Daily News Article - May 1, 2012
1. What conclusion did researchers who analyzed 9 years of satellite readings around four of the world's largest wind farms make? Be specific.
2. By how many did the number of turbines on wind farms in central Texas increase between 2003 and 2011?
3. How do the researchers know the temperature increase was caused by the wind turbines?
4. What don't researchers yet know about the increase in temperature?
5. How large are commercial wind turbines?
6. Read the information under "Background" below and watch the video under "Resources."
a) Define subsidies. Did you know that wind energy was/is subsidized by the government, i.e. the taxpayer? Explain your answer.
b) We hear much in the news about the positives of using wind to generate electricity. As you learn more about the negatives associated with wind energy, does it cause you to change your support for or against the use of wind farms to generate electricity? Explain your answer.
7. If a study determined that energy-generating coal plants were causing an increase in temperature, do you think it would have been a bigger news story? Explain your answer.