Issue 147

Windy Solution?

23rd October 2006

The newly formed Labour Society admittedly coaxed me to their meeting with the promise of fine wine, but once there they raised a few serious questions about the future of our power sources, which is not just relevant to the Labour party, but to all of us.

It is generally acknowledged that global warming is happening, and that our fossil fuels will eventually run out.

One of the most popular sources of renewable energy is thought to be wind power, which is established, provides clean energy, no pollution and is an excellent resource. Wind farms do however have their down-sides as they are very expensive, have poor grid connections and, some argue, visually ruin the landscape.

After exploring the finer points of wind farms, MP Andrew Davies, the Transport Minister of Wales explained what the Labour party was doing to help the problem. He explained Labour's policy to introduce low/non carbon producing forms of electricity. The goal is that 1/10 of our electricity should be renewable by 2010 and by 2020, 2/10 should be renewable. It remains to be seen if this will be achieved, but as Davies pointed out, our current way of life is unsustainable if we continue to use current methods of fuel.

As Transport Minister for Wales, Davies gave examples of how he aims to improve public transport. By increasing and improving services he hopes to get us out of cars, which is one of the main sources of carbon monoxide. He also highlighted the importance of the individual, in our fight to slow down global warming.

The Labour society is very pleased with its ever growing membership and hope that this will be the first of many successful meetings involving outside speakers and, most importantly, local MPs.

To find out what you think of the energy crisis and governments actions we did an opinion poll. If you would like more information about the Labour Society or would like to get in touch with them then you can contact them on: 370195@swan.ac.uk

Dawn Lewis