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This week’s questions

How long must a wind farm operate to pay back the energy used to build it, and how exactly does water hydrate us when most of it passes straight through?

Wind economics

What is the carbon payback period for a large wind farm, taking into account the energy and resources used for materials, manufacture and the construction of supporting infrastructure? If it is long, say 30 years, are they worth it?

John Oxborrow, Coniston, Cumbria, UK

Seven litres a day

How does water hydrate us? If we drink a lot of it we only pass it as excess waste.

Stefan Badham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK

To answer these questions – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

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