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

Congress Must Halt The Ascendance Of Regulation By Subsidy

19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
  1. Excessive regulation in the US poses a significant economic burden, costing over $3 trillion annually, with challenges to limit this reigning Administrative State
  2. Federal subsidies are intertwining with regulations, creating a system where the economy is increasingly enveloped, hindering aspirations for regulatory liberalization
  3. Bans on subsidies are crucial to confining Congress's powers and preventing political exploitation during economic crises, emphasizing the necessity to limit and monitor federal subsidies in various sectors

As The Transition to Green Energy Crumbles, Funding for The Climate Scare Soars

19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
  1. Transition to green energy is facing challenges and is crumbling due to cost and feasibility issues.
  2. Funding for climate change initiatives is increasing, with major environmental organizations focusing their resources on this cause.
  3. Despite setbacks in green energy, environmental groups are prioritizing funding for climate change over other environmental issues.

Doug Sheridan reflects…

19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Cost overruns and delays are hindering Australia's goal of 82% renewables by 2030, sparking public resistance due to financial concerns and environmental impacts.
  2. Europe is also experiencing setbacks in renewable energy plans, with governments like Britain, Germany, and France scaling back net-zero ambitions.
  3. Despite climate change impacts, research shows that many Australians are not concerned about global warming and are hesitant to adopt more climate-friendly practices due to cost concerns.

California Continues to Be a National Security Risk for America

19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. California's dependency on foreign crude oil for aviation fuel and shipping terminals has increased over the years.
  2. Governor Newsom's policies to reduce in-state oil production could pose a national security risk for the U.S. due to reliance on imported crude oil.
  3. The closure of in-state refineries under Newsom's leadership may increase California's dependency on Asia for fuels, posing significant security concerns.

“It’s time to admit that our health and climate crises are one,” by Gina McCarthy

19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Health and climate crises are interconnected and must be addressed together, as air pollutants from fossil fuels contribute to various serious illnesses.
  2. Global air quality is a significant concern, with over 99% of people breathing polluted air exceeding WHO guidelines, leading to millions of premature deaths annually.
  3. Efforts to combat climate change must include prioritizing clean energy over fossil fuels, investing in clean energy transition, updating regulations, and incorporating air pollution metrics in national strategies.
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Local Hero “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera.” Lewis Hine

19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
  1. Lewis Hine, a renowned photographer, believed in the power of capturing stories through photographs rather than words.
  2. Hine's impactful images covered a wide range of important topics such as Ellis Island immigrants, World War I, and child labor abuses.
  3. Despite not being able to verbally tell stories, Hine used his camera to create powerful 'photo stories' that captured significant moments and issues.

Last Independence Day

39 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
  1. The poem reflects on the life and passing of a loved one on their last Independence Day, capturing a mix of emotions and memories.
  2. The speaker expresses a deep connection with the deceased, reminiscing about their shared experiences, cultural heritage, and plans for scattering ashes in the Rockies.
  3. The piece evokes a sense of closure and release as the speaker fulfills a promise to their mother by scattering her ashes in the mountains, bringing comfort and peace.

Please help a 79 year old who still has plenty of energy activism and feist left in him. Energy history is still being made.

19 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
  1. The author is seeking financial help and paid subscriptions to organize a large number of articles on global energy equity.
  2. The content covers a wide range of topics, such as ESG, climate change, regulatory issues, and energy/environmental reports.
  3. The author lists a vast array of authors, thinkers, and influencers in the energy activism space who have contributed to the platform.

Send News Tip Home2023November3Climate Change Weekly #487: Study Suggests Causes of Climate Change Beyond CO2 CLIMATE NEWS Climate Change Weekly #487: Study Suggests Causes of Climate Change Beyond

19 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
  1. Research suggests that carbon dioxide is not the only driving force behind recent climate changes. Other factors like solar activity, ocean currents, and Earth's rotation also play significant roles.
  2. Historical warming and cooling occurred before changes in carbon dioxide levels, indicating that external and internal factors influence climate changes.
  3. The study emphasizes that climate models need to consider a broader range of factors beyond carbon dioxide to better understand and predict climate change.

A solar expert shares her opinions, and isn’t afraid to change them

19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Solar analyst Jenny Chase is known for sharing bold views and is open to changing her opinions, offering insights on the clean energy sector.
  2. Chase's comments from 2017 still hold weight in 2023, highlighting the challenges and advancements in the solar industry.
  3. Her shifted perspective on residential batteries showcases the evolving dynamics of renewable energy choices and the importance of expanding the grid for integration.

