The Guardian view on risks from biodiversity collapse: warnings must be heeded before it's too late | Editorial

"Originally due to be published in the autumn, the review appears to have had some sections removed. An earlier version is reported to have included warnings about the risks of eco-terrorism and the growing likelihood of war between China, India and Pakistan due to competition over a shrinking water supply from the Himalayas."

"On carbon emissions targets, Labour has largely stuck to its guns and not allowed the siren voices of the populist right to undermine the UK's green transition. By contrast, Kemi Badenoch's pledge to repeal the Climate Change Act was arguably her most reckless decision since becoming Tory leader."

Ecosystems and national security are increasingly linked as biodiversity collapse poses direct risks to people and infrastructure. A national security assessment highlights threats to the UK's security arising from species extinctions, degraded rivers and deforestation. The assessment relies on external scientific data and warns of the UK's heavy dependence on food and fertiliser imports and the probable consequences of nature depletion. An earlier draft reportedly included warnings about eco-terrorism and rising risks of war between China, India and Pakistan over dwindling Himalayan water supplies. Political positions diverge on climate policy, while the broader environment agenda remains lower-profile aside from sewage and water company failures. Framing nature loss as a national security issue increases the chance of stronger policy responses.

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