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

Commodities: 2024, the year of the voting booth.

19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
  1. In 2024, major elections around the world could change the political landscape greatly, affecting commodity prices. The outcome in countries representing a significant portion of the global population and GDP will impact investment risks.
  2. Potential shifts in global policies and alliances due to voter decisions could lead to changes in commodity prices. Elections in countries like the US, India, and Russia are particularly crucial for investors to monitor.
  3. Certain commodities like gold, oil, copper, and platinum/palladium may see price movements due to changing demand and supply dynamics influenced by electoral outcomes and sanctions risks in 2024.

Earth’s axis has shifted 

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. Estimates for global warming are decreasing, with fossil fuel demand and emissions expected to peak by 2030.
  2. Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events like record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires, emphasizing the need for better forest management.
  3. Human activities like the overuse of groundwater are causing significant changes to the Earth's axis and geological markers, potentially signifying a new human epoch, the Anthropocene Epoch.

EPA to Fund Studies of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Agriculture

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. The EPA is funding studies on 'forever chemicals' in agriculture to better understand their impacts on plants, animals, and communities.
  2. PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', are highly persistent, accumulate in the environment, and have been found to contaminate air, soil, waterways, and humans.
  3. Researchers are being awarded grants by the EPA to investigate PFAS movement in agricultural environments and work on strategies to manage and decrease human exposure.

SEC Chair: Investors Want Supply Chain Emissions Reporting to Manage Transition Risk

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. Investors support SEC's proposal for supply chain emissions reporting to assess company risk, as it provides crucial information for decision making.
  2. SEC faces challenges in finalizing supply chain emissions reporting requirements due to concerns from companies, smaller enterprises, and agricultural entities about costs and disruptions.
  3. Despite challenges, investors stress the importance of understanding supply chain emissions for managing transition risks like changing regulations and customer preferences.

DOE picks National Grid, Berkshire Hathaway, Grid United transmission projects in first capacity buys

39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. DOE selected National Grid, Berkshire Hathaway, and Grid United for transmission projects to carry 3.7 GW of clean energy and enhance grid reliability.
  2. The projects were chosen under DOE's Transmission Facilitation Program, aiming to aid project funding and development.
  3. The transmission projects are set to start construction in 2025, with a focus on improving grid resilience, clean energy accessibility, and benefiting underserved communities.
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New York City Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Legislation

39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. The benefits used to support the New York City Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Legislation are weak and the claims of environmental and health benefits, reducing carbon footprint, and creating jobs are not well substantiated.
  2. The costs of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles in New York City raise concerns about reliability and affordability, especially in essential services like police and fire departments, where electric vehicles may pose operational challenges.
  3. Despite the legislation's focus on transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, the New York City fleet management department already has a sustainability program in place, testing various emission reduction options, indicating that the legislated changes may not be necessary or practical.

A chemical solution to the Scope 3 problem

39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. The chemical sector faces significant challenges in reducing Scope 3 emissions from their supply chains, which make up over 70% of a company's carbon footprint.
  2. Together for Sustainability (TfS) introduced the Scope 3 GHG Programme and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline to help chemical producers calculate and reduce their emissions across their supply chains.
  3. The TfS Academy aims to educate and upskill procurement teams on sustainability and decarbonisation to enable more collaborative and effective emissions reduction actions.

Again A Fuss About The AMOC. Reality: Future Scenarios Border On Adventurous Speculation

39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. Future scenarios regarding the Atlantic overturning circulation (AMOC) tipping point are based on adventurous speculation rather than solid evidence.
  2. Different studies using sea surface temperature data lead to divergent conclusions on the timing of the AMOC 'collapse,' showing significant uncertainties in predicting a tipping point.
  3. Media coverage often simplifies complex scientific findings, like the AMOC 'collapse,' without fully addressing the uncertainties involved in the predictions.

EU must cut carbon emissions three times faster to meet targets, report says

39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. The EU needs to cut greenhouse gas pollution almost three times faster to meet its climate targets.
  2. Significant emissions cuts are needed in buildings, transport, and agriculture to reach the 55% reduction target by 2030.
  3. Renewable energy growth must accelerate significantly to meet the EU's target of 42.5% renewable energy by the end of the decade.

EQT Sets New World Drilling Record; Deals to Sell 1.2 Bcf/d via MVP

39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. EQT Corporation has set a new world drilling record, reaching 18,264 feet in 48 hours, and secured deals to sell 1.2 billion cubic feet per day via the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
  2. EQT has improved drilling efficiency by 40% and anticipates achieving up to $150 per foot of cost savings through operational enhancements on assets acquired from Tug Hill Operating.
  3. EQT's strategic partnerships and agreements, such as those to plant trees in West Virginia and provide clean energy solutions, highlight the company's commitment to environmental initiatives and value creation.

