As we face climate (气候) change, a new digital tool helps develop carbon-free energy without damaging the wildlife habitats. In Maine, the Renewable Energy Siting Tool is a new map that allows the clean energy developers to identify the sites for solar and wind projects while avoiding those with sensitive wildlife habitats. Sarah Haggerty, the lead developer, notes that the tool came into being thanks to the data provided by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection, state biologists, clean energy developers, as well as economic support from the bank.
Based on data on land-use, habitats, energy resources (资源), etc., the tool uses a traffic light model to identify sites suitable for development and sites to avoid. Fields like landfills are shown in green, wetland areas or endangered species habitats are shown in red, while yellow-shown areas indicate that closer examination of project impacts is necessary.
The tool was developed after Maine passed a law requiring that 80% of Maine’s electricity come from renewable resources by 2030. Haggerty says, “We are in urgent need of this tool to help us fight climate change in a way that reduces impact on our valuable natural resources.”Maine is the most forested state in the nation, and agriculture, natural resources, and nature tourism play important roles in its economy. Yet the state is among the top five in losing its farmland to development. It makes little sense to develop clean energy projects at the cost of farmland.
When developers announce a clean energy project, they often face disagreement from community members who are concerned about the loss of valuable farmland or the impact on wildlife. This can discourage investors (投资者) and slow the change to renewable energy. Luckily, this tool can help developers speed up the development of clean energy by quickly identifying suitable land. Clean energy development needn’t come at the cost of wildlife.
【小题1】What is the function of the new tool?| A．To protect Maine’s renewable resources. | B．To apply clean energy to wildlife habitats. |
| C．To improve the effective use of clean energy. | D．To balance clean energy and wildlife habitats. |
| A．How the new tool is inspired. | B．How the new tool works. |
| C．How the new tool is developed. | D．How the new tool collects data. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Neutral. | C．Positive. | D．critical. |
| A．Renewable energy is in great need. |
| B．To protect wildlife is to protect ourselves. |
| C．Traffic lights is of great use to wildlife protection. |
| D．A tool helps develop renewable energy and protect wildlife. |
