By Abbas Nazil
The UK’s national security is under increasing threat from the global collapse of biodiversity, intelligence chiefs have warned, as ecosystem destruction could trigger food shortages, mass migration, and geopolitical instability.
A report to ministers states that vital natural systems could face collapse within five years, endangering the UK’s ability to compete for resources and maintain food security, with severe consequences for national prosperity.
Already, climate-driven crop failures, natural disasters, and infectious disease outbreaks are being experienced, and these pressures are expected to intensify, resulting in greater inter-state competition, economic insecurity, and global disorder.
The 14-page assessment, prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with input from the joint intelligence committee overseeing MI5 and MI6, applies military intelligence techniques to examine biodiversity threats and their implications for national security.
Key ecosystems underpinning global food production and regulating climate, water, and weather cycles are of particular concern. Collapse or severe degradation could cause water shortages, reduced crop yields, fisheries collapse, altered weather patterns, release of stored carbon, the emergence of zoonotic diseases, and the loss of pharmaceutical resources.
Hotspots identified as critical for UK security include the Amazon and Congo rainforests, boreal forests, the Himalayas, and coral reefs and mangroves in southeast Asia. Some, such as coral reefs and boreal forests, are projected to begin collapsing by 2030, while others may face critical decline by 2050.
Experts have criticized the UK government for underfunding international biodiversity efforts and focusing narrowly on carbon reduction rather than preserving nature, warning that such priorities leave the nation vulnerable to systemic environmental and geopolitical risks.
The report calls for increased investment in UK food systems, improved support for domestic farmers, and stronger engagement in international initiatives to protect biodiversity, emphasizing that safeguarding ecosystems is essential for national resilience, prosperity, and security.
Government officials have acknowledged the report’s findings, stating that understanding biodiversity threats is vital for preparing for future risks and ensuring that nature continues to support the UK’s security and well-being.
Environmental advocates say immediate action is required to prevent further degradation, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate, ecosystems, and human security in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
