Characterising the impacts of emerging energy development on wildlife, with an eye towards mitigation

Abstract

Global demand for energy is projected to increase by 40% in the next 20 years, and largely will be met with alternative and unconventional sources. Development of these resources causes novel disturbances that strongly impact terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife. To effectively position ecologists to address this prevalent conservation challenge, we reviewed the literature on the ecological ramifications of this dominant driver of global land-use change, consolidated results for its mitigation and highlighted knowledge gaps. Impacts varied widely, underscoring the importance of area and species-specific studies. The most commonly reported impacts included behavioural responses and direct mortality. Examinations of mitigation were limited, but common easements included (1) reduction of the development footprint and human activity, (2) maintenance of undeveloped, 'refuge' habitat and (3) alteration of activity during sensitive periods. Problematically, the literature was primarily retrospective, focused on few species, countries, and ecoregions, and fraught with generalisations from weak inference. We advocate future studies take a comprehensive approach incorporating a mechanistic understanding of the interplay between developmentcaused impacts and species ecology that will enable effective mitigation. Key areas for future research vital to securing a sustainable energy future in the face of development-related global change are outlined.

Solar energy development impacts on land cover change and protected areas

“…Solar energy systems are highly modular ranging from small-scale deployments (≤1 MW; e.g., residential rooftop modules, portable battlefield systems, solar water heaters) to centralized, utility-scale solar energy (USSE) installations (≥1 MW) where a large economy of scale can meet greater energy demands. Nonetheless, the diffuse nature of solar energy necessitates that large swaths of space or land be used to collect and concentrate solar energy into forms usable for human consumption, increasing concern over potential adverse impacts on natural ecosystems, their services, and biodiversity therein (2)(3)(4)(5).…”

Evaluating Potential Effects of an Industrial Road on Winter Habitat of Caribou in North-Central Alaska

“…Understanding how wildlife will be affected by future industrial activities is a challenge for researchers and resource managers (Northrup and Wittemyer, 2013). Mapped output from our resource selection model clearly indicated that areas of high-value winter habitat for caribou were concentrated in valley bottoms and along ridgelines, particularly in the western reaches of the study area.…”

A review of biophysical and socio-economic effects of unconventional oil and gas extraction – Implications for South Africa

“…Negative environmental impacts may also occur, which could include impacts on water resources (in terms of quality and quantity for both surface water and groundwater resources) (ANU, 2012;Broomfield, 2012;Rahm and Riha 2012;Lechtenböhmer et al, 2011 andIEA, 2012), habitat fragmentation and loss (Jones and Pejchar, 2013;Northrup and Wittemyer, 2013) as well as possible increased seismicity associated with deep well wastewater injection as well as fracking operations (NRC, 2013). By identifying the possible impacts before extraction and development commences, some negative impacts during unconventional gas extraction may be minimised.…”