Home / Environment / Wind Farm Threatens Puffins With Extinction
Wind Farm Threatens Puffins With Extinction
15 Jan
Summary
- Berwick Bank wind farm could cause extinction of puffins and kittiwakes.
- The project is one of the largest offshore wind farms globally.
- New subsidies lock families into higher energy prices for decades.
The proposed Berwick Bank wind farm in Scotland is facing severe criticism from the RSPB, which warns it could drive puffins and kittiwakes to the edge of extinction. This project, planned to be the world's largest offshore wind farm with 300 turbines, is situated near vital seabird feeding grounds.
Scottish government figures project significant annual bird deaths, including thousands of guillemots and hundreds of puffins. Anne McCall of RSPB Scotland calls it the 'deadliest wind farm for birds,' questioning the use of public money for such a damaging development.
However, the energy company SSE argues the wind farm is crucial for combating climate change, the primary threat to seabirds. The announcement coincides with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband securing contracts for six new wind farms, projected to add £1.8 billion annually to energy bills and lock consumers into high prices.
