Climate change is a critical threat to birds that requires forward-thinking solutions. Birds are already feeling its effects: It's exacerbating other threats, contributing to habitat loss, and challenging birds to adapt much more quickly than is typically possible. The need to transition away from fossil fuels is clear.
Wind energy can help us get there, but too often it has come at the expense of birds and other invaluable biodiversity — with turbines responsible for up to 1 million bird deaths each year in the U.S. alone.
Fortunately, in South America, innovations are taking place to reduce the impacts of wind energy development on birds. The continent is home to world-class wind fields, from the Guajira peninsula of Colombia to Tierra del Fuego — some of which overlap with major bird flyways. What lessons can we learn about bird-friendly wind energy in South America that could be applied to North America and beyond?
Join American Bird Conservancy and the Climate Institute on Thursday, January 29 at 3 pm ET for a conversation about efforts to abate the negative impacts of wind energy on birds. Experts will bring real experiences from successful wind energy projects in South America, along with strategies to develop wind energy with birds in mind.
You'll hear from industry and wildlife conservation experts, including:
- Brian Brooks, Vice President for Advocacy and Threats Programs, American Bird Conservancy
- Shilo Felton, Senior Scientist and Wildlife Biologist, Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI)
- Michele Fetting, Vice Chair and Head of Communications, Climate Institute
- Matheus Noronha, Head of Marine Wind Energy, ABEEOLICA in Brazil
- Benjamin Sovacool, Director, Institute for Global Sustainability
- Walter Vergara, Vice President, Climate Institute
Webinar Recordings