Re: General Discussions
Reply #621 –
I declare my ignorance on this subject, straight up, so the following may seem naive.
From my limited (very) knowledge on this it seems just about any electricity source brings with it it's own unique problems.
I've watched docos that are pro nuclear and others than are anti nuclear (attempting to educate myself. Ditto windfarms, solar and even tidal things!).
Seems that economics play a large and controlling role in all this... quick fixes with quick and continued financial returns (on corporate investment) seem to be big drivers.
Hydroelectric power has strong pros re emissions but even the large dams needed are problematic - setup costs, environmental impact, local community impact, climate vulnerabilities and even methane gas releases over time. But having lived in areas with a predominant hydroelectric power generation the improved air quality was palpable, though there may well have been other factors contributing to this ie, NZ, which has better than 50% hydro usage, is also small with plenty of wind to remove pollution... though some (polluted air) is blowing in now from other countries. I think that Tassies hydroelectric power accounts for more than three quarters of the states power and boy, the air quality there is noticeably cleaner.
We live in West Gippsland and even an hours drive to the city (Melb) delivers a difference in air quality that is noticeable.
Although perhaps very anecdotal, when I was at Franganstan High (1400 students) back in the late 60s/early 70s, students with asthma were an oddity, in fact you could have counted them on your own fingers! Now, apparently, almost 33% of young folks have asthma issues from mild, occasional... to chronic.