Lewis Hine

19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Lewis Hine's photographs played a significant role in influencing the passage of child labor laws in the United States.
  2. Hine used his photography as a tool for social change and reform, documenting issues like child labor and industrial working conditions.
  3. Despite facing challenges and professional struggles later in life, Lewis Hine's legacy lives on through his impactful photography that advocated for social justice.

Open peer review – Green energy and economic fabulism

19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. The Inflation Reduction Act has expanded subsidies for green energy, with direct spending estimated to be over $1 trillion in the next ten years, claiming to increase economic growth and new jobs in green industries.
  2. The massive amount of money for green energy subsidies, financed by additional debt, is predicted to have negative consequences on energy supplies, economic growth, and the well-being of the citizens.
  3. Profligate spending on costly green energy, potentially collapsing under its economic weight, could lead to high economic and social costs for the U.S. in the future.

Window for Meeting Key Climate Goal Is Even Narrower Than Thought

19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. New calculations show that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is harder than ever, but less ambitious climate goals are still achievable.
  2. Even though the most promising paths to avoid 1.5 degrees are diminishing, having updated information on emissions and warming can help governments plan for meeting less ambitious climate goals.
  3. The window to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees is narrowing, and reducing air pollution could impact this further as the remaining carbon budget decreases.

Poem of Climate Lessons

19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. The poem highlights the complexities and challenges related to climate change and energy issues.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of balance and fairness in addressing these critical topics.
  3. The poem also reflects on the enduring nature of poetry and the need for apolitical science to guide us in understanding these vast issues.

News Flash: Prison is Hell! Now more so with Climate Change

19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. A study found that 75% of Colorado prisons face climate-related hazards, but are ill-prepared due to aging infrastructure and outdated policies.
  2. Prisoners, especially those who are Black and Hispanic, are at a higher risk of climate-related hazards due to lack of agency and poor facility conditions.
  3. The high vulnerability of prisons to natural disasters poses serious racial justice and environmental justice issues that need to be addressed through policy changes, rather than just retrofitting facilities.

Weekly Word: Driessen stops by to talk eco-imperialism and the evolution of environmentalism

19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
  1. Discussion on the importance of energy density and efficiency over focus on CO2 levels in the atmosphere
  2. Financial institutions are facing pressure regarding ideological investments in non-fossil fuels and fiduciary responsibilities
  3. Highlight on the role of economic development, return on investments, and prioritizing energy efficiency for sustainable energy solutions

Climate Change: A Curious Crisis

19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
  1. The climate change debate has become polarized with little room for respectful exchange of views, leading to entrenched positions and combative interactions.
  2. The narrative of a climate crisis presents a one-sided view, ignoring complexities, uncertainties, and potential benefits of global warming and elevated carbon dioxide levels.
  3. Doubts exist regarding key aspects of climate change science, from the control of carbon dioxide on climate to the risks and benefits of rapid decarbonization, highlighting the lack of a definitive answer to the climate change problem.

He Pioneered Carbon Offsets to Save Tropical Forests. Now the Market Is Collapsing.

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. Mike Korchinsky pioneered carbon offsets to support conservation projects, but the market is facing a crisis of confidence.
  2. There are growing concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of carbon offset projects, with accusations of using credits to avoid actual emission reductions.
  3. Efforts are being made to address issues in the voluntary carbon market, such as proposing new standards and guidelines for evaluating and using carbon credits.

“How to become a healthier city,” Bloomberg Philanthropies

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. Urban environments play a crucial role in reducing noncommunicable diseases and injuries, which are significant public health challenges worldwide.
  2. Cities like Santo Domingo, Quezon City, and Cape Town are actively making life-saving changes to promote health and safety in their populations.
  3. Collaboration among cities through networks like the Partnership for Healthy Cities can lead to the sharing of effective strategies and real-world problem-solving experiences in addressing public health challenges.

Energy News Curator For 23 years, I have been practicing a hybrid news approach, where I identify important pieces that are very up-to-the-minute or highly scholarly and longterm thinking.

