World’'s Eco-Life
Wind-Powered Electric Generation in Canada
Toronto, Canada
In Canada, I get a strong sense that nature is close by and we are embraced by nature. Of the land area which is about 26 times that of Japan, 70 percent is tundra and mountain area. Canada owns about 10 percent of the world’s forest and woodland. Even the city has beautiful nature in its vicinity.
People’s awareness about the environmental issue is high. Canada was one of the first to ratify the Vienna Treaty, which aims to protect the ozone layer. They are working hard to protect the animals on the verge of extinction and forestry.
About 60 percent of Canada’s electricity is powered with reusable energy sources, mostly water-powered energy. Especially, in recent years wind-powered electricity generation is on the rise.
This summer, when I visited a Seicho-No-Ie member’s home near Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes, I saw a magnificent scene of 30 windmills spread as far as my eyes could see. At present, wind-powered electricity generation accounts for only 0.9 percent of the total electricity volume. With the objective of raising it to 20 percent by 2025, new wind-powered electricity facilities are being installed.
Rev. Toshiro Kobayashi, Chief of Toronto Missionary Area