Kerryn Hawke

Electricity production contributes 40% of world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion to renewable energy production is therefore critical for mitigating climate change. Australia’s commitment to meeting emission targets has seen rapid growth in the renewable energy sector. Wind energy met 13.4% of Australia’s total energy demands over the last 12 months, but the rapid increase in wind energy developments will see this proportion increase. In 2023, there were 121 Australian wind farms operating or under construction, but an additional 188 have been proposed. Markedly, there is a projected 12-fold increase over current wind energy generation, with more, much larger turbines, proposed. As the number of wind energy projects increases, so has the scrutiny of their environmental impact. Wind energy, in particular, has a pronounced ecological impact on bird and bat species due to collisions with turbine blades and towers. Understanding the potential impact of the growth of wind farms on threatened wildlife species requires species-specific collision risk data. However, reported turbine strike data is lacking for most Australian species, especially scarce, threatened species, and those whose geographic range does not overlap with existing wind farms. Without actual strike data, conservation management decisions are currently being made on the basis of theoretical predictions. To fully assess and address potential environmental impacts of wind turbine developments We have reviewed the biological traits of bird and bat species, available collision mortality monitoring, and compiled direct activity observations to identify a list of Western Australian species that are potentially at risk of wind turbine collision. We have also identified knowledge gaps that require additional research. This work is building research and industry collaboration towards managing and mitigating the balance between green energy development and the conservation challenges that it represents.

This project was conceptualised on Whadjuk Noongar country by Dr Sproul from many years of observing the disconnect between students and native plant species.

Discussion of sociocultural theory of learning combined with the continued need for botanical awareness and understanding. The theories of Davydov and Vygotsky incorporate familiar contexts, inclusive education to develop language. This project extends it to scientific, lay and Noongar language through accessible resources.

In 2022 under 100 people participated in the National Science Week pilot. As a continuationi of the project in 2023 , in consultation with Whadjuk Noongar Elder Marie Taylor and Wadandi Nyungar Tracitional Owner Iszaac Webb, a database with photos was constructed for more replicable baseline knowledge. A few thousand individuals participated through Perth schools, the Children's hospital (PCH) and spreading from Whadjuk Noongar Country to Wadandi Nyungar Country. The database used local, culturally familiar botanical species, linked to a Quiz. This project will be continuing in 2024.