Denmark, leader in wind power.

     Wind farm off the coast of Denmark, www.power-technology.com


The nation of Denmark is a leader in wind energy for Europe. It has long since been a leader for wind power. This started in the 1970s. As Denmark had a relatively high carbon footprint at that time from the coal-fired plants in those days, there was a desire to seek out alternative energy choices. The use of wind power has continued today. 3.1% of Denmark's GDP comes from wind power. 30% of Denmark's electricity comes from wind power.

Denmark has average wind speeds of 4.9–5.6 m/s measured at a height of 10 m. For wind power purposes, this would not be impressive. However, Denmark has much higher wind speeds along the western coast of the country. Average wind speeds can reach 8.5–9.0 m/s at 50 m height. This is very good for wind power.

Wind speed map of Denmark. http://www.windpowerwiki.dk

This is how meteorological conditions can be used to an advantage. This is definitely taking place in Denmark. Why talk about meteorological conditions on a geography blog? Well, meteorology is a sub-field of geography. 

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A diamond in the cold.

Yakutsk is located in the northern reaches of Siberia, in what is known as Yakutia. It has the distinction of having the coldest winters for a big city.  With winter temperatures averaging −38.6 C(−37.5 F) in January, Yakutsk has the coldest winter temperatures for a city of 100,000 or more residents. Temperatures have been recorded as low as -63 C(-83 F).

However, this very frigid corner of the earth also has an economic importance. Yakutia is a major diamond mining region. Yakutsk is the second largest producer and exporter of diamonds in the world. Although the mines in Yakutia are located west of Yakutsk, 1/5 of the world's diamond production is in Yakutsk. It is this contribution that makes Yakutsk, and Yakutia, a place of economic important. A place many people have not heard of, but has its own distinction as a very cold city, and a major diamond production center.