The Renewable Energy Dilemma: Mitigating Climate Change Without Accelerating Biodiversity Loss

Rachel reminded us that while renewable energy deployment is breaking records—with 582 GW of new capacity added in 2024 alone—the defining challenge is clear:

How do we mitigate climate change through renewables without accelerating biodiversity loss?

She highlighted that business as usual is a non-starter: fossil fuels still account for about 40% of global CO₂ emissions, and the International Energy Agency projects that renewable power must triple by 2030 to meet climate goals. Progress is accelerating—solar PV costs have dropped 90% since 2010, and offshore wind is delivering exceptional capacity factors—but we’re not moving fast enough.

She cautioned, however, that this rapid expansion creates ecological trade-offs: 

• Solar farms can displace semi-natural habitats vital for reptiles, birds, and pollinators. 
• Onshore wind poses risks for raptors, migratory birds, and bats. 
• Offshore wind construction generates underwater noise that displaces marine mammals and alters seafloor habitats. 
• Grid infrastructure fragments ecosystems, from salt marshes to mangroves.

Her call to action: accelerate renewable energy, but do it better—through nature-positive deployment. She outlined IUCN’s four-pillar approach: 

• Strategic spatial planning that avoids high-value ecosystems 
• Cumulative impact assessment at regional scales 
• Wildlife-sensitive design powered by innovation 
• Integration with Nature-based Solutions for climate, biodiversity, and social benefits

Rachel highlighted proof-of-concept success stories—from pollinator-solar projects to offshore wind reefs—demonstrating that solutions already exist. She also emphasized IUCN’s initiatives such as the Global Initiative for Nature Grids and Renewables (GINGR), which culminates from a partnership between IUCN and the Renewable Grids Initiative, the Renewables for Nature Coalition, which brings together different stakeholders to develop industry guidance based on lessons learnt, and Ecowende, a joint venture that aims to build the most ecological wind farm yet, driving collaboration across governments, industry, and civil society.

Her closing message: The renewable energy revolution is not in question—but its legitimacy depends on whether it also restores nature. The future of our planet depends on getting this balance right.

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