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

NETZERO is impeding progress on UN Sustainable Development Goals

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. The push for NETZERO is impacting the progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals like poverty reduction and increased access to energy and food.
  2. There is a conflict between focusing on reducing carbon emissions and addressing the urgent needs for poverty reduction, energy access, and resilience in developing countries.
  3. Effective climate policy should prioritize Sustainable Development Goals over immediate Net-Zero targets by focusing on reducing poverty, increasing energy access, and supporting human development in a sustainable manner.

COP28: Notes from the ground

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. Negotiations between top world economies are traditionally seen as a positive sign at COP events.
  2. Delegates faced delays in negotiating text release regarding climate change adaptation measures.
  3. Activists at COP28 are pushing for fossil fuel phase-out, climate justice, and facing increased restrictions on protests.

Federal agency’s plan to disclose university misconduct findings splits academics

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. The federal Office of Research Integrity's plan to disclose university misconduct findings is causing a divide among academics. Some believe it will boost public confidence in research and correct scientific inaccuracies sooner.
  2. Institution leaders are concerned about breach of privacy due to the proposed transparency change, while advocates argue it is a necessary step for accountability.
  3. Many university administrators are hesitant about the proposed change, as they fear it might violate privacy laws and distort actual findings. They also question the legal basis for ORI to publicize another organization's findings.

5.2 GW of solar resources at higher risk of tripping offline during grid disturbance: NERC

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. NERC warns that 5.2 GW of solar resources are at a higher risk of going offline during grid disturbances due to not implementing recommended operational guidelines.
  2. Owners and operators of inverter-based resources like wind, solar, and storage need to follow reliability standards to prevent disruptions to the bulk power system.
  3. NERC urged the development of new reliability standards for inverter-based resources to address performance issues and ensure adequate protection settings.

Financial Crimes Hurt Economies and Must be Better Understood and Curbed

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. Financial crimes have a significant impact on economies, and more efforts are needed to limit their effects.
  2. Understanding the full consequences of illicit financial flows is crucial, including the various costs on different sectors of an economy.
  3. Cooperation among governments, international bodies, and civil society is essential in the fight against financial crimes, and continual improvement in containment efforts is necessary.
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Net zero is not the answer to climate change

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. Net zero is not a straightforward solution to climate change despite being promoted as such. Many countries fail to meet their emission reduction promises.
  2. Transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy is challenging and requires significant taxpayer-funded subsidies. Major energy companies have faced setbacks in green energy investments.
  3. The costs of climate policies, such as pursuing net zero carbon emissions by 2050, could far exceed the benefits. Leaders need to prioritize increasing green energy research and development to make low-carbon energy more affordable.

Cop28 should prompt a net zero rethink

39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
  1. There are doubts about the urgency of immediate action for net zero goals due to conflicting views on the severity of the consequences of climate change.
  2. Rational decision-making should consider both the benefits and costs of climate change policies to ensure a balanced approach.
  3. Market-driven innovation for lower-cost alternatives to fossil fuels should be prioritized over imposing costly technologies on people.

Biden Releases Fall 2023 Unified Agenda Of Federal Regulations

39 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
  1. Biden released the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations, showing a shift in regulatory priorities from paperwork reduction and cost supervision to emphasizing 'net benefits.'
  2. The Fall 2023 Agenda marks the first full incorporation of changes in regulatory analysis directives under Biden, including raising the threshold for 'significant regulatory actions' to $200 million annually.
  3. The Fall 2023 Agenda reveals a high volume of rules in the pipeline, with various departments and agencies prioritizing climate change, energy policy, water, air quality, and more in alignment with Biden's executive order on 'Modernizing Regulatory Review.'

Google AI: “Significant Limitations To Our Certainty About Global Mean Temperatures”!

19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. Global historical weather data has significant limitations, affecting our certainty about global mean temperatures.
  2. The first weather stations in Africa remain unknown due to scattered or unavailable historical records.
  3. During the early 1900s, the sparse network of weather stations, especially in the southern hemisphere, introduces significant uncertainties in calculating global mean temperatures.

The SEC’s ‘Climate Disclosure’ Fraud WRITTEN BY ALEX EPSTEIN ON MAR 18, 2024. POSTED IN NEWS AND OPINION Congress won’t support Biden’s anti-fossil-fuel agenda.

19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. The SEC's new rules are criticized for forcing companies into costly paperwork and contradicting the goal of increasing investment options.
  2. The SEC now requires companies to disclose opinions on climate science and economics, even though they may lack expertise, putting them at risk for shareholder lawsuits and SEC punishment.
  3. Companies are pressured to disclose government-favored catastrophist opinions to avoid scrutiny, which can unduly influence public perception and endanger the economy.

