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

CLIMATE LAWSUITSGOVERNMENT IDIOCY Federal Court Throws Wrench into Biden Admin’s War on Appliances

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. A federal appeals court blocked the Biden administration's attempt to repeal regulations on dishwashers and clothes washers, questioning the DOE's regulatory authority in these matters.
  2. The court criticized the Biden administration's push for more energy-efficient appliances, noting that such appliances may be less effective than traditional models and could lead to increased energy and water usage.
  3. In addition to dishwashers and clothes washers, the Biden administration's DOE has been working on energy efficiency regulations for other household items like water heaters, furnaces, and pool pump motors.

For Govt. And The Media, Delusions And Lies Drive The Climate Change Narrative

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. Climate change narrative relies on delusions and lies by the government and media.
  2. The concept of Earth's climate history, specifically in relation to temperatures from 125,000 years ago, is based on assumptions and estimates rather than precise data.
  3. NOAA's reporting on billion-dollar disasters has been criticized for lacking scientific integrity and transparency, possibly misstating the trends in disaster costs.

GLOBAL WARMING The Cost Of The Climate Cabal I & I Editorial Board

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. The climate cabal is requesting an astonishing $150 trillion for climate programs, a mind-boggling amount that surpasses the world's GDP and would have significant economic repercussions.
  2. Despite the hefty financial demand, there is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such spending, with concerns raised about economic struggles, energy shortages, and minimal impact on the climate.
  3. Research indicates that achieving climate targets at the cost of 1.5% of GDP may not be beneficial, highlighting the challenges and questionable outcomes of climate mitigation efforts.

More than half of Edmonton's $60-million electric bus fleet not roadworthy

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. More than half of Edmonton's $60-million electric bus fleet is not roadworthy due to issues with parts and bankruptcies.
  2. Problems with parts availability and a bankruptcy filing have impacted the efficiency and performance of the electric buses.
  3. Despite being marketed as efficient, the electric buses struggle with parts availability, cold weather challenges, and maintaining their performance.

Will Battery Storage Make Gas Power Generation Redundant?

79 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
  1. Government policies penalizing hydrocarbon power and supporting battery storage are changing energy generation economics.
  2. Short-term battery storage is advancing quickly, but long-term solutions are still costly and in development.
  3. Gas power plants remain crucial for energy supply security, even as focus shifts towards renewable energy sources.
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Offshore Wind cannot be justified

79 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
  1. An analysis revealed that offshore wind developments might actually lead to increased global carbon emissions due to various factors like supply chain emissions and backup power generation.
  2. Offshore wind projects are expensive and may not create as many local jobs as believed, with the potential for jobs to be lost due to rising electricity costs.
  3. The net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and other benefits from offshore wind energy seem to be minimal, making it hard to justify further investments in this industry.

North German Green Hydrogen Project Halted Due To Lack Of Economy…”Major Economic Risks”

79 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
  1. The North German Green Hydrogen Project was halted due to high construction costs and major economic risks, highlighting the challenges of developing alternative energy sources.
  2. Despite millions in subsidies, the project proved to be uneconomical, leading to its premature termination after 3 years of planning.
  3. The lack of economic viability and the absence of a proper market were key reasons why the project was discontinued, emphasizing the importance of cost-effectiveness in green energy initiatives.

The Biomass Mirage: Unveiling the Reality Behind Enviva’s Downfall

79 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
  1. The downfall of Enviva, the world's largest biomass energy company, highlights the pitfalls of the renewable energy sector and flawed narratives in climate action.
  2. Biomass energy's environmental impact, including deforestation and high carbon emissions, challenges its sustainability claims and raises questions on its viability as a renewable energy solution.
  3. Enviva's financial challenges reveal broader economic instability in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing the need for a critical and evidence-based approach to energy policy.

The false promise of green jobs Modern industrial policy has a tension at its heart

79 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
  1. Combining industrial policy with climate policy may not always be logical, as one seeks economic growth and jobs while the other focuses on lowering emissions. Politicians investing in green industrial policy need to navigate a balance between these two objectives.
  2. Efficient climate-change policies involve taxing carbon and subsidizing clean-tech research, which can lead to positive externalities and advancements in green technology. However, these policies may not necessarily create a significant number of new jobs.
  3. Governments face challenges in implementing industrial policy effectively, as they often struggle to pick successful tech investments and can be susceptible to rent-seeking behavior. Clear goals, transparency, and discipline are crucial for successful industrial policy implementation.

Claim: Electric Grids can Handle Double their Rated Capacity

59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Some electric grids can safely hold double their rated capacity, according to studies in places like Texas and Australia.
  2. New technologies like digital modeling and AI are helping to uncover unused capacity within existing power lines.
  3. There are barriers preventing the full utilization of existing grid capacities, such as conservative engineering ratings and financial constraints faced by green energy providers.