Major Oil Deals Can’t Stop The Green Transition [or stop energy media from talking about it]

39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. Major oil companies are investing heavily in fossil fuels, but evidence shows renewable energy, particularly solar, is poised for rapid growth.
  2. The International Energy Agency predicts that demand for all fossil fuels will peak by 2030, emphasizing the shift towards clean energy.
  3. Despite the current focus on fossil fuels due to high prices and profits, the trend is moving toward clean technology, with solar and wind power expected to dominate new electricity generation projects.

Profit At China’s Top Wind Firm Slumps 98%

39 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
  1. Intense competition and a price war in China have caused a 98% decline in net profit for the top Chinese wind turbine maker, Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co.
  2. Despite booming investments in renewable energy projects in China, the wind power industry globally faces challenges such as rising costs, supply chain issues, and offshore projects being scrapped.
  3. Siemens Energy faced setbacks in its wind business, with share prices plunging by more than 30% as they engage in preliminary talks with stakeholders to secure guarantees for long-term projects.

Oil May Be About To Go Down On Higher Costs

39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. Freight rates on global maritime routes have surged by 50% since the Hamas attack on Israel, impacting the movement of crude from Nigeria and Angola.
  2. Refinery margins are dropping as the driving season ends, signaling weaker demand for gasoline and decreases in crude-to-product spreads.
  3. The physical oil market is showing signs of weakness, with unsold cargoes of Nigerian and Angolan crude increasing and refining margins decreasing, suggesting a potential decline in oil prices.

State of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the NE U.S.

39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a program in the Northeastern U.S. to limit and reduce CO2 emissions from power plants through a market-based approach, but there is a disconnect between expected emission reductions and actual results.
  2. Modeling results show that state decarbonization efforts and federal incentives for clean energy could significantly reduce emissions, but delays and cancellations in renewable energy projects could impact emission reduction goals and raise allowance prices.
  3. RGGI investments have led to emission reductions, but the cost per ton reduced is higher than the social cost of carbon, and there are uncertainties in the modeling projections that need to be addressed to ensure realistic emission reduction trajectories.

US-backed oil exploration bringing global forests to ‘point of no return,’ activists say

39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. US-backed oil exploration is threatening global forests, funded by Western countries including the US, leading to irreversible damage according to activists.
  2. Campaigners argue that industrial activities like oil exploration contribute to deforestation, emissions, and loss of biodiversity in tropical forests with severe consequences for the climate.
  3. Activists are calling for urgent action to protect tropical forests as drilling and mining projects, backed by countries like the US, pose a significant threat to the environment and indigenous communities.

Germany’s Green Power Grid Unable To Power Green Society, ‘On The Brink’

59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
  1. Germany's green power grid is struggling to support the country's shift to 'climate-friendly' electric mobility and heat pumps due to rushed phasing out of coal and nuclear power.
  2. The government is facing challenges with overloaded local grids, prompting the need for forced throttling of heat pumps and charging stations to prevent power outages.
  3. Germany's unstable power grid and high energy prices are leading homeowners and motorists to seek alternative heating sources and modes of mobility.

Lowering California’s Natural Gas Prices Is Easy, So Enviros Hate It

59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
  1. California's natural gas prices have surged while the rest of the country sees lower prices, affecting heating costs and utilities
  2. Factors like colder temperatures, dropping inventories, and limited pipeline capacity have contributed to the spike in natural gas prices in California
  3. Addressing the issue could involve producing more in-state natural gas, supporting pipeline construction, and balancing climate change goals with practical energy solutions

Doug Sheridan concludes…

39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. The end of fossil fuels is not as imminent as the climate lobby suggests, as demonstrated by recent major oil and gas company acquisitions, indicating a continued demand for hydrocarbons.
  2. Consolidation in the oil and gas industry is driven by higher interest rates, with larger companies benefitting from cash reserves and higher returns on investment compared to green energy ventures.
  3. Despite the push for green energy and EVs, the demand for fossil fuels may continue to surpass due to factors such as global energy needs in low-income countries, limitations of green technology deployment, and slowed consumer demand for EVs.

Do We Really Know That Human Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cause Significant Climate Change?

39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
  1. It's crucial to understand the scientific basis behind the claim that human greenhouse gas emissions lead to significant climate change, as it influences major policy decisions.
  2. Establishing causation in climate science differs from traditional scientific methods, often relying on correlation rather than disproving null hypotheses.
  3. Recent studies question the strength of the link between human CO2 emissions and temperature fluctuations, suggesting a need for further examination of existing data and models.

Clean energy’s powerful momentum

39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
  1. Global demand for oil, natural gas, and coal is predicted to peak in about seven years, with solar, wind, and other clean energy sources projected to surge.
  2. The cost of solar cells has been decreasing significantly, with solar and wind power now being about 48% cheaper than natural gas.
  3. Fossil fuel companies are adapting to the rise of clean energy, with industry giants making acquisitions and investments while countries remain deadlocked on climate funds.

