Wind: A Renewable Source of Energy
Fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil are formed from the fossils of dead plants and animals. The formation of these fuels takes billions o
years and their reserves are limited. Hence, these fuels are classified as non-renewable sources of energy. The energy contained in fossil fuels is
obtained by burning them. This burning process releases harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
Due to the hazards and limitations of using fossil fuels, many countries across the world are now looking for cleaner and renewable sources of
energy. As many as 80 countries have now decided to use wind energy by 2050 in order to reduce carbon emissions. Clearly, wind energy is the hop
for the future energy crisis. Several scientists and climate change experts have supported this decision to use wind energy. They believe that
harnessing wind energy is cost-effective as one wind turbine is enough to deliver energy to a large number of homes. They say that since wind is
free, its energy can be harnessed whenever the wind blows. Another incentive to harnessing wind energy is that it is a win-win situation for land
owners. This is because land owners who install wind turbines on their land would receive benefits from the Wind Energy Association
However, another group of scientists has expressed skepticism about the value of wind energy and pointed out many disadvantages. For
example, during hurricanes and storms, damaged wind turbines pose a great danger to humans. Wind turbines placed in remote areas will be a
major threat to birds and animals as well. Noise pollution is another negative consequence riding against the use of wind turbines. People who live
close to a wind turbine often complain about the noise emanating from it. Due to this, residential areas hardly ever install a wind turbine on their
properties. These scientists also believe that wind strength is unpredictable and wind energy can only be suitable to particular areas where the wind
blows well. Therefore, it is a source of energy that contains more complications than benefits
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Select the correct answer
What evidence does the author provide to support the claim that wind energy is unreliable?
A. Wind turbines placed in remote areas will be a major threat to birds and animals as well
B. Noise pollution is another negative consequence riding against the use of wind turbines.
C. People who live close to a wind turbine often complain about the noise emanating from it
D These scientists also believe that wind strength is unpredictable and wind energy can only be suitable to particular areas
where the wind blows well.
E
During hurricanes and storms damaged wind turbines pose a great danger to humans