Wind wheels in the forest: threat to our ecosystems or solution?

Wind wheels in the forest: threat to our ecosystems or solution?

wind turbines have become a hot topic in recent years, especially when it comes to their location. The latest plan provides for the construction of impressive wind turbines with a height of 261 meters in the landscape protection area between Halbe, Teupitz and Freidorf. These wind turbines are ten times as high as the pines there and create shared opinions among experts and residents. Pierre Ibisch, Professor of Social Ecology of Wald ecosystems at the University of Sustainable Development in Eberswalde, is skeptical about these projects. He emphasizes the importance of forests as a natural ecosystem that not only binds carbon dioxide, but also regulates the water and climate content, such as [Berliner Zeitung] (https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/mensch-metropole/windraeder-sind- Grundsaetzlich-e-e-zeitere-setzeichliche-Fuer-fuer-Wald-Li.2332517) reported.

Not only the visibility of these huge systems causes displeasure. The effects on the microclimate are also worrying. Wind turbines lead to the soil compression and temperature increases that can increase the risk of forest fires. Studies show that there are differences of up to 10 degrees between wind turbine open surfaces and closed forest areas. According to Ibisch, wind turbines should therefore be better placed along motorways to minimize the stress for nature.

economic considerations

The discussion about wind power in the forest is not only an ecological, but also an economic. Many forest owners see an important source of income in wind turbines. While the traditional wooden harvest at around 100 euros per hectare is hardly profitable, owners can earn up to 70,000 euros per year by renting out space for wind turbines. These economic incentives often conflict with environmental protection and show how strongly the interests diverge.

Climate change itself is also considered an important factor. In a research project at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, called 'Climate Media Frames', it is examined how climate change is communicated and which strategies are used. Dr.in Franziska Bruckner and her team deal intensively with the question of how challenges are perceived and which ecological innovations, such as wind turbines, come into talking as solutions. These efforts to analyze the framing of climate coitiatives could help change public perception, as http://www.umweltundenergie.at/noe/reden_ueber_den_klimawandel.html).

International collaborations and research

While in Germany and Austria there is intensively discussing the advantages and disadvantages of wind power, there are also developments in other countries. The Institute for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE) in Latvia is a leader in research on air conditioning technologies and energy policy. This institution promotes innovations through sustainability and relies on international cooperation to solve environmental and engineering questions. This shows that the dialogue about the use of wind power and its consequences is also important internationally, as the [RTU shows.

Overall, the discussion about wind turbines in the forest remains a complex matter. Economic interests, environmental protection and the urgency of climate change are in an intensive tension. It remains to be seen which solutions are actually sustainable and how the projects can ultimately be implemented.