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

French Farmers Lay ‘Siege’ to Paris in Growing Standoff

39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

French farmers are protesting in Paris, causing disruptions and pressuring the government with various grievances.
The farmers complain about low wages, suffocating regulations, and the impact of imports on their livelihoods.
The protests pose a challenge for the government due to the diverse demands of the farmers and the uncertainty of how the situation will unfold.

EV Buses and Federal Subsidies

39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

EV buses bought with federal subsidies are facing functionality issues in multiple cities, leading to buses sitting idle or being pulled from service.
Proterra, a major EV bus maker, faced bankruptcy, leaving cities with nonfunctional buses and challenges in sourcing parts.
Phoenix Motor Cars has purchased Proterra and aims to address the issues with the EV buses, promising to focus on restocking spare parts and improving the technology.

Political pushback puts brakes on Brussels’ green agenda -- Sam Fleming, Alice Hancock and Andy Bounds in Brussels

59 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23

The EU is facing pushback on its green agenda, leading to delays in implementing new laws related to climate and environmental protection.
There are concerns about the complexity and speed of proposed regulations, with some member states and industries arguing against the level of compliance required.
While some political parties are resisting pressure to slow down the environmental agenda, there is a need to balance the push for sustainability with concerns about economic competitiveness and industry impact.

Sales of climate-focused mutual funds fall 75% in two years Financial Times, -- Attracta Mooney and Sally Hickey in London

39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

Sales of climate-focused mutual funds have fallen by 75% in the past two years due to challenges like high interest rates, poor performance, and criticism of 'woke' investing.
Despite the decrease in inflows, green mutual funds are still faring better than the broader market, with total assets under management in climate-focused funds increasing by 14% to almost $522 billion in the past year.
Global climate finance must significantly increase to five times its current level in order to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change, as highlighted in a report by the Climate Policy Initiative.

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Biden Power Plant and EV Plans Hit a New Obstacle: Vulnerable Democrats Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Bloomberg News

39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

Vulnerable Democrats are concerned about Biden's environmental policies potentially alienating moderate voters, impacting their chances at the ballot box.
Some Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against Biden's plans to reduce power plant emissions, boost EV sales, and pause natural gas exports, citing concerns about cost burdens on consumers.
Biden's environmental policies are a double-edged sword for Democrats, with challenges in balancing climate action with economic worries and potential backlash from voters.

New York Cap and Invest – The Role of Cap-and-Invest

39 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24

New York has ambitious climate goals, including an 85% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, with specific targets for 2030 and 2040. The state aims to electrify as much as possible using zero-emissions electricity to achieve these goals.
The Climate Action Council recommended a Cap-and-Invest Program to establish a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions, invest in emission reduction programs, and maintain the competitiveness of New York businesses.
The implementation of the NY Cap-and-Invest Program is in progress, with webinars seeking feedback on the program's design. Challenges include the need for stakeholder input, the complexity of regulations, and the balancing of emission reductions with economic sustainability.

Politicisation, poor governance to blame for backlash against ESG

59 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23

ESG backlash is attributed to politicization and poor governance, causing it to lose its empirical foundations.
CIOs should resist being tied to one political spectrum and focus on adopting sound governance principles in ESG.
Transitioning to sustainability requires understanding complexities, not just vilifying industries, and developing clean energy technologies is crucial.

Offshore Wind and the Stress on Commercial Fishermen

39 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24

Congressional Republicans are highlighting the significant challenges faced by commercial fishermen due to the Biden administration's offshore wind plans.
Offshore wind development is putting immense pressure on American commercial fishing fleets, impacting coastal economies and food security.
Uncertainties remain about the effects of offshore wind on marine ecosystems, fishing grounds, and food sources, prompting concerns about the rush towards industrialization.

CBD’S TIES TO CALIFORNIA CLIMATE LAWSUIT RAISE BIG QUESTIONS

39 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24

The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has connections to California's climate lawsuit led by Governor Newsom and AG Bonta, raising questions about its involvement and impact.
CBD has a history of filing lawsuits across the country to stop energy projects, previously critiquing past CA Governor Jerry Brown's stance, and later shifting to support Governor Newsom's lawsuit.
The involvement of CBD in California's climate lawsuit, along with AG Bonta's political motivations and the implications of high energy costs in the state, highlight the need for further scrutiny and examination of the case.

