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

Europe Launches a Carbon Tax Attack Against the US Economy

19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. Europe has implemented a carbon border tax which is likely to impact US businesses exporting to the EU and has raised concerns about global trade tensions.
  2. The carbon tax exemption for Ukraine could significantly affect US agricultural exports to Europe, especially wheat and other produce.
  3. The EU's focus on carbon taxes to combat climate change may strain relationships with trading partners like the US, despite seeking military aid and support.

NY Judge Upholds Permit Denial to Gas-Fired Plant for Crypto

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. New York is hostile towards businesses associated with fossil fuels, with a recent example being a gas-fired plant for crypto getting its permit denial upheld by a judge.
  2. The decision to deny the permit renewal was based on concerns about greenhouse gas emissions not complying with the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
  3. The judge's ruling indicated that the facility's shift from being a peaker power plant to primarily serving a cryptocurrency mining operation influenced the permit denial.

Financial Times, US shale bosses vow to hold back drilling despite rising oil price -- Jamie Smyth in Oklahoma City and Amanda Chu in New York --

19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. US shale pioneers are committed to controlling drilling activities even if oil prices reach $100 per barrel due to the need for capital discipline and concerns over anti-fossil fuel policies.
  2. Despite rising oil prices and pressure from the Biden administration to increase output, the US shale industry is showing restraint in investing in new exploration or production.
  3. Factors such as slow growth rate, labor shortages, and cautious financial strategies post the shale crash are influencing US shale companies to remain disciplined in their production reinvestment levels.

Editorial: Who pays for fracking's harm?

19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. The costs of fracking's harm, including health issues in children, should be borne by the companies that profit from it. A compensation fund should be created by the state to help affected families.
  2. The boom in Pennsylvania's shale gas production has brought benefits like lower gas prices and decreased coal usage, but it also resulted in health issues for those living near fracking sites.
  3. Proximity to unconventional gas production has been linked to childhood asthma and lymphoma. Regulations need to be stricter, and communities affected by fracking should be compensated for their losses.

It's Time To Build The Intermittent Renewable Plus Hydrogen Storage Demonstration Project!

19 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
  1. The proposal suggests the use of hydrogen storage as a viable option for intermittency in renewable energy systems.
  2. Building a demonstration project can help establish the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing such systems.
  3. Current wind/solar/storage systems lack effectiveness in providing continuous energy without fossil fuel backup, indicating the need for further innovation and development in sustainable energy solutions.
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The UN’s New Political Declaration on Pandemics

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
  1. The UN's new political declaration on pandemics aims to reshape how populations are managed during health crises, redefining pandemics as existential threats requiring significant funding and centralization of power.
  2. The Declaration reveals contradictions and misleading information, serving the interests of certain groups over others, advocating for international health regulations that could lead to increased profits for some by imposing strict measures on the public.
  3. While emphasizing the importance of addressing health disparities and global cooperation, the UN's actions, like advocating for lockdowns, have had detrimental impacts on various sectors, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and raising questions about their true intentions.

Scars in the Sky

19 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
  1. The author reflects on the enduring impact of the tragic events of 9/11 on the New York City skyline, noting how new buildings cannot erase the memory of the Twin Towers.
  2. The poem draws attention to the scars in the sky above Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing resilience and the weight of historical events.
  3. There is a juxtaposition between the new development in the city and the lingering echoes of the past, highlighting the complex interplay of progress and remembrance.

CNN Publishes Blatantly False Claim That Wildfires Are Linked To Fossil Fuel Use

19 implied HN points • 24 May 23
  1. CNN published a false claim linking wildfires to fossil fuel use, which was easily disproven by real-world data showing no correlation between CO2 emissions and wildfires.
  2. The study referenced by CNN, conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists and focused on vapor pressure deficit, relied on computer climate models and assumptions rather than real-world data, undermining its credibility.
  3. The Union of Concerned Scientists and CNN failed to fact-check and present accurate information, highlighting issues with scientific integrity and accurate science reporting to the public.

