Wind energy impact on the environment. impacts of wind energy on tortoises (e. ​

1016/j. One of the primary benefits is the reduction of air pollution, which improves the air quality of habitats and helps support the health of wildlife. This Earth Day, let the benefits of wind energy blow you away! biodiversity in Ireland e. Recent reports estimate that the time required for a turbine to be in operation to restore the energy balance or offset the carbon cost is between 3-5 months of Advancements in technologies, properly siting wind plants, and ongoing environmental research are working to reduce the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. While wind energy has some disadvantages, such as its variability and potential impact on wildlife, its advantages, such as its cost-effectiveness and Sep 1, 2021 · The present study estimates the cumulative waste inventory in Canada at the national and provincial levels until 2050 and quantifies key life cycle environmental impacts: primary energy demand (PED) in terms of GJ and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in terms of tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO 2 eq. After highlighting the impacts of wind energy, the review focused on discussing strategies to combat the environmental impacts of wind energy. Wind turbines impact the local environment due to generation of downstream wakes (areas of disturbed flow behind each wind turbine). Wind Farm. Clean energy includes renewable energy, energy efficiency and combined heat and power. Once built, these turbines create no climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions , making this a “carbon-free” energy source that can provide electricity without making climate change worse. The last frontier is the installation of huge wind turbines in offshore areas. eaau2027), P. Climate change impacts on wind energy potential in the European domain with a focus on the Black Sea. Google Scholar Nazir MS, Ali ZM, Bilal M, Sohail HM, Iqbal HM (2020d) Environmental impacts and risk factors of renewable energy paradigm—a review. INTRODUCTION [1] In recent years, the growth of capacity to generate electricity from wind energy has been extremely rapid, To the degree that wind energy reduces the need for electricity generation using other sources of energy, it can reduce the The goal of this work is to evaluate the lifecycle performance (construction and operation‐related impact) of large‐scale solar and wind energy systems and to compare it with conventional coal and natural gas fossil fuel plants under similar conditions. In the case of wind energy, the main contributors were the production processes that involve steel, iron, copper, and composite materials for the tower, nacelle, and rotor. impacts of wind energy on tortoises (e. Index Terms—Environmental effects ecological impacts, renewable energy, wind energy. Dec 15, 2023 · Global wind power expansion raises concerns about its potential impact on plant biomass production (PBP). These can include using radar and thermal cameras to monitor bird and bat activity, pausing construction when wildlife is present, and installing ultrasonic acoustic devices to discourage bats from approaching turbines. **Palmer, J. Increased demand for electrical energy and concerns about the impacts of climate change have prompted many governments at all levels to set aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the proportion of their energy portfolios produced from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind (Graabak and Korpås 2016). Although the use of wind energy to generate electricity is increasing rapidly in the United States, government guidance to help communities and developers evaluate and plan proposed wind-energy projects is lacking. 5 days ago · Learn about clean energy, the impact of energy on the environment, and U. 4. In this context, the paper wants to assess the potential impacts related to the construction of a Nov 1, 2023 · To emphasise China's role in renewable energy, it is worth noting that the country has made substantial investments in renewable energy over the last decades and has become one of the world's largest manufacturers of technologies related to renewable energy, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines (see Li and Taeihagh, 2020; Ahmad et al. Direct impacts of wind energy include bird and bat collisions with turbines whereas indirect impacts include changes in wildlife habitat and behavior. Aug 29, 2022 · Let’s take a look at each of the pros of wind power in more detail. Jul 14, 2008 · This page explores the many positive impacts of clean energy, including the benefits of wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass. May 24, 2020 · All power generation, however, has environmental impacts (May 2015) including wind energy. , Gnatiuk, N. Wind Energy's Economic Impacts to Communities. Environmental Impacts of Wind-Energy Projects offers an analysis of the environmental benefits and drawbacks of wind energy, along with an evaluation guide to aid decision-making about projects. Learn about its pros and cons, and support renewable energy. One more way Duke Energy is trying to reduce its environmental footprint. It is thus important to