The stakes in the energy debate are extremely high. UN scientists agree that, because of global warming caused by burning fossil fuels, we will experience more droughts, floods and storms from now on. For South Wales, climate change means more coastal flooding and wetter, stormier weather.
Despite the obvious need for new clean energy sources, some local opposition to the wind farm proposal triggered a public inquiry. With the inquiry set to start in November 2003, we took to the streets of Porthcawl to see what local people really thought...
On the streets
Throughout August, September and into October 2003, Greenpeace volunteers hit the high streets of South Wales, encouraging those who are in favour of wind power and support the proposed wind farm at Scarweather Sands to speak out and say Yes to Wind in Swansea Bay.
We do like to be beside the seaside...
Greenpeace volunteers polled tourists in Porthcawl to find out if the windfarm would have a negative effect on tourism, as feared by those opposing the proposals. The results were resoundingly positive.
Rainbow Warrior open day in Cardiff
On Sunday 28th September, the Greenpeace flagship the SV Rainbow Warrior docked in Cardiff to represent a massive show of support for the proposed wind farm.
The day was a huge success, with over 500 people taking a tour of the ship, meeting the crew and signing letters of support for the wind farm.
Polling, polling polling...
Not content with our own poll, ICM research conducted an independent poll of the local area which found support for the wind farm to be three times greater than opposition. This provided resounding evidence that the windfarm should go ahead.
