Peer presses for full publication of nature loss and national security report

(by Karma Loveday)

ITV News reported exclusively that some of the most worrying potential impacts of nature loss weren't disclosed to the public when the Government published a summary version of its nature security assessment on Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security in January.

The long version of the report was said to show that nature loss could lead to annual “GDP being 12% lower than it would have been otherwise by 2030.” Other omissions reported included the potential for “mass mortality” in worst case scenarios on disease emergence, and the threat of military exchanges between China, India and Pakistan if shrinking glaciers cause water shortages in the Himalayas.

In Parliament, Earl Russell pressed for full disclosure. He said: “A nature security assessment was initially withheld and then only partially released following an FoI request. Given the gravity of its findings for biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and our future national security, will the Government now publish the report in full? What policy responses are being developed as a result? Will Ministers engage in open dialogue, both at home and with allies, that recognises the interlinked climate and nature emergencies as essential to our natural security strategy and future prosperity?”

Responding for the Government, Baroness Hayman said: “It is important to note that this is a strategic tool and not a prediction of future possibilities. The idea behind it is to help government plan for future shocks that are credible enough to warrant preparation. The way it has been managed reflects standard national security planning for preparedness. On policies, we are taking comprehensive action to strengthen resilience to environmental risks, both at home and aboard, through various ways.”