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

The SEC’s Capricious Climate Demands Won’t Fix The Climate

19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
  1. The SEC planned climate-related disclosures for public companies, but facing delays due to public comments and a Supreme Court ruling.
  2. Investors increasingly want to understand the climate risks of companies they invest in.
  3. Critics argue that the SEC's focus on climate change may lead to mission creep, as its primary role is to protect investors.

Please

19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
  1. The post is titled 'Please' and includes a poetic reflection on searching for things in life.
  2. The post features images and links to the author's profile on Substack, inviting readers to engage with more of the author's content.
  3. The author seems to be reflecting on deeper emotions or struggles through the poetry in the post.

A Stephen Heins Recommendation: “ Fed Chief Tells EU/UK Central Bankers: ‘We Are Not Climate Policymakers’

19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
  1. The head of the US Federal Reserve emphasized that central banks should not focus on climate change policies, but rather on keeping inflation under control.
  2. The Fed's approach to climate change differs from other central banks like the Bank of England and ECB, who have taken a more active role in promoting green initiatives.
  3. Jerome Powell stressed that decisions about climate policies should be made by elected officials, not central bankers, as they must reflect the public's will.

Vital energy lessons for Virginia and America

19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
  1. Legislators in Virginia should reconsider mandates on transitioning to electric vehicles and green energy, as mimicking California's regulations may not be sustainable for the state.
  2. There are practical concerns with widespread adoption of electric vehicles, such as limited range for long trips, challenges during extreme weather events, and safety issues like battery fires.
  3. Transitioning to a 'clean' energy economy involves complex considerations like vast amounts of materials for EVs and renewable infrastructure, global sourcing implications for these resources, and environmental impacts.
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YouTube Bans Heartland Institute’s Channel Just Before Live-stream with Climate Scientist Judith Curry.

19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
  1. YouTube banned Heartland Institute's channel just before a live-stream with climate scientist Judith Curry due to alleged 'misinformation' about the 2020 Election.
  2. The ban on Heartland's channel raised suspicions of questionable timing and potential censorship by YouTube.
  3. Heartland Institute continues to provide content through platforms like Rumble and Facebook to combat Big Tech censorship.

Steven Koonin writes in the WSJ, a recent NASA

19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
  1. NOAA and NASA are criticized for politicizing weather-related issues, which can be seen as embarrassing.
  2. Measurements indicate that sea levels have been rising steadily over the years, but recent rises aren't unprecedented and show no sign of accelerating.
  3. Despite predictions of a significant rise in sea level by 2050, there's no immediate need for New Yorkers to panic or relocate, as historical data suggests current trends have been consistent.

Bill McKibben's Dishonest Claims About The Rural Backlash Against Renewables (And Me) In The New Yorker

19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
  1. Rural Americans often oppose big renewable projects due to concerns like noise pollution, land use, and health impacts. Rich people have more resources to fight these projects compared to low-income individuals.
  2. Academics and mainstream media tend to overlook rural Americans' reasons for opposing wind and solar projects, focusing more on promoting the idea that they are 'clean' and 'green.'
  3. There is a lack of evidence for 'front groups' opposing renewables - rural communities mainly oppose big wind and solar projects out of genuine concerns for their community, property, and health.

‘60 Minutes’ Touts Apocalyptic Fake News With Eco-Doom Peddler

19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
  1. Paul Ehrlich, known for apocalyptic predictions, has a history of peddling false knowledge.
  2. Media outlets like '60 Minutes' continue to give platforms to individuals like Ehrlich despite their track record of inaccuracies.
  3. Challenges of false narratives and misinformation are highlighted in the context of climate change discussions.

BlackRock, State Street Admit Signing Net-Zero Pledges They Don’t Act On

19 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
  1. Asset managers like BlackRock and State Street admitted to signing net-zero pledges but not taking action on them, raising questions about their commitment to ESG principles.
  2. Despite being part of ESG initiatives and making pledges, asset managers like BlackRock and State Street continue to invest in fossil fuel companies, leading to concerns about their true intentions.
  3. State senators in Texas expressed skepticism towards the asset managers' claims, highlighting discrepancies in their public statements and actual practices, and hinting at potential divestment actions.

The U.S. Will Need Thousands of Wind Farms. Will Small Towns Go Along?

