David Friedman’s Substack

David Friedman's Substack explores a wide range of subjects from economic principles and climate change to intellectual debates and law enforcement, emphasizing critical thinking, skepticism towards mainstream narratives, and the interplay of natural and social sciences in understanding human behavior and societal issues.

Critical Thinking and Truth Seeking Political and Economic Theories Science and Climate Change Legal and Ethical Considerations Societal and Cultural Analysis Philosophy and Morality Education and Learning Methods Technology and Society

The hottest Substack posts of David Friedman’s Substack

And their main takeaways

Split the International Energy Agency Into Two To Avoid Shocks COMMENTARY By Mark Mills

39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Consider splitting the International Energy Agency into two separate entities to improve effectiveness and eliminate conflicts of interest. This idea suggests creating an International Energy Information Agency (IEIA) for unbiased data and an International Energy Transition Agency (IETA) for advocacy purposes.
  2. Recognize the continued importance of oil and other hydrocarbons in the global energy landscape, despite advancements in technology. Reliable and affordable energy sources, especially oil, remain essential for transportation and overall economic stability.
  3. Act to reform international organizations like the IEA through mechanisms such as suspending payments to drive necessary changes. Ensuring advocacy-free, credible energy information is crucial for informed policymaking and business decisions.

A New Perspective on North Atlantic’s Marine Productivity

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. A recent study challenges the belief of a significant decline in North Atlantic marine productivity due to climate change, suggesting a more stable situation than previously thought.
  2. Ice core analysis revealed that while some markers suggested declining productivity, others indicated consistent sulfur emissions by phytoplankton over the industrial era.
  3. The research emphasizes the complexity of environmental trends and the importance of multi-faceted approaches in understanding marine productivity, highlighting the need for comprehensive scientific inquiry and policy-making.

A bad recipe for science

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. Politically-motivated manufacture of scientific consensus corrupts the scientific process and leads to poor policy decisions
  2. Manufactured consensus hampers scientific progress by restricting questions, investigations, and skepticism needed for self-correction in science
  3. Greater transparency about scientific uncertainties and dissent is crucial to provide policymakers with a more complete picture for addressing complex societal problems like climate change and pandemics

Opinion: Net-zero policies colliding with economic reality STU TURLEY NOV 17

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. The transition to clean energy is not progressing as expected, with wind and solar only making up a small portion of global energy demand despite decades of subsidies.
  2. Coal usage is increasing in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing a different reality from the one often discussed by politicians.
  3. Renewable energy industries like wind, solar, and EVs are facing financial and structural challenges, with costs outstripping subsidies and leading to cancellations and crisis in major companies.

Feds want speed reduction tech in every new car. Are American drivers ready?

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. The National Transportation Safety Board is pushing for intelligent speed-assist technology (ISA) to be standard in new vehicles to prevent speeding-related accidents.
  2. In Europe, ISA technology is already mandated for new vehicles, highlighting a global move towards enforcing speed limiting features for road safety.
  3. The implementation of speed reduction technology faces challenges in the US due to concerns about government overreach and potential limitations on personal freedom.
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Welcome! We cover COVID to Climate, as well as Energy to Elections. Here is the link for this issue, so please share it on social media.

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. The newsletter covers a diverse range of topics from COVID to Climate, and Energy to Elections, sharing valuable insights on various issues.
  2. The author provides links to previous archived editions and encourages sharing the newsletter on social media.
  3. There is a focus on critical thinking and addressing controversial topics like election integrity, COVID-19, and climate science.

It may seem obvious; however, it took four years and intense debates for the Euro Court of Human Rights to agree to establish a procedure for challenging its judges in case of a conflict of interest.

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Euro Court of Human Rights took four years of intense debates to establish a procedure for challenging its judges in case of conflict of interest.
  2. US NGOs have faced conflicts of interest with regulators and judges, as seen during the formulation of the Clean Power Plan of 2015.
  3. ECLJ reports led to significant reforms in the ECHR, such as the adoption of recusal procedures to address conflicts of interest among judges.

