Deepening our discussion on wind power

WWF

We have been getting a few questions about wind power on our blog andFacebook page, since our recent call to action to keep wind power in Ontario. A lot of these issues are new to many of us, and here we will go over why WWF works in the area of environmentally friendly energy, and some of the facts behind it.

Climate change poses the single biggest threat to all species on this planet. The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly obvious even at local scales. One of the main causes of climate change is the emissions from oil, coal and gas. This is why WWF supports a rapid shift away from these energy sources and towards renewable energy and energy conservation and efficiency. This means developing renewable energy at a far greater scale than we have to date, globally and in Canada.


 

(c) WWF-Canon / Elma Okic

Dealing with energy is a difficult because all forms of energy have environmental impacts. This is why WWF aims to prioritize conservation and efficiency above all else. On top of saving energy, we do need new renewable energy sources if we are to offset existing coal, oil and gas production as much as possible.
Ontario, unlike many jurisdictions in Canada or around the world, has taken the step to completely phase out coal. WWF supports developing new energy capacity from renewable energy that is done responsibly, rather than new nuclear. This means we will face tough choices on where and how we will get new energy capacity.
That said, this approach does not justify any and every new renewable energy project being built anywhere, at any scale. WWF has carefully developed our global position on wind power to provide guidance for making decisions.

 
WWF cannot, and would not presume to, weigh in directly on each new proposed wind development around the world. There must be a good review process and healthy, fact-based public debate. Ultimately, local and community support does influence the pace and uptake of renewable energy, and therefore is crucial to success in the fight against climate change.
We hope to continue this conversation as we move forwards together making the best choices that are possible for the health of our planet.
 
Here is a summary of WWF’s position on wind power:
 
On the role of wind power:

  • A well-managed approach to the expansion of wind power has the potential to provide sustainable energy for the world.

 

  • Jointly with other renewable energy sources, wind power can replace base-load power from conventional sources.

 

  • In comparison with fossil and nuclear fuels the environmental impacts associated with wind power are small.

 

  • Governments have a key role to play in stimulating wind energy demand through a variety of measures (e.g. feed-in tariffs, environmental regulations)

 
On the planning process:
 

  • The development of wind farms should be managed sensitively, assessing high value habitats and identifying no-go areas for wind development.

 

  • The benefits of renewable energy (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions reduction) should be balanced with negative environmental impact the wind power development may have.

 

  • Careful location choice and operation of wind energy projects can ensure that impacts on biodiversity are minimized and that they are integrated well within the local environment.

 
On a wind project consideration:
 

  • Proposals for wind farm developments within protected areas and/or national parks should not be allowed, unless a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearly indicates that the proposed development will not cause adverse effects.

 

  • Location choice should avoid high value conservation areas. Wind power can have a possible impact upon wildlife if sited in the wrong place and as such should not be placed in important bird nesting grounds or within identified bird migration routes.

 

  • Effective planning tools and efficient procedures should be established to ensure the most appropriate integration of wind turbines in the rural and urban environments.

 
WWF’s global work:
 

  • Promote wind power to consumers as a viable alternative and environmentally sound source of energy to replace fossil fuel and nuclear-based power generation.

 

  • Work with governments, industry, and NGOs to develop sensible and acceptable strategies that reflect the need to develop wind energy while continuing to protect and conserve natural habitats and wildlife.