Burnout On The Rise | The Future Of Kansas Wind Energy

By Steve Kraske,

Zach Wilson, Mackenzie Martin, Danie Alexander

Published March 23, 2021 at 4:14 PM CDT

Wind turbines in a harvested corn field stand out against a grey and cloudy sky. — Forty-one percent of the energy in Kansas is generated via wind turbines, one of the highest percentages in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led workers to experience burnout at unprecedented rates, and a bill in the Kansas Senate aims to more strictly regulate the wind turbine industry.

Segment 1, beginning at 00:59: According to a recent survey, nearly 90% of respondents in more than 40 countries feel their work lives are getting worse during the pandemic.

More than 60% say they are experiencing burnout often or very often. The World Health Organization defines it as “a syndrome associated with chronic stress at work that goes unmanaged.” A psychiatrist explained what causes burnout and how to know if you are experiencing it.

Dr. Jessi Gold, psychiatrist and assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis

Segment 2, beginning at 26:46: Bill 279 is currently in front of the Senate Utilities Committee and has the support of committee chairman, Republican Senator Mike Thompson.

This would be the first bill of its kind in any state and could significantly stunt the growth of the $14 billion wind turbine industry in Kansas. This would be a reversal of support for an energy source that up to now had bipartisan backing.

Kimberly Gencur Svaty, founder and principal, Gencur Svaty Public Affairs

Tags

Up To Date Talk Show Up to Date Wind Power Energy green energy mental health mental health services Coronavirus

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I want to pique the curiosity of Kansas Citians and help them understand the world around them. Each day, I construct conversations with our city’s most innovative visionaries and creatives, while striving to hold elected officials accountable and amplifying the voices of everyday Kansas Citians. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

See stories by Zach Wilson

Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

See stories by Mackenzie Martin

Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

See stories by Danie Alexander