Exploring energy gardens: botanic gardens and biofuels

Abstract

This issue of BGjournal addresses one of the most significant global challenges – the provision of alternative energy. With the impacts of climate change ever more evident the search for reduced carbon energy sources and the drive for sustainable energy use become increasingly urgent. Plants are a key part of the solution. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)’s main aim is to secure plant diversity for people and the planet. There is a need to consider biodiversity conservation within the context of tackling broader environmental sustainability. Linking plant conservation with bigger societal concerns should help to increase the relevance and understanding of BGCI’s work and that of the global network of botanic gardens.