Europe’s conservative bloc calls for dropping ban on car engines, tripling border guards

39 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24

Europe's conservative bloc emphasizes border control, security, and preserving 'Christian values' in its draft manifesto.
The European People's Party proposes tripling border guards, processing asylum applications outside the EU, and expanding Europol to combat crime and threats.
The draft manifesto rejects the ban on combustion engines in favor of market-based climate protection methods and further development of the Green Deal.

Wood Pellets: Enviva said its gambit to buy pellets from a customer, and resell them..

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23

Enviva's strategy to buy wood pellets and resell them backfired, leading to potential default with lenders due to significant losses.
Enviva's shares dropped 97% this year, facing financial challenges exacerbated by high interest rates in alternative energy stocks.
A warm winter and conservation efforts caused wood pellet prices to drop, impacting Enviva's trade negatively and challenging its profitability.

A civil discourse on climate change

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23

A recent forum at MIT highlighted the importance of fostering open dialogue to address climate change challenges
Speakers emphasized the need for slow and steady mitigation efforts, improved climate communication, and a graceful approach to decarbonization
The event showcased the significance of political will, technical advancements, and rationality in tackling climate risks in a polarized society

Lithuanian farmers launch a protest. What are their demands?

39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24

Lithuanian farmers are protesting to demand changes in agricultural policies, focusing on issues like Russian grain transit and milk prices.
Farmers also want a solution to the problem of grasslands as they are required to restore unused land to maintain subsidy payments.
Protesters are calling for a repeal of new rules on marked fuel and are unhappy about buffer zones impinging on their land.

Andrew Montford: Does the Climate Change Committee understand the energy storage problem?

39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24

The Climate Change Committee may have underestimated the costs of Net Zero due to incorrect energy system modeling.
The CCC's Chief Executive, Chris Stark, acknowledged a key criticism regarding the need for more energy storage but tried to obscure the admission with bureaucratic language.
Understanding the impact of back-to-back low wind years is crucial for planning energy storage and generation equipment to avoid underestimating costs.

Passing 1.5C Global Warming is Now an “Opportunity” Professor William D Solecki. Source CUNY. Fair Use, Low Resolution Image to Identify the Subject.

39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24

Passing the 1.5C global warming threshold is now seen as an opportunity to address climate change challenges like lack of financing and societal trust.
Achieving climate-resilient development can simultaneously adapt to climate risks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable economic growth.
Preparedness, knowledge, financing, and equitable decision-making are crucial in addressing climate change and seizing opportunities for effective long-term solutions.

Wind Power: A Win for Big Wind

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23

Equinor, a former oil and gas giant, faced challenges in its diversification into renewable energy, with losses in its renewables segment indicating difficulties in profitability.
The offshore wind industry is heavily influenced by political and regulatory factors, leading to adjustments in prices that may impact consumers and taxpayers.
Investment in power grids is crucial for achieving clean energy goals, with significant spending required, such as in Britain where National Grid plans to spend billions on upgrading transmission systems.

In Climatology, Whatever Happened To Evidence-Based Science?

59 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23

Questioning climate science and media narratives is important to understand the evidence behind climate change claims
Historical examples like the severe drought in Europe in 1540 and the fires in the United States in 1871 challenge the current climate change narrative
Critical thinking and evidence-based science are crucial in addressing climate change and avoiding manipulation for political or financial gain

The False Promise of Carbon Offsets

59 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23

Temporary carbon offsets are not effective in fighting climate change as they only delay emissions, rather than abate them entirely.
Offsets are prone to issues like overestimations and lack of verifiability, making them unreliable in achieving emission reduction goals.
Governments should phase out non-permanent carbon offsets, prioritize permanent removal technologies, and regulate the voluntary market to address climate change effectively.

Blue State Blunder: NJ Doubles Down On Rate-Hiking Offshore Wind Despite 2023’s Epic Failures, WRITTEN BY NICK POPE ON JAN 25, 2024.

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

New Jersey is proceeding with new offshore wind projects despite failures in 2023, showing determination in the renewable energy sector.
The state's utility regulators approved contracts for wind projects to power 1.8 million homes, aiming to revitalize offshore wind dreams.
The new contracts include provisions to safeguard against future cancellations, but they are expected to raise utility rates in the state significantly.

