We face two interrelated threats requiring pressing motion: addressing local weather change and biodiversity loss. Regardless of a story that generally pits renewable power and wildlife conservation pursuits towards each other, it isn’t solely potential however crucial to unravel these two points in tandem on the coverage and the challenge stage.
Audubon’s Survival by Levels Report discovered that round 61 % of fowl species in North America are susceptible to extinction by the tip of the century underneath a 3 diploma local weather warming situation—with birds like Clark’s Nutcracker, Montezuma Quail, and Eared Grebes extremely weak in Arizona. The local weather disaster calls for we construct out our renewable power infrastructure at an industrial scale if we’re going to scale back our carbon emissions to the purpose the place the worst results of local weather change are averted. The worldwide biodiversity disaster calls for we restore, enhance, and shield habitat for wildlife across the globe on the panorama scale if we’re going to cease extinction (which is presently taking place at a fee not seen because the finish of the dinosaurs).
How can we construct the infrastructure wanted to transition away from a carbon-based power financial system whereas additionally creating new habitat for wildlife (or not less than defending what we nonetheless have)? One of the best options must tackle local weather, wildlife, and habitat conservation—whereas partaking impacted communities.
And Arizona and the Southwest are on the epicenter.
On the Nationwide Audubon Society, and inside our regional workplace at Audubon Southwest, we’re leaning into this obligatory work. With the 2023 launch of our Birds and Transmission Report, our assist for the Sunzia Transmission Line, and our contributions to the Bureau of Land Administration’s Western Photo voltaic Plan, we acknowledge there should be a stability in creating renewable power and transmission and selling wildlife conservation. If extra renewable and transmission tasks could be proactive and take into account the wants of wildlife and communities, we consider they are often deployed faster and extra responsibly.
With this strategy we’re rejecting the notion that we’re pitted in a zero-sum recreation between renewable power and wildlife habitat. We consider that by using one of the best science, conducting high-level diplomacy with business, and interesting in siting and allowing processes throughout numerous jurisdictions (federal, state, county, native), we are able to construct out the wanted renewable power capability whereas nonetheless conserving and even bettering habitat. Audubon works at a number of ranges to affect allowing processes, siting choices, and mitigation plans to realize one of the best outcomes for birds and folks.
Along with these conservation priorities that we wish builders to contemplate when siting, designing, and implementing utility-scale renewable and transmission tasks, we additionally support rooftop photo voltaic, residence battery storage, and power effectivity and conservation. Moreover, we consider that existing transmission strains needs to be operated in a manner that maximizes present capability and ensures present strains are absolutely utilized (to find out if new transmission strains are wanted).
Audubon Southwest will proceed to monitor and interact within the renewable power, transmission, and wildlife conservation enviornment to enhance the outcomes for birds and folks and to assist advance the clear power transition we’d like. We may also ask to your assist. If you’re fascinated about receiving information and alternatives to have interaction in these processes, be sure to are signed up for Audubon Southwest information and motion alerts.
Jon Hayes contributed to this text.