Our Take, with Doug Sheridan

19 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
  1. It's difficult to repeal popular subsidies that benefit various industries and create jobs, especially in Republican districts.
  2. Politicians play a significant role in distributing government funds to favored industries and causes, contributing to national debt.
  3. The landscape of business education and operations is heavily influenced by politics, raising questions about the purpose of business schools.

Carbon Credits vs. Carbon Offsets

19 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
  1. The big idea behind carbon credits and offsets is that CO2 is the same gas globally, so emission reductions can happen anywhere, not necessarily where they are emitted.
  2. Both carbon credits and offsets represent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with one unit equaling one tonne of carbon emissions and becoming unusable once emitted.
  3. Carbon offsets involve removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, while carbon credits involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and they cater to different markets - compliance and voluntary, respectively.

Is E.S.G. Falling Out of Favor?

39 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
  1. Big oil companies like Chevron and Exxon are focusing on getting bigger through consolidation, despite pressure to embrace greener energy
  2. European oil giants like BP, Shell, and Total may need to adjust their strategies to keep up with their American rivals in the industry consolidation race
  3. Investors are pulling money out of E.S.G. funds, marking a shift away from the sector and a move that may be driven more by performance expectations than fundamental beliefs

ESG should be boiled down to one simple measure: emissions

39 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
  1. ESG should be simplified to focus on one key measure: emissions. This could help in addressing the climate crisis more effectively.
  2. ESG investing, while popular, faces issues like conflicting goals and lack of clear guidance for investors. The complexity can lead to delusion.
  3. The ESG concept struggles with reconciling the different objectives of firms, investors, and society. This can make it challenging to navigate trade-offs.

Voodoo economics and made-up property rights are the next frontier of ESG ByJustin Bis

19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
  1. The battle in Washington over controversial ideas like the Natural Asset Company proposal shows the power of public backlash to make a difference.
  2. Efforts to manipulate markets and favor certain industries, as seen in policies like the climate disclosure rule, showcase a concerning trend away from unbiased financial oversight.
  3. Innovative concepts like 'ecological services' and alternative accounting frameworks like the 'System of Environmental Economic Accounting' are reshaping how property rights and economic decisions are understood.

Oil And Gas Still Drawing In Investors Despite Transition

39 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
  1. Fundraising among independent oil and gas companies in the US has increased this year, making the sector popular among investors.
  2. The pivot towards capital discipline, along with buybacks and rising dividends, has made oil and gas attractive again to investors.
  3. Investors are holding onto oil and gas investments despite warnings, with investment funds showing increased interest in energy stocks.

Transition to renewables increases winter reliability risk

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
  1. Transitioning to renewables like solar and wind can make the electric system less reliable, especially in winter when these resources may be less available.
  2. Winter weather challenges like wind droughts and decreased solar availability can lead to capacity shortages and power outages.
  3. Electrifying heating systems and increasing electric vehicle usage can significantly increase winter peak demand for electricity, posing challenges to the grid reliability.

Organized by journalists for journalists, Covering Climate Now works to improve climate coverage worldwide. 500+News and media partners, 2,000,000,000 Reach ofour partners 57 Countries represented

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
  1. Covering Climate Now is an initiative organized by journalists to enhance climate coverage globally, collaborating with 500+ news partners in 57 countries, reaching over 2 billion people.
  2. The journalism sector is evolving in response to climate crises, with newsrooms dedicating more resources to climate reporting, highlighting solutions and holding leaders accountable.
  3. Increasing urgency in climate issues calls for broader climate coverage across different beats within newsrooms to engage audiences worldwide and drive action.

New paper submission: Urban heat island effects in U.S. summer temperatures, 1880-2015

39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
  1. The study found that an estimated 22% of the U.S. warming trend from 1895 to 2023 is due to urban heat island effects, especially in urban locations with higher population densities.
  2. The research suggests that the adjusted temperature data may have stronger urban heat island signatures than the raw data, impacting reported temperature trends.
  3. The authors simplify data processing by proposing the use of year-over-year changes instead of annual-cycle-anomaly calculations for temperature datasets from stations with at least 2 years of data.

SEC Souring on ESG, Yet Promulgating Natural Asset Companies

39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. The SEC is showing less support for ESG principles due to various reasons like backlash and financial pressures from firms like BlackRock.
  2. Natural Asset Companies (NACs) are being promoted as a new way to combat climate change and achieve sustainability, despite concerns that they might monetize nature and impact private and public lands.
  3. There is a parallel between the NAC concept and corporate farming practices, potentially leading to the control of natural resources by corporations and financial entities.

