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

Lack of ambition and attention risks making electricity grids the weak link in clean energy transitions

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. Electricity grids need significant improvement and expansion to support clean energy transitions and climate change goals.
  2. Investment and policy changes are needed to address the rapid growth of key clean energy technologies like solar and wind.
  3. The lack of attention to grid infrastructure could lead to delays in renewable energy projects, increased carbon emissions, and challenges in meeting global climate targets.

COP28 in Dubai: A Crossroads of Rhetoric and Reality

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. Climate negotiations like COP28 in Dubai face a challenge of balancing rhetoric with real progress over nearly three decades, with increasing scrutiny on outcomes and tangible impacts.
  2. The discourse at COP meetings often demonizes the oil and gas industry, creating contradictions like having Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of ADNOC, lead COP28, prompting criticism and highlighting complexities in the negotiations.
  3. Political dynamics are shifting globally, with over a third of EU states seeing shifts towards right-wing forces that challenge radical climate policies, indicating a shift in priorities and approaches towards fossil fuel use and climate policies.

Western Banks To Miss Out On African Oil Boom

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. Standard Chartered, a major Africa-focused lender, declined to finance the $5-billion EACOP project, leading to Chinese banks seizing the opportunity.
  2. Trafigura is engaging in sponsoring new oil projects in Africa in exchange for future production, showcasing the shifting dynamics of financing in the oil industry.
  3. Due to Western banks' hesitance to fund African oil projects, Chinese banks are increasingly becoming key players in financing and securing diversified oil supplies.

Reality Check: The IEA Busts 10 Myths About The Energy Transition

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. The energy transition is cheaper than 'business as usual'. Capital costs for renewables are higher, but ongoing savings from avoiding high fossil fuel prices make the transition much more cost-effective.
  2. We are building enough grids. Despite opposition, we are actually building 95% of the grids needed for the energy transition, showing that the transition is achievable.
  3. Carbon removal is not an excuse for inaction. It is more cost-effective to prevent emissions than to remove them later, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to combat climate change.

Simple Truth: Wind, Solar & EVs Don’t Exist Without Fossil Fuels

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. Fossil fuels are essential for the production and maintenance of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and electric vehicles.
  2. The world heavily relies on fossil fuels, which supply 80% of global energy and 80% of energy in the U.S., showcasing their foundational role in modern life.
  3. Investing in fossil fuels is crucial for sustaining our way of life and economy, and policies that restrict fossil fuel development can lead to increased costs for renewable energy and hinder progress on climate change.
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Keeping You Up To Date On New York's Progress Toward Green Energy Utopia

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. New York plans to achieve 70% of statewide electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and a zero-emissions system by 2040, with a significant focus on offshore wind turbines.
  2. Developers of the offshore wind projects in New York demanded massive price increases in 2023, but the state Public Service Commission rejected these demands to protect consumers.
  3. The future of offshore wind projects in New York remains uncertain due to challenges in pricing, permitting, and meeting renewable energy goals.

Smoke and mirrors: A look inside ESG fund portfolios

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. There has been a surge in demand for responsible investing, but fund managers may disguise themselves as sustainable while holding controversial assets. Scrutiny and regulation are crucial to distinguish true sustainability from greenwashing.
  2. Investors now seek sustainable investment options due to concerns over climate change, social consciousness, and ethical practices. The asset management industry is adapting to meet this demand.
  3. Daily observations of fund holdings are limited, allowing funds to strategically purchase ESG stocks before disclosure to earn high sustainability ratings. This 'green window dressing' impacts fund performance and investor attraction.

Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York Summary Update October 2, 2023 to October 15, 2023

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Extreme weather issues aren't efficiently addressed by simply reducing GHG emissions; there's a need to prioritize capital projects based on objective measures of need.
  2. Offshore wind projects face reliability challenges during energy lulls, especially when critical electricity is needed; this poses a risk to grid stability.
  3. Public Service Commission's denial of more money for renewable energy developments in New York could lead to delays and cancellations of projects, impacting the state's transition to cleaner energy.

Biden's carbon math is being called out as bullpoop in court.

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading a challenge against the estimate of damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions in court
  2. The social cost of carbon assigns monetary values to long-term damage from carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions
  3. The government uses the social cost of greenhouse gases to assess the impact of emissions on current and future societies

Future Medicines May Be Threatened by Plant Extinction, Report Warns

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. A report warns that plant extinctions could put future medicines at risk, with up to half of potential medicines under threat.
  2. 45% of flowering plants and 68% of cone-bearing plants are at risk of extinction, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.
  3. Unidentified plant species at risk could lead to millions of unexplored bioactive compounds critical for future drug discovery.

Vermont utility wants to end power outages by offering batteries. Could it work in Maine?

