We should be alarmed at the news that another 200 wind turbines could be coming to Cumbria.
Judging by reports from the North West Regional Assembly, the most beautiful county in the region – if not in the country – is being expected to bear the brunt of the new turbines.
But surely it is time to ask why it should be up to us. Cumbria has long been home to nuclear reprocessing plants and already has more than its fair share of wind turbines. Isn’t it time other counties took on more of the job of energy production?
The Government target of producing a fifth of our energy from renewable sources by 2020 is a good idea.
Everyone realises we cannot go on burning fossil fuels indefinitely.
Quite apart from the impact that most scientists agree they have on the climate, coal, oil and gas are not going to last for ever.
But it remains to be seen which renewable alternatives are best. Wind is not the only one. Solar, wave, hydro and biomass power also need to be considered before we erect 200 more turbines across our countryside.
Besides, many experts believe on-shore wind turbines are ineffective and we should concentrate on building them off-shore instead.
The jury is still out. Let’s put the turbine-building on hold until it has reached a verdict.
News & Star Editorial
11 June 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/11/put-the-turbine-plans-on-hold/