German Farmers Begin 8 Day Massive Protest Against Increased Government Taxation and Alarmist Climate Agenda

59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. German farmers are protesting against increased government taxation on diesel fuel and farming equipment, not seeking government subsidies.
  2. The planned protests in Germany include motorway blockades and are described as unprecedented by the farmers' association.
  3. Government officials in Germany are accusing the protesting farmers of being backed by right-wing extremists, similar to the situation during the Canadian trucker protests.

Where sinking cities are pushing sea level rise into overdrive By Rachel Ramirez, CNN

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Dozens of cities along the US coastline are sinking at alarming rates, increasing their vulnerability to devastating flooding from sea level rise.
  2. The combination of sinking land and rising sea levels puts up to 343,000 acres of land at risk of destructive flooding by 2050, with cities on the East Coast and Gulf Coast being particularly susceptible.
  3. Factors like groundwater extraction, oil and gas extraction, and heavy buildings contribute to coastal land subsidence, disproportionately affecting communities of color and low-income populations.

Exposing The Real Costs Of The Green Energy Scam

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Politicians are investing a lot of public money in renewable energy, promising carbon-free power from sources like the sun and wind.
  2. The push for renewable energy is resulting in increased electricity costs, especially in states like California where reliance on solar and wind brings higher rates.
  3. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar can be unreliable, leading to blackouts and inefficiencies. Taxpayer money often subsidizes wealthy individuals for solar panel installations.

No, CNN, Climate Change Is Not Driving Doomsday Glacier’s Decline

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Antarctica has not been warming according to data, and the decline of the Thwaites Glacier is suggested to be part of a natural cycle, rather than driven by human-caused climate change.
  2. The Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the 'Doomsday Glacier,' is the broadest glacier on Earth, and its decline has been observed to have started in the 1940s, possibly due to natural climate fluctuations like El NiĂąo.
  3. While the study determines the glacier's decline began in the 1940s, predictions about future trends are speculative, and evidence suggests that human-caused global warming may not be the main driver of the glacier's recent melting trend.

Biden Energy Sec Granholm maintains cozy relationship with foreign and dark money-tied environmental groups: Jennifer Granholm's internal calendar shows several meetings with individuals from far-left

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. Jennifer Granholm, the Biden Energy Secretary, has close ties with far-left environmental groups that have connections to foreign funding, raising concerns about potential influence over the administration's energy agenda.
  2. Granholm's internal calendar reveals frequent meetings with extreme climate groups, indicating a deep level of coordination between Biden officials and these organizations.
  3. The involvement of Swiss billionaire HansjĂśrg Wyss in funding left-wing causes and organizations like Climate Power also adds to the complexity of the situation, with questions arising about legitimate influencing practices.

EU Parliament Votes to Push for End of Global Fossil Fuel Subsidies by 2025 at COP28

79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. The EU Parliament voted to urge for an end to global fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 during COP28, emphasizing a shift towards renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2030.
  2. Prior UN climate conferences have not been successful in securing commitments to phase out fossil fuels, with the focus last year on increasing low-emission energy and renewables.
  3. The EU aims to unite with developing and small island nations to pressure countries that have not met their climate change responsibilities, emphasizing the need for fair international climate financing.

German conservatives call for reversing combustion engine car ban in draft EU election programme

39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
  1. German conservatives aim to reverse the ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035 to preserve and develop the cutting-edge technology further.
  2. The CDU/CSU parties in Germany support nuclear energy alongside renewable energies in their energy mix.
  3. In their draft manifesto for the EU elections, German conservatives focus on innovation, research, and market-based instruments to switch the economy to climate-friendly production.

Russia and China dominating the race for nuclear electricity generation

99 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
  1. Russia and China are dominating the global nuclear electricity generation industry, leading in the construction of new zero-emission nuclear power plants.
  2. The United States, once a leader in nuclear energy, is now lagging behind with few new reactors under construction, while Russia and China continue to invest heavily and expand their nuclear power programs.
  3. The competition in the international nuclear energy market holds high geopolitical value, with Russia and China utilizing agreements and diplomatic instruments to promote their state-owned nuclear companies and win reactor build projects abroad.

More than a Third of Public Companies Now Reporting Scope 3 Emissions: MSCI

99 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. More than a third of public companies are now reporting Scope 3 emissions, showing increased transparency in climate impact.
  2. Despite improvements in disclosure and climate commitments, direct emissions from companies have not decreased and are set to exceed targets for limiting temperature increase.
  3. The quality and comprehensiveness of decarbonization commitments vary widely among companies, with only a minority aligning with net zero or 1.5°C pathways.

