(Image 1) Photo Credit: McGrath, M. "Climate Change: Green Energy Plant Threat to Wilderness Areas." (2020) BBC, https://www.bbc.com/new/science-environment-520223881 By Priscilla Capuano
The need for renewable energy sources is an issue that has received considerable attention in the past few decades. It is crucial that every nation puts considerable resources into making the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in order to promote the overall health of the environment. As a result, many nations have made significant strides to promote renewable energy. However, these clean energy plants are threatening wilderness ecosystems that are home to a variety of species (McGrath). These species depend on their surrounding environment for food and shelter. Renewable energy plants have pushed native species out of their habitats (McGrath). Large areas of land must be cleared in order to build new energy plants (See image 1 and 2). In fact, it has been reported that 2,200 clean energy plants are located in Earth’s wilderness (McGrath). Alarmingly, areas containing biodiversity have been taken over by 900 of renewable energy plants (McGrath). The presence of these plants have also created the need for an increase in roads, houses, and infrastructure to be built in order to accommodate plant workers (McGrath). There are a few factors that have contributed to this crisis. First, clean energy plants require ten times more land than energy produced by fossil fuels (McGrath). Second, there has been a dramatic increase in green energy plants (McGrath). Third, human lifestyles have contributed to an increase in energy consumption (McGrath). Jose Rehbein is an Environmental Science author who has cultivated an interest in this topic (University of Queensland). He stated that "These Developments are not compatible with biodiversity conservation efforts" (University of Queensland). Additionally, the potential spread of these plants has raised concern (McGrath). It is projected that there will be a 42% increase in construction of green energy plants within the next eight years (McGrath). Such energy sources will likely be built in wildlife conservation sights (McGrath).
This topic connects to class because it relates to the impacts humans have on the environment, the need for biodiversity, and energy sources. First, this issue covers human impacts on the environment because humans’ over consumption of energy and attempts to reduce fossil fuels have led to putting species at risk. Second, there has been a lack of care when preserving biodiversity and respecting the habitats that creatures rely on to survive. The importance of protecting species’ habitats and the need for biodiversity on Earth was a topic covered in class. Third, in class the need to move from fossil fuel based energy to clean energy was discussed. At the same time, people must weigh the benefits and downsides of clean energy.
In my view, there are a few things that must be done to alleviate this issue. First, humans cannot merely rely on moving from one energy source to another without taking steps to reduce energy consumption altogether. While humans will likely always need artificial energy sources to some degree, it is necessary to evaluate what can be reasonably reduced. Second, humans must make greater efforts to preserve and protect ecosystems. As was discussed in class, the health of species and ecosystems play a role in the wellbeing of the Earth as a whole. Clean energy projects that put them in danger are counterproductive and should be reassessed.
(Image 2) Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Wind_farm
Works Cited
University of Queensland. (2020) "Renewable Energy Developments Threaten Biodiverse Areas." Phy.org, https"//phys.org/news.2020-03-renewable-energy-threaten-biodiverse-areas.html.
When I read your blog, I was pretty surprised because whenever I thought of renewable energy plants, it was always a positive thing and I didn't think in the direction of how it affects the environment around us. Despite the fact that these plants are built to renew energy sources, it was upsetting to the amount of harm they were causing the ecosystem. I think your idea to reassess the need for energy renewing plants is very important. There must be other ways to renew energy without harming the ecosystem as much as these plants cause harm. It is most definitely counter productive if these renewable energy plants are causing more harm than help to the environment.
ReplyDeleteI find it fascinating and also a tad bit ironic that even when humans try to be environmentally friendly, they still find a way to make things worse. In attempting to create renewable energy, we have displaced many species from their homes. This really highlights the effects that humans can have on the environment, even when we have good intentions. Clearly, then, the answer is not to just move to renewable resources (although we should still do this of course). We also need to look to reduce our energy use if we want to reduce our impact on the environment. I like how you pointed this out.
ReplyDeleteThis was really shocking to me because I never really thought off negative affects from renewable energy. I really liked your own opinion on the matter and really agreed with everything you said. Overall, I thought you did a really nice job.
ReplyDeletePeople look towards renewable energy as a solution to the flawed system we have now but have not realized that this solution has flaws. I know that I have never thought of the negative effects that creating renewable energy can have. It was eye-opening to me to read how negatively this system is affecting our environments, when it's creation was intended to do the exact opposite.
ReplyDeleteYou make great points that while we are making great strides to reduce our carbon footprint through renewable energy, however we should be also reducing our consumption. I also wonder if it is possible for renewable energy that has less of an impact on environments. Such as new windmills are being made that instead of blades it is just a pole which hopefully reduces the number of birds impacted.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic. Whenever I see solar fields, I always acknowledge how much space is being used just to lay out the solar panels. It is crazy that a seemingly innocent attempt at creating nonrenewable energy has detrimental effects on the environment, but for other purposes. That's why putting solar panels on your house is a great idea, since the flat space for them is already there.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very informative blog post on a subject I was not fully aware of. I was always under the impression that renewable energy was something hundred percent good. But now I understand that renewable energy does not necessary mean it is also good for the environment. Thank you for bringing light to this issue.
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