Question 7

Question 1

What are local impacts of a wind and solar powered future

Answer 1

solar:The clearing and use of large areas of land for solar power facilities can adversely affect native vegetation and wildlife in many ways, including loss of habitat; interference with rainfall and drainage; or direct contact causing injury or death.
wind:Lower impact of surrounding area: Since onshore wind farms are located in high-impact areas, some may think they are harmful to wildlife or habitats. However, onshore turbines do not release harmful toxins that can damage surrounding areas. Therefore, the land around the wind farm can remain habitable and safe.

Question 2

What are some of the physical and social impacts of solar and wind farm construction and operation

Answer 2

Construction of solar facilities on large areas of land requires clearing and grading, and results in soil compaction, potential alteration of drainage channels, and increased runoff and erosion/Wind energy projects offer many advantages to the communities that host them, including job creation, tax and land-lease revenue, and, of course, clean, affordable, homegrown electricity - solar
wind turbines may produce noise, and the movement of the blades can result in shadow flicker from certain vantage points./Wind energy projects offer many advantages to the communities that host them, including job creation, tax and land-lease revenue, and, of course, clean, affordable, homegrown electricity.-wind

Question 3

how can we reduce these negative impacts

Answer 3

Engineering methods can be used to mitigate these impacts. - solar
avoiding locating turbines close to major migration pathways and important habitats - wind

Question 4

which impacts seem most concerning to local communities

Answer 4

birds and other wildlife are losing their habitats

Question 5

How do these impacts compare to those of fossil fuel generating facilities

Answer 5

reduce electricity generation from fossil fuels, reduction in carbon emissions, overall better