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
  1. The Energy News Curator, Stephen Heins, has been curating important and scholarly pieces for 23 years, focusing on up-to-the-minute news and long-term perspectives.
  2. Stephen Heins provides insightful commentary, humor, poetry, and knowledge along with the curated content to ensure his friends and allies do not miss out on important information.
  3. Heins is committed to maintaining high standards in his curated content, only sharing what he is proud to have written himself and ensuring his friends and allies get the recognition they deserve.

Many Conservative US Politicians Push For Anti-Clean Energy Legislation

19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. Many conservative US politicians are actively pushing for anti-clean energy legislation.
  2. This push tends to benefit the fossil fuel industry and resonates with voters who are resistant to accepting the reality of climate change.
  3. Some conservative groups and politicians are breaking away from this trend and are supporting clean energy initiatives.

Who Were the Worst of the Worst Climate Polluters in 2022?

19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. Emissions from large industrial sources in the U.S. slightly decreased in 2022, but thousands of facilities with significant emissions still exist.
  2. The top greenhouse gas emitters included power plants, refineries, steel mills, and natural gas facilities across the country.
  3. Efforts are being made to reduce emissions from top polluters through methods like capturing and storing emissions or transitioning to climate-friendly practices.

Q&A: Rich and Poor Nations Have One More Chance to Come to Terms Over a Climate Change ‘Loss and Damage’ Fund Heading into COP28 in Dubai, the U.S. and other developed countries want the fund run by

19 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. Wealthy nations agreed to pay low-income countries for 'loss and damage' caused by climate crises, a growing issue that could reach $500 billion by 2050.
  2. A rift between nations exists about where the loss and damage fund should be hosted - at the World Bank favored by developed countries or as an independent fund preferred by developing nations.
  3. The U.N. faces challenges in finalizing recommendations for the fund ahead of COP28, with the key decisions being around contributions, eligibility, management, and the hosting institution.

This Weekly Word with Jason Spiess and Stephen Heins hosts Tom Shepstone from Pennsylvania, who is an urban consultant, community planner, researcher and advisor for zoning/land use in the Northeast

19 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
  1. The podcast discussed the impact of the Fracking Revolution involving horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Appalachian Basin over the past 10 years.
  2. There was a comparison made between the Bakken Basin and Marcellus Basin in terms of 'wet' gas and 'dry' gas, highlighting the differing types of gases present in each region.
  3. The conversation touched on the use of natural gas from the Marcellus in New York City, the reasons behind anti-fossil fuel sentiments, and the importance of changing the narrative around fossil fuels through legal battles.

If you like the Newsletter, signup for my free Critical Thinking substack…

19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
  1. The post promotes signing up for a free Critical Thinking substack newsletter by John Droz.
  2. It includes a wide range of articles focused on topics like education, globalism, climate change, and more.
  3. The post encourages readers to engage by sharing the newsletter on social media and subscribing for further updates.

How the Israel-Hamas War Imperils Action Against Global Warming

19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
  1. The Israel-Hamas conflict threatens global efforts to address climate change by raising oil prices, worsening disagreements between nations, and complicating global diplomatic efforts.
  2. The conflict in the Middle East could lead to increased weapon production, higher oil prices, and potential energy supply security concerns, hindering the transition to cleaner energy sources.
  3. Failure to address the conflict and the resulting increase in oil prices could make it harder to invest in renewable energy projects, meet climate change investment goals, and ensure energy security.

The Westminster Declaration

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
  1. Increasing international censorship threatens democratic norms and freedom of speech worldwide.
  2. Efforts to stifle free speech come from various sources, including government policies and social media censorship.
  3. Preserving free speech is crucial for open discourse, accountability, and societal progress, and individuals need to actively work towards protecting this fundamental right.

‘Paradise Lost’ – Wildfires Were ‘Déjà Vu All Over Again’

19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
  1. Similarities between wildfire incidents in Paradise, California, and Maui highlight the importance of learning from history to prevent future tragedies.
  2. Quickly blaming climate change without completing fire investigations can skew understanding of wildfire causes.
  3. Failure of electric utility companies like PG&E and Hawaiian Electric to prioritize maintenance over green energy goals led to institutional failures in preventing wildfires.

Michigan Nuclear Plant Makes a Come Back, If Approved by Regulators

19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. The Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan might reopen with approval from regulators, as there is a demand for its clean electricity.
  2. The United States faces regulatory hurdles to restart the plant, including financial commitments, a power purchase agreement, and hiring trained staff.
  3. The Biden administration supports nuclear power to achieve carbon-free energy goals, while China is rapidly expanding its nuclear power capacity, poised to surpass the US.

