US wind turbines killed nearly 19 million bats in four decades
A comprehensive study estimates millions of bat deaths from US wind turbines since 1981, though mitigation measures could reduce future wildlife fatalities without sacrificing energy output.
FTMQ Science, written by our newsroom0 views
Wind turbines killed an estimated 18.8 million bats in the United States between 1981 and 2024, according to New Scientist. Researchers conducted what is described as the most comprehensive analysis of its kind to date, tracking fatalities across 10 different bat species over the four-decade period. [1]
The analysis revealed that annual bat mortality has escalated alongside the expansion of wind energy infrastructure. New Scientist reported that more than 1.5 million bat deaths are now estimated to occur each year in the United States. [1]
Among the 10 species included in the study, hoary bats experienced the highest rates of mortality, New Scientist reported. The findings highlight the specific vulnerability of migratory tree-roosting bat populations to industrial wind energy developments. [1]
Researchers emphasized that operational adjustments can make wind energy safer for local wildlife. New Scientist reported that implementation of science-driven conservation measures could significantly reduce bat mortality without substantially impairing electrical power generation. [1]
In short
- Wind turbines in the US killed an estimated 19 million bats between 1981 and 2024.
- More than 1.5 million bat fatalities now occur each year in the US.
- Hoary bats were the most affected of the 10 species studied.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]Wind turbines have killed 19 million bats in 40 years in the USNew Scientist, 6h ago (the report this story comes from)
- [2]In 1940, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened after 19 months of construction at a cost of $6.4 million; it collapsed into Puget Sound four months later in 40 mph windsYahoo, 1d ago
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 2 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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