Business Stuck: Climate Change vs. Biodiversity in Clean Energy Shift

Address Climate Change or Preserve Biodiversity? Business Caught in an Impasse in Efforts to Shift to Clean Energy

As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, new conflicts arise between environmental sustainability and ecological preservation. A recent case in Nevada highlights this tension, where a proposed lithium mine threatens the survival of a rare plant species. This dilemma has underscored the broader concerns that drive for renewable energy solutions may inadvertently lead to environmental degradation and species extinction.

The Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada has become a focal point of contention. Lithium Americas Corp. aims to develop one of the largest lithium mines in the U.S., a crucial step in meeting the growing demand for batteries essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage and as part of a broader plan by the US to develop a local lithium supply chain. However, environmentalists warn that the project could decimate Tiehm’s buckwheat (Eriogonum tiehmii), a rare plant found exclusively in this region.

Tiehm’s buckwheat was categorised as a critically endangered species in 2022 with environmentalists estimating there are only around 20,000 specimens left. The contention arises in that its habitat lies directly in the path of the proposed mine. 

Environmental advocacy groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, argue that the mine's construction and operation could lead to the plant's extinction. They stress the irony that in the rush to mitigate climate change, we might be sacrificing biodiversity and ecological health.

However, on its part, Ioneer, the company holding the mining rights to the area has argued that it has already planned mitigation methods, like dust curtains, and keeping the roads wet during mining operations to protect the plant from dust. It also states that it has spent $2.5 million researching the plant, and it is already growing well in greenhouses and biologists think it can be replanted. 

Besides, Ioneer argues that operationally, it cannot move the mine elsewhere since it has invested over $170 million since 2016 to demonstrate the feasibility of this site, which it believes is one of the best around. As such, the company argues the calls to move the mine are not feasible since it is not as simple as just digging somewhere else.

"Many of these other deposits haven't had that amount of work, so they're not viable alternatives to a project like this," he said. Ioneer's plans show that over the years the mine is in operation -- it is projected to start producing lithium in late 2027 -- around a fifth of the plant's habitat will be directly affected.

But the company, which has spent $2.5 million researching the plant, says mining will not affect its survival; it is already growing well in greenhouses and biologists think it can be replanted.

The Thacker Pass scenario is not an isolated incident. Across the globe, similar conflicts have emerged as the renewable energy sector expands. Large-scale solar projects in the Mojave Desert have faced criticism for disrupting habitats of endangered species like the desert tortoise. Environmentalists argue that while solar energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, its development should not come at the cost of local biodiversity.

Similarly, wind energy, another cornerstone of the renewable transition, has been linked to bird and bat fatalities. In particular, wind turbines have been responsible for the deaths of many raptors and migratory birds with many conservationists criticising wind energy generation companies for pursuing profits without considering the natural habitats of animals.

Humans have also not been spared in the quest to avert climate change disaster. The expansion of hydropower projects, especially in developing countries has often led to the displacement of local communities and significant alterations to aquatic ecosystems. The construction of dams has also disrupted fish migration patterns, leading to declines in fish populations and affecting the livelihoods of people who depend on them.

These conflicts between the urgent need to address climate change and the equally important need to preserve biodiversity is a growing challenge. Companies must adopt sustainable practices and technological innovations to find a balance. 

Moreover, comprehensive environmental impact assessments and robust regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure that green energy projects do not come at the expense of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry, and environmental groups can lead to more sustainable and equitable solutions.