Doug Sheridan articulates

19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
  1. Media misinterprets weather events and uses outdated data, leading to inaccurate flood predictions.
  2. The 100-year floodplain designation is not effectively preparing property owners for increased flooding occurrences.
  3. City planners and insurers are making mitigation decisions based on old data, which is inadequate in the face of climate change.

Doug Sheridan counsels

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. There is a growing backlash against pro-climate policies worldwide, especially in Europe and America where climate change has become a divisive issue.
  2. People are hesitant to pay more taxes for climate change prevention, with only 30% of respondents in a global survey indicating willingness to do so.
  3. Developing countries are struggling with balancing economic growth, rising cost of living, and the transition to green energy, often prioritizing economic concerns over environmental ones.

Smug Antis Delighted that Bidenistas Now Regulate Gathering Pipes

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. The Biden administration is now regulating a significant portion of the nation's gas pipeline system, imposing new rules on 400,000 miles of gathering lines, which is a major victory for federal safety officials and environmental advocates.
  2. The new rules require operators to provide detailed reports about pipelines, conduct regular surveys for leaks, install markers, implement anti-corrosion controls, and carry out public awareness campaigns. These stricter regulations aim to improve safety and reduce methane emissions.
  3. Industry associations have raised concerns about the cost and impact of the new regulations, but the Biden administration has proceeded with implementing them, emphasizing the importance of enhancing pipeline safety despite industry opposition.

Behind The Fabled Greenhouse Gas Methane

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor absorb light in the infrared region which warms up the air, creating the greenhouse effect.
  2. Methane can trap 25 times more heat than carbon dioxide but is not a significant contributor to global warming due to its rarity and absorption bands matching water's.
  3. Studies have shown that wetlands and termites are the main natural sources of methane production, attributing methane spikes to emissions from tropical wetlands primarily in Africa.

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

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Banning new gas lines is a crucial step in the energy transition to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  2. Rethinking gas infrastructure is essential due to the shifting focus towards electrification, avoiding unnecessary expenses and challenges.
  3. Transitioning away from natural gas requires consideration for equity, especially ensuring lower-income households and marginalized communities are not left behind.

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

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Directors globally view ESG as a significant topic due to rising regulations and shareholder demands.
  2. Companies show varying perspectives on ESG, with European directors seeing it as an opportunity while U.S. directors focus on risk mitigation.
  3. Boards are increasingly focusing on ESG integration, with challenges including the need for clearer connections between ESG goals and business strategies.

Climate change is becoming a security issue, says this expert, In an era of connected shocks we can rely on instuments in space to get real-time data on changes to our planet.

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Climate change is viewed as a security issue with connected impacts on nature and society. Instruments in space provide real-time data to monitor changes on Earth.
  2. National security and natural security are interconnected due to climate change impacts, affecting food systems, migration patterns, and overall stability.
  3. Monitoring Earth with satellites enables tracking of deforestation, crop growth, supply chain disruptions, and even human rights abuses, fostering transparency and accountability.

How Groupthink, Misinformation, And Lack Of Self-Correction Undermined Climate Science

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. The IPCC made a consequential error in identifying RCP8.5 as the only legitimate baseline scenario in 2013.
  2. There was a clear indication of groupthink in assuming a dramatic increase in coal consumption for the future.
  3. Science self-correction failed in the case of climate scenarios, highlighting the importance of correcting mistakes to advance understanding.

Doug Sheridan

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. The term '100-year flood' is misleading as it refers to an event that has a 1% chance of happening annually, not once every 100 years.
  2. Falling victim to the misunderstanding of '100-year floods' can lead property owners to a false sense of security, which can have significant consequences over the life of a mortgage.
  3. The large number of monitoring locations across the US increases the likelihood of recording a '100-year event' somewhere, contributing to the impression that these rare events are more common than they actually are.

The next front in the climate fight: U.S. exports of natural gas

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. Environmentalists are concerned about the rapid growth of U.S. natural gas exports, fearing it will lock in greenhouse gas emissions for decades and contradict climate change goals.
  2. There's a growing campaign by environmental groups like the Sierra Club to halt new gas export projects, citing concerns about environmental impacts and disproportionate effects on communities.
  3. The discussion around U.S. LNG exports involves balancing issues like global energy impact, climate change mitigation, domestic energy prices, and public interest, with differing viewpoints from various stakeholders.