The news that RSPB Scotland has formally opposed the Viking Energy Project (what would have been Scotland's largest community wind farm in the Shetland Islands generating 540 MW of electricity) raises several issues (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8167451.stm). Their major concerns appear to be that the turbines would endanger some rare birds including the Golden plover and the Whimbrel. This position results in pessimistic noises from some business-related individuals (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jul/30/uk-energy-nimby). It is actually very difficult to do a proper analysis on the costs versus benefits of such a development (in one sense, global warming wouldn't be good for the birds). The difficulty is that on such issues, business and the bird lobbies tend to have the loudest voices. Even the RSPB recognises that there are benefits in 'green' energy generation. It seems to me that one cannot get much movement towards renewables without causing local problems for some people and some organisms but the results of doing nothing may well be worse.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Taking the Wind Out of Their Sales?
The news that RSPB Scotland has formally opposed the Viking Energy Project (what would have been Scotland's largest community wind farm in the Shetland Islands generating 540 MW of electricity) raises several issues (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8167451.stm). Their major concerns appear to be that the turbines would endanger some rare birds including the Golden plover and the Whimbrel. This position results in pessimistic noises from some business-related individuals (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jul/30/uk-energy-nimby). It is actually very difficult to do a proper analysis on the costs versus benefits of such a development (in one sense, global warming wouldn't be good for the birds). The difficulty is that on such issues, business and the bird lobbies tend to have the loudest voices. Even the RSPB recognises that there are benefits in 'green' energy generation. It seems to me that one cannot get much movement towards renewables without causing local problems for some people and some organisms but the results of doing nothing may well be worse.
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2 comments:
Hi Prof,
The Isle of Wight is currently reeling under impact of the Vestas wind turbine blades facility closing down in Newport - and this is supposed to be 'Eco' Island.
'Eco' so long as it doesn't necessitate wind turbines in our own backyard, apparently - nobody wants them here.
This is not limited to the UK. Apparently, Germans (thought to be keen greens) don't want carbon dioxide stripped from coal-fired power stations to be buried in their back year. Nimbys rule, OK?
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