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

Foul Mood Today

19 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
  1. The author expresses frustration with urban life and its excesses like art, history, and self-absorption.
  2. The post hints at a sense of nostalgia for old fashioned Americana that is lacking in the author's current city environment.
  3. The author's foul mood may stem from feeling overwhelmed by the city's bustling and crowded nature.

Swedish activists sue state over its climate policies

19 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
  1. Swedish activists are suing the state over climate policies, claiming it violates human rights.
  2. Youth-led initiative Aurora filed a lawsuit in Stockholm District Court, involving 600 young people under 26.
  3. Climate campaigners globally have been taking legal actions against governments and companies to push for more ambitious climate goals.

Pickett Failed

19 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
  1. Pickett's failed charge at Gettysburg still confounds people with its mix of bravery, idealism, and misguided loyalties.
  2. Abraham Lincoln's understanding of Gettysburg's importance was captured effectively in just 272 words.
  3. The reason behind Pickett's charge failing according to him was that he believed the Yankees had a role in it.

Indur Goklany: “No Empirical Evidence that Anything Bad is Happening B/C of Climate Change”

19 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. Indur Goklany states there is no empirical evidence that anything bad is happening due to climate change, challenging common beliefs.
  2. Goklany has extensive experience in various sectors and has published numerous works on climate change and related topics.
  3. There are resources and publications available that offer alternative perspectives on climate change and energy sources, encouraging further exploration and analysis.

COP-27: A Window Into How The UN Keeps The Poor Poor

19 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. The UN's COP-27 conference revealed an alliance between rich-country activists and corrupt developing-country interests that keeps the poor impoverished.
  2. The wealthy countries often hinder the poor from using fossil fuels, leaving them in poverty, despite claiming to want to help them.
  3. Developing countries may go along with Western pressure against fossil fuel development to maintain power, while receiving 'climate reparations' that may not truly benefit the poor.
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As Africa becomes an imperative, investors must discard outdated risk perception

19 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
  1. African economies have shown consistent growth, but global institutional investors have been hesitant to invest, holding onto outdated risk perceptions.
  2. Investors need to update their strategies and consider Africa as a mainstream necessity for seeking returns, especially with the economic uncertainties in developed markets.
  3. Success in African markets requires understanding long-term trends, adapting to the unique market realities, and being flexible in investment approaches to navigate risks.

Like Any Boy

19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. The poem explores the idea of human beings having child-like wonder and aspiration through the imagery of seagulls and flying.
  2. The seagulls in the poem symbolize freedom, aspiration, and the potential for a higher perspective.
  3. The speaker's desire to soar like the seagulls reflects a universal longing for freedom and reaching new heights.

Inflation’s next victim: U.S. offshore wind projects

19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Rising interest rates, supply chain issues, and inflation are posing challenges for the Biden administration's offshore wind energy goals.
  2. Developers are facing financial difficulties due to unexpectedly high costs, risking the achievement of the 30 GW offshore wind power target by 2030.
  3. The United States, along with other countries, is struggling to meet offshore wind energy targets, with factors like supply chain shortages and rising costs hindering progress.

Yesterdays

19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
  1. The post is titled 'Yesterdays' by Steve Heins.
  2. The post was shared multiple times and includes an image.
  3. The content is likely archived or related to past events.

Dark Waters

19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
  1. The poem 'Dark Waters' reflects on the ominous nature of Lake Michigan and the lives lost to its depths.
  2. The author, Steve Heins, paints a vivid picture of iron ore ships and the inky waves of the lake.
  3. The poem evokes a sense of mystery and danger associated with the dark, oceanic waters of Lake Michigan.

COP27 communications group slams work for fossil fuel industry

19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
  1. Constructive engagement with companies in the energy sector is considered essential for a large-scale transformation like addressing climate change.
  2. There is criticism towards a global PR company providing communications services for COP27 due to its ties to the fossil fuel industry.
  3. Pressure is building on public relations firms to disclose their work with fossil fuel groups and advocate for positive climate action.