19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
  1. The U.S. needs to build thousands of wind farms to achieve clean energy goals, but faces resistance from rural communities where these farms need to be located.
  2. The future of America's power grid is being decided in town halls and county courthouses, where communities debate the merits and drawbacks of renewable energy projects.
  3. Local resistance, misinformation campaigns, and concerns over property values and aesthetics are key factors influencing the acceptance of wind farms in small towns.

Is This A Great Country?

19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
  1. The author reflects on traveling to several major U.S. cities but finds contentment in the simplicity of being home by a 'Great Lake' and dreaming of football.
  2. The author finds joy in being 'less self-important' and feeling grounded amidst a world that is increasingly chaotic and filled with misinformation.
  3. The piece conveys a sense of peace and fulfillment in ordinary, familiar experiences and a retreat from the overwhelm of modern life.

Oil-and-Gas Companies Seek ESG Loans, Pledging Emissions Cuts

19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
  1. Oil-and-gas companies are seeking ESG loans by pledging to cut emissions, attracting new investors.
  2. Sustainability-linked securities allow companies to set ESG goals, such as reducing emissions intensity, to access funds for general use.
  3. Investors have concerns about the effectiveness of these bonds, such as the lack of clear standards and potential loopholes in meeting emission reduction targets.

Great Reset: German Govt to Remotely Control Heating, Charging Of EVs

19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
  1. The German government plans to remotely control home heating and electric car charging to manage electricity demand when supply is low.
  2. The energy grid operators will have the authority to limit the use of heat pumps and electric car chargers without the users' consent.
  3. This new scheme aims to address the strain on the German energy grid from the increasing use of electric car chargers and electricity-intensive heat pumps in homes.

Live Science Dupes Readers On Severe Weather, Tipping Points, Polar Bears, More

19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
  1. Live Science misled readers with false, incomplete, or misleading claims about severe weather, polar bears, and climate tipping points.
  2. There is no factual basis in data or historical evidence for Live Science's assertions about worsening weather patterns, starving polar bears, and impending climate doom.
  3. Available evidence contradicts Live Science's claims, showing no worsening trends in extreme weather, polar bear populations doing well, and the unreliability of climate tipping point predictions based on computer models.

Climate activists are fuming as Germany turns to coal to replace Russian gas

19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
  1. Climate activists in Germany are protesting as the country turns to coal to replace Russian gas, which goes against climate protection promises.
  2. The use of fossil fuels in Germany is causing disagreement and unrest, with activists staging disruptive protests to urge the government to take more decisive action on climate change.
  3. There is a push towards renewable energy sources in Germany, but the transition is facing delays due to disagreements among political parties, hindering the progress towards a carbon-neutral economy.

Putin Can’t Count on the Global Oil Market

19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
  1. Europe's ban on Russian oil and the US price cap mark the end of the global oil market, creating a new partitioned market based on economic and geopolitical factors.
  2. Weak global economic growth and the price cap are keeping oil prices down, with the effectiveness dependent on market conditions and demand spikes.
  3. Putin's potential production cut to manipulate prices is a risky move that could backfire, impacting Russia's critical oil revenue and relationships with major importers like India and China.

Rising Power Prices in Europe Are Making EV Ownership More Expensive

19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
  1. Electric vehicle ownership in Europe is becoming more expensive due to rising power prices, making it costlier to charge EVs than fuel gas-powered vehicles in some cases.
  2. Higher electricity prices are reducing the cost advantage of EVs over combustion engine cars, potentially slowing down the transition to electric vehicles.
  3. Factors like electricity prices, subsidies, insurance, maintenance costs all contribute to the overall affordability of owning an EV compared to a traditional gas-powered car.

European Green-Energy Fiasco A Terrifying Warning For US This Winter

19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
  1. Europe is facing energy crisis due to overreliance on solar and wind power, causing blackouts and suffering among families.
  2. Some European nations, like Germany and UK, are experiencing power shortages, forcing measures like candle sales and conservation challenges.
  3. The US risks facing similar challenges if energy policies continue to follow the same path, leading to inflated electricity prices and potential severe consequences.

