Ariane Burgess MSP has called on the Scottish Government to treat biodiversity loss as a national emergency, following a major report warning of the risks posed by ecosystem collapse.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, the Highlands and Islands Green MSP raised concerns over the findings of the UK Government’s Nature Security Assessment, published in January 2026.
The report links global biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline to national security, warning that countries including Scotland face increasing risks if current trends continue.
It highlights that Scotland’s economy and way of life are closely tied to regions already facing environmental pressure, while also warning that Scotland itself could face ecosystem collapse without urgent action.
Ariane Burgess used her parliamentary contribution to question what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the report and how it intends to respond.
She also pointed to existing legislation on climate, land use and food, arguing that these frameworks should now be used to deliver meaningful intervention.
Speaking after the exchange, she said:
“This report is a wake up call that cannot be ignored.
“It makes clear in plain terms that our way of life, the food we eat, the supply chains we rely on, the natural environment we depend on, is at serious risk if we do not act decisively and soon.”
Ms Burgess warned that Scotland is not immune from the risks outlined in the report.
“The report explicitly warns that we too face ecosystem collapse, and that should send a shiver through every decision maker in this country.
“The frameworks are there, what is needed now is the political will to use them.
“I am calling on the Scottish Government to seize this moment and deliver the major intervention the report says is needed, we cannot afford to wait.”
The report has added to growing pressure on governments to address biodiversity loss alongside climate change, with increasing recognition of the economic and social risks involved.
Calls for urgent action are likely to intensify as policymakers consider how to respond to warnings that ecosystem decline could have far reaching consequences.
A Highlands MSP has warned that Scotland must act now on biodiversity loss, following a report linking ecosystem collapse to national security and long term economic risk.
