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

Arctic Sea Icecapades, By Willis Eschenbach

19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
  1. Arctic sea ice extent and temperature do not have a simple linear relationship, challenging common assumptions.
  2. Climate models are complex and may not accurately predict sudden shifts in chaotic systems like Arctic sea ice.
  3. Scenarios predicting an ice-free Arctic by specific years are based on extreme climate models and may not be reliable for accurate projections.

How Extreme Weather Became A Climate Change Symbol, Contradicting The Science WRITTEN BY ROGER PIELKE JR.

19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
  1. Extreme weather becoming a symbol of climate change conflicts with scientific conclusions by IPCC on trends in extreme weather and disasters.
  2. Disasters are influenced by human vulnerability and exposure, not just the intensity or frequency of natural hazards like hurricanes and floods.
  3. Efforts to link extreme weather events to climate change began intensifying after Hurricane Katrina, with focus shifting to human-caused climate change and the role of the fossil fuel industry.

Leading U.S. Banks Leave ESG Project Finance Group

19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
  1. Leading U.S. banks have left the Equator Principles, an industry benchmark for assessing environmental and social risks in project-related finance, due to concerns about antitrust rules.
  2. Even though the banks have left the Equator Principles, they stated they would still consider these principles in their due diligence processes for project financing.
  3. The banks emphasized that they have their own rigorous environmental and social risk evaluation processes in place, indicating that they do not rely solely on external standards.

‘Potentially Catastrophic’: Grid Operator Sounds Alarm As Shutdown Of Major Coal Plant Looms

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. A power grid operator warns of severe electricity supply threats due to the shutdown of a major coal plant before new power sources are available.
  2. Closing reliable coal-fired power plants too soon can create major reliability concerns for states and cause potential outages.
  3. Prematurely shutting down vital coal power plants like Brandon Shores can lead to significant grid imbalances and reliability risks for millions of consumers.

U.N. looks to bring order to carbon markets scrutinized by environmentalists

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. New U.N. recommendations aim to establish rules for earning carbon credits, paving the way for potential approval at COP28.
  2. Guidelines specify that offsetting projects must significantly reduce emissions, beyond what would naturally occur, to earn carbon credits.
  3. Critics argue that focus should shift from carbon credits to phasing out fossil fuels and investing in proven clean energy technologies for real emission reductions.
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Transportation States must target transportation carbon emission cuts under new federal rule

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. States and urban areas must set goals to reduce carbon emissions from cars and trucks under a new federal rule linked to infrastructure spending and the Biden administration's environmental priorities.
  2. The rule has faced opposition from many state transportation agencies, which dispute the federal government's legal authority to set binding emission reduction goals and argue about limited options to meet these targets.
  3. Federal officials are promoting initiatives like electric vehicle charging networks and prioritizing existing roads over new construction to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Can impermanent carbon credits really offset forever emissions?

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Researchers have proposed a method to compare carbon credits from forests with more permanent storage solutions, aiming for accurate comparisons.
  2. There are concerns about the temporary nature of carbon storage in forests when compared to longer-term solutions like direct air carbon capture.
  3. By discounting forest carbon credits based on estimates of how long carbon will be sequestered, like-for-like comparisons with permanent storage credits become possible.

DOD must address national security concerns in proposed emissions rule, say Lucas, Obernolte

19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
  1. US House Committee leaders Lucas and Obernolte are pushing the DOD to address national security concerns related to a proposed emissions rule
  2. The committee found that the DOD overlooked national security issues regarding greenhouse gas emissions and setting emission reduction targets with foreign companies
  3. Concerns include potential diversion of resources from defense projects, requirement for less effective green technologies, and lack of clarity on national security issues in drafting the rule

Major Setback for German Green Transformation as Top Court Rules Funding Unconstitutional!

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Germany's top court ruled the appropriation of 60 billion euros for climate projects as unconstitutional
  2. Ministers tried to funnel unused funds from pandemic relief to green projects, leading to a government budget crisis
  3. Consequences include potential collapse of projects like chip factories and a disarrayed long-term budget for Germany

India wants private money for coal-fired plants despite Western opposition

39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. India is seeking private investment for coal-fired power plants to meet increasing electricity demand, despite opposition from Western countries.
  2. Private investment in India's power sector has decreased since 2018, now accounting for 36% of the total installed capacity.
  3. India's power minister emphasized the need for coal-based power stations to meet peak-hour electricity demand, alongside renewable energy projects to achieve climate goals.

New Data Points In New York’s Unfolding Energy Implosion, by Manhattan Contrarian

19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
  1. New York's Climate Act aims for 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030, but current offshore wind projects could only provide a small fraction of the state's electricity needs.
  2. Offshore wind project costs have increased significantly, with bids jumping by over 30%, posing potential financial burdens on consumers.
  3. Despite optimistic statements from officials, the practicalities of transitioning to renewable energy sources like offshore wind raise concerns about reliability and affordability for the average consumer.

