WIND ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Wind energy is an excellent sustainable energy source, but no energy production is completely without impact on the environment. After all, even the slightest change in our surroundings has some effect, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. However, energy from the wind has very little impact on the environment for the following reasons: WIND IS CLEANER Many kinds of energy production produce harmful substances. For example, burning coal for energy yields sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Wind energy helps offset traditional electricity generation's negative effects on the environment. Wind farms do not release any pollutants such as carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change), sulfur dioxide (which causes acid rain) and nitrogen dioxide (which causes smog). By supplying power from a clean, renewable resource, wind energy helps reduce pollution, keeping our environment healthy for future generations. WIND IS SAFE Wind farms have many advantages for both people and animals. Wind farms are safe for animals on the ground, and since wind farms take up a very small percentage of land on which they are sited, most of the land can remain in use for crops or grazing. There are regions in the world in which wind farms can have an adverse impact on birds. However, many studies have been done in the United States and Europe on birds and wind turbines. Most of these studies have shown that birds tend to change their flight path in order to fly safely past the wind turbines. Nevertheless, at Horizon Wind Energy we always take into account bird migratory routes or flyways when siting our wind farms to prevent avian difficulties. We also take into account nesting grounds and other bird-related issues. To read our Corporate Environmental Policy, click here. For more information about wind energy and the environment, visit the American Wind Energy Association website. |