Building emissions

19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. The European Parliament is imposing emission reduction targets on buildings, including requiring all new buildings to be emission-free by 2030.
  2. The directive includes mandates for energy consumption reduction in residential buildings and installation of rooftop solar, creating challenges for property owners.
  3. There are debates around reshaping cities and tearing down old buildings to reduce emissions, which could lead to increased rent expenses.

Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York Balancing the risks and benefits of environmental initiatives

19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. The post discusses balancing risks and benefits of environmental initiatives, particularly focusing on New York's Climate Act and its implications for a net-zero transition.
  2. It highlights the importance of gathering more accessible information on state climate change programs to better understand costs, benefits, and how New Yorkers can benefit.
  3. There is a focus on various energy-related topics such as the hatred of fossil fuels, considerations about heat pumps, offshore wind issues, and the impact of fossil fuels on health.

Here’s a look at nation-wide generation before we get going

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Power generation in different regions is predominantly fueled by natural gas, nuclear, and coal, with some variations depending on the area.
  2. Grid operators are facing challenges in planning and ensuring reliable power supply, prompting calls for a shift to proactive models
  3. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and batteries are playing increasing roles in power markets, but face regulatory and market challenges that affect their integration.

Leading Arctic Scientist: Climate Crisis A ‘Globalist Scam’, Global Cooling On Horizon

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. A leading Arctic scientist is challenging the idea of a climate crisis, calling it a 'globalist scam' and predicting global cooling
  2. The scientist predicts a shift towards global cooling starting around 2030, caused by solar activity and natural cycles, not human actions
  3. The warning about the upcoming cold period emphasizes the need to prepare, especially focusing on securing the global food supply

The looming land grab in Africa for carbon credits

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Leaders in African countries are engaging in deals with private companies for carbon credit development, impacting land rights and potential revenue sharing.
  2. The international carbon credit market is growing, with countries like the UAE betting on its success to help reduce national emissions and drive climate action.
  3. Concerns over lack of transparency, accountability, and fairness surround the rush of deals for carbon credits, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and standards in this developing market.

Leading scholarly database listed hundreds of papers from ‘hijacked’ journals

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Scopus, a scholarly database, was found to have listed hundreds of papers from 'hijacked' journals - legitimate publications overtaken by unscrupulous operators for profit.
  2. Suspect papers in hijacked journals can pose a risk to the integrity of scholarly work, as they may include plagiarized, fabricated, or unreviewed content.
  3. Authors and scholarly community members can combat this issue by staying vigilant, consulting lists of hijacked journals, and taking coordinated action to prevent further infiltration.

Gore rails against COP28 president: Don't "try to mansplain" climate activist Robinson

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Al Gore criticized COP28 President Al-Jaber for dismissing the science behind phasing out fossil fuels and for undermining the integrity of the climate process.
  2. Al-Jaber's leadership and comments have drawn widespread criticism, leading to discussions about the lack of action by political leaders in addressing climate change.
  3. There is a call for reforming the COP process to reduce the influence of major oil and gas-producing countries and to make the decision-making process more transparent and focused on climate action.

Ten reasons to abolish the carbon offsets industry

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. Offsetting delays real climate crisis work by allowing 'business as usual' and diverting attention from reducing emissions
  2. Assumption that carbon released from fossil fuels equals carbon absorbed by trees is factually wrong and misleading
  3. Carbon accounting in offset projects is unreliable, potentially fraudulent, and undermines real climate action

Americans’ Access to Life Saving Medicine Depends on Natural Gas

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. Natural gas and petrochemicals are essential for manufacturing medicines, with 99% of pharmaceutical feedstocks derived from them.
  2. Products like face masks, gloves, and syringes are also made from petrochemicals, contributing to disease prevention.
  3. Without natural gas, the cost of producing drugs would increase, impacting access to affordable medication for Americans.

City of Chicago v. BP PLC

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. Climate change discussions have evolved over time, with past reports indicating global cooling in 1974 but current narratives focusing on warming.
  2. Numerous lawsuits accusing companies of knowing about climate change impacts for decades appear to share boilerplate language, creating doubts about the authenticity of claims.
  3. The use of consistent language and sources across multiple climate change lawsuits suggests potential issues with evidence and credibility behind the accusations.

