The biodiversity nexus: energy

Energy exists all around us in various forms. It is critical to our well-being as well as to the biodiversity on which we depend. The Energy we use to power our development is especially important because whether we use fossil fuels or renewable sources it has far-reaching consequences for life on land and below water, affecting both the present and future generations. The predominant use of fossil fuels globally, along with human activities related to their production and consumption, significantly contributes to the loss of biodiversity due to factors like climate change, environmental pollution, and changes in land and sea use.

Transitioning to alternative energy isn’t without challenges

On the other hand, transitioning to alternative energy sources isn’t without challenges. For instance, the globally endorsed ambition to ensure access to clean and affordable energy for all (UN’s 7th sustainable development goal) leads to the necessity to hold sensitive multilevel policy-relevant discussions among diverse stakeholders concerned about energy and food security and protecting the environment. So, even though renewables within their value chain for example emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, various trade-off situations still occur; energy sources such as solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal energy and biomass impact ecosystems, habitats, and species in many ways.

Energy as a key element in transformative change

In conclusion, the choices we make regarding energy and its governance within intertwined elements such as transport, food, and our daily lives, have a direct impact on public health, nature's health, and the speed and intensity of the ongoing climate change. Our choices about which energy sources to embrace or phase out will ultimately determine the core and success of transformative change itself.