The environmental impact of wind power when compared to the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, is relatively minor. According to the IPCC, in assessments of the life-cycle global warming potential of energy sources, wind turbines have a median value of between 12 and 11 (gCO2eq/kWh) depending on whether off- or onshore turbines are being assessed.[166][167] Compared with other low carbon power sources, wind turbines have some of the lowest global warming potential per unit of electrical energy generated.[168]
While a wind farm may cover a large area of land, many land uses such as agriculture are compatible with it, as only small areas of turbine foundations and infrastructure are made unavailable for use.[169][170]
There are reports of bird and bat mortality at wind turbines as there are around other artificial structures. The scale of the ecological impact may[171] or may not[172] be significant, depending on specific circumstances. Prevention and mitigation of wildlife fatalities, and protection of peat bogs,[173] affect the siting and operation of wind turbines.
Wind turbines generate some noise. At a residential distance of 300 metres (980 ft) this may be around 45 dB, which is slightly louder than a refrigerator. At 1 mile (1.6 km) distance they become inaudible.[174][175] There are anecdotal reports of negative health effects from noise on people who live very close to wind turbines.[176] Peer-reviewed research has generally not supported these claims.[177][178]
Aesthetic aspects of wind turbines and resulting changes of the visual landscape are significant.[179] Conflicts arise especially in scenic and heritage protected landscapes.