Nature Positive Role of the Offshore Wind Sector

Foreword Our planet stands at a critical crossroads. The climate and biodiversity crises are intensifying, with rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and widespread species loss threatening ecosystems and human well-being alike. The ocean, which covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and absorbs 90% of excess heat, is experiencing unprecedented warming and subsequent sea level rise. Over 500 marine “dead zones” have been identified globally, where reduced oxygen levels caused by warming and pollution make it impossible for most marine life to survive. The climate and nature agendas are deeply interconnected. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is accelerating the loss of biodiversity, disrupting habitats and altering the natural cycles of water and carbon. In turn, the degradation of nature reduces ecosystems’ resilience and ability to sequester carbon, exacerbating climate change. Decarbonization cannot happen without consideration of nature. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Nature and Business report estimates that more than half of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. This means that companies and investors cannot afford to delay actions that can reverse climate change and prevent nature loss any longer. While the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) have provided governments and businesses with goals and targets, industries need sectoral guidance on strategic next steps. This is particularly true when it comes to preventing nature loss, which poses an inherently complex set of issues. Over the past year, the World Economic Forum, together with our partners, has gathered data and insights through research, expert consultation and industry interviews. These efforts have enabled us to prepare the Sector Transitions to Nature Positive series of reports. This report explores the contribution of offshore wind energy to a nature-positive economy, with examples and case studies demonstrating the progress made by the industry in collaboration with key stakeholders. It also lays out the road ahead. While offshore wind developments have historically been concentrated in Europe, China has recently become the largest offshore wind producer. The new deployment, permitting and exploration of offshore wind has also accelerated in other parts of the world. As offshore wind infrastructure expands, we face challenges that demand innovative solutions and new approaches. From protecting vulnerable species and habitats to engaging with local communities and stakeholders, this report illustrates how we can harness this powerful technology to accelerate the green transition. It demonstrates the potential to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems and deliver benefits to communities. The insights in this report are more than a call to action – they offer a blueprint for aligning energy infrastructure with economic progress, social prosperity and environmental stewardship. Offshore wind offers a pathway to achieving this vision, but only if we make intentional, informed decisions that prioritize the health of our oceans and the diversity of life they support.Alfredo Giron Head, Ocean Action Agenda, World Economic ForumQin Haiyan Secretary-General, Chinese Wind Energy Association Nature Positive: Role of the Offshore Wind Sector 4