We have the knowledge, so what’s stopping us? Our response to the State of Nature report
British Ecological Society
Pioneering research, convening government & nurturing next gen ecologists.
Yesterday saw the launch of the latest State of Nature report, the most comprehensive nature report covering the UK. Like its predecessors, it calls attention to the accelerating decline in biodiversity and habitat loss, finding that one is six species are at risk of being lost in the UK.
“The latest State of Nature report marks a decade of missed opportunities to halt the spiralling decline of UK wildlife.” said Professor Rick Stafford , Chair of the British Ecological Society’s Policy Committee. “While we are perhaps becoming inured to these declines, statistics from the report such as ‘none of the seabed around our island nations being in good condition’ still have the power to shock.?
The report shows that on land, the intensive way in which we manage our land for farming and the continuing effects of climate change, are the two biggest drivers of nature loss, while at sea, unsustainable fishing and climate change are the major contributing factors.
Professor Stafford added: “Continuous trawling of a seabed has parallels to the effect of an earthquake on a city – habitats are destroyed and species are displaced. The good news is that, unlike terrestrial habitats, it is easy to fix; just leave it alone and it will recover. The bad news is that, on paper, the UK is already hitting its 30x30 targets for marine protection. Clearly this is not working.
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“Currently, only 0.0024% of our seas are ‘no take’ and where more could be done – for both biodiversity and carbon capture – red tape is too impenetrable, and restoration opportunities are missed. The science is clear and whoever is in government in 2024 needs to grasp the nettle – or kelp (which can capture three times more carbon than trees).”
Amongst the bleak statistics of near universal loss in habitats and species throughout the UK, the report does make clear that wildlife conservation action has made a key difference to many species.
“Research by ecologists shows that restoring seagrass can revive our barren and beaten coastlines, supporting juvenile fish, seahorses and cuttlefish, while also capturing carbon. Incorporating artificial reefs into man-made structures like offshore windfarms creates havens for anemones and crabs.” said Professor Stafford.
“We have the knowledge and the means to reverse the declines highlighted in this report, delivering wins for nature, the climate and people. We can only ask – what's stopping us?”
Science Communication and Project Management
1 年That's a very important point about 30x30 targets - if we define protection so weakly, then it's easy to meet targets yet not deliver the benefits we care about.
Landscape Architect CMLI, Green Infrastructure Director
1 年I think it’s vital to carry on involving people in the process, wherever possible. Through experiencing the natural world and the sense of actively doing something, the challenge can gains positive impetus. Getting out and about.
Chair/Non Executive Director & Committee Chair | Social Purpose Advocate | Boardroom Advisor | Business Development and Marketing Consultant | Governance | Corporate Strategy | Women on Boards Ambassador
1 年“We have the knowledge and the means to reverse the declines highlighted in this report, delivering wins for nature, the climate and people. We can only ask – what's stopping us?”
Science & Tech for Sustainability | Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (Trustee Director) | Board Director
1 年Your post is a good example of how we should be pointing out the solutions vs the “doom and gloom” type report. More should be done in solutions- based scientific discovery.