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Vermont utility, Green Mountain Power, aims to eliminate power outages by providing batteries to customers, drawing on clean energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.
  2. The utility's Zero Outages Initiative includes a $30 million investment in batteries for homeowners and a $250 million investment in stronger infrastructure like cables and power lines to prevent outages in vulnerable areas.
  3. Their plan to use batteries is part of an extensive effort and would be one of the most comprehensive in the country, showcasing a significant push towards battery usage in the energy sector.

Water fleas may hold key to cleaner environment and better human health

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Water fleas can help remove chemical pollutants from wastewater, making it safe for different uses like in factories and homes.
  2. Urbanization, population growth, food production, and climate change are putting immense pressure on water resources worldwide, leading to a global water crisis.
  3. Scientists have developed a technology using water fleas that can efficiently remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater, contributing to a cleaner environment and better human health.

“How a Fertilizer Shortage Is Spreading Desperate Hunger” No, anti-fossil fuels sentiment kills.

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Fertilizer shortage in Africa and parts of Asia is causing food prices to rise and malnutrition to increase.
  2. Various factors like the pandemic, wars, and economic policies have led to the scarcity and high prices of fertilizer, making it difficult for farmers to afford and affecting food security.
  3. The consequences of the fertilizer shortage include farmers switching to less valuable crops, families struggling to afford basic needs, and individuals facing hunger and desperation.

Study: Climate Change Could Lead to Food Unrest in 50 Years, by Eric Worrall

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Climate change could potentially lead to civil unrest in the UK within 50 years due to food shortages, particularly of staple carbohydrates.
  2. Our ancestors found ways to preserve food for extended periods, so with some preparedness and stockpiling, we can easily cope with any temporary supply disruptions.
  3. Government policies, such as those impacting food and energy prices, may pose a bigger threat to food production than climate change itself.

Accelerating the Climate Transition: Long-term thinking for near-term action

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Most companies are setting net-zero targets and developing transition plans, showing a proactive approach to addressing climate change.
  2. Boards and investors have a major influence on companies' actions toward transition, more so than regulators, customers, employees, media, or NGOs.
  3. Challenges in the transition to net zero include the high cost and scale of capital required, the need for technological solutions, and regulatory hurdles; collaboration and innovation are crucial in overcoming these barriers.

ESG remains the top focus for miners, but capital risks increase as mineral demand pressure builds amid energy transition

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. ESG is a key focus for mining companies due to investor and community scrutiny, requiring more transparency and innovation for confidence and acceptance
  2. Capital risks are rising in the mining sector as demand for minerals essential for the energy transition increases, necessitating a shift to long-term value focus and access to more investment
  3. Cybersecurity is becoming a significant concern for mining companies, with cyber threats and intellectual property risks on the rise, emphasizing the need for better understanding and attention to non-financial value communication

The Climate of Fear: Youth Mental Health in the Throes of Climate Change

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Climate change is portrayed as a significant contributor to various mental health issues among young people, linked to environmental adversities like weather disasters and poor air quality.
  2. The narrative emphasizes the vulnerability of youth due to their developmental stage and lack of coping strategies compared to adults, painting climate change as a pervasive influencer of mental health trajectories.
  3. The article suggests a need for collective action across sectors like education and healthcare to address the impacts of climate change on youth mental health, presenting a call for concerted effort and action.

Biden-Harris Administration Advances Latest Actions to Address Climate-Damaging HFC Emissions and Boost American Leadership on Safer, More Efficient Technologies

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. The Biden-Harris Administration is taking significant actions to phase down climate-damaging HFC emissions and promote safer, more efficient technologies in the United States.
  2. There are final and proposed rules in place to accelerate the transition to greener technologies, restrict HFC use, manage emissions, and support a growing American industry for HFC recycling.
  3. These actions align with the AIM Act to achieve a 40% reduction of HFCs starting in 2024 and an 85% reduction by 2036, driving innovations in technology, supporting job creation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Net Zero Ambitions: Sinking in a Sea of Reality?

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Investor confidence in renewable energy is decreasing, with a record $1.4 billion outflow reported in the July-September 2023 quarter.
  2. Global political skepticism is growing around the feasibility of net zero goals, as seen in comments by Australian Nationals Senator Matt Canavan.
  3. Several countries are adopting more pragmatic energy policies, such as the UK delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and France refraining from setting a firm date to phase out fossil fuels.

California governor signs bill to speed utility interconnections

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. California governor signed a bill to accelerate utility interconnections, aiming to speed up electrification efforts in the state.
  2. The bill, known as the Powering Up Californians Act, directs the CPUC to set target time periods for grid connections and upgrades to enhance efficiency.
  3. The legislation also addresses concerns about balancing speed and safety in grid upgrades, supporting the transition towards clean energy and electric vehicles.

