China's Solar Farms Expand, But Bird Species Decline In Rapid Development Areas: Study
New Delhi, Aug 21: Rapid expansion of solar farms in China is linked to a reduction in bird diversity as cropland and grassland are cleared for development, a new report has said, calling the trend a green dilemma that pits carbon reduction against conservation. Both resident and migratory bird species showed significant declines in areas of rapid solar development, with stronger effects observed…
China's rapid expansion of solar farms is causing a decline in bird species, according to a new study. The research, conducted by Chinese scientists and analyzed by France 24, found that both resident and migratory birds showed significant declines in areas where solar development is rapid. The study, which examined policy-driven solar growth across 2,344 Chinese counties from 2014 to 2023, analyzed bird records alongside policy data.
Stricter pro-solar policies were linked with declines in bird biodiversity, suggesting that while China aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the country's solar footprint reached nearly 4,520 square kilometres by 2024. The report's main message is to make solar development more ecologically informed, prioritizing careful planning and biodiversity safeguards.
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