US Energy Producer Plans To Scrap Two Major Coal Plants To Meet U.N. Climate Targets

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. A major U.S. energy company plans to shut down two major coal plants to meet U.N. climate goals, affecting over a million homes.
  2. Experts warn that switching to green energy like solar and wind may not provide the same reliability and capacity as coal and nuclear power generation.
  3. Xcel Energy aims to lower electricity emissions by 80% by 2030 and completely decarbonize electricity generation by 2040 based on United Nations climate targets.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles will cease to exist if the climate fanatics have their way with our energy! Published January 22, 2024 at America Out Loud

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Crude oil is essential in producing over 6,000 products that are integral to modern society, from appliances to medicines, and without it, our way of life would drastically change.
  2. Renewable energies like wind and solar can generate electricity, but they lack the capability to manufacture the wide range of products made from oil derivatives, highlighting the importance of crude oil in our materialistic society.
  3. The transition away from fossil fuels without a suitable replacement would impact hospitals, transportation, electricity generation, and the manufacturing of countless everyday items, raising essential questions about the sustainability of such a shift.

FEMA expands disaster aid for extreme weather events, citing climate change BY RACHEL FRAZIN - 01/22/24 11:59 AM ET

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. FEMA is expanding disaster aid to help more Americans affected by extreme weather, linking the changes to the impacts of climate change.
  2. The new changes aim to simplify processes, increase eligibility for assistance, and cover a wider range of damages, including providing housing assistance for survivors who can't return home.
  3. Feedback from survivors has directly influenced these changes, making the delivery of disaster services more efficient and less bureaucratic.

WRITTEN BY MEGHAN BLONDER ON JAN 22, 2024. Here’s The Left’s Latest Legal Tactic To Take ‘Big Oil’ Down With Climate Lawfare

39 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Multnomah County filed a lawsuit targeting major oil and gas companies for damages from a heat wave, but also included a local company to keep the case in state court.
  2. The inclusion of a local defendant in climate change lawsuits helps keep the complaints in front of state judges rather than federal judges.
  3. Left-wing organizations like the Center for Climate Integrity are assisting local governments in suing 'Big Oil' and strategizing to target both out-of-state and in-state entities for damages.

Language.

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. Language is evolving in sensitivity and shaping realities through words, with some words becoming taboo and others mandatory.
  2. Auto-censorship in media and corporate language is driven by a heightened sensitivity towards certain topics, like climate change and energy transition.
  3. The impact of language manipulation on societal norms and the younger generation's perceptions is profound, potentially leading to a distorted understanding of concepts like love and responsibility.

Peak Cognitive Dissonance For The Climate Scare

59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
  1. Cognitive dissonance in the realm of the climate scare is at incredibly high levels, with reality contradicting the end-of-days climate propaganda.
  2. The Fifth National Climate Assessment reflects a united front by multiple US government agencies, pushing for increased funding into climate change initiatives.
  3. Despite climate alarmism, countries like India and China are planning significant increases in coal production, showcasing a disconnect between rhetoric and actions.

Miliband's policies will bring wholesale deindustrialisation

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Labor's green dogmatism could lead to massive industrial closures affecting the working class
  2. Taxing fossil fuels and pushing for renewables could result in skyrocketing energy prices and deindustrialization
  3. There is concern that under a Labour government, the situation could worsen, with policies potentially leading to even more severe deindustrialization

Global Historical Hurricane & Cyclone Statistics Establish that 2023 Experienced a Very “Normal Year.”

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. The year 2023 was determined to be a very 'normal' year for cyclones and hurricanes globally, based on historical data analysis.
  2. Highlighted events by NOAA did not accurately represent the overall cyclone and hurricane outcomes of 2023 across all ocean basins.
  3. Claims of extreme weather outcomes in 2023 by climate alarmists were deemed exaggerated and incompetent based on statistical data.

