Category: Animals

Once the most populous bird in North America—and perhaps the world—the passenger pigeon darkened the skies with immense flocks, their cobalt wings and peach-colored chests creating vast aerial spectacles. These flocks were so dense and lengthy that they could block the sun for days, while the collective sound of their wings was said to chill the earth below. Numbering in the billions, they vanished almost overnight, casualties of human exploitation.

In the 19th century, passenger pigeons became a cheap and abundant protein source. They were hunted mercilessly, netted, clubbed, shot, poisoned, and suffocated. By the time protective legislation was considered, few remained. The last passenger pigeon, a female named Martha, died in 1914 at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Solar Farms Affect Bat Activity, Prompting Calls for Mitigation Strategies

A recent study conducted by researchers has revealed significant reductions in the activity levels of six bat species at solar farm sites, raising important concerns about the potential impact of renewable energy installations on wildlife. Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, these findings underscore the need for informed planning legislation and policy to harness the benefits of solar power while safeguarding biodiversity.

The Global Drive Toward Sustainable Energy

In the quest to meet energy demands sustainably and mitigate climate change, renewable technologies have emerged as crucial players. Fossil fuel emissions, including carbon dioxide, are central contributors to climate change. To address this challenge, renewable energy sources have rapidly gained traction, with solar photovoltaic power contributing approximately 30% of global renewable energy and witnessing a remarkable 25% growth in 2021.