evaluate, from an environmental perspective, the implications of expanding OWE capacity on a global scale. An overview presents the introduction and the background of energy Nov 25, 2022 · Some studies showed positive impacts of wind farms on the environment such as increase in vegetation cover, survival rate of species and biodiversity. Overall, using wind to produce energy has fewer effects on the environment than many other energy sources. Energy production can have negative impacts on human health and the environment in three ways. As wind energy technology expands its geographic reach and technologies evolve, wildlife impacts will grow and change—creating an evolving need for effective technological, operational, and siting solutions and for research to inform solution designs. Apr 1, 2022 · The Airborne wind energy system (AWES) concept is targeted at resolving the limitation of WTs, resulting from the boundary-layer effect (Haas et al. 2020. how can wind energy impact the environment?" This question is more effective because it focuses on the impact of wind energy on the environment, which is a key aspect to consider when evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of renewable energy sources. Wind turbines have some of the lowest global warming potential per unit of electricity generated: far less greenhouse gas is emitted than for the average unit of electricity, so wind power helps limit climate change. S. Sep 1, 2015 · However, development of wind power could lead to unexpected environmental impacts on ecosystems, due to the many processes involved in the whole wind energy chain (raw materials procurement, construction, conversion to energy services, etc. It can be expressed in terms of energy 'Pay Back' time, i. May 22, 2023 · Wind energy is a form of renewable energy, typically powered by the movement of wind across enormous fan-shaped structures called wind turbines. We use wind turbines to harness wind energy. Prof. As all the modern AWES concepts are based on the kite-driven Sep 27, 2019 · Wind energy is one of the cleanest sources of electricity today; unlike fossil fuel plants, wind turbines do not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants while generating electricity. Advisory Circular: Obstruction Marking and Lighting (pdf). Curr Opin Environ Sci Health 13:85–90. Wolfgang Peters and Julia Köller are research associates at the department. Nov 14, 2018 · Call us at 866-550-1550. 2 Human rights and global working conditions compliance. Nov 9, 2021 · Nazir MS, Ali N, Bilal M, Iqbal HM (2020c) Potential environmental impacts of wind energy development: a global perspective. Nov 1, 2022 · It is expected that the marine environment will play a key role in the forthcoming energy transition towards clean renewable sources, especially through offshore wind energy (OWE). Environmental Drawback #3: Wind Energy Can Negatively Impact Wildlife. Positive Impacts. The even increasing energy demand and the desire reducing the dependence from fossil fuel are encouraging the diffusion of plants supplied by renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, this assessment must take into account various scenarios for the growth of different OWE technologies in the near future. F. A Visual Impact Assessment Process for Wind Energy Projects. Wind turbines are playing a pivotal role in the global transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources. Veers et al. 1 billion tons Jun 1, 2011 · The impacts of the wind energy on the environment are important to be studied before any wind firm construction or a decision is made. However, impact of wind energy industry on the environment still requires to be fully understood and better quantified. Principal Energy Use: Electricity Form of Energy: Kinetic. Wyoming contains more than 50% of their historical habitat and is experiencing rapid development of wind energy in critical pronghorn The generation of electricity by wind energy has the potential to reduce environmental impacts caused by the use of fossil fuels. , 2017); as it can harness wind energy at a very high altitude without creating huge bending stresses on the tower and on the base. Most people know that wind energy is a renewable energy source that does not burn fossil fuels or pollute the air, which means wind energy can make a positive impact on the environment at local and global leve Wind energy has become our cheapest, fastest-growing, and leading non-hydro renewable energy technology. Dr. Jan 15, 2024 · The most effective research question out of the options provided is "a. The main research topic of the department is in the field of environmental impact assessment (EIA). Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Wind Energy. Each project has been funded through a seed grant program that's facilitated through Nov 25, 2021 · An experimental and numerical study of the atmospheric stability impact on wind turbine wakes. The wind spins the blades, which turn a shaft Jan 30, 2019 · Renewable energy, explained. [3] Wind power consumes no fuel, and emits no air pollution, unlike fossil fuel power sources. scitotenv. 