How now green cow? By IRINA SLAV

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

A climate economist warned the EU to implement transition actions quickly due to the upcoming elections, anticipating a shift to the right.
The EU energy transition has led to increased costs of living, unmet promises of cheaper electricity, and lifestyle changes causing discontent among the population.
The EU's transition strategy is facing criticism and potential backlash as opposition parties gain popularity by addressing concerns about the transition's impact on quality of life for citizens.

NOAA’s Year 2023 “Selected Significant Climate Anomalies and Events” Diagram Misrepresents both Anomalies and Events CLIMATE PROPAGANDANOAA

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

NOAA's 2023 climate anomalies diagram misrepresents hurricane and cyclone events by highlighting isolated incidents and not providing a global perspective.
NOAA fails to address significant downward temperature anomaly trends in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, instead focusing on sea ice extent issues.
The NOAA diagram ignores the largest reductions in temperature anomalies in various global regions for 2023, while highlighting smaller changes, leading to a misrepresentation of significant anomalies and events.

Models, Myths, And Misinformation Undergird Climate Models And Energy Policy

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

Our lives are increasingly influenced by theoretical nonsense, calculated myths, and outright disinformation spread by various influential groups.
Climate alarmism assumes stability in Earth's climate until fossil fuels were used, disregarding historical climate changes.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar would require massive amounts of materials, increase ecological impacts, and drastically raise electricity prices.

A bad recipe for science

59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23

Politically-motivated manufacture of scientific consensus corrupts the scientific process and impacts policy decisions.
Influences from politics affect research funding priorities, interpretation of findings, and can result in biased assessment reports and media coverage.
Manufactured consensus on complex societal issues like climate change and pandemics restricts dialogue, leads to oversimplified solutions, and conceals uncertainties.

National Grid Launches Massive $52 Billion Infrastructure Overhaul

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23

National Grid is investing $52 billion to upgrade infrastructure for renewable energy projects in the U.K. and the U.S., addressing backlogs and pushing for reforms in grid connectivity.
A key strategy involves offering 'amnesty deals' to energy developers and modifying regulations to enable developers to build their own grid connections, aiming to spur green energy investments and reduce backlogs.
Challenges lie ahead in upgrading the grid systems, as both the U.K. and the U.S. are facing complexities due to neglected infrastructures and fragmented networks, requiring comprehensive transformations for cleaner energy transitions.

Environmental fight: What is fracking, exactly?

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

Fracking involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations to access buried hydrocarbons, raising concerns about water pollution.
The fight over fracking revolves around defining what activities should be considered part of the fracking process and what impact they have on water contamination.
Various stakeholders, including the energy industry and environmental groups, interpret the EPA's findings differently, with debates continuing on the extent of pollution caused by fracking.

At The New York Krazy Klimate Konference

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23

The New York Krazy Klimate Konference featured high-ranking officials and individuals aiming to profit from government initiatives, rather than address serious obstacles like costs and storage issues.
One of the key initiatives for New York's carbon-free energy transition, involving offshore wind turbines, faced challenges with contractors walking away from deals due to price increases.
The Konference participants lacked competence in effectively dealing with the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy sources, highlighting the lack of expertise in the field.

The U.S. energy consumption debate is all wrong. Here’s why.

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23

Energy consumption and the environment are not a zero-sum game - more energy could mean a better economy and quality of life for Americans.
Energy diversity is crucial for achieving energy abundance, meaning a variety of sources like solar, nuclear, wind, and more are necessary.
Government policies like the National Environmental Protection Act can hinder energy innovation by creating obstacles, calling for permitting reform and support for experimentation in energy development.

EU Parliamentarian: 15-Minute Cities Will Be “Complete impoverishment”, “Enslavement Of All The People”

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23

minute cities are not about convenience but rather about total control of people via QR codes.
EU Parliamentarian Christine Anderson warns that 15-minute cities could lead to complete impoverishment and enslavement of all people.
The concept of 15-minute cities may face challenges in implementation and could potentially trigger resistance and rebellion.

“We can’t afford to continue to lose farms and farmland. We have to figure out a better way, a different way.” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasizes the urgency to stop losing farms and farmland, calling for innovative solutions at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention.
Vilsack suggests that biofuels, climate-smart farming practices, and expanding local markets could help prevent further decline in farm numbers.
Government initiatives like investing in clean energy projects and supporting sustainable agriculture practices aim to protect small and medium-sized farming operations while meeting global food demands.

