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

U.S. LNG producers poised to leapfrog rivals with three new projects

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Feb 23
  1. At least three proposed U.S. LNG export plants have secured enough customers for financial approvals, positioning the country to become the leading LNG exporter.
  2. Developers are moving forward with new multibillion-dollar LNG plants due to increased demand fueled by Europe shifting away from Russian gas.
  3. The U.S. is on track to maintain its position as a top LNG exporter with upcoming projects like QatarEnergy-Exxon's joint venture at Golden Pass and Venture Global LNG's Plaquemines.

Greenpeace Betrays Founders to Peddle Junk Science

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Feb 23
  1. Greenpeace is being accused of prioritizing wind turbines over whale conservation, despite a significant increase in whale deaths coinciding with sonar surveys for the turbines.
  2. The author, a co-founder of Greenpeace, criticizes the organization for straying from its original mission and focusing on fundraising rather than environmental activism.
  3. Whales are at risk due to human activities like sonar surveys and offshore wind turbine construction, highlighting the importance of considering the environmental impact of such projects.

Concerns about blackouts in the Midwest pit renewables against fossil fuels

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Feb 23
  1. Experts are concerned about an impending power problem in the Midwest due to a drop in electricity supply and a rise in demand, especially during extreme weather events.
  2. Reports from grid organizations highlight vulnerabilities in the electric infrastructure system in the Midwest and urge for upgrades to ensure reliability.
  3. The transition to renewables like wind and solar presents challenges in grid operation, transmission upgrades are crucial to accommodate dispersed power sources and ensure resilience.

Righteous Risks Part 2: Foundations of Virtue

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Dec 23
  1. Regulators are increasingly influenced by moral dogma and ethical exclusion techniques from powerful stakeholders, rather than factual evidence when making decisions.
  2. Policymaking is now often viewed through a virtue context rather than focusing on effective policy management.
  3. NGOs, funded by foundations driven by moral objectives, play a significant role in shaping policy agendas and exerting influence on public perception and decision-making, leading to the rise of ethical-driven policymaking over pragmatic choices.

Aussie Coal State Premier Promotes the End of Coal

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Dec 23
  1. Queensland's new premier, Steven Miles, is focusing on transitioning away from coal to renewable energy to protect jobs and attract new industries
  2. Current technology limitations make achieving Net Zero emissions challenging and unlikely with the reliance on renewable energy
  3. International coal demand remains high, contradicting predictions of a decline due to the transition to Net Zero, while nuclear energy gains popularity
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ā€˜The 12 Days of Crisis?ā€™: How A Disruptive Eco-Activist Group Spread Christmas Fear In D.C.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Dec 23
  1. Hardline environmental activists in D.C. sang climate change-themed carols with modified lyrics near a holiday market.
  2. Groups like Extinction Rebellion receive funding from wealthy liberals through organizations like the Climate Emergency Fund.
  3. XR-DC aims to bring attention through disruptive protests and prompt discussions about climate change in a direct manner.

OPEC Influence Wavers as U.S. Shale Roars Back

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Dec 23
  1. U.S. crude oil production reached 13.2 million barrels per day in September, surpassing forecasts due to improved drilling techniques and technology.
  2. The rise in U.S. production is challenging OPEC's ability to control prices through production cuts, forcing them to reconsider their strategies.
  3. OPEC's expansion plans may face challenges if U.S. shale drillers continue to boost production efficiently, raising the unpredictability in the oil market.

Must Demand A Demonstration Project Of A Mainly Renewables-Based Electrical Grid

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Feb 23
  1. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar may not provide reliable electricity all the time due to issues like calm weather and darkness, requiring backup systems and leading to increased costs.
  2. Political figures, including President Biden, and experts like Mark Z. Jacobson advocate for wind and solar systems as cheaper energy sources despite evidence showing the contrary, such as higher electricity bills in countries like Germany and the UK.
  3. There is a call for a demonstration project to showcase the actual costs and feasibility of a predominantly wind- and solar-powered electrical grid, as existing claims about cost-effectiveness and reliability are being contested.

