Many countries have committed to addressing two global challenges - the transition to a carbon-neutral energy production and the halt and reversal of biodiversity loss. Consequently, much research has been devoted at the interface of these topics, such as the consequences of renewable energy infrastructure and operation on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, solutions to minimize or mitigate negative impacts, and the underlying drivers of public opinion about renewable energy generation and biodiversity stewardship.
The goal of this session is to review the current state of knowledge at the interface of biodiversity and renewable energies, to identify persisting knowledge gaps, and to spark discussions about pathways towards a biodiversity-friendly energy transition. We welcome contributions covering any of the renewable energy sources, namely solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, biogas, tidal- and wave energy, geothermal energy and biofuels and from all levels of biodiversity consequences, e.g., food webs, ecosystems, habitats, and ecosystem services. We further appreciate contributions on societal aspects of biodiversity stewardship and the energy transition.