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

Manhattan Return

19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
  1. Manhattan seems crowded with UN meetings and climate discussions.
  2. The atmosphere in Manhattan is changing, with a palpable sense of fear and vacancy.
  3. The author reflects on feeling like an out-of-place Midwesterner in Manhattan, highlighting the feeling of being lost.

Scotland Just Banned a Surgical Anaesthetic Because of Climate Change

19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
  1. Scotland is the first country to ban desflurane due to its high greenhouse gas potential, aiming to cut emissions equivalent to powering 1,700 homes annually.
  2. The decision raises questions about balancing patient safety with environmental concerns in healthcare.
  3. This ban highlights the intersection of healthcare practices and climate change mitigation efforts.

Net Zero Lies Have Spread Like Wildfire!

19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
  1. Net zero initiatives may lead to worldwide impoverishment and starvation if implemented, according to experts.
  2. Net zero proponents rely on fabricated data, faulty computer models, and government opinions, disregarding the benefits of CO2 and fossil fuels.
  3. Eliminating fossil fuels and CO2 emissions to achieve net zero could result in disastrous consequences, such as food shortages for half of the world's population.

Finance Is Failing the World’s Best Defense Against Climate Change

19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
  1. Gabon is looking to protect its rainforests, vital for combating climate change, but financial markets value the timber industry more.
  2. The country is exploring options like carbon offsets to monetize forest protection, as its oil revenue decreases.
  3. There are challenges with selling sovereign carbon credits due to political uncertainties, but successful forest conservation efforts could set a positive example for other nations.

Yikes, another one.

19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
  1. The post is titled 'Yikes, another one.'
  2. The post seems to direct to stephenheins.substack.com and features images.
  3. The post includes options to copy link, share on Facebook, Email, and Other platforms.
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Top NOAA Scientist Warned Of Offshore Wind’s Harm To Whales In May 2022

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. A top NOAA scientist warned about the harmful impact of offshore wind development on whales in a memo from May 2022.
  2. The concerns highlighted in the memo include risks like increased noise, vessel traffic, habitat modifications, and entanglement due to offshore wind construction.
  3. Despite the warnings and calls for a moratorium on offshore wind development, Biden administration officials have stated there isn't enough evidence linking offshore wind to whale deaths.

I Just Received This

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. The post is from stephenheins.substack.com
  2. Stephen Heins shared an image in the post
  3. The post was published on Feb 28, 2023

Saving the Planet

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. Who will be accountable if efforts to save the planet turn out to be wasteful?
  2. Individuals in energy poverty may struggle to seek legal recourse against environmental organizations and governments.
  3. There is a call to question and hold accountable various entities if their actions in saving the planet are proven wrong.

Biden EPA Slow Walks Carbon Capture Permits – Holds Up IRA Money

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. The Biden administration is facing internal conflicts regarding carbon capture permits and IRA money. Some factions are hindering the distribution of funds for carbon capture and storage.
  2. The EPA, under Biden's regime, is slow-walking permits required for carbon capture efforts, causing delays and frustration among states and investors.
  3. There is a divided stance within Team Biden on carbon dioxide capture and storage, with some pushing for it as essential and others opposing it as a hindrance to their goals.

The ESG University Names Stephen Heins New Marketing Coordinator

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. Stephen Heins has been named the new Marketing Coordinator at ESG University, bringing valuable experience in energy, communications, and environmentalism.
  2. Heins will play a key role in developing an integrated marketing strategy for ESG University, focusing on sharing energy knowledge and best practices.
  3. Before joining ESG University, Heins had a diverse career history including work in corporate communication, environmental advocacy, and marketing.

Don’t Believe the Geniuses Claiming to Know Our Energy Future

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
  1. Many predictions about the future of energy have proven wrong over the years, showing the difficulty of accurately forecasting in this complex industry.
  2. Claims of 'stranded assets' for fossil fuel companies may not hold true as the energy market continues to evolve and consumer needs play a significant role in determining energy sources.
  3. Investing in renewable energies with the hope of overtaking fossil fuels may require more than governmental subsidies, as the market ultimately prioritizes cost-effective solutions to meet energy demands.

Greatest Wealth Transfer Ever (to the Rich) Now Underway!

