Let me start by saying that I’m not the world’s biggest fan of wind energy. I doubt that I’ve been entirely fair to it in the past. I’m not convinced it’s really that great an investment. Although I certainly think it’s neat, and I even like seeing wind turbines on the horizon. However, some people are making critiques of wind that are pure rubbish. So why not spend some time taking out the trash?
I regularly see the argument that wind can’t reduce carbon output much if at all.
Here’s an example from the Canada’s National Press, which says, and I quote, “Der Spiegel reports that ‘Germany’s CO2 emissions haven’t been reduced by even a single gram’”. Umm, no. Says Der Spiegel:
Wind Turbines in Europe Do Nothing for Emissions-Reduction Goals
By Anselm Waldermann
Despite Europe’s boom in solar and wind energy, CO2 emissions haven’t been reduced by even a single gram.
The National Press fabricated a quote that is at odds with the article being reference. It’s clear from reading the actual article that they’re talking about European emissions not being reduced, not “Germany’s CO2 emissions.” In fact, the article makes the point that German CO2 emissions have declined because of its increased use of renewable energy. European emissions aren’t falling because Germany is selling it’s unused carbon credits to other nations who are then emitting carbon; such is life under a cap & trade system when the cap isn’t being lowered.
