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

Europe’s Wind Industry Collapse Leaves Wind Power Cult Searching For New False Idols

99 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
  1. Europe's wind industry is facing a collapse, causing policymakers to steer away from ambitious renewable energy targets and consider alternatives like nuclear power.
  2. Concerns about wind power include its intermittent nature and the high costs associated with subsidies and storage. This has led to public skepticism and pushback from industries.
  3. Critics argue that the push for green energy transitions may lead to energy shortages, forcing households and industries to cut back on energy use, despite media attempts to frame it as progress.

‘Grading The Grid’: Proof That Wind And Solar Are Disastrous Energy Choices

99 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
  1. Energy policy should be based on facts, not hopes and dreams. Natural gas and nuclear are shown to be the best options for a cleaner future.
  2. Natural gas is highlighted as the best energy source with high marks for reliability, feasibility, cost, and environmental impact.
  3. Wind and solar energy sources receive failing grades due to actual costs being much higher than federal estimates, environmental and human impact concerns, and their unreliable nature.

Biden Emissions Rules Face Lawsuit Barrage Over EV Transition

99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
  1. Legal challenges are looming over the Biden administration's new emissions rules which target a transition to electric vehicles, raising concerns from states and industries about the transformation of the vehicle market.
  2. The rules are expected to face court challenges soon after publication, but experts believe they are built on a solid legal foundation due to the methodology used by the EPA, which has been consistent over the years in addressing air quality issues.
  3. The shift towards electric vehicles mandated by the new rules is being met with resistance, particularly from the oil industry and conservative states, setting the stage for potential litigation over the perceived impact on consumer choice and economic feasibility.

A nuclear plant’s closure was hailed as a green win. Then emissions went up

99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
  1. Closing nuclear plants can lead to an increase in emissions as gas, not renewables, fills the gap in power generation.
  2. The closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant in New York led to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in the state, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
  3. While renewable energy is growing in the US, the closure of nuclear plants often results in a reliance on gas, raising concerns about the impact on climate change.

“We need to be honest”: Building Renewables is Expensive By Eric Worrall

79 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
  1. Building renewables is expensive, costing billions of dollars and increasing energy bills for consumers.
  2. Initial claims of renewable energy lowering prices have not held true, leading to confusion among the public.
  3. The cost of investing in renewables is significant, with potential risks and challenges that need to be carefully considered.
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𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
  1. Natural gas is a crucial part of modern energy systems due to its flexibility and responsiveness, standing out among traditional resources like coal.
  2. While natural gas plays a significant role in current power generation, exploring cleaner alternatives with similar dispatchability, like hydropower and advanced nuclear, is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Transitioning away from natural gas in the next 100 years is complex, requiring major technological advancements, infrastructure development, and careful consideration of economic, political, and social factors.

Public Campaign Against Exxon Has Roots in a 2012 Meeting By John Schwartz May 23, 2016

79 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
  1. The public campaign against Exxon has roots in a 2012 meeting called the La Jolla Junta, which included groups like 350.org and the Rockefeller family philanthropies.
  2. The activists drew parallels between strategies used by the tobacco industry and fossil fuel companies to push politically motivated investigations of climate dissent.
  3. The activists discussed strategies to connect Big Oil to Big Tobacco, get companies into court for discovery of internal documents, lay blame for contributions to climate change, and tell a public story to provoke outrage.

NYC buys 180 electric school buses, needs 4,700 more to hit all-battery goal

99 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
  1. NYC is replacing diesel school buses with electric ones to create a healthier future for students.
  2. The city received a $61 million federal grant to add 180 electric school buses, but aims to convert a total of 5,000 buses to electric by 2035.
  3. New York City is taking steps to reduce CO2 emissions by investing in an electric charging depot for freight trucks, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment and undo historical environmental injustices.

Burned Alive Since last July, at least 172 people have been immolated due to extreme energy poverty.

99 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
  1. At least 172 people have been burned alive due to extreme energy poverty since last July.
  2. Academics and climate activists push for the elimination of fossil fuels, while many are still struggling with energy poverty around the world.
  3. There is a stark energy disparity between wealthy Western countries and the rest of the world, leading to dangerous situations and tragic accidents in energy-starved regions.

Our Take, With Doug Sheridan

79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. McKinsey's influential research on diverse leadership teams has been called into question for not showing a significant financial advantage in companies with diverse leadership.
  2. Academic researchers found flaws in McKinsey's studies that supported the financial benefits of diversity at the executive level.
  3. There is increasing skepticism about the credibility of consulting firm studies like McKinsey's, with calls for more academic scrutiny on such research.

