Wind Energy and Its Challenges
Listen carefully to the following passage:
Today, in our lecture on renewable energy, Professor Smith highlighted the importance of wind energy in combating climate change. He stated that wind turbines can convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity, providing a clean and sustainable energy source. Furthermore, he emphasized that the installation of wind farms has significantly increased over the last decade due to technological advancements and government incentives.
Professor Smith mentioned that while wind energy is beneficial, it also comes with challenges. One major issue involves the impact of wind turbines on local wildlife, especially birds. He discussed ongoing research that aims to find ways to minimize these impacts, including developing bird-friendly turbine designs. Additionally, he pointed out the intermittent nature of wind energy, which necessitates effective energy storage solutions to ensure a reliable power supply.
To conclude, Professor Smith encouraged the class to think critically about the balance between harnessing renewable energy resources and protecting our natural ecosystems.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.