EARLY in October 2004, I had occasion to visit a friend who lives near Darwen. The route took me past homes in Edgworth, and about two or three miles beyond.

Driving along I was dismayed to see many signs by the road saying: Say No To The Wind Farms. My first thoughts were that this was rather a selfish attitude, calculated to preserve their little bit of moorland. Now I think it is more likely to be a lack of understanding of the very urgent need for wind farms, both off-shore and on-shore.

A documentary film, shown on BBC2's Horizon, in January, had the title Global Dimming. It explained, very dramatically, the very poorly state the planet is in.

It has been discovered that, in addition to the global warming layer of CO2 gases, another atmospheric crisis layer exists below this, consisting mainly of soot and chemical particles. This layer is now being referred to as "global dimming".

This layer has been scientifically measured and "is up to three kilometres thick". The layer has been formed from the emissions from power station, heavy industry and road vehicle exhausts. Also contributing, on a large scale, are the vapour trails of passenger aircraft.

Two scientists, working independently, produced identical calculations showing that over a period of 50 or so years, the value of sunlight had reduced by 22 per cent. As each day goes by, this is obviously getting worse and there is no quick fix.

In Reykjavik, Iceland, they have noticed that the glaciers are starting to melt, due to the global warming effect of the CO2 gases in the upper layer. They have acted!

All their buses now run on hydrogen, with no CO2 emissions. In-roads have been made to "repair the atmosphere" by the use of catalytic converters on vehicle exhausts, and the use of cleaner burning petrol and diesel fuel.

We need to go a lot further - and with some urgency. We have to drastically reduce the burning of fossil fuels, coal, oil and gas, so we need more wind farms to produce cleaner electricity. Also, we need to develop the hydrogen fuel cell for us on all vehicles. If Iceland can do it so can we.

At this time, there are one or two companies producing miniature versions of wind turbines for use on individual buildings, schools, office and apartment blocks, even houses.

One specification which I have from a Scottish company claims that the turbine unit will produce up to 4,000 kw hrs of clean electricity per annum, this being deductible from the mains supply energy bill. A saving of up to £440 per annum can be achieved. No fuel is required, only free wind!

Additionally, and equally important, is the fact that this clean energy will save 1.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions, so no soot and chemical exhaust will be passed into the atmosphere.

At the moment the units are hand-built and expensive, but the company are intending to go into mass production later this year when units will be cheaper. Grants will probably also be available under various renewable energy schemes.

So say "yes" to wind farms and hydrogen fuel cell engines, the first two real options to help save the planet. And remember, if the "value" of sunlight is gradually being reduced, so then will be the efficiency of solar panels.

KEN WORDSWORTH,

Thornham Close,

Brandlesholme, Bury.