Wind turbines do have a few environmental challenges. There are aesthetic concerns to some people when they see them on the landscape. A few wind turbines have caught on fire, and some have leaked lubricating fluids, though this is relatively rare. Some people do not like the sound that wind turbine blades make. Listen to one here and see what you think.
Turbines have been found to cause bird and bat deaths particularly if they are located along their migratory path. This is of particular concern if these are threatened or endangered species. There are ways to mitigate that impact and it is currently being researched.
There are some small impacts from the construction of wind projects or farms, such as the construction of service roads, the production of the turbines themselves, and the concrete for the foundations. However, overall life cycle analysis has found that turbines make much more energy than the amount used to make and install them.
Summary
We derive our energy from a multitude of resources that have varying environmental challenges related to air and water pollution, land use, carbon dioxide emissions, resource extraction and supply, as well as related safety and health issues. A diversity of resources can help maintain political and economic independence for the United States. Renewable energy sources have lower environmental impact and can provide local energy resources. Each resource needs to be evaluated within the sustainability paradigm. In the near future, we can expect the interim use of more difficult and environmentally-challenging extraction methods to provide fossil fuels until the growth and development of renewable and clean energy sources will be able to meet our energy demands.
Review questions
Describe three major environmental challenges for fossil fuels in general or one in particular.
What are the compelling reasons to continue using coal in spite of its challenges?
Rate the following electricity sources for their contribution to climate change from most to least: biomass, coal, solar, wind, nuclear, natural gas, oil, geothermal, hydroelectric, MSW. Is there any compelling reason not to use any of the carbon neutral (no net carbon emissions) sources?
Describe the environmental and social concerns with regard to biofuels.
Resources
To learn more about global energy issues, visit the International Energy Agency website .
To learn more about United States and international energy issues, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration website .
To learn more about the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, please click here .
Learn about your clean energy options here .
References
American Wind Energy Association. (2011). Industry Statistics . Retrieved September 6, 2011 from (External Link)
Epstein, P.R., Buonocare, J.J, Eckerle, K., Hendryx, M., Stout III, B.M., Heinberg, R., et al. (2011). Full cost accounting for the life cycle of coal. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1219 , 73-98. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from (External Link)
U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2011). Hydropower generators produce clean electricity, but hydropower does have environmental impacts . Retrieved September 6, 2011 from (External Link)
Wood, J.H., Long, G.R,&Morehouse, D.F. (2004). Long-term world oil supply scenarios: The future is neither as bleak or rosy as some assert. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved May 17, 2011 from (External Link)