By Abbas Nazil
Environmental experts and lawmakers have warned the UK government to act urgently on biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, describing continued delays as unjustifiable and dangerous.
The call followed the late release of the government’s national security assessment on biodiversity loss, which was published more than three months behind schedule.
Critics said the delay was inexcusable, particularly because much of the information contained in the report is already outdated.
Scientists noted that new global evidence shows the planet has entered a critical phase of environmental decline.
A major tipping points report released by the University of Exeter in October confirmed that the world has already crossed its first Earth system tipping point.
The report identified the widespread dieback of warm-water coral reefs as an irreversible development with catastrophic consequences.
Researchers warned that further tipping points could soon follow, including polar ice sheet collapse, failure of major ocean currents and large-scale destruction of the Amazon rainforest.
They said these events would pose severe risks to ecosystems, food systems and human livelihoods worldwide.
While the government’s security assessment acknowledged that ecosystem collapse abroad threatens countries such as the UK, experts said it failed to address Britain’s own contribution to the crisis.
They argued that UK financial investments and imported commodities are actively driving deforestation and environmental destruction overseas.
The Amazon region was cited as a key example of how global demand continues to accelerate ecological damage.
Environmental leaders expressed concern that the UK has not invested in the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, despite helping to establish the initiative.
They also criticised the government for failing to halt investments linked to ecosystem loss.
Campaigners said ministers have yet to introduce legislation to stop imports connected to deforestation.
According to scientists, the evidence, solutions and national security implications are already clear.
They stressed that there is no justification for further political inaction.
The warning was echoed by Members of Parliament, who said biodiversity loss must be treated as a central security issue.
MPs cautioned that the collapse of nature should not be overshadowed by global political tensions or military concerns.
They argued that ecosystem breakdown is already underway and that the UK remains dangerously unprepared.
Lawmakers said climate change and biodiversity loss pose threats equal to traditional security risks.
They urged the government to treat the findings of intelligence agencies with urgency rather than hesitation.
According to the MPs, this moment should redefine the government’s mission around protecting people and natural systems.
They said restoring nature at home and abroad could deliver real benefits to communities.
Flooding, droughts and wildfires were highlighted as growing threats already disrupting daily life.
Supporters of urgent action said environmental restoration could improve resilience while strengthening food and economic security.
They added that tackling the climate and nature crisis could also unite the public during a period of political uncertainty.
Experts concluded that the danger is no longer theoretical.
They warned that biodiversity collapse represents a clear and present national security threat.
With scientific alarms growing louder, campaigners questioned how long the government can afford to delay decisive action.
