Wind energy is better for birds in the long run

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been criticized for granting 30-year wind farm permits that could lead to the deaths of thousands of eagles.

Although the National Audubon Society is among the organizations objecting to the length of these permits, it may surprise some to know that Audubon “strongly supports properly sited wind power” as a way to address climate change. Proper siting means avoiding migratory pathways and environments that could harm endangered species.

Audubon explains that if climate change is not addressed, one in six bird species worldwide could face extinction in the coming decades due to habitat loss. By supporting wind energy as one means to reduce CO2 emissions, Audubon is, in effect, prioritizing entire species over individual birds.

One lesson to be learned here is that, while there are some negative impacts from wind energy, they are significantly less than the long-term costs of our dependence on fossil fuels.

— Terry Hansen, Oak Creek, Wis.