Prof. Katharine Hayhoe

I don't use X very much any more, but I'd love to see you elsewhere! For the short & up to date content I used to provide here, see Threads & Bluesky. For longer commentaries, see LinkedIn & my newsletter. And for the fun stuff, check out IG + Pinterest. All links below ⬇️

One of the biggest challenges in climate action is imagining what a better future could actually look like: especially when solutions are so often framed as sacrifices that require loss, instead of opportunities to benefit from. This week's good news and what-to-do takes those on directly -- 🏡 Good news: A new net-zero community in Ontario combines climate-friendly homes with walkable streets, hills and lakes, clean energy, and cold-climate heat pumps. 🚨 Not-so-good news: A new study from Houston found that climate disasters are making already dangerous prison conditions even worse, with extreme heat, flooding, and loss of basic necessities during storms. 🚶‍♀️What you can do: Try taking a “climate walk” through your own neighbourhood this week. What makes it livable? What could make it better? Climate solutions become much more tangible once we can actually imagine them around us! talkingclimate.ca/p/would-you-li…

Thanks @KHayhoe for recommending this presentation on the Fossil Fuel Treaty by @Tzeporah: The bad math of the fossil fuel industry | TED Countdown #climate youtu.be/Cz6pXdA4fxQ?si… via @YouTube

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! talkingclimate.ca/p/introducing-…

Is climate denialism on the rise? Or is it just the algorithms making it seem so? Climate scientist and communicator @KHayhoe of @TexasTech, @nature_org on the latest @wef #RadioDavos. Episode page: wef.ch/4of71eV

The Briefing: Ukraine seeks an airport ceasefire after its three-day truce with Russia ends. Then: @KHayhoe on how climate scientists maintain their optimism during the Trump administration. Plus: Tokyo Music Hour and Kyoto’s music scene with @nickluscombe monocle.com/radio/shows/th…

This week, I’m delighted to welcome fellow climate Katharine, Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, as guest editor of Talking Climate. 🌍 Good news: The lawyers who contributed to the landmark International Court of Justice climate ruling reminds us how every one of us has unique gifts to bring to climate action. ⚠️ Not-so-good news: Young people are carrying an enormous emotional burden as climate impacts intensify, with many feeling fear and uncertainty about the future. 💚 What we can do: We don’t have to answer this question alone! Katharine's new book, Climate Wayfinding, and the accompanying program helps us move from climate anxiety and uncertainty toward courage, community, and action. talkingclimate.ca/p/finding-our-…

Nothing in science is ever truly settled… right? In this episode of Cold Facts, Hot Takes, I take on comments claiming science is “guesswork,” climate change is “just a theory,” and that data has somehow been secretly manipulated by scientists around the world. Yes, science is always learning more. But no, that does not mean we are confused about the basics. We know the planet is warming. We know humans are responsible. We know the impacts are serious. And we know there are solutions that work if we act now. You can argue against the science of gravity all you want. But if you jump off a cliff, you’re still going down. Watch the full video by subscribing on Substack: talkingclimate.ca/p/when-trolls-… Or Patreon: patreon.com/posts/when-tro…

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! talkingclimate.ca/p/how-warming-…

I’m a climate scientist, and what I have to say this Earth Day might surprise you: I don’t care if you think climate change is real. Most of us already want cleaner air, healthier communities, less waste, and better food. Those are climate solutions too. So, if the phrase “climate change” is too charged, call it something else. If we all agree on solutions to fix this crisis, then accepting the science becomes secondary. Read more: substack.com/home/post/p-19…

This Earth Day is a special one—it also falls during @nature_org's 75th anniversary. So tomorrow, let’s make it a day for all generations: a chance to connect with the natural world around us, and with each other. Because the future of our shared home isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we shape, together.

"The Climate Scientist Who Fought Back" | My interview with the legendary @DFenton for the new #FentonForecast podcast: fentonforecast.com/episodes/episo…

North Carolina friends! I am heading your way next week for one of my carbon-minimizing, time-maximizing travel bundles including three public talks at Wake Forest, Elon, and Duke, plus many more university classes, meetings, and interviews. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there. Here are the details: Tues April 21 at 7–8:30 PM — "Mitigate, Adapt or Suffer" at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem. Free and open to all; registration required. wfu-cvent.cventevents.com/event/a99c415e… Wed April 22 at 7–8 PM — "Solving Climate Change Starts With Us (But Not The Way You Think!)" at Elon University — part of Elon's Earth Week. Free and open to all; registration required. elon.edu/u/fa/sustainab… Thurs April 23 at 5–6 PM — "Climate Solutions: A Conversation With Katharine Hayhoe" at Goodson Chapel, Duke Divinity School, Durham. Free and open to all; registration required. duke.is/0423

We’re living in a moment of stark contrasts: awe-inspiring reminders of our place in the universe, alongside urgent warnings about the state of our planet and everyone who inhabits it. Here are a few of the stories that stood out to me this week. 🌖 Good news: The Artemis II mission gave us a rare, powerful perspective on Earth, reminding us just how unique and fragile our home is, and how much we share with each other. 💣 Not so good news: The latest State of the Global Climate 2025 confirms Earth’s climate is more out of balance than ever, with the vast majority of excess heat, equivalent to multiple atomic bombs per second, being absorbed by our oceans. 🌱 What you can do: From tree planting to community farming, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Aga, Nigeria show how local, values-driven action can protect people and nature, and inspire others to do the same. As always, use what you learn here to start conversations this week about why climate change matters and, even more importantly, what we can all do to build a better world. We can't do it alone, but we can together: and having a conversation is the first step! talkingclimate.ca/p/a-view-from-…

⛪️ 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. Looking for more good news? From California to Germany, Canada to South Africa, Talking Climate readers shared their top sources of encouraging climate updates. I have the full list here! talkingclimate.ca/p/faith-leader…

Easter reminds us that life is a gift, and we’re called to care for it. Right now, climate change is putting that gift at risk for people and nature around the world. The more coal, oil and gas we burn, the more pollution and heat-trapping gases we produce, the thicker the blanket we wrap around the planet, and the faster it changes. Climate change isn't just an environmental issue: it's already affecting our food and water, our living expenses and our health, and the nature on which our own lives depend. It's taking issues like hunger, poverty, and inequality, and making them worse. It drives resource scarcity, exacerbates conflict, and disproportionately harms the most vulnerable: right here where we live, and on the other side of the world. That's why I see climate action as an act of love: for all our global neighbours and the home we share. 💚 lausanne.org/video/faith-an…

ERA-5 data is in. March was indeed the warmest on record in the US. But what’s even more astonishing is the trend. Since 1940 March in the US has warmed 7.2°F (that’s like 9° per century and accelerating!) Do the math on what this means for future generations if it continues. The pace of warming is remarkable.

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. talkingclimate.ca/p/this-everyda…

🌱 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! talkingclimate.ca/p/three-cities…

Christianity .... and climate change? I recently sat down with former NBC climate reporter @ChaseCainNBC to talk about how faith—specifically Christianity—intersects with climate change. This is a conversation I've been wanting to have for a long time; and I didn't hold back! We discussed how many use their faith as an excuse to reject what science tells us about how the planet is warming, humans are responsible and the impacts are serious. But even more importantly, we talked about responsibility, hope, and what it really means to love the world and each other, if we truly believe that God has given us the ability to act, with love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). This isn't an easy topic to engage with, but it’s one I think matters more and more. If you’re interested, check it out - and don't forget to share 💚 youtube.com/watch?v=9cHQTM…