Against The Wind
WellBeing|Issue 179

Renewable energy is booming and there are more than 200,000 wind turbines worldwide. But concerns have been raised that wind farms may cause health problems in the form of Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS). We examine the arguments to see if WTS really exists.

Martin Oliver
Against The Wind

In rural areas it is increasingly common to see, dotted across the landscape, giant metal poles with three hypnotically rotating blades. To some people, wind turbines are visually appealing; to others they are ugly. For a third group, they are a means to an end when it comes to producing large quantities of renewable energy.

For a long time, wind-power generation capacity has been growing exponentially in Australia, New Zealand and many other countries. Renewables are becoming cheaper as the technology evolves and their economy of scale further improves; they have already undercut fossil fuels in many countries. The number of wind turbines worldwide now exceeds 200,000.

Attitudes to wind power are broadly positive, with 85 per cent of people surveyed in New South Wales being very supportive. In New Zealand, 77 per cent were found to be favourable. Yet despite these majority sentiments there has been a pushback against wind from certain think tanks, politicians and members of the public.

When resistance to Australia’s windfarm plans peaked in the early 2010s, two entities spearheaded anti-wind activism. One was known as the Waubra Foundation while the other was a network of Landscape Guardians groups. Both have links, either direct or indirect, to fossil fuel interests.

Wind turbine syndrome

Individuals living fairly close to wind farms can develop a cluster of health symptoms that may include dizziness, migraines, high blood pressure or depression. Sleep deprivation is another issue — sufferers claim to be woken from sleep by turbine sound. These symptoms are often referred to as wind turbine syndrome (WTS), a condition that faces a major challenge: its existence is not accepted by the scientific mainstream.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 179 من WellBeing.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 179 من WellBeing.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من WELLBEING مشاهدة الكل
SKY WALKING
WellBeing

SKY WALKING

Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
WellBeing

Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven

You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
Plyometric tennis flow
WellBeing

Plyometric tennis flow

Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 210
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
WellBeing

YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH

In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
WellBeing

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
ANCIENT wayfinders
WellBeing

ANCIENT wayfinders

Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
WellBeing

COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis

In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 210
On the men you
WellBeing

On the men you

Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 210
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
WellBeing

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 210
Green Beat
WellBeing

Green Beat

All the latest in environmental issues

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 210