Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
The negative impacts of wind turbines
2025-01-22
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, information briefing
Political Position
The political position centers on highlighting the negative impacts of wind turbines (infrasound, noise, ice throw) and demanding that these effects be strictly controlled. The speaker is vehemently opposed to the current policy, which permits the construction of wind farms before the associated dangers are fully identified, accusing the government of negligence regarding public health and the Estonian natural environment. This is robust, value-driven, and results-oriented criticism that calls for immediate intervention.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates technical proficiency in measuring infrasound and noise, citing physical laws and the limitations of measuring devices (frequencies below 10 Hz). Specific hazards are also highlighted, such as ice throw and its corresponding danger radius (two turbine lengths). The lack of existing knowledge is underscored by referencing the reaction of physics doctoral candidates at the University of Tartu and the outcomes of the social committee session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, demanding, and at times emotional, employing strong analogies (infrasound vs. radioactive radiation). The speaker relies on facts (the number of complaints, legal deficiencies) and levels accusations regarding the inhumanity and negligence inherent in the policy. Direct questions are utilized, and there is a demand for the Deputy Head of the Health Board to be called to account for disseminating false information.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity indicate active involvement in parliamentary work (referencing the Social Affairs Committee session on December 2nd) and monitoring of media coverage (Vikerraadio's "Reporteritund"). Both addresses took place on the same date, suggesting a focused and rapid response to the current topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Minister (representing government policy) and the Health Board, who are accused of spreading misinformation and being ignorant regarding the effects of infrasound. The criticism is intense, focusing on procedural deficiencies (legal loopholes) and moral accusations (neglect towards people and nature). The speaker demands that the Deputy Director General of the Health Board be called to order.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to a collective complaint (ten people) and experts (University of Tartu physics PhD students, Aive Telling) to support their arguments. Data regarding cooperation with other politicians or political parties is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed toward the Saarde wind farm, drawing attention to the health issues among local residents (20 complaints, one of which is collective). The resolution of this problem, however, is being demanded at the national level, citing shortcomings in the Public Health Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward public health and resident safety, demanding guarantees from the state for people to live safely near wind farms. It is emphasized that the government must not treat people in a way that jeopardizes their health, especially when there is insufficient knowledge regarding the source and magnitude of the danger.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Public Health Act, which is considered inadequate because it lacks provisions concerning the noise and infrasound generated by wind turbines. The priority is to demand that studies be conducted and the law be swiftly amended to ensure the protection of people before new wind turbines are erected.
2 Speeches Analyzed