The response from the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) to SEO/BirdLife’s “Eco-illogical” campaign highlights several key points regarding the environmental impact of wind energy and its relationship with biodiversity.
Commitment to Biodiversity: The AEE acknowledges SEO/BirdLife’s commitment to biodiversity but emphasizes that the wind energy sector is equally dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact. The sector has been working closely with experts, NGOs, and governmental entities to reduce risks to wildlife, especially birds.
Technological Measures: The wind energy sector has incorporated advanced technologies like bird detection and automatic shutdown systems to prevent collisions. Spotters are also employed to stop turbines when birds are migrating, and strategic planning is conducted to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Wind farms undergo rigorous environmental impact studies, which often span a full year and involve the collaboration of scientific and environmental entities. These studies are designed to identify and mitigate any potential harm to wildlife.
Bird Mortality Data: The AEE questions the credibility of the bird mortality figures presented by SEO/BirdLife, pointing out that pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and hunting are far greater threats to birds than wind farms. The AEE also cites data showing improvements in bird populations, such as the recovery of the Iberian imperial eagle and an increase in red kites.
Strict Legislation: Spain’s environmental legislation, which aligns with EU standards, ensures that wind projects undergo detailed environmental reviews, with measures in place to reduce impacts on biodiversity. AEE notes that many proposed wind farms are abandoned due to environmental concerns.
Role of Wind Power in Climate Change: The AEE stresses that wind power is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, which is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. The wind sector prevents the emission of millions of tons of CO2 annually and has replaced a significant portion of fossil fuel electricity production.
Community Benefits: Wind farms also contribute to local communities by increasing municipal revenues and creating jobs. A study of wind farm impacts in Aragón between 2017 and 2023 showed significant increases in local budgets and savings, underscoring the positive economic effects of wind energy deployment.
Collaborative Dialogue: The AEE calls for a constructive, collaborative approach to the energy transition, with involvement from all stakeholders, including environmental organizations, to ensure that renewable energy deployment is balanced with biodiversity protection.
In conclusion, the AEE argues that wind energy, when responsibly planned and implemented, can coexist with nature and is an essential component of the strategy to combat climate change. They caution against campaigns that could delay the deployment of renewables and exacerbate environmental issues.
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