At the end of the day yesterday, we were left wondering if wind energy is all that it’s cracked up to be. We met with an anti-wind activist who made several points that we hadn’t considered. First, she mentioned that coal and natural gas plants continue to operate at full capacity anywhere that wind turbines are constructed, including Denmark (which has the most turbines of any country). This means that the construction of the turbines has not yet caused a decrease in the amount of carbon emissions. She also provided us with information about the negative effects that the turbines have on the health of both humans and wildlife. Lastly, the British government gives utility companies that operate wind farms roughly $100 for every megawatt of energy that they produce. This has inevitably led to some corrupt doings. She told us of one farmer who used a diesel generator to make the turbines spin so that he could receive the government money. She was very generous and provided us with several print resources that can be used in the classroom next year. This activist is not affiliated with any organized anti-wind organization, but she is staunchly anti-wind. While it was great to talk to her and hear that side of the issue, we recognize that it would probably help our research to gather information from pro-wind activists, such as local conservation groups.

This morning, we left Swansea and drove to Aberystwyth. We took an inland route down some tiny winding roads with breathtaking vistas that only Erin admired. (Peter had to keep his eyes on the road!) We easily found our B&B, which occupies the top floor of a family home on a 22-acre farm, and we’re now enjoying free Internet access at the Aberystwyth library. We’ll be in north Wales for a few more days, which will hopefully include more wind turbines!

And for those of you who are wondering: yes, everyone is just as nice over here as Christian Perry.