Ensuring legitimate project-level claims about net biodiversity outcomes

Trends Ecol Evol. 2024 Jul;39(7):599-602. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.05.004. Epub 2024 Jun 19.

Abstract

Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and hydropower dams, can indirectly benefit biodiversity by mitigating climate change. However, we explain why such indirect benefits should not contribute towards the accounting of project-level net biodiversity outcomes and provide guidance on the steps needed to legitimately claim no-net-loss of biodiversity.

Keywords: biodiversity; climate; nature positive; net gain; renewable energy; tradeoffs.

MeSH terms

  • Biodiversity*
  • Climate Change*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Renewable Energy