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Whales and Empathy
Whales and dolphins are deeply connected to human empathy and self-awareness, with their ability to perform heroic acts, like rescuing humans, showcasing their intelligence and capacity for empathy. However, the rise of offshore wind farms has raised concerns about their impact on marine life, with evidence suggesting that surveys and construction activities could be contributing to the deaths of protected species, including whales, through disturbances and physical harm. The dilemma is whether the push for renewable energy, aimed at combating climate change, is unintentionally creating a biodiversity crisis, and whether we should reconsider our approach to balancing environmental protection with technological progress.
Commentary: Think twice before short-circuiting environmental protection laws
While most citizens support urgent action on climate change, the current plan to industrialize large parts of the Atlantic Ocean with offshore wind turbines fails to align with President Biden's executive order, which emphasizes biodiversity protection and environmental justice. The approval of offshore wind projects by federal agencies, including allowing harm to endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale, undermines vital environmental protections and risks long-term ecological damage, defying the executive order's goal of addressing climate change without sacrificing biodiversity.
Commentary: Whales are dying–is there a link to offshore wind?
The recent surge in whale deaths along the Atlantic coast, coinciding with offshore wind surveys, raises concerns about a potential link. Yet, NOAA and wind companies are reluctant to investigate or acknowledge the possible impact of these activities. Despite the legal protections for marine mammals, offshore wind companies continue to request permits for actions that could harm thousands of marine species, while key agencies fail to release critical data, leaving the public in the dark about the full scope of the issue.