Global warming might not happen quite as fast as we thought – here’s why

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23

Plants may absorb more carbon dioxide than expected, which could slow down global warming
Models may be overestimating the speed of global warming due to not fully accounting for all elements of photosynthesis
There is still a crucial need to reduce emissions even though plants can help in absorbing carbon dioxide

Exclusive: Elsevier journal COPE threatened with sanctions will retract four more articles

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

Elsevier journal COPE is facing sanctions and will retract four more articles due to long delays and concerns about publication integrity.
A professor named Andrew Grey has been instrumental in raising concerns about unethical research practices, leading to over 120 retractions.
There are ongoing discussions about the reliability of remaining publications by authors with multiple retractions, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in scientific publishing.

Judge bars EPA from enforcing Civil Rights Act provision in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

A federal judge blocked the EPA from enforcing a Civil Rights Act provision in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley', a region with high cancer rates. This decision impacts the way the EPA can address environmental concerns in affected areas.
The ruling by Judge James D. Cain, a Trump appointee, has raised concerns about federal oversight in environmental justice issues. It highlights the complexities surrounding socio-environmental disparities.
Earthjustice criticized the injunction and emphasized the importance of using civil rights laws to address environmental injustice in communities like St. John the Baptist Parish. The case underscores ongoing struggles to combat pollution-related health risks in minority communities.

Caving To Climate Alarmists, Biden Jams Brakes On Massive Natural Gas Projects, WRITTEN BY THOMAS CATENACCI ON JAN 25, 2024. POSTED IN LATEST NEWS

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

The White House has intervened in the permitting process for 17 large natural gas projects, ordering additional climate impact analyses.
There is concern that a potential moratorium on the U.S. LNG industry could negatively impact global energy markets and allies.
Republican lawmakers argue for the approval of LNG export terminals to support U.S. economy, energy security for allies, and reduce reliance on dirtier energy sources.

Climate Concerns Haven’t Crippled Big Oil Funding

59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23

Climate concerns have not significantly impacted the access to external capital or cost of capital for oil and gas companies.
Big oil and gas companies in Europe and North America still have relatively good access to capital, but pressures may intensify after 2030 as oil demand is expected to decrease.
Despite industry volatility, there has been little impact on oil and gas bond pricing in terms of risk premiums, and capital markets have remained open to funding fossil fuel companies.

RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS Commissioner WAYNE CHRISTIAN

39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

The US should focus on increasing domestic LNG production and exports to support global energy stability and security.
LNG exports play a key role in filling the energy gaps left by conflicts involving countries like Russia, Iran, and China.
Using America's clean natural gas resources for energy independence can benefit both the economy and the environment.

How Green Billionaires Groom the Public into Accepting Unworkable Net Zero Policies

59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23

Green movements heavily rely on funding from a small number of philanthropic foundations, totaling over $1 billion per year, shaping public support for Net Zero policies.
The public is starting to question and resist the implementation of unworkable Net Zero policies, with survey results showing skepticism and unwillingness to spend significant amounts on combating climate change.
Influential green elites, through funding and lobbying, play a significant role in shaping climate policies and research priorities, ultimately impacting financial systems and economic decisions.

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

59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23

The list includes a diverse group of professionals like economists, scientists, business authors, and regulators who advocate for global energy fairness and practical environmentalism.
These individuals support providing adequate health care, good economics, and ensuring electricity abundance for all people.
The list features numerous notable names such as Robert Bryce, Michael Shellenberger, Judith Curry, and many more who are part of this remarkable group.

The Very Many Ways The Climate Scam Narrative Isn’t Aligning With The Facts

39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24

Media coverage of climate change can be misleading, focusing on narratives that may not align with actual evidence.
Claims about Arctic ice melting and rising sea levels may not match up with real-world observations, creating a gap between public perception and reality.
Expert analysis suggests the need for global-scale monitoring to understand changes in the Earth's surface and differentiate between natural variability, climate change, and man-made impacts.

The Delusions of Davos and Dubai – Part One Achieving Universal Energy Security

39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24

Global energy production needs to double for everyone on earth to have access to half the energy per capita that Americans consume
Efficiency improvements in energy conversion technologies can allow us to enjoy the same level of energy services with less raw energy input
Increasing global energy production to meet future needs is a challenging task that may require a diverse energy development strategy