The Word Merchant

The Word Merchant by Stephen Heins explores environmental impacts, energy policies, and the economic dimensions of renewable versus traditional energy sources. It critically examines green energy initiatives, climate change narratives, and the role of fossil fuels, with an emphasis on factual information and questioning mainstream environmentalist perspectives.

Environmental Impacts of Energy Sources Economic Analysis of Energy Policies Debates on Renewable vs. Traditional Energy Critiques of Climate Change Narratives Political and Economic Influences on Energy Environmental Advocacy and Activism Global Energy Security and Infrastructure Ethical and Human Rights Perspectives on Climate

The hottest Substack posts of The Word Merchant

And their main takeaways

Germany Electric Car Sales Plummet 30% As Country Floats Idea Of Weekend Driving Ban!

279 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Germany electric car sales have dropped by 30%, affecting the country's goal of having more electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
  2. Consumers show hesitancy in purchasing electric cars due to factors like limited range, sparse charging infrastructure, and high upfront costs.
  3. Germany is considering a weekend driving ban to reduce CO2 emissions, which adds uncertainty and challenges to private mobility in the country.

Doomsday Addiction: Celebrating 50 years of Failed Climate Predictions

219 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Doomsday predictions related to climate change have been prevalent for 50 years but have often failed to materialize.
  2. Historically, there have been warnings about overpopulation, famine, global cooling, rising sea levels, and catastrophic climate events, but many of these predictions did not come true.
  3. Figures ranging from scientists to politicians have made dire predictions about the future of the planet, but the track record shows a pattern of prolonged warnings that have yet to see fulfillment.

Wind Turbines and Microplastics

359 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. Research on microplastics reveals potential harm caused by wind turbines to the environment and human health.
  2. Both political and economic influences attempted to suppress a study that highlighted negative impacts of wind turbines.
  3. Researchers found multiple dangerous particles from wind turbine rotor blades, leading to concerns about environmental impact and the need for further investigation.

The biggest wind energy project on this side of the Earth and its tiny power output

319 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. General Electric's wind project in New Mexico covering 1600 square miles pales in comparison to a nuclear station generating 4 times more carbon-free electricity on just 6.4 square miles
  2. The wind project in New Mexico is described as the largest in the Western Hemisphere but requires vast land use, questioning its efficiency compared to existing energy sources like nuclear power
  3. Examining the land efficiency of energy production reveals the impressive output of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona compared to GE's wind turbines, highlighting the importance of considering different energy sources

Stephen Moore: The Biggest Corporate Welfare Scam of All Time

259 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Some green energy companies pay little to no taxes while receiving significant federal subsidies and benefits.
  2. Despite significant investments in green energy, fossil fuels and nuclear power still dominate the energy sector in America.
  3. The green energy industry is exempt from certain tax regulations, contributing to concerns about corporate welfare and misuse of taxpayer money.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Green Road to Serfdom, by ANDREW STUTTAFORD

199 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. The campaign to reach net zero by 2050 involves central planning, driven by a mix of apocalypticism, puritanism, and criticism of Western achievements.
  2. Efforts for net zero face challenges as voters may resist when costs start impacting them, leading to potential backlash against such policies.
  3. Transitioning to net zero by 2050 could harm economies, infringe on individual freedoms, and be a misuse of resources, potentially necessitating a change in approach to climate change solutions.

Replacing plastics with alternatives is worse for greenhouse gas emissions in most cases, study finds by University of Sheffield

199 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Research shows that replacing plastics with alternatives may not always be better for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies like demand reduction, efficiency optimization, and reuse/recycling can be more effective.
  2. Plastic products have lower GHG emissions than their alternatives in most cases across various sectors like packaging, construction, and automotive. Factors like lower energy intensity and weight efficiency contribute to this.
  3. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of plastic products versus alternatives. Optimizing plastic use, extending product lifetimes, and improving recycling systems are key for reducing emissions linked to plastics.