Climate Scaremongers: Public Wants Action On Climate, Don’t Want To Pay For It

19 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
  1. Public supports climate action but not willing to pay for it: Calls for climate interventions clash with the reluctance to bear expensive costs.
  2. Polls indicate people prefer incentivization over taxation for climate policies: Government spending on subsidies for eco-friendly technologies more popular than higher taxes on non-renewable energy sources and food.
  3. Public may be unaware of the true costs of decarbonization: Costs of climate policies heavily loaded onto electricity bills and not fully communicated to the public.

Background information on my activism

19 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
  1. The author has been involved in energy and environmental activism for 22 years.
  2. The post indicates a strong focus on sharing information related to activism through various platforms.
  3. Images and links are used purposefully to enhance the reach of the post and engage the audience.

Al Gore Defends ESG, Fails

19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
  1. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards face criticism for potentially bypassing democratic processes by using corporations to pursue a political agenda.
  2. Investment managers implementing ESG practices may struggle to show economic benefits over time and could face challenges with fiduciary responsibilities.
  3. Debate around climate disclosures and ESG regulations highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability factors into investment decisions.

ESG: The Merger of State and Corporate Power

19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
  1. Cooperative Federalism originated in the 1930s with New Deal policies around the division of responsibilities between states and federal agencies in areas like electric power.
  2. ESG, as a concept, concentrates power in the hands of a few elite groups, leading to conflicts of interest, greenwashing, misallocation of capital, and political motivations.
  3. ESG encompasses environmental, social, and governance causes, originating from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and receiving support from large corporations and financial institutions like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.

Energy Transition Impossible Without Oil, Natural Gas, Execs Say

19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
  1. Energy transition to net-zero emissions requires more than just renewable technologies - it will heavily depend on oil, natural gas, and coal.
  2. There must be new market mechanisms and political tools to allocate funding for the energy transition, as the costs are expected to be in the trillions of dollars.
  3. To meet future energy needs, there will likely be an increased reliance on fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil, alongside a need to invest in carbon capture technology and nuclear power.

Al Gore, Google Back Satellite Tracking Of Individual CO2 Emitters

19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
  1. Climate TRACE, funded by Al Gore and Google, uses satellite tracking to monitor individual emitters of greenhouse gases globally, providing detailed emissions data.
  2. The coalition aims to address knowledge gaps in monitoring carbon emissions from energy producers and other large sources by using satellite imaging, remote sensors, and artificial intelligence.
  3. The technology by Climate TRACE enables a more accurate tally of emissions to help governments, businesses, and international organizations reduce pollution, promoting radical transparency.

Manchin Delivers Another Gut Punch To Biden’s Radical Climate Agenda

19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
  1. Senator Joe Manchin III's actions have caused setbacks to President Biden's environmental agenda by refusing to confirm a key climate change official.
  2. Manchin's decision to block the confirmation of Richard Glick, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, reflects a larger political power dynamic affecting climate policies.
  3. The energy industry has supported Manchin's stance against Glick, viewing it as a move that could influence the production of domestic fossil fuels and energy regulations.

Lost and Found

19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
  1. The author reflects on their journey through different places and stages of life, from a small town to cosmopolitan cities.
  2. The text highlights the idea that we are all on a quest to rediscover long-forgotten moments and memories.
  3. There's an exploration of personal identity and the merging of various backgrounds, like being part Native American and growing up in different environments.

Sixty Seven Solar Energy Development Projects Have Been Rejected Over the Past 11 Months By Robert Bryce The hype about wind and solar energy keeps colliding with the hard reality of land-use confl

19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
  1. Sixty-seven solar energy development projects have been rejected in the past 11 months in the US, highlighting conflicts with land use.
  2. There is significant resistance against wind and solar projects in Ohio, with 41 townships and 8 counties imposing restrictions or rejections.
  3. The rejection of renewable energy projects in Ohio and Iowa underscores challenges in finding suitable locations, connecting infrastructure, and funding, questioning the feasibility of large-scale expansions.

Vesta, the World’s Biggest Wind Turbine Maker, Will Have a Negative 5% Profit Margin in 2022

19 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
  1. Vesta, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, will have a negative 5% profit margin in 2022.
  2. Renewable energy costs are not as cheap as originally promised, leading to financial challenges for companies in the industry.
  3. Soaring commodity costs and supply-chain bottlenecks have impacted the wind industry's profits, prompting Vestas to raise prices to mitigate losses.

