Whales are among some of the most protected animals in the ocean, and deservedly so. For generations, whales have been subjected to a litany of disastrous effects as a direct result of our impact on the environment. The world is fast approaching a future where several new wind turbines in the ocean will provide us with the energy needed for modern-day life. But several climate activist and animal protection institutions have vehemently opposed the implementation of the new wind turbines in the world’s oceans, and they claim that whales will be negatively affected by the new wind turbines.
Several nations have plans to build huge wind farms in the ocean
One of those countries is Australia. The Australian coast is widely recognized as a prime destination for marine life and has, for generations, been a top destination for divers and climate tourists all trying to get a glimpse of Australia’s diverse wildlife. The government is in the awkward position of needing to protect its wildlife while still balancing the need for new energy projects.
Large-scale wind farms have existed for over three decades, and from their inception have faced heavy backlash from the world’s climate-conscious activists. Some protesters have even gone so far as to create cartoonish images of whales being impaled by wind turbines in the ocean. While we support the plight of the whale, there is no evidence to suggest that wind turbines are killing whales.
That does not necessarily mean that wind farms do not affect whales. Reports have emerged of whales all across the world beaching themselves, and some have suggested that this is a direct result of wind turbines, but no clear-cut evidence supports that theory.
Australia’s academics have not agreed with the theory over beached whales
Environmental consultant Nelli Stevenson, a former head of investigations at Greenpeace Australia, has stated that there have been several peer-reviewed studies into the effects of wind farms on whales. He suggests that the theory is just cannon fodder for the world’s climate activists who are looking for any reason to fight the status quo.
“There has been increasing disinformation about offshore wind projects by bad-faith political actors in Australia, despite not having much scientific backing,” – Nelli Stevenson
Another expert in marine life, marine ecologist Dr Matt Edmund, has also given his opinion on the theory that has enveloped the discussions regarding the effect of wind turbines on whales. While the effect of the wind turbines is not clear for us to see, the overarching conclusion by the world’s experts is that more research is needed to find an answer to this burning question.
“If we just continue to burn fossil fuels and not move to renewable energy, then those whales will be far more impacted because their food sources, such as krill, won’t be there, and the whales will be far worse off. If we do nothing, climate change will have a far greater impact than what a bunch of coastal renewable wind farms will have.” – Dr Matt Edmund
Will we find evidence of the wind turbines’ effect on whales
For all our sakes, we hope not. The world needs to balance the need for new and efficient energy production methods while keeping a perpetual balance with nature. Whales are among the most majestic creatures on Earth, and everything needs to be done in order to protect them. Even David Attenborough has stated that the most disastrous effect we have on the planet is found in our oceans. But given time, the world can heal itself. Will we find conclusive evidence of the effect wind turbines are having on whales?
