As we consider the benefits and costs of renewable energy, let’s as well appreciate the costs of continued use of fossil fuels. Because of their rampant use over the past 100 years, we now face the greatest challenge of the 21st century. Over 2,000 of the world's leading climatologists contributed to the insurmountable evidence of climate change, and we must significantly and urgently address it, especially if we care about life, our own and that which sustains us and all life.
Wind energy is a proven technology and has been used around the world for decades with little mishap (e.g., no oil spills) or damage to the natural environment (e.g., no harm to the ocean floor). In spite of allegations, there is absolutely no evidence that turbines harm benthic life or whales or any other sea life. In fact, turbine foundations become reefs that further biodiversity and become a boon for fishers, human and otherwise.
The proposed local wind project would bring more than $590 million in economic benefits to us Delawareans, strengthen our local grid, create good-paying jobs, lower electricity costs and significantly reduce carbon emissions by over 4 million tons every year. Carbon emissions are a prevalent cause of a warming world and extreme weather that, since 2017, has killed thousands and caused more than a trillion dollars in damages.
Let’s do our best to support renewable energy, that from the wind and sun, and to conserve energy and emissions. Let’s support legislation that makes life more affordable and respects the natural world that sustains us. Let’s conserve energy and emissions by actions including adjusting our thermostats, driving the speed limit in a hybrid or EV, biking and walking, recycling more and better, buying carbon offsets, planting trees and other natives, and setting the example. I can think of little better, especially as we celebrate Earth Day April 22, as we celebrate the renewal of the beautiful and wondrous and sustaining life of spring.
Thank you for your careful consideration about that which affects us all, all life on Earth. Our children and theirs deserve nothing less.
Peter Kleppinger McLean, PhD
Lewes
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