Along the Eastern Seaboard, those who oppose offshore wind energy are using false information about whale strandings as a weapon to advance their long-standing political stances.
Renewable energy opponents frequently bring up concerns over the environmental effects of clean energy, and the anti-wind assertions come at a time when social media companies (other than simply Twitter) are cutting back on the staff members responsible for battling false information on their platforms.
They’re trying to control the debate by utilizing issues that are important to the environmental movement, according to UCSB professor Leah Stokes, who spoke to USA Today.
There is no connection between the recent wave of whale strandings and offshore wind, according to marine biologists investigating the phenomenon. Furthermore, the actions of opponents of offshore wind, like racist and misogynistic Fox News personalities, contradict their claims that they care about the fascinating megafauna.
Several wind farms off the coast of New Jersey are now in the concept and study stages. Joe Mancini, mayor of Long Beach Township, said, “We’ve been 100% against this [offshore wind] project from Day One I don’t care how far out they put them.
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According to John Hocevar, head of oceans for Greenpeace, it is basically a cynical disinformation campaign. They don’t seem concerned that it isn’t supported by any sort of proof.
One of the primary dangers to whale populations is climate change, which is brought on by the mining and burning of fossil fuels.
Hocevar continued, “Most of us are focused on the real risks to whales—climate change, entanglement with fishing gear, ship strikes, and plastic pollution—while the climate doubters and right-wing commentators are tilting at windmills.