6 million to support the coexistence of bats with offshore wind on the West Coast. This study reviews 152 studies Oct 19, 2023 · Image. May 3, 2019 · Recent growth in the wind energy industry has increased concerns about its impacts on wildlife populations. 5: Global Wind Report (2023). Editor’s Note 9/15/22: In September 2022 as part of the Floating Offshore Wind Shot, DOE and BOEM announced an additional project selected to receive $1. Council on Energy, Environment and Apr 17, 2024 · Burning municipal solid waste or wood waste. Wind energy advantages explain why wind power is one of the fast-growing renewable energy sources in all the world. How it Works. Wind energy has been used for thousands of years, it is proven, carbon-free energy with one of the lowest overall environmental impacts of any electricity source. as the time needed to generate the equivalent amount of energy used in manufacturing the wind turbine or power station. The winds that sweep across the planet will last longer than humanity. Like the water wake behind a motorboat, wind turbines create a wake of slower, more choppy air that eventually spreads and recovers its momentum. Wind Energy 19, 1785–1805 Larger wind turbines as a solution to reduce environmental impacts Apr 25, 2017 · Wind power is a rapidly expanding source of renewable energy. Lovich et al. Wind power offers a variety of additional environmental benefits, including greenhouse gas reduction, and provides hope for further developments Dec 6, 2019 · In their Review “Grand challenges in the science of wind energy” (25 October, p. As the majority of wind farm developments occur on peatlands in Northern Ireland, additional searches were made on the impacts they may have in these habitats. May 1, 2016 · Also, wind energy development is inevitably related to certain negative environmental impact, since when operating, WT generate acoustic noise. Wind energy uses naturally flowing air in the Earth's atmosphere to generate mechanical power and electricity. Environmental Drawback #3. Wind Energy is Renewable and Sustainable. Wind energy projects create job opportunities and contribute to economic development, particularly in rural areas. This study provides an updated review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies of electricity produced from onshore and offshore wind turbines Sep 1, 2015 · However, development of wind power could lead to unexpected environmental impacts on ecosystems, due to the many processes involved in the whole wind energy chain (raw materials procurement, construction, conversion to energy services, etc. 4: Federal Aviation Administration. Although many countries showing great interest towards renewable or green energy generation, negative perception of wind energy is increasingly evident that may prevent the installation of the wind energy in Jun 24, 2024 · A: Like all energy sources, wind farms have some negative environmental impacts. Wind energy growth and extension will be critical in lowering greenhouse gas pollution and easing the impacts of climate change. Aug 3, 2020 · Davy, R. Jan 19, 2024 · Research on the Impacts of Offshore Wind Energy Development and Mitigation “Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Energy Project Final Environmental Impact Statement Sep 1, 2019 · Nowadays, wind energy is taking on primary role within renewable energies scenario. S Department of Transportation. Apr 5, 2023 · Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy (2007). Feb 26, 2024 · The global development of renewable energy sources—wind, wave, solar, geothermal, biofuel, waste-to-energy, and tidal energy—represents an environmentally positive move away from more traditional, non-renewable sources, including fossil fuels. This paper discusses and reviews the basic principle parameters that affect the performance of wind turbines. The wind is a renewable and sustainable energy source. 2. Jan 25, 2023 · Wind Energy and Game Species. Johann Köppel teaches and researches as head of the Department of Landscape Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment at the Berlin University. It is not free of problems (Union of Concerned Scientists Citation 2009), although they are small when contrasted to those associated with other sources of energy (US Department of Interior Citation 2011; Al Zohbi et al. Wind turbines do not release emissions that can pollute the air or water (with rare exceptions), and they do not require water for cooling. Wind is a renewable energy source. The focus was given to the EIs associated with the operation phase of the energy generation of the renewable energy source. At regional to global scales, the effects of wind energy on the environment often are considered to be positive, through the production of renewable energy and the potential displacement of mining activities, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with nonrenewable energy sources (see Chapter 2). I. Any type of energy comes with some cost to the environment though, and solar and wind energy is no different. In the same context a study [13] prove that the use of wind energy has a positive impact on CO 2 emissions by reducing a quantity of 1. Habitat Disruption. . Burning municipal solid waste (MSW), or garbage, in waste-to-energy plants could result in less waste buried in landfills. Social risk tolerance, thresholds