Wind turbines: Vacated/abandoned homes – Exploring participants’ descriptions of their personal views, effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice

Abstract

Introduction: Some neighbors living in proximity to industrial wind turbines (IWTs) have described adverse health effects and contemplated vacating their homes. While the decision to vacate a home is reported by sources such as judicial proceedings, the scientific literature, media outlets, social media, and Internet websites, research on its extent and outcomes is limited. Methodology: This ethics-reviewed study used the qualitative Grounded Theory methodology. Sixty-seven consenting participants, 18 years or older, who had previously lived or were currently living within 10 km of IWTs were interviewed. Audio files were transcribed to text and the data were coded and analyzed using NVivo Pro (v. 12.6) software. Objectives: The objective is to explore participants’ descriptions of their personal views on wind turbines and their effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice, and generate a theory of influences contributing to these decisions. Results: Data analysis revealed primary and subthemes associated with environmental interference and altered living conditions. Descriptions of participants’ personal views associated with the use of wind energy and effects on safety, security, trust, and social justice are provided. Discussion: It is recommended that members of the public, government authorities, policymakers, researchers, health practitioners, and social scientists with an interest in health policy acknowledge these effects and seek resolution for those who are negatively affected when living or working near IWTs. Conclusion: We conclude that using a systematic methodology, data analysis lends support that the Grounded Theory was applicable to this study as it assisted with the development of a coherent theory which explained participants’ housing decisions.