What is a common environmental concern associated with wind energy?

• A. It produces greenhouse gases.
• B. It is completely silent.
• C. It requires fossil fuels to operate.
• D. Birds and bats may be killed if they fly into the spinning blades.

Answer: (D)

A key environmental concern with wind energy is wildlife mortality from turbine blades, especially birds and bats that may collide with the rotating rotors. While wind power dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions during operation, the physical presence of large spinning blades can pose risks to flying animals in some locations, particularly along migratory routes or in areas with high bat activity. To lessen this impact, developers use careful site selection, adjust operation to avoid peak wildlife activity, and employ mitigation technologies like deterrents, blade design changes, or radar systems that slow or stop turbines when wildlife are nearby. The other statements don’t fit as the main concern: wind energy itself does not emit greenhouse gases during operation, is not completely silent, and does not require fossil fuels to operate.