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

Ron Stein’s Reminder

39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Over the last 200 years, the global population grew from 1 to 8 billion, with electricity generation relying on oil-derived products.
  2. Crude oil, refined into oil derivatives, forms the foundation of essential products like plastics, medications, supporting modern lifestyles.
  3. The world's infrastructure, from transportation to healthcare to space programs, heavily depends on components made from oil derivatives created from crude oil.

Biden’s Kamikaze Climate Plan For The US Economy

39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. China continues to prioritize its economic growth over strict climate commitments, acknowledging the importance of fossil fuels for grid stability.
  2. The Biden administration is implementing policies that could potentially harm the US economy by pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and phasing out traditional energy sources like coal and gas.
  3. There is a growing economic reliance on China for critical minerals and clean energy materials, raising concerns about US geopolitical security.

Hydrogen Is Our Best Bet To Decarbonize Heavy Industry, U.S. Energy Secretary Says

39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. The U.S. government is heavily investing in clean hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in difficult-to-decarbonize industries like steel and ammonia production.
  2. The Energy Department has designated seven 'Hydrogen Hubs' across the country to promote clean hydrogen projects, aiming to create new jobs and attract corporate investments.
  3. While some environmental groups criticize the use of natural gas for hydrogen production, plans for carbon capture technology are considered crucial by Energy Secretary Granholm for transitioning to cleaner types of hydrogen.

ESG Today: EU bank regulator recommends integrating ESG risk in capital requirement framework, and more...

39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. EU bank regulator recommends integrating ESG risk in capital requirement framework for banks and investment firms, indicating the increasing importance of environmental and social risks in the financial sector.
  2. Shifts in environmental and social risks are expected to impact the stability of the banking sector, affecting areas like credit, market risk, and operational risks.
  3. Investors are increasingly demanding transparent ESG reporting, highlighting the evolving landscape of ESG practices and the significance of the SFDR in Europe and globally.

Major Climate Alarmist Fail: “The Hottest Summer Ever” that Never Was

39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. The claim of 'hottest summer ever' in 2023 was based on global average temperature anomaly, not maximum temperature data, which is crucial for accurate assessments
  2. Misleading information by climate alarmists relied on temperature anomaly values rather than actual temperature measurements, leading to exaggerated claims of extreme heat events
  3. Significant impact of Urban Heat Island effect on minimum temperature measurements, emphasizing the need to consider factors like artificial heat sources in climate analysis
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Media Take The Bait On Flawed Study Claiming Warming Will Make Areas ‘Unlivable’

39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. Media reported on a flawed study claiming warming will make areas 'unlivable' without catching the errors in the paper.
  2. The wet-bulb temperature, crucial for human safety, represents the lowest air temperature by evaporation; however, spontaneous deep convection prevents extreme situations over large areas.
  3. Tropical temperatures have remained relatively stable over geological time due to deep convection, making claims of dangerous global warming effects on tropical regions unfounded.

Ready, Fire, Aim: Explode!

39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. Hydrogen production requires a significant amount of electricity, potentially from fossil fuel plants, due to the challenges in manufacturing and energy cost.
  2. Storing hydrogen is difficult due to its small molecule size, leading to safety concerns like embrittlement and potential leaks.
  3. Government initiatives promoting clean hydrogen hubs face challenges in terms of energy efficiency, grid stability, and environmental impact, raising concerns about unrealistic goals and potential inefficiencies.

Why this is one of the planetary shifts scientists are most worried about, Scientists aren’t certain if a shutdown is close

19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
  1. Scientists are concerned about a potential shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) due to its potential catastrophic impacts on global weather patterns and food security.
  2. The AMOC is a complex ocean circulation system that plays a vital role in redistributing water, nutrients, and heat throughout the Atlantic Ocean.
  3. While evidence suggests the AMOC has shut down in the past due to factors like freshwater influx, uncertainty remains on when a collapse might happen, highlighting the need for further research and preparedness.

VROOM BOOM Three major electric vehicle companies declare bankruptcy racking up millions in debt and customers are being blamed

39 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Three major electric vehicle companies declared bankruptcy this year due to financial struggles and lagging sales.
  2. Competitors, like Tesla, Rivian, and Fisker, are thriving in the growing EV market while these three companies faced bankruptcy.
  3. The bankrupt EV companies, Lordstown Motors, IndiEV, and WM Motors, all had unique paths leading to their financial troubles, highlighting challenges in the EV industry.

DAVID BLACKMON: The West’s Energy Policy Is A Futile And Stupid Gesture

39 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Canceling the Keystone Pipeline by the US government is seen as a costly and ineffective measure, as oil still flows through other, less efficient means.
  2. The Biden administration's efforts to cut carbon emissions are overshadowed by China's massive coal consumption and expansion of fossil fuel use.
  3. Western countries' expensive carbon reduction efforts are deemed futile compared to the substantial increase in emissions from China and India, raising concerns about energy security.

