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.
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