Despite Automaker Warnings, Biden EPA Finalizing Gas Car Crackdown To Galvanize EV Sales WRITTEN BY THOMAS CATENACCI

99 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. The Biden administration is finalizing regulations to push for the adoption of electric vehicles by automakers, intending to significantly increase the market share of EVs by 2032.
  2. Industry experts and opponents criticize the proposed regulations, stating they won't improve health or reduce pollution but will shift costs onto consumers and harm the economy.
  3. Lawmakers are expected to push back against the EPA's regulations, with previous efforts to curb federal mandates on transitioning to electric vehicles.

Financial firms tout energy business after West Virginia restrictions By Isla Binnie

79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
  1. West Virginia added financial firms like Citi and HSBC to a list due to their energy finance policies, leading to a dispute over ESG factors in banking and business.
  2. Financial firms like Citi, Northern Trust Corp, and HSBC stood firm on their commitment to the energy industry despite restrictions.
  3. Pressure from environmental activists and investors is forcing financial firms to reconsider financing new projects in sectors like oil and gas.

Texas State Geologist Scott Tinker: The Bad Assumptions Underpinning COP26 and the Impending Energy Train Wreck

139 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Global energy infrastructure faces an 'impending energy train wreck' due to misguided assumptions related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. The International Energy Agency's roadmap assumptions for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 are deemed confusing, implausible, and highly challenging to achieve.
  3. Continuing to misallocate capital from reliable fossil fuels to unreliable energy sources like wind, solar, and electric vehicles will drastically increase the demand for energy and mineral resources while making them more expensive and less obtainable.

Mann vs. Scientific Method Michael Mann on Trial

139 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
  1. Dr. Michael Mann's temperature 'hockey stick' graph has been heavily criticized for flawed methods and erasing historical climate data.
  2. The Scientific Method is crucial in the ongoing trial involving Michael Mann, with the judge rejecting most of Mann's experts for failing to demonstrate adherence to this method.
  3. Despite claims of increasing global drought, recent studies actually show a significant increase in vegetation globally and a decrease in overall drought levels.

Europe needs €800bn to meet 2030 climate targets, says industry

79 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. Europe needs €800 billion by 2030 to meet climate goals and stay competitive in the industry.
  2. A total of €2.5 trillion is required for the EU to complete the green transition by 2050.
  3. Large investments for climate targets cannot be solely managed by the private sector without government support.

Government Watchdog Files Complaint Over ‘Scientific Violations’ In NOAA’s Disasters Report by Kevin Killough

79 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. A government watchdog group filed a complaint about scientific violations in NOAA's disaster reporting, questioning the accuracy of the reported number of billion-dollar disasters.
  2. NOAA's calculation method for climate-related natural disasters has come under scrutiny, with claims that it lacks transparency, uses flawed methodology, and doesn't account for factors like inflation and development.
  3. The complaint highlights the importance of scientific integrity, transparency, and verification in agencies like NOAA to maintain public trust and the credibility of climate-related data.

- In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Human Rights said that member countries are obligated to protect citizens from climate crisis impacts.

79 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
  1. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that member countries must protect citizens from climate crisis impacts, setting a precedent for future climate litigation based on human rights infringements.
  2. March 2024 broke records for global heat with temperatures reaching 1.68C hotter than 150 years ago due to climate change, indicating the urgent need for action.
  3. India's Supreme Court expanded the 'right to life' to include protections against climate impacts like extreme heat, storms, air pollution, and food insecurity in response to the country's vulnerability to climate change.

Forget ‘doomers.’ Warming can be stopped, top climate scientist says

79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Climate change can be stopped by taking action based on scientific evidence and not giving in to pessimism or 'climate doomism.'
  2. Lessons from past climate events, such as the 'Great Dying' and the demise of the dinosaurs, can provide valuable insights into the current climate crisis and the need for urgent action.
  3. It's not too late to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but the main obstacles are political rather than technological or physical.

The Mystery Of The Uncontrolled Hatred Of Fossil Fuels And Those Who Produce Them, From the MANHATTAN CONTRARIAN Francis Menton

99 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
  1. Many people harbor uncontrolled hatred towards fossil fuels and their producers, despite being major users of these resources.
  2. Efforts seeking revenge and punishment against fossil fuel producers have been escalating over the years through lawsuits, legislative campaigns, and even suggestions of prosecution for homicide.
  3. Despite the anger and vengeful actions, the lack of viable and affordable substitutes for fossil fuels complicates the situation, leading to a complex web of emotions versus practical needs.

COMMISSIONER WITHDRAWS SUPPORT AS LOCAL PENNSYLVANIANS BLAST BUCKS COUNTY LAWSUIT APRIL 5, 2024 | NICOLE JACOBS

79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Local Pennsylvanians disapproved of Bucks County's climate lawsuit against American energy companies.
  2. Republican Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo withdrew his support for the lawsuit due to public backlash.
  3. Questions arise about the lawsuit's transparency, including the lack of a public vote, the county's contingency agreement, and possible outside influences.