For The Children

59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
  1. The poem 'For The Children' emphasizes the importance of unity and connection with nature, urging staying together and appreciating the beauty of flowers.
  2. Gary Snyder's poem envisions a future where peaceful valleys and pastures await if we work together to navigate challenges.
  3. The message of 'For The Children' is to approach life lightly and with awareness, especially when thinking about the future for our children.

Jury finds in favor of Michael Mann in defamation lawsuit against Mark Steyn, Rand Simberg

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. A jury found in favor of Michael Mann in a defamation lawsuit against Mark Steyn and Rand Simberg, awarding Mann compensatory and punitive damages.
  2. The jury deemed the statements made by Steyn and Simberg as defamatory and published with reckless disregard for the truth.
  3. Mann claimed his reputation as a climate scientist was damaged by the posts but could not provide evidence linking a loss of grant funding to them.

Quote of the Week: Manntastic Claims, by Anthony Watts

19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Steyn realizes the lack of evidence in the defamation trial and highlights Mann's improved career despite the claims.
  2. Dr. Curry discusses the damaging effects of false accusations on professional women and the impact on credibility.
  3. The ongoing trial showcases the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in the field of climate science and the repercussions of defamation.

Climate Hysteria Reaches Terminal Velocity As Drought Eases Up In SoCal

19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Record rain in California is both good for easing drought conditions and potentially problematic in fueling future wildfires.
  2. The rain in Southern California is beneficial for managing water resources but also poses challenges due to lack of storage capacity and capacity to capture stormwater.
  3. While increased rain has reduced wildfires, it also leads to vegetation growth that could fuel future fires, highlighting the complexity of managing natural disasters in the context of climate change.

Huge new wind turbines face backlash

39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. The offshore wind industry faces challenges as it tries to utilize increasingly large and powerful turbines. However, these models could take years to produce and may increase wind power costs.
  2. Offshore wind plays a vital role in the U.S. renewable energy goals, aiming to power millions of homes by installing more turbines. Larger offshore wind turbines could generate significantly more power than onshore turbines.
  3. The pursuit of larger turbines poses risks, including unproven reliability, transportation and construction challenges, and potential setbacks in meeting ambitious renewable energy targets.

Foreign-Backed Big Green Sets Sights on Suing Ohio for Climate Chg

39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Foreign-backed groups are supporting climate change lawsuits against Big Oil & Gas companies in Ohio, using tactics like producing fake research reports to push for litigation.
  2. Local economists in Ohio have mixed opinions on suing oil and gas companies, with some highlighting concerns about enriching trial lawyers and increasing costs.
  3. The nationally coordinated climate litigation campaign is facing resistance in energy-rich states like Ohio, where the oil and gas industry contributes significantly to the economy and energy security.

Doug Sheridan Says

39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. The US deficit for the fiscal year is projected to be $1.7 trillion, creating a burden of about $13,500 for every US household. Supreme Court's intervention regarding student loan forgiveness prevented a potentially higher deficit of $2 trillion.
  2. Interest payments on federal debt are rapidly rising as interest rates increase, reaching close to defense spending levels. A significant portion of the deficit is used to pay interest on past borrowed money.
  3. Despite a growing economy, the deficit is increasing. The current national debt exceeds $32 trillion and poses a serious threat to America's future and its credit rating compared to other nations like Germany.

INCONVENIENT TRUTH: Alberta power grid barely avoids crash, nat gas saves the day

39 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
  1. Alberta's power grid narrowly avoided a crash with the help of natural gas during a near perfect storm of high temperatures and low wind.
  2. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) issued power alerts and encouraged reduced electricity usage to maintain system reliability.
  3. There is growing debate over the future of Alberta's electricity grid, with calls for more natural gas generation and concerns about high power bills.

California lawsuit says oil giants deceived public on climate, seeks funds for storm damage

39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. California has filed a lawsuit against major oil companies for misleading the public about the dangers of fossil fuels, seeking funds for storm damage recovery.
  2. The lawsuit accuses oil companies of knowing since the 1960s about the catastrophic effects of burning fossil fuels on the climate and waging disinformation campaigns to discredit climate change concerns.
  3. The legal action reflects a growing trend of holding Big Oil accountable for climate deception, with California aiming to cut emissions and move towards clean energy despite past reliance on oil production.

Agri-Absurdity: The High Cost of ‘Saving’ The Planet

39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. Thirteen nations, including the U.S., have entered a pact to cut food production to reduce methane emissions, risking global food supply.
  2. John Kerry urges farmers to reduce food production for 'Net Zero' goals, which could lead to food shortages.
  3. The green agenda's focus on climate emergency might lead to devastating consequences, including starvation and erosion of quality of life.

