Don’t be fooled, the biodiversity crisis is a global security crisis

It is no coincidence that 6 of the 10 largest UN-led peacekeeping operations currently exist in areas highly exposed to the impact of climate change; Mali, Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to name a few. Environmental degradation and subsequent biodiversity loss lead directly to a collapse in food and water supplies, increased spread of diseases, reduced air quality, and a dramatic reduction in quality of life – which in turn significantly exacerbate security risks including violent conflict.