Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Communicated Disease

Description

As governments around the world look for ways to curb fossil fuel emissions, more and more countries are adopting renewable energy sources. Wind power is one of the cheapest sources of renewable energy, and windfarms are often looked to as a solution. While generally welcomed in rural communities, there have been claims that wind turbines are responsible for a range of health problems. At last count an astonishing 247 symptoms had been attributed to wind turbines, from back pain and accelerated ageing to herpes and multiple sclerosis. Repeated reviews of the scientific evidence have found no grounds for these claims, yet they have continued to spread in some communities. Wind turbine syndrome shows all the hallmarks of a 'communicated disease': that is, an illness that is spread by people talking and writing about it. In short: people are worrying themselves sick. In Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Communicated Disease, Simon Chapman and Fiona Crichton explore the claims and tactics of the anti-windfarm movement, examine the scientific evidence, and consider how best to respond to anti-windfarm arguments. 'Simon Chapman has become a touchstone for everything the extreme right hates: arguments grounded in fact, a passion for a healthier planet, and sometimes just a dose of plain common sense. His writing is erudition and conviction combined. Read on!' Peter Garrett, Midnight Oil 'This is an important and timely book. Wind power is an essential element of our response to climate change. This book shows that the spread of the technology has been slowed by misinformation, misunderstanding and barefaced lies. Everyone concerned about the need to slow climate change should read this book and use it to counter the dishonest campaign against renewable energy.' Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO FTSE

Simon Chapman is professor emeritus of public health at the University of Sydney. Fiona Crichton completed her PhD in psychological medicine at the University of Auckland.

' ... a small number of anti-wind activists operating internationally have made wind turbine syndrome their cause celebre. They see themselves as "contemporary Galileos, fearlessly holding aloft the truth".' -- Jill Margo * Financial Review * 'A meticulous book ... the arguments of the book are presented with such force and in such detail that it is difficult for a dispassionate reader to disagree with them.' -- James Dunk * Australian Book Review *