Work

Both energy transition and external financial support are vital in stimulating global biodiversity conservation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While the international community focuses on climate risks, biodiversity risks remain largely neglected. Biodiversity loss and species extinction threaten ecosystems globally, with effects persisting from present into the future. Against this background, this study employs the global panel data from 88 countries over the period from 2000 to 2020 to examine the short-term and long-term relationships among biodiversity conservation, energy transition, and external financial support which refers to foreign direct investment (FDI). The results demonstrate that energy transition exerts a positive influence on biodiversity conservation. Meanwhile, the impact of external financial support on biodiversity conservation is significantly influenced by the international environment and exhibits considerable volatility. However, regional heterogeneity analysis reveals significant variations in the observed relationship. These findings indicate that countries can maximize biodiversity co-benefits by implementing enforceable biodiversity disclosure requirements for large-scale FDI projects and integrating renewable energy policies into a coordinated policy framework.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.114848

Authors: Haijie Wang, Yitong Yan, Shilei Hu, Yanchao Feng

Institutions: Zhengzhou University, Harbin Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Partnerships for the goals, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240