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. Government subsidies for green energy mainly benefit the wealthy while the poor and middle class end up paying more through taxes and energy costs.
  2. The renewable energy transition is leading to a significant wealth transfer to the already rich, with developing nations suffering environmental damage to supply materials for green technologies.
  3. Policies like net metering, electric car subsidies, and wealth taxes are examples of how green energy programs can disproportionately favor the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens.

My Post from 2/27/2021: Still Relevant

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. Increasing energy taxes and banning certain energy sources can lead to more energy poverty among the poor.
  2. Green energy policies in California have resulted in high electricity prices, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income individuals.
  3. California's electric rates are regressive, potentially hindering the adoption of electric vehicles and clean energy practices among residents.

No, @CNN, an Opinion Piece about ‘Dangerous Climate Feedback Loops’ Doesn’t Qualify as Science

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. An article on CNN about 'Dangerous Climate Feedback Loops' lacks evidence to support alarming claims and is criticized for being an opinion piece, not real science.
  2. The article cited in CNN as a 'study' is actually a 'commentary' without new data or scientific analysis, leading to doubts about the accuracy of the claims made.
  3. Claims about climate 'tipping points' and 'feedback loops' in the article lack substantial scientific backing and are largely based on simulations rather than real-world evidence.

Childish Beliefs Drive Lethal Energy and Agricultural Agendas

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. Environmental activists and policymakers sometimes rely on simplistic solutions and slogans that may not consider the complexities of modern agricultural and energy systems.
  2. Advancements in agriculture, such as hybrid seeds, modern farming technology, and synthetic fertilizers, have significantly increased crop yields and contributed to global food security.
  3. Proposals to ban fossil fuels, modern agriculture practices, and technologies in favor of 'traditional' methods could have significant implications for food production, energy supply, and overall global economies.

S.O.S for the U.S. Electric Grid

19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
  1. The U.S. electric grid is facing challenges as fossil-fuel plants are shutting down faster than renewable sources are being developed, potentially leading to energy shortages.
  2. PJM Interconnection predicts a significant decrease in power reserves by 2030 due to coal and natural gas plant retirements, risking the ability to meet electricity demand.
  3. Many power plant retirements are driven by policies such as complying with Environmental Protection Agency regulations, indicating a significant impact on the energy landscape.

Water Protectors Buy Full Page Ads to Urge President Biden, Army Corps to Stop the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
  1. Water protectors are buying full-page ads to urge President Biden and the Army Corps to stop the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline.
  2. Several states have laws that criminalize protesting on 'critical infrastructure' like pipelines, resulting in felony charges against protesters.
  3. Legal advocates view the elevated felony charges against Line 3 pipeline protesters as a tactic to challenge protest actions and show close ties between Minnesota's government and the fossil fuel industry.

Rationing Is the Tactic: Control Is the End Game

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
  1. The radical left often reveal their true goals by advocating for rationing as a tactic to achieve control over society.
  2. Certain climate advocates are proposing government-enforced rationing of essential goods like petrol, meat, and energy to combat climate change.
  3. Researchers suggest that extreme measures like limiting living space, energy use, and transportation miles per person may be necessary to meet climate targets, potentially impacting individuals' daily lives.

Connecting to the Grid is difficult, if not another example of Greenwishing

19 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
  1. Connecting to the grid can be challenging, leading to delays in energy projects.
  2. Some projects are facing setbacks due to long waiting times to connect to the power grid.
  3. Executives are expressing concerns about delays in grid connection causing issues for energy technology companies.

Is The ESG Colossus Stumbling

19 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
  1. Florida's proposed legislation aims to protect retirement accounts by eliminating consideration of ESG factors, demonstrating a movement against ESG influence.
  2. The ESG movement evolved from corporate social responsibility ideas from the 1950s, fused with sustainable development and principles of stakeholder capitalism.
  3. Counter-movements are emerging, like in Texas, where financial firms involved with ESG may face bans, highlighting the ongoing debate regarding the social responsibility of businesses.

Biden spurns US energy producers, turns to Venezuela for millions of barrels of oil: 'Outright hostility'

19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
  1. Biden's reliance on Venezuela for oil shows hostility towards the US oil industry, drawing criticism from energy experts.
  2. Turning to Venezuela for oil instead of domestic producers could hinder Biden's own climate and environmental goals since Venezuela has poor environmental practices.
  3. Importing oil from Venezuela could indirectly support regimes in Venezuela, Russia, Iran, and China, raising concerns about funding adversaries.

