Balancing nature and renewable energy

摘要

In thinking about securing the future of biodiversity, the underlying propositions here are straightforward. First, climate change will be harmful to biodiversity and therefore we need a big push to develop renewable energy. Secondly, however, renewable energy projects can be harmful to biodiversity, and harmful development should be prevented. Good design, siting and operation can limit the harm caused and therefore help to reconcile these conflicting goals, although difficult questions remain. How far should we sacrifice some biodiversity today to create the chance for there to be some future for nature in the decades to come? Stopping renewable energy projects in order to preserve hill-tops for the mountain hare and the ptarmigan is pointless if changing climate means an end to snowy winters and the conditions they need to thrive. But if climate gains can be won only at the expense of devastating our biodiversity, that too seems pointless. The real tragedy, perhaps, is that we are being forced into making such difficult choices when so little is being done to achieve the blindingly obvious alternative of achieving greater efficiency and reduced demand for energy.