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

How Big Is Too Big for an Offshore Wind Turbine?

19 implied HN points • 03 May 23
  1. The pursuit of larger offshore wind turbines could lead to earlier failures according to a study on insurance claims. This trend is driven by turbines with capacities exceeding 8 megawatts.
  2. Manufacturers like Vestas and Siemens Gamesa are investing in larger turbines for increased energy generation and efficiency. The industry must address rising component failures and the challenges posed by handling these massive turbines during construction.
  3. Despite the benefits of larger turbines in generating more power with fewer units, the rapid shift towards bigger models presents challenges for the industry and insurers. Striking a balance between scale and managing risks is crucial for the future of offshore wind energy.

London’s Revolt Against London Mayor’s ULEZ Scam Shaking Up UK Politics

19 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
  1. London's revolt against the ULEZ scam by the London Mayor is causing a major shake-up in UK politics.
  2. The mayor's actions have sparked civil disobedience, highlighted the impact of rush to net zero on people's finances, and revealed the divide between the inner and outer London populations.
  3. Susan Hall, a blue activist, offers a clear alternative to the current mayor and represents a shift towards modern suburban values in London.

South Africa And The Green Energy Wall

19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
  1. Concerns about the effectiveness of intermittent renewable energy in powering a modern economy.
  2. Questioning which regions will be the first to face challenges due to reliance on green energy.
  3. South Africa's struggles transitioning to a green energy model, facing frequent power cuts despite investments in wind and solar energy.

Would-be EU climate policy chief pledges ambitious emissions cuts

19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. The nominee for EU climate chief vows to cut emissions by at least 90% by 2040 if appointed, aiming for ambitious targets.
  2. Political tensions over climate action persist in Europe, with a need for urgent measures to combat global warming.
  3. The EU aims to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, with a nominee proposing stricter actions and seeking global cooperation at COP28.

“Germany is pushing for G7 leaders to endorse public investment in the gas sector….

19 implied HN points • 15 May 23
  1. Germany is advocating for G7 leaders to support public investment in the gas sector, sparking disagreement with countries concerned about climate goals.
  2. Tensions have risen due to Germany's push for gas investments in the face of transitioning away from fossil fuels globally.
  3. Germany is justifying its gas investments by planning to repurpose LNG terminals for hydrogen reception, but critics argue for a commitment to phase out fossil fuels.
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UN Warns Climate Change is Pushing Millions of People into Hunger

19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
  1. UN warns that climate change is leading millions of people into hunger, with disruption to food supplies and inflation.
  2. Contrary to UN claims, data shows increased worldwide food production, setting new records for cereal output and agricultural value.
  3. UN's hunger index and food insecurity measures are based on computer modeling and household surveys, not actual data, highlighting concerns from experts about the impact on agriculture.

The Latest News On New York's Socialist-Model Public Housing Provider, NYCHA

19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
  1. NYCHA, New York's public housing provider, is facing a massive financial crisis with over $78 billion needed for repairs over 20 years.
  2. The financial needs have escalated over the years, starting at $17 billion and reaching up to $40 billion, showing a dire situation.
  3. One proposed solution includes giving the projects to residents to deal with the mounting financial burden, but the leadership seems to continue with traditional approaches.

The Bloomberg-Funded Scheme To Ban Planes, Cars, Meat And More In 14 US Cities

19 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
  1. Bloomberg-funded initiative in 14 US cities aiming to ban items like meat, dairy, private cars, and flights by 2030 under a climate action plan.
  2. Critics argue the push to ban these items overlooks issues like rising crime rates and educational challenges faced by citizens.
  3. Despite advocating for bans on gas-powered cars and promoting environmental policies, wealthy influencers like Bloomberg use private jets and own luxury vehicles.

The UK’s Coming Eco-Totalitarianism – Are they on the way over the pond?

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. The Government in the UK is struggling with its plans for 'Net Zero' CO2 emissions by 2050 due to lack of interest in expensive electric vehicles and inefficient heat pumps.
  2. The Energy Bill in the UK introduces intrusive measures such as mandatory smart meter installations and restrictions on selling/renting homes based on energy performance ratings.
  3. The Energy Bill also allows for Energy Saving Opportunity Schemes, enabling energy inspectors to enter homes and penalize non-compliance with fines and imprisonment.