Great Travel Reset: Poll: 41% of French population favors restricting EVERYONE to ONLY 4 airplane flights in their ENTIRE LIFE to ‘fight against global warming’

39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. 41% of the French population supports limiting everyone to only 4 airplane flights in their entire life to combat global warming. This indicates a growing awareness of environmental concerns among the French.
  2. 64% of French adults are in favor of reducing their air travel for environmental reasons in the medium term. The younger population shows even higher support for this change.
  3. Engineer Jean-Marc Jancovici's proposal to restrict individuals to 4 flights in their lifetime is well received, with 41% of French people expressing support. The study shows preferences for destinations and flight frequency if this restriction were in place.

True, Spiked, A Rapid Energy Transition Will Increase Human Suffering

39 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
  1. The infrastructure and standards of living in developed countries heavily rely on fossil fuels, making a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources challenging and likely to result in human suffering.
  2. Despite decades of climate alarmism and efforts to shift towards renewable energy, the global proportion of fossil fuels in the energy mix has not significantly decreased.
  3. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar, while promoted as solutions, face challenges such as intermittency, high costs, and logistical issues, making it unlikely for them to replace fossil fuels on a large scale in the near future.

Biden suspends Trump-era authorization to ship natural gas by rail

39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
  1. Biden's administration is halting a policy that allowed natural gas to be transported by rail due to safety concerns and will conduct more testing for possible mitigation measures.
  2. The Department of Transportation suspended the 2020 policy until a new rule is published or by June 30, 2025, emphasizing the need to prevent potential risks to health, safety, and the environment.
  3. The decision was influenced by a train derailment in Ohio that spilled hazardous material earlier, emphasizing the importance of rail safety measures.

SEC Chair Says Climate Disclosure Rule Feedback Pushes Back on Scope 3 Reporting as Less Developed, Unreliable

39 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
  1. SEC Chair received feedback about the challenges of Scope 3 reporting being less developed and unreliable.
  2. Concerns were raised about the impact of the climate disclosure rules on smaller businesses, like farms and agricultural companies.
  3. Even if the SEC eases up on supply chain emissions reporting, companies may still need to provide Scope 3 details under other disclosure regimes.

NJ Ayuk is Africa’s renaissance man.

39 implied HN points • 13 May 23
  1. NJ Ayuk, known as Africa's renaissance man, has an inspiring background shaped by education, hard work, and dedication to empowering others.
  2. Africa faces energy challenges despite its rich resource potential, with efforts focused on overcoming energy poverty and achieving economic development.
  3. Ayuk emphasizes the importance of transparency in the energy industry and advocates for telling the positive story of oil and gas's impact on Africa's development.

U.S. Shale Firms Drill Deeper Wells In Search Of Efficiency

39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. Despite a decrease in active drilling rigs, U.S. shale firms are producing more oil and gas efficiently.
  2. Shale companies are drilling longer lateral wells, with averages increasing by 5% year over year.
  3. Efficiency and capital expenditure are prioritized in the shale industry, with companies setting records with longer wells, striving for growth and returns for investors.

Irish farmers pressured to cull up to 200,000 cows to meet climate goals

39 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
  1. Irish farmers are facing pressure to reduce their dairy cow population significantly to meet climate goals, with proposals to cull up to 200,000 cows in the next three years.
  2. The agriculture sector in Ireland, particularly dairy farming, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country, prompting the need for urgent action to meet emission reduction targets.
  3. Alternative farming practices, such as planting multi-species fields and reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides, are being adopted by some farmers to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.

The US power grid quietly survived its most brutal summer yet

39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. The US power grid managed to survive record-breaking temperatures and power demands this summer, averting major blackouts - a remarkable achievement that shouldn't be taken for granted.
  2. Anticipation of high blackout risks led to preparations by grid operators, including energy conservation alerts and procuring extra electricity generation, showcasing the importance of planning for extreme conditions.
  3. Texas, with a unique power grid almost independent from other states, faced challenges despite its abundant energy resources, highlighting the need for more energy efficiency and grid reliability measures across the country.
  4. The extreme heat exposed flaws in the conventional wisdom about grid reliability, showing that renewable energy sources like wind and solar, along with new clean technologies, can play a crucial role in power systems.

Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion may face new delays -filing

39 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
  1. The Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion project in Canada might face delays due to a potential route adjustment in British Columbia, impacting the timeline and costs significantly.
  2. Current challenges include cost overruns, the need for route changes causing delays, and concerns from First Nations groups about the impact on spiritual and cultural areas.
  3. Approval from the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is pending for Trans Mountain to deviate from an approved route, with potential consequences for moving Canadian oil to refineries in the US or Asia.

