Part II: Social, Economic & Health impacts 💵❤️🩹
We look at another four areas:
5. land governance and tenure security
6. local monetary costs and benefits
7. landscape impacts
8. local health impacts
We look at another four areas:
5. land governance and tenure security
6. local monetary costs and benefits
7. landscape impacts
8. local health impacts
Comments
Wind energy development can risk marginalising traditional land users, particularly in vulnerable and Indigenous communities. "Green grabbing" can worsen inequality. Participatory planning and legal protections are essential to ensure fair outcomes.
Wind turbines can lower (or raise) nearby property values and lower (or raise) tourism. Impacts are mixed, and perceptions shape outcomes. Engaging communities early and fair compensation can help build acceptance for renewable energy projects.
Wind turbines alter the visual character of landscapes, often sparking local opposition. Again, proper consultation with communities and participatory planning are key to preserving aesthetic and cultural values.
Noise and shadow flicker can annoy people living near wind farms. Health effects remain highly debated, but proper planning and noise thresholds can mitigate disturbances and minimise disturbance in populated areas.
(seriously, well done if you have read this far!!)
We next look at:
9. energy system impacts
10. market and price impacts
News flash: sometimes the wind doesn’t blow! Sometimes it blows hard and wind energy must be curtailed. A lot more transmission is needed to move power to where it’s needed, requiring investment in stronger and smarter transmission systems.
The famous "marshmallow test" for toddlers comes to mind.
One problem with wind farms is the overproduction of energy when the wind blows and the lack of production when it doesn't. While nothing can be done about the latter, the former can be addressed in two different ways.
What if we could convince the political right that wind energy is beneficial by offering them more money than the fossil fuel lobby ever could? They would immediately shift their tune, right? Well, of course!