Pandemics and Environmental Degradation

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Excerpts

Wednesday 24th February 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (LD) [V]]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. This pandemic is a stark example of exactly what those pieces of research have found: what happens when nature is abused, whether through habitat destruction or the wildlife trade, can wreak stark things for humans. I know that the Minister, through his work with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, is aware that evaluation and disclosure by corporates and the investment sector is very important, but does he agree that subsequent action is even more important? What lessons would he draw from all the work on carbon issues, so that we move from high carbon emissions to much lower carbon emissions and an ambition for net—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

That question is far too long. Can we hear from the Minister, please?

[Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con) [V]]

My Lords, there is no doubt that increased risk of pandemics is just one of the many reasons why continued destruction of the natural world is so short-sighted and damaging to our long-term interests. Ecosystem degradation and habitat disruption can dislodge pathogens; it can also bring wildlife into closer contact with humans and livestock; and climate change can lead to shifts in wildlife vector ranges and is likely to increase the risk of future pandemics by driving the mass movement of people and wildlife. This is a priority issue for the UK Government.