Przyrodnicze aspekty potencjalnego rozwoju energetyki wiatrowej na terenach leśnych w Polsce

Autorzy

• Alek Rachwald Vertebrate Ecology Lab,
  Zakład Ekologii Lasu, Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa,
  Braci Leśnej 3, Sękocin Stary,
  05-090 Raszyn,
  e-mail: a.rachwald@ibles.waw.pl
• Mateusz Ciechanowski Katedra Ekologii i Zoologii Kręgowców,
  Uniwersytet Gdańsk
• Andrzej Kepel Polskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Przyrody „Salamandra”
• Paweł Pawlaczyk Klub Przyrodników
• Radosław Ślusarczyk Stowarzyszenie Pracownia Na Rzecz Wszystkich Istot
• Krzysztof Świerkosz Muzeum Przyrodnicze, Uniwersytet Wrocławski

Abstrakt

The impact of wind power installations on the natural environment, including forest ecosystems, has been investigated for a considerable period of time. Based on currently available data, the authors conclude that operating wind turbines within forest areas poses a significant threat to forest environments, particularly to flying animals, including legally protected species. The reviewed studies indicate that wind power plants situated in forests have substantial potential to affect both the natural environment and the landscape. It has been found that siting wind farms in forested areas, which are typically characterised by high biodiversity, further increases the environmental risks commonly associated with such installations. Locating wind energy facilities in forests has also generated social controversy in countries where such investments are being implemented, primarily in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and is frequently opposed by environmental protection organisations and scientific experts. In their conclusions, the authors state that although lower procedural costs and the anticipated greater ease of obtaining permits for publicly owned land may encourage investors to plan such developments in forest areas, the confirmed higher environmental costs – compared with constructing wind turbines in open landscapes – necessitate a critical assessment of the justification for such investments.

Słowa kluczowe

• turbiny wiatrowe
• energia odnawialna
• oddziaływanie na środowisko
• wind turbines
• birds
• ptaki
• nietoperze
• klimat
• renewable energy
• climate
• environmental impact
• bats
• forests
• lasy