Bertzky, M., Dickson, B., Galt, R., Glen, E., Harley, M., Hodgson, N., Keder, G., Lysenko, I., Pooley, M., Ravilious, C., Sajwaj, T., Schiopu, R., E Yves De Soye, E., and Tucker, G. (2011). Impacts of climate change and selected renewable energy infrastructures on EU biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network. Cambridge, UK: UNEP-WCMC.
This summary report aims to provide the European Commission with an overview of the likely impact of climate change on biodiversity in the European Union and indications as to how the design and implementation of current policy might need to be adapted in order to ensure that the EU respects its commitment to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond.
Specifically, this project reviewed impacts on biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network of onshore and offshore wind farms, large hydro dams and infrastructures harnessing tidal and wave marine energy, including through a geospatial analysis. It also provided guidelines on how best to develop and implement a given project in order to minimise these impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning of either of these infrastructures. Finally, it compared the environmental benefits and risks associated with the different technologies, which may guide further policies and investment.