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

Climate Change Is All About the Money, But for Whom?

19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
  1. Climate change negotiations involve significant sums of money flowing from developed to developing countries.
  2. The three major financial flows in climate change discussions are mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage compensation.
  3. Despite ambitious financial goals, the likelihood of the massive money transfers promised in climate change agreements actually materializing is low.

Climate Misinformation Yields Big Lie on What Is Dangerous

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
  1. There is concern that relying solely on intermittent wind and solar energy may lead to reliability issues and affordability concerns.
  2. Claims that the cost of inaction on climate change is greater than the cost of action may be misleading and not fully supported by evidence.
  3. The benefits projected from climate action plans may not outweigh the costs, with significant methodological issues and a majority of benefits potentially accruing outside of the affected area.

Hyping the Energy Transition

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
  1. Consumption of fossil fuels is increasing rapidly despite the push for an energy transition.
  2. Renewable energy, like wind and solar, is not yet displacing hydrocarbons on a significant scale.
  3. Investment in nuclear energy is being viewed more favorably to help combat global emissions and ongoing energy challenges.

The ‘Great Reset’ Is Very Real And A Grave Threat To Democracy

19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
  1. The 'Great Reset' initiative aims to change global decision-making by empowering unelected government bureaucracies and corporations, potentially diminishing the power of democratically elected leaders.
  2. One aspect of the 'Great Reset' is the push for global ESG investment rules, which can indirectly lead to policies ending fossil fuel development, impacting energy prices for middle-class families.
  3. To counter the 'Great Reset,' the book 'Against the Great Reset' explores how global elites are aiming to benefit at the expense of others and suggests ways to regain power from corporations and unelected bureaucrats.

A single, devastating California fire season wiped out years of efforts to cut emissions

19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
  1. One devastating California fire season in 2020 released more greenhouse gases than the total reductions made in the state since 2003, cancelling out years of emission cutting efforts.
  2. Wildfires were found to be the second largest source of planet-warming gases in California in 2020, more significant than industrial emissions and power generation.
  3. There is a shift in perspective towards considering wildfire emissions in climate goals and planning in California, recognizing the need to include all emission sources to achieve carbon neutrality.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The long fight against climate change deniers

19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
  1. Climate change deniers have challenged the findings of scientists and downplayed the significance of global warming, often linked to fossil fuel interests.
  2. Scientific evidence connecting climate change with human causes has become stronger over the years, with scientists emphasizing the importance of stating established facts upfront to combat uncertainty.
  3. The battle against climate denial faced setbacks, like the 'Climategate' scandal, but progress is being made as more people worldwide are adopting sustainable behaviors to address the climate crisis.

Wood Theft Skyrocketing As Germans Try To Keep Warm; Firewood Tracked By GPS

19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
  1. German Chancellor decided to keep three nuclear power plants running through winter to avoid blackouts caused by high natural gas prices. This decision will help prevent power shortages in Germany.
  2. Due to high gas heating costs, firewood has become more appealing, leading to a rise in wood theft. The Forest and Timber office in North Rhine Westphalia is now using GPS trackers to catch thieves stealing firewood.
  3. Wood thieves in Germany are becoming more organized and professional. The use of technological advancements like GPS trackers is being employed to combat this escalating issue.

One year of wildfires undid decades of California’s emissions policy

19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
  1. One year of California wildfires in 2020 accounted for 23% of the state's emissions, undoing over a decade of emission reduction efforts.
  2. Raging wildfires not only cause visible damage but also release significant amounts of emissions into the atmosphere, perpetuating the cycle of global warming.
  3. California's efforts to reduce emissions through progressive decarbonisation policies were overwhelmingly offset by the massive emissions from wildfires in 2020 and 2021.

The Insurance industry is turning its back on oil, gas and coal

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
  1. Insurance companies are increasingly avoiding covering fossil fuel projects due to climate change concerns.
  2. Investors are pushing for this change, and insurers are realizing the risks associated with fossil fuel infrastructure.
  3. Insurers can play a significant role in accelerating the transition to clean energy by withdrawing support from high-risk fossil fuel projects.

No, Politico Europe, Vladimir Putin Is Not Making Europe “Green”

19 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
  1. Putin's inclusion by Politico Europe on their "Green 28" list is criticized for overlooking the severe impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  2. European countries are struggling with energy challenges, including a return to coal and the closure of fertilizer plants due to high natural gas prices.
  3. Overspending on renewable energy in the past has left Europe economically strained, resulting in high electricity bills and business bankruptcies.