Climate Change: World War II-Style Rationing Of Petrol, Energy And Meat Could Slash Carbon Emissions

19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
  1. Climate change could be addressed by implementing World War II-style rationing of petrol, energy, and meat to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Rationing policies could involve introducing carbon allowances or specifically limiting goods like flights, petrol, household energy, or meat.
  3. The Paris Agreement outlines goals like keeping the global temperature increase below 2°C and striving to limit it to 1.5°C, with efforts to peak global emissions and reduce them rapidly based on science.

Ancestral Shore

19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
  1. The author reflects on their Great Great Grandfather's journey to America in 1850, emphasizing the pioneer spirit and the significance of ancestry.
  2. The setting of Sheboygan on the shores of Lake Michigan holds sentimental value as the place where the author's ancestor first landed in America.
  3. The author expresses gratitude and appreciation towards their Great Great Grandfather for braving the Atlantic passage and paving the way for future generations in the family.

monday february 20 2023 Search The Times and The Sunday Times Ready for more? Subscribe to get unlimited access across your devices. DOMINIC LAWSON Why does Drax the tree destroyer get eco cash? The

19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
  1. Drax receives significant subsidies for burning wood in its power stations, making it profitable despite concerns over emissions and sustainability.
  2. Drax imports wood for burning from overseas, raising questions about the true environmental impact of its operations.
  3. Despite criticism and calls to stop subsidizing Drax, the government plans to continue supporting the burning of millions of trees for energy production.

FERC Is Now Rotten. Is There Nothing Biden Hasn’t Polluted?

19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
  1. The Biden administration has been accused of spreading corruption and interference, even in supposedly independent agencies like FERC.
  2. Concerns have been raised about FERC commissioners, like Allison Clements, potentially serving the interests of outside activists rather than the public.
  3. FOIA requests and lawsuits have revealed instances of lack of transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and concerns about FERC becoming a tool for climate activism.

‘Greenwashing’ firms face steep new UK fines for misleading claims

19 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
  1. Companies in the UK can now face steep fines for making misleading environmental claims to sell their products, under proposed new laws.
  2. Big companies could risk fines of up to tens of millions of pounds for making green claims that are found to be unsubstantiated and misleading.
  3. Regulators are cracking down on 'greenwashing' by implementing new laws and giving more power to authorities to penalize companies for deceptive environmental claims.

Verizon Pledges to Cover 100% of Electricity Usage with Renewable Energy by 2030

19 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
  1. Verizon plans to cover 100% of its electricity usage with renewable energy by 2030, setting ambitious goals for sustainability.
  2. The company has already exceeded its target to source or generate renewable energy equivalent to 50% of its total annual electricity consumption by 2025.
  3. Verizon aims to contribute to greener power grids across the nation by investing in renewable energies and being a leader in green finance.

New York Good Intentions Unsullied by Reality

19 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
  1. New York is facing initiatives that aim to eliminate all risks from pollution, which could undermine the foundation of the Clean Air Act.
  2. The concept of zero-risk approach is being used in policies like the Climate Act in New York, Environmental Justice initiatives, and the Environmental Rights Amendment.
  3. Implementing a zero-risk standard for clean air and water could lead to significant consequences, potentially affecting the operation of facilities, permitting processes, and even leading to litigation.

Back in the Frozen Tundra

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
  1. The author reflects on the cold winter in Lake Michigan and shares their nostalgia for their Manhattan hometown.
  2. They are finding comfort in distractions like revisiting music from the 1970s and enjoying the company of their cats.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from daily routines for mental well-being.

“Carbon Colonialism”: Four Corners Exposes Alleged Carbon Farming Exploitation in New Guinea

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
  1. Four Corners exposed alleged exploitation in New Guinea's carbon farming, involving deceptive practices and false promises by a US company.
  2. The documentary highlighted issues like tribal groups being misled, impoverished locals not receiving promised profits, and misrepresentation in carbon farming contracts.
  3. The program shed light on potential political involvement enabling exploitation to persist, drawing parallels to historical colonial abuses and questioning the accountability of current leaders.

