Nature‐based solutions in the energy transition: A legal perspective

Abstract This article examines the legal concept of nature‐based solutions (NBS), in the context of renewable energy development. While the development of renewable energies is seen as the chief mechanism by which climate change can be mitigated, such development is spatially intrusive and likely to impact both ecosystems and biodiversity which coincidentally are also crucial resources for mitigating climate change. This begs the question of how and under what legal conditions renewable energy development may be implemented to achieve additional sustainable benefits beyond energy production. In response to this question, this paper demonstrates that NBS is a novel measure that introduces an aspect to environmental law which focusses on environmental restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. This in turn can address sustainability metrics and public interest objectives at the same time.