Associated Press Gets It Wrong: Wind Farm Contractors Acknowledge Turbines Harm Dolphins, Whales Diana Furchtgott-Roth

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Offshore wind farm companies have acknowledged the harm their turbines cause to dolphins and whales.
  2. The misleading Associated Press article claimed no credible evidence linking wind farms to whale deaths, despite companies requesting permission to harm marine animals and dead whales washing up on East Coast beaches.
  3. Some local communities are rejecting wind farm projects due to environmental concerns and the exaggeration of benefits of renewable energy.

2023 – The Year The Renewables Bubble Burst Wood Mackenzie

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Clean energy faced challenges in 2023 due to supply chain issues, energy crisis, and interest rate hikes.
  2. Renewable energy entities suffered higher costs due to capital expenditure and interest rate hikes, leading to undervaluation.
  3. Opportunities are emerging in 2024, with potential investment growth, increased auction prices, and a focus on hydrogen projects and energy storage.

Narcissistic Energy Supply

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Alberta faced a grid emergency due to extreme cold, highlighting the challenges of relying on renewables alone without adequate backup from sources like natural gas.
  2. The province heavily invested in wind and solar energy, but during cold spells, wind power can be unreliable, leading to power shortages.
  3. The situation in Alberta has spurred discussions on the need to expand nuclear capacity to ensure more reliable energy sources for the future.

The Willow effect: Are even more Arctic oil projects on the way?

59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. The Willow oil project in Alaska's North Slope is set to be one of the biggest new oil fields, potentially leading to more companies drilling in the area for access to vast untapped reserves.
  2. ConocoPhillips' plans for the Willow project, including new roads, pipelines, and infrastructure, could pave the way for easier access to billions of barrels of oil in the National Petroleum Reserve, potentially sparking more oil development in the region.
  3. There's a trend of companies like ConocoPhillips piggybacking off one oil field to lower costs and expand further, creating what's been described as 'spiderweb sprawl' in Alaska's energy sector, though the future of Arctic oil projects may be influenced by changing economics and a shift towards renewable energy.

BAD SCIENCE JOURNALISM No, WABE, Climate is Not Making the State of Georgia “Vulnerable”

59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. An opinion piece by radio station WABE in Georgia claimed Georgia is among the most vulnerable states to climate change, based on a report from the Environmental Defense Fund. However, analysis shows that local socioeconomic factors like poverty and health, not climate change, are the key vulnerabilities highlighted.
  2. Factors such as poor infrastructure, access to healthcare, and transportation have been inaccurately tied to climate change as per EDF's claims, even though these are related to how resources are managed and not necessarily due to climate change.
  3. Research shows that there is no concrete evidence linking climate change to air pollution or an increase in heat waves in Georgia. Data from NOAA and EPA indicate that heat waves have not intensified and air pollution levels have actually decreased in recent years, contradicting the claim of climate-induced risks in the state.

Texas

59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. Texas is experiencing a significant increase in electricity demand, showcasing trends that may impact the rest of the U.S. in the future.
  2. The growth in electricity use is fueled by a variety of factors such as reshoring of manufacturing, the rise of power-hungry data centers, and the shift to electrification.
  3. Industries like semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and oil fields are major contributors to the surge in electricity demand in states like Oregon, Virginia, Iowa, North Dakota, and New Mexico.

Coalition Files Notice of Intent to Sue Federal Agencies to Stop Whale-killing Virginia Wind Project, by Charles Rotter.

59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. A coalition has filed a notice of intent to sue federal agencies over concerns that the Virginia Offshore Wind project may harm North Atlantic right whales, urging legal consequences if protection laws are violated.
  2. The coalition asserts that agencies failed to consider the cumulative impact of multiple East Coast wind projects, potentially threatening the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about the environmental impact and financial risks associated with Dominion Energy's plan to build a large offshore wind generation facility.

Despite rising prices, market faces a glut of renewable energy projects, analysts say

59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
  1. There is an oversupply of renewable energy projects in the market, but many will not be built due to a lack of resources like labor and capital.
  2. Despite the abundance of new projects, prices for power purchase agreements (PPAs) are still rising, making financiers wary of investing.
  3. Renewable energy projects without necessary approvals are considered high-risk, leading to an increasing divide in the market between approved and unapproved projects.

