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

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.

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.
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Gallup: Latest Poll Shows Growing Backlash Against Electric Vehicles by John Nolte

139 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Public support for transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) has dropped significantly since 2023, with a decrease in the percentage of Americans considering buying an EV.
  2. The appeal of owning an EV doesn't always match the reality due to factors like upfront costs, maintenance expenses, and the inconvenience of finding and waiting at charging stations.
  3. EVs are currently more attractive to individuals with higher incomes and those with predictable commutes, but widespread adoption may not occur until charging becomes as fast and convenient as refueling gas-powered vehicles.

(Energy) poverty is very bad for humans and the environment Time to stop pretending that the planet will be saved by maintaining energy poverty in low-income states KEN OPALO

139 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Energy poverty is detrimental for both humans and the environment, and pretending it will save the planet is not the solution.
  2. Tackling climate change requires a balanced approach where low-income countries can develop and transition to green technologies without sacrificing growth.
  3. Ending energy poverty is crucial for economic development, job creation, and environmental sustainability, especially in regions where solid fuels are still widely used for cooking.

The Age of Underpopulation is Here

139 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Fertility rates have dropped below the minimum replacement rate in many major nations, leading to global underpopulation.
  2. Despite past fears of overpopulation, world population growth is now stabilizing, with families having fewer children due to societal changes.
  3. The overpopulation crisis predicted by world elites did not happen, highlighting the importance of adaptation and questioning current warnings of a climate catastrophe.

New York's Climate Corruption on Climate Has Neither A Threshold Nor Any Bounds

139 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. Roger Caiazza analyses the health benefits claimed from fighting climate change, showing they are overstated and based on flawed assumptions.
  2. The Linear No Threshold (LNT) model used to estimate health impacts is highlighted as potentially being based on intentional fraud, influencing environmental regulations.
  3. New York's Cap-and-Invest program projects health benefits based on broad estimates of emission changes, potentially overstating the benefits, according to the analysis.

New U.S. ‘green bank’ aims to steer over $160B in capital into climate tech

139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. A new U.S. 'green bank' is set to channel more than $160 billion into climate technology, aiming to create jobs, cut costs for American families, and build a healthier future for children.
  2. The creation of the green bank will provide funding for smaller clean energy projects like home heat pump installations and affordable housing retrofits, which were previously overlooked by traditional banks.
  3. This investment could prompt a significant influx of private capital alongside the $20 billion initial grant, fuelling the growth of proven climate technologies and signaling market demand to investors.

Bill McKibben: Is the Fight Against Climate Change Losing Momentum?

139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. The morally right side often prevails in crucial battles, as the moral universe ultimately leans towards justice.
  2. Financial institutions are stepping back from emission pledges, admitting challenges in maintaining these commitments without sacrificing their business interests.
  3. The decline in support for climate change efforts is attributed to the ineffectiveness of renewable energy, rather than issues of public awareness or corporate greed.

444,000 semi-loads of food? Just another day on planet earth

139 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. Global energy consumption is growing at an unprecedented rate, with projections showing a significant increase over the next few decades.
  2. The disparity in energy consumption between different regions of the world is vast, with developing countries striving to achieve the living standards of the West.
  3. The logistical efforts required to sustain everyday activities like food distribution on a global scale are immense, highlighting the critical role of energy in maintaining our modern way of life.

Why EVs are causing a tire boom

139 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
  1. Electric vehicles (EVs) wear out tires about 20% faster than internal combustion vehicles and the tires cost around 50% more.
  2. EVs create opportunities for tire companies due to their unique challenges like tire noise reduction and improving vehicle range.
  3. Tire companies have a chance to innovate in EV-related areas, potentially leading to increased customer demand and a "gold rush" for manufacturers.

Biden’s War On Diesel Trucks To Fight Climate Change Will ‘Threaten Cost Of Goods’ by Thomas Catenacci

139 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. The Biden administration is implementing strong regulations on heavy-duty vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, starting in 2026 and becoming more stringent through 2032.
  2. The rules aim to make a significant environmental impact, avoiding a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and providing $13 billion in annual societal benefits.
  3. While these regulations have environmental benefits, they are also facing pushback from the trucking industry, energy producers, and Republican lawmakers due to concerns about costs and feasibility.

Energy wise, how do you even describe 2024 Terry Etam

139 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
  1. The energy industry is facing challenges like delays in projects, budget overruns, and public opposition, leading to significant impacts on major pipeline projects.
  2. Global energy demand is increasing rapidly, with a shift towards electrification and the need for more data centers, posing challenges for energy infrastructure and supply.
  3. The energy sector is making progress in reducing emissions and developing new technologies despite opposition, highlighting the need for positive, reality-grounded discussions in the industry.

