Renewables can be damaging

Why is not more being said about renewables’ impact on our natural world?

Devastation is being caused by expanding energy projects, in particular wind turbines which are killing massive numbers of birds and bats.

Turbines cause pressure waves which make bats’ lungs implode (barotrauma).

A recent study raised the possibility that whole populations of some bat species might be threatened.

Noise from offshore wind farms can disturb marine mammals the long term consequences of which, we do not yet know.

Yes, large numbers of birds are killed by cats but they tend to take weak and sickly individuals, whereas wind farms tend to affect species that are rare and where populations are already under pressure.

The manufacturing processes for photovoltaic panels are also far from green with many panels made from silicon, which goes through a two-stage refining process.

It is now only beginning to be understood that there is a problem of what to do with ‘end of life’ solar panels.

Hazardous materials have been shown to wash out of broken panels in a matter of weeks.

We should heed The Global Warming Policy Foundation, an all-party and non-party think tank and a registered educational charity which, while being open-minded on the contested science of global warming, is deeply concerned about the costs and other implications of many of the policies currently being advocated.

It is important we are all informed of what is happening in a reliable and robust way and not to misinformation we are all frequently subjected to on many subjects in these present times.

Renewable energy is thought to have a reputation of being environmentally friendly, but reliable reports show that this is underserved.

Wind, solar, biomass and even hydro power can be highly damaging and could see our landscapes desecrated and our wildlife slaughtered. Do we really want this? Look at our own area of outstanding natural beauty in Chichester and consider. MRS C HUTCHINGS Church Road Chichester