The Energy Transition Isn't

19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. Despite billions of dollars spent on wind and solar, they're not keeping up with the growth of traditional fossil fuels globally. Wind and solar are not matching the pace of hydrocarbon consumption.
  2. Electricity generation from renewables like wind and solar is on the rise, but they still only make up a small portion of the total energy demand globally.
  3. There is a significant discrepancy between the amount of money invested in renewable energy sources like wind and solar and the actual growth they've achieved compared to traditional hydrocarbons. The current energy transition narrative may not be as effective as anticipated.

1.5 Degrees Of Climate Fabrication

19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
  1. Climate predictions are impossible due to the ever-changing nature of our climate, according to the U.N. IPCC.
  2. The 1.5-degree Celsius target for global temperature rise is more political than scientific, as highlighted by experts.
  3. Global warming issues are surrounded by falsehoods and harmful misinformation perpetuated by certain individuals and the media.

CLIMATE RISK SEC Charges Asset Manager for Greenwashing, and More

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. The SEC charged an asset manager for greenwashing, highlighting the importance of ensuring actions align with stated values to protect investors.
  2. The UK regulator fined the ExxonMobil Pension Plan for failing to publish a climate report, emphasizing the significance of proper governance and oversight.
  3. A survey by KPMG revealed that many companies feel their ESG data is not prepared for scrutiny or regulatory compliance, showing the need for better readiness and assurance processes.

The electric grid is about to be transformed

19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
  1. The transformation of the electric grid is imminent due to the shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
  2. The growth in renewable energy installations presents challenges for grid operators, including the need for new connections and changes in grid infrastructure.
  3. Significant investment and executive determination are required to upgrade the grid to handle the increasing demand for electricity and to reach net-zero emissions goals.

Billions in Hydrogen Tax Credits Could Be Given to Polluters

19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
  1. Hydrogen production from fossil fuels for tax credits poses a threat to the climate and public health.
  2. Implementing tax credits for hydrogen production requires careful carbon accounting to differentiate between clean and dirty production methods.
  3. Government oversight is needed to ensure that hydrogen tax credits support clean solutions and transition to zero-emissions future.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is killing nuclear energy

19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission significantly increases the costs and time required to build nuclear power plants, hindering the industry's growth.
  2. Compared to other forms of energy like natural gas, nuclear energy is much more expensive to produce and involve substantial upfront costs.
  3. The shift in the NRC's focus, from promoting nuclear energy to stringent regulation, has led to slower plant construction and higher costs, impacting the viability of nuclear power.

Activist ‘Scientist’ Michael Mann Claims There Will Soon Be Cat. 6 Hurricanes

19 implied HN points • 17 May 23
  1. Michael Mann predicts the emergence of Category 6 hurricanes in the near future.
  2. Mann emphasizes the need for Democrats to enact new regulations to combat climate change without Republican support.
  3. Despite past failed predictions by environmental alarmists, Mann stands by his warnings about the impacts of human-caused climate change.

I love electric vehicles – and was an early adopter. But increasingly I feel duped

19 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
  1. Electric vehicles may not be as environmentally friendly as claimed, with issues surrounding the production of batteries and greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Efforts are being made to develop better alternatives like solid-state batteries and hydrogen as more sustainable options for the future of transportation.
  3. Considering synthetic fuels and prolonging the use of existing cars could also be viable solutions to minimize environmental impact while exploring a variety of transportation options.

Biden regulatory agenda previews busy period before election

19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
  1. The Biden administration is planning a busy regulatory period before the election with a significant number of major rulemakings slated to be finalized in spring 2024.
  2. There are key priorities across policy areas including climate change, air quality, water, PFAS, and energy efficiency initiatives that the administration is aiming to address through various rulemaking.
  3. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working on updates to federal flood standards and regulations for obtaining federal aid after disasters to improve access to funds and streamline the recovery process.

Doug Sheridan Reflects

19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. Scientists may censor or manipulate their research to fit the narratives desired by prestigious journals, affecting the credibility of published findings.
  2. The peer-review process can be biased, with reviewers potentially overlooking flaws in studies that align with their own beliefs, leading to false or irreproducible research being published.
  3. There is a concern about profit-driven influences in scientific publishing, with high-profit margins within scientific journals potentially impacting the quality and objectivity of research.

Murphy says that NJ offshore wind project at risk of failing

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Democratic governors are urging the Biden administration to provide more federal funding and planning assistance for offshore wind projects to prevent failure and ensure progress in fighting climate change.
  2. One of the major offshore wind developers in the northeast, Orsted, considered abandoning projects due to unexpected costs, emphasizing the industry's challenges with inflation, supply chain issues, and permitting delays.
  3. The success of offshore wind development is crucial for achieving the Biden Administration's goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, with industry facing obstacles like disrupted supply chains and increased costs.