Is anti-ESG investing as useless as ESG

19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
  1. ESG investing is seen as well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective and even harmful, as it does not lead to better corporate behavior or investment returns. It can also be a costly strategy that distracts from other effective methods like consumer boycotts and regulatory actions.
  2. Anti-ESG investing, while a small part of the market, exists with funds investing in 'vice' stocks, conservative values, or companies with low ESG scores. However, it's debated whether anti-ESG investing can outperform due to avoiding the mistakes of ESG investing.
  3. The argument that higher interest rates should hurt growth stocks more than value stocks is questioned, as interest rate changes are complex and may not solely impact stock performances. The relationship between rising rates and stock performance is more nuanced and not always as straightforward as assumed.

Opinion | Backlash to climate policies is growing

19 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. Many nations prioritize economic growth and national interests over climate policies, even developed countries like China continue to approve coal-fired electricity plants, highlighting the challenge of aligning economic development with climate action.
  2. Backlash to climate policies is growing in Western Europe, with popular pressure forcing governments to backtrack on initiatives like banning gas-fueled vehicles and fossil-fueled home heating, indicating a resistance to rapid changes that impose major costs on society.
  3. Concerns over national security, economic sustainability, and societal resistance pose significant challenges to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, suggesting the need for a shift towards less disruptive technological developments and manageable climate strategies.

Media Ignores Story of Unjustified Retraction of a Climate Skeptical Paper Due to Bullying BAD SCIENCE JOURNALISMCENSORSHIP Media Ignores Story of Unjustified Retraction of a Climate

19 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
  1. The media overlooked the unjust retraction of a climate skeptical paper due to bullying by prominent climate scientists, highlighting an issue with bias and censorship in reporting.
  2. The retracted paper questioned the climate crisis narrative, leading to pressure for its removal despite going through peer review and lacking evidence of misconduct, showing a problem in the politicization of climate science.
  3. The lead author of the retracted paper and a co-author published a new study that suggests the number of global natural disasters is not increasing, raising concerns about potential targeting by those opposed to their findings.

FERC’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) would like to remind you of two important public comment periods that are closing soon.

19 implied HN points • 01 May 23
  1. FERC's Office of Public Participation is reminding of two public comment periods closing soon - May 9, 2023, for the Natural Gas Plan and Procedures Updates, and May 15, 2023, for the Environmental Justice Roundtable.
  2. The Plan and Procedures include measures for construction-related activities to minimize erosion, enhance revegetation, and reduce disturbance on wetlands and waterbodies.
  3. For questions or assistance in participating, contact FERC's Office of Public Participation at [email protected] or (202) 502-6595.

Saving The Planet To Death

19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. Over a billion acres have been conserved in the U.S. through federal and state lands and private efforts.
  2. Transitioning to renewable energy has significant impacts on the environment, wildlife, and ecosystems, requiring large amounts of land.
  3. The forced transition to carbon-free energy sources raises serious environmental concerns, including habitat loss, wildlife disturbance, and massive resource extraction.

No one is above the law? Biden’s Bureau of Land Management thinks it is.

19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
  1. The Biden administration's Bureau of Land Management has been criticized for not following the law by limiting oil and gas leasing on federal lands, which is legally a principal use of those lands.
  2. The decision to exclude large areas from oil and gas leasing consideration has led to controversies and accusations of backroom deals between environmentalists and bureaucrats.
  3. There is a growing concern over the Biden administration's approach to federal land management, which is seen as prioritizing ideological and bureaucratic goals over following legal requirements.

Biden’s Climate Subsidies Are Dragging Him Into A Billion-Dollar Political Maelstrom

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. President Biden's climate agenda, focused on electric vehicle (EV) production, has led to a conflict between labor and management in the auto industry.
  2. Biden's administration is investing billions in EV infrastructure, supply chains, plant retrofits, and consumer tax credits to reduce emissions and push for a transition to EVs.
  3. The UAW strike against 'Big Three' auto manufacturers highlights concerns that EV production could lead to job losses and wage reductions for workers, posing challenges for both sides.

