The findings and recommendations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which criticise the European Union’s energy policy for violating the Aarhus Convention, have been making waves in the media and within the European Commission (1). But it is already evident from their reactions that everything will be done to continue in a “business as usual” mode. This begs a number of questions: does the production of "clean” energy gives the right to disregard the law? Does it justify the collateral damage inflicted upon windfarm neighbours (i.e. their health, real estate losses, etc.), as well as upon endangered bird and bat species, ecosystems, tourism, and the financial health of nations? We know, for instance, that “green” energy policies have caused higher electricity prices and increased budget deficits wherever implemented. In Spain, € 24 billions’ worth of public debt caused by renewable energy subsidies are yet to be passed on to electricity consumers, with further disastrous results on its bankrupt economy.
