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

INDOOR AIR QUALITY HIGH ON FRIGHT FACTOR, LOW ON ACTUAL FINDINGS

0 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
  1. Proponents of restricting consumer choice often use flawed methodology and scare tactics to portray gas stoves as dangerous. It is essential to critically evaluate the research and consider the testing conditions before drawing conclusions.
  2. The recent study on indoor air quality found that benzene emissions from gas stoves were measured in an unrealistic testing environment, and the comparison to health standards might not be appropriate for evaluating indoor air quality impacts.
  3. Despite claims of harmful benzene emissions, emissions from gas stoves were below California health standards in some cases. The study was funded by organizations advocating to ban gas stoves, which raises questions about potential biases in the research.

Climate Catastrophism and the Grip of Culture

0 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
  1. Climate catastrophism is likened to a cultural phenomenon and presented as a secular religion in a new book.
  2. The book demonstrates the 'cultural cognition' approach in understanding public attitudes towards climate change.
  3. The author warns of irrational cultural behaviors leading to destructive policies that conflict with mainstream climate science.

The Death of Net-Zero? Nothing Like an Energy Crisis to Change Sentiment

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. An energy crisis can significantly shift sentiment towards environmental initiatives like net-zero targets.
  2. Germany, despite its pledge to end international funding for coal, oil, and gas, is considering supporting foreign fossil fuel projects worth over €1 billion.
  3. Internal divisions within countries like Germany over exemptions for gas can impact the adoption of policies restricting funding to coal, oil, and gas projects.

‘Hot continent’ perception downplays dangers

0 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
  1. Misconceptions about Africa being a 'hot continent' downplay the severe dangers of intense heat waves it faces.
  2. Climate change, exacerbated by human activities like burning fossil fuels, is causing unprecedented heat in vulnerable regions like North Africa and the Sahel.
  3. Africans, particularly marginalized groups like children and the elderly, are at greater risk of heat-related health impacts due to inadequate resources and infrastructure to cope with rising temperatures.

OPEC says IEA should be ‘very careful’ about discouraging oil investments

0 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
  1. OPEC warns the IEA to be cautious in discouraging oil investments, emphasizing the importance of industry investments for the sector's stability and growth.
  2. OPEC disputes accusations of targeting oil prices, asserting their focus on market fundamentals and the stability of the oil market.
  3. The relationship between OPEC and the IEA has been strained recently, with differing views on energy investments, output rates, and global decarbonization efforts.
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MCKIBBEN SHINES LIGHT ON PLAYERS BEHIND FRIVOLOUS LITIGATION AGAINST ENERGY COMPANIES

0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
  1. Bill McKibben sheds light on the actors driving frivolous lawsuits against energy companies, such as 350.org and the Rockefeller Family Fund.
  2. A network of Rockefeller organizations has been funding and coordinating the climate litigation campaign for over a decade, aiming to pressure states and municipalities to sue energy companies for climate change costs.
  3. The Center for Climate Integrity (CCI), funded by billionaires like Chris Hohn, plays a significant role in guiding state and local officials to bring climate lawsuits, undermining the grassroots perception of these litigations.

EU Grids Put To The Test During Season’s First Major Cold Spell

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. Europe is facing a severe cold spell due to a weak polar vortex, which is impacting its power grids and natural gas supplies.
  2. The cold weather is significantly increasing residential and commercial heating demand across Europe.
  3. The reliance on natural gas in Europe is being stressed due to nuclear outages in France, low wind output, and challenges with demand reduction measures.

As a climate journalist, I get asked a perennial question by my fellow Americans: What do I do in the face of a crisis so big and complicated?

0 implied HN points • 02 May 23
  1. To address climate crisis, individuals can embrace innovation and adaptability, like farmers in Malawi and Uganda, who are creatively responding to climate-related challenges.
  2. Climate change solutions can involve simple yet effective techniques like planting trees, experimenting with sowing techniques, and sharing knowledge and resources among communities.
  3. Communities facing climate adversity display resilience and resourcefulness, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and innovation in building climate resilience.

How Oil and Gas Exports Are Undermining Climate Progress

0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
  1. The U.S. is significantly increasing its fossil fuel exports, undermining its climate progress and environmental justice efforts.
  2. The buildout of oil and gas export infrastructure can lead to massive carbon emissions, hindering the transition to clean energy.
  3. Frontline communities, already burdened by pollution, face increased health risks and environmental damage due to the expansion of oil and gas export facilities.

DOE Should Avoid Making A Grid Supply Chain Crisis Worse

0 implied HN points • 02 May 23
  1. There is concern about the Department of Energy's new proposed regulation to implement stricter efficiency standards during a supply chain crisis.
  2. Power industry leaders are worried about severe supply chain constraints, especially related to distribution transformers, impacting their ability to respond to events like hurricanes quickly.
  3. The timeline for obtaining transformers, both small and large, is a major concern in the power industry, with delays of up to five years for large transformers being highlighted.

