Our global economy is fueled by natural resources extracted from the Earth, but removing them can cause erosion, pollution, deforestation and species loss. As development increasingly encroaches on formerly pristine areas, we must find ways to work in harmony with nature.
Aluminum. Iron. Gold. Lead. If it can’t be grown or made, it was probably mined. These materials are used in almost everything — from buildings and cars to cell phones and laptops — yet most of the world’s store of metals and minerals remains undiscovered.
As the world’s population continues to grow, demand for sources of energy continues to rise. Global energy consumption is expected to increase 56% from 2010 to 2040, and more than 85% of the increase will come from developing nations.
The mining, oil and gas industries are leading engines of job creation and economic growth — particularly in developing countries — as well as a large source of revenue for many governments.
Mining practices release greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. And we burn fuel in order to power our vehicles and heat our buildings. All told, more than 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector.
Mining activities, especially those using open-pit mining techniques, and oil and gas development projects often require clearing large areas of land — with significant loss of plant and animal habitat as result. In China, coal mining has degraded an estimated 3.2 million hectares (7.9 million acres), with only about 10% of that land being restored.
Mercury is one of the most harmful pollutants to both people and wildlife. Toxic levels of mercury are released from coal-burning power plants and from mercury amalgamation, a practice used in illegal and small-scale gold mining that results in about one unit of mercury emitted into the environment for every unit of gold produced. This practice leads to almost 1,000 tons of mercury released into the environment each year.
Industrial mining uses large amounts of water — and that’s only expected to increase in the coming decades. In the U.S., where some parts of the country are facing a historic drought, an estimated 4 million gallons of water per day are withdrawn for mining purposes.
Conservation International works to develop tools, practices and guidance to address key challenges associated with the mining and energy sectors.
The extraction of high-grade iron ore in the Liberian mountains could threaten healthy natural reserves and the well-being of local people.
The collection of standardized baseline data is a key component in responsible energy and mining. It is useful in guiding the application of the mitigation hierarchy and advising management decisions.
Conservation International is an alliance partner for IBAT, a biodiversity data tool that helps businesses incorporate biodiversity considerations into key project planning and management decisions.
Conservation International engages partners and industry associations in the energy and mining sectors who demonstrate willingness to pursue leadership positions on environmental and social responsibility, and who promote responsible business practices for avoiding, mitigating and offsetting negative impacts and ultimately delivering positive impacts for healthy ecosystems and societies. Conservation International has two major global partnerships with BHP and Chevron.
The Alliance aims to deliver enduring benefits to biodiversity, ecosystems and other environmental resources.
Advancing science, tools and practices for managing ecological and related social impacts and risks in the development and production of energy resources.
Enhanced Corporate Social andEnvironmental Performance throughan Integrated Approach
CI-BHP Alliance Factsheet
Responsible Mining and Energy Overview
Core Standardized Methods for Rapid Biological Field Assessment
Conservation International-Chevron Partnership Factsheet
Leadership in Focus: Biodiversity Offsets
Integrating Biodiversity Conservation into Oil and Gas Development
Options and Mechanisms for the Financing of Biodiversity Offsets
Corporate Water Stewardship and the Case for Green Infrastructure
Switch to a more fuel-efficient car, take public transit if you can or ride a bike.
Consider using recycled materials in your home, and push for their use in your workplace. You can also stay in LEED-certified hotels when you...
Tell the world that the fate of the only planet we've ever called home is in our hands.
