Sensitivity maps and their application to minimise the impact of wind power facilities on birds

<p>The Japanese government has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To realise this goal, renewable solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power generation are now attracting attention. Wind power is expected to have great potential in Japan, and is likely to be promoted on land and sea areas. However, with the introduction of wind power generation throughout Japan, associated environmental conflicts are expected to increase. The main points of contention are noise, infrasound, landslides, water pollution, landscape aesthetics, the natural environment and birds, especially bird collisions and habitat abandonment caused by the construction of wind turbines in the habitat of rare birds of prey, such as the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, Hodgson's hawk eagle Nisaetus nipalensis and the white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. Environmental conflicts are likely to increase as wind power projects are developed, to achieve the 2050 target. Therefore, the use of sensitivity maps should help prevent bird collisions and habitat abandonment. A sensitivity map shows where birds are likely to be negatively affected by the construction of wind power facilities, based on integrated information on the habitat of endangered bird species, migratory bird flyways, colony sites, overwintering areas, protected areas, etc. This review first explains the concept of a sensitivity map and describes its relation to environmental assessments. Then, we explain the features of various proposed sensitivity maps and discuss their appropriate resolution. Finally, we discuss the roles of sensitivity maps in future efforts to reconcile biodiversity conservation and the anticipated demand for renewable energy development, to attain the 2050 carbon-neutral target.</p>