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

Wealthy countries’ actions, to meet their emission goals, show little concern for the humanity atrocities and the environment degradation in “other” countries.

19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. Wealthy countries' actions to meet emission goals disregard the humanitarian and environmental impact on other countries.
  2. The demand for cobalt, lithium, and other materials for electric vehicles is leading to unprecedented levels of mining, land disruption, and pollution.
  3. There is a lack of accountability and responsibility from wealthy country elites towards the humanity exploitations and environmental degradation caused by the extraction of materials for clean energy solutions.

With an Executive Order President Biden can take meaningful action to eliminate shipping emissions and advance environmental justice

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
  1. President Biden can make significant progress in eliminating shipping emissions and promoting environmental justice through an Executive Order.
  2. An Executive Order on shipping decarbonization could lead to the reduction of harmful emissions, contribute to climate goals, and advance environmental justice.
  3. Efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry through an Executive Order can protect portside communities, create jobs in sustainable industries, and align with the administration's Justice40 initiative.

Kerry and Gore highlight an emerging climate divide

19 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
  1. Former US vice-president Al Gore and US presidential climate envoy John Kerry have differing views on the fossil fuel industry and its role in climate action, highlighting a growing divide within the climate debate.
  2. The debate between Gore and Kerry encompasses issues such as the UAE hosting COP28, carbon capture technology, and the actions of private-sector energy giants like Shell and BP.
  3. While both Gore and Kerry agree on the need for increased funding for green energy and the influence of the fossil fuel industry on politics, they differ in their approaches and criticisms.

THE COST OF NET ZERO AND ITS LIKELY FAILURE

19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
  1. Dr. Benny Peiser discussed the cost of Net Zero and why the policy is likely to fail due to unrealistic timelines and global disparities.
  2. The Global Warming Policy Foundation aims to provide robust analysis on climate and energy policies, highlighting concerns about the impact of climate change policies.
  3. There is a growing shift in media coverage towards skepticism about Net Zero, with concerns emerging about the impact on living standards and the competitiveness of 'green' products in the market.

We Are Not Learning’: Bjorn Lomborg Says Politicians Hide Behind Climate Change to Duck ‘Responsibility’ For ‘Failures’

19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
  1. Politicians are using climate change as an excuse for failures rather than taking responsibility for addressing disasters like wildfires.
  2. Instead of solely blaming climate change, focus should be on adopting better building codes, creating firebreaks, and informing people to prevent future disasters.
  3. There is criticism towards the handling of emergencies, like the Maui wildfires, suggesting a need to learn from past mistakes and smartly address issues like global warming without overlooking other aspects of the problem.
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When Do We Reach Peak Climate Insanity? It Needs To Be Soon

19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
  1. Climate alarmists are advocating for extreme actions like obstructing highways and engaging in civil disobedience to combat climate change.
  2. There is skepticism about the effectiveness and motives behind certain climate legislation like the Green New Deal.
  3. The global warming fanaticism is fueled by various factors like resource concerns, anti-capitalist sentiments, and elitism.

NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS ARE OVERWHELMING US GRIDS

19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
  1. Power grids in the US are struggling to keep up with the rapid installation of new renewable energy projects
  2. The high number of projects connecting to the grid is causing delays and challenges, leading to a backlog of approvals for grid connections
  3. Issues like variable power output from renewables and grid stability require significant upgrades to transmission lines and substations to manage the influx of renewable energy

Lithium Battery Menace: The EV Peril No Wants to Talk About!

19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
  1. Lithium-ion battery fires are posing a significant danger, with incidents increasing in densely populated areas like New York City due to hazardous charging practices and lack of regulation.
  2. E-bikes and e-scooters, especially of questionable origin, contribute to the rise in battery fires, leading to fatalities and property damage.
  3. Regulators are taking action, including bans on certain e-mobility devices that don't meet safety standards and increased oversight by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, emphasizing the need for safer practices and products.

How a grid rule change could derail Texas renewables

19 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
  1. Wind and solar companies in Texas are concerned about a proposed grid rule change that could negatively impact the renewable energy industry by forcing upgrades and potentially leading to operational disruptions.
  2. The proposed rule by ERCOT aims to reduce grid disturbances but is being contested by renewable developers due to the tight timelines and potential impact on existing and future installations.
  3. ERCOT's concerns about grid stability stem from past incidents of solar tripping, highlighting the need for renewable resources to withstand unexpected events and contribute to grid reliability amidst the shift towards clean energy.