The Climate Con And The Media Censorship Complex – Part 1 by Jesse Smith

79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
  1. Mis- and disinformation surrounding climate change are perceived as significant global threats to democracy and social cohesion.
  2. The push for a climate crisis narrative is deeply integrated into UN's Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on human-induced climate change as a major planetary threat.
  3. Efforts are made to silence dissenting voices challenging the mainstream climate change narrative through media censorship, demonetization, and discrediting, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.

Exploding Energy Prices in Costly California, ny Steve Goreham

99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
  1. California is facing skyrocketing energy prices due to green energy policies, making electricity, gasoline, and natural gas amongst the nation's highest and rising in cost.
  2. Transition to renewables in California has led to the closure of coal and nuclear plants, relying more on solar, wind, and battery systems, which are expensive and cause intermittent energy output.
  3. California residents are burdened by high housing costs as green energy mandates increase construction expenses, pushing for solar panels and electric appliances, making homes less affordable for low-income individuals.

Arctic Sea Icecapades Willis Eschenbach

99 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
  1. Arctic sea ice extent has not followed a simple linear relationship with temperature, challenging predictions.
  2. Climate models are limited in predicting abrupt changes in complex systems like Arctic sea ice extent.
  3. The study used extreme climate scenarios, leading to questionable projections and highlighting alarmist views.

New Offshore Wind projects: is permitting being slowed by evidence from “grey literature”? April 5, 2024 by Claire Szostek

79 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
  1. The permitting process for new offshore wind projects relies on evidence from both "primary" (peer-reviewed scientific journals) and "grey" literature sources. Grey literature, while more accessible, tends to overemphasize negatives and overlook positives shown in primary literature.
  2. Government policymakers need reliable evidence for planning decisions about offshore wind projects, but there is a lack of consistency and conflicting conclusions due to the wide variety of evidence sources used.
  3. There is a need for standardized methods of data collection in grey literature, clear policy frameworks, and improved communication between scientists and industry. These steps can ensure that evidence from primary literature is considered in evaluations and environmental impacts of offshore wind projects are properly assessed.

‘Full Steam Ahead’: Biden’s Budget Proposal Is More Green Schemes On Steroids

99 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
  1. Biden's budget proposal emphasizes funding green initiatives heavily, including $1.5 billion for the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.
  2. The budget also allocates billions for international climate programs, with $11 billion for global climate initiatives and $500 million for the United Nations' Green Climate Fund.
  3. An $8 billion fund is designated for the American Climate Corps to train individuals for green jobs, aiming to triple participants by the end of the decade.

Niall Ferguson: The Treason of the Intellectuals

139 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. Higher education does not guarantee instillation of moral values, as history shows how German universities during the Third Reich facilitated extreme nationalism and racism.
  2. American academia today, despite leaning left, faces a similar issue of political bias infiltrating educational spaces, leading to incidents of racism and antisemitism.
  3. The history of German universities in the 20th century serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how the intellectual elite can succumb to political pressures, leading to disastrous consequences.

Letitia James’s Lawsuit About Beef and Greenhouse Gases Is Bogus, by Anthony Watts

99 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
  1. The Environmental Protection Agency data shows that beef production is not a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Contrary to claims, methane from beef production is not a major issue, with livestock production emitting less than 4% of US greenhouse gases.
  3. Legal actions against beef production for greenhouse gases might not be well-founded, since actual data contradicts claims of methane and deforestation impacts.

Canada warns Michigan oil line shutdown could undermine U.S. ties Nia Williams and David Ljunggren

99 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
  1. Canada warns that Michigan's shutdown of Line 5 oil pipeline could harm U.S.-Canada relations - The move could disrupt a longstanding framework of cooperation between the two countries.
  2. Canadian company Enbridge Inc. is preparing for legal battles and potential protests from environmental groups - They are defying Michigan's shutdown deadline for Line 5, citing a 1977 pipeline treaty with the U.S.
  3. Michigan's attempt to shut down Line 5 could result in significant job losses and economic impacts in both Canada and the U.S. - The ongoing legal battle may continue into 2024.

Should Big Oil Be Tried for Homicide? A group of activists and legal experts are promoting the argument that fossil fuel companies should be charged for homicide and other crimes for their roles….

79 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. Activists and legal experts argue that fossil fuel companies should be charged for homicide and other crimes due to their role in climate change, basing their case on companies' historical knowledge and actions.
  2. The idea of charging oil companies with crimes like homicide is gaining traction, with the argument that potential criminal prosecutions could lead to more meaningful changes in the industry compared to civil lawsuits.
  3. The push for criminal charges against oil companies is not about punishing individuals, but about restructuring the industry towards clean energy transition and compensating for past harms, envisioning settlements that redirect profits to renewable energy initiatives.

