We all use electricity, but we rarely think about how our electricity is generated or the effect this has on our environment. Generating power from the wind is relatively new in Europe, and it is important that issues it raises are understood. Wind energy is popular and many people welcome the sight of modern aerodynamic windmills, turning gracefully as they produce clean electricity.
Wind energy produces electricity without creating pollution or emitting carbon dioxide.
Unlike fossil fuels the wind will never run out. Along with other renewable technologies and energy efficiency, it will be crucial in reducing global climate change, acid rain and other environmental problems. Global climate change is now believed to be the most serious environmental threat facing the human race. Scientists have predicted that the average temperature around the world will increase by between 1 and 3.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, a rate of warming greater than at any time over the last 10,000 years. This is expected to lead to rising sea levels, causing flooding to low-lying coasts and islands.