We know nature in England is changing. This puts the things we rely on from nature at risk. This includes risks to farming from loss of pollinators, increased flooding from poorly managed catchments and, greater carbon emissions due to nature loss. The “State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024: Risks to nature and why it matters”, systematically explains what these risks are, and what is causing them. It assesses the state of ecosystems, the risks they face, and what this means for the benefits from nature we rely on.
The report brings together the best available evidence on the state of England’s natural capital. It introduces a new method for a Risk Register, showing which ecosystems and benefits are most at risk and why. This focus, on what is driving risk, makes the report actionable now.
Many seemingly unrelated decisions impact or rely on nature. By using this report to understand the risks, decision-makers can make better choices, even when they aren’t specifically about nature.
The report sets out actions and opportunities to restore ecosystems, reduce impacts and put natural capital at the heart of decision making. Important policy areas are dependent on ecosystems being in good working order. This report looks at the consequences of the state of natural capital for: economic resilience; Net Zero; climate adaptation; food security; health and well-being; and water security. It identifies priority actions to address the risks for each policy area.
Read more about the report, and other documents linked to the report, on the Natural England website.