Tackling the scope 3 challenge

39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. Measuring and tracking Scope 3 emissions can be complex, but companies can make meaningful progress by taking an incremental approach to data collection.
  2. Focusing on key suppliers in the supply chain can significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions; for example, one agency could cut emissions in half by targeting just 20 suppliers.
  3. Despite challenges, addressing Scope 3 emissions is crucial for shaping business decisions that mitigate climate change, improve collaboration with suppliers, and may soon become mandatory due to growing pressure.
  4. The complexity surrounding Scope 3 emissions shouldn't discourage action but rather prompt companies to start developing capabilities to measure and manage their emissions now.

“In practice, these projects don’t exist.” The Portel REDD projects in Brazil face accusations of “fraud” and “land grabbing”

39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. The REDD projects in Brazil, like Portel REDD, are facing accusations of fraud and land grabbing
  2. The voluntary carbon market is unregulated and filled with conflicts of interest, such as certification firms charging commissions on carbon credits they verify
  3. Companies purchasing carbon offsets should be cautious as some projects may not meet their claims, like the Portel REDD projects in Brazil

Energy and Environmental Review

39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. The post covers various topics related to energy, environment, and climate, providing insights on energy subsidies, wind and solar power, nuclear energy, and fossil fuels.
  2. Discusses the consequences of unreliable energy sources on health, ecosystems, and grid reliability, highlighting issues like wind turbines impact on health, and the challenges faced by green energy initiatives.
  3. Provides updates on diverse areas such as offshore wind energy, electric vehicles, climate change deceptions, and fossil fuel controversies, offering a wide range of perspectives on current energy and environmental issues.

Biden invokes wartime powers to fund electric heaters as he cracks down on gas appliances

39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. President Biden utilized wartime powers to fund electric heaters and boost domestic manufacturing of electric heat pumps, an alternative to gas-powered furnaces.
  2. The Department of Energy awarded a significant $169 million for projects to accelerate electric heat pump manufacturing.
  3. The administration's move has sparked criticism from experts, industry organizations, and political representatives who argue the actions are adversely impacting the energy sector and consumer choice.

Exclusive: US securities regulator signals it may curb climate rule ambitions

39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. The US securities regulator may scale back demanding greenhouse gas emissions disclosure requirements, particularly regarding Scope 3 emissions that account for supply chain and product consumption.
  2. This potential change aligns with some corporate groups and Republican lawmakers who believe climate change issues exceed the SEC's authority and could be burdensome for companies.
  3. Softening emission disclosures could impact President Joe Biden's climate change agenda, although some businesses still have to disclose Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

The US should take warning from the huge costs of British floating wind power

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. The UK is raising electricity prices for offshore wind farms, even though it's expected to lead to cheaper energy bills, which may seem contradictory.
  2. The US relies heavily on expensive floating offshore wind power, and the government continues to license more offshore wind projects despite challenges faced by big wind developers.
  3. Countries like China and India are investing in coal-fired power generation, indicating that a complete move away from fossil fuels is not happening in these large economies.

Sailing Smoothly through the Challenges of Insuring Shipyards and Wind Farms in the Offshore Wind Industry

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. The U.S. offshore wind industry is growing rapidly, creating jobs and economic opportunities while facing challenges like expensive wind turbine installation vessels.
  2. Shipyards are vital for offshore wind projects, constructing complex infrastructure, and require robust risk management and marine insurance for protection.
  3. Insurance tailored to maritime risks, such as Jones Act compliance, safety concerns, and project delays, is essential for the success and protection of shipyards in the offshore wind industry.

Backlash Against Big Wind And Big Solar Grows As Projects Get Scuttled

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. Rural communities in the U.S. are taking action to reject or restrict big wind and solar projects.
  2. There is a growing backlash against the narrative of 100% renewable energy schemes promoted by some elite institutions and activists.
  3. The nuclear sector is aiming to triple installed nuclear power capacity globally by 2050, despite facing challenges like recent layoffs and contract terminations.

North Dakota Commissioner Julie Fedorchak Installed as New NARUC President

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. North Dakota Commissioner Julie Fedorchak is the new NARUC President, emphasizing state regulators leading the way for reliability and introducing a plan for a gas-electric initiative.
  2. The NARUC Annual Meeting focused on discussions about the energy transition, integrated resource planning, operational challenges in the power system, and gas-electric coordination.
  3. During the Annual Meeting, recognitions and awards were given, including honoring the former NARC Executive Director and presenting awards for leadership and promoting international cooperation among utility regulators.