Reducing energy options doesn’t work. Just ask Europe—and the U.S. states where gas prices are rising

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
  1. Reducing energy options can lead to high costs in Europe and certain U.S. states like California where gas prices are rising.
  2. Europe's focus on solar, wind, and electric vehicles has not proven to be entirely scalable, reliable, or cost-effective, resulting in soaring energy prices.
  3. European and U.S. states' energy policies mirror each other with a trend of importing energy and limiting domestic energy production, leading to increased costs for residents.

Why ESG Funds Fail, and How They Could Succeed

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
  1. ESG funds often fail due to lack of international standards and greenwashing, making them ineffective until proper accounting measures are established.
  2. Divesting from 'dirty' companies doesn't lead to significant positive change or higher returns, emphasizing the need for different strategies for impact investing.
  3. Investors seeking to do well and good should focus on actively investing in transforming 'brown' companies to 'green' rather than divesting, as this can generate financial returns and verifiable social/environmental benefits.

Germany keeping all three nuclear power plants operative

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
  1. Germany decided to keep all three nuclear power plants running till April 2023 due to energy concerns and gas cuts.
  2. There was political disagreement over the lifespan of nuclear power plants within the German coalition, especially regarding the Emsland plant.
  3. The decision to extend the nuclear plants' operation is a deviation from Germany's initial plan to phase out nuclear power by the end of 2022, influenced by energy supply challenges.

“Kowbucha’ could reduce methane produced from cow burps: study By Emilee Speck, FOX Weather October 17, 2022 Updated New Zealand researchers say they found a probiotic formula known as “kowbucha.”

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
  1. New Zealand researchers discovered a probiotic formula called 'kowbucha' that can reduce methane emissions from cow burps by 20%.
  2. Livestock, particularly cattle, are significant contributors to methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas that impacts global warming.
  3. Reducing methane emissions from cows is a crucial step in combating climate change and achieving carbon-neutrality goals, such as those set by New Zealand and other nations.

Placing The Blame For Europe's Energy And Economic Crisis

19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
  1. The economic crisis in Europe is largely driven by a rapid increase in household and business energy bills, with energy costs soaring in countries like the UK and Germany.
  2. The energy crisis in Europe is attributed to the pursuit of 'Net Zero' carbon emissions programs, reliance on weather-dependent renewables, and suppression of fossil fuels which led to high energy prices.
  3. Different narratives exist regarding the causes of the crisis, with conflicting views on whether it is due to failed renewable energy schemes or the actions of recent political leadership.

Flush with cash, EPA could toughen methane rules

19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
  1. EPA is getting a significant funding boost of over $40 billion for the next 10 years, potentially allowing for tougher regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas companies.
  2. The additional funds from the Inflation Reduction Act would support EPA in implementing stricter rules for air quality and climate change, including reducing methane leaks from operations.
  3. The influx of funding could lead EPA to justify stricter regulations by balancing compliance costs with federal assistance to industries, influencing regulations for various pollution sources, such as trucks and power plants.

The False Promise of Corporate Carbon Neutrality

19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 22
  1. Prominent corporate climate pledges like "net-zero" and "carbon-neutral" may not lead to significant change.
  2. Simply buying offsets to claim "net-zero" status might not be effective, as it does not address the core issue of cutting emissions.
  3. Businesses should focus on impactful actions like cutting emissions, supporting policy change, and public advocacy to truly address climate change instead of relying solely on carbon neutrality pledges.

Bleak Icon

19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 22
  1. Celebrating Franz Kafka's birthday on July 3rd, Stephen Heins talks about how Kafka inspired him to find humor in life's dark moments through writing.
  2. Kafka's quote 'Follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly' resonates with Heins, showing the importance of pursuing one's passions relentlessly.
  3. Through Kafka and his work like 'The Castle,' Heins emphasizes the value of finding and exploring one's deepest interests, even if they touch on darker aspects of life.

Justifying Climate Corporatism

19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
  1. Critics of ESG investing argue it may not align with the interests of pension beneficiaries, leading to confusion about the ethical and financial implications.
  2. The debate around climate-related financial disclosures, like Scope 3 emissions, highlights the challenge of balancing broad environmental concerns with practical investment decisions.
  3. Bloomberg's support for ESG is critiqued for blurring the lines between private and public interests, and for potentially undermining the democratic process by advocating for corporate-driven climate solutions.

