Blowing Hot & Cold

An often-cited argument against wind energy is that it kills a large number of birds.

- Samantha Ralston-Paton

Proponents for this technology invariably respond that the number of birds affected is a drop in the ocean compared to other sources of bird mortality, such as cars, buildings and cats. They imply that the impact of wind energy on birds is not worth worrying about. Both sides are wrong. To suggest that we need not be concerned about the negative effects of one means of generating energy, in this case wind, if other means do more harm is severely flawed logic. If our goal is to achieve truly sustainable development, we should minimise harm and maximise good in all spheres.