UN warns of climate change impact on farms and rural households run by women in poor countries

19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Women who run farms and rural households in poor countries are disproportionately affected by climate change, facing income loss during heat waves and floods.
  2. The United Nations report highlights the need for targeted strategies to address the specific vulnerabilities of rural households led by women.
  3. The study emphasizes the importance of dedicating more financial resources and policy attention to issues of inclusivity and resilience in global and national climate actions.

4 Supreme Court Cases That Could Curb the Administrative State

39 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing several cases that challenge the administrative state, focusing on issues like agency interpretations of statutes and challenges to Congress's authority.
  2. Specific cases like _CFPB v. CFSA_, _SEC v. Jarkesy_, and _Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo_ are examining how agencies function in adjudicatory disputes and funding allocation, potentially impacting the balance of power between branches of government.
  3. Overturning the _Chevron_ doctrine, a pillar of administrative law, could have significant repercussions, influencing legislative authority, regulatory stability, and the balance of power between agencies and courts.

US banks pushing back against tougher capital rules

19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. US banks are resisting stricter capital rules due to concerns about increased costs and reduced lending within regulated banking sectors.
  2. Proposed Basel III endgame proposal could have significant impacts on renewable energy projects by requiring banks to hold four times more capital against each project.
  3. The uncertainty surrounding the proposed capital rules may lead to major banks reducing new commitments in tax equity investments in the renewable energy sector.

New policy proposal dims hopes of reviving community solar in California

19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. State regulators and utilities in California are considering a new policy proposal that could hinder the revival of community solar projects, despite support from various groups like lawmakers, industry organizations, and environmental justice advocates.
  2. The proposed decision from the California Public Utilities Commission opposes the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) policy, stating it conflicts with federal law, potentially impacting the development of community solar programs in the state.
  3. The decision also involves suggestions for alternatives to the NVBT program, such as modifications to existing community-solar programs in California, raising concerns about potential cost burdens on utility customers and the program's economic feasibility.

I believe Enbridge Line 5, Great Lakes replacement tunnel are safe

19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Enbridge Line 5 and the Great Lakes replacement tunnel are considered safe by experts, regulators, and Michigan Laborers.
  2. The Great Lakes Tunnel construction prioritizes safety with features like a closed, confined space without internal ignition sources and leak detection systems.
  3. The project to build the Great Lakes Tunnel has broad support from various groups in Michigan, as it aims to modernize energy infrastructure, protect the Great Lakes, and create jobs.

The Anthropocene? Not or Maybe Not Kip Hansen

19 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. The concept of Anthropocene, a proposed geological time period reflecting human impact on Earth, faces rejection by majority scholars due to procedural issues and differing definitions among experts.
  2. The decision regarding Anthropocene's inclusion in the geologic timeline is not final, as further challenges or appeals may be made despite the current rejection.
  3. The term Anthropocene, portraying human influence on the planet, is debated and viewed variably, with discussions ongoing across multiple committees within the International Union of Geological Sciences.

Wall Street’s ESG Craze Is Fading

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Wall Street's sustainable investing trend is declining with funds being closed or rebranded due to disappointing returns and investors withdrawing billions.
  2. Tighter regulations, higher interest rates affecting clean-energy stocks, and political backlash are contributing to the shift away from ESG investments.
  3. Despite some funds being liquidated or changing strategies, new ESG funds are still emerging, showing a continued interest in sustainable investing for the long term.

EU criminalises environmental damage ‘comparable to ecocide’

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. The European Union has become the first international body to criminalize wide-scale environmental damage 'comparable to ecocide', punishing the most serious cases of ecosystem destruction.
  2. The directive aims to address habitat loss, illegal logging, and other actions that cause substantial and irreversible damage to ecosystems, with tougher penalties for offenders.
  3. The new law introduces stricter penalties, ranging from prison sentences for individuals to exclusion from public funds for companies, aiming to deter those who profit from destroying ecosystems.

Opinion: Net-zero policies colliding with economic reality

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are facing challenges in being reliable and economically sustainable, despite high subsidies.
  2. Transitioning to clean energy is slower than anticipated, with hydrocarbons still dominating global energy demand.
  3. The renewable energy sector is experiencing issues like collapsing market caps, cancellation of projects, and growing disenchantment with electric vehicles.

A Partial List of Economists, Business Authors, Scientists, Climatologists, Engineers, Scholars, Financiers, Businessmen, Lawyers, Regulators, Policy Wonks, Energy Activists, and Thinkers…

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. The post highlights a diverse group of professionals who support global energy fairness and environmentalism, offering insight and solutions.
  2. The individuals mentioned include economists, scientists, engineers, scholars, business authors, and more, showing a wide range of expertise in advocating for practical solutions.
  3. The group aims for electricity abundance, good economics, adequate healthcare, and fairness in global energy distribution, with an invitation for recommendations to expand the list.