Activist Media Miss The Mark With NOAA’s Deceptive ‘Arctic Report Card’

19 implied HN points • 21 Dec 22
  1. NOAA's Arctic Report Card blamed human-caused climate change, but the report lacked data for this claim.
  2. Media outlets regurgitated bad news points from NOAA without questioning or highlighting the positive elements in the report.
  3. One positive aspect overlooked by media was the increase in primary productivity in the Arctic, benefiting wildlife despite challenges like less sea ice.

Wars, Bad Economic Policies Cause Humanitarian Crises, Not Climate Change

19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
  1. Humanitarian crises are primarily caused by wars and bad economic policies, not climate change.
  2. Increased food insecurity, displacement, and poor conditions are mainly a result of ongoing conflicts and economic mismanagement, rather than long-term climate change.
  3. Focusing on addressing conflict and economic instability is more critical for alleviating present suffering than diverting resources to fighting climate change.

Rising Energy Costs Forcing UK Steel Companies To Halt Production

19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
  1. Rising energy costs are leading UK steel companies to halt production.
  2. The UK steel sector is facing challenges due to high electricity prices, which are 30 times their historical average.
  3. Without government support, UK steel producers may struggle to compete with European counterparts, leading to reduced production and market share.

Policy Implications of The Energy Storage Conundrum

19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
  1. Wind and solar energy cannot fully support electrical grids without reliable backup, despite massive subsidies promoting their growth.
  2. The 'all of the above' energy strategy, including wind and solar, may lead to redundant energy systems and increased costs for consumers.
  3. Implementing a carbon tax as a solution to climate change may not effectively reduce carbon fuel usage and could unnecessarily burden consumers with higher energy prices.

Tumult

19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
  1. The post is titled 'Tumult' and is written by Steve Heins.
  2. The post was shared multiple times on social media platforms like Facebook and Email.
  3. The content seems to have stirred some interest or reaction based on the amount of sharing it received.

Germany’s Gas Reserves ‘Emptying At Record Speed’ As Green Energy Fails

19 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
  1. Germany's gas reserves are depleting rapidly due to the failure of green energy sources like wind and solar power.
  2. The imbalance in wind power production leads to extra costs for compensating for either too much or too little electricity generated.
  3. To overcome the energy crisis, Germany is considering building more wind turbines, which could result in increased grid volatility and instability.

Foggy

19 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
  1. The author describes a foggy day in San Francisco, listening to classic rock on KFOG radio.
  2. There are commercials during the author's drive that advertise products as "cruelty free."
  3. The author captures the mood of being in a "San Francisco state of being" due to the foggy atmosphere and cultural references.

Tabernacle Choir

19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. The scene of a cold late Spring night by a Great Lake with various bird sounds is vividly described.
  2. The imagery of satellite dishes, blackbirds, crows, geese, and seagulls all add to the atmosphere of the scene.
  3. The described setting paints a picture of a unique outdoor choir gathering with migratory birds as the 'feathery friends'.

Net Zero Nincompoops Being Mugged by Energy Reality

19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. Climate alarmists face a challenge as 'green' alternatives struggle to meet global energy demands.
  2. The Green Energy Crisis has shifted perspectives, with corporations like J.P. Morgan Chase emphasizing the need for fossil fuels.
  3. ExxonMobil's CEO highlights the continued importance of oil and gas in the energy landscape, emphasizing growth and investment in these sectors.

Some Activists Are Leading an ESG Backlash

19 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
  1. Some activists are leading a backlash against ESG investing, which focuses on environmental, social, and governance factors.
  2. Conservative politicians and states like Florida and Texas have criticized sustainable investing, opting to divest from managers who don't invest in conventional energy.
  3. Asset managers publicly advocating for ESG may face challenges and backlash due to differing views and criticisms about the approach.

Al Gore Slams Vanguard After Defection From Climate Group

19 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
  1. Al Gore criticizes Vanguard for leaving a climate finance coalition, saying their decision is irresponsible and shortsighted.
  2. There is growing tension around the commitment from major asset managers like Vanguard to address climate change effectively.
  3. The debate continues on the feasibility of modifying index funds to align with net-zero goals within the asset management industry.

