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 Renewable Energy Revolution Has a Power Line Problem

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 May 23
  1. To tap into renewable energy, the US urgently needs to expand the electric grid between energy-rich areas and places of demand, or else the country will miss out on the environmental benefits of electrification.
  2. The US requires a significant increase in power line construction, with estimates suggesting a need for 47,300 gigawatt-miles of new power lines by 2035 - a daunting task that demands doubling the pace of construction.
  3. Streamlining the lengthy approval process for power line projects, giving more authority to a centralized federal agency, can help accelerate renewable energy development and address the inefficiencies caused by the current decentralized approach.

The WSJ Editorial Board writes, politicians are lousy at picking business winners and losers.

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 May 23
  1. Politicians are often ineffective at choosing successful businesses, as seen in the case of Lordstown Motors, which faced bankruptcy despite government support.
  2. Lordstown Motors, an EV startup, received substantial funding and attention under President Trump, but struggled with manufacturing and financial issues.
  3. The auto industry shift towards electric vehicles due to government mandates may lead to challenges and financial burdens for companies and consumers.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Oil and gas critics escalate their gripes against Biden

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 May 23
  1. Critics are expressing disappointment with President Biden's actions favoring oil drilling and natural gas exports, contrary to his campaign promises to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
  2. Environmental activists are comparing Biden's move to those made during Barack Obama's early presidency, highlighting concerns about the administration's prioritization of fossil fuels over climate action.
  3. Despite efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and sign a major climate bill, some disillusionment within the climate movement is emerging, potentially impacting Biden's support base for the 2024 election.

UN: Africa to Use Green Hydrogen to Produce Fertiliser

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Dec 22
  1. The UN is promoting the use of green hydrogen to make ammonia fertilizer in African countries like Mauritania and Namibia, aiming to reduce global carbon emissions.
  2. Tried and tested solutions involving the use of natural gas deposits in these countries can be more practical and beneficial compared to experimental green alternatives.
  3. Ammonia production typically requires a lot of fossil fuels, and while it can boost plant growth, it also releases CO2 and requires significant energy to produce.

Misperception and Amplification of Climate Risk

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Dec 22
  1. Risk perception can differ from the actual risk, leading to misconceptions and mismanagement of risks.
  2. Psychological trauma of children related to climate change is being amplified by alarmist narratives that focus on extreme weather events.
  3. Climate catastrophists may be exploiting and damaging children and underdeveloped countries in their pursuit of eliminating fossil fuels.
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NORTH DAKOTA JUDGE ORDERS DOI TO HOLD LEASE SALE IN STATE

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Apr 23
  1. A North Dakota judge ordered the DOI to resume oil and gas lease sales on public land, providing a partial win for securing the energy future
  2. The ruling highlighted President Biden's anti-energy policies, showing a significant decrease in oil and gas lease acres compared to previous administrations
  3. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum emphasized the importance of oil and gas leases and celebrated the court order as a step towards energy security and stability

Study: Solar and Storage Microgrids Right for Wildfire Communities

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jun 23
  1. Solar and storage microgrids are a cost-effective and cleaner alternative to diesel generators in wildfire-prone communities.
  2. Clean energy microgrids can provide equity by being cheaper than grid power, benefitting communities at risk of wildfires.
  3. While not a complete solution yet, solar-storage microgrids offer a partial remedy for public safety power shutoffs and can minimize outages in vulnerable communities.

EU Council Announces Agreement on Nature Restoration Law

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jun 23
  1. The EU Council has agreed on a Nature Restoration Law that includes targets for protecting and restoring 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030.
  2. The agreement forms the basis for the EU's Nature Restoration Law, aiming to aid in ecosystem recovery, climate goals, and reducing natural disaster impacts.
  3. The Council's agreement softens some of the EU Commission's proposals, allowing flexibility for member states in implementing the regulation and reducing burdens for renewable energy projects.

Climate Change Can Put The Planetā€™s Largest Reserves Of Drinking Water At Risk

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Jan 24
  1. Climate change can endanger the Earth's largest reserves of drinking water by affecting underground systems, potentially impacting freshwater availability for human consumption.
  2. Caves serve as essential ecosystems preserving freshwater resources for humanity, housing unique and adapted species that recycle contaminants and maintain water quality.
  3. Research indicates that the rise in surface temperatures due to climate change will also impact underground environments, leading to unpredictable and potentially harmful effects on freshwater reserves.

Stop blaming everything on climate change! Eco-campaigners link global warming to everything from divorce to the war in Ukraine - but this myopic view could be catastrophic

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jun 23
  1. Blaming everything on climate change may not be accurate, as it oversimplifies complex issues like divorce and war in Ukraine.
  2. Climatism, focusing solely on climate change as the root of all problems, could lead to catastrophic outcomes and limit a more holistic approach to global challenges.
  3. Acknowledging that climate change is a significant issue is crucial, but it should not overshadow other important issues like racism or political conflicts like Putin's war in Ukraine.

