Final answer:
Wind energy impacts birds and bats as turbines can cause fatalities. Efforts are being made to mitigate these effects. Wind energy, despite its challenges, is a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The generation of wind energy poses environmental and wildlife challenges, specifically impacting birds and bats. Wind turbine rotors move at high speeds, faster than the wildlife is accustomed to, which can lead to fatalities among these animals, especially if turbines are placed along migratory paths. Thus, while wind energy is considered a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, resembling the environmental impact of hydroelectric power, its development still warrants consideration of its effects on birds, including endangered species like the California condor, and bats.
Efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats, such as researching optimal placement and operation times to avoid disrupting migratory patterns. Despite the challenges, the positive attributes of wind energy—like not releasing harmful gases—are significant when considering alternatives to fossil fuels.