Britain’s climate watchdog has privately admitted that a number of its key net zero recommendations may have relied on insufficient data, it has been claimed.

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Britain's climate watchdog admitted to using insufficient data for its key net zero recommendations, according to reports.
  2. The Royal Society review looked at 37 years of weather data, finding the Climate Change Committee relied on just a single year, potentially leading to mistakes in predictions.
  3. There is a significant discrepancy in the amount of energy storage needed for wind and solar power between the CCC's approach based on one year of data and the Royal Society's approach based on 37 years, highlighting the importance of using real weather data for accurate energy planning.

Farmers' protests have sprung up in Romania, Germany and France, ahead of the EU elections in June.

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Farmers in Romania, Germany, and France are protesting ahead of the EU elections in June.
  2. The farmers are demanding more government subsidies to offset the impact of environmental reforms.
  3. Issues faced by the farmers include rising insurance costs, fair prices for their products, and the need for fair subsidies to support environmentally friendly farming practices.

“Greenhouse Policy without Regrets”: When Adler Refuted Climate Activism

59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
  1. Greenhouse insurance should not cost more than the protection it provides. It should focus on reducing risks without hindering economic growth or technological advancement.
  2. A 'no regrets' approach to climate change advocates for policies like removing regulatory barriers to innovation, eliminating energy subsidies, and deregulating electricity and transportation markets.
  3. The argument against governmental climate policy activism made by Jonathan Adler in 2000 is still relevant today. Climate activism has not significantly reduced fossil fuel consumption, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.

The EPA’s Coming Energy Catastrophe

59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
  1. The nation's electric grid experts are facing constant emergencies due to fears of electricity demand surpassing supply and resulting in blackouts.
  2. The EPA's regulatory agenda is putting the power supply at risk by threatening to dismantle a significant portion of the nation's power supply.
  3. Interagency coordination to evaluate the impact of the EPA's rulemakings on grid reliability has been lacking, with FERC expressing concerns over the rapid retirements of generators needed for reliability.

#ExxonKnew Timeline: It All Goes Back to La Jolla

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Rockefeller-funded organizations organized a conference in 2012 to discuss using racketeering laws against ExxonMobil, sparking a series of events involving activists, AGs, and hit pieces.
  2. The #ExxonKnew campaign saw involvement from individuals like Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, activists like Naomi Oreskes and Peter Frumhoff, and AGs united to support climate policies.
  3. The campaign involved secret meetings, subpoenas, lawsuits, and public concerns about free speech and legal soundness, drawing in AGs, activists, judges, and politicians.

He Pioneered Carbon Offsets to Save Tropical Forests. Now the Market Is Collapsing. Mike Korchinsky used offset credits to funnel millions of dollars to conservation projects.

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Mike Korchinsky, a pioneer in carbon offsets for tropical forests, is facing challenges as the carbon market is collapsing.
  2. There is skepticism about the effectiveness and impact of carbon credits, with concerns about the environmental benefits and the honesty of offset claims.
  3. Korchinsky is seeking to establish a new standard for carbon-crediting procedures to regain trust and potentially change the basis for purchasing credits, recognizing the need for a different approach in the face of market uncertainties.

Markers Along The Road To The Death Of Net Zero January 20, 2024/ Francis Menton

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. The demise of the green energy illusion may be a slow decline rather than a sudden crash, leading to economic decline and loss of prosperity.
  2. Recent events in the UK and Germany suggest a scenario where high energy prices due to energy restrictions drive industries out of business, resulting in job losses and increased poverty.
  3. Indicators show that the pursuit of net zero goals is leading to industrial decline in the UK and Germany, with examples like the impending closure of the Port Talbot steelworks in Wales and the scaling back of operations by companies like BASF in Germany.

Clean Energy Debate Reignites After Texas Endures Another Brutal Cold Snap written by Kristoffer Tigue.