Column: Looming European Energy Crisis: A Lesson in Averages that Won’t Soon be Forgotten

39 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
  1. Designing based on averages can lead to serious problems when facing extremes or substantial variations.
  2. Europe and other regions transitioning to renewable energy are learning the consequences of over-relying on wind and solar power.
  3. The current energy crisis in Europe highlights the importance of acknowledging the limitations of renewable energy sources and the ongoing need for hydrocarbons.

Nationwide Poll Shows 88% Want Oil & Gas Produced in U.S.

39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
  1. 88% of voters in the U.S. feel it's important to produce oil and gas within the country.
  2. 90% of voters believe that producing oil and gas in the U.S. strengthens the economy.
  3. There is strong support among voters for considering economic data when developing energy policies and regulations.

How Subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act Undermine Transmission Reform

39 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
  1. Large subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act could reach $3 trillion, leading to skepticism about using federal policy to expand the transmission system.
  2. Experts emphasize the crucial need for significant transmission expansion to support the green energy transition, estimating costs of up to $2.2 trillion by 2050.
  3. Expansion of the transmission system without addressing the IRA subsidies for electricity generation could expose taxpayers to trillions in subsidies, emphasizing the importance of removing these incentives first.

The Net Zero Flimflam: Huge Electric Bills, Blackouts, Unaffordable Cars, And Layoffs

39 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. Politicians pushing for rapid transition to renewables may lead to huge electric bills, blackouts, unaffordable cars, and mass layoffs
  2. Transitioning too quickly to renewable energy sources can have severe economic consequences for the public
  3. There is a need to balance environmental goals with the impact on everyday people's lives to avoid significant hardships

Climatologist: Trends In Weather-Related Damage Costs For The USA

39 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
  1. Overall, there has been no statistically significant trend in the costs of weather events in the USA since 2012.
  2. Damage costs associated with lightning, tornadoes, thunderstorm winds, hail, river floods, extreme heat, drought, and hurricanes have not increased since 2012, with many showing significant declines.
  3. Federal agencies stating weather event costs are rising due to climate change do not align with the data provided by the National Weather Service, which shows no increase in costs and mostly significant decreases for various weather events.

Doug Sheridan Says

39 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. The G20 summit in India highlighted Europe's declining influence and reach, due to factors like slow economic growth, military weakness, and unrealistic approach to world politics.
  2. Europe's global standing has suffered in the past year, with France losing influence in Africa, Europe facing challenges from the Middle East and China, and Europeans being overrepresented in global institutions.
  3. European decline poses a challenge for the US, as Europe remains a key ally for the US in areas like climate change, human rights, and democracy, despite rising powers being skeptical of these liberal policy goals.

EU Market Regulator Finds 4x Increase in Use of ESG Language in Fund Names Mark Segal October 3, 2023

39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. There has been a significant 4x increase in European investment funds using ESG-related terms in their names over the past decade, showing a growing trend towards sustainability in the financial industry.
  2. Regulators, including the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), are actively addressing greenwashing risks in the investment management sector, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accurate representation of ESG investments.
  3. While there is a rise in the use of ESG language in fund names, there is a concern over the generic nature of these terms, making it difficult for investors to verify if the fund's holdings align with sustainability goals.

Wind Power’s Unraveling: A Tale of Bribes and Misguided Ambitions

39 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
  1. Recent events in Japan highlight a scandal involving bribes and wind power projects, showing potential integrity issues in the industry.
  2. The allegations of bribery and misconduct not only tarnish the image of wind power but also raise concerns about fair competition in the energy sector.
  3. This scandal serves as a reminder to reexamine the true benefits and drawbacks of wind energy, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.

Buddy Holly has a very large place in my heart, so pardon me if this biography is quite long.

39 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. Buddy Holly, an American singer and songwriter, was a key figure in mid-1950s rock and roll
  2. Holly's innovative approach to music, blending country with rock and roll, influenced many future artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John
  3. The tragic plane crash that took Holly's life led to an outpouring of tributes and influenced the careers of artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Don McLean

Carbon Offsets and Voluntary Carbon Markets – Opportunities and Uncertainty

39 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
  1. The voluntary carbon market is rapidly growing due to corporate focus on ESG and net-zero goals, with the market value estimated to reach up to $50 billion by 2030.
  2. There are two types of carbon markets: voluntary and regulatory compliance markets like the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and California Cap-and-Trade, each serving different purposes.
  3. Increased regulatory focus and concerns over greenwashing and fraud in the carbon markets, with steps being taken by entities like the SEC and CFTC to address these issues and ensure transparency.

Corruption Of Science By Money And Power

39 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
  1. Corruption exists in various sectors like politics, medicine, and finance, hindering societal progress and advancements.
  2. Science is also susceptible to corruption, leading to the endangerment of the world's economy and the well-being of people, as seen in the corruption of climate change science.
  3. The misuse of power and money, exemplified by historical cases like the Rockefeller Foundation's influence on the Linear No Threshold model for radiation, can have significant long-term consequences on society and industry.