Practitioners’ perceived risks to biodiversity from renewable energy expansion through 2050

Daphne Condon (), Tyler A. Scott, Adam B. Smith, Toni Lyn Morelli, Uzma Ashraf, Alex Mojica, Hrithika Chittanuru, Rachel Luu, Rae Bear and Rebecca R. Hernandez
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Daphne Condon: University of California
Tyler A. Scott: University of California
Adam B. Smith: Missouri Botanical Garden
Toni Lyn Morelli: U.S. Geological Survey
Uzma Ashraf: University of California
Alex Mojica: University of California
Hrithika Chittanuru: University of California
Rachel Luu: University of California
Rae Bear: University of California
Rebecca R. Hernandez: University of California

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Large-scale (e.g., > 1 megawatt capacity) wind and solar energy (hereafter, LSWS) developments are increasing to aid decarbonization. However, LSWS can also negatively affect biodiversity. Planners and other interested parties’ perceptions about the impact of LSWS on biodiversity will thus affect how trade-offs are managed during planning and buildout. We present a survey of professionals (n = 116) working at the intersection of LSWS and biodiversity protection across the United States concerning: (1) perceived environmental impacts from LSWS expansion; and (2) how these impacts compare to other land-use and land-cover change drivers. We find that practitioners perceive LSWS to impact biodiversity negatively but less so than other land-cover change drivers, including fossil fuels and agriculture. This highlights the need for increased attention to the role of practitioners in advancing renewable energy and biodiversity conservation.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04558-9

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