THE MOST SOBERING TRUTH to emerge from the Dec. 1 ice storm has nothing to do directly with wind turbines, although the icing of the blades has given anti-turbine activists a bit of ammunition.

The most sobering truth is the evidence that humankind is vulnerable. We are subject to the vagaries of Nature, and we have created a tragically fatal imbalance. We must find ways to restore the Earth to its intended conditions.

The turbines nay-sayers would have us believe that we are paying too much for wind energy, and they would imply that the electricity generated is destined to supply specific homes.

It is true that the Ontario Power Authority pays beyond the current wholesale prices for wind energy. It is also true that we are still paying off Ontario Hydro’s debt for construction of nuclear plants, and that we have no notion at this point of what taxpayer burden will be involved in expansion of the Adam Beck Niagara Falls hydro-electric plant and construction of additional nuclear facilities.

It is true that the present Melancthon wind plant usually produces enough energy for the needs of a certain number of homes, but the power goes into the Hydro One grid, and not to any specific homes. Nor can it, at present, be diverted to Dufferin’s homes during a widespread blackout.

But the most sobering truth is that we cannot continue to spew out greenhouse gases and expect humankind to survive the next century — or possibly even the next couple of decades.

Global warming has already begun to melt the polar ice cap, at an exponential rate. This poses a threat to all coastal regions.

Climatic changes have increased the incidence of hurricanes, tornadoes and tropical storms. Our only hope of survival is to halt the emissions of greenhouse gases, thus reversing or at least delaying global warming.

Those who would argue against employing every means of tapping every available renewable energy source — of avoiding the use of fossil fuels and emitting carbon dioxide — are taking a short and selfish view of the realities of our existence.

Renewable resources include wind, water, nuclear, solar and biomass.

We get more than a little tired of hearing people find invalid excuses for not wanting the local wind to be tapped when, in fact, their only real reason is NIMBY — not in my back yard.

The sad truth of the matter is that no potential source of electricity comes problem-free. Even the proposed hydro-electric developments in Labrador, Quebec and Manitoba will require the flooding of huge tracts of lands with potentially devastating consequences for fish, wildlife and Native hunting.

As for wind farms, the major drawbacks lie in short-term unpredictability and what some see as an unattractive “viewscape.” One is a problem for investors, the other for nearby residents, but neither should be an excuse for abandoning the technology.