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* Courtesy of Defenders.org *
Wind and Solar
Did you know that the sun and wind can power our cities, homes and even our cars? Where there is enough sun and wind, solar
power plants and wind farms can turn sunshine and a strong breeze into clean electricity or renewable energy. Defenders
supports the use of renewable energy because it reduces our reliance on dirty fuels and helps to slow down global warming
-- the biggest threat to wildlife worldwide.
But renewable energy could also spell trouble for wildlife if it is done in the wrong way. Solar and wind energy developers
are looking at nearly 1.5 million acres of land for development. And badly sited renewable power plants could use up scarce
water resources and destroy fragile desert lands -- places where the imperiled desert tortoise, the bighorn sheep and other sensitive species live. Poorly planned wind farms are also a problem. Each year tens of thousands of birds and
bats die in collisions with wind turbines. But the good news is that smart renewable energy planning can largely avoid these
disasters. That is why Defenders is working to make sure that renewable energy is done right for wildlife.
Where Should Renewable Energy Plants Be Built?
- Near cities and big energy users
- Near existing transmission lines
- On former industrial sites and abandoned mines
- On other lands that have already been developed
- And they should avoid important wildlife habitat on public and private lands
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