What are the potential impacts of sustainable energy on wildlife and biodiversity?

Sustainable energy can have both positive and negative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. While it can reduce the carbon footprint and reduce the impact of climate change, its installation and operation may disturb or displace wildlife, particularly birds and bats. This is especially true for wind turbines, which can result in bird and bat fatalities from collisions with the blades. Solar panels and hydropower dams can also cause habitat fragmentation and disturbance to wildlife.

However, the potential impacts of sustainable energy on wildlife can be mitigated with careful planning and siting of renewable energy facilities, as well as taking steps to minimize disturbance during construction and operation. For example, wind turbines can be sited away from known bird and bat migration routes and important habitats. Furthermore, the benefits of sustainable energy on biodiversity can outweigh the potential negative impacts, such as reduced carbon emissions, which can help to mitigate climate change and benefit ecosystems.