Mix of energy sources used
I would like to make a few comments with respect to Thomas Schildgen’s “Inconvenient energy truths” last week. Although I am not in agreement with some of the writer’s opinions, I want to thank him for adding to the important conversation on climate change.
Mr. Schildgen stated, “Progressives claim climate change is a settled science,” and that he has ample evidence to prove this is untrue. The phrasing of this claim is unclear; however, what is clear is that there is a 97-98 percent consensus among experts in the scientific community that climate change is happening, and it is due to human-caused greenhouse gases (Expert Credibility in Climate Change – https://www.pnas.org/content/107/27/12107). Of course, there are vast amounts of unknowns in ongoing climate research.
The remainder of the letter focused on life-cycle energy costs of windmills and their contribution to the February energy crisis in Texas. Yes, turbines froze in Texas, but so did instruments, gas pipelines, coal piles and natural gas compressors. Natural gas was responsible for five times more loss of energy than wind in this event.
Texas runs its own independent grid and has chosen to minimize costs rather than invest for unusual weather events like this, which happen to be more frequent under the disrupted climate we’re experiencing. When properly engineered for weather, wind turbines operate just fine in freezing temperatures, as exemplified by Iowa, which gets 40 percent of its energy from wind.
All sources of energy have different advantages and disadvantages regarding use during base vs peak load, availability, cost and emissions. Emissions are not part of the cost equation for fossil fuels, but there is a substantial cost to the health of our planet. We will require a skillful mix of energy sources to meet our energy demands, while improving grid reliability and reducing emissions.
David Miller, Brasstown
Grateful for shoe support
To all contributors of the Easter Rotary Shoe Drive:
Each member of the Rotary Club of Murphy sincerely thanks you for your contributions, time and efforts with our shoe drive held to provide for those in need.
Because of each donation given by the kindhearted people and businesses of the community – whether it be shoes, a monetary donation or volunteer work – each helping hand granted more than 3,000 pairs of shoes, which were distributed to individuals and families in Cherokee and Clay counties.
Without the support of those who gave, we would have not been able to give back to those who may have needed a little extra assistance during this time.
It is vitally important that our community continue to band together and help one another during these tough times.
Again, thank you for contributing toward the betterment of our area and those in it. We appreciate every one of you.
Tim Radford, Murphy
The writer is president of the Rotary Club of Murphy.
All integral in America
In contrast to many countries, the United States, with its prevalence of schools and opportunities for all people, and due to its diversity and openness, boasts a broad spectrum of educated, intelligent and successful citizens in all disciplines who represent our population. This tends to promote harmony and equality.
Minorities in the United States are succeeding due to their desire for an education and their qualities of perseverance and motivation. They include Asian Americans, Indian Americans (from India), Cuban Americans, Nigerian Americans, Mormon Americans and Jewish
Americans.
However, minorities in the United States – including Jews, blacks, Latinos, Indians and Asian Americans – continue to be discriminated against.
Educational and employment opportunities for all, and rewards and recognition for successful people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation makes the United States the envy of the world because of our perseverance and will to succeed. We are all integral parts of the greatest country in the world.
Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, N.H.