Without Any Demonstration Project Or Feasibility Study

19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
  1. Proof of Concept is vital; a functioning demonstration project is essential to establish feasibility and cost before embarking on major transformations.
  2. In the shift away from carbon-based fuels in the energy economy, there are no working demonstration projects worldwide showcasing a system powered solely by fossil fuel-free sources.
  3. In real-world technological advancements, demonstration projects have historically been crucial in proving feasibility before widespread implementation; the lack of such projects poses challenges in transitioning to a carbon-free future in the energy sector.

EPA Never Equipped for WOTUS Management

19 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
  1. The EPA failed to provide adequate warnings during toxic spills in Colorado and New Mexico, leading to consequences for public health and wildlife.
  2. The EPA faced criticism for its handling of the Flint, MI water crisis, with blame falling on both the State of Michigan and the EPA for prolonged inaction.
  3. The EPA was found to have violated the law by improperly using social media for campaigns, raising questions about its trustworthiness and regulatory role.

It’s Alive, It’s Alive: Overreaching EPA Brings WOTUS Back from the Dead

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
  1. The EPA's authority over wetlands is under scrutiny by the Supreme Court in a case involving a couple's land dispute and its classification as a wetland under the Clean Water Act.
  2. The Supreme Court will revisit the case of Sackett v. EPA to determine the standards for designating land as 'waters of the United States' and under the CWA.
  3. The dispute revolves around defining the EPA's scope to regulate wetlands and the impact of various tests, such as the 'significant nexus' test suggested by Justice Anthony Kennedy.

ESG and the ‘Long-Run Interests’ Dodge

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
  1. Companies may spin social activism as benefiting shareholders, but the primary motivations are often nonpecuniary and not directly related to advancing stockholders' interests.
  2. Corporate decisions influenced by ESG practices may not always align with maximizing financial returns for shareholders, leading to questions about the true value of such initiatives.
  3. Society endows corporate shareholders with benefits, but ultimately, corporate boards are obligated to act in the best interests of stockholders, highlighting the importance of asserting shareholder rights.

Fossil Fuels Aren’t Just Reliable: They’re Green As Could Be!

19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 22
  1. Fossil fuels, despite misconceptions, are considered by some to be the greenest energy source due to their positive impact on plant growth and crop yields
  2. The use of fossil fuels has led to significant increases in global vegetation and tree cover, helping spare land for nature conservation
  3. Compared to alternative energy sources like solar and wind, fossil fuels have a smaller footprint for power production and play a critical role in manufacturing fertilizers and pesticides for food production

ESG Threat Goes Beyond BlackRock

19 implied HN points • 28 Sep 22
  1. Activists are pushing for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agendas to be regulated in financial systems, beyond just targeting BlackRock.
  2. Larry Fink of BlackRock faces opposition from red-state governors and advocacy groups aiming to influence investment decisions relating to oil and gas.
  3. The influence of ESG is spreading in financial markets through organizations like Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), potentially leading to mandatory ESG compliance through future financial regulations.

Canadian climate scientist Dr. Tim Ball passed away on Saturday, September 24.

19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
  1. Canadian climate scientist Dr. Tim Ball passed away on September 24, known for being courageous in advocating that CO2 is beneficial and for his criticism of climate hustle.
  2. Tim Ball was vindicated in a court case against Michael Mann, with Mann's dishonesty in generating the Hockey Stick graph exposed.
  3. Despite evidence of dishonesty, Michael Mann received numerous awards and recognition in the scientific community, showcasing the preferential treatment towards those supporting the official narrative.

UN Climate Threat: “Top farming and food firms could lose up to a quarter of their value by 2030 if they do not adapt”

19 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
  1. Top farming and food firms could lose up to a quarter of their value by 2030 if they do not adapt to new government policies and consumer behavior tied to climate change.
  2. Net zero policies will make food production companies uninvestable unless they follow net zero food rules.
  3. A United Nations report suggests that if 40 major food companies do not adopt new practices to reduce emissions, they could face a decline in value by an average of around 7% by 2030, leading to potential investor losses of $150 billion.

Denialist

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
  1. Denialism is used as a negative label by the political left to silence opposing viewpoints on climate change.
  2. The author argues that 'deniers' are not denying climate change but are being denied the opportunity to present nuanced arguments against climate science.
  3. The author criticizes the use of 'denialism' as a form of name-calling and considers it an intellectual failure, akin to a high school tactic.