U.S. scientists announce fusion energy breakthrough | LIVE

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
  1. U.S. scientists achieved a fusion energy breakthrough with net energy gain for the first time. This brings us closer to zero-carbon fusion energy.
  2. Despite significant hurdles, fusion technology may be widely used within a few decades, offering limitless, clean energy without creating radioactive waste.
  3. The fusion reaction milestone, though a great advancement, still requires more power production sustainability. Fusion has potential to provide carbon-free energy from abundant hydrogen sources.

Climate change and crumbling infrastructure create a ‘perfect storm’ for Americans living in flood zones

0 implied HN points • 01 May 23
  1. The Mississippi River has had major floods throughout history, including the Great Floods of 1927, 1993, and 2011, posing a continuous threat to the area.
  2. Flood control structures in the US, like dams and levees, are aging and at risk of failure, highlighting the need to shift focus from flood control to flood avoidance.
  3. To mitigate the impact of climate change on flooding, it's crucial to explore nature-based solutions, relocate infrastructure from flood-prone areas, and invest in proactive measures to avoid future disasters.

New York's ISO Issues A Warning

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. New York's ISO is warning about declining reliability in electricity due to retirement of fossil fuel generation and slow entry of renewable resources.
  2. The ISO states that emission-free technologies necessary to replace fossil fuel generation are not yet available on a commercial scale.
  3. The ISO's warnings indicate a clear gap between political mandates for renewable energy and the current technological limitations.

Reconnecting Regulators to the Regulated Gianna Hill

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
  1. The United States is becoming more of a Regulatory State, highlighting a disconnect between regulators and the public.
  2. The current regulatory system leans towards expert knowledge and excludes public input, leading to a lack of accountability to ordinary people.
  3. Proposals suggest a shift towards a new regulatory system that centers on the needs of real people, aiming for accountability and inclusivity.

Central Bankers Who Predicted Net Zero Would Lower Inflation Got It Spectacularly Wrong

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. Predictions that transitioning to net zero would lower inflation have been proven wrong as prices are not decreasing as expected.
  2. The shift to green energy may worsen inflation due to increased expenses in generating wind, solar electricity, and other green initiatives.
  3. Central bankers who anticipated a decrease in inflation with net zero may find it difficult to achieve their goals, as faster action may come with a heavy cost and push prices up for decades.

Climate Alarmists’ War On Nitrous Oxide Threatens World’s Food Supply

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
  1. Four eminent scientists presented a paper showing that the 'war on nitrous oxide' to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050 could lead to a collapse in the world's food supply.
  2. Nitrous oxide (N2O) contributes minimally to global warming compared to other greenhouse gases, and imposing harsh restrictions on N2O emissions could jeopardize food supplies worldwide.
  3. Eliminating nitrogen fertilizers from agriculture, which are crucial for high productivity, could result in a return to low-output farming and endanger the food supply for the growing global population.

Addressing Climate Change Will Not “Save the Planet”

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
  1. Addressing climate change will not necessarily solve the biodiversity crisis; focusing only on climate change overlooks other crucial factors like habitat loss and pollution.
  2. Expecting renewable energy solutions to save the planet may lead to unintended consequences like habitat destruction and wildlife extinction due to the demands of green technology production.
  3. Conservation biologists suggest shifting away from the narrative of 'saving the planet' solely through climate mitigation and addressing the realities of habitat loss and biodiversity crash.

‘Deeply damaging mistake’: UK’s decision to approve a new coal mine criticized as misguided

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
  1. UK's decision to approve a new coal mine is criticized as a deeply damaging mistake by environmental NGOs and other organizations.
  2. Coal mining has a substantial environmental impact, emitting pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
  3. The approval of a new coal mine in Cumbria has sparked controversy, with critics emphasizing the importance of transitioning away from coal towards cleaner energy sources.

U.S. energy envoy Hochstein calls investor hostility to shale drilling "un-American" -FT

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
  1. US energy envoy Hochstein criticizes shale investors for not increasing drilling in the face of high profits, calling it 'un-American'.
  2. Hochstein urges oil companies to prioritize production over share buybacks and dividends to benefit the American public.
  3. President Biden has been pressuring US oil and gas companies to use their profits to boost production and lower fuel prices for consumers.

Big Three Nets Ignore Vanguard Leaving Woke ‘Net Zero’ Alliance

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
  1. The Big Three news networks did not cover Vanguard leaving the climate alliance, showing a bias in their reporting.
  2. Vanguard's departure from the alliance was due to concerns of investor confusion and political criticism.
  3. ESG standards, like those related to climate change and gender, are being used to push companies toward a specific ideological agenda.

