1.1 Context and scope
RE-BD AR2024, the 2024 Assessment Report on Renewable Energy and Biodiversity, addresses the critical balance between expanding renewable energy (RE) and better protecting biodiversity in Switzerland, with a special focus on the Alpine regions. It is the result of the project “Towards new renewable energy developments in Switzerland that preserve biodiversity”, supported by CLIMACT, the Center for Climate Impact and Action of UNIL & EPFL, conducted between June 2023 and September 2024. The project reviewed published scientific literature in order to define the conditions needed to reach three key societal goals: climate action, energy security, and ecological integrity. It unites experts in RE, climate, and biodiversity from diverse scientific bodies and universities across Switzerland, aiming to foster mutual understanding and collaboration to achieve the outlined societal goals. The project team and participants met in three interdisciplinary workshops: June 2023 at UNIL in Lausanne, October 2023 at EPFL in Neuchâtel, and January 2024 at ETHZ in Zurich. Most of the work was undertaken by eight chapter teams, led by chapter lead authors. At least three external reviewers reviewed each chapter, in two rounds. A regular dialogue took place with complementary national projects Speed2Zero and Engage, as well as with the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences (SCNAT). The full list of editors, chapter lead authors, and chapter authors is in the Credits section and in each chapter - a total of 45 scientists were involved in writing and reviewing this report. This report presents the current state of scientific knowledge to guide this crucial transition. Each chapter explores a key topic, drawing on published scientific literature, includes a summary and a detailed reference list, and can be read independently. While our overall recommendations align with other projects and reports addressing biodiversity and RE, our report offers several original contributions: (a) A holistic perspective of biodiversity, considering cumulative and interlinked impacts; (b) Specific best practices to minimize impacts of RE; (c) Emphasis on reducing current pressures on biodiversity and minimizing additional pressures from the nationwide deployment of RE infrastructure; (d) The necessity for a coordinated, spatially optimized national approach to RE development; and (e) The importance of democracy and community engagement in the decision-making process.