Oregonā€™s Climate Program Overruled

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Dec 23
  1. The Oregon Court of Appeals struck down the state's Climate Protection Program due to the failure to meet disclosure requirements, highlighting the importance of transparent governance and legal compliance.
  2. The invalidated program aimed at significant emission cuts lacked practical feasibility, emphasizing the need for realistic environmental policies and lawful processes.
  3. The court's decision emphasizes the necessity of balanced rule-making that considers economic impacts and procedural integrity in environmental regulations, setting a precedent for other states.

Global Warming Lawsuits List (Updated 12/19/23)

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Dec 23
  1. The list provides an organized overview of global warming lawsuits, highlighting accusations and supporting evidence against the fossil fuel industry.
  2. The lawsuits are categorized based on the law firms involved and the details of each case, including mentions of dismissals and self-dismissals.
  3. The list includes a variety of independently led and boilerplate copy lawsuits, showcasing the complexities and connections within the legal actions related to climate change.

Doug Sheridan saysā€¦

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Dec 23
  1. Governments are debating on how to transition away from fossil fuels, whether by reducing supply, demand, or both.
  2. The cost-competitiveness of renewables compared to $30-a-barrel oil needs improvement to drive substantial change.
  3. Shifts towards renewable energy need to consider global implications, be economically viable, and involve global commitment to avoid energy poverty.

Sweet Young Things

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Feb 23
  1. Life can be unpredictable and challenging, sometimes leaving us feeling upside down or hanging on by our knees.
  2. Growing old doesn't automatically make us wise, it requires personal experiences and learnings.
  3. Becoming wise and understanding comes with age, but so does the tendency to become cranky.

Whiteout

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 31 Jan 23
  1. The first snowstorm of winter can make us feel like the world has stopped.
  2. During a whiteout, we might find ourselves living like cave dwellers, relying on what we have stored.
  3. Snowstorms can bring a sense of pause and stillness to our lives.

Bloomberg: Wind Turbine Collapses Could Raise Insurance Premiums

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Jan 23
  1. Wind turbine collapses may lead to higher insurance premiums, impacting the push to fight climate change.
  2. Recent wind turbine malfunctions have resulted in significant costs for turbine makers and insurers, potentially increasing insurance costs.
  3. The rush to build larger turbines may be contributing to the rise in malfunctions, causing concerns about the long-term sustainability of wind energy.

Guardian: Google Are Not Trying Hard Enough to Demonetise Climate Deniers

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Jan 23
  1. Google is being criticized for not doing enough to demonetize climate deniers, such as allowing ads on searches questioning climate change.
  2. Wind turbines are causing harm to birds and bats, leading to significant fatalities that are not widely publicized.
  3. There are concerns about the impact of renewable energy on wildlife, and the importance of open discussions about these trade-offs.

James Bennet was pushed out as top editor of the NYT Opinion section in an uprising orchestrated by the paper's newsroom reporters in 2020. His crime? Publishing the OpEd of a conservative US senator.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Dec 23
  1. James Bennet was pushed out as top editor of the NYT Opinion section in 2020 for publishing the OpEd of a conservative US senator, leading to an uprising orchestrated by the paper's newsroom reporters.
  2. The New York Times seems to have shifted from 'without fear or favor' to a place where mainstream conservative arguments are feared to be trusted, leading to a skewed perception of America's reality.
  3. Journalism today seems to focus more on controlling the narrative than on seeking the truth, potentially leading to a decline in public trust as journalists prioritize being instigators over informers.