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Global warming destabilizing the jet stream leads to frigid cold invading unprepared regions like Texas.
  2. Debate over clean energy in Texas intensifies after power outages during winter storms blamed on failing gas equipment.
  3. Efforts to winterize gas equipment in Texas show initial success, but experts emphasize the need to diversify power sources to reduce dependence on gas.

Environmentalists call on Biden admin to tank natural gas project amid nationwide arctic blast

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Environmentalists are urging the Biden administration to halt a natural gas project due to concerns about its impact on decarbonization goals and pollution.
  2. The expansion project, which aims to increase natural gas capacity, received FERC approval after months of delays.
  3. TC Energy argues that the project is crucial to provide affordable and reliable natural gas supplies, especially during extreme cold weather when Americans heavily rely on natural gas for heating.

Flying Falsehoods and the Value of Numbers, By Ivor Williams

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Be cautious of sensational claims about global temperatures, as some reports may lack accurate historical data and exaggerate the findings to generate panic.
  2. When dealing with climate data and temperature measurements, it's important to understand the significance of numbers and how they can be manipulated to create different narratives.
  3. Global warming predictions based on historical temperature anomalies may have less dramatic implications than the sensational language often used in headlines, highlighting the importance of critically evaluating the reported data.

Climate change may reduce average life expectancy by half a year, study suggests by Public Library of Science

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. A study suggests that climate change could reduce average life expectancy by about six months; this shows the impact on human health from rising global temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
  2. The study highlights the importance of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing environment to safeguard life expectancy worldwide; this emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change as a public health crisis.
  3. The composite climate change index introduced aims to standardize the global conversation about climate change, become a metric for the public, and promote collaboration among countries to combat its impacts.

Von der Leyen’s flagship petrol and diesel ban isn’t even backed by her own party European People’s Party wants to scrap the plans due to the growing cost of living crisis

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Von der Leyen's party, the European People's Party, does not support her ban on petrol and diesel due to concerns about the rising cost of living crisis
  2. The European Commission President's green deal is facing pushback from her own party, which plans to oppose the phased ban on internal combustion engines
  3. The EPP's draft manifesto calls for reliance on innovative concepts and market-based instruments instead of bans on combustion engines, highlighting a shift in approach towards renewable energies

Largely supported by natural gas, grid remains resilient Odessa American, Texas

39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. During Winter Storm Heather, natural gas played a key role by supporting nearly 95% of electricity on the grid, showcasing its importance in providing reliable power during extreme weather conditions.
  2. The resilience of the Texas electric grid was attributed to the reforms enacted by the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott since Winter Storm Uri, emphasizing the significance of preparedness measures in ensuring grid stability.
  3. Despite the high demand during the storm, natural gas prices for Texas consumers remained steady and among the lowest in the nation, reflecting the benefits of robust natural gas infrastructure in the state.

“ The energy transition is getting a dose of reality.”

59 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. Offshore wind projects are facing challenges, leading to some being scrapped and clean energy companies' share prices decreasing.
  2. Investment in traditional energy assets like natural gas is on the rise despite the growth in solar and wind capacity.
  3. The energy transition to cleaner power sources is proving to be more complex and costly than initially expected, with headwinds such as high interest rates and geopolitical tensions affecting the path forward.

Michael Mann’s Twelve-Year-Old ‘Defamation’ SLAPP Suit Goes On Trial

39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. The details of Mann's case have evolved over time, with targets shifting to specific writers
  2. The fundamental question remains whether Americans can freely disagree on contentious topics without facing legal repercussions
  3. Mann's defamation case appears to lack substantial legal grounds, raising concerns about potential implications on freedom of speech

Junk offset sellers push to enter new UN carbon market

39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. Renewable energy schemes make up a significant portion of projects hoping to sell offsets under the new UN carbon market, raising concerns about the credibility of these credits.
  2. Many renewable energy projects already provide the cheapest energy sources, making the sale of offsets for funding questionable in terms of additional emissions impact.
  3. Hydropower projects, along with other industrial gas reduction projects, face scrutiny for potential human rights violations and lack of real climate benefits.