2
_________________________

If you’d like to learn more about the increasingly solid and direct attribution of the climate share of extreme weather impacts on economic damages, illness and even death, I recommend following World Weather Attribution (npub1h38…v75j) and reading Dr Friederike Otto (npub1gls…hld4)’s excellent book in English or German: https://greystonebooks.com/products/angry-weather

I love that the lawyer who connected climate attribution to ...

2024-12-28T15:55:48Z

I love that the lawyer who connected climate attribution to health risk science is one of npub12wtg86ullldz76yjrmmppefzqcvswfu57na70gyfjcpgzsqhszgq9ryupy (npub12wt…yupy)’s 10 people who shaped science in 2024.

She led the lawsuit against the Swiss government for violating the rights of older women by failing to take steps to prevent climate change.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03897-y

Last week, I visited Dickinson College in south-central ...

2024-12-14T02:27:37Z

Last week, I visited Dickinson College in south-central Pennsylvania. Currently recognized as the most sustainable small liberal arts college in the U.S., Dickinson incorporates climate action into many aspects of students' everyday life, from a free clothing exchange to a bio-digester turning food waste into renewable energy to over 130 classes with a sustainability component.

Read more here and share what you learn! https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/a-small-college-with-a-big-impact

🔋 At COP29, six countries pledged to 6x their energy storage ...

2024-11-22T22:20:49Z

🔋 At COP29, six countries pledged to 6x their energy storage by 2030, while in the U.S., battery capacity has grown to the equivalent of 20 nuclear reactors in just four years.

😡 COP29 has at least 1,770 fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance, 123 with badges from the host country.

💡 Where you bank matters. $1000 in a fossil-fuel-investing bank can have the same carbon impact as a cross-country flight—every year.

Read more: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/put-your-money-where-your-values

Climate Change: It's real. It's us. It's serious - ...

2024-11-19T02:37:47Z

Climate Change:

It's real.

It's us.

It's serious - and already dangerous.

But there are solutions.

The science is clear: the faster we cut emissions, the less suffering we will cause, and the better off we'll all be.

Did you know that 99.9% of elected officials in the U.S. are not ...

2024-10-30T19:31:27Z

Did you know that 99.9% of elected officials in the U.S. are not federal? Or that the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oil and gas regulation, is responsible for regulating (or failing to regulate) most of the methane emissions across the state? Local votes matter!  

To learn more about the power of local government, I've invited County Commissioner Brigid Shea to guest-edit this latest Talking Climate newsletter. Check it out: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-overlooked-votes-that-make-a

Sadly, I just copy posts here from other platforms. The ...

2024-10-28T14:56:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…82hg
_________________________

Sadly, I just copy posts here from other platforms. The mansplaining here is so off the charts (often 50% of my replies) that I decided earlier this year not to participate in this community for the sake of my mental health.

On Bluesky, though, things are really taking off. I've recreated my list of 'scientists who do climate' and we are already up to 2,700 members. The custom feeds are great and the science interactions remind me of the old Twitter. Would love to see you there!

A new study finds that indoor air pollution from using a gas ...

2024-10-28T14:52:54Z

A new study finds that indoor air pollution from using a gas stove (which can occur even when the stove is off) may cause approximately 36,000 premature deaths and 367,000 cases of childhood asthma in Europe every year. The economic burden of these preventable deaths is estimated at €143 billion.

Read more: https://epha.org/health-impacts-and-economic-costs-of-gas-cooking/

As we approach COP16, sustainable development and biodiversity go ...

2024-10-21T18:57:01Z

As we approach COP16, sustainable development and biodiversity go hand in hand. On October 31, I’ll be joining Esri UK and Oxygen Conservation to discuss how GIS tools are transforming conservation efforts. Together, we’ll look at how Biodiversity Net Gain can drive meaningful change.

Register today and join the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7247714894991540224/about/

Scientists issue a stark warning about the growing risks of ...

2024-10-17T18:41:15Z

Scientists issue a stark warning about the growing risks of climate change, and global survey of 77 countries shows that people overwhelmingly want climate action -- it's clear that people want change, and the science demands it. Now, it's time for politicians to and policymakers to step up.

As always, please read and share: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-world-wants-climate-action

Every day, the headlines are filled with climate disasters. From ...

2024-10-11T21:03:19Z

Every day, the headlines are filled with climate disasters. From Hurricanes Helene and Milton being supercharged by climate change to record-breaking floods across Asia and Europe, the impacts are intensifying.

As these events grow more frequent, understanding why they’re happening—and what we can do—is more critical than ever. And it starts with education.

Read more: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/the-escalating-human-cost-of-a-warming

The myth of a scientist as a purely rational thinker, a “brain ...