Swedish Wind Farms Facing Bankruptcy

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. Swedish wind-power companies are facing significant financial problems, with heavy losses being the norm despite extensive subsidies.
  2. Low winds in Sweden lead to high market prices, impacting wind farm earnings as they make money when the wind blows.
  3. Wind farms in Sweden do not have to cover grid adaptation costs, posing a significant financial advantage compared to other industries.

Exxon Chief Goes on the Offensive as Wall Street Sours on ESG Kevin Crowley

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. Exxon's CEO Darren Woods is taking a bold stance on fossil fuels and challenging ESG norms, arguing that fossil fuels are still necessary to meet energy demands.
  2. Exxon's financial strength has been increasing, and the company is making significant moves in the industry like arbitration cases and big acquisitions.
  3. The energy industry is navigating complexities of the energy transition, with companies like Exxon emphasizing the importance of capital returns over ESG pledges.

Joint Statement by the U.S. and EU following the 11th U.S.-EU Energy Council

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
  1. The U.S. and EU emphasized the need to phase out coal globally and halt investments in new coal-fired power plants to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  2. The U.S. and EU are focused on supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression, providing military and humanitarian aid, and collaborating on energy security and stability in the region.
  3. Cooperation between the U.S. and EU is crucial for advancing energy security, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and promoting innovation and technology in decarbonization efforts.

Why Pipeline Construction Is Hard

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. Pipeline construction, especially greenfield projects, is challenging due to the complex permitting process in the US, which can be delayed by legal challenges and uncertainties.
  2. The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) represents an important infrastructure project, enabling the transport of natural gas to reduce CO2 emissions and provide energy security to buyers.
  3. Legal challenges and uncertainties in permitting processes are not limited to fossil fuel projects, affecting renewable energy initiatives like wind and solar as well as projects related to carbon capture.

Did Virgin's transatlantic flight really use 100% sustainable aviation fuel?

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. The use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel for Virgin's transatlantic flight raised concerns about its sustainability due to limited availability of sources like animal fats and plant sugars.
  2. The production process for synthesized aromatic kerosene (SAK) from corn sugars is energy-intensive and faces challenges in achieving true sustainability.
  3. There are significant environmental and resource challenges in relying on crops like corn and soybeans for biofuels, indicating the need for more sustainable and efficient travel alternatives like high-speed rail.

Convicts, cars, rats and the best program you’ve never heard of – lessons for energy

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. A program called Vehicles for Change helps ex-convicts by training them as automotive technicians and providing them with job opportunities, addressing both the unemployment challenges and the shortage of automotive workers in the US.
  2. Vehicles for Change operates a car donation and reentry internship program that not only assists people in need of affordable vehicles but also contributes to reducing recidivism rates.
  3. The program showcases the power of combining different ideas to create a solution that benefits multiple groups and emphasizes the importance of 'and' thinking over 'or else' approaches in tackling societal challenges.

The Black Lie at the Heart of Net Zero Energy Fantasies

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. Intermittent renewables like wind and solar lack workable back-ups, leading to potential electricity shortages and dangers during extreme weather or low wind periods
  2. Current battery storage technology is insufficient to support the grid when wind energy fails, exposing the limitations of relying solely on wind and solar power
  3. Promoters of green energy, including misleading statistics and ideas like hydrogen as a backup, face challenges in maintaining the feasibility of net-zero energy goals

Concentrating Solar Power Plots Stealth Attack On Fossil Fuels

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. Concentrating Solar Power is competing with nuclear energy as a viable alternative for decarbonization. It offers stable baseload supply at lower cost and has built-in energy storage capacity.
  2. Heliogen, a US concentrating solar power startup, aims to replace fossil fuels in industries like steelmaking and cement production. Their modular system promises zero-emission solar energy.
  3. Heliogen's new heliostat control software, validated by a third party, aims to improve the efficiency of concentrating solar power plants. The technology could be pivotal in accelerating the energy transition.

Commentary: The Biden Administration’s EV Goals Are an Expensive Fantasy

39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration's push for widespread adoption of electric vehicles involves hidden subsidies costing nearly $50,000 per EV, with costs falling on gasoline vehicle owners, taxpayers, and utility ratepayers.
  2. Charging infrastructure for EVs poses a major challenge, with significant power draw necessitating expensive grid upgrades, leading to increased electricity costs averaging $11,833 per vehicle over 10 years shared among all utility customers.
  3. Although EVs are promoted as eco-friendly, their overall impact on reducing emissions is limited, and the mass adoption required by the Biden administration would be costly, impractical, and may not significantly reduce pollution levels.