Opinion: The global food system is failing small-scale farmers — here’s how to fix it

19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
  1. Small-scale farmers around the world are struggling due to the control of local corporations over the market and the high costs of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
  2. The global food system is broken, impacting small-scale farmers, climate change, and food security. Shifting away from industrial agriculture is crucial.
  3. To support small farmers and tackle hunger, we need to advocate for food sovereignty, prioritize small-scale farmers' perspectives, and rethink our relationship with food by consuming from local sources.

Biden Unleashes The Regulatory Kraken — And There’s No Land In Sight

19 implied HN points • 08 May 23
  1. The Biden administration has been proposing numerous regulations that could have significant impacts on various aspects of daily life, including banning certain appliances and increasing costs for consumers.
  2. The regulatory actions imposed by the Biden administration are estimated to have a total cost of $318 billion, which could have far-reaching consequences on the economy and employment.
  3. There is a growing concern over the expansive power of regulatory agencies and the need for a more permanent legislative solution to address the regulatory state's control over citizens' lives.

European Green War on Agriculture: Farmers Banned for Life if they Want Compensation

19 implied HN points • 03 May 23
  1. European Green War on Agriculture involves forcibly shutting down farms to meet climate goals, impacting farmers in the Netherlands
  2. Farmers who accept compensation to surrender their farms are banned for life from farming again, impacting their livelihoods and traditions
  3. The European Commission supports a Dutch government scheme that could potentially reduce global food production and squander farmers' expertise

Biden Reiterates He Still Wants To Block All Offshore Drilling (and he wants to declare Climate Change is a national emergency)

19 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
  1. President Biden aims to block all offshore drilling, despite facing challenges in court. He emphasizes the need for a global effort to address climate change.
  2. Biden acknowledges difficulties in cooperation with Russia and China on climate issues. Collaborating with global partners is crucial in tackling environmental concerns.
  3. The younger generation, such as Gen Z, plays a significant role in elections and expresses concerns about drilling permits. Biden discusses his efforts to promote alternative energy sources and the private sector's involvement.

Tinker Talks: Igniting conversations on the dual challenge

19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
  1. Dr. Scott Tinker emphasized the dual challenge of providing affordable, reliable, and accessible energy while protecting the environment.
  2. The concept of the dual challenge highlights the need to balance energy demands with environmental impact, ensuring energy access, affordability, and reliability while addressing climate change.
  3. Dr. Tinker's speaking engagements across the United States inspire individuals and organizations to actively participate in creating a resilient and energy-educated future.

The Biggest Environmental Scandal In The World

19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
  1. The North Atlantic Right Whales are facing extinction due to the actions of scientists, journalists, and the wind industry.
  2. Whale strandings on the East Coast have dramatically increased since 2016, with 60 known deaths since December 2022.
  3. The wind industry has reportedly bribed US government officials, scientific organizations, and the news media, impacting crucial decisions and endangering marine life.

Transmission development pace ‘severely’ limits renewable energy, carbon reduction potential: report

19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
  1. Failing to speed up transmission expansion could cut possible greenhouse gas emissions reductions in half by 2035, as highlighted by the Princeton University-led REPEAT Project report.
  2. Acceleration of transmission capacity additions is crucial to meet the growth projections of wind and solar energy, requiring a 50% increase from recent levels and a doubling to achieve a net-zero target by 2035.
  3. The United States' reliance on coal and natural gas power plants can increase if new transmission capacity is not added at a faster pace, hindering the growth of wind and solar power despite current policies aiming for a significant share from low-carbon sources by 2030 and 2035.

Critically Thinking about Wind and Solar

19 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. Wind and solar energy are not promoted for any net benefits to ratepayers, taxpayers, citizens, businesses, the environment, or the climate.
  2. The lack of scientifically proven wind or solar energy net benefits raises questions on their widespread promotion.
  3. Promotion of wind and solar energy involves elements like virtue signaling, exploiting public technical illiteracy, and leveraging authority, among others.

Environmentalists’ Broken Toys

19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
  1. Wind turbines and solar projects are facing opposition globally due to encroachment on rural and traditional lands, leading to protests and cancellations.
  2. Wind farms require significantly more land compared to nuclear and gas power plants, resulting in environmental impact and logistical challenges.
  3. The renewable energy industry, particularly wind power, is facing increasing scrutiny and challenges, leading to contract cancellations and postponed projects.

