London bird sanctuary installs wind turbine

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) supports wind power development in correctly sited locations. To demonstrate that, RSPB installed a small-scale wind turbine at one of its own nature preserves, Rainham Marshes east of London, known primarily for its wading birds.

The organization said renewable energy, including wind power, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The RSPB, a British charitable organization, often is most visual when objecting to wind turbine proposals. But RSPB’s web site said the group never opposes wind farm developments that are designed and sited to avoid damaging sensitive wildlife.

The Rainham Marshes wind turbine, together with solar technology, is expected to provide enough energy to power the visitor center, minimizing its carbon footprint.
RSPB sees climate change as the biggest threat to global wildlife in the 21st century.

“Onshore wind is an important weapon in the battle against global climate change—a problem that, if left unchecked, will result in the extinction of millions of species of birds, plants, and animals across the world as well as costing the lives of millions of people,” RSPB said.