ESG backtesting: unveiling industry insights and overcoming criticisms

139 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. ESG performance varies across countries, sectors, and time, impacting investor decisions. Understanding market reactions to ESG in different scenarios helps blend ESG with traditional financial criteria for better company screening.
  2. Bloomberg offers ESG scores for public and private issuers, aiding investors in integrating ESG criteria effectively alongside financial metrics for informed decision-making.
  3. Detailed ESG data reveals varying market performance based on ESG percentiles and components by region and sector, providing unique insights for investors.

Why The Wind And Solar Racket Is The Green New Scam On Steroids by Jeffrey A. Tucker

139 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
  1. The solar panel farm in Texas was completely destroyed by a hailstorm, showing the vulnerability of such installations to extreme weather.
  2. There are significant environmental risks associated with wind and solar energy, such as the potential leakage of toxic materials like cadmium telluride into the ground and water supply.
  3. The push towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar may have serious implications, including energy uncertainty, infrastructure challenges, and the need for careful consideration of the overall impact.

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.

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.

Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute Shows January Arctic Sea Ice 20 Years Stable!

139 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
  1. Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute reports that Arctic sea ice has been stable over the past 20 years and even shows signs of recovery.
  2. Arctic sea ice in January 2024 was below the average value for the years 1981-2010, but still in line with the mean value of the period 1991-2020.
  3. The sea ice extent in January 2024 was around 400,000 square kilometers greater than the average over the last 20 years, showing a slow but steady increase.

Welcome To Net Zero: Sweden Charging Its E-Buses Using Diesel Generators

159 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
  1. Sweden is charging its e-buses using diesel generators due to insufficient energy and infrastructure for electric buses, causing chaos and cancellations in the cold winter.
  2. The shift to electric buses in Sweden has resulted in a need for diesel generators to charge the buses, which contradicts the goal of reducing emissions and highlights a climate scam.
  3. The situation in Sweden emphasizes the importance of considering infrastructure and energy availability before transitioning to electric vehicles to avoid inefficiencies and additional costs.

Electrifying US trucking could cost nearly $1 trillion: study Fleets and charger operators would need to spend $620 billion, with utilities and the government paying $370 billion, per a Roland Berger

139 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
  1. Electrifying the U.S. trucking industry may cost close to $1 trillion, with fleets and charger operators needing to invest $620 billion, and utilities spending $370 billion for grid networks.
  2. Purchasing electric trucks can cost 2 to 3 times more than diesel ones, leading to potential freight rate increases if not supported financially.
  3. The industry pushes back against EPA and CARB timelines for zero-emission trucks, stressing the significant financial burden and challenges of transitioning to heavy-duty truck electrification.

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

119 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. Despite massive taxpayer subsidies, wind and solar power are not actually cheaper or better for Americans. This is because of the unreliable nature of wind and solar energy, requiring expensive backup systems.
  2. The claim that solar and wind power are the cheapest sources of electricity is misleading. The real costs explode when considering the need for storage, making them far more expensive than fossil fuels.
  3. Investing more in low-CO₂ energy research and development is crucial for combating climate change. Technological breakthroughs in areas like battery storage and efficiency are needed to make low-CO₂ energy truly competitive with fossil fuels.

The Four Equestrians of the Transition Apocalypse By Irina Slav

119 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. The transition crusader army produces a significant amount of lies related to climate change and the transition to new energy sources.
  2. Hyperbole is utilized to amplify emotions and create a sense of urgency around climate change, potentially leading to radicalization of opinions.
  3. The concept of settled science in the climate change discourse has had a significant impact on academia and stifled dissenting voices, impacting scientific thought.

Scientists Expose Major Problems With Climate Change Data, Temperature Record, WRITTEN BY ALEX NEWMAN

159 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
  1. Scientists are pointing out significant issues with the climate change data and temperature records used by governments and scientists.
  2. There are concerns about corruption in the data, lack of representative data, and contamination from urban heat affecting the accuracy of temperature data.
  3. Experts suggest that the narrative of a climate crisis due to human activities may need to be reevaluated, as natural climate variability might offer a better explanation.

‘Grave Threat’: Calls Mount For SCOTUS To Intervene In Key Climate Lawsuit Against Major Energy Companies, by Nick Pope

119 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Calls are increasing for the Supreme Court to intervene in a climate lawsuit against major energy companies, citing potential threats to national security and the economy.
  2. Former government officials, military personnel, and legal experts have filed amicus briefs urging the Supreme Court to take on the case, emphasizing the implications for U.S. energy infrastructure and federalism.
  3. The lawsuit in question accuses oil corporations of misleading the public about their role in global warming, with concerns raised about the impact on energy industry, national security, and diplomatic relations.

Will “Industrial Wind Knew” replace ”ExxonKnew”?

