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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Ready to get started?

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

More featured content

The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

More featured content

Book a demo

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Book a demo

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Renewable Energy and Nature

Renewable Energy and Nature

Joost Notenboom

In this video, Joost Notenboom explains the biodiversity impacts of renewable energy projects, from resource extraction to project locations. Also understand the frameworks for mitigating nature-related risks responsibly.

In this video, Joost Notenboom explains the biodiversity impacts of renewable energy projects, from resource extraction to project locations. Also understand the frameworks for mitigating nature-related risks responsibly.

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Renewable Energy and Nature

14 mins 46 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Identify the nature impacts of renewable energy across the supply chains

  • Identify the site level impact of renewable energy on biodiversity

  • Understand how resource extraction and land-use changes affect ecosystems

  • Explore mitigation strategies to manage nature-related risks effectively

Overview:

Renewable energy projects have significant impacts on biodiversity, from resource extraction to project siting and operations. Metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are vital but disrupt ecosystems during extraction, refining, and manufacturing. Land-use changes for solar and wind farms often lead to habitat loss and fragmentation.

As investors, we need to be aware of mitigation strategies such as conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), using tools like GLOBIO for biodiversity evaluation, and following good practices in project planning. Businesses should also innovate and consider recycling materials, repowering projects, and adopting restoration measures at the decommissioning stage to minimise long-term damage.

By integrating biodiversity considerations into governance and strategies, investors and organisations can ensure renewable projects balance environmental impacts with their climate benefits, ultimately promoting sustainable practices.

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Summary
How do renewable energy projects impact nature (biodiversity)?

Resource extraction for metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium disrupts ecosystems, causing habitat loss and pollution. Additionally, land use for solar and wind farms fragments habitats, affecting local flora and fauna. Improper disposal of materials further exacerbates environmental harm.

What are the key nature risks in resource extraction?

Mining activities result in deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. For instance, large-scale nickel mining in Indonesia has severely impacted coral reefs and forest ecosystems. Refining processes also emit pollutants that harm air quality and biodiversity.

How do project locations affect biodiversity?

Solar farms require extensive land use, while wind turbines impact wildlife through habitat modification and collision risks. Poorly selected sites exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for environmental assessments.


What mitigation strategies can renewable energy developers adopt?

  • Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments to evaluate local biodiversity
  • Use frameworks like GLOBIO to categorise and minimise land-use impacts
  • Plan for decommissioning by recycling components and restoring ecosystems

What tools and frameworks support biodiversity management?

Frameworks like GLOBIO provide detailed land-use metrics, while Environmental Impact Assessments ensure site-specific evaluations. Businesses can also integrate biodiversity strategies into governance models, aligning with global sustainability standards.

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Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom, a seasoned professional with experience in professional services, banking, investment, and funds management, is currently the Head of ESG & Sustainability at Omnes Capital, a French private equity firm focusing on energy transition and innovation, aiming to combine positive societal impact with attractive financial returns.

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