Wind energy is the oldest form of energy known to mankind, being that it was around the dawn of civilisation when the tie between man, wind and cultural development was formed. Around 5 000 BC, human beings were pushed up the Nile River by the prevailing northerly sea breeze, while ancient architects used wind to naturally ventilate their buildings. By 200 BC, the Chinese were using windmills to pump water and the Persian's, among others, used reed sails to grind their grain.

In the Turkana Lake district of Kenya a howling wind blows almost all year round. The meteorologists attribute this anomaly to the valley floor lying between two mountains, the heat difference between the desert and the lake and a scientific process called the venturi effect. Besides the wonder of these strong and predictable winds, there is another benefit to this natural phenomenon; energy. It is here that the biggest wind farm in Africa will be constructed, and it is from here that Kenya will receive over 30% of her electricity.

Solar energy effortlessly claims the title of "The World's Most Abundant and Permanent Energy Source.' In one hour, more energy from the sun will hit the earth than every single human being in existence could use in a single year.

A leaf unfolds, its parts self-assembling from a slurry of nutrients, using ancient blueprints encoded on a molecular level to spread into a photosynthesizing, thermal-regulating, pest-resistant and water-repelling surface. Our greatest technologies look mild compared to such simple, integrated eloquence.

In the midst of local political shifts and global financial turmoil, it is imperative that we not lose sight of our global resource challenges that remain a constant backdrop to our future existence and development.

The current international focus on, and investment in science is aimed at maximising economic, social and environmental benefits to the country. Thus, the engagement of research institutes and councils should focus on the choice, development and implementation of technologies, and the potential impact of those technologies.