EPA proposed draft herbicide strategy, farmers saying it could harm their operations By Patricia Perry

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. The EPA is seeking public input on a draft herbicide strategy to protect endangered species, but farmers are concerned it could negatively impact their operations.
  2. The EPA's draft strategy aims to expedite the process of identifying protections for endangered species due to past legal challenges and could lead to abrupt removal of certain pesticides from the market.
  3. Farmers are urged to share their feedback with the EPA by Oct. 22 and can align with organizations like Plains Cotton Growers to voice concerns about the potential impact of the proposed herbicide strategy.

THIS REVOLUTIONARY NEW LAW WILL REQUIRE EV CHARGING STATIONS IN 80% OF GAS STATIONS: ‘WE CAN INCREASE OUR [WELL-BEING]’

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Germany plans to require 80% of gas stations to have EV charging stations, setting an example for other countries to boost EV infrastructure.
  2. The goal is for Germany to increase EV usage from 1.2 million to 15 million by 2030, aiming to cut harmful pollution from combustion engine cars.
  3. Studies show EVs produce significantly less harmful pollutants over their lifespan compared to gas-powered cars, which can contribute to a cleaner environment.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline is moving forward, and local residents aren’t happy about it.

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
  1. Fossil fuel projects are often a point of conflict in the battle against climate change, as they collide with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Local residents living along the Mountain Valley Pipeline route are experiencing tangible impacts on their daily lives, landscape, and economy due to the construction.
  3. Despite safety assurances from the pipeline company, concerns persist among residents about environmental impacts, pipeline safety, and the construction's effects on the natural landscape.

As a unpaid curator, I need some $ funding or paid subscriptions to help the organization of my last 5 years of publishing national and international articles written by the best.

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
  1. The author seeks financial support to organize and archive a large collection of articles published over the last 5 years, focusing on energy and environmental topics.
  2. The collection of work is expected to be a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and investors.
  3. The author, a committed environmentalist, aims to continue publishing on global energy fairness and planetary energy poverty despite being 79 years old.

— This Newsletter's Articles, by Topic —

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
  1. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics from COVID to Energy to Elections, providing free valuable information every two weeks.
  2. The articles in the newsletter include discussions on election integrity, renewable energy, education systems, and artificial intelligence, among other pressing subjects.
  3. In addition to informative articles, the newsletter includes resources like past issue archives, book recommendations, and guidelines for contacting the publisher.

The Solution to Extreme Weather Issues is not to Reduce GHG Emissions

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
  1. Extreme weather events should not always be attributed solely to climate change and GHG emissions reduction may not prevent these events.
  2. Investments in infrastructure resiliency are essential to mitigate the impact of extreme weather, regardless of climate change.
  3. The focus on reducing GHG emissions in New York may not have a significant impact on global weather patterns, highlighting the importance of prioritizing practical solutions over virtue signaling.

ESG Investments Face Financial Hurdles

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
  1. Investments in ESG are experiencing disappointing returns, leading to concerns among financial experts.
  2. Recent trends show withdrawals from sustainable funds, with major investment companies retreating from certain ESG ventures.
  3. Despite financial challenges, some firms are adapting by launching specific ESG products in hopes of achieving better financial outcomes.

NEW NATURAL GAS NEEDED TO MEET DEMAND; EVEN AS U.S. NATURAL GAS EXPORTS REACH RECORD HIGHS IN 2023

19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
  1. There is a growing need for new natural gas production to meet global demand and decarbonization goals, despite record-high U.S. natural gas exports in 2023.
  2. Natural gas, seen as critical for a sustainable future, is projected to contribute significantly to the world's energy supply mix by 2030, with the U.S. playing a vital role in closing the supply-demand gap.
  3. The U.S. leads in natural gas exports, with significant growth in LNG exports, even amidst challenges and opposition to domestic oil and gas production, showcasing resilience and importance in the global energy market.

Researchers propose a unified, scalable framework to measure agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
  1. Researchers from the University of Illinois propose a supercomputing solution to measure farm field-level greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for scalability and accuracy.
  2. The new approach uses a 'system of systems' model integrating sensing techniques, ecosystem models, satellite imagery, and AI to quantify emissions and assess mitigation practices.
  3. This unified framework can help farmers worldwide measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in environmental conservation.