Biden admin appears to fabricate paper trail in pursuit of major chemical plant shutdown: court docs

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. The Biden administration is facing scrutiny for allegedly creating a misleading paper trail to justify shutting down a major chemical plant, which could have significant economic consequences.
  2. There are claims that the administration's lawsuit against the chemical plant involves questionable actions and flawed science, raising concerns about the validity of the legal actions taken.
  3. The chemical plant in question has strongly pushed back against the shutdown, highlighting its compliance with environmental permits and questioning the science behind the EPA's claims.

Associated Press Got It Wrong: Wind Farm Contractors Acknowledge Turbines Kill Dolphins, Whales

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Some wind turbine companies have requested permission to harm ocean mammals like whales and dolphins, despite statements by reporters that offshore wind farms do not cause whale deaths.
  2. Companies such as Ørsted and Atlantic Shores have acknowledged in their filings with NOAA that their activities will harm ocean mammals through sounds produced.
  3. Local communities are increasingly rejecting wind farms due to concerns over their environmental impact, with hundreds of projects being rejected in recent years.

John Kerry’s Climate Office Costs Taxpayers $4.3M A Year, Won’t Divulge Names

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. John Kerry's Climate Office costs taxpayers $4.3 million annually, but the names of the staff are not disclosed.
  2. Despite receiving a significant salary, Kerry's staff details remain largely unknown, with redacted titles and minimal information disclosed.
  3. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in Kerry's office, especially regarding potential influence on foreign and climate policy decisions.

All E-Bus Services In Swedish City Canceled Due To Frigid Cold From “The Exaggerated Climate Crisis” Dept.:

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. All e-bus services in a Swedish city were canceled due to frigid temperatures, requiring the vehicles to be heated for optimal function.
  2. Electric buses proved unreliable in extremely cold temperatures, causing disruptions in public transportation.
  3. The decision to pause bus services aimed to ensure the safety of travelers in extreme cold and provide a comfortable working environment for bus drivers.

Biden administration to unveil contractor rule set to upend gig economy By Daniel Wiessner and David Shepardson

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. The Biden administration is set to release a new rule impacting how companies categorize workers, aiming to provide more benefits and protections to employees.
  2. The rule may particularly affect app-based services like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, potentially leading to increased costs for businesses in various sectors.
  3. Many businesses criticized the draft of the rule, citing concerns about higher labor costs and needing clearer guidance on distinguishing between employees and contractors.

The Dramatic Downfall of ESG Investing

79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Investors withdrew $14.2 billion from U.S. sustainable funds over the past year due to poor returns and plunging renewable energy stocks.
  2. Global renewable energy funds saw record outflows in Q3 2023, with stocks crashing because of rising costs and market challenges.
  3. Challenges to ESG investing include political and regulatory changes, such as the Biden Administration's ESG rule being questioned and the SEC's measures to combat greenwashing.

Scientists combine climate models for more accurate projections

79 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. Scientists have developed a new method to combine various climate models, providing more accurate projections for future conditions.
  2. This method helps adjust for models with high temperature sensitivities, avoiding the rejection of models seen in previous practices.
  3. The new approach allows for better estimation of global temperature increase by the end of the century, contributing to more precise climate change projections.

California Aims to Force Adoption of Electric Trucks, But 19 States Sue to Block

79 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
  1. California is pushing for the adoption of electric trucks, but 19 states are suing to block these regulations.
  2. California's Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Regulation requires truck operators to buy only Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) trucks for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucking operations.
  3. The forced adoption of electric trucks could significantly increase costs for consumers, require more trucks for the same amount of freight, and put small truckers out of business.

Managing ESG Data Flow a Growing Challenge for Investors as CSRD Reporting Begins: Bloomberg Survey

39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. Investors are facing challenges with ESG data, particularly in dealing with coverage and quality issues and managing the increasing volume of information due to new regulatory ESG reporting requirements.
  2. The European ESG Data Trends Survey 2024 by Bloomberg revealed that many market participants are concerned about incomplete or low-quality data, needing to link ESG data to existing systems, and handling the growing volume of reported ESG data.
  3. The survey also showed that firms are exploring different approaches to ESG data management, with some using centralized proprietary solutions while others are opting for decentralized methods by managing data individually by business unit.

2 “Protesters” Locked to Car Block Road to MVP Construction Site

39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. Protesters blocked a road to MVP Construction Site by locking themselves to a car, causing disruptions to construction activities and sparking debates about environmental impact.
  2. The incident involved protesters chaining themselves to the car, which led to the intervention of Virginia State Police to clear the road and resolve the situation.
  3. The ongoing construction of the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline has faced delays and opposition, with environmental activists expressing strong concerns about the project's impact on the environment.

