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This week’s new questions

Why do no other aquatic animals grow to a huge size like whales do? And could harvesting solar and wind energy change the planet and become harmful?

22 March 2023

R3MJ5Y Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) juvenile, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, Atlantic Ocean

BIOSPHOTO/Alamy

Why do no other aquatic animals grow to a huge size like whales do?

Justin Baker,

Melbourne, Australia

Panoramic view of wind farm or wind park, with high wind turbines for generation electricity with copy space. Green energy concept.; Shutterstock ID 1933377149; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Vladimka production/Shutterstock

Does harvesting renewables like solar and wind change the planet slightly? Is there a tipping point where this harvesting becomes as harmful as the effect of fossil fuels?

Christine Wolak,

Dublin, California, US

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and…

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