Erratic weather fueled by climate change will worsen locust outbreaks, study finds BY CARLOS MUREITHI, ASSOCIATED PRESS -

19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
  1. Erratic weather influenced by climate change is expected to worsen locust outbreaks, as identified in a recent study.
  2. Desert locusts, known for their ability to devastate crops and cause food insecurity, are likely to increase in numbers due to climate change-related extreme weather patterns.
  3. The study emphasizes the necessity of global cooperation and early warning systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change on locust dynamics and food security.

What Passes For A "Demonstration Project" Among Our Government Geniuses

39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. The government is investing in 'demonstration projects' for renewable energy, but these projects often lack key elements needed for a fully functional renewable-based electrical grid.
  2. Current government initiatives focus on specific aspects like hydrogen hubs and long-duration battery storage, but fail to address the complete engineering requirements for a reliable wind/solar electricity system without fossil fuel backup.
  3. There is skepticism around the feasibility and profitability of building a renewable-based electricity grid without heavy reliance on government funding, as private investors are hesitant to invest in such projects without subsidies.

LIVING THE CRUDE LIFE Robert Bryce is Juiced Up on Power, Politics and the Grid Bryce discusses his latest docuseries called

19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
  1. Robert Bryce's new docuseries 'Juice: Power, Politics & The Grid' highlights the vulnerability of the US and other countries to power shortages and blackouts due to bad energy policy decisions.
  2. The docuseries features 5 episodes, each about 20 minutes long, with 34 interviews from around the world's top thought leaders on energy and includes a range of topics from nuclear energy to corporate greed.
  3. The purpose of the project is not profit-driven but aims to change the conversation, alerting people and policymakers about the fragility of the electricity grid and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Risk vs. reward: How directors across the globe see ESG today

39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. Directors globally are prioritizing ESG discussions due to tightening regulations and evolving shareholder demands.
  2. Directors are split in viewing ESG as a risk mitigator versus a value creator, with European directors leaning more towards the latter.
  3. Boards are incorporating ESG metrics into various business decisions, with European boards leading in integration compared to U.S. boards.

Offshore wind developers likely to cancel some contracts after NY decision

39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Offshore wind developers may cancel contracts in New York due to a recent decision, impacting projects like Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind.
  2. Offshore wind is a key part of the US transition away from fossil fuels, aiming to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
  3. Despite challenges in New York, other projects like Vineyard Wind and South Fork are progressing, showing promise for the industry.

Climate change: Polar bears face starvation threat as ice melts

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. Polar bears are facing starvation threats due to the melting Arctic ice, as they can't adapt their diet when forced to spend more time on land.
  2. Rapidly disappearing sea ice in the Arctic is a major threat to polar bear survival, as the ice serves as a platform for hunting ringed seals.
  3. Studies show that polar bears lose body weight and struggle to find food as they spend more time on land, with some bears losing up to 11% of their body mass.

COALENERGY It’s Cold: Germany Fires Up Reserve Coal Plant

39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Germany fired up a reserve coal plant to meet energy needs during a cold spell, showcasing the success of their Energiewende policy.
  2. Temporary reliance on coal occurred due to an energy crisis last year after Russian gas supplies were cut off, impacting the government's emission reduction plans.
  3. Germany's Economy Minister predicted that old reserve plants would not need to be reactivated in the winter of 2024-2025, raising concerns about long-term energy strategies and predictions.

‘Litigation terrorism’: the obscure tool that corporations are using against green laws, Investor-State Dispute Settlements are legal, huge and often hush-hush – and fossil fuel firms and others….

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. Corporations are utilizing Investor-State Dispute Settlements as a tool to challenge green laws and hold governments accountable, often behind closed doors.
  2. ISDS panels are mainly composed of unelected lawyers, predominantly white, male, business-friendly individuals, raising concerns of bias and conflict of interest.
  3. Investors, especially in the fossil fuel industry, have benefited significantly from ISDS, winning a majority of cases and receiving substantial compensation, leading to a regulatory chill in environmental policies.

LIVING THE CRUDE LIFE Robert Bryce is Juiced Up on Power, Politics and the Grid

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
  1. Robert Bryce's docuseries 'Juice: Power, Politics & The Grid' discusses the vulnerability of the US power grid due to poor energy policy decisions.
  2. The docuseries features interviews with energy thought leaders from various locations, aiming to raise awareness about the fragility of the electric grid and the need for improvement.
  3. Robert Bryce's goal with the docuseries is to change the conversation around energy policy, highlight the importance of the electric grid, and advocate for solutions like nuclear energy.

Please help me fund my global energy abundance efforts, by subscribing.

39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Supporting global energy abundance efforts by subscribing is crucial for practical, informed energy perspectives.
  2. Being part of a diverse Energy Tabernacle Choir can provide a balanced, scientific, apolitical voice representing all people.
  3. Many individuals worldwide lack electricity, and it's essential to address this issue in the context of global energy initiatives.