Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Global Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Collapse: National Security Assessment

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The nature security assessment is a cross-Government strategic analysis to inform planning for climate and nature-related risks.
  • The Department aims to manage risks to food, water, and natural ecosystems through the 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan.
  • Foreign Office officials are expected to attend the desertification COP in Mongolia this August.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adrian Ramsay Green Waveney Valley
Climate Environment
Context

The Department's report, Nature Security Assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, was published on January 20, 2026. It highlights potential climate and nature-related risks.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies from the Nature Security Assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and national security?

Answer from Mary Creagh

The nature security assessment is a cross-Government strategic analysis designed to inform planning for potential climate and nature-related risks, driving a more joined-up approach across Government by identifying these risks so they can be managed early. It does not set policy or make predictions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific implications for policies were not directly addressed; the assessment's role was explained but no specific policy changes mentioned.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Adrian Ramsay Green Waveney Valley
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

A DEFRA report warns of serious threats to food, water, and natural ecosystems by 2030. The question arises from the publication of this alarming assessment.

Question

Has the Minister seen a second report indicating that by 2030, our food, water, and natural ecosystems will face risks due to collapse? What actions is her Department taking based on these findings?

Answer from Mary Creagh

I have not seen the specific report mentioned, but my colleague, the Minister for farming, may have. Our 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan aims to accelerate progress on targets under the Environment Act 2021 by setting out actions for ecosystem protection and wildlife reintroduction over five years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct confirmation or review of the mentioned report was not provided, instead focusing on current initiatives.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The COP in Mongolia addresses critical issues like water shortages and land degradation, aligning with the broader climate change agenda.

Question

What discussions will the Department have with the Foreign Office about attending the desertification COP in Mongolia this August?

Answer from Mary Creagh

Foreign Office officials are expected to attend. The Mongolian COP is equally important, and it is crucial that we integrate climate, desertification, and nature discussions for synergistic outcomes. While not traditionally seen as a problem here, desertification must be taken seriously due to warming climates.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussion plans with the Foreign Office were not detailed; importance of addressing desertification was acknowledged but without concrete steps.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)