The Oil Projects That Environmentalists Should Support

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Apr 23
  1. Not all oil projects are equal in terms of their environmental impact, and some are less polluting than others.
  2. Strict environmental regulations, like those regarding gas flaring and carbon capture, can significantly improve the responsibility of the oil industry.
  3. The carbon footprint of an oil project factors in technical extraction processes, making some oil sources less energy-intensive and emission-intensive.

Voluntary Carbon Markets Give A Pittance Of The Proceeds To Global South

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Apr 23
  1. The voluntary carbon market lacks transparency and major companies may be exaggerating their impact on forest preservation, raising concerns about the distribution of funds.
  2. Rainforest projects under the voluntary carbon market receive only a small portion of proceeds, with most going to investors and administrative expenses, prompting the need for a more equitable system.
  3. Countries like Gabon and Honduras are exploring selling Paris-approved sovereign REDD+ credits to ensure fair compensation, improve forest preservation, and invest in local communities and infrastructure.

DOEā€™s Press Release on Federal Building Energy Standards Is Inaccurate, Misleading, and Unserious

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Dec 22
  1. The Department of Energy's press release on new federal building energy standards is criticized for being inaccurate and misleading.
  2. The proposed energy consumption-reduction standards touted by DOE as groundbreaking are seen as just a change in nomenclature, not a significant environmental impact.
  3. The financial implications of the proposed standards, including operating costs, show that they may actually impose an annual net cost on taxpayers rather than saving money.

House hearing warns of Bidenā€™s adminā€™s ā€˜death by a thousand regulationsā€™

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Jun 23
  1. The House hearing highlighted concerns about Biden's administration creating excessive regulations, impacting various aspects like innovation, competition, and public health.
  2. Biden's 'whole-of-government' approach involves directing all federal agencies towards his climate and equity agenda, potentially leading agencies astray from their core missions.
  3. Repealing Trump-era regulatory reforms and rewriting regulatory guidance under Biden's administration may obscure transparency, weaken regulatory checks, and contribute to excessive regulatory intervention.

Climate Expert: Misinformation In The IPCC, Part 2

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Apr 23
  1. The IPCC failed to justify its claim about detection and attribution of changes related to tropical cyclones.
  2. Analysis of long-term data on tropical cyclones shows no significant trends when started from different time points, questioning the attribution of climate change to these trends.
  3. The scientific community concludes that without evidence of trends beyond observed variability, detection and attribution have not been achieved, highlighting inaccuracies in the IPCC's report.

The Earthā€™s Green Future is Forked

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Apr 23
  1. The success of reducing global CO2 emissions and achieving 'net zero' in the western world depends on two main premises: using renewable resources like wind and solar, and convincing other nations to do the same.
  2. It's challenging for the western world to prevent developing countries from seeking affordable power for economic development despite efforts like peer pressure, World Bank controls, and trade incentives or sanctions.
  3. Developing cleaner and more affordable technology domestically and globally, instead of costly and complicated solutions, could potentially have a more significant impact in lowering global emissions and fostering international cooperation.

The Manhattan Contrarian Energy Storage Paper Has Arrived!

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Dec 22
  1. An electrical grid relying on wind and solar power needs massive amounts of energy storage, which makes the entire project impractical and unaffordable.
  2. Compared to the necessary storage requirements for a wind/solar grid, current plans from jurisdictions like Germany, New York, and California are only a tiny fraction of what is actually needed.
  3. There are no working demonstration projects anywhere in the world for a wind/solar/storage energy system, and proponents are pushing for adoption without concrete evidence of its feasibility.

The disturbing links between climate change and modern-day slavery

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Dec 22
  1. A 2022 report by the International Labour Organization, Walk Free, and IOM highlighted a rise in modern slavery, with 50 million people exploited each day, partly due to climate change.
  2. Forecasts indicate that over 200 million people may become environmental migrants by 2050, showcasing the severe impact of climate change on human displacement.
  3. International Justice Mission research emphasizes the strong link between criminal impunity, human exploitation, environmental destruction, and the need for effective legal enforcement to combat these interconnected issues.

Switzerland preps to ban use of electric vehicles in case of energy shortage

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Dec 22
  1. Switzerland is considering banning the use of electric vehicles for non-essential journeys in case of an energy shortage, linking it to the war in Ukraine.
  2. They have drafted ordinances specifically on restrictions and prohibitions regarding the use of electrical energy, including various levels of restrictions based on energy needs.
  3. If Switzerland reaches the most extreme level of energy shortage, restrictions could include limited use of electric vehicles, adjusting thermostats, and even discontinuing certain events.

