Biodiversity as a renewable energy resource: estimating ecosystem productivity for sustainable development

Abstract

Global climate change, biodiversity loss, and energy insecurity represent interconnected challenges of the Anthropocene. Energy systems dominated by fossil fuels drive environmental degradation, while ecosystems themselves remain underutilized as renewable energy providers. The concept of biodiversity as a renewable energy resource recognizes that diverse ecosystems produce sustainable biomass, regulate carbon and nutrient cycles, and provide resilience against climate change. The role of biodiversity in energy productivity is often underestimated compared to conventional renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower. However, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems collectively account for approximately 105-120 petagrams of carbon fixed annually through photosynthesis, representing the primary energy base of the biosphere. Understanding how this biological productivity can be harnessed responsibly is vital for aligning energy systems with sustainable development goals (SDGs).