Bird advocates opposed to use of windmills for alternative energy source

The Controversial Use of Windmills Raises Concerns for Bird Experts

The Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of allowing windmills at Firelands Wind LLC for its Emerson Creek Wind Farm in Huron County. The court determined that the wind farm does not pose a threat to migrating birds, according to a news release.

Construction of a 71-Turbine Wind Farm Approved

The decision by the Ohio Supreme Court will permit the construction of a 71-turbine wind farm that spans across portions of Huron and Erie counties.

Lorain County Commissioners Assess the Impact

Lorain County commissioners are currently evaluating how the court’s decision will affect the residents of Lorain County.

On August 1, the commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to provide public notice regarding the consideration of prohibiting large solar facilities, economically significant wind farms, and large wind farms in the unincorporated territory of Lorain County.

A meeting has been scheduled for September 5 at 5 p.m.

Bird Experts Express Opposition

Experts at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory strongly oppose the recent decision made by the Ohio Supreme Court. They argue that allowing windmills puts millions of migratory birds, including bald eagles, at risk.

The observatory agrees that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to address global warming. However, they believe that wind turbines are not the only renewable energy option available for cleaner energy production.

They propose the use of alternative renewable energy options, specifically distributed solar, in areas where large numbers of birds migrate, such as the proposed wind farm site and the lakeshore region. They argue that these options can be utilized on already developed infrastructure and should be considered to prevent bird and bat mortalities.

Concerns for Migratory Birds

In a letter addressed to the commissioners on August 4, Rob Swindell, president of the Black River Audubon Society, warned about the potential harm windmills can cause to migrating songbirds and large raptors, including bald eagles.

Swindell highlighted that Lorain County and Lake Erie border two major flyways, the Atlantic and Mississippi, which witness the migration of millions of songbirds, predominantly at night.

The Black River Audubon Society supports the use of alternative energy but emphasizes the need to protect birds from any negative impacts caused by windmill installations.

Protecting Birds and Wildlife

The society requests to be included in any conversation or proposals for windmill farms in Lorain County. They advocate for a collaborative approach that considers both conservation and economic development interests.

Swindell’s letter suggests conducting research to minimize the impact on birds, such as changing the color of windmill blades and keeping them off at night during migration seasons.

He emphasizes that the air column is a crucial part of birds’ habitat and must be protected, especially for species that spend a significant part of their lives on the wing.

The Importance of Bird Conservation

Swindell points out that birdwatching is a $40 billion a year hobby and provides residents with therapeutic benefits. He highlights the alarming decline in bird populations, with North America losing one in four birds since 1970, including 2.5 billion songbirds.

He emphasizes the various challenges faced by birds, such as habitat destruction, collisions with windows and cars, pesticide and insecticide poisoning, plastic pollution, and predation by domestic cats. Swindell argues that even in the pursuit of renewable energy, it is crucial to avoid exacerbating these challenges for birds.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the controversial use of windmills as an alternative energy source, which is connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). It also mentions the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address global warming, which is related to SDG 13 (Climate Action). Additionally, the article highlights concerns about the impact of windmills on bird populations, which relates to SDG 15 (Life on Land).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats

The article indirectly addresses Target 7.2 by discussing the use of windmills as a renewable energy source. It also highlights the need to integrate climate change measures into policies and planning (Target 13.2). Additionally, the concerns raised about the impact of windmills on bird populations relate to the need for action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats (Target 15.5).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article mainly focuses on the concerns and opinions of bird experts regarding windmills and their potential impact on bird populations. It does not provide specific data or indicators related to the targets under the identified SDGs.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: morningjournal.com

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