"Nature is critical national infrastructure. When we destroy it, we increase floods, heat deaths, food insecurity and economic instability. When we restore it, we reduce risk, save lives and strengthen the economy."
Professor Nathalie Seddon
Key points from the briefing
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. Only about 53% of our biodiversity remains; one in six species faces extinction. This is a loss of vital functions — pollination, clean water, flood regulation - not just wildlife.
Nature loss is a national security and economic risk. Continued degradation could cause a major economic shock - while leaving millions of homes exposed to flooding and heat.
Restoring nature is one of the highest-return investments available. Wetlands, peatlands, hedgerows and urban trees cut flood risk, prevent heat deaths, protect food supplies, store carbon and create skilled jobs — at far lower cost than rebuilding after disasters.
We are still paying to destroy our own life-support system. Public money and finance continue to subsidise pollution and ecosystem damage, actively increasing long-term risk.
The public is ahead of the Government. Most people want stronger action to protect and restore nature - and the science shows we know exactly what works.
