Debunking Myths
There are many myths about wind energy circulated by those opposed to renewable energy in general or wind turbines in particular. Some are so outlandish that it’s hard to imagine people believe them, others are more subtle requiring a degree of technical background to refute. Since I began my career in this field four decades ago I have tried to focus on the facts–both the promise and pitfalls of wind energy. The links below explore these myths and the topics on which some myths are built.
Grist: Turbine tourism: Bus tours of a wind-energy park are a big hit
By
John Upton
Michigan now has nearly 900 wind turbines, and that lit a lightbulb in the entrepreneurial mind of retired teacher Gene Jorissen. Last summer, he started leading hour-long bus tours of the turbine-dotted Lakes Winds Energy Park in the western part of the state.
VicWind: Waubra – The Way the Wind Blows: Waubra’s residents tell their stories
By
Neil Barrett
Since the Waubra wind farm started generating power in 2009, the town has acquired a dubious reputation: the so-called `Waubra Disease’ is now known internationally. But how much sense does it make? Whilst there’s a small number of complainants among the population of 500, there are also 30 families hosting turbines on their land as well as many turbine neighbours – including community leaders – who live happily with the turbines.
Renewables International: People for wind power
By
Craig Morris
In Scotland, the first 100 percent co-op-owned wind turbine is going up, and in Australia, a new video shows how much locals enjoy the wind turbines on their land.
CBC: 9 leading causes of bird deaths in Canada
By
Somewhat surprisingly, the oil and gas industry and wind turbines, which have both been blamed for causing bird deaths, didn’t make it onto the list of top killers.
CBC: 7,500 bird deaths at gas plant unusual
By
Peter Marra was responding to the deaths of an estimated 7,500 migrating songbirds at a gas plant in Saint John, New Brunswick over the weekend.
Have five minutes? Correct anti-wind myths in articles and comments
By
Mike Barnard
Have you read an article or comment thread online that contains anti-wind myths and disinformation but didn’t have the resources at your fingertips to counter the spin? This post is intended to let you create factual, solid, referenced comments debunking disinformation in five minutes or less in the areas of Health, Environment, Smart Grid and Action.
