Car industry’s propaganda blows away that of the wind energy sector
STRUAN Stevenson writes that the wind industry spouts “wearisome propaganda” (Letters, January 6). Compared to the hype of the motor industry propagandising the joy of fast cars, the wind industry is a little breath of fresh air. In addition, there is no “catastrophic energy shortfall”.
We import half of our food from overseas (“Eco warning as Britain imports half its food from overseas”, The Herald, January 6). The huge quantity of energy devoted to moving food around the world is a complete waste. Not only could we grow far more food at home, but also the fat and sugar contained in imports contributes to a damaging glut of energy that accumulates on our bodies to the detriment of our health. Some 30 per cent of food imported is not eaten but is transported to landfill, using even more fuel.
Our country is not “blighted from top to toe with gigantic steel and concrete wind turbines”.
If you travel from Glasgow to London by motorway you will see turbines at most 10 per cent of the time. You will see oil-guzzling motor vehicles 100 per cent of the time. Which is the greater blight? There is no “renewables religion”. On the contrary, the fundamentalism of growth and greed is akin to religion while alternative technology is a means of reducing consumption in favour of a more rational way of living.
The “feverish nature of the climate change debate” is not due to the Greens, who are inherently calm and composed due to a healthier lifestyle. It is due to frustrated petrol-heads venting their road rage in the media.
Building wind farms is not ludicrous. Their intermittent nature is only a bad thing if you think being plugged in around the clock each day of the week is good. Getting some peace from computers and gadgets would be progress.
Business and industry are not reeling from spiralling fuel bills.
The cost of oil is going down, which is a great pity. It only delays the days of free fuel, when walking and cycling will be the main form of locomotion. Norman Armstrong, Free Wheel North, 47 Braeside Street, Glasgow.