Shell Scraps Its $100M Carbon Offset Plan

19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
  1. Shell ditched its $100M/year plan for carbon offsets due to quality concerns, impacting its emission reduction targets.
  2. The struggle to find high-quality carbon offsets reflects a broader industry challenge, with key organizations emphasizing the importance of credibility and sustainability.
  3. Although Shell scrapped its initial offset targets, it remains committed to net zero goals, hinting at a potential shift towards technological carbon removal.

As Predicted, UK Offshore Wind Is Dead In The Water

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. One of the world's biggest wind power developers has halted a major UK offshore wind project due to rising costs, putting it on hold.
  2. Several warnings have been issued about the unrealistic low bids for UK wind projects, stating they are not economically viable.
  3. Offshore wind power technology is costly compared to gas generation, and if gas prices return to normal levels, wind power becomes even more uneconomical.

Another Non-reassuring Report On New York's Energy Future

19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
  1. The official plan for New York's net zero electricity future is criticized for being inadequate and lacking feasibility.
  2. Reports from Con Edison and the New York Power Grid Study provide insights on renewable energy capacity and energy storage needs.
  3. The New York Power Grid Study's proposed energy storage capacity is significantly underestimated, highlighting potential flaws in the report.

Biden Admin’s Eco Rule Hampers Drilling, Mining; Facing Legal Fight From State AGs

19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
  1. The Biden administration's proposal to allow conservation uses of federal land is facing opposition for potentially blocking resource development.
  2. The proposal is criticized for attempting to make conservation fit within the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and for bypassing legislative approval via rulemaking.
  3. Various stakeholders, including state attorneys general, industry groups, and local associations, have expressed concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on energy, mining, agriculture, and other industries.

ESG’s green promise doesn’t hold up to a forensic deep dive

19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. The IEA's net zero roadmap assumptions are unrealistic, leading to increased energy costs, economic devastation, and human suffering.
  2. Investment managers and banks backing the anti-investment ESG agenda may be violating their fiduciary duty to maximize returns for investors.
  3. Renewable energy's potential benefits like decarbonization must be weighed against its significant economic and environmental costs, including land, labor, and output deficiencies.

The Revelations Of Government Censorship Keep Coming In Missouri v. Biden

19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
  1. Missouri v. Biden is a significant civil rights case against the government for suppressing free speech on social media platforms.
  2. The case involves extensive discovery revealing shocking government censorship efforts, mainly targeting Covid-19 information.
  3. The judge in the case raised critical questions about Americans' First Amendment rights and the extent of government control over speech.

Bjorn Lomborg: Don't panic about global warming

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
  1. Climate change is a real issue, but extreme panic is not necessary. It's important to focus on accurate data and sensible responses.
  2. High temperatures get a lot of attention, but cold-related deaths are much more prevalent globally. Proper resilience measures like air conditioning can save lives.
  3. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions are costly and may not be the most effective solution for preventing issues like fires and floods. A balanced approach is needed to address climate change.

CARB States, EVs, Groupthink, Useful Idiots and “Science”

19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
  1. The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing stricter vehicle emissions standards to boost electric vehicle sales, potentially forcing Americans to buy EVs.
  2. Government actions and policies may be pushing to make internal combustion engine vehicles more expensive or difficult to access, despite consumer preferences.
  3. There is a pushback from organizations advocating for consumer choice in vehicle technologies and highlighting concerns about states blindly following California's auto regulations.

A Climate Change Denier?

19 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
  1. The amount of carbon being released into the atmosphere is causing global warming, and popular solutions may not help and could even worsen the situation.
  2. Government initiatives like taxes and incentives for reducing fossil fuel consumption may not be effective and could lead to major economic costs.
  3. Alternative energy sources like nuclear power, natural gas, and geothermal power are viable options to combat climate change, along with focusing on tree planting to absorb carbon.

Victor David Hanson - Stanford’s role in destroying America

19 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
  1. Silicon Valley's dominance in technology has led to near-monopolies in various sectors, impacting competition and potentially stifling innovation.
  2. Big Tech companies in Silicon Valley have significant influence over social media, which they often use to suppress conservative voices and maintain their power.
  3. Stanford University plays a crucial role in supporting the Silicon Valley tech industry, with its graduates leading many tech companies, but the university has also faced scandals and controversies that have tainted its reputation.

