The Environment
Climate Change is one of the most urgent and serious issues facing humanity today. More than two thirds of the world's carbon dioxide emissions come from the way we produce and use energy. Consequently, we need to act immediately - the long-term cost of inaction would be far higher than the cost of tackling climate change now.
On current trends, global emissions are set to reach double pre-industrial levels before 2050. The latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - see below) report in 2007 states that maintaining concentrations of CO2 to between 445 parts per million (ppm) and 490ppm would result in a temperature rise of up to 2.0/2.8C. Current atmospheric concentrations are equivalent to about 425ppm CO2.
What is Global Warming?
Most of the sun's rays are absorbed by the earth and help maintain its temperature. Some of the sun's rays are also reflected back into space. However, increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions are trapping more of the sun's rays than ever before from reflecting back into space, which makes the earth heat up faster.
The likely consequences of climate change include:
- Sea level may rise by up to half a metre by the end of this century (0.18m to 0.59 m full range)
- The projected warming will increase the frequency of heat waves and heavy precipitation events, affect storminess and reduce snow and ice cover
- Warming of oceans and melting permafrost could release large amounts of methane (a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2) into the atmosphere
- Increased temperatures could reduce the ability of plants and soils to absorb CO2
- Up to 20% of the global coastal wetlands could be lost Currently 1/3 of world's human population live in water stressed countries - this is likely to double by 2050, resulting in increased economic and political instability in these areas
- 75-250 million people across Africa could face water shortages by 2020
- Crop yields could increase by 20% in East and Southeast Asia, but decrease by up to 30% in Central and South Asia
- Agriculture fed by rainfall could drop by 50% in some African countries by 2020
- 20-30% of all plant and animal species at increased risk of extinction if temperatures rise between 1.5-2.5C
- Glaciers and snow cover expected to decline, reducing water availability in countries supplied by melt water
Source: The IPCC (3rd & 4th Report 2007)
Why Wind?
Global Warming and Climate Change are not abstract concepts. They are very real. And if we don't have the wisdom and commitment to change the way we do things now, not only will there be huge social and environmental consequences for us today there will be even more devastating ones for the generations that follow.
Wind energy offers a real solution. And, what's more, it's a solution that'll make a real difference. That's because wind energy has the definite potential to make a lasting fundamental effect on our environment, as long as we have the foresight to see it. At SSE Renewables, we see that potential. Two reports from the International Panel on Climate Change have concluded that global warming is directly attributable to human activity. That's why we at SSE Renewables have an absolute passion for producing sustainable and dependable sources of energy. Because by harnessing the wind, we can harness the future: not just our future, but our children's too.
- A typical wind turbine installed in the UK today is rated at 2MW, which will generate approximately enough electricity each year for over 1100 homes*
- Wind turbines prevent a significant amount of CO2 and other pollutants from being emitted
- World wind energy capacity has doubled every three years since 1990 and this trend is set to continue
- About 75% of the population support the expansion of wind power and other renewables
- The average wind farm in the UK will pay back the energy used in its manufacture and installation within three to five months
- * based on an average of energy consumption per household of 4.7MWhrs per year
- The wind is a clean, inexhaustible fuel easily converted to electricity without harmful by-products
- Wind energy is part of the solution in combating Climate Change
- The UK has by far the best wind resource in Europe with over 40% of Europe's total
- It is the most advanced renewable technology and can significantly help us achieve renewable energy targets
- Wind energy is truly indigenous and can therefore contribute toward our energy security