Calling All Consumers: Itā€™s Time to Recall Our Failing Energy Policies

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Apr 23
  1. A reality check is needed in the national conversation about energy and environmental policy to address failing energy policies.
  2. The US is making progress in transitioning to a lower carbon future through innovations in energy technology, but it requires a smart and consistent approach to meet growing energy demands.
  3. Consumers, including families, farmers, and businesses, should demand energy policies that prioritize affordability, availability, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

Who gets to keep burning fossil fuels as the planet heats up?

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Dec 22
  1. Climate change negotiations at COP27 highlighted the struggle between ending fossil fuel consumption and supporting developing countries that rely on them to escape poverty and deal with climate change impacts.
  2. Wealthy countries have failed to meet promises of financial support for developing countries to transition to cleaner energy, which are estimated to need $2 trillion yearly by 2030 to address climate change causes and effects.
  3. While some argue for allowing the poorest countries to continue using fossil fuels to improve living standards, there are downsides like environmental impacts, costs, and risks of stranded assets, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach towards energy transition.

Train Your Brainā€™ on Climate Change? (debate, donā€™t assume)

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Dec 22
  1. It is essential to question the premises of climate alarmism and forced energy transformation, rather than assuming the shared narrative.
  2. Understanding climate change can be challenging due to its long-term nature and lack of direct perceptibility, requiring efforts to 'train our brains' to prioritize environmental actions.
  3. Encouraging collective action and behavioral change through programs like Eco-Teams can lead to long-term adoption of pro-environment behaviors, highlighting the impact of community efforts.

Tennessee Valley Authority recommends natural gas plant despite objections

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Dec 22
  1. The Tennessee Valley Authority is recommending replacing an aging coal plant with natural gas, going against calls for renewable energy, showing the need for balancing affordability and environmental concerns.
  2. TVA's plan involves constructing a natural gas plant to replace coal-fired turbines, citing costs and transmission upgrades as reasons for selecting this option over solar panels.
  3. Critics, including US Senator Ed Markey, question TVA's decision to move forward with a gas plant, highlighting the need for cleaner energy solutions and the impact of this choice on achieving decarbonization goals.

Biden, Macron vow unity against Russia, discuss trade row

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Dec 22
  1. Biden and Macron vow to stand together against Russia and discuss concerns about Ukraine and trade issues.
  2. Macron expresses opposition to aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act that favor American-made climate technology, while Biden shows willingness to make tweaks to address European concerns.
  3. Despite differences, the U.S.-France alliance remains strong, emphasizing unity against Russian aggression and affirming commitment to shared values and principles.

Strengthening the power sectorā€™s approach to climate risk

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Jul 23
  1. Proactive resilience and adaptation planning in the power sector can help prevent future damage and save costs by 50% in repair expenses.
  2. EPRI's Climate READi initiative is working to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing physical climate risks in the power industry.
  3. Global collaboration among various entities including regulators, utility companies, and national labs is essential to address climate-related challenges in the energy sector.

The Beast of the East

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Dec 22
  1. The 'Beast from the East' referred to a winter with significant energy shortages that caused deaths in the UK and Ireland.
  2. The author warns that in 2022, the British and Irish populations may again face energy poverty and potential deaths due to severe winter conditions.
  3. There is concern that European energy stability is lacking, leaving many vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.

The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the student-loan debt-forgiveness plan and invalidates a Colorado public accommodation law, and moreā€¦

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Jul 23
  1. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a student-loan debt-forgiveness plan due to statutory limitations on adjustments
  2. In a separate case, the Supreme Court upheld designers' free speech rights by invalidating a Colorado law regarding creating wedding websites for same-sex couples
  3. The Supreme Court rejected challenges to the U.S. Department of Education's student-loan debt-forgiveness plan, ruling the challengers lacked standing

23African Climate Scientist: ā€œWomen Bear the Brunt of Climate Changeā€

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Jun 23
  1. Women bear the biggest brunt of climate change according to African climate scientist Susan Chomba
  2. The way the world addresses climate change often overlooks the impacts on women, especially in developing countries where wood burning for tasks like cooking is common
  3. Incorporating the perspectives of women, particularly rural women, in climate solutions can lead to more comprehensive and effective outcomes

ESG Market in US Significantly Smaller Than Earlier Thought

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Dec 22
  1. The US market for ESG-related products is actually less than half the previously reported size, around $8.4 trillion this year.
  2. Investment firms in Europe are removing ESG labels from funds due to stricter regulations, and Asian regulators are also implementing stricter standards.
  3. There has been a focus on greater transparency regarding funds' consideration of ESG factors, with changes in methodology affecting the total reported assets tied to ESG factors.

