Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.4°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Green investors don’t see the damage they inflict on the environment

It is a strange concept that environmentalists do not appear to see the damage they inflict on the natural habitat in pursuance of their green agenda.

Yes, there is a problem regarding the pollution of our planet that needs to be addressed but pursuing the wrong apparent solution can also be a problem; that can cause as much damage to the natural environment, if not more.

Sometimes you have to step back and take stock of what you are doing to address certain problems and ask yourself a few questions, like how much environmental damage will be done by putting your own perceived environment saving measures in place?

How many of these wind farms would the developers be building if there were no grants and subsidies being paid to the companies who build and run them?

Have the costs of reinstating the wind farm sites back to the condition of the natural habitat created after millennia of natural evolvement, been taken into consideration?

Then you might see that you may be doing more environmental damage trying to fix a problem than the damage the problem was causing in the first place.

The approval of Viking Energy appears to have kickstarted the use of Shetland and its surrounding seabed as an industrial development site for government subsidised wind farms, covering some of the most productive fishing grounds in Europe.

Covering the seabed with wind farm anchors, cables and associated debris, causing the exclusion of Shetland’s fishing fleet from their traditional fishing grounds both East and West of Shetland would potentially wipe out much of what is left of our local fishing industry.

The financial benefits acquired from the sustainable natural resource of fish in our local waters, permeates into practically every other industry and business in Shetland; as fishing has been one of the mainstays of the Shetland economy for hundreds of years.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

The construction of wind farms on the fishing grounds will in all probability cause the end of many local businesses.

When inevitably, the subsidies for electric generation are removed; the profitability of the wind farms will diminish and the developers will eventually move on to grab a share of the next available government subsidy, leaving their uneconomical and broken down wind spiels in a polluted industrial wasteland in their wake.

The people of Shetland can then take stock of the wind farm graveyards the environmental developers have left, as a legacy from them saving the environment for our future generations to live in.

The environmentalist developers can then say as they leave, with their subsidies obtained; look and be proud of the enormous sacrifices the people of Shetland have made to save the planet.

William Polson
Whalsay

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.