From Teo Leyssen, Crouzet, France
Martin van Raay says wood is not a good fuel source, and that we should use only “clean” energy (Letters, 5 November). I am all for using renewable energy, even if we are still miles away from producing all we need.
The term “clean energy”, however, has no meaning. It is a concept used for political reasons. The writer does not mention which form of energy he is thinking of, but often “clean energy” is taken to be a combination of wind, solar and water power.
All these, while cleaner than coal and oil, have their own problems. Water power changes the aquatic environment, kills fish and pollutes rivers with lubrication oil. Wind power kills birds. Solar power uses a lot of energy in producing the panels. We do not have a recycling system for solar panels, so used solar cells will end up in landfill.
Wood, used responsibly, is not any worse than these. The only clean energy is the energy we don't use. Reducing energy use is the only green option.
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