Democratic debate and a clean, green future

One thing is certain: standing at 120 metres tall – nearly the size of the London eye – the controversial wind turbines proposed by the Olympic Delivery Authority will certainly not go unnoticed.

The proposed wind turbines, to be installed on East Marsh, have divided Hackney residents, with some seeing the turbines as ugly and intrusive brutes, whilst others consider them elegant and beguiling structures that fit in perfectly with the Wick’s industrial aesthetic.

However, whilst this new skyscape may not be to everyone’s taste, nobody should be in doubt of the significance of this decision in our quest for a clean, green future. As well as the marshes, Hackney boasts some of London’s best parks and must be prepared to sacrifice small parts of these green spaces for green electricity.

To ask why these turbines are so important is like asking why it is important to dodge a number 38 bus travelling at full speed – it really is now or never in our quest for a clean, safe and affordable future for Hackney’s children. Climate change is our greatest threat, and the costs of tackling it will only increase the longer we leave it.

Hackney has an opportunity to make a difficult but progressive decision; voicing its support for the new wind turbines would make Hackney one of London’s greenest boroughs, bringing a substantial cut in carbon emissions. As well being forward-looking, the wind turbines prove a sound financial investment, with the council announcing that it would receive £50,000 a year in rent from the scheme.

Perhaps most importantly, this consultation represents a fantastic opportunity to for Hackney residents to engage in the decision-making process and should be seen as a celebration of democratic debate. The council still has important questions to answer before giving the project the green light, so be sure to raise them at http://www.hackney.gov.uk/ before 14 December.

Let’s show that it is not only our climate, but our marshes and our Olympics.

Paul Myles
Lower Clapton