Lack of standardized reporting, data are big ESG challenges for money managers

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Dec 22
  1. The lack of standardized reporting and data poses significant challenges for money managers navigating ESG guidelines.
  2. 86% of asset managers provide carbon-intensity measures for listed equities, but other asset classes like sovereign bonds lack climate data.
  3. There is a growing emphasis on forward-looking initiatives, with more asset managers becoming signatories to Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives.

Countries adopt mid-century greenhouse gas emissions goal for shipping

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jul 23
  1. Countries in a recent meeting agreed on a mid-century net zero emissions goal for shipping, seen as a step towards reducing the industry's carbon footprint.
  2. The agreement aims for reducing total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20% by 2030 and by 70-80% by 2040 compared to 2008 levels.
  3. Environmental groups believe the agreed targets fall short of what is needed to effectively combat climate change and keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Opinion: Beware the warrior accountants

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jul 23
  1. The International Sustainability Standards Board is rushing to finalize new global standards for climate-related financial reporting, which will be overseen and audited by accountants.
  2. Critics have raised concerns about mandatory climate-scenario analysis and
  3. SCOPE 3 emissions accounting, as these requirements may disproportionately impact small and medium-sized businesses.
  4. There are questions about the speed and lack of consultation in the process, with discussions on whether Canada's involvement in pushing these changes aligns with the interests of its citizens.

The ESG Counter-Revolution Has Arrived

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Dec 22
  1. Investors are becoming skeptical of the ESG movement and are starting to push back against it.
  2. Asset management firms like Vanguard and BlackRock are facing criticism for prioritizing ESG goals over maximizing returns for investors.
  3. State attorneys general and treasurers are taking action against asset management firms like BlackRock by divesting funds due to concerns about ESG initiatives impeding investment returns.

Robert Bryce Hi, everyone, welcome to the power hungry Podcast. Iā€™m Robert Bryce. On this podcast we talk about energy, power, innovation and politics. And Iā€™m pleased to welcome back Irina Slav

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Jun 23
  1. Good kind of selfishness drives people to protect their own lifestyles and stand against negative impacts from energy transition narratives.
  2. People are willing to follow rules until it significantly affects their lives, leading to pushback against policies that threaten their standards of living.
  3. Educating ourselves and future generations on energy systems and logical decision-making gives hope for a better-informed and proactive approach to energy challenges.

Code of Conduct for ESG Data and Ratings Providers Launched as Regulatory Pressure Builds

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jul 23
  1. A new voluntary Code of Conduct for ESG data and ratings providers has been launched to enhance transparency and market integrity.
  2. Regulatory pressure is increasing to ensure the quality and reliability of ESG ratings and data, with calls for improved transparency and oversight.
  3. The Code of Conduct aims to establish consistent global standards for ESG ratings and data providers by addressing governance, quality, conflicts of interest, transparency, confidentiality, and engagement.

Thar She Blows

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Mar 24
  1. Wind energy technology faces challenges like low energy density and expensive maintenance, making it a difficult industry.
  2. Despite claims of being a low-cost energy source, wind turbines require subsidies and do not create economic value for most stakeholders.
  3. The wind industry is struggling financially, facing challenges with technology, feedstock costs, and end-of-life blade disposal, raising doubts about its sustainability.

MSNBC Gets Busted Telling Lies About Famine, Climate Deaths

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 May 23
  1. MSNBC aired a segment with false information about climate change opinions of politicians, misrepresenting facts about climate-related deaths and famine.
  2. Global crop production is increasing significantly as the planet modestly warms, contradicting claims of climate-induced starvation.
  3. Data shows more people worldwide die from cold temperatures than from hot temperatures, indicating warming temperatures have a positive impact on saving lives.

FERCā€™s Office of Public Participation (OPP) would like to remind you of two important public comment periods that are closing soon.

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 01 May 23
  1. FERC's Office of Public Participation is reminding about closing public comment periods for important documents.
  2. The public comment period for the Natural Gas Plan and Procedures Updates closes on May 9, 2023.
  3. It is important for community leaders to stay informed and engaged with FERC's updates and processes regarding environmental issues.

Just Stop Oil Donor Received Ā£110 Million in Green Subsidies from Taxpayer

0 implied HN points ā€¢ 09 Jul 23
  1. Alternative energy companies linked to Just Stop Oil and Labour Party official Dale Vince received around Ā£110 million in taxpayer subsidies over 20 years.
  2. Despite claims of promoting green energy in Britain, financial details suggest that a significant portion of funds went towards company expenses and personal payments, raising questions about financial transparency and use of subsidies.
  3. Investigations reveal discrepancies in claims made by Dale Vince regarding climate change, renewable energy benefits, and company pricing, highlighting potential inconsistencies and challenges in the alternative energy sector.