A short note about my Substack work and subscriptions

279 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. The author has been an energy activist for 25 years and a poet, funding their activism through social security and publishing over 4,000 pieces on Substack in 2 years.
  2. The author's focus is on energy poverty, economic development, sound energy policy, and promoting energy thought leaders through timely and fact-based information.
  3. The author mentions various voices they have published on Substack and expresses a need for subscription help to continue their environmental advocacy.

The Spectator is Right, Climate Alarmist Messaging is Harming People

179 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Alarmist messaging about climate change can be harmful to people's mental health.
  2. There is no impending catastrophe due to climate change, and studies show alarmist messaging is counterproductive.
  3. Media's coverage of climate change can negatively impact mental health and it's important to balance narratives with factual data.

Climate Cooking: from Roger Pielke Jr. 4 mins ago Charles Rotter

179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. A narrative influenced by billionaires like Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg played a critical role in promoting the extreme climate scenario RCP8.5, shaping climate research and policy.
  2. The misuse of RCP8.5 in reports like "Risky Business" led to flawed economic projections and influenced scientific literature and media narratives, perpetuating exaggerated climate change threats.
  3. Roger Pielke Jr.'s article emphasizes the urgent need to maintain scientific integrity in climate science, highlighting the impact of political and financial interests on shaping narratives and calls for vigilance in upholding scientific standards.

There is no human right to a safe or stable climate, By Judith Curry

219 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. There is no human right to a safe or stable climate according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the European Convention on Human Rights.
  2. Efforts in Europe to establish a new human right to a safe climate have not received international support from the UN or been included in the Paris Agreement.
  3. Mortality statistics show a decrease in deaths related to extreme weather events due to factors such as wealth, better infrastructure, and advancements in technology, challenging the notion of human rights protection against climate change impacts.

UN Climate Official: Only Two Years Left To Save World; Wants Trillions For Green Schemes by Madeleine Hubbard

159 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. According to a UN climate official, there are only two years left to tackle the environmental crisis, and this responsibility falls on every person on the planet.
  2. Saving the world from the crisis is crucial for achieving other global goals like ending poverty and hunger, making it a top priority.
  3. A significant increase in climate finance is necessary by directing trillions of dollars towards green alternatives rather than traditional energy infrastructure.

A Biologist Shares 2 Environmental Benefits Of Offshore ‘Mega-Windmills’

159 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Building bigger offshore wind turbines leads to more efficient energy production with less environmental impact.
  2. Larger turbines mean fewer need to be built, reducing construction costs and environmental disruption.
  3. Bigger wind turbines spaced at wider intervals have a smaller atmospheric impact on climate conditions.

The Current Administration Declares War on the U.S. Oil and Gas Industry, by Ed Ireland

159 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. US oil production hit historic levels in 2023, but the current administration is aiming to curb the industry, potentially to gain favor with eco groups.
  2. New regulations are targeting the U.S. oil and gas industry, including increasing costs for leasing federal lands and raising royalties and minimum bids.
  3. Environmental advocates like Earthjustice and Sierra Club back the new rules, while the Independent Petroleum Association criticizes them, stating they could drive mineral production away.

Facebook Censorship due to a Science Feedback “Fact Check”

139 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Facebook's fact-checking process has been criticized for being biased and driven by ideology, leading to censorship of content like 'Climate: The Movie.'
  2. Fact checks should focus on verifying facts, not opinions, and the use of biased fact checks can lead to censoring legitimate content based on differing interpretations of data.
  3. The Science Feedback and Climate Feedback websites have been called out for being unreliable and misleading, with examples provided of incorrect fact checks and misinformation.

New England’s Remaining Coal Plants To Be Replaced By Costly ‘Renewable Energy Park’ by Thomas Catenacci

179 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. New England's final coal-fired power plants are closing, transitioning to renewable energy parks, impacting reliability and pricing.
  2. The shift from coal to renewable energy sources raises concerns about providing consistent electricity during high demand due to intermittency of renewables.
  3. Inadequate infrastructure to transport natural gas in New England poses a risk to natural-gas-fired plants' ability to perform, impacting energy security.

