SUMMARY
Because of the rising need for sustainable energy, different methods of developing new energy sources were made. These energy sources include, but are not limited to, bio-energy, unconventional oil and gas, wind energy, geothermal and solar energy. However, the mentioned energy sources were seen to have adverse effect on wildlife as well as natural habitat.
- Bio-energy
The development of bio-energy involves releasing carbon emissions which can aid in the green house effect. Bio-energy also brings about deforestation.
- Unconventional oil and gas development
Unconventional oil and gas development causes disintegration of natural ecosystems which in turn destroys animal habitats. It also causes changes in behavior of animals and in worst case scenarios, animal death, because of human interference and pollution.
- Wind Energy
The constructions of turbines involved in generating wind energy causes death to birds because the turbines block the birds’ natural flying routes.
- Geothermal and Solar Energy
Geothermal and solar energy development causes changes in the microclimate of certain habitats as well as land fragmentation. Both of the mentioned effects cause habitat loss for animals and destruction of ecosystem.
It is important that with the development of energy sources, a strict measure to protect wildlife must be followed so the negative effects on wildlife and environment would be lessened.
- Pre-development Assessment
The first step in the mitigation measure is pre-development assessment. In the pre-development assessment, the location for energy development activities is checked for environmental characteristics that may be affected by the said activities. One of these environmental characteristics is wildlife distribution patterns. Areas with high levels of wildlife occupancy should be avoided.
- Further Research
After determining the kind of environment the development of energy sources will be faced with, further research must be done to determine the impact of the energy sources development in the specific environment as well as the wildlife living in it. Also, research on the best management practice and alleviation procedure during energy development is important to protect and preserve the ecosystem in the surrounding area.
CONCLUSION
The effects of energy sources development are displacement of wildlife from their common habitat as well as fragmentation and destruction of the said habitats. These negative effects will affect us humans in the long run because we are in a way dependent to our environment. Therefore it is important that mitigation measures are made before starting any kind of energy development activities in a certain area. In any case, wildlife and environment preservation should be the top most concern of people involved in an energy sources development project.