Comments On The Insanity Of EPA's New Power Plant Rule

19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
  1. EPA's proposed Rule on power plant emissions aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions through carbon capture and 'green' hydrogen, which are deemed impractical and absurd by many experts.
  2. The technical challenges and feasibility issues of implementing carbon capture technology or transitioning to 'green' hydrogen as mandated by EPA's proposed Rule raise serious concerns about the future of electricity generation.
  3. Critics argue that the EPA's focus on emissions reduction overlooks the vital role electricity plays in society and risks undermining the reliability of the electricity system.

Wind Output Plaguing Texas (ERCOT weathers on)

19 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
  1. Wind and solar energy sources are unreliable for providing consistent electricity, leading to frequent failures, especially during severe weather events.
  2. Texas is a significant producer of wind and solar energy, but due to the intermittent nature of these sources, the state heavily relies on natural gas, coal, and nuclear power for grid stability.
  3. The ERCOT power grid in Texas needs dispatchable power sources like natural gas to maintain stability until utility-scale battery storage becomes more feasible.

The public is wiser than the net zero hysterics

19 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
  1. The broadcast media's reactions to government climate plans often show a large gap between public opinion and elite views.
  2. The public tends to be ahead of politicians and media in rejecting costly or illogical climate measures.
  3. There is significant support from the public for reevaluating and potentially dropping some net zero commitments set by the government.

New Report: Billions Of Taxpayer Dollars Go To EPA To Enforce Environmental Justice

19 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
  1. A new report highlights billions of taxpayer dollars going to the EPA for environmental justice efforts under the Biden administration.
  2. The scope and regulatory power of the EPA have significant financial implications for American taxpayers.
  3. In the last two years, $100 billion was allocated to the EPA, raising concerns about oversight and the potential negative impact on future environmental initiatives.

Elephant in the elevator: How government manipulates the social cost of carbon to justify regulations

19 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
  1. The government's manipulation of the social cost of carbon influences regulatory decisions, despite claims that such estimates are solely for informational purposes.
  2. Unrealistic emission baselines in climate impact assessments bias all climate calculations and fuel the climate crisis narrative.
  3. SCC estimates are highly sensitive to modeler's choices and can be politically manipulated to support specific agendas, making them unreliable for informing regulatory decisions.

Are Greens Overplaying Their Hand?

19 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
  1. The Green movement is becoming more intrusive by demanding extreme changes in behaviors and imposing strict rules under the pretext of the 'climate crisis'.
  2. Greens have proposed several controversial initiatives such as banning gas stoves, regulating wood-burning pizza ovens, and eliminating short-range domestic flights, which have sparked public backlash.
  3. The environmental agenda also includes extreme suggestions like putting restrictions on using ice cubes, scrapping all non-electric vehicles by 2030, and limiting personal liberties in the name of environmental protection.

Of pots and kettles: Big Oil and the anti-ESG movement are accusing banks of running ‘climate cartels’

19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
  1. The effects of climate change are driving consumers towards supporting investments in renewables over traditional energy sources like oil, coal, and natural gas.
  2. Attacks on climate alliances by some political groups are largely driven by fossil fuel lobbying efforts and attempts to resist environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies in the financial industry.
  3. Despite attempts to undermine climate-aligned investing, the financial sector plays a crucial role in transitioning to a clean energy economy to address the financial risks posed by climate change.

Pressure Grows on Big Banking and Governments to Stop Supporting Oil and Gas

19 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
  1. Pressure is increasing on big banks and governments to stop supporting the oil and gas industry globally.
  2. An upcoming summit in Brazil is focusing on creating an exclusion zone for fossil fuel extraction in the Amazon to protect biodiversity and combat climate change.
  3. Indigenous groups and civil society are leading a grassroots campaign to push for no new fossil fuel projects in the Amazon, aligning with international climate warnings.

At a Summit on Climate Ambition, the U.S. and China End Up on the B List

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. The U.S. and China were not invited to speak at a United Nations summit on climate action, highlighting their lack of ambition in addressing global warming.
  2. The United Nations summit emphasized the importance of serious climate action and shamed those lagging behind in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
  3. The summit had few new pledges, with Governor Gavin Newsom of California being the only U.S. official invited to speak, calling out the oil industry for their role in the climate crisis.