of tolerance, and uncertainty are key determinants of wind and ecological conflicts. The primary environmental benefit from wind energy is that it does not emit greenhouse gases during operation. Nov 13, 2019 · “As renewable energy ecologists, we study novel challenges and synergistic benefits to conservation presented by renewable energy development,” Grodsky added. Opponents often highlight the negative environmental impacts of wind energy to impede its expansion. Accordingly, the installed capacity of wind turbines Sep 27, 2019 · Wind energy is one of the cleanest sources of electricity today; unlike fossil fuel plants, wind turbines do not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants while generating electricity. But getting energy from wind farms results in dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions than getting it from Mar 31, 2023 · To summarize, while both wind energy and fossil fuels have benefits and disadvantages, wind energy clearly has a much smaller environmental effect. Wind Energy. Explore the world of wind energy, from its generation to environmental impact. Established in 2012 by the International Energy Agency Wind (IEA) Technology Collaboration Programme, Working Together to Resolve the Environmental Effects of Wind Energy (WREN) identifies international priorities for research, facilitates wind energy deployment through social support and environmental compatibility, and Apr 20, 2021 · This review has discussed the environmental impacts (EIs) of wind, water-based energy systems (mainly hydropower), bioenergy, and geothermal energy systems. Landscape and Urban Planning, 140: 56-66. Renewable wind energy in the electricity sector therefore plays a major role in mitigation greenhouse gases. This is the bone of contention or the apple of discord in the otherwise clean and unimpeachable image of wind energy in the energy sector. Jan 1, 2012 · Wind energy projects sited in urban areas currently represent only a very small portion of overall wind energy generation. , 2020 Land-based wind farm site developers and operators follow several protocols to minimize wind energy’s environmental impact. Rapid global economic growth has contributed to today's quickly increasing demand for energy. 1 Most frequently reported environmental impacts of wind energy devices on the most representative indicators of ecosystem elements, by type (positive/negative) and magnitude (high to low). Among these, wind energy is becoming very popular. However, as cities seek to exert more control over their energy destiny and address the environmental impact of existing energy supplies, many are looking to wind as a potential alternative. Jan 1, 2012 · 1. Continuous reduction in the levelized cost of energy is driving the rapid development of offshore wind energy (OWE). SETO-funded research projects Jul 1, 2022 · DOI: 10. Jun 23, 2024 · Deploying onshore wind energy as a cornerstone of future global energy systems challenges societies and decision-makers worldwide. 157755 Corpus ID: 251236076; Considerations on environmental, economic, and energy impacts of wind energy generation: Projections towards sustainability initiatives. Introduction. Sep 27, 2019 · Wind energy is one of the cleanest sources of electricity today; unlike fossil fuel plants, wind turbines do not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants while generating electricity. Environmental benefits: Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of power that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants. The social impact of wind energy extends beyond its environmental benefits. The shift to cleaner energy can help clear the air, reducing rates of asthma and other threats to human health. Since launching in 2012, Tethys has a rich history of providing access to authoritative environmental information and continues to create new resources. 1. e. ” Advancements in technologies, properly siting wind plants, and ongoing environmental research are working to reduce the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. One of the primary environmental concerns associated with offshore wind farms is the potential Wind Energy Accomplishments and Midyear Performance Report: Fiscal Year 2024. Each month, Growing Impact explores the projects of Penn State researchers who are solving some of the world's most challenging energy and environmental issues. Bats and birds are killed every year by wind turbines. Fossil fuel resources are in finite supply, and developing and producing those resources can result in considerable impacts on the environment and Solar and wind energy are often looked at uncritically by environmental proponents. , 2021; Fan and Hao, 2020). ) which will generate environmental impacts that affect the atmosphere, soil, water and living organisms. Jan 19, 2023 · Wind energy has been found to impact the environment, particularly regarding habitat quality, positively. present the results of the social life cycle impacts assessment and provide a more detailed analysis how the use of permanent magnets and the according change in the turbine configuration impact the performance of the wind energy cases for different social Oct 17, 2018 · Every form of generating energy has some environmental impact, but energy efficiency and renewable energies are the best way to fight climate change (the study authors acknowledge this). World Health Organization recommends when estimating WT environmental impact to evaluate the noise impact at low, average and high-frequencies. It generates a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions as fossil fuels, emits zero sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions, and has a minimal impact on the land provided that proper siting, monitoring, maintenance, and disposal of wind farms occurs. 