Doug Sheridan Opines About Texas Energy Inequality

19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
  1. Renewable subsidies in Texas distorted the energy grid, leading to a significant power outage in 2021. To prevent future blackouts, the state plans to subsidize gas power plants.
  2. Texas is spending billions to support natural gas plants due to competition from subsidized renewables. There's a surplus of wind power, causing wholesale prices to go negative.
  3. Texas politicians are addressing renewable energy inefficiencies with more subsidies, further burdening taxpayers. The state is struggling to balance the power supply amidst the increasing reliance on renewables.

Ross McKitrick: The important climate study you won’t hear about

19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
  1. A new climate study challenges trends in climate simulations and provides a satellite-derived temperature record for the global troposphere.
  2. The study suggests that climate models have a pervasive global warming bias, with the atmosphere warming at half the rate predicted by these models.
  3. The findings of the study have strong implications for climate model simulations and indicate a need to reevaluate the sensitivity of the climate system to greenhouse gases.

Reality Versus The Tesla Energy Report, Part II

19 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
  1. The Tesla Energy Report proposes an ambitious plan for renewable energy in the U.S., suggesting the need for 5,338 GW of renewables, of which 1,971 GW is wind and 3,052 GW is solar.
  2. New York State aims to achieve a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, primarily through a shift to renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels.
  3. The author criticizes the Tesla Report for lacking practicality and feasibility, suggesting that it relies on government subsidies rather than internal investment for its proposed energy transition.

G-7 meeting set to shape future of natural gas

19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
  1. A G-7 meeting among Cabinet-level officials is set to influence the future of U.S. natural gas and determine global emissions, with a debate between developing countries advocating for more natural gas production and environmentalists opposing new fossil fuel projects.
  2. The United States is in a balancing act, under pressure to promote natural gas exports for energy security while also addressing climate change concerns at the upcoming G-7 summit.
  3. The Russian-Ukraine conflict has shifted attention to natural gas, impacting poorer countries reliant on LNG and emphasizing the need for more energy resources in the Global South.

Scientific Societies: Are They Selling Their Souls?

19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
  1. Scientific societies may be making extreme statements about climate change, influencing policy decisions.
  2. The evidence shows that scientific societies' statements on anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change may not be accurate.
  3. Historical and archaeological evidence points to warmer periods in the past, challenging the current narrative on climate change.

Now Colorado Pushing To Ban Oil And Gas Permitting By 2030; Wyoming Lawmakers Call It Ignorant

19 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
  1. Colorado anti-fossil fuel groups want to ban oil and gas permitting by 2030, but this move is criticized by others for ignoring the benefits of oil and gas
  2. Transitioning to wind and solar energy may not be as cost-effective as believed due to hidden costs like grid infrastructure and potential impacts on lower-income individuals
  3. Banning oil and gas could lead to importing energy from countries with weaker environmental and labor regulations, potentially increasing carbon emissions

Jamie Dimon And The Green Energy Grift

19 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
  1. The phrase 'follow the money' has become a well-known political and journalistic saying, although it was not from the Watergate book but used in the movie 'All the President's Men'.
  2. Jamie Dimon, CEO of J.P. Morgan, is pushing for the government to seize private property to advance solar and wind projects, a move that could benefit his bank financially.
  3. Rural communities often resist wind and solar projects due to concerns about property values and health effects, despite the projects' popularity in politics.

Wisconsin Surfers

19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
  1. Surprising winter wind surfers can be found on Lake Michigan, enjoying the perfect winds for their sport.
  2. The hidden icy cove on the shore provides an ideal spot for these Wisconsin surfers.
  3. Reflecting on 'Surfs Up' by Beach Boys, the nostalgia for surfing days before winter fully sets in remains strong.

1,300+ Scientists Urge JPMorgan Shareholders to Vote for End to New Fossil Fuel Financing

19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
  1. Over 1,300 scientists are urging JPMorgan Chase shareholders to vote for an end to new fossil fuel financing to address the climate crisis.
  2. The resolution proposed at the annual meeting aims to push JPMorgan Chase to stop funding coal, oil, and gas projects to support a transition to clean energy.
  3. Despite calls to reduce emissions, major banks like JPMorgan Chase continue to invest billions in fossil fuel projects, contradicting climate goals and risking severe environmental consequences.

The Fed’s Climate Studies Are Full of Hot Air

19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
  1. The Federal Reserve's credibility is questioned due to inaccurate predictions and focus on climate change over economic stability.
  2. Recent studies by the Fed on the relationship between temperature and economic growth have been criticized for poor analysis.
  3. Equal weight assigned to all countries in Fed studies on temperature and economic growth led to skewed results, highlighting the need for more accurate analysis methods.

