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March 27, 2006
The Wind Power Debate
By:
Ok, so I can understand, I guess, not wanting a big, noisy wind turbine mucking up your view, keeping you awake, and killing birds. However, I have a problem with the extremely short-sighted way that people are complaining about wind power.
Yes, wind turbines can kill birds and bats, and yes that is sad. However, if we're going to replace alot of fossil fuels with wind turbines, can you imagine the net gain in protection for species in general? I don't think there's any way to generate electricity with absolutely no effect on the environment around you. Production, use, and waste from energy supplies are just going to have that downside, no matter what. I would wager, though I'd like to find some research on the topic, that wind turbines kill far fewer living creatures than oil does, especially when you combine the mining of oil in wild areas and oceans, processing and the effects of processing plants themselves, and the pollution that comes from burning it, not to mention what happens when a tanker spills into the ocean. Oh, and then there's coal, which is similarly damaging.
As for lowering property values and being ugly and loud, some of that is mere speculation, and that's all being worked on. I'm quite sure that there is a way around most of those problems, but there's no way around the problems involving fossil fuels. They will always pollute, they will always involve international tension, and they will, eventually, run out. Wind isn't perfect, but it's a pretty great substitute, it's just that the effects are more obvious than the effects of fossil fuels. You can instantly see some bird carcasses around wind turbines, but you can't instantly see the devastating effects of burning coal or gasoline. Those effects are less obvious, but I'm sure that they're much, much more devastating.
Posted by George at March 27, 2006 9:31 AM Category: Alternatives
Comments
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Posted by: Abe at April 2, 2006 6:38 AM
I think you make some very good points, George. Additionally, I don't see why we are once again seeking that "one way" that magic panacea that will save us from fossil fuel dependence. Like those commercials that talk about how all we need is corn oil, without examining how much corn oil (translate corn fields) would be needed to manage our fuel dependency.
I think Rowan has made this point repeatedly and I concur 100% with the notion that WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR FUEL SOURCES AND RADICALLY LIMIT OUR FUEL CONSUMPTION. To me this is a no-brainer.
On a political/economical level, I would love to see power wrested from anyone source of fuel. If there are options, the lobbying power and economic stranglehold of one source is mitigated (particularly if the government enforces old anti-monopoly legislation).
On a practical level, common sense affirms that diversifying power sources is the most environmentally friendly approach to fuel. If wind turbines produce an unpleasant view, what about the old oil fields and rigs jutting out of the ocean? How about the scenery that lays in the wake of mining?
I do agree, George, that wind technology should be one of dozens of new ways that we seek to manufacture energy/fuel. But the most important way would be to change our habits. I, personally, need to learn to use the bus and train. People should consider carpooling whenever possible, and use their car in smart ways (combining trips, shortest routes, etc.).
Posted by: Pamela at April 2, 2006 12:52 PM