FCA Study Finds Investment Products Not Aligned with Stated ESG Goals

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. The Financial Conduct Authority found that many investment products do not align with their stated ESG goals, indicating a gap between intention and practice in sustainable investing.
  2. The FCA is introducing new rules and guidance on sustainability disclosure requirements and investment labels to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of greenwashing in the financial sector.
  3. Despite some progress by fund managers, there is still a need for further improvement in disclosing sustainability information to retail investors and ensuring that investment products align with their ESG goals.

DAVID BLACKMON: Another Lousy Deal For America, Brought To You By John Kerry

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Bilateral meetings between the U.S. and China under Biden's administration have led to increasing reliance on China for energy security and compromising U.S. national security for climate commitments.
  2. John Kerry's involvement in promoting renewables and electric vehicles with China has resulted in agreements that benefit China's economy more than America's, raising concerns of diminishing geopolitical leverage for the U.S.
  3. ExxonMobil's new project to produce lithium in Arkansas using traditional oil and gas technologies showcases the importance of private sector innovation and the necessity of a strong domestic oil and gas industry for energy independence.

The Bridge to the Energy Future

39 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
  1. Energy efficiency is crucial for economic development and environmental sustainability, and the European Union has set ambitious targets in this regard.
  2. States in the U.S. are leading innovative ideas and policies in energy efficiency, potentially saving significant energy and costs.
  3. Utilities can play a key role in promoting energy efficiency through investment and advice, ultimately reducing energy bills, emissions, and improving economic development.

A $1.5 Trillion Loan Market Gets Stung by Anti-ESG Movement

39 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. The $1.5 trillion market for sustainability-linked loans in the US is experiencing a significant decline due to anti-ESG movements, with a notable 80% decrease in new sustainability-linked loan numbers from the previous year.
  2. As the anti-ESG sentiment spreads, American borrowers are increasingly hesitant to engage in loans tied to ESG goals and are turning towards other options.
  3. There is a growing shift towards sustainability-linked loans in the Asia-Pacific region, with ING seeing potential for market growth and hiring bankers in South Korea and Australia to tap into this expansion.

How China Dominates the World – And Lies about Climate Commitment

39 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. China's coal power capacity more than doubled after President Xi Jinping's pledge to control new coal power projects, showcasing a concerning discrepancy in actions versus promises.
  2. The inflexible operation of China's power grid contributes to electricity shortages, necessitating excessive power capacity to prevent outages.
  3. The construction rate of coal plants offers insight into future energy availability, with concerns about the viability of renewable energy sources for widespread adoption.

Recycling Eco-Myths Is the Existential Threat

39 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. Recycling myths have been used to control behavior through a made-up morality and stigmatize dissenters, rather than providing real solutions to environmental issues.
  2. The transition to decarbonize economies and achieve Net Zero is facing numerous challenges and may not be as easy or feasible as initially suggested, with issues like land use for green energy installations, legal resistance, and economic barriers for electric vehicle charging stations.
  3. Opposition and dissent regarding climate change policies and strategies are being muffled, preventing a full and open debate on the scientific, economic, and societal implications of climate actions, potentially threatening democratic processes.

Media Ignores Reality – Goes Bonkers Over the Fifth National Climate Assessment Report

39 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. The media exaggerated and sensationalized the Fifth National Climate Assessment Report, ignoring the actual data presented.
  2. Claims of alarming climate change impacts were made by news outlets, but a critical examination of available data showed little support for these claims.
  3. The White House and media's portrayal of the climate crisis as severe and urgent did not align with the scientific data provided, raising questions about the accuracy and objectivity of the information presented.

Legal showdown looms over EPA smog-fighting plan

39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. Legal battles erupt around EPA's efforts to reduce smog pollution, leading to legal challenges that may impact the agency's ability to enforce stricter regulations.
  2. The EPA faces hurdles in implementing their good neighbor rule due to legal disputes in different circuit courts, delaying compliance and potentially impacting air quality regulations.
  3. The legal complexities surrounding the EPA's smog-fighting plan highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing Clean Air Act regulations, especially in the face of industry pushback and political influences.

John Droz, Jr. current energy information links

19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. This post shares a comprehensive list of current energy stories and links curated by John Droz, Jr.
  2. The Media Balance Newsletter covers a wide range of topics from COVID to Religion, offering a critical perspective on mainstream media coverage.
  3. John Droz, Jr.'s substack site focuses on promoting critical thinking regarding societal matters like education, climate, and energy, and offers a free subscription.

Experts raise alarm after Biden strikes agreement with China to shut down fossil fuels

39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
  1. US-China agreement to shift from fossil fuels to green energy criticized for potentially harming US consumers and benefiting China.
  2. China holds significant control over global green energy supply chains, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries and solar panels, which could impact US energy security.
  3. Experts warn that the US-China climate pact, while aiming to address emissions, may push the US towards Beijing-style central planning and deepen reliance on China for green technology.