A Gore-Kerry Political Climate Hit

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
  1. Al Gore and John Kerry are pushing for the World Bank to guarantee climate lending losses.
  2. The attack on World Bank President David Malpass aims to coerce the bank into socializing the risks of climate projects.
  3. The focus should be kept on the World Bank's mission of promoting growth in poor nations to alleviate poverty, rather than using it for political ends by rich-country climate lobbyists.

Beast from the East

19 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
  1. The 'Beast from the East' winter of 2018 was extremely harsh, with many Brits and Irish facing energy shortages and even death.
  2. The poetic term 'beast from the east' encapsulates the severe winter conditions that caused 48,000 deaths in Britain and energy poverty in Ireland.
  3. The winter of 2022 is predicted to bring similar challenges, indicating a recurring pattern of harsh winters affecting both countries.

NASDAQ: “ Tackling ESG for the Future”

19 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
  1. ESG investing is gaining traction in the U.S., but it requires new company disclosures and standardized data for portfolio construction.
  2. Various international proposals are aiming to set ESG standards to help investors choose ESG stocks, covering aspects like climate-related disclosures and general sustainability reporting.
  3. Companies are grappling with the costs and complexities of complying with new ESG regulations, especially related to climate disclosures and emissions reporting, which may exceed SEC estimates.

Biden’s America Is Running on Empty

19 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
  1. President Biden has depleted the Strategic Petroleum Reserve significantly, creating a national security risk.
  2. By releasing 10 million more barrels from the SPR, Biden aims to lower gasoline prices before the midterm elections.
  3. The U.S. petroleum reserves are at their lowest level since 1984, which could jeopardize America's energy security.

Inside Big Greens’ Legal War To Dismantle Oil And Gas Leasing

19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
  1. Environmental groups are using legal challenges to halt oil and gas leasing programs by the Department of the Interior in an effort to combat climate change.
  2. There is ideological alignment between environmentalists and President Biden who aims for a carbon-free power sector by 2035, but some green groups find his administration's actions insufficient.
  3. Green groups are pursuing legal actions against the government for approving drilling permits and lease sales, arguing that the agencies are not adequately considering the cumulative climate impacts of these activities.

Saving the Planet

19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
  1. Consider the accountability for the consequences of 'saving the planet' if it ends up being a waste of resources and capital.
  2. Reflect on the possibility of 3.5 billion people in energy poverty holding various entities accountable if efforts to save the planet are misguided.
  3. Question the potential implications and repercussions if initiatives to save the planet are proven to be incorrect.

Rockefeller Foundation Bankrolls NPR ‘Climate Hysteria’ News Desk

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
  1. The Rockefeller Foundation is funding NPR's climate change reporting, which includes a 'new climate desk' for promoting green propaganda.
  2. The Rockefeller Foundation's financial influence on mainstream media like NPR and AP suggests potential bias and the furthering of specific political agendas.
  3. By accepting funding from organizations with clear political leanings, mainstream media outlets risk compromising their independence and objectivity.

Useless Mouths

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
  1. Some believe that the world's elite may consider a portion of the population as 'useless mouths.'
  2. The concept of 'useless mouths' could potentially stem from the idea of there being too many people globally.
  3. This perspective on 'useless mouths' has been associated with figures such as Yuval Noah Harari.

Big Oil vs The World”: BBC Exposé Fails (Episode II)

19 implied HN points • 21 Sep 22
  1. ExxonMobil faced criticism for allegedly making conflicting statements internally and externally regarding climate change concerns.
  2. The documentary presented extreme weather events with a skewed narrative, inaccurately depicting the frequency of natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, rainfall, droughts, and wildfires.
  3. The portrayal of fossil fuels as a straightforward environmental evil overlooks their crucial role in sustaining global populations and current lack of practical alternatives.

Paul Driessen: “Semi-fascism versus full-fascism”

19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 22
  1. Fascism is described as an intolerant system where an authoritarian government controls wealth, property, information, and actions through laws, intimidation, and violence.
  2. Democratic officials are accused of displaying characteristics of fascism by controlling information, suppressing dissent, and colluding with corporations in a way perceived as intolerant and authoritarian.
  3. The importance of free speech, access to information, and open debate in democracy is emphasized, with concerns raised about government collusion with social media giants to suppress content.