Net Zero Is Causing Disastrous Problems Wherever It’s Rolled Out

19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Governments and businesses are struggling to meet net-zero carbon emission targets set for the future, facing challenges in finding practical solutions.
  2. Some countries like Denmark and political figures like the British Prime Minister are delaying bans on gasoline-powered vehicles and gas heaters due to concerns over costs and practicality.
  3. Net-zero policies are facing resistance from various groups, including the working class, who feel burdened by costs and restrictions on everyday choices.

Amazon Announces one of the Largest Ever DAC Carbon Removal Purchases

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. Amazon made a significant investment in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology by purchasing 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal credits, marking one of the largest orders for a DAC facility.
  2. DAC technology is recognized as a key tool for carbon removal and is crucial in achieving climate change mitigation goals, with potential to account for a significant portion of total removal annually.
  3. Amazon's initiatives in DAC technology, including investments in companies like CarbonCapture and agreements with energy giants, show a commitment to decarbonizing operations and working towards a net-zero carbon goal by 2040.

Earth Day at 53

19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
  1. Eco-doomsday predictions from the first Earth Day in 1970 have been proven wrong.
  2. Many past predictions about environmental disasters like an ice age or mass starvation did not come true.
  3. Current doomsday predictions about global warming resemble those from 50 years ago, showing a cyclic pattern in such warnings.

World faces 'terrifying' future if miners, regulators don't step up, Newcrest says

19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. Regulators need to fast track approvals for new mines and renewable energy projects to meet the demand for essential minerals and combat climate change.
  2. The mining industry must significantly increase development to meet growing demand for metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium used in batteries and renewable energy technologies.
  3. Governments need to streamline regulatory processes and increase staffing to address the complexity of regulations in the industry, as the next five to ten years are crucial in averting a 'terrifying' future.

US Turns to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Therefore Child Labor, For EV Ambitions

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. The US is looking to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for cobalt needed in EV production, despite concerns about child labor in Congolese mines.
  2. Chinese-controlled interests play a major role in the cobalt industry in the DRC, refining a significant portion of global cobalt supply.
  3. Efforts to improve labor standards and ethical sourcing in the Congolese cobalt supply chain face challenges due to the prevalence of artisanal mining and lack of governance.

Via Euronews: Only the super wealthy stand to lose money from shutting down fossil fuels, study finds

19 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
  1. Scaling down fossil fuels would have hardly any financial impact on the vast majority of people
  2. Financial losses from shutting down fossil fuels mainly affect the super wealthy, with minimal impact on the general populace
  3. Transitioning to clean energy might be cheaper for governments to compensate for those affected, compared to the subsidies spent on fossil fuels

Doug Sheridan Says

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. The forecasts predicting 62% to 86% of global auto sales being EVs by 2030 may not be realistic and could be overly optimistic.
  2. Relying on Norway as a model for EV adoption may not be applicable to all countries due to differing needs, preferences, and constraints.
  3. Drawing extreme growth assumptions from initial stages can lead to unrealistic projections, like suggesting Earth will be overrun by giant humans.

African Official Warns Bill Gates, George Soros to Stop Using Their Continent as a 'Climate' Guinea Pig

19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
  1. An African climate scientist warns Bill Gates and George Soros to stop using Africa as a 'climate laboratory' for their radical environmental theories.
  2. The scientist is concerned that solar geoengineering experiments by Gates and Soros could have risky consequences and send the wrong message about over-consumption and pollution.
  3. There is ongoing global interest in geoengineering, with the Biden Administration recently announcing a plan to study its effects for five years.

Amundi Votes Against 500 Directors over Climate Strategy Concerns

19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
  1. Amundi voted against the re-election of over 500 directors at 84 companies in the Energies & Utilities sectors due to concerns about their climate strategies.
  2. The firm voted against executive remuneration-related proposals at 89 oil & gas and utilities companies for not including climate-related performance criteria in senior management variable compensation schemes.
  3. Amundi's 2025 ESG Ambition plan includes engaging with more companies on climate strategies, with the aim to influence real-life outcomes and sustainable value creation.

