Lt Gen Richard Nugee, a retired British Army officer and former defence services secretary, has been a vocal advocate for viewing national security through the lens of climate change and biodiversity loss. In a recent assessment, he highlighted the critical importance of six ecosystem regions for UK national security, including the Amazon rainforest, the Congo basin, coral reefs in South East Asia, and the boreal forests of Russia and Canada.
Nugee emphasized that nature is the foundation of national security, as ecosystem collapse could lead to displacement of millions, global food and water scarcity, and geopolitical competition for resources. The assessment warned of risks such as increased migration, organized crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic insecurity, and conflict due to ecosystem degradation.
The assessment focused particularly on Britain’s food security, noting that the country imports 40% of its food and is reliant on imports of fresh produce and animal feed. To become self-sufficient in food production, significant changes in consumer diets and investments in sustainable agriculture are necessary.
The report underscored the vulnerability of Britain’s food production to ecosystem collapse, citing threats like depleted soils, loss of pollinators, and extreme weather conditions. While technologies like regenerative agriculture and lab-grown protein could help mitigate these risks, protecting and restoring ecosystems was deemed more effective and reliable.
Experts like Laurie Laybourn and Dr. Michael Burgass highlighted the urgent need to address the impacts of ecosystem collapse on society and business. The government acknowledged the assessment’s importance in long-term resilience planning and emphasized its commitment to transparency and informed decision-making.
Catherine Early, chief reporter for The Ecologist and a freelance environmental journalist, provided insights into the assessment’s findings and implications. Her expertise in environmental issues adds credibility to the discussion of national security in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Overall, the assessment serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between nature and national security, urging policymakers and businesses to take immediate action to protect ecosystems and ensure a more sustainable future.
