Climate protection and biodiversity: How can we solve the conflict?

Climate protection and biodiversity: How can we solve the conflict?

On May 13, 2025, the conflict of objectives between climate protection and species protection will become the focus of an online panel discussion that will take place on May 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event is organized by the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research Hannover Veterinary University Foundation (TiHo). The discussion is part of the Future Discourse: Energy Transition versus Biodiversity (ZukunftEnbio) project, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture.

The focus is on the conflict that arises when climate protection measures such as the expansion of renewable energies have negative effects on ecosystems. A striking example is the offshore wind power expansion in the North Sea, which affects endangered marine species such as the harbor porpoise. Experts want to discuss solutions to better harmonize climate and species protection.

Experts involved

The discussion will be led by renowned experts including:

• Dr. Joseph Schnitzler (TiHo)
• Isabelle Maus (BUND Bremen)
• Prof. Dr. Christian Sonne, PhD (Aarhus University)
• Dr. Ute Daewel (Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon)
• To be confirmed: Dr.-Ing. Mario Welzel (Leibniz Universität Hannover)

The moderation is carried out by Prof. Prof. h.c. Dr. Ursula Siebert (TiHo), who will lead through the program, which begins with admission at 4:45 p.m. and is enriched by keynote speeches and a panel discussion.

The conflict over offshore wind power

Offshore wind power is seen as a crucial part of the energy transition, but its expansion creates serious conflicts with nature conservation, fisheries, shipping and other economic sectors. This highlights the need to take the ecological carrying capacity of the North and Baltic Seas into account when planning new wind power projects. The political framework often shows greater reluctance towards the concerns of fishermen and shipowners compared to nature conservation associations.

In order to overcome these challenges, it is required to carry out an independent analysis that links the expansion potential of offshore wind power with the current ecological conditions. Careful planning is considered essential to ensure a nature-friendly energy transition. Energy climate protection reports In addition, the area development plan (FEP) is considered useful in balancing the various interests in this sensitive area.

An important aim of the discussion will therefore be to show innovative ways in which climate protection and nature conservation measures can be combined in order to meet the diverse challenges of our time.