This month, the UK Government released an official report discussing “Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security”. This paper on biodiversity and national security contemplates the risks that Britain could face if climate change and biodiversity loss continue to go unchecked, and is vital reading. It’s not a long paper, only 14 pages or so, and is clearly and compellingly written. It also has the chief benefit of highlighting the actions that we can take as a country and community to address these threats. You can find the link to the report below.
The Global Picture
The national security aspects are quickly explained on pages 5 to 9: continued degradation of the amazon and boreal forests, die-off of coral reefs and mangroves, as well as continued melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, although seemingly far away, would have profound consequences on the UK. Changing weather patterns, and increased water and food scarcity, would displace millions around the world, and increase pressure on global communities. Although all of the ecosystems mentioned are far away, the effects of their collapse would be felt in the UK.
The specific position in the UK
Page 10 describes the predicted effects on the UK in more detail, and presents some concerning statistics and conclusions. Specifically, page 10 notes that:
- The UK imports 40% of its food from overseas, with over 25% coming from Europe.
- Animal farming at current levels is unsustainable without imports – soy from South America makes up 18% of produced animal feed. Nearly 50% of packaged products contain imported palm oil.
- The UK is not self-sufficient in fertiliser – for both nitrogen and phosphorus it is partially reliant on imports.
- The UK does not have enough land to feed its population and rear livestock: a wholesale change in consumer diets would be required.
- Biodiversity loss, alongside climate change, is amongst the biggest medium to long term threat to domestic food production – through depleted soils, loss of pollinators, drought and flood conditions.
The picture painted by the report is therefore of a UK that is over-reliant on global supply chains to feed ourselves and that places too high a burden on our agricultural land. So what to do?
Actions we can take
The report highlights the importance of our green spaces, whether they are for recreation, enjoyment, or even for growing food. Whether it is a local park, allotment, or front garden that is under threat from “development” once it is gone, it is gone. Treasuring our green spaces and having additional capacity to grow food locally for pleasure, or even for necessity, is therefore vitally important for community resilience.
In Ealing, a number of ActForEaling partners are already involved in protecting and maintaining our local green spaces. You can find out more about them on our Community Gardens and Biodiversity partner page here. You can even take steps yourself, such as by getting involved, with one of the organisations, or by taking part in Ealing Council’s Biodiversity competition (details of last year’s event are here). The competition will be running again this year and encourages people in Ealing to regreen their front garden, other domestic space, or school.
Another way to develop resilience is to cultivate a less carbon-intensive, less meat dependent diet, and to support local organisations tackling food waste and recycling. A number of ActForEaling partners are already involved in Food Redistribution and Sustainable Food activities. See here for more details.
Lastly, if you are feeling inspired, you might want to view ActForEaling’s 10 steps for a Greener Ealing – available here – covering recommendations for Food and Nature.
The UK government report is available here.
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