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Feb 09 2004 4 Comments

Back to the drawing board

In a bid to produce environmentally friendly energy, the government has been increasing the number of wind-powered generators in Hokkaido, northern Japan. A positive move most people would no doubt agree.

However some natural conservation organizations think differently, as last week an endangered eagle (designated a natural monument no less) was found dead near one of the generators. Apparently severed by the blades. Due to this, the groups have urged caution in building more wind-powered generators. Claiming that during times of poor visibility, birds can’t always see them.

Looks like it’s back to burning coal then.

wind.jpg
Some wind-powered generators patiently waiting for birds last week

Categorized: Current Affairs, General, Science

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kev says

    2/10/2004 at 1:09 am

    Pollute or protect? That’s a tricky one…

    Reply
  2. Lee says

    2/10/2004 at 9:21 am

    Yeah, it is a tough call. But so many government projects involve pouring lots of concrete over open spaces, that the wind-powered generators, whilst not perfect, seem like a step in the right direction.

    Reply
  3. Elay says

    2/10/2004 at 6:20 pm

    It is a completely tough call, but as long as the government is careful not to put generators along known well-traveled migration routes, it still does a better job than pumping tons of smog into the air. Plus, the more coal factories are shut down and whatnot, the less low-visibility days for the birds ;-). the one thing i would consider, if i were the government, would be to determine a paint color that is highly visible to birds so it would be easier to avoid the windmills. either that, or perhaps there is some sort of frequency transmission that could be sent out that causes birds to avoid the area.

    Reply
  4. Machete of Truth says

    2/11/2004 at 12:03 am

    Haven’t they ever heard of minced squab? It’s great.

    Seriously, though, why worry about birds, when there are so many environmental loons around?

    Reply

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