Human Impact on Natural Resources Human activities have greatly affected the supply and quality of natural resources. Cars and factories use vast amounts of petroleum products every day. Burning fossil fuels also impacts other natural resources by releasing toxic materials into the air, water, and soil.

Although renewable energy sources produce relatively low levels of GHG emissions and conventional air pollution, manufacturing and transporting them will produce some emissions and pollutants. The production of some photovoltaic (PV) cells, for instance, generates toxic substances that may contaminate water resources.

What are the disadvantages of renewable energy?

• Hydro generators need enough rain to fill dams for their supply of flowing water.
• Wind turbines need wind to turn their blades.
• Solar panels need clear skies and sunshine to get the heat needed to generate electricity.

Most homeowners using a wind turbine as their primary source of electricity install between 5 to 15 kW of wind power capacity, meaning they can expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 for their small wind turbine project. These numbers do not include any federal or state incentives.

Wind is a more efficient power source than solar. Compared to solar panels, wind turbines release less CO2 to the atmosphere, consume less energy, and produce more energy overall. In fact, one wind turbine can generate the same amount of electricity per kWh as about 48,704 solar panels.

Only the first installation of any wind turbine would be permitted development, and only if there is no existing air source heat pump at the property. Additional wind turbines or air source heat pumps at the same property requires an application for planning permission.