Squeeze Them Until They Squeak

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
  1. The metaphor of the 'boiling frog' is true - symbolizing people being gradually pressured into actions they may not be ready for.
  2. Reports emphasize the urgency to speed up the transition to avoid climate catastrophe, with huge costs involved.
  3. The financial industry's approach to climate change is more subtly persuasive, focusing on the costs of inaction rather than alarmist language.

99.2% of Swiss National Bank Shareholders Just Rejected a Green Investment Push

0 implied HN points • 01 May 23
  1. 2% of Swiss National Bank shareholders rejected a green investment push, prioritizing price stability over climate concerns
  2. Swiss National Bank's decision showcases a commitment to its primary goal amidst pressure from climate change activists
  3. The rejection highlights the bank's stance against distractions and its focus on financial prudence despite external pressures

How Much Does the Jones Act Cost?

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. The Jones Act costs consumers almost $800 million per year just for petroleum products, due to its strict regulations on shipping between US ports.
  2. Repealing the Jones Act could save East Coast consumers millions each year and reduce the price of gasoline in certain states by 76 cents per barrel.
  3. Protectionist laws like the Jones Act can lead to higher costs for consumers and create demand for imports in industries like petroleum products.

Clean Power Professionals Group This special interest group is for professionals to connect and discuss all types of carbon-free power alternatives, including nuclear, renewable, tidal and more. joi

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
  1. The Clean Power Professionals Group is a space for experts to connect and talk about different carbon-free power options like nuclear, renewable, and tidal energy.
  2. Offshore wind is considered crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of the power sector, with ambitious goals set by the Biden Administration and states in the northeast.
  3. The success of the offshore wind coalition lies in crafting a convincing message about combating climate change, creating jobs, and emphasizing cost-saving potential through proper planning.

The Flight to Quality in the Carbon Markets

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. Carbon offset credit prices have dropped due to global economic conditions and lack of progress on global carbon credit standardization
  2. Verra, a major carbon credit certification company, faced integrity issues leading to distrust in carbon offsets
  3. Companies are now seeking higher quality carbon credits elsewhere, even if they come at a higher cost

This is the latest summary update of my recent posts at Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York.

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
  1. The Climate Act implementation plan for New York raises concerns about lacking a realistic cost-benefit assessment and feasibility analysis.
  2. Examining the New York Cap-and-Invest Plan highlights the need to consider factors unique to CO2 emissions control to prevent unexpected costs or permit shortages.
  3. The NYISO's Comprehensive Reliability Plan underscores the complexity of New York's electric grid transition and the risks associated with changing conditions and increased demand.

A Comprehensive Critique Of Net Zero Fantasies

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. The Energy Policy Research Foundation provides a critical assessment of the IEA's Net Zero Scenario, highlighting unrealistic assumptions and contradictions that could lead to higher energy costs and economic devastation.
  2. Despite significant investments in the energy transition over the past two decades, the share of non-hydro renewables remains low, showing the slow progress in transitioning the global energy supply.
  3. The shift to electric vehicles as a solution for zero emissions faces challenges, such as reliance on coal-powered electricity in countries like China, indicating indirect GHG emissions, and a lack of demonstrated or invented technology for a net zero transition.

Sweden Cancels Renewable Energy Targets, Will UK Should Follow?

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. Sweden canceled its renewable energy targets and shifted to a more technology-neutral aspiration for '100% fossil-free' energy provision, emphasizing the importance of nuclear power.
  2. The decision by Sweden signifies a change in focus towards more stable and clean electricity production, highlighting the challenges with relying solely on wind and solar energy.
  3. The United Kingdom is encouraged to follow Sweden's lead in transitioning towards nuclear energy and recognizing the necessity of a gas-to-nuclear pathway for industrialized economies to remain competitive.

Climate change indicators reached record levels in 2023: WMO. The state of the climate in 2023 gave ominous new significance to the phrase “off the charts.”

0 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
  1. Climate change indicators reached record levels in 2023 according to the WMO. The climate report highlighted alarming extremes in temperature, sea levels, and weather events.
  2. The report emphasized the urgent need for renewable energy transition as a hopeful solution in combating climate change. Renewable energy capacity increased significantly in 2023.
  3. The economic impact of climate change is substantial. The report stressed the importance of global climate financing, as the cost of inaction is higher than the cost of taking climate action.

Supreme Court To Hear Case Endangering the Chevron Doctrine

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. A case involving fishery regulation could potentially impact the Chevron Doctrine, a key legal principle giving deference to administrative agencies.
  2. The upcoming Supreme Court decision on Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo may determine the fate of the Chevron Doctrine established in 1984.
  3. The debate around Chevron Doctrine highlights the balance of power between government branches; overturning it could have significant implications for agency authority and judicial decisions.