Met Office Must Account for the ‘Junk’ Temperature Data Propping up Net Zero Insanity From The DAILY SCEPTIC BY CHRIS MORRISON

39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. Pressure is mounting for the U.K. Met Office to address issues with its temperature data collection, highlighted for not meeting scientific standards.
  2. The accuracy of temperature data is crucial for initiatives like Net Zero, but the current data poses uncertainties and potential inaccuracies.
  3. Increasing urbanization has affected temperature measurement stations, leading to doubts about the accuracy of global temperature records and pushing doubts about constant temperature 'records'.

Rich countries found to use six times more resources, generate 10 times the climate impact: Report by UN Environment Programme

39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. Rich countries typically use six times more resources and have 10 times the climate impact compared to low-income countries. This emphasizes the need for sustainable consumption and resource efficiency.
  2. Global resource extraction has tripled in the past five decades, leading to significant environmental impacts such as planet-warming emissions and biodiversity loss. Action is required to bring resource use in line with planetary boundaries.
  3. Policy changes are necessary to reduce the projected growth in resource use, improve well-being, and minimize environmental impacts. This includes incorporating sustainable consumption options, creating circular and resource-efficient solutions, and mainstreaming sustainable practices.

A Cautionary Tale from Prince Edward Island Charles Rotter

59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. Renewable energy projects can face technology risks, where new better technology can make older assets obsolete or reduce their lifecycle.
  2. The Prince Edward Island wind farm project serves as a cautionary tale of blindly embracing renewable energy without considering practical realities, leading to financial losses.
  3. The wind farm's rapid decline in efficiency and huge maintenance issues highlight the importance of proper planning and consideration of long-term sustainability in green energy projects.

New Report Highlights Green Failure in Europe and Warns America By Rick Whitbeck

59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. Decarbonization efforts in Europe, particularly in Britain, have led to economic issues, with slow growth and high energy costs.
  2. The comparison between British and American energy prices highlights the financial impact of 'green' energy initiatives.
  3. Unchecked government investments in 'green' energy can affect grid reliability and cause economic struggles, warning against blind adoption of such initiatives.

U.S. power grid at risk for outages this winter, says NERC

79 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. The U.S. power grid faces a risk of outages this winter, according to NERC. Almost half of the country is at an increased risk of insufficient power reserves during extreme weather conditions.
  2. Federal policies are contributing to the grid's vulnerability. Measures pushing for the electrification of everything and the reliance on intermittent energy sources like solar are cited as factors.
  3. Misguided federal energy policies have led to significant challenges for the U.S. power grid. Initiatives advancing electric vehicles and heat pumps may be exacerbating the strain on the infrastructure.

Predictions in anti-fracking ‘Gasland’ fail to come true nearly 14 years after documentary released

79 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
  1. The predictions made in the documentary Gasland about the harmful effects of fracking have not come true even 14 years after its release.
  2. Fracking proved to be a significant contributor to the U.S. oil and gas industry with a substantial increase in production and job creation.
  3. Challenging the claims against fracking with scientific studies reveals that many of the arguments against the practice do not have a solid scientific basis.

The Guardian Peddles Climate Doom Over Mild Midwest Winter, Ignores Natural Causes

39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. The intensity of a mild winter in the American Midwest is more likely explained by natural causes like El NiĂąo, not just climate change.
  2. The variability of ice coverage across the Great Lakes shows that recent years have seen below-average ice coverage, but high years are still present depending on individual lakes.
  3. Long-term trend in declining extreme cold is actually beneficial for human survival, and climate doomsaying may not always be appropriate based on available data.

The Climate Cult Is Getting A Quick Lesson In ‘Populist’ Greenlash You have to give plaudits to Michael Bloomberg’s mouthpiece, Bloomberg News.

39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. The media is lacking facts and understanding in discussing net-zero programs and climate change.
  2. Right-wing parties are gaining support by opposing strong climate action and criticizing the green transition.
  3. Climate policies are becoming a divisive cultural issue, impacting people's daily lives, and stirring political shifts.

This Could Be A Gamechanger For Natural Gas In Europe By Michael Kern - Mar 02, 2024, 9:57 AM CST

39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. European countries are focusing on onshore natural gas assets for affordable domestic energy resources rather than offshore resources.
  2. There is a shift towards natural gas as a bridge fuel in Europe due to the need for cleaner energy sources and the limitations of renewables.
  3. Companies like MCF Energy are investing in exploration and development of natural gas projects in Europe to meet the increasing demand for domestic natural gas.

John Kerry blasts US investors for scaling back on climate action

39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. John Kerry criticizes US investors for reducing efforts on climate change
  2. Asset managers like JPMorgan, Pimco, and State Street stepped back from Climate Action 100+, causing concerns
  3. Despite setbacks, many other global investors continue to focus on pushing companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions