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

Starmer is about to be humiliated by the global retreat from net zero

19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
  1. Net zero initiatives are facing challenges globally, with countries like Germany and Sweden retreating from their renewable energy commitments.
  2. There is a shift in the geopolitical landscape towards energy security, especially after events like the Ukraine war, impacting the push for net zero emissions.
  3. Companies and politicians, like Keir Starmer, may need to reconsider their stances on net zero as pressures from shareholders, economic realities, and global politics come into play.

Support for my energy, economic development , and environmental news curation, $6.00 a month or $60 a year or a free trial for three months.

19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
  1. Support Stephen Heins' curation of energy, economic development, and environmental news for $6.00 a month or $60 a year.
  2. Stephen Heins publishes 6-7 energy articles daily with some personal insights on stephenheins.substack.com.
  3. Stephen Heins aims to give deserving attention to climate sanity writers and has been curating articles on energy and environmentalism for 30 years.

Column: The climate/energy/environment debate is completely unhinged – here’s why (Etam Strikes Again) May 2, 2023 7:25 AMTerry Etam Old-school politics used to be easy, industrially speaking.

19 implied HN points • 02 May 23
  1. Old-school politics used to be simpler, split between more/less government control or more collective vision vs. more individual.
  2. The energy world now faces two opposing forces that push us further from working constructively together, with desired outcomes becoming mutually exclusive.
  3. Innovation rather than invention is key for progress in the energy transition, with examples like geothermal energy collaborations and new technologies showing promising results.

New York is taking legislative action to stop the “transition” until a fossil fuel replacement is identified

19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
  1. New York is introducing legislation to pause the transition to renewable energy until an alternative to fossil fuels is identified.
  2. Renewable energy equipment like wind turbines and solar panels are currently made using oil derivatives from crude oil, highlighting the need for a sustainable replacement plan.
  3. The shift to renewables may come at an environmental cost if the production processes continue to rely on fossil fuels, indicating the need for long-term sustainability in energy transitions.

Summer Weather Data Doesn’t Support Claims Of Climate Catastrophe

19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. Summer weather data shows the temperature variations are minimal, typically less than a degree Fahrenheit, which challenges the narrative of a climate catastrophe.
  2. Regional temperature anomalies display a mix of above-normal and below-normal temperatures, highlighting the complexity and nuance of climate change.
  3. Sensationalized headlines and policies based on incomplete analysis may not be effective in addressing climate concerns and could have significant economic impacts without substantial environmental benefits.
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Scientists Eye Offshore Wind’s Effects on the Atlantic’s Crucial Cold Pool

19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. Scientists are concerned about how offshore wind farms in New Jersey could impact the crucial cold pool in the Atlantic, home to valuable shellfish fisheries.
  2. Climate change has already caused the mid-Atlantic cold pool to warm and shrink over the past five decades.
  3. Research is ongoing to understand if the installation of wind turbines off New Jersey's coast will affect the stability of the cold pool, with potential consequences for marine species and fisheries.

New York Goes Full Central Planning For The Electricity Sector

19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
  1. New York State aims for rapid transition to 'net zero' carbon emissions without considering feasibility or demonstration projects.
  2. The Climate Act in New York offends environmental activists due to high reliance on natural gas for power generation.
  3. Government mandates and subsidies, rather than market forces, are driving the energy transition towards renewable energy sources in New York.

Reporting on climate adaptation is a mess – here’s how to fix it

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. Information on climate adaptation projects is scattered and incomplete, making tracking progress difficult.
  2. There is a need for a comprehensive global database to analyze and synthesize the effectiveness of adaptation interventions.
  3. Standardizing reporting, investing in rigorous evaluations, and learning from the development community are key to improving climate adaptation reporting.

Free Markets, and the U.S. Economy Report

19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
  1. The Heartland Institute report highlights the growing threat ESG standards pose to the U.S. economy, free market, and individual liberty.
  2. ESG introduces a social credit scoring system that allows subjective assessments to control businesses and investments, prioritizing social and environmental goals over traditional business success metrics.
  3. The report offers specific solutions for states, Congress, and U.S. foreign policy to combat the harmful effects of ESG and protect freedom and economic prosperity.

‘You need to do the math and then explain the math’: A talk with ExxonMobil’s Darren Woods

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
  1. Understanding the magnitude of the current energy system is crucial for transitioning to more sustainable options.
  2. Balancing the need for energy transition with the reliability and affordability of oil and gas is a complex challenge.
  3. Investing in technology breakthroughs, creating a market for carbon reduction, and stable government policies are essential for achieving a successful energy transition.

Massive Vineyard Wind turbines under construction in New Bedford

19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
  1. Vineyard Wind project hit a milestone with steel in the water, aiming to provide carbon-free electricity to 400,000 homes in Massachusetts
  2. Offshore construction progress faces delays due to weather, but the project is scheduled to send electricity to shore by year end
  3. Turbine components for Vineyard Wind project, including blades and tower sections, are manufactured overseas and transported to the U.S. for assembly

“…the average climate protest suffers from the fact that no single specific project directly endangers the climate….”

19 implied HN points • 02 May 23
  1. Climate protests often focus on symbolic politics and do not directly address specific projects that harm the environment.
  2. Participating in climate protests can offer a sense of identity and validation but may not lead to significant change or a new society.
  3. The climate discussion has been ongoing for decades, with little new progress seen, despite the urgent science behind it.

Insurance Majors Invest In Fossil Fuels While Cutting Coverage Due To Climate Risks

19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. Some insurance majors are investing heavily in fossil fuels while simultaneously reducing coverage in high-risk climate areas, showing inconsistency in their approach to climate-related risks.
  2. US insurers are facing pressure to address climate risks in their investments and underwriting practices, with calls for a shift towards more climate-resilient portfolios and actions to limit exposure to climate-related risks.
  3. Global scrutiny and government investigations are highlighting the contradictory behavior of US insurance companies, pushing them to reevaluate their support for fossil fuel projects and align their practices with global climate goals.

The “Climate Crisis” Is Simply A Case of Opportunistic Misinformation

19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
  1. A Nobel Prize-winning physicist criticized alarmist climate predictions and does not believe in a 'climate crisis.'
  2. Misinformation on climate change is spread by those with political and opportunistic motives, threatening the world's economy and people's well-being.
  3. The impact of cumulus clouds on Earth's temperature stability outweighs that of carbon dioxide levels, according to the physicist, making climate predictions uncertain.

American Fossil Fuel Advocate Alex Epstein to Talk Energy Poverty and Hold Meetings with African Leaders at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 in Cape Town ahead of Conference of the Parties (COP28)

19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
  1. Africa emphasizes the crucial role of oil and gas due to large energy access gaps: 600 million lack electricity and 900 million need clean cooking solutions. Fossil fuel advocates like Alex Epstein argue for utilizing the continent's abundant oil, gas, and coal resources for electrification, industrialization, and economic progress.
  2. Alex Epstein promotes fossil fuels' importance and challenges the notion of climate change being solely human-caused. He asserts that fossil fuels actually improve human life by enhancing energy security and economic advancement, especially in at-risk regions like Africa.
  3. Through the Center for Industrial Progress, Epstein advocates for a new industrial revolution supported by technology in critical industries. He emphasizes the moral case for fossil fuels, stating that their efficiency and density protect against climate disasters and enable global economic resilience.

Siemens Energy Exec Admits

19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
  1. Siemens Energy's Executive Director acknowledges that the Inflation Reduction Act is ironically causing inflation due to excessive spending.
  2. Siemens Energy, known for promoting green energy, actually generates most revenue from gas turbines.
  3. According to the Executive Director, CEOs in the energy sector risk losing their jobs if they prioritize ESG compliance over profit, highlighting the conflict between public image and internal practices.

Should drivers of ICE vehicles pay road taxes that drivers of EVs avoid?

19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. Some states are implementing taxes on electric vehicle drivers to compensate for the road taxes that drivers of gas-powered vehicles pay.
  2. The share of electric vehicles on the road is increasing rapidly, causing a funding shortfall for road maintenance as EV drivers avoid federal and state gas taxes.
  3. The shift to electric vehicles is challenging the traditional revenue stream from gas taxes that has been used for road maintenance.

Errors In a Federal Carbon Capture Analysis Are a Warning for Clean Energy Spending, Former Official Says

19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
  1. A former Energy Department official warned about serious errors in a Federal carbon capture analysis, raising concerns about the accuracy of clean energy project assessments.
  2. The analysis included basic mistakes like miscalculations and misrepresentation of emissions, making it difficult to trust the recommendations for funding large-scale clean energy projects.
  3. The errors in the analysis highlight the importance of thorough and accurate assessments in ensuring that government funds are allocated effectively to projects that truly reduce climate pollution.

What is a 1000-year flood?

19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
  1. A 1000-year flood doesn't happen every 1000 years; it means there's a 1 in 1,000 chance of occurring each year.
  2. The concept of a 100-year flood or N-year event is problematic due to changing conditions, short data records, and climate patterns affecting probabilities.
  3. It's suggested to avoid using terms like N-year events in discussions on extreme events as they can lead to misunderstandings and don't reflect the reality of climate systems.

Critical Thinking The Media Balance Newsletter: 7/31/23

19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. The Media Balance Newsletter covers a wide range of topics from COVID to Renewables, highlighting what the mainstream media might have omitted or altered.
  2. The newsletter encourages readers to share its content with others through social media and email to reach more open-minded individuals.
  3. John Droz, Jr., a physicist and citizen's rights advocate, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in various societal issues and invites readers to subscribe to his new substack site for free.

The EU plan to save the planet? Stop poorer people flying

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. France and other EU nations consider minimum prices for air tickets to reduce flights and CO2 emissions, but this may unfairly impact less well-off travelers.
  2. Implementing minimum airfare prices could potentially harm the aviation industry, which is crucial for supporting millions of jobs and contributing significantly to the economy.
  3. Instead of focusing on minimum pricing for flights, governments should encourage the development of sustainable aviation fuel to significantly reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

Chair Rodgers: EPA is Ceding America's Vehicle Leadership to China

19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. America has been a leader in vehicle manufacturing and technology for over a century, driving economic success through affordable transportation.
  2. China's domination of the electric vehicle supply chains poses a risk to America's vehicle leadership, with implications for carbon emissions and energy dependence.
  3. The proposed EPA rule to mandate 100% battery electric vehicles by 2032 raises concerns about consumer choice, affordability, and government overreach in decision-making.

Critical Thinking Newsletter

19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
  1. The newsletter covers a wide range of topics from COVID to Climate, Energy to Elections, with a focus on critical thinking.
  2. The articles in the newsletter cover diverse subjects such as the truth about social-emotional learning, solar panel efficiency, and energy sources like nuclear power and wind energy.
  3. It includes resources like links to reports, videos, and studies on various topics including election integrity, education, energy economics, and climate change, providing readers with a comprehensive range of information.

New York Urgently Needs To Confront the Contradiction of Trying To Electrify Everything While Also Eliminating Fossil Fuels

19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
  1. New York is facing a dilemma of trying to electrify everything while eliminating fossil fuels, creating a significant contradiction in their energy transition plan.
  2. The current electricity generation in New York heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, presenting a challenge in meeting the goal to transition to cleaner sources of power by 2030.
  3. There is a crucial need for New York to address the inadequacy in its electricity generation capacity to accommodate the increasing demand caused by electrifying various systems, like heating and transportation.

US climate envoy John Kerry has railed at new coal production in Asia that “wipes out” carbon emissions reductions from Europe and the US

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
  1. US climate envoy John Kerry expresses frustration at new coal production in Asia nullifying carbon emissions reductions from Europe and the US.
  2. Kerry highlights the challenge of scaling down coal power expansion in Asia to achieve global temperature goals set under the Paris accord.
  3. Efforts are being made by the US and China to cooperate on climate issues amidst challenges posed by significant coal consumption in both countries.

Toby Rice Still in Love with LNG, Wants New East Coast Exports

19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
  1. The world may be on the brink of another energy event, highlighting the importance of investing in more infrastructure to ensure reliability.
  2. Natural gas is a crucial backup source for solar and wind energy, emphasizing the need for balance in energy sources for a reliable grid.
  3. Expanding LNG exports on the East Coast could provide significant economic benefits and energy security by tapping into the natural gas potential of regions like the Marcellus field.

Green Breakdown: The Big Green Failure Is Already Happening!

19 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
  1. The transition to renewable energy might face challenges and potential failures despite the investments made globally.
  2. Countries with high wind and solar capacity like Denmark and Germany have some of the highest electricity prices, questioning the cost-effectiveness of such green energy sources.
  3. Issues such as electrical power reliability, land requirements, transmission infrastructure shortages, and rising costs are hindering the widespread adoption of wind, solar, and electric vehicles.

7 O&G Associations Join Lawsuit Against EPA’s Forced EV Rule

19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
  1. Seven major oil and gas associations from three states have united to fight against the EPA's forced EV rule, arguing that the EPA and NHTSA are overstepping their congressional authority by pushing auto manufacturers to prioritize EVs over internal combustion engine vehicles.
  2. The groups assert in court filings that the shift to EVs mandated by the new standards would severely impact the oil and gas industry, state economies, and public welfare, leading to significant negative consequences if the rules are not challenged.
  3. The lawsuit questions the legality and constitutionality of the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Tailpipe Standards Rule and the NHTSA's Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization and raising concerns about major policy questions being ignored in the move toward electric vehicles.

Sunak breaks the Net Zero consensus

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Rishi Sunak is considering delaying the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 due to economic challenges for families.
  2. Net Zero Watch believes current Net Zero plans are costly, technologically unattainable, and politically unsustainable.
  3. There is a growing pushback from green Conservatives and corporations against delaying the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, suggesting concerns about EV market uptake without state intervention.

Don’t Be Fooled! Here’s How NOAA Perpetuates A Climate Crisis Rainfall Myth

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. Warmer air can hold more moisture and heavy rainfall needs moisture, but that doesn't mean global warming causes more extreme rainfall.
  2. Extreme rainfall doesn't correlate with temperatures; factors like high- and low-pressure systems affect moisture transport and rainfall.
  3. Media headlines attributing more intense rains to climate change may oversimplify complex dynamics; understanding atmospheric circulation and moisture transport is crucial.

If Biden declares a ‘Climate Emergency,’ he would seize 130 new powers – Seeks repeat of COVID-style lockdowns with bypassing of democracy

19 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
  1. If Biden declares a 'Climate Emergency,' he could gain 130 new powers, potentially leading to COVID-style lockdowns and bypassing democracy
  2. Climate activists suggest that a national 'climate emergency' declaration could grant Biden increased authority to tackle climate change
  3. Experts warn that such a declaration could allow Biden to implement drastic measures like stopping oil exports, deploying renewables, and halting drilling

The winner of the Dutch regional elections was the upstart populist Farmer-Citizen movement,

19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
  1. The upstart populist Farmer-Citizen movement won the Dutch regional elections by capitalizing on anger over government policies to reduce nitrogen-based emissions.
  2. The Netherlands is facing challenges in persuading farmers to reduce livestock herds or leave the industry to drive down nitrogen-based emissions, with significant consequences for the environment.
  3. There is a growing disconnect between established political parties and parts of the electorate in Europe, with resistance towards proposed actions for the country's interests amid insecurity and uncertainty.

Environmental knowledge is inversely associated with climate change anxiety

19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
  1. Environmental knowledge is inversely associated with climate change anxiety, meaning that knowing more about the environment can lead to less anxiety about climate change.
  2. Overall environmental knowledge and climate-specific knowledge were both negatively related to climate change anxiety even after accounting for demographic and personality characteristics.
  3. Efforts to improve environmental knowledge through educational and training interventions may be effective in reducing climate change anxiety, which could have positive implications for mental health and well-being.

Biden targeting gas-powered generators is ‘cruelty,’ Vermont power grid expert says

19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
  1. Biden administration is seeking to implement strict carbon-monoxide emission limits on gas-powered generators, possibly rendering most existing models non-compliant.
  2. Critics, including a Vermont power grid expert, argue that the new regulations could endanger Americans during natural disasters due to potential non-compliance and increased fire risk.
  3. There are concerns that the regulations may contribute to more power outages as government data shows blackouts are increasing, with a disproportionately negative impact on vulnerable communities.

Mother’s, Electrified: Electricity Emancipates Mothers and Girls from the Pump, the Stove, and the Washtub

19 implied HN points • 14 May 23
  1. Electricity has a significant impact on mothers and girls by helping them in the kitchen and enabling children to study and succeed in education.
  2. Lack of electricity can hinder opportunities for education and personal growth, especially for women and girls who spend time on household chores like washing clothes by hand.
  3. Access to electricity is crucial for empowering women and allowing them to break free from traditional household tasks.

19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. The new chairman of the IPCC criticized exaggerated climate alarmism, emphasizing that humanity won't face extinction if temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  2. The Global Warming Policy Foundation supported the IPCC chairman's message, highlighting the need to prioritize effective and low-cost adaptation measures over failed mitigation policies.
  3. Despite warnings from climate activists and leaders, the 1.5 degree Celsius limit is becoming politically unfeasible as governments resist aggressive Net Zero policies.

More U.S. Mining Is a Win for People and the Planet

19 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
  1. Increased mining in the U.S. is essential for meeting the growing demand for raw materials like copper, cobalt, and lithium needed for clean energy projects and environmental conservation.
  2. By relying on domestic mining, the U.S. can uphold better labor and environmental standards, providing safer jobs and protecting the environment with advanced technologies.
  3. Challenges faced in U.S. mining include political opposition and burdensome permitting processes, hindering the efficient extraction of crucial raw materials.

Covidgate How a group of scientists and government officials tricked the public

19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
  1. A group of scientists and government officials collaborated to mislead the public by promoting misinformation in a major journal about the origin of COVID-19.
  2. This cover-up was successful in stifling discussion and investigation into the possibility of a research-related incident being the cause of COVID-19, leading to a significant scientific scandal.
  3. Despite private communications indicating concerns about a lab leak, the scientists chose to misrepresent their true beliefs in a published article, aiming to dismiss the lab leak theory.

The Wind and Solar Power Myth Has Finally Been Exposed

19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
  1. Many governments aim for 'net zero' emissions soon, counting on wind and solar power, but these plans rely on impractical large-scale electricity storage.
  2. Renewable energy such as wind and solar often fall short in output, requiring substantial backup from gas or coal power plants, leading to increased costs and shutdowns.
  3. To achieve affordable, low-emission electricity with consistent supply, nuclear power emerges as a viable solution, despite the challenges faced by other energy storage options.

Offshore Wind Giant Pulls Back in US, Invests in Solar Farms Overseas

19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. Ørsted, a major offshore wind company, is shifting focus from US projects to invest in solar farms overseas due to financial concerns like inflation and interest rates.
  2. The company has announced plans to develop 1.1 GW of solar power capacity in Ireland and the UK, showcasing a significant increase in its solar division.
  3. Ørsted's move to pull back from US offshore wind operations and refrain from bidding on UK projects signals challenges in the offshore wind industry related to costs and market conditions.