Extraordinary Resignation by a Geology Professor: ā€˜I feel the professionā€¦is no longer worthy of my effortsā€™

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 26 Jan 23
  1. A geology professor resigned citing personal reasons like being away from family due to job demands.
  2. He expressed dissatisfaction with the academic profession evolving into prioritizing equity over the freedom of exchanging ideas.
  3. The professor criticized the silence in the earth science community on the 'climate emergency' narrative and expressed intentions to provide expert opinions through social media.

James Hansen and Michael Mann, Climate Crisis Spokespeople Speak Out.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Dec 23
  1. There is a disagreement between James Hansen and Michael Mann on how to address climate change - Hansen advocates for accelerating the retirement of fossil fuels and intervening in Earth's radiation balance, while Mann believes in measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. The key difference between the two approaches is the response time - Hansen's proposal to make Earth more reflective could have a more immediate impact on cooling the planet, while reducing greenhouse gases may take decades.
  3. Hansen argues that existing climate models may have underestimated the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols, and he believes that Earth is more sensitive to greenhouse gases than previously estimated by the IPCC.

Evaluating terms Americans use to refer to ā€œcarbon emissionsā€

39 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jan 23
  1. Using specific terms like 'carbon emissions' and 'carbon pollution' can better communicate the causes and harms of climate change compared to 'greenhouse gas emissions'.
  2. Different terms for carbon emissions evoke varying emotions and associations, impacting how people perceive environmental and health impacts as well as links to fossil fuels and climate change.
  3. While 'carbon emissions' and 'carbon pollution' are effective for public communication, 'greenhouse gas emissions' may be more suitable for scientific and technical discussions due to its broader scope.

Will the American Geophysical Union Cut All Ties With the Fossil Fuel Industry?

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Dec 23
  1. Scientist-activists at the American Geophysical Union are urging the society to end connections with the fossil fuel industry due to concerns about ethics and misinformation related to climate change.
  2. The decision for the American Geophysical Union to maintain ties with the fossil fuel industry in 2016 was a subject of debate and now faces scrutiny, with calls for revisiting and correcting the choice.
  3. There is a growing push from scientists for scientific societies like AGU to consider their relationships with industries like fossil fuels and take steps to distance themselves in order to uphold scientific integrity and protect the planet's future.

Bowing To Eco-Groups, Biden Plans To Shutter Dams Providing Clean Energy To Millions

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration plans to remove four hydroelectric dams in Washington state to protect salmon, involving a legal agreement with tribes and eco groups.
  2. The agreement includes $1 billion for wild fish restoration and a plan for tribes to develop new clean energy power, with a call to replace services provided by the dams within eight years.
  3. Removing the dams could impact clean energy production, climate goals, and agriculture exports in the region, leading to debates about the economic and environmental consequences of such actions.

Loud and proud climate change denier hangs it up By Timothy Cama | 12/12/2023 01:34 PM EST

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Dec 23
  1. Myron Ebell, a prominent climate change denier, has stepped down from his role as director and is retiring, citing a decline in energy level and health issues.
  2. Ebell has been a key figure in climate change denial for over two decades, working to block climate-related legislation and influencing conservative policies.
  3. His future plans include chairing the American Lands Council, focusing on transferring federal lands to state control, and continuing conservative energy advocacy in retirement.

The five shades of green (bonds) Sustainable or green? It all boils down to intent.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Dec 23
  1. When it comes to investing in green bonds, the distinctions between types of bonds can be subtle and subjective.
  2. The classification of bonds as green, social, sustainability, or transition depends heavily on the intent of the issuer and the expected outcomes.
  3. Investors should be cautious of greenwashing and consider factors like use of proceeds, sustainability-linked bonds, and the indirect impact of investing through funds.

BlackRock Predicts Low Carbon Transition ā€œMega Forceā€ will Drive Major Investment Opportunities in 2024

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Dec 23
  1. BlackRock predicts a 'mega force' low carbon transition will create significant investment opportunities by 2024.
  2. BlackRock anticipates a doubling of capital investment in the global energy system driven by the shift to low carbon energy sources.
  3. Infrastructure sectors such as energy storage, transport electrification, and alternative fuels are highlighted as key investment areas for the future.

