Alberta's stance on wind turbines amid industrial activities

In a move stirring mixed reactions, Alberta has taken a stance against wind turbines in designated areas to preserve natural vistas.

Drew Anderson reports for The Narwhal.


In short:

  • Alberta has introduced 35-kilometer buffer zones to prevent wind energy development, aiming to protect "pristine viewscapes."
  • Despite these restrictions on renewables, other industrial activities such as logging, mining and urban sprawl continue unabated.
  • The rules uniquely targeting renewable energy have sparked debate, with critics questioning the fairness and consistency of these policies.

Key quote:

"Why is this something that is just impacting wind and solar?"

— Evan Wilson, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Why this matters:

Wind and solar energy projects may face regulatory hurdles related to land use and zoning laws, which can include considerations of ecological conservation. In some regions, the push for renewable energy has led to discussions about reforming these policies to facilitate the development of renewable projects while still protecting biodiversity and cultural resources.

A man wearing a red shirt that appears to be wet

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

In a bid to cool people, not rooms, engineers made a printable fabric that turns body motion into electrical signals that switch on cooling and heating when you need it.
Methane cycle diagram, burning fossil fuels, landfills, plant decay in wetlands, melting permafrost, digestive processes in termites and animals.
Credit: VectorMine/BigStock Photo ID: 346141099

Gas from thawing Arctic permafrost is changing world's climate future

Scientists warn that thawing permafrost in the Arctic is releasing large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, adding to global warming.
A view of a glacier retreating from a rocky landscape

‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years

Switzerland has lost almost one-fifth of its ice in just five years, research has found, in a dramatic reshaping of the Alpine country whose big white glaciers have been reduced to moonlike rock deserts, scientists say.

Layered blue mountain ridges

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

Areas like Robeson County face some of the greatest climate risks, but have fewer resources to cope with extreme heat and flooding.
A Chevron gas pump showing a sale of $128.36 for 18.606 gallons
Credit: Jim Germond, EHS

The true cost of Trump's fuel economy rollbacks

Weakened US fuel-efficiency rules and promises of cheaper cars could yet see drivers pay higher running costs while increasing planet-heating emissions.
A power plant with smoke emitting from the smokestacks

Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision

The Environmental Protection Agency is rolling back greenhouse gas emission requirements for U.S. power plants, which the agency said will save $310 billion, in a press release earlier this month. 
A view looking up at the facade of the Supreme Court building

The surprising allies backing Boulder's climate case before the Supreme Court

Ranchers, conservative legal scholars, and former Republican EPA chiefs are siding against oil companies. Here's why.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.