Go Green? Not So Fast. Just Doesn’t Make Sense
By Tom Last
In last week’s Op-Ed article “Go Green? Not So Fast,” the author tries to make a case for not using or slowing down the use of green (renewable) energy. I disagree with the “Not So Fast” author’s point of view and have made my own case, on the matter, in the following paragraphs.
Let’s start with the Op-Ed piece. In the article, the author mentions “for decades” we have been trying to solve the issue to fight climate change and we are no closer to a solution. This statement is inaccurate, as green energy (i.e., solar, wind hydro, geothermal, and biomass) now produce more than 20% of all U.S. energy and continues to grow rapidly. Congress passed the “Inflation Reduction Act” (2022), which will speed up this conversion from fossil fuels to green (clean) energy. The United States has set a goal of net-zero greenhouse emissions by no later than 2050. Also, in a poll by the Pew Research Center (March 1, 2022), 69% of all Americans prioritize developing alternate energy sources, such as wind and solar, over expanding the production of oil, coal, and natural gas. On the local level, the largest wind farm in NY state now resides in the offshore waters of Long Island with more wind farms being implemented in the next couple of years.
The “Not So Fast” author cites an article from 2018 (SciTechDaily) regarding Wind Farms. However, I am curious why the author is not using a more updated source to support her suggestion that wind farms and solar energy would heat up the atmosphere, because as you know, all types of green energy technology have vastly improved over six years. I do agree with the following quote from the SciTechDaily: “We must quickly transition away from fossil fuels to stop carbon emissions. In doing so, we must make choices between various low-carbon technologies, all of which have some social and environmental impacts. The work should not be seen as a fundamental critique of wind power.”
As I have stated in previous articles, green energy sources do have a carbon footprint. However, this is small compared to the benefits of wind power as a clean energy source. With over 72,000 wind turbines in the United States (as of 2023) and near-term forecasts for wind energy to increase significantly by 2030, it does seem that we are finally heading in the right direction in regard to green energy development.
The “Not So Fast” author also mentions “energy generation for turbines is also dependent on windy areas, which are few and far between in the United States.” This statement does not make sense! Wind turbines are placed in windy locations (e.g. out in the ocean) to produce maximum energy, and solar panels are placed in locations where there is abundant sunshine. The Long Island windfarms along with other NY State renewable energy sources are expected to generate 70% of the state’s electricity by 2030.
The “Not So Fast’”author would have you believe that planting trees will solve the climate change problem and although, as I have written previously, trees are a good source in our battle against climate change, planting trees alone will not come close to solving the climate change condition, especially when we are losing millions of trees a year due to forest fires caused by rising temperatures and less precipitation.
We need to put politics aside when trying to solve climate change. With November temperatures feeling more like September temperatures, wildfires burning in our own backyards (e.g., New Jersey, Connecticut, and even Prospect Park), and drought alerts in 48 of the 50 states, there is no time to slow down the progress of renewable energy.
Here are some final thoughts on the matter using lyrics from John Mellencamp’s song “Peaceful World”:
“People know this world is a wreck
We’re sick and tired of being politically correct
I see through it now, but I didn’t at first
The hypocrites made it worse and worse
I can see more work to be done
It’s what you do and not what you say
If you’re not part of the future, then get out of the way”
Go Green, Rockaway, Now!