1080/13504509. In Advisory Circular. There are several ways to mitigate the environmental impact of wind energy: Proper Siting: Wind turbines should be sited in areas that minimize their impact on wildlife habitats and other sensitive areas. , 2011). & Bobylev, L. SETO Research on Solar Energy, Wildlife, and the Environment . It is a fully renewable resource and has few climate and environmental impacts. identify three grand challenges in the science of wind energy based in atmospheric physics, material science, and electrical engineering. Jun 22, 2022 · It was seen that most of the environmental impact of wind and solar plants is linked to manufacturing. Mar 1, 2020 · No energy source has zero impact on the environment. Jun 24, 2022 · 3. Apr 15, 2022 · 3. During wind energy site construction, the increased presence of people, traffic, and noises can disrupt grouse and other ground-nesting birds. Overall, clean energy is considered better for the environment than traditional fossil-fuel–based resources, generally resulting in less air and water pollution than combustible fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum oil. Established in 2012 by the International Energy Agency Wind (IEA) Technology Collaboration Programme, Working Together to Resolve the Environmental Effects of Wind Energy (WREN) identifies international priorities for research, facilitates wind energy deployment through social support and environmental compatibility, and Oct 13, 2021 · Four Projects Will Support Environmental Monitoring and Advance Federal Goal to Deploy 30 Gigawatts of Offshore Wind by 2030. Wind energy can reduce dependency on fossil fuels, as the result being attributed to a decrease in global warming. 1, 2023–March 31, 2024). Oct 20, 2020 · Wind energy is a virtually carbon-free and pollution-free electricity source, with global wind resources greatly exceeding electricity demand. This report provides an overview of the achievements NREL made on behalf of the U. The construction and operation of wind farms can negatively impact wildlife. The Reliability of Wind Energy May 22, 2023 · Wind energy is a form of renewable energy, typically powered by the movement of wind across enormous fan-shaped structures called wind turbines. Citation 2015). As the United Nations rightly says: “energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today. It includes a case study of the mid-Atlantic highlands, a mountainous area that spans parts of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. However, there are some environmental impacts associated with the construction of large-scale wind farms to consider. The Environmental Benefits of Wind Energy. Overall, wind energy is considered to be environmentally friendly. It could play a major role in our transition away from fossil fuels because it has low levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and minimal environmental impact. 1 Human health impact, 3. Sep 23, 2020 · As mentioned in this study, more systematic studies are required on the potential impacts of wind farms on the environment. environmental and economic impacts of wind energy: a cost-benefit perspective, International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, DOI: 10. We also need to take into account the negative environmental impacts of wind energy. In the Energy Department’s new Wind Vision Report, a collaborative effort of more than 250 experts informed a comprehensive analysis that quantified the future national benefits of wind power, including reduced environmental impacts from the energy sector. Wind energy mistreatment should be assessed for the ecological influences, environmental, economic, and social platform. As renewable energy technology continues to advance and grow in popularity, wind farms like this one have become an increasingly common sight along hills, fields, or even offshore in the ocean. 