ā€œCOP28ā€™s Fossil Fuel Phaseout: A Comedy of Errorsā€

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. COP28 climate summit went from promising to phase out fossil fuels to just suggesting a reduction - a grand idea turned farcical.
  2. Key figures like Al Gore and John Kerry expressed disappointment as the ambitious climate goals faced harsh reality at the summit.
  3. Practical concerns from countries like China and India clashed with idealistic views, revealing the stark divide between climate aspirations and real-world feasibility.

Biden Admin Touted EV Charging Company To Support Climate Agenda. Now, Its Stock Is Tanking

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration supported ChargePoint to boost its climate agenda, but now the company is facing financial and legal challenges.
  2. The stock price of ChargePoint has drastically dropped, with the company's CEO stepping down and a class action lawsuit filed against it alleging securities violations.
  3. ChargePoint's struggles reflect broader challenges in the EV industry as manufacturers face financial losses, while the Biden administration aims to increase EV adoption despite obstacles like charging infrastructure and consumer demand.

House panel subpoenas Vanguard, Arjuna in ESG ā€˜collusionā€™ probe

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. A House panel has subpoenaed The Vanguard Group and Arjuna Capital as part of an investigation into potential antitrust violations related to ESG investing policies.
  2. The Judiciary Committee is seeking documents and communications from the investment firms to understand how they promote ESG policies and whether they violate antitrust laws.
  3. Investigations are exploring whether ESG investing coalitions like Climate Action 100+ restrict investor opportunities in oil and gas, causing potential violations.

Biden admin facing congressional probe for sending billions to solar company accused of scamming elderly

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. The Biden administration is under scrutiny for giving billions to a solar company accused of preying on vulnerable customers.
  2. Republican leaders have expressed concerns about the solar company's predatory sales practices and misleading of consumers, particularly the elderly.
  3. Reports have highlighted instances where the company has faced complaints for deceptive sales practices, poor customer service, and delays in resolving issues.

What Ails Offshore Wind: Supply Chains, Ships and Interest Rates

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. Government officials and energy developers underestimated the challenges of building offshore wind projects in the United States, leading to delays, cancellations, and higher costs.
  2. The lack of a robust domestic supply chain in the United States is making offshore wind projects more expensive and less feasible.
  3. Investments in infrastructure like U.S.-built ships are being made to address challenges in offshore wind construction, aiming to improve efficiency and lower costs in the future.

First Biden-funded electric car charging station opens

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. The first Biden-funded electric car charging station has finally opened in Ohio after more than two years of planning, which is a significant milestone for electric vehicle infrastructure.
  2. Despite the government's efforts, the slow pace of deploying charging stations is hindering the goal of having electric vehicles represent a substantial portion of new car sales by 2030.
  3. The U.S. faces a significant need for a vast expansion of public charging infrastructure with a target of 28 million charging ports to support the growing number of plug-in electric vehicles by 2030.

Climate Solutions One key step in the energy transition? No new gas lines.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 23
  1. Banning new gas lines is a key step in accelerating decarbonization in the U.S.
  2. The transition away from gas pipelines is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  3. It's important to ensure a safe and equitable shift from gas to alternative energy sources, especially for lower-income households and marginalized communities.

Banning fossil fuels is now a make-or-break issue at climate talks

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 23
  1. Many countries are pushing for a rapid phaseout of oil, gas, and coal at climate talks, but some major powers like Saudi Arabia are strongly resisting.
  2. The issue of banning fossil fuels has become a central point of discussion at the COP28 conference in Dubai.
  3. Negotiators are facing challenges in establishing clear language on fossil fuel phaseout, addressing financial interests, and dealing with influential lobbying groups at the climate talks.