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird

19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
  1. The poem 'Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird' by Wallace Stevens explores different perspectives of a blackbird, highlighting its symbolism and beauty.
  2. Each section of the poem presents a unique viewpoint and interpretation of the blackbird's presence, revealing the complexities of perception and reality.
  3. The imagery and poetic language used in the poem create a profound and thought-provoking exploration of nature, existence, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Watch: Morano on Rebel TV on How the World Economic Forum influences public policy around the world with no oversight

19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
  1. The World Economic Forum influences public policy globally with no oversight, potentially impacting decision-making in governments worldwide.
  2. Meetings held by the Forum allow political, corporate, and lobbying leaders to interact and shape public policies in a private setting without regulations.
  3. Canada's contribution of $20 million to the World Economic Forum suggests financial support for these influential interactions, raising questions about transparency.

New Studies: Dataset Selection Bias Advances False Narrative Sun Has No Climate Impact

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Solar forcing may have a greater impact on climate change than current models indicate, suggesting modern climate change could be more natural than human-caused.
  2. The selection of datasets can significantly influence the attribution of anthropogenic global warming, as bias may lead to downplaying the impact of the sun on climate.
  3. Studies propose that the sun's real climate impact could be larger than just radiative forcing from Total Solar Irradiance, with alternative solar activity records linking the sun's total impact to global temperature changes.

The Jupiter Effect: The Hubris of Green Central Planners

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Leaders in climate change policy often display hubris by believing they can control the forces of nature and the economy with their decisions.
  2. The demonization of fossil fuel businesses while overlooking their foundational role in the global economy presents a contradiction in green policies.
  3. Relying solely on renewable energy sources like wind and solar poses practical challenges due to the intermittent nature of these sources and the lack of viable mass-scale battery storage solutions.

Opinion: Worried about grocery prices? Wait till we get compulsory carbon accounting

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Compulsory carbon accounting may soon affect grocery prices, requiring retailers to calculate and report emissions for each product from production to disposal.
  2. The lack of transparency in consultations regarding global sustainability standards in Canada's CSSB is concerning, as stakeholders may not have a clear view of the decision-making process.
  3. The upcoming ISSB standards will impact all Canadian businesses, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers, especially concerning given existing inflation in food prices.

Update On Offshore Wind Projects Off The Mid-Atlantic And New England

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
  1. Offshore wind projects in the Mid-Atlantic and New England have been slow to develop, with only seven functioning turbines currently off the U.S. coast.
  2. The Biden Administration plans to build 30,000 megawatts of new offshore wind capacity by 2030, but this may only add around 1% to the existing electricity generation capacity.
  3. Despite ambitious plans, many offshore wind projects in New York and New England are facing challenges like substantial price increases and cancellations, raising doubts about their economic feasibility.

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. Energy storage on a massive scale is crucial for powering our modern economy with renewable energy and eliminating fossil fuels, but it is incredibly costly and may hinder the 'net zero' goal.
  2. Many 'net zero' plans fail to adequately address the energy storage problem and make unrealistic assumptions about the capabilities of future technologies.
  3. A report from the Royal Society discusses the challenges of energy storage in the UK due to the intermittency of wind and solar power, suggesting that only hydrogen could be a viable solution but lacks clarity on the potential high costs to consumers.

Analysis: How some of the world’s largest companies rely on carbon offsets to ‘reach net-zero’

19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Many of the world's largest companies rely on carbon offsets to reach their net-zero targets.
  2. Offsets are used by companies like Shell, Volkswagen, and Chevron to counteract their emissions, but there are concerns about the quality and effectiveness of these projects.
  3. There are challenges in tracking the true impact and transparency of carbon offset projects, with gaps in information about who is using offsets and concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment.

Boston’s Fossil Fuel Fiasco: A Case Study in Absurdity

19 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
  1. Boston Mayor announced a ban on fossil fuels in all new city-owned buildings, claiming it's for 'racial and economic justice'. The decision has been criticized as disconnected from reality.
  2. The ban extends to non-combustion usage in cooking, HVAC, and hot water in new buildings, potentially impacting convenience and efficiency. The aim is for all municipal buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  3. The city's 'Green New Deal director' leads the initiative to align Boston with the radical climate agenda and promote social, racial, and economic equality but has faced backlash for the unrealistic approach.

The richest Americans account for 40 percent of U.S. climate emissions

19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
  1. The top 10% richest American households contribute to 40% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions due to their investments and incomes tied to carbon-polluting industries.
  2. Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change disproportionately impact lower-income communities, highlighting the inequities in emissions responsibility.
  3. Policies like income or asset-based carbon taxes could help incentivize top earners to reduce their carbon footprint and address disparities in climate emissions.

Lagarde seized ECB colleagues' handsets to prevent leaks

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. ECB President Lagarde seized colleagues' phones to prevent leaks before a key policy decision
  2. The move aimed to address a history of crucial information being leaked from the Governing Council
  3. Lagarde has worked to create a harmonious atmosphere within the Council by reducing dissent and ensuring a broad consensus on decisions