The State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024 : Risks to nature and why it matters, a new report from Natural England, was published on 9 October 2024.
State of Natural Capital - report cover
The economy and society are intimately dependent on the health of the natural environment. Indeed, the Dasgupta Review demonstrated how the economy is embedded in nature and how critical the links are with nature and our ongoing wealth and prosperity. This relies on nature being in good working order.
Healthy functioning ecosystems are more resilient and adaptive to change and are more productive, providing us with a wide range of benefits that we rely on. These benefits include clean air and water, health and wellbeing and helping us adapt to climate change amongst many others. These all in turn contribute to society and the economy.
Given the importance of nature, why is it still declining? One critical reason is that it is often missing in decision making even if its relevant. Nature is therefore invisible, unaccounted for and we all suffer the consequences.
For years now we have taken more from nature than it can supply sustainably. We are in effect running down our assets and we are beginning to see some serious consequences of that, through the impacts of climate change for example.
State of Natural Capital - risk infographic
Making the invisible, visible
The State of Natural Capital Report for England seeks to provide the information on nature decision makers need so that they can include it. It describes why nature is relevant to broad policy areas - making the invisible visible and providing the missing evidence needed. The report assesses the state of our natural capital in relation to its ability to continue to provide us with the benefits we rely on, it describes the risks that we are carrying and points to what we can do about it.
The State of Natural Capital Report in a nutshell:
Assesses risk to England's natural capital based on past and ongoing impacts on ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
Highlights the consequences of this risk on policy areas that are most dependent on the benefits from nature.
Identifies priority actions to mitigate the risks, through reducing pressures and large-scale ecosystem restoration.
Shows how the evidence and analysis can be used to bring the state of natural capital into decision making across government.
Action for nature is urgent
This report demonstrates how risk to our ecosystems, is a risk to society and the economy. But we need to work with ambitious urgency.
North York Moors National Park - Credit: Natural England Neil Pike
Tony Juniper says: "Tackling the Nature crisis will require action across all sectors to reduce risks to society. This report is your guide to action. I encourage you to read it, use it, and secure the benefits Nature provides into the future, not just for yourself but for society as a whole and the natural world which sustains us."
What's in the report?
- A comprehensive assessment of the state of ecosystem assets in England - why they are important and what is impacting on them.
- A risk register - why nature is at risk and what this means for the benefits from nature we rely on.
- An assessment of risk consequences for policy areas - how risks to the benefits from nature affect: economic resilience, Net Zero, climate adaptation, food security, health and wellbeing, water security.
- Indicators and data appendix - collating the best currently available indicators and data on the state of ecosystem assets.
Natural England's Natural Capital team can be contacted by email to discuss what this report might mean for you.
The State of Natural Capital report and underpinning technical reports and data are out now on the Access to Evidence catalogue, A recording of the launch event will be available soon.