Year In Review: Who Was Your Mount Rushmore of Energy Agitators?

Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Energy Enemies? How about your Final Four of Energy Agitators?

Tom Shepstone, Energy Security and Freedom, Stephen Heins, The Word Merchant, and Jason Spiess, founder of The Crude Life, discuss who is on their Mount Rushmore of enemies of energy.

Greta’s Eco-Army

Greta Thunberg’s activism positions her as an "energy agitator" because her campaign fundamentally challenges the global energy structure that has underpinned modern civilization and economic progress. By calling for the immediate cessation of fossil fuel use, she overlooks the complex role these resources play in ensuring energy security, economic stability, and quality of life.

1. Energy Security: Fossil fuels account for a significant share of global energy supply, and their reliable availability supports industries, transportation, and households. Thunberg’s rhetoric often disregards the time and investment needed to transition to alternative energy sources without causing widespread energy instability, particularly in developing nations where access to renewable infrastructure is limited.

2. Economic Stability: Oil and gas are integral to global trade, manufacturing, and job creation. A rapid dismantling of this sector, as proposed by activists, could lead to economic upheaval, mass unemployment, and inflation as supply chains are disrupted.

3. Quality of Life: Fossil fuels provide affordable energy that powers healthcare, education, and food production. Without feasible alternatives at scale, aggressive decarbonization could lead to energy scarcity, increasing costs for basic needs, disproportionately affecting low-income communities.

While environmental stewardship is critical, Thunberg’s approach risks polarizing stakeholders and undermining pragmatic solutions that balance climate goals with energy and economic realities. A cooperative, phased strategy—not alarmist activism—is essential for sustainable progress.

Michael Mann and the Hockey Stick

Michael Mann's "hockey stick" theory—depicting a dramatic rise in global temperatures coinciding with industrialization—faces skepticism due to perceived methodological and interpretive flaws. Here are key reasons for this viewpoint:

1. Over-reliance on Proxy Data: The "hockey stick" graph heavily relies on proxy data like tree rings to reconstruct past temperatures. Critics argue that such proxies have inherent limitations and may not accurately reflect historical climate conditions, particularly when compared to direct measurements.

2. Lack of Statistical Robustness: Mann's original study faced criticism for its statistical methods. Notably, researchers like Stephen McIntyre and Ross McKitrick pointed out that the statistical algorithms used in his analysis could produce a "hockey stick" shape even with random data, raising questions about the validity of the conclusions.

3. Minimization of Natural Climate Variability: By focusing on human influence, Mann's theory allegedly downplays natural factors, such as solar activity and volcanic eruptions, which have historically influenced climate change.

4. Economic and Social Implications: The theory has been a cornerstone for policies targeting fossil fuels, which some professionals believe undermine energy security, affordability, and global economic stability without adequately considering the role of innovation and emissions reductions within the industry.

While the oil and gas sector acknowledges the need for climate solutions, Mann’s theory is viewed as overly simplistic and alarmist, potentially steering policies that disrupt energy infrastructure and livelihoods unnecessarily.

Hollywood and the Media

It is essential to address the divisive role that some Hollywood extremists and media outlets play in shaping public discourse on energy. Their polarizing narratives often exaggerate the negative aspects of the energy industry, ignoring the vital role it plays in sustaining modern civilization and ensuring energy security.

1. Misinformation and Oversimplification
   Media portrayals often focus on alarmist rhetoric, demonizing fossil fuels without presenting the full picture of the industry's contributions to global energy needs. Such narratives ignore the fact that renewable energy systems still rely on fossil fuels for production, maintenance, and scaling. By painting the industry as an unyielding villain, they misinform the public and hinder productive discussions on balanced energy transitions.

2. Threat to Energy Security
   By pushing extreme anti-oil agendas, these influencers promote policies that could destabilize energy supplies. Sudden, poorly planned shifts away from fossil fuels create vulnerabilities, such as reliance on foreign energy sources or intermittent power from renewables, which directly impact the quality of life and economic stability.

3. Undermining Innovation
   The oil and gas industry invests heavily in cleaner technologies like carbon capture and methane reduction. However, Hollywood’s dramatizations often overshadow these efforts, making it harder to attract public and policy support for innovative solutions that balance energy security and climate action.

4. Polarizing Public Opinion
   These extreme views discourage collaboration and alienate critical stakeholders, including consumers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Instead of fostering dialogue, they perpetuate division, slowing the path toward sustainable and pragmatic energy solutions.

In essence, the media’s bias and Hollywood’s theatrics undermine the energy industry’s critical role in modern life while ignoring the complexities of transitioning to a sustainable future. Such agitation endangers not only energy security but also public trust and unity in addressing global challenges.

There are more Energy Agitators in the full interview and discussion.

Here is a quick breakdown of each expert’s selections.

Tom Shepstone

1. Nathaniel Simon

2. Rockefeller Family

3. Michael Bloomberg

4. Globalist Cabal – EU, UN, IEA, WEF

Stephen Heins

1. John Kerry

2. Al Gore

3. U.S Regulators Becoming One Mind (RINOs and DINOs)

4. James Hanson

5. Klaus Schwab and António Guterres (extra consideration by Heins)

Jason Spiess

1. Hollywood Extremists

2. Greta Thunberg

3. Michael Mann

4. Industry Enablers & Oil Association (see Rockefeller for basic theme and behavior)

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Dexter®: Original Sin (Dec. 13)
The prequel series Dexter®: Original Sin stars Patrick Gibson as America’s favorite serial killer. Set in 1991 Miami, the show follows Dexter as he transitions from student to avenging murderer. When he can no longer ignore his bloodthirsty urges, Dexter realizes he must learn to channel his inner darkness. Guided by his father, Harry (Christian Slater), he adopts a code designed to help him find and kill those who deserve to be eliminated from society. Dexter must do this without winding up on law enforcement’s radar – a particular challenge once he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.

In addition to Gibson and Slater, this 10-episode drama stars Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, with Patrick Dempsey, and special guest star Sarah Michelle Gellar.

And, yes, Dexter® fans: Michael C. Hall, who earned multiple Emmy® nominations as the original Dexter Morgan in Dexter® and Dexter®: New Blood, is back for Dexter®: Original Sin. He’ll provide the voice of Young Dexter's inner monologue.

Dexter®: Original Sin premieres Friday, Dec. 13, on Paramount+ with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® plan only. New episodes will drop weekly.

No matter what your mood, you'll find something to stream on Paramount+. Watch Now!

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