When are we going to stop treating the Green Industrial Complex like the Fourth Branch of Government?

139 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. There are environmental concerns regarding rocket launches in San Diego County, impacting residents, wildlife, and fishing grounds.
  2. SpaceX and other companies are seeking to increase the number of rocket launches, prompting regulators to question the environmental effects.
  3. The California Coastal Commission has concerns about noise, ocean debris, air quality, and the cumulative impact of rocket launches, leading to a postponement of decisions.

Trillions in taxpayer subsidies haven’t made wind and solar power cheaper or better for Americans By Bjorn Lomborg

179 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Wind and solar power's claim to be the cheapest is deceptive due to the need for expensive backup systems when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.
  2. The cost of solar and wind energy significantly increases when reliability factors are taken into account, making them much more expensive than other sources of electricity.
  3. The true cost of solar and wind energy is often overlooked, including the expense of recycling spent wind turbine blades and exhausted solar panels, further challenging the idea that they are cheaper alternatives.

Study: Replacements For Plastic Products Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Nearly All Cases

159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. Replacements for plastic products often produce higher greenhouse gas emissions than plastic, sometimes by a significant margin.
  2. Plastic products release 10% to 90% fewer emissions across their lifecycle compared to alternatives in most applications.
  3. In some cases, like food packaging, there are no suitable alternatives to plastics, highlighting the importance of being cautious with policies that aim to reduce plastic use.

Net Zero? China Dominates Surge In New Coal Power, Setting Record Capacity Globally by Bloomberg News

159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. China started construction on 70 gigawatts of new coal plants last year, significantly more than the rest of the world combined.
  2. China's focus on expanding coal power reflects its emphasis on energy security after facing power shortages.
  3. Global coal-power capacity hit a record high, with the majority of the increase led by China, followed by Indonesia and India.

Left Goes Crazy – Says 2 Years Left to Save the Planet from Warming, By Jim Willis

159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. United Nations Climate Chief stated that there are only two years left for the world to take action against climate change.
  2. Governments, business leaders, and development banks need to strengthen plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the climate crisis.
  3. Reforms in climate finance, development banks, and global cooperation are crucial to combat climate change and its effects.

The Greening Earth vs Enemies of Climate Truth, by Jim Steele

159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. The Earth is experiencing global greening, leading to more photosynthesis and resilient ecosystems benefiting from rising CO2 levels.
  2. There is debate between the positive effects of greening on ecosystems versus claims of ecosystem collapse linked to rising CO2 levels, revealing conflicting narratives from climate communicators.
  3. Climate communicators like Rosh use selective data interpretation to push a doomsday narrative about climate change, despite evidence of ongoing greening and improved ecosystem health.

Blackout Costs $12,212 Per Megawatt Hour for Colorado Business The costs of blackouts are real, and they are not spectacular

139 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Blackouts can cost businesses a significant amount of money - In Colorado, the cost reached $12,212 per megawatt-hour.
  2. The high costs of unreliable electricity are a significant concern - From spoiled food to lost revenue, the impacts can be severe for businesses.
  3. Reliance on weather-dependent energy sources like wind and solar can lead to more blackouts and financial losses - Policies favoring these sources could impact grid reliability and business operations.

EPA Awards Billions From Misnamed Inflation Reduction Act To Orgs Tied To Biden, Dems by Nick Pope

219 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. The EPA awarded nearly $14 billion to organizations linked to the Biden administration and the Democratic Party under the Inflation Reduction Act, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.
  2. Among the recipients were Climate United, the Coalition for Green Capital, and Power Forward Communities, each receiving substantial amounts to support green technology and energy projects.
  3. These organizations have strong ties to the Democratic Party and political figures, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the distribution of taxpayer funds.