2024-10-06T20:19:38Z

The myth of a scientist as a purely rational thinker, a “brain in a jar” devoid of emotions and values, still exists in some scientific circles.

In fact, many of us climate scientists were astonished when a Nature essay made this very argument earlier this year!

In this response, published today after a comprehensive peer review, we dismantle the myth of the "heartless brain," disproving the claim that science should - or even can - be neutral.

Open access link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44168-024-00171-9

New rapid attribution at LBL shows that climate change increased ...

2024-10-01T16:16:13Z

New rapid attribution at LBL shows that climate change increased Hurricane Helene's rainfall by more than 50%, and made the event up to 20 times more likely overall.

The Clausius-Clapyron effect (a +7% increase in rain per degree C of warming) was significantly amplified by local dynamics. Mike W adds, "Slight increases in horizontal wind speed can have a significant vertical motion response. And in these regions, orographic lifting compounds the change."

Read more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14oq65lavZ7ho3-gdxE-tutDEcsxSHfUj/view

🌞 Re-purposing old coal plant sites for renewable energy is a ...

2024-09-26T21:29:47Z

🌞 Re-purposing old coal plant sites for renewable energy is a smart, effective strategy to get clean energy on the grid quickly and easily.

⚠️ Extreme heat waves and power outages are a growing threat. With aging infrastructure and soaring temperatures, cities are unprepared for the potential catastrophe of a heatwave-blackout combo.

🌳 The youth ambassadors of the Trillion Tree Campaign are using trees to help fight climate change and build urban heat resilience.

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/turning-coal-green

As the ocean warms, tropical cyclones like Hurricane Helene or ...

2024-09-25T22:16:53Z

As the ocean warms, tropical cyclones like Hurricane Helene or Typhoon Yagi aren't getting more frequent--but they are becoming much more dangerous! How?

🌀 Intensifying faster
💪 Growing bigger and stronger
🌧️ Dumping more rain
🐢 Moving slower

...and their storm surge? That's worse too, thanks to rising seas.

If you are in Helene's path, please make sure you are in a safe place today.

If you aren't, watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfkS7LqCMDQ

Ocean scientist, climate solutionist, and all-around awesome ...

2024-09-17T18:58:55Z

Ocean scientist, climate solutionist, and all-around awesome person Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is my guest editor today --and it's a big day. Her new book, What If We Get It Right, was just released!

She talks about how 40% of young U.S. voters across political affiliations say they will only support a candidate who prioritizes climate action, tens of millions of dyed-in-the-wool environmentalists aren’t voting, and to vote for candidates who get it on climate.

Read: https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/40-of-young-voters-want-climate-action

Good news 🌞🌱: Solar farms can help tackle climate change ...

2024-09-14T21:05:12Z

Good news 🌞🌱: Solar farms can help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss when planted with pollinator-friendly plants.

Not so good news 🌡️🌉: Our infrastructure wasn’t built for today’s climate. While many regions are investing in road and bridge repairs, we need much more as climate impacts intensify.

Inspiration 🌿👧 : The Parry Sound Forest School is teaching kids to love nature and care about climate change

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/can-solar-farms-boost-biodiversity

The University of Louisville and The Nature Conservancy planted ...

2024-08-27T16:43:51Z

The University of Louisville and The Nature Conservancy planted more than 8,000 new trees in the past 6 years and found that inflammation levels lowered by 20% for the residents living within the project – which could reduce the risk of long-term diseases related to heart health, diabetes, and some cancers.

These findings build the scientific case for the powerful connections between the health of our planet and the health of all of us.

Watch: https://www.today.com/video/does-planting-trees-help-improve-the-health-of-communities-218060357885

🌟 Good News: Centuries-old buildings can be retrofitted for ...

2024-07-09T21:50:33Z

🌟 Good News: Centuries-old buildings can be retrofitted for clean energy!

📉 Not So Good News: a new study suggests my long-standing suspicion is correct – the economic impacts of climate change are more severe than previously estimated.

🌱 Inspiration: Our yards, gardens, and even balconies can become hubs for positive change. By working to update ordinances, we can make these transformations possible for everyone.

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/clean-energy-powering-historical

💚 When people watch stories about climate change, it makes ...

2024-07-02T21:32:38Z

💚 When people watch stories about climate change, it makes them more concerned and more willing to support action!

💔 Extreme heat is taking a toll all around the world, including the death of over 1k pilgrims in Mecca.

💙 If middle schoolers can successfully advocate for their school to replace their gas-powered boiler with a heat pump, can't we do the same?

As always, use these 3 conversation-starters to talk about climate this week.

https://www.talkingclimate.ca/p/hollywood-meets-climate