119 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
  1. Industrial wind turbines are huge and disruptive man-made structures that raise concerns related to the precautionary principle and potential negative impacts on health and the environment.
  2. Infrasound and low-frequency noise from industrial wind turbines can have unseen but harmful effects on individuals and wildlife, posing challenges for those living near these installations.
  3. Studies suggest that chronic exposure to infrasound may lead to significant health issues through disturbances in cellular processes, emphasizing the importance of further research and precautionary actions.

Biden Administration Pressed to Act on Federal Contractor Climate Disclosure Twenty-six members of Congress urge agencies to finalize rules that would leverage the market power of the world's largest

119 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Twenty-six members of Congress are urging the Biden administration to finalize rules that would require federal contractors to disclose their carbon emissions and climate risks, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by leveraging the market power of the largest purchaser.
  2. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is working on developing climate reporting rules that would target a small group of big polluters, focusing obligations on the largest federal contractors who account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in the federal supply chain.
  3. Advocates for the new rules emphasize that requiring contractors to disclose emissions and plan for climate risks improves national security and economic preparedness, despite commentary from critics about potential costs and effectiveness in addressing climate change.

Oshkosh Genius

119 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
  1. The post discusses 'Oshkosh Genius' by Lewis Hine as highlighted by Stephen Heins on substack.com
  2. The content includes multiple images of the post, implying visual storytelling is part of the message
  3. Throughout the content, the emphasis on sharing the post is evident, indicating the author's intention to reach a wider audience

2 Groups Collude with Mainstream Media to Push Fake Climate Stories ANTI-DRILLING/FOSSIL FUEL | INDUSTRYWIDE ISSUES

119 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. The left continually promotes a narrative of climate disasters to mass brainwash people, leading to ostracization of those who question it.
  2. There are two groups colluding with mainstream media to push fake climate stories, influencing the general population through uniform narratives.
  3. These groups have financial ties to anti-fossil fuel organizations and are intentionally shaping a biased climate crisis narrative across news and entertainment, potentially leading to costly policies and skepticism among the public.

Extinction Rebellion Interrupts Easter Mass Because Nothing is Beneath Them

119 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. Extinction Rebellion activists disrupted an Easter Mass in Manhattan to demand faith leaders speak out against ecocide and genocide.
  2. The activists used the interruption to highlight the impact of war, occupation, and pollution on the environment, labeling it 'ecocide'.
  3. Their press release emphasized the importance of churches making ceasefire statements as part of the solution to global issues and urged for greater environmental awareness.

The Greatest Scientific Fraud Of All Time -- Part XXXII (Sea Level Rise Edition) March 18, 2024/ Francis Menton

139 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
  1. Government functionaries altering data to fit a global warming narrative is the greatest scientific fraud in history, driving trillions of dollars in global government spending.
  2. The narrative of sea level rise acceleration due to global warming is based on data alterations, aiming to instill fear, but the actual rise is consistent with historical trends.
  3. Claims of significant sea level acceleration are questionable, as data show only slight deviations from linearity and the projected impact is minimal in the long term.

New Documentary’s ‘Cold Truth’ About Climate, By Andrew Weiss

119 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. Wealthy countries built their economic resilience on coal, oil, and gas but denying the same benefit to poor countries for climate goals is unjust.
  2. The goal of energy policy should focus on providing clean, reliable power to raise living standards globally.
  3. Aggressive climate policies may lead to dangerous dependence on foreign supply chains and hinder economic growth.

EXCLUSIVE: Met Office Uses Junk Temperature Measurements to Fill “World Treasure” 350-Year Temperature Record BY CHRIS MORRISON

119 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
  1. The Met Office has been utilizing questionable temperature measurements to fill a significant 350-year temperature record, which raises concerns about the reliability of the data.
  2. There is a lack of transparency and explanation from the Met Office regarding the use of these 'junk' temperature measurements, leading to doubts about the accuracy of the information presented.
  3. Critics suggest that the Met Office's methods, such as using stations with high uncertainties and historical data tampering, cast doubt on the credibility of their temperature records and calls for more clarity and consistency in data collection and reporting.

ORGANIZED THEFT IN THE NAME OF GOVERNMENT – Biden’s Executive Order 14008 locks away 30% of U.S. land by 2030, under the pretext of protecting the planet’

119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
  1. Property ownership was considered crucial for creating stability and wealth in society. John Locke's ideas on private property influenced the nation's founders.
  2. The Biden administration's Executive Order 14008 plans to lock away 30% of U.S. land by 2030, citing environmental protection, but may lead to property rights violations and economic challenges.
  3. Government actions, like land grabs and restrictions, in the name of climate change may threaten private property rights, local governance, and individual freedoms in the U.S.