Europe May See Forced De-Industrialization As Result Of Energy Crisis

19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
  1. European industries like ferroalloys, fertilizer plants, and specialty chemicals are closing due to the energy crisis.
  2. Some industries may not reopen even if the energy crisis improves.
  3. A tightening regulatory environment in Europe is another factor driving de-industrialization.

We Told Big Oil Not to Invest. Don’t Complain Now

19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
  1. High oil prices historically led to cycles of boom and bust in the industry, but the current trend shows a deviation from this pattern.
  2. Despite substantial profits, Big Oil companies are not increasing investment in oil production as they have in the past, leading to concerns about future supply.
  3. Government efforts to push for increased oil production are met with resistance from oil executives who prioritize profitability over increasing spending.

The Deadly ‘De-Growth’ Craze

19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
  1. Stagnant societies can descend into chaos and ruin without growth - a lesson from history.
  2. Movements advocating for 'de-growth' prioritize well-being over profit, but a no-growth economy can lead to dire consequences.
  3. No-growth policies can limit innovation, investment, and progress, ultimately risking social and economic collapse.

UK Trapped In The Green Energy Cul-de-Sac

19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
  1. The UK is facing challenges in its pursuit of green energy, leading to high energy costs for consumers.
  2. The ban on domestic fracking and limitations on natural gas imports are hindering the UK's energy strategy.
  3. Options like reopening coal plants or investing in nuclear energy face regulatory hurdles and significant delays in making a meaningful impact.

Is inequality the new risk benchmark?

19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
  1. Addressing climate and nature risks has become mainstream in the financial and corporate world through frameworks like TCFD, but there's now a question if inequality-related risks will follow suit.
  2. Inequality between countries is increasing due to factors like COVID-19, war, and ineffective policies, impacting vulnerable populations the hardest. There's a need for specific support and a focus on reducing inequality in economic and health effects.
  3. Efforts are underway to develop a Task Force on Inequality-related Financial Disclosures (TIFD) following the success of TCFD, aimed at measuring and managing impacts on inequality, aligning with SDGs, and holding the private sector accountable.

California set a record for greenhouse gas reductions in 2020, but it means nothing

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
  1. In 2020, California had a record decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to COVID-19 lockdowns reducing car usage, but massive wildfires released more carbon dioxide than reductions made.
  2. The state's efforts to combat global warming face challenges with wildfires being a major source of emissions, potentially erasing progress made in other sectors.
  3. It is crucial for California to focus efforts on reducing fossil fuel emissions despite the challenges posed by events like wildfires, and to continue promoting sustainable practices for a cleaner environment.

ESG’s struggles are Big Tech’s problem

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
  1. ESG struggles could impact Big Tech as companies don't have clear rules on how to report results
  2. Big Tech needs to help establish trust in ESG to maintain investment
  3. Matured ESG reporting standards could provide stability for businesses, investors, and governments

Steel Giant Shuts Down Plants in Germany, Sparking Energy Crisis Fears

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
  1. ArcelorMittal shutting down steel plants in Germany due to the energy crisis has sparked fears of an energy crisis in the region.
  2. The energy crisis in Germany is affecting various sectors like steel, chemicals, and construction due to rising gas and electricity prices.
  3. The German government is taking steps to address the energy crisis, including providing relief funds and temporarily capping gas prices.

Let’s Talk About REAL Climate Cataclysms

19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
  1. Evidence shows that there have been major climate changes in the past, like ice ages and warming periods.
  2. Real climate catastrophes, such as the Pleistocene Ice Ages, were far more significant than what we are experiencing today.
  3. The push for drastic climate action is more about control over energy, economy, and living standards than about actual climate change.

Bad Energy Policy Ideas Never Die

19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
  1. Politicians continue to revive ineffective energy policies like price caps and export bans, impacting global markets negatively.
  2. Support for domestic oil and gas industries is crucial for building investor confidence and maintaining energy stability.
  3. There is a lack of awareness among policymakers about the complexities of the oil and gas industries and the time needed for a transition to alternative energy sources.