Net Zero and the threat to the rule of law By Andrew Montford

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. The European Court of Human Rights ruling requires climate change policies to be implemented, regardless of costs and benefits
  2. Climate catastrophism is compared to a religion and discussed as irrational, operating on fear and potentially corrupting institutions like the legal system
  3. There are significant concerns about the threat the court ruling poses to democracy and the rule of law, indicating a need for awareness and action

I am available to research and report on several energy related sectors, regulations and/or government policies, national or international subjects, or separate companies upon request

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Stephen Heins is available to research and report on energy-related sectors, regulations, government policies, and more upon request.
  2. He has been an energy activist for 25 years, with a focus on energy poverty, economic development, and sound energy policy.
  3. He has published thousands of pieces on Substack, highlighting various energy thought leaders and emphasizing timeliness and facts.

The Latest On International Efforts To Save The Planet Through Climate Litigation April 09, 2024/ Francis Menton

159 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. There are ongoing international efforts involving climate litigation to combat climate change, such as lawsuits seeking to phase out fossil fuel use and stabilize the climate system.
  2. Judicial decisions in climate litigation cases, like the Juliana case in the United States and cases in Europe, demonstrate the intersection of law, climate policy, and constitutional rights.
  3. Challenges persist in these climate litigation efforts, with courts making significant rulings like ordering government actions to combat climate change based on human rights conventions.

Shell’s former chief fuels fears it could quit London for New York Ben van Beurden says company is undervalued in UK and US investors are ‘more positive’ about fossil fuels

119 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Shell's former chief executive expresses concerns that the company might leave the London Stock Exchange for a New York listing due to being undervalued in the UK compared to the US.
  2. European oil companies have lower valuations than US counterparts, as European investors have stricter rules on investing in fossil fuels.
  3. US investors have a more positive outlook on fossil fuels, making European listings less attractive, prompting European oil companies to explore clean energy alternatives proactively.

State-Owned Companies Released the Most Carbon Dioxide Emissions

119 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Since the Paris Accord, state-owned energy companies have been major emitters of carbon dioxide, while investor-owned companies are reducing emissions.
  2. Top emitters of carbon dioxide from 2016 to 2022 were state-owned companies like Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, and Coal India.
  3. Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2023, with China leading as the largest emitter despite promises made at UN Climate conventions.

A historic human-rights verdict By Hugo Miller and Olivia Rudgard

119 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. A group of elderly women at the European Court of Human Rights made legal history by winning a case against the Swiss Confederation for not addressing climate change properly. This highlights the importance of adopting science-based targets to limit dangerous climate change.
  2. The victory was a result of the persistence and dedication of the women from KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz, who focused on protecting older women's vulnerabilities to extreme heat caused by climate change.
  3. The impact of the 2003 Europe heat wave, where more than 70,000 people died, served as a catalyst for the legal action, showcasing the pressing need for climate protection as a human right.

Extreme temperatures are tied to more than half a million stroke deaths a year. With climate change, expect more By Jen Christensen, CNN

139 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. Extreme temperatures are linked to over half a million stroke deaths annually, with a projected increase due to climate change.
  2. Men have more strokes related to extreme temperatures than women, affecting all age groups.
  3. Strokes from extreme temperatures are more concentrated in regions with high poverty levels and fragile healthcare systems, like Africa.

The EU Can’t Afford A ‘Green Transition’ As Real Costs Come To Light by Irina Slav

139 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. The EU is facing challenges in affording the 'Green Transition' due to underestimating the real costs involved, which are now becoming apparent.
  2. The transition is costing more money than what was initially allocated, putting a strain on the EU's budget and leading to public discontent.
  3. The EU's focus on emission reduction targets and not on addressing high energy costs and maintaining competitiveness may be hindering the success of the Green Deal.

