The centrality of nature and biodiversity to national security was made crystal clear in a UK government national security briefing on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security. National security assessments are conducted to identify strategic risks, threats and vulnerabilities that threaten national interests. For the first time, biodiversity loss and global ecosystem collapse were systematically assessed through a national security lens. Food production was identified as both the most significant cause of terrestrial biodiversity loss and one of the sectors most vulnerable to ecosystem collapse due to biodiversity loss. Nature restoration, within and beyond our shores, is essential for mitigating the national security risks of biodiversity loss.

Source: The Irish Times March 26, 2026 16:36 UTC