Act now, save later: Scenarios of the economic consequences of (in)action on biodiversity in Scotland

Abstract

This report explores two possible futures for Scotland following different pathways of (in)action on biodiversity, based on information discussed within a scenario workshop with stakeholders working in the fields of economics, biodiversity and wider environmental issues. While the report does not provide an economic analysis, the scenarios derived from the workshop and further evidence gathered through desk-based research build a picture of the economic consequences of biodiversity loss for Scotland.

Part 1 outlines the two potential futures for Scotland which arose from the scenario workshop. Background information, including research methodology and information on drivers of biodiversity loss, impacts and costs of such losses, can be found in Part 2. For the full-length scenario narratives, please see Part 3.

The report highlights that action to recover biodiversity has far-reaching benefits beyond the initial intervention, and that the positive effects of investing in nature now multiply the benefits over time.