Author(s)

Sonter, Laura

Book, Journal

NA NA, NA, NA 2021-03-04

Abstract

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is needed to achieve net zero emissions this century and safeguard the climate conditions underpinning natural systems and human society. However, renewable energies are material intensive and so growing the supply of wind, solar and hydropower will increase demand for the minerals these technologies require. Some energy transition minerals, such as copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium, have deposits that coincide with biodiverse places, where mining may create new, or exacerbate existing (including climate change driven), threats to biodiversity. In the talk, I will present an analysis exploring the spatial correlation between mineral resources, sites valued for biodiversity (protected areas, key biodiversity areas) and areas containing habitat for threatened species. Results suggest that a green energy transition will create new mining threats to biodiversity, many of which are not addressed by current conservation plans and policies. I will outline the tools needed to better understand the impacts of extracting energy transition minerals, and discuss the contexts in which ecological compensation approaches may be appropriate to achieve No Net Loss of biodiversity.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-13798

NA: Nicht verfügbar