Identifying conflicts and possible solutions for a nature-friendly energy transition to jointly achieve climate and nature conservation goals

Abstract:The loss of biodiversity and the climate crisis, as well as the resulting extreme weather events, pose the greatest threats to the global economy in the next ten years. The main stressors responsible for the current critical situation of biodiversity are habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, land use changes, invasive species, pollution, and climate change. The climate crisis is primarily to be tackled through a massive expansion of renewable energy sources. However, uncontrolled expansion can significantly exacerbate the biodiversity crisis. Neither at the technical nor the political level are the connections and potential conflicts between biodiversity and climate crises sufficiently recognized, yet solutions are urgently needed. Biodiversity and climate protection are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of society. The necessity to quickly implement effective measures is therefore reflected in numerous EU directives and laws, particularly the European Climate Law and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Measures to achieve climate goals can, however, negatively impact natural processes, habitats, and the species that inhabit them. To address conflicts surrounding the expansion of renewable energy with biodiversity protection and other interests, spatial and regulatory planning instruments have been developed in Austria in recent years (e.g., criteria catalogs, regional water management programs, zoning plans for wind and photovoltaic energy). Overall, there is a very heterogeneous picture without consistent, sustainable approaches, which do not allow for systematic evaluation in terms of biodiversity protection. As part of this project, criteria will be determined and overlaid using a GIS-based approach, in order to develop solutions for a sustainable energy transition without significant impacts on biodiversity through various scenarios. By considering potential conflicts and identifiable synergies, the joint achievement of conservation and climate goals is to be enabled.