IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

We need energy for almost everything we do from cooking, heating and lighting our homes and offices, to travelling for work or pleasure, and powering telecommunications and industry. But more than two-thirds of the greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate change come from energy sources - mostly through burning oil and coal. Many energy sources also have a direct impact on the environment. We urgently need to move to energy systems that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

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As all energy sources have some impact on nature, energy choices must be made with a full understanding of the trade-offs involved. At the same time, energy security depends on healthy ecosystems such as rivers, coastal lands and forests. IUCN promotes a rapid transition to sustainable energy sources by providing knowledge about the impacts of different energy options on biodiversity and how to limit these impacts. It also works to ensure that the energy policies and strategies of governments, companies and communities minimize their impact on the environment.

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