The Rising Chorus of Renewable Energy Skeptics

19 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
  1. The transition to renewables is not a smooth road without challenges, as highlighted by grounded realists pointing out limitations such as complexity of tasks, rare earth mining toxicity, and mineral scarcity.
  2. Replacing fossil fuel infrastructure with clean energy by 2050 faces significant hurdles, requiring vast intensification in mining critical minerals like copper, nickel, and rare minerals.
  3. The push for renewable energy systems through increased mining may lead to severe environmental consequences, depleting resources, increasing emissions, and risking biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for a more sustainable and less mineral-intensive future.

Chinese Companies Exploiting U.S. Tax Subsidies For Green Energy Projects

19 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
  1. Chinese companies are taking advantage of U.S. tax subsidies to develop green energy projects, potentially increasing reliance on Chinese technology.
  2. Former U.S. ambassadors are concerned about China's dominance in the green energy supply chain, stressing the importance of establishing U.S. capabilities.
  3. There is a push for increased scrutiny of Chinese investments in U.S. green energy projects, with a particular focus on Michigan, to protect national security.

Slinky Beauty

19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
  1. The Great Lake is described as a goddess in a white and blue gown.
  2. The Great Lake transforms into a slinky beauty at night, appearing as a shadowy murderer to unsuspecting lake lovers.
  3. The author of the post is Steve Heins.

How Climate Reductionism is Itself Causing Bad Science . .

19 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
  1. Climate reductionism can lead to flawed scientific conclusions.
  2. Example of climate reductionism: only focusing on Major League Baseball home runs to draw climate change effects, ignoring other leagues like AAA baseball.
  3. Highlighting the importance of thorough research and avoiding oversimplified scientific claims.

How to Green Wash Like a Pro

39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
  1. Make bold commitments, like setting goals for 2050 to appear visionary and impactful.
  2. Tell engaging stories about your sustainability journey, as stories are more relatable than facts.
  3. Use superlatives like 'most sustainable' and ignore critics to maintain a positive narrative about your sustainability efforts.

The Coming Green Electricity Nightmare

39 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
  1. Regulatory reforms in the energy sector can have significant impacts on subsidy arrangements and government support for different energy sources.
  2. The push towards 'green' energy sources like wind and solar can come with hidden consequences such as increased federal power over state decisions and centralized control over energy transmission.
  3. Transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050 through renewable energy sources poses significant logistical challenges related to raw material acquisition, infrastructure expansion, and environmental impacts.

”The Song of Wandering Aengus”

39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
  1. The post discusses the poem 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by William Butler Yeats, which is a beautiful piece of writing that captures themes of love and nature.
  2. William Butler Yeats was a notable Irish poet born in 1865, and his poetic style focused heavily on rhythm, as seen in his radio broadcasts where he read his poems with emphasis on their rhythm.
  3. Yeats' early poem 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' was particularly significant as it was considered his first lyric with a unique rhythm, showcasing his musicality in poetry.

Stealing Time

39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
  1. Heins played a key role in challenging the AOL Time Warner merger, advocating for open access to Time Warner's cable lines.
  2. Heins' lobbying efforts and media outreach had a significant impact on the merger, leading to requirements for multiple internet providers to access Time Warner cable.
  3. Despite the eventual approval of the merger, Heins' activism shed light on ethical concerns and played a part in shaping the outcome.

Column: Wake Up, West – a new energy world order is building, fast

19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
  1. Low gasoline prices are crucial for US politicians and trump other issues.
  2. The world energy order is shifting, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran forming new alliances.
  3. BRICS nations have surpassed the G7 in GDP, signaling a change in global economic power.

Munich Re Exits Net Zero Insurance Alliance

19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
  1. Munich Re has exited the Net Zero Insurance Alliance due to antitrust risk, prioritizing individual efforts to reduce global warming.
  2. The NZIA aimed to help insurance companies transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through various practices.
  3. Despite leaving the alliance, Munich Re maintains strong climate commitments, including reducing their emissions and transitioning away from oil and gas investments.

The Green Energy Agenda Increases Poverty. It Must Stop.

19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
  1. Politicians manipulate the energy market through subsidies and tax breaks, driving up poverty.
  2. Reliance on unreliable green energy sources can lead to poverty, hardship, and less economic growth.
  3. Free markets should be allowed to work without subsidies hindering the energy sector, leading to more prosperity and less poverty.