California’s wildlife bears the burden of green energy’s cost.
California’s Transition to Green Energy Raises Concerns for Wildlife
As the Golden State accelerates its transition to green energy at full throttle, some are expressing apprehension about the potential consequences for the state. John Baker, a retired assistant chief of the California Fish and Wildlife Department, believes that while the push for green energy is aimed at saving the planet from climate change, it comes at the expense of endangering groups of wild animals, especially birds.
The Impact on Predatory Birds
Baker highlights the significant impact of green energy policies on predatory birds such as eagles, hawks, and falcons. Many of these birds are being killed by wind turbines, which poses a threat to their populations due to their slow reproductive nature.
“There are millions of finches out there, but there are not millions of golden eagles out there,” Baker said.
According to a 2021 article, approximately 681,000 birds are killed each year in the United States by wind turbines. However, this number could be even higher due to limited monitoring and other factors.
The Impact on Other Species
Solar farms, another major green energy generator, have also been causing harm to birds and other species. Birds often mistake the shining solar panels for pools of water and crash into them, resulting in fatal injuries. The extreme heat from the panels can also incinerate birds that fly too close. Additionally, solar farms have disrupted the habitat and migration corridors of land species like desert tortoises and bighorn sheep.
Lack of Accountability
Baker criticizes the lack of accountability for wind energy operators when it comes to the loss of wildlife. While harming birds like bald eagles can lead to criminal charges, wind energy operators are often not held responsible for the harm they cause to wildlife.
The Influence of Politics
Baker also raises concerns about the influence of politics on the decision-making process. He believes that scientists are pressured to align their research with a specific narrative to secure funding, sometimes neglecting the well-being of individual species. This preferential treatment for clean energy can hinder scientific progress and the protection of wildlife.
Despite these challenges, Baker acknowledges that some local agencies have found ways to work around these issues and prioritize the well-being of wildlife.
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