In in letter entitled "Time to switch to tidal power", Mr Razzell states that opinions about global warming are divided among environmental Scientists. However, the position held by the overwhelming majority of scientists and scientific organisations is that climate change is real and that changes will accelerate if emissions continue unabated.
Opinion on climate change is therefore divided between those who accept peer reviewed evidence and those who do not. The same applies to the alleged health impacts from wind power. Those who claim that there are adverse health impacts from wind turbines take 'as gospel' the research from non peer reviewed literature, whilst dismissing that from the body scientific.
Mr Razzell refers to the Welsh Government Petitions Committee whose recommendations were largely rejected by Welsh Government on the basis of the evidence. The only recommendation upheld,, that that there is a need for quality consultation with the local community , is one fully supported by the wind energy industry.
He also says that the British Medical Journal expressed concerns about the health issues related to wind turbines; however, this is not strictly true. The article that he is referring to was not written or commissioned by the British Medical Journal; it was an opinion piece and not a research article. Those interested in the subject could worse than read the comment by Simon Chapman , professor in public health at the University of Sydney, entitled "sickening truth about wind farm syndrome", where he lists 17 reviews on the subject which show an insignificant level of risk to health.
Finally, I wholeheartedly agree that we need to fully develop wave and tidal power; however, it certainly should not be at the expense of wind energy which is cost effective, reliable and supports small businesses across Wales during development, construction and operation.
David Clubb, CPhys, FIWA. Director, RenewableUK Cymru
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