One of my favourite spots in Manitoba is Seven Sister Falls Provincial Park. It is about 130km NE of Winnipeg and sports a large hydro damn. Before moving to Manitoba I had never spent so much time around hydro dams and the experiences I have had at Seven Sisters has made me hopeful for the pursuits of clean green energy. Yes, I realize that building and maintaining the dam will emit lots of carbon and can cause tons of environmental damage (when the dam is being built for instance). Indegounious peoples land has also been flooded in the process of building some dams in Manitoba as well. But the one very apparent thing is how healthy the ecosystem has become since the initial damage was done.
People can be found fishing in various places around the park pulling out plump healthy Perch and Pickerel. There is often a flock of pelicans playing in the rapids while catching fish. The water itself is clean and clear. I know I know I am not a scientist and these are just visual observations. But I would bet that you wouldn't find such a healthy ecosystem next to a coal plant or the freshwater near a Uranium rector.
Clean energy still has a ways to go before it can power our planet and at the moment is only available to wealthy countries. However, seeing energy being produced alongside a healthy ecosystem is promising in my eyes.
I am very excited for the future of energy, out west in Alberta where we are seeing companies like TransAlta Renewable using wind, hydro and solar paired with a large battery to be able to provide a constant flow of power regardless of the weather.
That's all for now. If you disagree with me please leave a comment! If ya don't still leave a comment :) To see more of my work please check out my website and Instagram. If you feel so inclined please purchase a print to support an artist.
WEBSITE
http://www.aaroncloss.ca
INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/aaronckelby/