8 However, the end-of-service-life stage has been identified as a blind spot in LCAs of wind turbines, and little research has been conducted on this Jun 26, 2023 · Working Together to Resolve the Environmental Effects of Wind Energy. Oct 30, 2018 · Wind turbines are considered an environmentally sound source of energy, 7 and life cycle assessments (LCAs) show that wind turbines pay back the energy used during their life cycle 23 to 57 times. Jun 26, 2023 · Working Together to Resolve the Environmental Effects of Wind Energy. Most wind energy comes from turbines that can be as tall as a 20-story building and have three 200-foot (60-meter)-long blades. (2015). Electricity production is the largest single sector emitting fossil fuel CO 2 at present in Ireland. Little direct research of the impacts wind energy facilities have on peatlands Feb 1, 2020 · The wind energy industry of many countries and other stakeholders form the National Wind Energy Coordination Committee are taking keen interest to spared awareness of wind turbines and its ecological impact. ” But while energy brings us massive benefits, it’s not without its downsides. Effect Size as a Basis for Evaluating the Acceptability of Scenic Impacts: Ten Wind Energy Projects from Maine, USA. 2022. ) associated with alternative waste treatment options. Chapter: 4 Impacts of Wind-Energy Development on Humans. On the other hand, burning garbage produces air pollution and releases the chemicals and substances in the waste into the air. Aug 25, 2023 · Advocates of offshore wind turbines can point to a range of benefits—starting with their proximity to the places most in need of clean energy. 20 hours ago · Welcome to Growing Impact, a podcast by the Institute of Energy and the Environment at Penn State. Unfortunately, the story of wind energy doesn’t end with its plus points. Their ability to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions, their renewable nature, and their positive economic impact make them a compelling choice for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. . Advancements in technologies, properly siting wind plants, and ongoing environmental research are working to reduce the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. , the United Nations ( Akbari et al. Using a high-dimensional fixed effects model, this study reveals significant PBP reduction How Environmentally Friendly Is Wind Energy Overall. (2020, November 16). Solar panels can take up large chunks of desert previously used by a host of wildlife from Fig. Around 40 percent of the world’s population lives Jun 15, 2021 · 1. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and other partners during the first half of Fiscal Year 2024 (Oct. Conclusion. The share of wind-based electricity generation is gradually increasing in the world energy market. 1768171 Nov 2, 2023 · Wind energy is a vital component of our transition to a sustainable future, but it must be developed with careful consideration for its impact on biodiversity. By implementing responsible practices, such as site selection, adaptive management, collaboration, and offsetting, we can strike a balance that allows wind farms to coexist harmoniously Nov 10, 2023 · The most effective research question among the options provided is "How can wind energy impact the environment?" This research question is effective because it focuses on the specific impact of wind energy on the environment, allowing for a detailed investigation of the environmental benefits or drawbacks of using wind energy as a power source. This sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, being enhanced by European and global agreements, e. Environmental impacts . Environmental Impact of Offshore Wind Energy 1. Information about the investments of Duke Energy into Wind Energy businesses. Global Wind Energy Council. However, other crucially important challenges include understanding the effects of wind energy production on ecological systems and developing and Advancements in technologies, properly siting wind plants, and ongoing environmental research are working to reduce the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. electricity generation. , Pettersson, L. “We have great opportunities to inform sustainable energy development to make for a bright energy future for people, wildlife and the planet, which is very exciting. Tethys contains thousands of documents on the environmental effects of land-based wind energy, fixed offshore wind energy, and floating offshore wind energy, as well as marine energy. To evaluate Wind is a renewable energy source. However, conventional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, which have been a key energy source since the industrial revolution, are not only facing depletion, but has also gradually become a source for concern regarding its serious adverse effects on our environment. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power can provide energy without the planet-warming effects of fossil fuels. For more information on their negative impacts—including effective solutions to avoid, minimize, or mitigate—see our page on The Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies. By increasing the number of resources and field-proven strategies available to stakeholders, SETO is improving decision-making and reducing the soft costs, or non-hardware costs, of solar development while balancing impacts to the natural environment. The U. Expanding wind energy should contribute to a more sustainable electricity generation without harnessing humans and their environment. Wind energy offers many advantages, which helps explain why it’s one of the fastest-growing sources of energy in the world. This makes it an important part of the effort to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. g. Effects of wind-energy development on pronghorn: Pronghorn are emblematic and endemic to western North America, where they have high ecological, cultural, and economic importance. vn cq ou dm ex ts ws vc ir ur