Poem of Climate Lessons

19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
  1. Poetry and energy exist in a way that cannot be created or destroyed, much like certain aspects of life.
  2. The poem highlights the persistence of certain elements, likened to Sisyphusian tasks or a journey with no clear direction.
  3. There is a call for apolitical science to be allowed to thrive once more.

ROBERT ECCLES: “ESG IS FULLY POLITICIZED IN THE US”

19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
  1. ESG is heavily politicized in the US, causing uncertainty in boardrooms about its efficacy.
  2. There are different groups in the ESG debate including Sustainability Taliban, Flat-Earthers, Advocates, and Pragmatists, each with varied viewpoints.
  3. Amidst the polarization, a pragmatic approach could help bridge the gap in the ESG conversation by focusing on facts, common sense, and long-term value creation.

Investors resist efforts to paint ESG as a political issue

19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
  1. Investors are pushing back against attempts to politicize ESG investing. They argue that environmental, social, and governance considerations are important for investment decisions and not just political agendas.
  2. Asset managers worldwide are expected to significantly increase ESG-related assets under management by 2026. The demand for ESG investments is not reflected in the current political rhetoric around the topic.
  3. Major financial institutions emphasize the importance of considering ESG factors in investment decisions. They view ESG integration as a responsible approach that is material to the success of companies in various industries.

A Typical Exchange with a Climate Alarmist/Forced Energy Transformationist

19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
  1. Many opponents in climate change debates tend to ignore rather than engage, following the approach of reporting and blocking instead.
  2. Those who do engage often resort to labeling others as 'deniers' or 'shills for Big Oil,' dismissing the opposing arguments without fair consideration.
  3. When confronted with alternative perspectives or facts, some activists fall back on citing authorities like the IPCC or resort to ad hominem attacks before disengaging from the discussion.

BlackRock settles in amid the ESG crossfire

19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
  1. Republican politicians in the US are increasing their anti-ESG messaging, criticizing campaigns aimed at promoting socially conscious investing principles.
  2. BlackRock is facing challenges as GOP-dominated states like Louisiana and Missouri withdraw billions from the company due to concerns about its adherence to ESG principles.
  3. The growing politicization of ESG by the right is impacting BlackRock's market performance and attracting criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

UK Regulator Targets Greenwashing with New Sustainable Investment Labels and Disclosure Rules

19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
  1. The UK's financial regulator is cracking down on greenwashing by introducing new rules for sustainable investment labels and disclosures.
  2. Investor interest in ESG has surged, leading to a flood of products labeled as 'ESG' or 'green' without clear guidelines on their sustainability criteria.
  3. The FCA's move is part of a global trend toward clearer investment product labels and disclosures to combat greenwashing risks.

Learning All the Wrong Lessons From America’s Energy Crisis

19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
  1. Skyrocketing energy costs post-Covid are a harsh reality for America, especially with a significant portion of households struggling to pay for energy.
  2. Policymakers are being criticized for creating an energy crisis by limiting energy supply, rather than focusing on making energy more affordable for Americans.
  3. The Biden administration's decisions, like restricting access to fuels and boosting refinery closure rates, are seen as counterproductive and may lead to more challenges in energy supply.

Expensive Energy Is a Core Feature, Not a Bug, of Biden’s Climate Agenda

19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
  1. Expensive energy is a deliberate element, not a flaw, of Biden's climate strategy. Policies are designed to make fossil fuels costlier to support renewable energy.
  2. The Inflation Reduction Act aims to increase federal spending on climate and energy by a significant amount, potentially bringing total green-tech spending to $1.7 trillion.
  3. Biden's initiatives, such as cutting carbon emissions massively, have the unintended consequence of boosting short-term profits for oil companies while setting the stage for interventions like windfall profits taxes.

WINTER IS COMING: NEW ENGLAND’S LONGTIME NATURAL GAS SUPPLY ISSUES COULD BE EVEN WORSE THIS YEAR

19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
  1. New England faces severe natural gas supply issues, worsened by short-sighted policies and anti-pipeline efforts.
  2. The region's reliance on global spot prices due to lack of pipeline access creates challenges during winter, competing with Europe for resources.
  3. Policy decisions and environmental concerns have led to the use of dirtier fuel sources, raising concerns about potential energy shortages and blackouts.