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

Another Difficult Year for Europe's Transition By Irina Slav - Jan 29, 2024, 6:00 PM CST

19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. The cost problems of wind and solar power development are persistent and are unlikely to change soon, affecting participation in renewable energy projects.
  2. The surge in costs made many renewable projects commercially unviable, leading to lower involvement in renewable energy tenders organized by European governments.
  3. Factors like interest rate hikes and lack of cash cushion are key challenges for wind and solar power development, impacting the industry's growth in Europe.'

EU fossil fuel CO2 emissions hit 60-year low Fossil emissions ‘finally back to 1960s levels’, say analysts, but they warn levels are still falling too slowly

19 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. EU fossil fuel CO2 emissions have hit a 60-year low, with an 8% reduction in 2023 compared to 2022, showing a significant decline in planet-heating pollution.
  2. Cleaner electricity sources like solar panels, wind turbines, dams, and nuclear power plants played a vital role in the drop in emissions, along with lower electricity demand and efficiency improvements in sectors like industry and transportation.
  3. While progress has been made, the EU still needs to accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, meet climate goals, and transition to a more sustainable energy system to combat climate change effectively.

China’s clean energy boom ‘an example to the entire world’, IEA analyst says

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. China has become a global leader in clean energy, with significant growth in solar PV installations and manufacturing, setting an example for the world.
  2. The clean energy sectors were the biggest drivers of China's GDP growth in 2023, with investments in renewables, nuclear power, energy storage, EVs, and railways accounting for all investment growth.
  3. Despite China's success, overcapacity and weakening profitability risks loom in the clean energy industry due to intense domestic competition and market challenges, emphasizing the need for continued strategic development.

Alaska Republican hits Biden over pause on natural gas exports: ‘Makes no sense’ BY LAUREN IRWIN - 01/26/24 11:04 PM ET

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. Senator Dan Sullivan criticized President Biden for pausing approvals of natural gas export facilities, calling it senseless.
  2. The White House said the pause on natural gas exports is due to the need to reassess the impacts on energy costs, emissions, and national security.
  3. There are concerns that the pause on LNG exports could benefit Russia by limiting American natural gas sales to other countries.

Canada's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to start in April

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. Canada's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is set to begin adding crude oil in February and start operating fully in the second quarter, aiming to nearly triple the flow of crude from Alberta to the Pacific Coast.
  2. The project has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the completion of a challenging pipeline section through a mountain in British Columbia as the main obstacle remaining.
  3. The expansion is expected to impact Canadian oil prices, increase output, and influence the flow of Canadian crude to different regions, with the federal government planning to sell Trans Mountain once the expansion is finished.
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Associated Press Takes More Money to Promote Climate Alarm

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. The Associated Press has received significant funding grants to enhance its climate reporting, including hiring more journalists to cover climate issues globally.
  2. Critics are skeptical of the AP's claim of maintaining editorial independence in its climate coverage despite the influx of funds targeted at expanding climate reporting.
  3. The AP's acceptance of funding from the KR Foundation indicates a shift towards pushing climate alarm-related content and aligning with specific climate change agendas.

Our Best Climate Realism Communicators

19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
  1. In the Climate Change Debate, it's important to consider the effectiveness of public communications from both sides by analyzing who the opponents attack the most.
  2. There are efforts to censor messages that go against certain narratives, like by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, which aims to de-platform those with differing views on climate issues.
  3. Reports and tools like the AI program CARDS are being used to identify and label statements as 'climate denial' even if they are factually accurate, showcasing challenges in the climate communication landscape.

Global organisations brace for growth in ESG-related litigation, study finds

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Global organizations are expecting a rise in ESG-related litigation, with a majority foreseeing an increase in disputes overall.
  2. ESG disputes are identified as the primary litigation risk, necessitating organizations to focus on human rights and social issues.
  3. Concerns are rising about internal or external investigations in the upcoming year, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity and data privacy.

Farmers’ protests are France’s first EU campaign battleground By Théo Bourgery-Gonse | EURACTIV

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The agricultural industry backlash in France is turning into a significant battleground for EU elections, sparking early campaign strategies.
  2. Farmers' protests in France highlight major challenges like low wages, tough regulations, and disconnect with political leaders, shaping the political landscape.
  3. Various political forces, like far-right and left-wing groups, are reacting differently to the protests, showcasing potential shifts in narrative and strategies that may impact the upcoming EU elections.