Biden energy chief claims wiping out 60% of oil imports will help, not harm, energy security

19 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
  1. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm claims that reducing oil imports by 60% can enhance U.S. energy security.
  2. Critics argue that Biden's energy plans may actually jeopardize national security interests due to vulnerabilities in the energy grid.
  3. Concerns have been raised that the reliance on materials from China for renewables like wind and solar poses a risk to national security.

The Global War on Farming: ‘Net Zero and the American beef industry cannot coexist’

19 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
  1. Net zero goals are putting pressure on the American beef industry, leading to potential conflict as both may not be able to coexist
  2. Farmers in the Netherlands are facing pressures and threats due to environmental concerns, with government policies impacting their livelihoods
  3. There is a global agenda, including the 2030 Agenda, aiming for control and restructuring of societies, with agriculture being a major target for change

CLIMATE LAWSUITS Held v Montana Climate Lawsuit 11 hours ago Guest Blogger 15 Comments From Climate Etc. by Judith Curry My reflections on the Held v Montana Climate Lawsuit – the inside story, m

19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. The climate lawsuit between youth plaintiffs and the State of Montana challenges the constitutionality of Montana's fossil fuel-based State Energy Policy and Climate Change Exception.
  2. The trial strategies of Our Children's Trust focused on the climate change inaction by state governments, while the State of Montana viewed it as being about procedural law.
  3. Expert witnesses in the trial discussed the impacts of Montana's emissions on global warming, while highlighting the flaws in the plaintiffs' fundamental premises and arguments.

‘The quotes were £5,000 or more’: electric vehicle owners face soaring insurance costs

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
  1. Electric vehicle owners are facing significantly increased insurance costs, with premiums soaring to £5,000 or more, making it difficult to find affordable coverage.
  2. Insurers are hesitant about offering policies for electric cars due to higher costs for repairs and lack of expertise in electric vehicle repair networks.
  3. Despite the challenges, the push towards electric vehicles continues to grow, with more drivers opting for environmentally friendly options despite the rising insurance costs.

UK Govt Funds Campaign To ‘Rewrite’ Wikipedia’s Climate Science Entries

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. The UK government is funding an effort to modify Wikipedia entries related to climate science, aiming to target pages with high viewership.
  2. The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is leading this project, collaborating with experts to revise content and add references. There is concern about the inclusion of diverse scientific views in the edits.
  3. This initiative is part of broader actions where various entities are reshaping the climate narrative through media, academic, and governmental channels, reflecting a broader societal shift towards climate awareness.

WaPo’s Claims Of A Worsening Climate Don’t Comport With Real-World Data

19 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
  1. Building storm-resistant infrastructure in storm-prone areas is a smart idea, even if data doesn't fully support the claim that hurricanes are worsening due to climate change.
  2. Cherry-picking data to support claims of rising sea levels or stronger storms can be misleading; it's essential to consider broader timeframes and multiple factors.
  3. Focusing on constructing resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas, like military bases prone to extreme weather, is crucial for adaptation, regardless of whether storms are becoming more severe.

MCKIBBEN SHINES LIGHT ON PLAYERS BEHIND FRIVOLOUS LITIGATION AGAINST ENERGY COMPANIES

19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
  1. Bill McKibben sheds light on the actors driving frivolous litigation against energy companies, revealing the involvement of organizations like 350.org, the Rockefeller Family Fund, and the Center for Climate Integrity.
  2. The climate litigation campaign is not a grassroots effort, but rather a well-coordinated, billionaire-funded campaign aimed at influencing climate policy through the courts, ultimately impacting the cost of energy.
  3. Despite claims from plaintiffs and supporters that the lawsuits are genuine attempts to address climate change damages, the involvement of activist groups like CCI exposes the strategic, politically motivated nature of the litigation efforts.