Measuring effects of wind power and solar power development on wildlife1469034110

Presented by Manuela Huso, USGS Wind power now generates about 3% of global electricity production. Asia, Europe and North America comprise 39%, 36% and 21% of total capacity. Solar power comprises 0.8% of global power generation, but is rapidly growing. As with all forms of energy, these form of power generation are not without their environmental costs. I will review the current state of knowledge regarding both direct and indirect effects of wind power development on wildlife, learned from studies conducted primarily in Europe and North America, then focus on our approach to measuring direct effects, i.e., mortality of birds and bats. I will describe some of the more successful mitigation efforts that are taking place to reduce impacts of wind development on wildlife.