Biodiversity Collapse Threatens UK Security, Intelligence Chiefs Warn

January 20, 2026 | Source: The Guardian | by Fiona Harvey

The global attack on nature is threatening the UK’s national security, government intelligence chiefs have warned, as the increasingly likely collapse of vitally important natural systems would bring mass migration, food shortages and price rises, and global disorder.

Food supplies are particularly at risk since “without significant increases” the UK would be unable to compete with other nations for scarce resources, a report to ministers says.

Some vital ecosystems could face collapse within five years, threatening the UK’s national security and prosperity, according to the 14-page report.