The Eco-Elites’ Insane War On Farming Shows Their Hatred For Humanity

19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
  1. Some green elites are suggesting killing cows to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ammonia pollution from farming.
  2. Government policies aimed at meeting climate targets could lead to the reduction of livestock numbers, impacting farmers' livelihoods.
  3. Farmers in Europe, like those in Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands, are protesting against climate laws that threaten their farming practices and livelihoods.

CHECC Has Petitioned The DC Circuit For Rehearing As To Its Standing To Challenge The Endangerment Finding

19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
  1. CHECC has filed a Petition for Rehearing to challenge its standing regarding the Endangerment Finding, focusing on the court's decision relating to 'standing'
  2. The current legal system shows a bias in granting standing for environmentally-focused groups compared to consumer groups in cases involving regulations and climate change
  3. The outcome of this specific case has significant economic implications on the nation's energy economy and shows challenges within the 'standing' doctrine in court

How Iceland sold the same Green Electricity twice

19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. Iceland experienced double counting of its renewable electricity due to European renewable energy certificates, leading to the suspension of certificate exports. This issue is not exclusive to Iceland, posing challenges in the broader renewable energy market.
  2. The conflict arises from different accounting methods for emissions caused by electricity generation - market-based and location-based approaches. This leads to potential double accounting of renewable electricity, raising questions about accurate carbon footprint reporting.
  3. Similar issues of double counting renewable energy certificates also exist in Norway, highlighting a broader challenge within the industry. This indicates the need for standardized and transparent accounting practices to ensure accurate representation of renewable energy consumption.

Judge Rules in Favor of Montana Youths in a Landmark Climate Case

19 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
  1. Young people in Montana won a landmark climate case where the court ruled that they have a constitutional right to a healthful environment and that the state must consider climate damage in project approvals.
  2. This ruling is part of a broader trend of climate-related litigation worldwide, targeting both companies and governments for accountability regarding climate change impacts.
  3. The Montana case highlighted the importance of considering emissions and climate impacts in project approvals, setting a precedent for similar cases in other states.

John Kerry

19 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
  1. John Kerry emphasizes the urgency of acting on global warming.
  2. Reflecting on the 20th century's troubles puts current challenges into perspective.
  3. The present problems seem small compared to the intense adversities of the past.

Guardian: Climate Activists can Overcome Greed by Shouting Louder

19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
  1. Climate activists need to communicate the threat of climate change more loudly and effectively to overcome greed and promote action.
  2. Words matter in conveying the urgency of the climate crisis - terms like 'climate crisis' or 'emergency' have more impact than just 'climate change'.
  3. Despite efforts to change terminology and messaging, some people are becoming skeptical of extreme claims due to past manipulations and panic mongering.

Electric Vehicles Make No Sense on the Battlefield

19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. Generating, storing, and distributing electric power quickly enough for frontline troops is a major challenge in making electric vehicles viable for all battlefield purposes.
  2. The Army is currently focusing on developing hybrid combat vehicles and charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles by 2050.
  3. The Defense Department is investing in advanced battery research for military use, as not all politicians and experts believe that transitioning to all-electric military vehicles is feasible due to logistical challenges and dependency on foreign supply chains.

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

19 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
  1. The UK government is financing a project to modify Wikipedia articles on climate science, targeting high-traffic pages.
  2. The Stockholm Environment Institute is overseeing this operation, involving 'content experts' from academia and green activism.
  3. Various entities, including governments and NGOs, are working to reshape the climate narrative across media platforms.

Daily Caller Piece: A Backlash is Building Against Net-Zero and ESG

19 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
  1. There is a growing backlash against net-zero and ESG initiatives in the Western world, indicated by recent events like election results and shifts in public attitudes.
  2. Countries like Austria and the UK are facing challenges in meeting their climate targets due to cost concerns, showing potential obstacles in achieving environmental goals.
  3. Investigations and legal actions are being taken against groups involved in ESG investments, highlighting the political and economic complexities surrounding the shift towards renewable energy.

These rules could make or break Biden’s climate legacy

19 implied HN points • 08 May 23
  1. The Biden administration is set to unveil ambitious rules to reduce pollution from power plants, which could be a major part of his climate legacy and a key step in reaching his emission reduction goals.
  2. The EPA's proposed rules may employ new technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen blending in power plants, while possibly exempting some of the dirtiest gas plants, posing legal and environmental concerns.
  3. The Supreme Court's conservative makeup introduces uncertainties regarding the fate of the EPA's climate rules for power plants, emphasizing the challenges and potential legal obstacles ahead.