Often in life, apparent conflicts are readily resolved by taking a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” perspective. In the excellent article “A choice: forests or solar panels?” (Daily Hampshire Gazette, Oct. 10), Naila Moreira shows us the way. Many Valley residents support solar, yet also treasure our forests. When faced with projects like the Belchertown arrays, what do we do?
The author’s research reveals the following key facts: If one considers only the capability to offset carbon emissions, solar “wins” over forests, yet forests provide much more of value, including filtering our water, cleaning our air, preventing erosion and providing homes for many species — meanwhile, sequestering huge amounts of carbon that won’t contribute to global warming. Moreira also notes that U.S. energy needs could be met by solar panels covering the same amount of land comprised by our roads, or by one third of the land that’s planted for ethanol-producing corn. Furthermore, solar panels can be sited on residential and commercial roofs. Experiments are even underway to construct roadways using special solar panels!
I recently met a young entrepreneur starting a solar business in the Valley, and was heartened to hear his pledge not to install arrays on any forest or farmland. Other solar businesses have made this pledge, and we can work to improve incentives that reward these choices.
In sum, Moreira shows how in the larger scheme of things, we can avoid the false choice of solar “versus” forests. While projects already off the ground require tougher decision-making, let’s frame our future so we can make the most of renewables while preserving and even expanding forest land. And, after reading another article in the same edition, “UN report on global warming carries life-or-death warning,” it’s clear that this is the path we need to take for the sake of our children, grandchildren and future generations — which are by no means a sure thing unless we “manage” the earth’s resources with the care, respect and love they deserve.
Dave Roitman
Florence