Power of Wind

Canada’s energy future needs a new direction. Canada is abundant in natural resources, however, our dependence on non-renewable energy sources like nuclear, coal, and natural gas, has resulted in several negative consequences to the environment and with an aging electrical grid, the call to use more of wind energy in Canada has grown louder and louder. Thus, I believe wind energy is very important to Canada’s energy future.

Wind energy is renewable, easily available, and produces no greenhouse gases. Keeping in mind the catastrophic effects of climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, it only makes sense that Canada starts making more use of clean energy sources like wind energy. Aside from less pollution, wind turbines do not harm human health, as concluded by many independent scientific reviews, and as stated by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. It should also be noted that aside from washing turbine blades, wind energy uses virtually no water, thus preserving water resources that are otherwise used extensively by nuclear and coal power. Furthermore, unlike nuclear power, wind energy does not create hazardous radioactive waste products.

Naturally, the costs of relying completely on wind for electricity generation in the near future would be astronomically high, but we can still use much more wind than what we currently use. Being a very flexible form of electricity, wind energy can easily complement existing electricity sources. With an aging grid, Canada needs a variety of safe and reliable energy sources to meet growing demand for electricity. I support WindVision’s target by 2025 of 20% of Canada’s domestic electricity demand being supplied by wind. This figure will balance Canada’s “energy diet”, will generate employment, meet growing electricity demand, and most importantly, reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Visit friendsofwind.ca to spread the word about wind energy.