Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impacts that a global ecosystem collapse could have on international relations.

The Government's Nature Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security examines how global biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation could affect the UK's security, resilience and prosperity.

The Assessment highlights that biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation is a risk multiplier, rather than a direct driver of conflict. In fragile and conflict-affected settings it can exacerbate resource scarcity, displacement and social tensions, while conflict simultaneously undermines adaptation and resilience.

The Assessment also identifies potential implications for food systems, water resources, supply chains and economic stability. It is a strategic risk assessment designed to support preparedness and resilience planning, and highlights the importance of international cooperation to address shared climate and nature-related risks. Its findings are helping to inform cross-government policy development and resilience planning in relation to climate and nature security risks.