EU Moves To Delay ESG/ Sustainable Reporting Requirements Until 2026 Jon McGowan

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The EU has proposed to delay the adoption of sector-specific sustainability disclosure standards and reporting obligations for non-EU companies until 2026.
  2. The delay in the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation is aimed at allowing time for quality standards' development and practical implementation by companies.
  3. Amid political and legal challenges, there is an expectation of further changes to the CSRD, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Death by ESG: In today’s political climate, corporations advance social agenda at their peril BY ADONIS HOFFMAN, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR - 01/25/24 11:00 AM ET

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Business leaders face risks when publicly speaking on social issues, risking backlash from activists and shareholders who prefer focus on core business matters.
  2. ESG, a concept encompassing environmental, social, and governance risks in finance, has shifted from a finance term to a politically charged issue, facing backlash and challenges in the US.
  3. CEOs are now more cautious in addressing social impact and environmental topics, often choosing to invest prudentially in silence to avoid controversy.

Fossil emissions ‘finally back to 1960s levels’, say analysts, but they warn levels are still falling too slowly Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondent

19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. EU fossil fuel CO2 emissions hit a 60-year low in 2023, marking a significant drop from the previous year
  2. The decrease in emissions was largely attributed to the use of cleaner electricity, with more renewable energy sources like solar and wind power being utilized
  3. Analysts emphasize that while the reduction in emissions is a step in the right direction, more efforts are needed to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change

Automobiles, human nature, and the challenge of building cars that people actually want

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. Automobile choices reflect different aspects of human nature, from artistic expression to practicality, with most people falling somewhere in between.
  2. Auto manufacturers face challenges as consumer preferences can swiftly change, creating difficulties in keeping up with evolving trends.
  3. The electric vehicle transition is met with unpredictability in consumer behavior, with political, societal, and personal factors influencing purchasing decisions.

Environmental Laws That Impeded Pipelines For Years Could Trip Up Biden’s Sprint Toward Offshore Wind

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. Environmental laws that were previously used to challenge infrastructure projects are now being leveraged against offshore wind developments, hindering Biden's green energy goals.
  2. Grassroots environmental groups, fishermen, and citizens are suing the government for allegedly violating key environmental policies like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act in the rush to approve massive offshore wind projects.
  3. Concerns about disrupting marine ecosystems, impacting fisheries, and potentially causing harm to whales are at the heart of the opposition to offshore wind projects, with legal and financial challenges threatening the feasibility of Biden's 2030 offshore wind targets.

GE offshore wind business anticipates roughly $1B loss in 2023

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. GE's offshore wind business is expecting approximately $1 billion in losses for 2023, while onshore wind saw a profit thanks to increased North American equipment orders.
  2. Despite challenges, GE foresees its power and renewable energy divisions becoming profitable in 2024 under GE Vernova.
  3. GE's financial outlook for 2023 has been revised upwards, showing improved adjusted earnings per share and a better profit margin compared to the previous year.

‘We’re All Climate Economists Now’ With climate change affecting everything from household finances to electric grids, the profession is increasingly focused on how society can mitigate carbon emissi

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. Climate change is now a key focus for economists due to its impact on society and the environment.
  2. The surge in climate research in economics is attracting a more diverse group of researchers, including women and people of color.
  3. The demand for climate economists is increasing in various sectors, offering new job opportunities and possibilities for using economic analysis to address climate challenges.

Big Oil is about to start getting fined for its rampant methane leaks

19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. New rules from the Biden administration will require oil and gas companies to pay fines for methane emissions exceeding certain levels, in an effort to reduce methane emissions and combat climate change.
  2. Excess methane production will result in increasing fines up to $1,500 per ton by 2026, encouraging the adoption of technologies to reduce harmful emissions.
  3. The proposed methane fee aims to reduce wasteful methane emissions from oil and gas production, hold companies accountable for pollution, and ensure consumers do not pay for wasted energy.

The world’s biggest oil field contractors are showing that slower growth in the US shale patch isn’t the albatross it once might have been — thanks to the booming cash machine in international and off

19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Slower growth in US shale fields is not a major concern for the top oil field contractors due to increasing business opportunities in international and offshore markets.
  2. Oil field service companies like Halliburton and SLB are experiencing high cash flows and dividends, despite the cooling growth in US shale production.
  3. Service companies in the oil industry are adapting to a more conservative approach similar to shale companies, leading to improved profitability and sustainable growth.

The world’s biggest oil field contractors are showing that slower growth in the US shale patch isn’t the albatross it once might have been — thanks to the booming cash machine in international and off

19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Slower growth in the US shale industry is being offset by booming international and offshore markets, leading to strong financial performance for oil field contractors like Halliburton.
  2. Oil field service companies are showing financial improvements by focusing on international markets and offshore fields as US shale growth slows down.
  3. Service companies are adopting a more conservative approach by limiting new investments, leading to improved cash flows and financial outlooks.