Ex-Advisor To French President Macron Warns Of Green Agenda Revolt, Dwarfing The Yellow Vests

179 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. A former advisor to French President Macron warns that the country may face a major revolt if they continue with the green agenda, exceeding past protests like the Yellow Vests movement.
  2. The advisor criticizes the government for lacking strategic vision and states that France could experience severe financial crises or social unrest due to the green agenda's impact on working-class people.
  3. The growing dissatisfaction with the green agenda in France and Europe has led to populist movements gaining momentum, with public anger forcing policy changes and impacting upcoming elections.

Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York Balancing the risks and benefits of environmental initiatives, by Roger Caiazza

119 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Climate scientists attribute record heat mainly to human-caused emissions from burning fossil fuels, but there is evidence of natural climate variability playing a significant role.
  2. Historical temperature trends show natural climate variability impacting Earth's climate, questioning the exclusive emphasis on anthropogenic factors for recent warming.
  3. Recent global temperature spikes may have been influenced by natural events like volcanic eruptions and El NiĂąo, raising doubts on the immediate link to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Illustrating The Absurdity Of New York's Energy Transition April 12, 2024/ Francis Menton

119 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. New York has an ambitious energy transition plan to achieve Net Zero by 2050, starting with a mandate of 70% 'emissions-free' electricity by 2030, but lacks detailed feasibility studies, cost analyses, and prototypes for how to achieve this.
  2. Implementing the energy transition in New York involves a complex web of state agencies like the Climate Action Council and NY State Energy Research & Development Authority, alongside traditional agencies like the Department of Public Service and the NY Independent System Operator.
  3. The plan aims to fill the electricity gap caused by closing natural gas plants with a theoretical 'Dispatchable Emissions-Free Resource' (DEFR) that doesn't currently exist at a scalable level, leading to concerns about feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

The U.S. Urgently Needs a Bigger Grid. Here’s a Fast Solution. By Brad Plumer

119 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. Building new transmission lines in the U.S. takes a long time due to delays and opposition. A faster, cheaper solution is to replace old power lines with advanced materials to double their capacity.
  2. Upgrading power lines with advanced conductors could nearly double existing transmission capacity at less than half the cost of building new lines.
  3. The USA needs to grow its electric grid more rapidly to meet clean energy goals, but building transmission lines can be slow and may hinder emission reductions. Innovative solutions like reconductoring can help increase grid capacity quickly.

Amicus Brief Exposing EPA Flouting Doctrine Against Pretextual Rulemaking

139 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. A transparency group filed an amicus brief exposing the EPA's backdoor approach to tightening rules for particulate matter, aiming to force politically disliked facilities to close under the guise of energy decisions.
  2. The brief raises concerns about the EPA Administrator's admitted pretextual actions and violation of the Constitution for overreach beyond the agency's authority.
  3. Ultimately, the court is urged to consider vacating the rule or applying the doctrine against pretext, highlighting the broader implications of such rulemaking on reliability and electricity grid stability.

Gen. Rick Hillier: Ideology masking as leadership killed the Canadian dream Enough of the gaslighting, evading, blaming and deluding. Canada needs to be made ours again

139 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. The Canadian dream is being killed by ideology masquerading as leadership, economic self-harm under the guise of climate control, and taxes misspent on scandalous activities.
  2. There is a sense of crisis with diminishing infrastructure, brain drain, and an overwhelming feeling that the concept of a united Canada is faltering.
  3. Calls for more regulations, higher taxes, and immigration without integration plans are being met with an absence of effective responses.

BMO drops anti-coal policy amid Wall Street rebuke of ESG

139 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. BMO Bank quietly dropped its policy restricting lending to the coal industry in late 2023 to avoid being labeled an energy 'boycotter' in West Virginia.
  2. BMO's fundamental approach to the coal industry remains unchanged despite taking down the public-facing statement.
  3. The finance industry, including banks and investment firms, has faced criticism and decreased vocalization of their climate efforts amidst political attacks on environmental, social, and governance strategies.