Wind farms are our biggest Eco danger
HOLYROOD’S net zero, energy and transport committee is seeking views on proposals which would introduce the crime of ecocide into Scots law. Ecocide refers to mass damage and destruction of ecosystems – severe harm to nature which is widespread or long-term. What could be more damaging than wind farms? From toxic mining processes to the digging up of peatland which is then filled with massive concrete foundations, deforestation, killing and displacement of wildlife and the Scottish Government’s own rejection of any ban on wind turbine blade graveyards once old turbines are decommissioned, despite the fact many other countries have already banned these giant fibreglass and plastic blades from landfill sites. The people whose lives have been ruined by the impact from noise and blinking aviation safeguarding lights, among many other things, will also tell you that wind turbines are a crime against humanity. Increasingly, the same comments can be applied to the tsunami of solar farm and Bess (Battery Energy Storage Systems) applications that are now blighting Scotland’s environment. The consulation document says: ‘The Scottish Government has also committed to a “just transition” to net zero and a circular economy. An ecocide law would have implications for this. By acting as a deterrent from engaging in potentially environmentally damaging projects, it aligns with the guiding principles on the environment. By encouraging investment in environmentally sustainable projects and renewable energy, and by discouraging investment in projects that pose a greater risk to the environment it could support the move to net zero and a circular economy.’ We are greatly concerned by the headin-the-sand attitude to environmentally-damaging renewable energy developments exemplified by this complacent statement. The idea that an ecocide law could ‘encourage investment in… renewable energy’ demonstrates a complete failure to understand that renewable energy developments probably represent the greatest assault that Scotland’s environment is suffering. An Ecocide Bill that encourages such ecocide (which leaves a toxic legacy for future generations) would be oxymoronic (as well as moronic). You either criminalise ecocide or you don’t. There can be no exceptions. You don’t save the environment by destroying it.
AILEEN JACKSON, Scotland Against Spin, Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire
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