The UK’s national security is facing a new and growing threat: the collapse of the natural world. Government intelligence chiefs warn that the destruction of vital ecosystems could lead to food shortages, rising prices, mass migration, and global instability. The warning comes in a 14-page report published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which calls for immediate action to protect the planet to safeguard the nation’s future.
Food security is becoming one of the biggest challenges. The report warns that without significant improvements in how the food is produced and managed, the UK could fall behind in competing for scarce resources. We’re already seeing the effects: crops failing, extreme weather hitting communities, and diseases emerging as the environment comes under stress.
We expect these pressures to intensify. They could lead to conflicts and push many people to flee their homes. Some of the world’s most vital ecosystems may begin to break down in as little as five years. These events would not only harm the environment but could also threaten the UK’s economy and even its national security.
Ecosystems such as the Amazon and Congo rainforests, boreal forests, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia’s coral reefs and mangroves are more than just natural wonders; they are the planet’s life-support system. They help regulate the climate, keep water systems balanced, and support the food we rely on. Damage to these ecosystems has global consequences, including crop failure, farmland disappearance, fisheries collapse, unpredictable weather, and the emergence of new diseases. Lt Gen Richard Nugee, a former senior military commander, said the report is “a welcome and important acknowledgement” of the dangers posed by ecosystem collapse.
He emphasised that when risks are widespread, unavoidable, and already happening, it is the nation’s duty to build resilience. “Understanding the threats honestly is the first step toward preparedness,” he said. The report takes an unusual approach, using military intelligence techniques to analyse the biodiversity crisis. It identifies “critical ecosystems” that support food production and global climate stability as key to UK security. Collapse in these areas could release stored carbon, worsen climate change, and even reduce access to natural medicines. Some ecosystems, like coral reefs and boreal forests, could begin collapsing as early as 2030, while others, including the Amazon rainforest, may take until 2050. Scientists warn that the Amazon is already showing signs of faster-than-expected decline.
The loss of these ecosystems could set off a chain reaction affecting everything from food and water availability to international stability. Environmental campaigners are urging the government to take action. Ruth Chambers, a senior fellow at Green Alliance, said the report should focus attention on reversing the decline of UK nature and reinforce international efforts to protect biodiversity, including supporting rainforest conservation worldwide. At the same time, ministers are considering how much the UK should invest in helping other countries cope with climate pressures. The UK may reduce its current spending of £11.6 billion through 2026, potentially diminishing support for nature-focused projects. Former climate minister Zac Goldsmith warned that prioritising carbon reduction over protecting ecosystems could have serious consequences for national safety and prosperity.
The report also stresses the importance of strengthening the UK’s own food systems. With heavy reliance on imports, the country is vulnerable if global competition for food intensifies due to ecosystem collapse. David Exwood, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union, said encouraging farmers to invest in environmentally sustainable practices is crucial for national food security. “Investing in our land is the first step toward ensuring we can feed ourselves in a volatile world,” he said. A Defra spokesperson said, “Nature underpins our security, prosperity, and resilience.
Understanding the threats posed by biodiversity loss is vital to preparing for the future. This report will guide the action we take to protect both the environment and the UK’s long-term security.” The message is clear: the health of the natural world is no longer just an environmental concern – it is a national security priority. Protecting our natural ecosystems is important. If the UK wants to secure its food and maintain stability and prepare for a future full of uncertainty, looking after nature must come first.
