It is true that as of 2003, wind power in the United States was the fastest growing form of energy. But I believe that we need to take wind power more seriously, and set up more stations for wind power. Wind power is a renewable source of energy. We don't have to worry about the supply because there will always be more wind. That fact itself is a huge incentive to use wind power. We can see the problems that we are encountering today with finite resources such as oil and natural gas. To have a source of energy that will never run out is something that we need to take advantage of. Also, wind itself does not cost anything. Most importantly, wind power results in no pollution, and takes up relatively small amounts of land. We can therefore sustain wind power for a vast amount of time. There is no product waste associated with wind power. It is evident the wind energy is very beneficial for the environment. Along with all of the environmental benefits to wind power, there is also an economical benefit. Many jobs are associated with wind power: meteorologists, engineers, surveyors, mechanical operators, and etc. In today's economy, isn't it important to create more jobs? What percent of Americans today are unemployed?
There are some cons to wind power. But the cons of wind power, compared to the cons of other energy sources, are small in comparison. One of the worst cons affiliated with wind power is the damage that the stations can obtain due to thunderstorms. The turbines sustain the most damage due to lightning. Another problem with the turbines is that it can affect the migration pattern of birds, and also kill birds with the blades. Also, it is argued that for wind power to be efficient, turbines must be in an area where there are 10 mph winds for a long period of time. In addition, turbines are often expensive to set up. Some of the smaller cons of wind power are the TV. reception near the turbines and the noise generated by the turbines. TV reception is sometimes interfered with by the turbines. Also, the noise may be considered bothersome to some people.
Obviously there are negative arguments against wind power. Not much can be done against damage from lightning. When building the stations, it is important to keep in mind any bird migration patterns. We can avoid building them in areas well known more bird migration. Obviously every place a wind turbine is built there is not going to be a constant 10 mph wind, but even some wind will create energy. Every little bit will help. As for the expense issue, it is true that the turbines have an expensive start-up cost. But after the initial set-up, wind power is one of the most inexpensive sources of energy. The noise and TV reception are issues, of course, but I believe that they hail in comparison to issues associated with other energy resources, like pollution. With technology today, surely we could develop a way for TV reception to remain intact around the turbines.
There are cons to using wind power, no one can doubt that. But the pros to using wind as an energy source heavily outweigh the cons. When we have an opportunity that allows us to get energy from a source that leads to no pollution, very small environmental impacts, and an increase in jobs, aren't we as people obligated to pursue it? Don't we have the responsibly to protect our environment as we search for means to support ourselves? I can't help but believe, as I lay in bed trying listening to the wind gust outside, that wind power is an effective, smart way to get energy. I believe we need to seize the opportunity and build more wind turbines to obtain energy.
Melissa Schrauben
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