Solar energy holds the solutions for climate change mitigation, regional resiliency, and even wildlife corridors. With a newly released video, Audubon Florida clarifies misinformation about life near solar power plants and shows that people living near a solar facility enjoy numerous benefits while taking part in the future of energy.
"The realities of climate change demand a swift energy transition,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director for Audubon Florida. “Solar power provides a clean energy source that mitigates climate threats to both birds and people. In addition to reducing emissions from energy production, thoughtfully planned solar sites can provide native plant habitat and wildlife corridors. We look forward to solar leading Florida's energy future."
With over 6,539 MW installed, Florida solar energy sites combine to account for 11,219 jobs and enough solar to power 780,586 homes. Solar energy generation supports Audubon’s goals of reducing water consumption and carbon emissions from fossils fuels; well-sited solar generation facilities are built to minimize impacts to wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas and can provide foraging and breeding habitat for various reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and bird species. Audubon promotes renewable and efficient energy use while advocating for policies to defend habitats and water resources from sea level rise.
Audubon Florida has worked to protect birds and the places they need in Florida for 120 years, advancing common-sense solutions grounded in solid science. To learn more about Audubon Florida's efforts, visit FL.AUDUBON.ORG.