Sobering Up? EU May Scrap Its Plans To Ban Internal Combustion Engines By 2035, Pierre Gosselin

99 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
  1. The EU may reassess the phase-out of combustion engines due to the impact of electric cars being not as climate-friendly as previously thought.
  2. Concerns about economic consequences, such as job losses and social unrest, are influencing the reconsideration of banning internal combustion engines.
  3. Efforts to use climate-neutral fuels in combustion engines and upcoming elections are factors leading to the potential scrapping of the ban on internal combustion engines by 2035.

The end of the coal era, the beginning of a cleaner era

79 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. Coal plants in New England are closing, leading the region to be free of coal pollution for the first time in over a century.
  2. The Beyond Coal campaign has successfully retired over 70% of US coal plants, contributing to significant reductions in carbon emissions and public health benefits.
  3. Moving away from coal to clean energy sources like wind and solar makes sense for the economy, health, and climate, with opportunities for repurposing old coal plants.

Extinction Rebellion Attacks an Electric Vehicle at the New York Auto Show

79 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
  1. Climate protestors attacked an electric vehicle at the New York Auto Show, showcasing dissatisfaction with EVs' ability to combat climate change.
  2. Extinction Rebellion argues that the focus should shift towards smaller, greener vehicles and public transportation to address environmental concerns regarding car infrastructure.
  3. The environmental impact of EV production, including metal extraction and resource demands, presents challenges in achieving true sustainability in the automotive industry.

New York And California Getting Totally Lost With Energy Storage, by Francis Menton From the MANHATTAN CONTRARIAN

99 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
  1. Transitioning the electrical grid to rely mainly on renewable sources like wind and solar requires vast energy storage on a scale not previously attempted.
  2. New York and California are investing in energy storage solutions that appear inadequate and will likely not address the challenges effectively.
  3. The storage capacities proposed in these states are far below what is required to ensure uninterrupted power supply, and there are concerns about battery fires in operational facilities.

Lawsuit challenges $1 billion in federal funding to sustain California's last nuclear power plant

79 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
  1. An environmental group has sued the U.S. Energy Department over $1 billion in federal funding to sustain California's last nuclear power plant. The lawsuit argues that the decision was based on outdated and flawed analysis, particularly in regard to safety concerns like earthquakes.
  2. The Biden administration's approval of $1.1 billion in funding for the nuclear power plant reflects efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping the plant open is seen as necessary to ensure electrical reliability in the state and combat climate change.
  3. California's complex history with nuclear power is coming to the forefront in the battle over Diablo Canyon. While nuclear power is a low carbon emitter, concerns linger about radioactive waste and the reliance on aging reactor technology.

As Legal Challenges Against the Fossil Fuel Industry Notch Some Successes, Are Livestock Companies the Next Target?

79 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
  1. Legal challenges against the livestock industry are increasing due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Litigation could be a powerful tool for reducing emissions from this sector.
  2. Researchers identify a rising trend of lawsuits targeting major players in the livestock industry, similar to legal action taken against the fossil fuel industry.
  3. Various legal strategies, such as consumer protection claims and negligence arguments, could potentially bring livestock companies to court for their environmental impact.

The EPA wanted to clean up steel mills. Then a group of Rust Belt senators got involved.

79 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
  1. The EPA proposed regulations for steel mills to reduce toxic pollution, but Rust Belt senators raised concerns about the potential negative impact on American steel industry investments.
  2. The final EPA rule is expected to cut steel mills' toxic emissions by 64 tons annually, a weaker reduction compared to the initial proposal. However, the rule still aims to benefit communities near polluting steel mills.
  3. Steel production emits pollutants harmful to health and the environment, and reducing these emissions is a complex process that involves balancing industry standards, health protections, and economic considerations.

Shell Gives “Full-Throated Defense” of Fossil Fuels in Strategy Plan ENERGY COMPANIES | SHELL

79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. Shell is giving a strong defense of fossil fuels but also recognizes the importance of renewables. They believe in the expanding role of LNG and oil drilling.
  2. Shell's Energy Transition Strategy 2024 document focuses on the essential role of natural gas as a complement to renewable energy in the power sector.
  3. Shell aims to be a net zero emission energy business by 2050, emphasizing the need for new technologies to achieve this goal in an industry that prioritizes shareholder value.

Real-World Data Confirms Homeowners Are NOT Facing Higher ‘Climate’ Risks Than Before by Linnea Lueken

79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
  1. The reported increase in 'climate' risk for homeowners is actually related to weather risk, which hasn't worsened.
  2. The organization behind the report, First Street Foundation, has a history of publishing misleading reports on climate.
  3. Certain regions face common extreme weather events historically, and factors like climate change may not be the primary cause.