Little Hope For Fixing New York's Housing Situation Any Time Soon January 23, 2024/ Francis Menton

19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. New York's housing situation is in a crisis with minuscule vacancy rates and high prices, making it unaffordable for many working individuals.
  2. Government restrictions and central planning in the housing market haven't solved the issues for over 75 years, leading to further complications.
  3. Efforts to fix New York's housing crisis involve proposals such as reinstating tax abatements for developers, but the lack of progress in loosening regulations offers little hope for immediate solutions.

We should regulate SUVs out of existence

39 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
  1. SUVs are harmful to the climate and contribute to pedestrian deaths, including children in driveways.
  2. Regulating and taxing huge cars out of existence is essential for reducing emissions and improving road safety.
  3. The elimination of SUVs can have a positive impact on the environment, as they emit significant carbon and contribute to road accidents.

CIX Exchange Launch Highlights Importance of Technology, carbon traders remain challenged by illiquidity, market fragmentation, and limited efficiencies and price discovery as compared

19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Carbon traders face challenges like illiquidity and limited efficiencies compared to traditional markets.
  2. Transparent data infrastructure and proper protocols are crucial for the future of carbon trading.
  3. Partnerships and technological advancements are essential for the growth and modernization of carbon markets.

Oil and gas companies have long found it cheaper to let methane flare off than to make necessary upgrades to avoid the problem. New rules from the Biden administration will change that.

19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Oil and gas companies have historically opted to burn off methane rather than invest in upgrades. The Biden administration is introducing new rules to address this.
  2. The proposed EPA rule includes a fee for excessive methane emissions to incentivize the adoption of emission reduction practices.
  3. The methane fee is part of a broader strategy to encourage innovation in reducing pollution and tackling methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.

Uncovering Private Lawyers’ Role in Whistleblower Programs Sri Medicherla

19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. American agencies tend to give more whistleblower awards to tipsters with private lawyers, raising concerns about fairness and accountability.
  2. The involvement of private lawyers in whistleblower programs can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs because agencies may outsource tasks to these lawyers without clear oversight.
  3. Scholar Alexander I. Platt suggests reforms like regulating private lawyers' fees and improving transparency to address the issues with private lawyers' roles in whistleblower programs.

WRITTEN BY PIERRE GOSSELIN ON JAN 22, 2024. POSTED IN LATEST NEWS Models Wrong Again: ‘Hotter Weather Not Diminishing Runoff And River Discharge’

19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Despite belief that hotter weather leads to reduced water runoff and river discharge due to climate change, recent data suggests this isn't always the case.
  2. Satellite data is being used to predict runoff and river discharge, challenging traditional climate projections.
  3. Results indicate that runoff is actually increasing in parts of southern Europe, contrary to some climate forecasts.

As local opposition to wind and solar projects grows, some states seek to override local decisions “There's a widespread, coordinated effort to force these projects down the throats of rural American

19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. There is a growing movement in some states to override local decisions and push wind and solar projects despite opposition from rural communities.
  2. Many states have passed carbon-free electricity goals, but often ignore the additional costs associated with achieving these goals.
  3. Tribal opposition, concerns about property values, and noise pollution are some of the main reasons behind the resistance to wind and solar projects in various communities.

UN’s Latest Climate Report Is A Woke Dumpster Fire Masquerading As Science

39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
  1. The UN's latest climate report is receiving strong reactions, with some calling it alarmist and others seeing it as a survival guide for climate change.
  2. The report is accused of being politically biased by extensively using 'woke' buzzwords like equity, inclusion, social justice, and colonialism.
  3. The report proposes costly and drastic measures to address climate change, raising skepticism about the scientific credibility of its claims.

SENS. HICKENLOOPER AND CASSIDY MAKE BIPARTISAN CALL FOR PERMITTING REFORM BY KYLE KOHLI JAN. 17, 2024

19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Senators Hickenlooper and Cassidy are promoting bipartisan permitting reform to address energy development issues in Congress.
  2. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of permitting reform to meet energy demand, ensure security, and address climate change concerns.
  3. The Senators highlighted the need for collaborative policy adjustments to account for emissions from foreign energy sources and to promote American oil and natural gas production under stringent environmental standards.

Tom Nelson interview with Susan Crockford about the failed polar bear narrative and rapid evolution

19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Susan Crockford discusses challenges in estimating polar bear populations and the debate between Inuit communities and specialists.
  2. She shares her theory on the role of thyroid hormones in polar bear evolution and how species adapt quickly to new environments.
  3. The interview covers topics like climate change impact on polar bears, historical perspectives, indigenous knowledge, and the politics of polar bear research.

