Table 1 Contrarian claims about wind farms and the average level of agreement (Study 1; N = 1000 in all countries)

The government withholds important information that speaks against the extension of wind energy.

3.34 (1.16)

3.18 (1.06)

3.24 (1.08)

The numbers and facts presented to the public by the government and so-called “climate scientists” are manipulated to portray wind energy in a particularly positive light.

3.16 (1.21)

3.06 (1.12)

3.13 (1.11)

The government has secret arrangements with energy companies that would make both sides profit financially from the extension of wind energy.

3.20 (1.17)

3.14 (1.13)

3.09 (1.10)

Contrary to official claims, wind energy is very expensive compared to other energy sources.

3.02 (1.13)

3.02 (1.04)

3.12 (1.04)

The health risks to the public posed by wind turbines are downplayed by the government and the scientific community.

3.00 (1.20)

2.86 (1.11)

2.95 (1.08)

The noise from wind turbines can cause health problems in humans (e.g., headaches, impotence).

2.81 (1.17)

2.70 (1.12)

3.00 (1.12)

The underground power cables of wind turbines can cause cancer in local residents.

2.79 (1.11)

2.54 (1.09)

2.70 (1.05)

In winter, wind turbines pose a high risk to pedestrians because pieces of ice can detach during operation.

3.13 (1.17)

2.87 (1.10)

2.88 (1.07)

Wind turbines only work in a small wind speed range and do not provide electricity or break down in high winds.

2.92 (1.12)

2.97 (1.07)

2.95 (0.99)

Wind turbines at sea rust in the water and are therefore no longer functional after a short time.

3.09 (1.09)

2.89 (1.10)

3.19 (1.00)

Wind energy does not provide a reliable power supply, as there will not be sufficient storage facilities available in the future.

2.89 (1.22)

2.99 (1.09)

3.02 (1.13)

Due to the massive extension of wind energy, hardly any building material is available for housing and only at very high prices.

2.79 (1.19)

2.69 (1.17)

2.80 (1.09)

Wind turbines cause the extinction of whole bird and wildlife populations.

2.89 (1.21)

2.77 (1.16)

2.90 (1.14)

Wind turbines pollute the environment because after their demolition, the rotor blades are buried as hazardous waste and the bases are left in the ground.

2.97 (1.17)

2.89 (1.12)

3.05 (1.10)

The increasing dryness of our soils can be attributed to wind turbines slowing down wind speed and thus providing lower amounts of rain.

2.74 (1.16)

2.60 (1.13)

2.72 (1.07)

The disposal of wind turbines releases more CO2 than is saved by their operation, since many parts cannot be recycled but must be incinerated.

3.12 (1.08)

3.04 (1.00)

3.15 (1.00)