A String of Lawsuits Takes Aim at Regulators

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 23
  1. Companies are challenging government regulators more boldly than before, which could lead to significant changes in enforcement practices.
  2. Various businesses, not just Meta, are mounting legal challenges against agencies like the F.T.C. and S.E.C., questioning their constitutionality and authority.
  3. The outcome of these legal battles could impact how agencies operate, potentially leading to a shift in power and control over proceedings from administrative courts to federal courts.

I still need your financial support right now (paid subscriptions, etc.) to support my efforts to archive of my written and collected writings of Internet and energy experts.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Dec 23
  1. Financial support is needed for archiving written and collected writings of Internet and energy experts.
  2. Topics of interest include internet, broadband, energy, technology, health, government policy, and cloud computing.
  3. The convergence of various elements like internet regulation, clean energy, climate change, fossil fuels, and community development is crucial.

Cities Often Donā€™t Choose the Best Emission-Cutting Strategies, Study Finds.

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Dec 23
  1. Cities and regions struggle to select the most effective emission reduction strategies due to competing priorities and limited resources.
  2. Land use and development, circular economy, and waste and water management are highlighted as the most reliable methods for emissions reduction.
  3. Policy-makers prioritize factors like cost-effectiveness, public health, and political viability when choosing mitigation strategies, potentially overlooking strategies with higher expected impacts.

1.8 Million Barrels of Oil a Day Avoided from Electric Vehicles 15 hours agoZachary Shahan

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Dec 23
  1. Electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles are expected to avoid almost 1.8 million barrels of oil a day in 2023, making up about 4.1% of road transport sector demand.
  2. Two- and three-wheeled EVs contribute significantly to the avoided oil demand, especially in regions like China, Southeast Asia, and India, accounting for about 60% of the total avoided oil consumption in 2023.
  3. Despite the progress with electric vehicles reducing oil consumption, much more effort is needed to reach global emission reduction goals, as the estimated avoided emissions in 2023 are only about 2% of all emissions from road transport.

John Kerry And The Reality Of CO2 Emissions

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Dec 23
  1. Global CO2 emissions are projected to hit a new peak this year, despite some countries like the U.S. showing a decrease in emissions.
  2. To achieve the Paris Climate Agreement's goal, there needs to be a significant annual drop in emissions, but the current rate of decrease falls short.
  3. China's approval of new coal power plants at a high rate highlights the challenge of balancing renewable energy sources like solar and wind with traditional fossil fuel or nuclear power.

WaPo Pushes Phony Claim That Climate Change Harming African Crops

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Dec 23
  1. A recent claim that African farmers are struggling due to climate change is false - data does not show an increase in severe droughts or cyclones.
  2. Efforts by international organizations to address climate change are believed to hinder the use of proven technologies that can boost food production in Africa.
  3. Research and real-world data contradict claims made by the Washington Post and the IMF, showing that crop production in Ethiopia and Africa as a whole has actually increased over the past few decades.

Major Tesla competitor's latest move looks bad for the electric vehicle industry

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Dec 23
  1. A major competitor of Tesla made a dramatic move, casting a shadow on the electric vehicle industry.
  2. Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, laid off 20 members of its battery development team, causing concern.
  3. The layoffs are part of Rivian's shift towards developing batteries for more affordable vehicles, aiming to lower costs and increase profitability.

Biden-ā Harris Administration Unveils First-Ever Strategy to Advance Environmental Justice for Communities That Rely on the Ocean and Marine Resources

19 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Dec 23
  1. The U.S. Ocean Justice Strategy aims to integrate equity and environmental justice into federal ocean activities for communities dependent on the ocean and Great Lakes.
  2. Three main goals of the Strategy include embedding ocean justice in federal activities, building a diverse federal ocean workforce, and enhancing ocean justice through education and data.
  3. The Strategy reflects President Biden's commitment to environmental justice and addressing climate change impacts in communities connected to the ocean and Great Lakes.