I NOTE with interest Alan J Sangster’s claim (Letters, October 4) that the
more honest choice is between accepting wind farms or having no wild place
at all.
This demonstrates a naive and tragic misunderstanding of reality and a lack
of concern for a priceless and fragile asset: Scotland’s landscape.
Scotland’s wind farms will have no influence on climate change. Even the
potential reduction in Scotland’s CO2 emissions is arguable, given the
unsatisfactory character of their output and the release of sequestered
carbon as a result of the destruction of upland peat reserves.
The gesture is pathetic given the relentless rise we have seen in global
energy consumption. There is only one honest solution and that is to reduce
the world’s energy demands.
How would that be achieved? By reducing our universal devotion to
ever-greater consumption. That is not an easy solution given the rising
global population, the legitimate aspirations of the developing nations and
the ability of international corporates to pursue their selfish objectives.
The future seems bleak, since politicians are driven to promise short-term
popular ideas rather than long-term strategic but unpopular policies.
Phrases such as “Scotland, the Saudi Arabia of green energy” may appeal,
but are fundamentally dishonest.
Wind farms are promoted as a kind of palliative to the conscience: “You can
have more since wind is free and blows away the pollution of growing
consumerism.” Unfortunately, the only effective policy is the one already
stated; the delivery of a real and significant long-term reduction in
energy consumption. We need real statesmen to deliver this message. Where
are they?
Scotland’s wild landscapes are a priceless asset. They provide uplift for
the human spirit and escape from our increasingly urban and industrial
environment. They posses world renown for their unique beauty and provide
great pleasure, relaxation, and exercise for huge numbers of people. To
permanently damage this asset through thoughtless or selfish
industrialisation is criminal folly.
Readers should reflect that vested interests, be they elements of the
renewables industry or landowners, native and foreign, are concerned with
personal gain rather than climate change and the permanent benefit of us all.
They are devoted to the perpetuation of the myth and the public-funded
subsidies that come with it.
Norman McNab,
14 Branziert Road North,
Killearn.
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