The emerging need for ecosystem restoration to mitigate the impacts of onshore wind energy

This literature review synthesizes findings from 88 studies on the environmental impacts of onshore wind energy. Most concerned impacts on vegetation, followed by soil and hydrology. The nature and severity of impacts varied across ecosystems and geographic contexts, but despite the growing body of studies documenting impacts that lead to ecosystem degradation, only a few acknowledged the resulting need for mitigation (24) or restoration (23). To bridge this gap, a conceptual framework is presented that links the documented impacts to mitigation potential across all phases of onshore wind energy. This framework illustrates seven key actions to advance the mitigation of environmental impacts by reinforcing existing mitigation strategies or overcoming persistent knowledge gaps. These are: (1) Inform decision-making, (2) Standardize environmental impact assessments, (3) Plan restoration early, (4) Understand feedback-mechanisms, (5) Inform predictive models, (6) Learn from other sectors, and (7) Evaluate restoration outcomes. By synthesizing evidence on impacts, presenting mitigation solutions, outlining actionable steps for improvement, and stressing the emerging need for ecosystem restoration, this review provides a foundation for more effective mitigation of environmental impacts of onshore wind energy. Advancing this shift is essential to ensure that renewable energy expansion aligns with both climate goals and environmental sustainability.