The increased concern for the deterioration of climatic conditions has caused nations across the world to look into forms of renewable sources of energy. Wind energy has been cited as one reliable source as wind is plentiful and affordable. Wind power production emits negligent amounts of air pollutants as compared to fossil fuels. However, the installation of wind turbines has brought to light some of the negative impacts of this source of energy’s production on the environment. Though the majority of existing studies have focused on avian deaths as the major negative effect, wind turbines have affected other animals within their surroundings. A focus on the other effects is vital. Wind turbines are not naturally occurred in the environment and are expected to impact their surroundings. The turbines are designed to be structurally safe through copper conductors, electrodes and a round base securing the base of the tower (Ragheb, 2011). Though environmental impact assessments are done beforehand, the Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) points out some of the effects such as avian deaths, low levels of air pollution and the disruption of everyday life for humans due to the sound and shadow flickers. There is no evident impact on natural water sources. Terrestrial animals are also affected by wind power production. Setting up and running of the turbines disrupts the normal activities within the residential animals’ habitat. The noise produced by the turbines causes land animals to avoid wind farms as they rely on their senses to survive in the wild (Lopucki et al, 2017). The authors’ analysis proved indicated that avian animals were attracted to the farms as they reduced their probability of being hunted. The farms effect on their surrounding extends to at least 700 meters from the turbines. Empirical evidence of long-term effects may be location specific.
In summary, wind production affects the environment negatively. However, the degree to which it does is much less as compared to the advantages it has as an alternate source of power. Those in charge need to carry out assessments that look into the location and impact on the environment before deciding on a site for the turbines.
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References
Environmental Impacts of Wind Power. (2013, March 5). Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-wind-power
Łopucki, R., Klich, D., & Gielarek, S. (2017). Do terrestrial animals avoid areas close to turbines in functioning wind farms in agricultural landscapes? Environmental monitoring and assessment , 189 (7), 343.
Ragheb, M. (2011). Safety of wind systems.