Solar's Lofty Ambitions Are Consuming Ever-Larger Expanses of Land Down Below

19 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
  1. The push for solar energy is resulting in large solar projects taking up significant amounts of land, potentially impacting agricultural and forested areas.
  2. Government policies and financial incentives are driving the growth of solar energy, with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.
  3. The expansion of solar energy faces challenges, including land use conflicts, resistance from local communities, and the need to balance environmental concerns with energy production.

Climate Hypocrite Kerry Says Americans Should Pay Carbon Reparations

19 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
  1. John Kerry suggests that American taxpayers should pay carbon reparations for past pollution
  2. Kerry emphasizes the need for the U.S. to lead in funding climate reparations for third-world countries
  3. He expresses disappointment at how the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has affected the green energy transition

Welcome to the New Era of Environmental Colonialism | Opinion

19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. Left-wing environmentalists are being compared to colonialists for imposing their green agenda on developing countries under the guise of climate justice, potentially hindering true progress and development.
  2. Developing countries, especially in Africa, are pushing back against restrictions on fossil fuels and green initiatives imposed by Western nations, advocating for access to all energy resources as a means to combat poverty.
  3. The actions of the West around climate reparations and environmental policies are causing rifts with the Global South, potentially leading to shifts in alliances with countries like China, Russia, and India which could impact the economic landscape.

Decay at the Heart of Dayton

19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
  1. Dayton, Ohio has a rich history of innovation and invention, with the Wright Brothers and various inventors contributing to its legacy.
  2. Despite its historical significance, Dayton has been overlooked and forgotten by modern historians.
  3. The downtown area of Dayton currently showcases a decaying facade of its once vibrant past, creating a stark image of neglect.

Germany Forcing Farmers To Use LESS Fertilizer To Satisfy EU’s Green Agenda

19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
  1. Germany is forcing farmers to use less fertilizer to comply with the EU's green agenda, impacting yields and food security in Europe.
  2. The reduction in fertilizer usage is causing concern among farmers, as it could lead to lower crop yields and affect the quality of the produce.
  3. Despite resistance from farmers, the government is prioritizing globalist institutions over the will of its citizens in implementing these policies.

Boy Atop the World’s Tallest Building

19 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
  1. A boy's innocent and imaginative view of flying and tall buildings can be heartwarming and insightful.
  2. The fascination children have with iconic landmarks like the Sears Tower can be a source of bonding and shared dreams.
  3. Simple moments like planning a visit to a landmark can create lasting memories and connections between parent and child.

Zuni Mysticism and the Continental Divide

19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. The Continental Divide near Zuni Reservation serves as an arbitrary demarcation rather than a true division, highlighting the complexity of borders.
  2. Visibility of the Zuni Reservation is limited from ground level, showing its true expanse only to pilots and medicine men, revealing hidden perspectives.
  3. The Zuni sacred rituals, such as a boy climbing to the firmament from a vision pit, hint at the deep spiritual connection to the land and sky.
  4. Take some time to appreciate and understand the history and mysticism of different cultures.

Worldwide Record Cold Challenges Climate Rhetoric, Risks Lives By Complacency

19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. Recent cold events around the world challenge the narrative of global warming, showcasing extremes like record low temperatures and early snowfalls.
  2. Countries like India are experiencing colder weather, impacting populations who lack access to heating resources, raising concerns about complacency towards cold weather risks.
  3. The discussion around climate change should acknowledge the complexities of weather patterns, highlighting the importance of understanding both historical trends and current events.

Don't Be So Sure That The Climate Extremists Have "Won"

19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. The climate extremists may seem in control, but they are pushing for an energy system that is likely to fail due to the challenge of energy storage.
  2. Discouraged voices like Michael Schellenberger's highlight that the climate alarm movement's dominance is growing, but their demands are becoming more extreme and unrealistic.
  3. The reliance on solar power faces significant challenges in providing consistent electricity in winter, showcasing the limitations of renewable energy without adequate storage solutions.

Scars in the Sky

19 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. The text mentions two black scars in the sky above the south end of Manhattan, remaining after the Twin Towers fell, highlighting the lingering impact of the tragic event.
  2. There is a reflection on how shiny new buildings can't erase the memory of the Twin Towers' thunder in their last few minutes on earth, showing the enduring significance of that moment.
  3. The Statue of Liberty is symbolically depicted as having to work twice as hard in the presence of these scars, suggesting the weight of the tragedy on symbols of freedom and resilience.