Nature is a National Security Issue: Safeguarding Fragile Ecosystems for Security, Prosperity, and Public Health

Nature is under attack.

A recent analysis from Stanford University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences articulates this in a terrifying way.

Among the findings:

The current rate of vertebrate genus extinction exceeds that of the last million years by 35 times.

This means that, without human influence, Earth would likely have lost only two genera during that time.

In five centuries, human actions have triggered a surge of extinctions that would otherwise have taken 18,000 years to accumulate — what the paper calls a “biological annihilation.”

Despite these facts in the realm of global diplomacy and security, nature is not often discussed. With global deforestation and nature loss occurring at an unprecedented rate it’s time that changes. The urgency to protect fragile ecosystems has transcended environmental discourse, emerging as a linchpin of global stability, prosperity, and public health. As we confront the interconnected challenges of our time, America and its allies should lead a transformative initiative that not only safeguards our planet’s ecological heritage but also addresses the pressing imperatives of security, economic opportunity, and disease prevention.

The challenges we confront are multifaceted and interconnected. Fragile ecosystems, from coral reefs to rainforests, face relentless pressures from deforestation, pollution, and climate change. The consequences of their degradation are far-reaching, destabilizing ecosystems, exacerbating climate volatility, and imperiling the livelihoods of millions. Yet, recent studies have underscored an additional, sobering dimension to this crisis: biodiversity loss is identified as the single largest driver of infectious disease outbreaks.

The nexus between biodiversity loss and the emergence of infectious diseases is alarming. A recent study highlighted in the journal Nature reveals that the degradation of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity significantly increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As humanity encroaches upon previously untouched ecosystems, we disrupt delicate ecological balances, facilitating the spillover of pathogens from wildlife to humans. The implications of this dynamic are profound, underscoring the imperative for a holistic approach to global health security.

At the heart of this imperative lies the recognition that the protection of fragile ecosystems is not merely a matter of environmental conservation but a fundamental pillar of global security and public health. Fragile ecosystems serve as natural buffers against the spread of infectious diseases, regulating the abundance and distribution of disease vectors and providing critical habitat for biodiversity that acts as a firewall against zoonotic spillover events. By safeguarding these ecosystems, America’s allies can not only mitigate the risk of future pandemics but also strengthen the resilience of communities worldwide.

America’s intelligence community is acutely aware of these risks. The Director of National Intelligence’s Annual Threat Assessment specifically has addressed this saying ““Climate change will increasingly exacerbate risks to U.S. national security interests as the physical impacts increase and geopolitical tensions mount about the global response to the challenge. The increasing physical effects of climate change also are likely to intensify or cause domestic and cross-border geopolitical flashpoints.”

While this is a crisis, it is also an opportunity. The preservation of fragile ecosystems offers significant economic opportunities. A recent analysis from the World Economic Forum has identified a burgeoning market for biodiversity credits, driven by growing recognition of the economic value of ecosystem services. Businesses and investors stand to profit from investments in conservation efforts, while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of our planet’s natural heritage. This represents not only an opportunity to mitigate biodiversity loss but also a chance to catalyze sustainable economic development and job creation.

Critics may question the feasibility of diverting resources from traditional security priorities to environmental concerns. However, such skepticism fails to grasp the interconnected nature of contemporary security challenges. Fragile ecosystems are not only repositories of biodiversity but also strategic assets that underpin global stability, prosperity, and public health. By investing in their protection, America’s allies can address the root causes of insecurity and advance a vision of security that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

The imperative to protect fragile ecosystems is clear and urgent. It is a call to action that resonates not only with our moral conscience but with our strategic imperatives as well. As America’s allies contemplate the contours of a new global security architecture, let us rise to the challenge before us, seizing the opportunity to safeguard our planet’s ecological heritage, foster economic prosperity, and protect public health. In doing so, we will not only ensure our own security and well-being but also fulfill our responsibility to future generations and the planet we share.