Climate Sanity Spokespeople

19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. The post shares a partial list of individuals advocating for global energy fairness, practical environmentalism, and electricity abundance for all people.
  2. This group includes economists, scientists, engineers, lawyers, regulators, policy wonks, businessmen, and more.
  3. There are various notable names included in this group, each contributing to the advocacy for a balanced and sustainable approach to energy and environmental issues.

Science vs. social media: Why climate change denial still thrives online

19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. Social media platforms are not effectively combating misinformation about climate change, leading to a surge in posts denying climate change or spreading conspiracy theories.
  2. Companies like X, Facebook, and TikTok need to do more to prevent the spread of climate change misinformation on their platforms, as their current efforts are insufficient.
  3. The rise of climate misinformation on social media is undermining public understanding of climate change, eroding trust in science, and impacting the debate on solutions proposed by scientists.

Energy Information Has Never Mattered More—So It’s Time to Reform the IEA By Mark P. Mills

19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. The U.S. should consider suspending payments to the IEA until it undergoes restructuring suitable for modern times, setting a precedent for such actions.
  2. Energy markets continue to rely heavily on oil, highlighting the ongoing importance of secure, reliable, and affordable energy sources, despite advancements in technology.
  3. There is a call to reform the IEA by separating it into two entities: an International Energy Information Agency (IEIA) for credible information provision and an International Energy Transition Agency (IETA) for advocacy work.

Drax Carbon Capture Could Cost Bill Payers ÂŁ40 Billion From NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT By Paul Homewood

19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. Drax's carbon capture project could cost bill payers over https://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2024/01/17/drax-carbon-capture-could-cost-bill-payers-40-billion/
  2. The Drax carbon capture project involves fitting technology to its biomass units, which could lead to an expensive energy project globally.
  3. Adding carbon capture technology to Drax's biomass units might save the UK economy up to ÂŁ15 billion, but operation and capital costs are significant.

Carbon markets have a long shot at redemption By George Hay

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. The United States plans to establish a large-scale market for emissions trading to address climate finance challenges.
  2. Different types of carbon markets exist, such as compliance markets like the EU Emissions Trading System and voluntary markets, each with its own regulatory frameworks and controversies.
  3. Initiatives like the Energy Transition Accelerator aim to mobilize significant funds for decarbonization efforts, but face challenges like setting high-quality baselines and ensuring robust financing models.

Thinning and Logging Aren't a "Solution" to Wildfires, How the logging industry is weaponizing wildfires, releasing massive amounts of carbon, and destroying our forests

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Thinning and logging are not effective solutions to wildfires and can actually worsen the situation by releasing large amounts of carbon and harming forests.
  2. The logging industry may be using wildfires for financial gain, leading to environmental damage and loss of biodiversity in forests.
  3. Forest thinning and logging projects can have a negative impact on climate change by reducing carbon sequestration and potentially emitting more greenhouse gases.

The global transition to clean energy has a cost, but it may be a lot lower than the figures that sometimes get thrown around. The differences are large, amounting to trillions and even tens of trilli

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. The cost of transitioning to clean energy may not be as high as commonly believed, with estimates showing a modest 2% annual increase in global capital spending on energy supply
  2. Reports from organizations like McKinsey and the International Energy Agency may overstate the costs of clean energy transition, making unfair comparisons that exaggerate the economic burden
  3. Despite differing estimates and perspectives, the transition to clean energy is already underway and feasible, emphasizing the need for a steady shift rather than sudden changes

Climate is on the ballot around the world

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Many countries around the world are holding elections that will have a significant impact on climate policies and commitments, with leaders facing challenges like ending deforestation and transitioning to renewable energy.
  2. The future of coal as an energy source is at stake in countries like South Africa, India, and Indonesia, where election outcomes could influence the shift to renewables.
  3. Leaders in oil-producing nations, such as Mexico and Russia, are facing a delicate balance between climate policies and oil drilling, with Supreme Court cases in the U.S. potentially impacting federal regulatory power in environmental matters.

Michael Mann vs. Journalism

19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. The legal battle between Michael Mann and American journalists has been ongoing since 2012, questioning the ability to disagree on political topics without legal harassment.
  2. Mann's lawsuit aims to stifle free speech by imposing self-censorship through libel judgments, raising concerns about the protection of freedom of expression.
  3. The court's decision on Mann's case will have implications on the future of open debate and the protection of controversial opinions in America.