Offshore Wind Bribe Falls Short

19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
  1. The Mayor of Ocean City, Maryland, rejected a $2 million bribe from US Wind to refrain from making negative comments about offshore wind projects.
  2. US Wind attempted to offer a community benefit agreement when the Mayor declined the bribe, stating they want to continue as 'good neighbors.'
  3. Real environmentalists are opposing offshore wind projects due to concerns about substantial electricity rate increases and taxpayer funding through grants and tax credits.

Climate Coalition Says 'Stop Carbon Offsetting Now!'

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. A coalition of climate groups is urging world leaders to stop carbon offsetting due to negative impacts and failed results.
  2. Research and investigations have revealed that carbon offset projects often lead to land grabbing, human rights violations, and fraudulent activities.
  3. The focus should shift towards keeping fossil fuels in the ground and real climate action based on equity and justice, rather than relying on carbon offsetting.

At COP28, The High Priests Of Climate Hypocrisy Are Here To Save The World

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. The COP28 summit held in Dubai highlighted the climate hypocrisy of world leaders and the discrepancies between their warnings and the visual evidence of climate conditions.
  2. The choice of Dubai as the summit location underscored the irony of hosting a climate conference in a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels, showcasing the disconnect between preaching and practice.
  3. Attendees, including high-profile figures like John Kerry, emphasized ambitious climate goals at the summit, despite their own carbon-intensive lifestyles and questionable effectiveness of proposed solutions.

The Trades are still in the tank for oil jobs

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. California Trades remain committed to oil and gas jobs despite investments in clean energy technologies.
  2. There is a struggle in passing policies to reduce oil production while supporting labor and building clean energy infrastructure.
  3. Methane emissions reduction efforts are gaining momentum globally, with new regulations and pledges emerging.

NETZERO is impeding progress on UN Sustainable Development Goals

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Global progress over the past century has shown that the world can thrive under a moderate warming rate.
  2. Efforts to rapidly cut fossil fuel use for net-zero emissions are hindering progress on key Sustainable Development Goals like poverty reduction and hunger alleviation.
  3. A more balanced approach that prioritizes Sustainable Development Goals over immediate net-zero targets is crucial for ensuring economic development, energy access, and resilience in underdeveloped countries.

Al Jaber faces a firestorm over fossil fuels

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. Sultan Al Jaber faces criticism for his stance on fossil fuels at COP28 climate summit.
  2. Scientists warn that a temperature increase above 1.5 degrees Celsius can lead to severe climate consequences.
  3. Efforts to phase out fossil fuels are crucial to combating climate change, despite industry pushback.

The real impact of the ESG backlash

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. BlackRock's emphasis on sustainability has shifted towards profit-making potential rather than environmental contributions due to anti-ESG backlash.
  2. Red-state politicians have actively resisted ESG initiatives and legislated against ESG considerations, causing a rift in approaches between the US and the EU.
  3. The performance of ESG-themed investments has faced challenges due to recent poor performance, reduced demand, and changing market conditions, leading to a possible shift in how ESG investing is perceived and implemented in the future.

Doug Sheridan says

39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
  1. The oil and gas industry is being urged to voluntarily phase out hydrocarbon production, but this proposal should be rejected as risky and misguided.
  2. The political left and climate activists want the industry to bear the costs and risks of transitioning to renewable energy, while they receive credit for saving the planet.
  3. It's crucial for the oil and gas industry to understand its role in powering the modern economy and to not take on unwarranted blame for global energy concerns.

Carbon markets create “new forms of colonization, militarization, criminalization and land loss”: International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change Caucus statement at COP28

39 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. The IIPFCC statement at COP28 calls for a moratorium on carbon markets, offsets, geo-engineering, mal-adaptive technologies, 'Net Zero', and 'Nature-based solutions' to address the real causes of the climate crisis.
  2. Survival International warns that carbon markets could pose a significant threat to Indigenous lands, similar to logging and mining, if not managed properly. COP28 is highlighted as a critical point for making real reductions in carbon emissions.
  3. The consultation for the global market for carbon offsets under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement raises concerns about land grabs, weak standards, lack of consultation and consent with Indigenous peoples, and the need to respect Indigenous land rights in climate mitigation proposals.

At COP28, Jet-Setting John Kerry Wants To Eliminate All U.S. Coal Plants

39 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
  1. John Kerry aims to eliminate all U.S. coal plants, pushing for an accelerated phase-out to build stronger economies and communities worldwide.
  2. The Biden Administration commits to not building new coal plants and phasing out existing ones as part of the green agenda to limit global warming.
  3. Federal regulations and clean energy tax credits are driving the closure of coal plants in the U.S., with many set to shut down by 2030.