Ecological and Sociological Considerations of Wind Energy: A Multidisciplinary Study

• Main Author: Bicknell, Lucas J.
• Format: Others
• Published: North Dakota State University 2017
• Subjects: Bats > Conservation > North Dakota.; Public opinion.; Wind power > North Dakota.
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10365/26452

Wind energy is quickly becoming a critical technology for providing Americans with renewable energy, and rapid construction of wind facilities may have impacts on both wildlife and human communities. Understanding both the social and ecological issues related to wind energy development could provide a framework for effectively meeting human energy needs while conserving species biodiversity. In this research I looked at two aspects of wind energy development: public attitudes toward wind energy development and wind facility impacts on local bat populations. These papers present aspects of wind energy development that have been the subject of increasing study. This preliminary research is intended to demonstrate the responsibility we have to making well-informed decisions as we continue to expand wind energy development. Additionally, I hope to generate interest in interdisciplinary study as a means to broaden the scope of research by making use of the diverse tools available within different disciplines.