To Further Crippling Climate Agenda, Calif. Bans Non-Electric Freight Train Engines

0 implied HN points • 01 May 23
  1. California is implementing aggressive regulations to limit emissions from freight train engines as part of its climate agenda.
  2. The regulation bans locomotive engines constructed more than 23 years ago by 2030 and aims for zero emissions for all industrial and passenger locomotives by 2030 in California.
  3. Projections suggest the regulation could lead to health savings of $32 billion, prevent premature deaths, and reduce emergency room visits.

A rising tide of investors have backed demands for climate change plans

0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
  1. Shareholders of major banks like Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are pressuring them to align financing activities with climate change goals.
  2. Investors like Norway's oil fund and asset managers are supporting resolutions for banks to set climate transition plans, indicating a growing demand for sustainable financing practices.
  3. The pressure on banks regarding their financing of climate change is intensifying, with increasing scrutiny on their role in financing carbon-intensive companies and projects.

Let Them Eat Solar Panels Ex-Im’s $900 million loan for a solar project in Angola is green colonialism

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. The $900 million loan for a solar project in Angola by Ex-Im Bank is seen as green colonialism, raising concerns about the rich countries' approach to financing renewable projects in developing nations.
  2. There is a noteworthy trend in international finance where multilateral and bilateral lenders are declining to finance hydrocarbon projects in developing countries due to climate change concerns, affecting energy access and development.
  3. Critics argue that the wealthy nations' push for restrictions on hydrocarbon projects in developing countries can hinder their development and prosperity, reflecting a form of 'green colonialism' where the global energy poor often lack representation and input in decision-making.

Report Discusses Potential Impact of ESG Claims on Directors and Officers Insurance

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
  1. Allianz report highlights risks for directors & officers insurance related to ESG issues and climate change litigation worldwide.
  2. Recent lawsuits against companies and their boards emphasize the importance of strong ESG frameworks and governance for insurers to offer capacity.
  3. Studies show that climate-related litigation can lead to reduced market capitalization of defendant companies, causing concerns for insurers and industry executives.

Subsidies: The Mother’s Milk of Corporatism and Grifting

0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
  1. Green energy projects heavily rely on government subsidies to be profitable, raising concerns about their long-term sustainability and profitability.
  2. Corporations and governments are willing to invest huge amounts of money into speculative projects, even without secured customers, based on the expectation of receiving subsidies.
  3. The use of subsidies in projects like 'green' ammonia production can lead to significant economic risks and create a reliance on government support for the viability of such initiatives.

Top lawmakers blast 'activist court' ruling blocking natural gas pipeline

0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
  1. Top lawmakers criticized a federal appeals court for blocking the construction of a major natural gas pipeline, despite bipartisan legislation allowing it.
  2. The legislation approved the pipeline and transferred jurisdiction for legal review, but the court issued a stay, causing delays and disputes.
  3. The pipeline, projected to generate significant revenue, faces challenges as lawmakers accuse the court of activism and call for the project to continue.

The tricky business of putting a dollar value on a human life

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
  1. The EPA's draft 'social cost of carbon' analysis sparks a complex debate on the value of US lives vs. lives abroad, highlighting the challenges of determining a dollar value for human life.
  2. The EPA's method of weighing mortality costs as related to per capita income of different countries results in varying values for lives saved, with implications for international collaboration and ethical considerations.
  3. The approach of valuing foreign lives differently in the social cost of carbon rule presents both political and technical flaws, raising questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the methodology used by the US government.

Viewers Boycott Countryfile Show, Rip BBC For ‘Ultra Woke’ Just Stop Oil Report

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
  1. Viewers boycotted the show due to backlash from an 'ultra woke' report on oil, leading to some viewers claiming they would stop watching the program.
  2. The BBC program featured a segment showing communities working to reduce fuel bills through communal efforts, highlighting the challenges rural households face in the current energy crisis.
  3. Just Stop Oil, an environmental activist group against fossil fuels, was criticized by viewers for being given airtime on the show, with some labeling them as 'eco-terrorists' and 'cranks.'

NYSERDA Solar Quiz Misinformation

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
  1. NYSERDA is spending $500,000 per year for a PR effort to maintain a positive narrative about the Climate Act, potentially misleading the public.
  2. The solar quiz provided by NYSERDA contains misinformation, such as downplaying the costs of solar energy and exaggerating the benefits, which can mislead people.
  3. Despite promises of protecting prime farmland and implementing responsible solar siting strategies like agrivoltaics, New York's solar implementation policies are flawed and causing harm to agriculture and local communities.