GLOBAL WIND DAY 2023
Today on the 15th of June, we celebrate Global Wind Day. This day celebrates the power and possibilities that wind energy provides to not only reshape energy systems, and decarbonise economies, but also to boost jobs and growth. It’s also a day for people to learn more about wind and this important source of energy.
The first Wind Day was held in 2007 and was organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). In 2009 the EWEA joined forces with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and made it a worldwide event. In recent years, WindEurope and the GWEC have organized the day together.
From a gentle cooling breeze to the howling gusts encountered during a storm, wind is a familiar and common phenomenon. Sometimes the wind can ruin a perfectly beautiful day. Wind also causes dust and debris to fly around and can lead to soil erosion. Strong winds can knock down trees and causes other types of damage to structures. But winds also bring with it energy, and an affordable energy type that can be harnessed using wind turbines. More and more companies are turning to clean, reliable and cost-effective wind energy to power their businesses.
Why wind?
The wind industry can help to deliver jobs, clean and affordable power and energy security needed for a sustainable economic recovery.
The wind industry is part of a vital push to renew the world’s energy infrastructure and focus. Creating sufficient clean generation capacity and a flexible power grid that is ready for zero-carbon renewable energy are fundamental building blocks for wider economic recovery.
Wind energy is at the heart of the energy transition, a necessary shift to a sustainable future for our society. Prior to COVID-19, global progress had been made towards implementing the Paris Accord to prevent damaging and irreversible climate change. The pandemic has created a temporary reduction in carbon emissions, but experience shows that these will quickly bounce back and it is vital that we redouble efforts to fix climate change for good. Putting wind energy investment at the centre of economic recovery and growth plans will assist in this regard.
The wind supply chain is benefitting regions across the globe, including economically less-advantaged ones. Citizens are benefitting from shared ownership of wind farms. Wind farms are also contributing to local economic activity through the taxes they pay to local governments.
The use of wind is not a new practice, human civilizations have harnessed wind power for thousands of years through the use of windmills to crush grain or pump water. Now, modern wind turbines use the wind to create electricity.
The use of wind energy not only has potential benefits for societies but is also an emissions-free source of energy, both in terms of fighting climate change and reducing harmful air pollutants.
Let us harness the wind and do our part in reducing carbon emissions.
Sources:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/global-wind-day-june-15/
https://gwec.net/the-world-is-celebrating-global-wind-day/
https://gwec.net/greenrecovery/
https://globalwindday.org/success-stories/