Farming Without Fossil Fuels Is A Matter of Going Hungry

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
  1. Farming without fossil fuels is becoming harder due to increasing regulations and restrictions, which may lead to food scarcity or higher prices for consumers.
  2. Despite the significant decrease in the percentage of GDP dedicated to agriculture in developed countries, advancements in technology have allowed for increased food production and reduced malnutrition rates worldwide.
  3. The agriculture industry's reliance on fossil fuels for machinery and fertilizer production is contributing to carbon dioxide emissions, attracting scrutiny and calls for emission reductions, posing challenges for farmers globally.

Oil Companies Are Finally Being Honest About Their Feelings on Renewable Energy

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
  1. Oil companies like BP and Shell are prioritizing profitability over renewable energy investments, reconsidering their earlier commitments to green energy.
  2. The profitability difference between traditional oil and gas operations versus renewable energy sources like wind and solar plays a significant role in where these companies focus their investments.
  3. It may be time to reassess the expectations placed on renewables in terms of self-sufficiency, especially compared to the support and advantages provided to fossil fuel industries.

The U.S. needs a plan to transfer electricity long distance between regions, like Europe and China

19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
  1. The U.S. lacks a comprehensive national plan for transferring electricity between its regions, unlike Europe and China
  2. The U.S. power grid is highly fragmented, consisting of three isolated sections, making it challenging to coordinate during extreme weather events
  3. There is a need for FERC to mandate a minimum power transfer capability between regions, and a robust inter-regional planning process, to enhance grid resilience and efficiency

Kevon Martis Responds to ‘Heated’ Ad Hominem

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
  1. Kevon Martis is known for his impactful efforts against renewable energy development in the Midwest, which has caused backlash from clean energy advocates.
  2. Martis has been accused of using fear-based tactics and misinformation to pass laws restricting clean energy projects in communities, leading to division.
  3. Despite criticisms and attacks, Kevon Martis continues his advocacy for equitable siting of renewable energy projects by educating communities about the downsides of government-enabled energy sources.

The Fight to Define Green Hydrogen, With Billions of Dollars at Stake

19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
  1. Major companies are fighting over defining 'clean' hydrogen to qualify for tax credits, crucial under the new U.S. climate law.
  2. The battle is about determining which hydrogen types are considered green and should receive incentives to compete with cheaper, carbon-emitting hydrogen made from natural gas.
  3. The industry is split between tighter rules that ensure genuine use of renewable energy for hydrogen production, and looser rules that allow flexibility in matching renewable energy sources with hydrogen plants.

America’s Vulnerable Energy Infrastructure Is A Threat To National Security

19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
  1. America's energy infrastructure is highly vulnerable to cyber attacks, posing a major threat to national security.
  2. The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill allocated billions for cybersecurity, including a $100 million Cyber Response and Recovery Fund.
  3. White-hat hackers have proven that taking down the grid is still too easy, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

Rawness

19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
  1. The post discusses the concept of rawness.
  2. The author is Stephen Heins, who seems to focus on topics related to rawness.
  3. There is a link to Stephen Heins' Substack profile for more content.

‘They’re not ready’: Cities scramble to implement climate law

19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
  1. Cities are struggling to implement climate laws due to lack of readiness, staffing shortages, and competing priorities.
  2. Municipalities need to gear up for significant investments and programs related to climate and sustainability under the Inflation Reduction Act.
  3. There is a risk that rural and poor areas could miss out on funding and benefits from climate initiatives unless proactive measures are taken to ensure equal distribution.

L.A. is shutting down its largest gas plant — and replacing it with an unproven hydrogen project

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Los Angeles plans to close its largest gas plant and switch to using green hydrogen. This change is part of a move towards achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 in Los Angeles.
  2. The use of green hydrogen in the power plant aims to reduce carbon emissions, but critics are concerned about potential negative impacts like nitrogen oxide pollution harming vulnerable communities.
  3. The plan involves converting several gas plants to burn green hydrogen, but there are uncertainties surrounding the technology's readiness and effectiveness, leading to divided opinions among activists and policymakers.

Biden, Democrats rage as Big Oil touts record profits

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Big Oil reported record profits due to the economic recovery post-COVID and Russia's actions, with companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP breaking profit records.
  2. Political backlash, including from President Biden and Democrats, targets Big Oil for prioritizing profits over reinvesting in production which could have stabilized prices.
  3. Efforts and proposals to address high oil company profits face challenges in the GOP-controlled House and Senate, showing the complex dynamics around oil industry regulations.