People across the UK are noticing the loss of biodiversity in their everyday lives and would like to see stronger regulations and better information on the issue. These are just some of the findings from a survey commissioned by Fondazione Capellino and carried out by IPSOS across nine European and North America, including the United Kingdom.
Environmental issues are often seen as topics that only interest a small group of people, or as subjects that feel distant from everyday life. However, when people are asked directly about biodiversity, a very different picture emerges.
The survey was commissioned by Fondazione Capellino, the sole owner of the pet food brand Almo Nature, which dedicates its net profits to biodiversity conservation projects.
More than 1,000 people aged between 18 and 75 took part in the survey in each of the countries involved: Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the United States and Canada.
Key findings:
89% of Britons believe biodiversity is linked to human health.
At least 70% have noticed the deterioration of natural ecosystems.
Biodiversity loss matters to people in the UK
Those taking part were asked to rate how interested they are in the issue of biodiversity loss on a scale from one to ten.
Almost 70% gave a score above six, while more than 30% gave a score above eight. These results place the UK around the middle of the countries surveyed.
When asked how concerned they are about biodiversity loss, Brits ranked among the most concerned respondents, sharing second place with those in France (Italy was not included in this particular question). Overall, 74% rated their concern above six, while 39% gave a score above eight.
Many respondents also said they are seeing the effects of biodiversity loss for themselves. For example, 70% reported noticing a decline in pollinating insects.
Climate change is the environmental issue that concerns Brits the most, followed by excessive waste production and biodiversity loss. Among the countries surveyed, only the UK and the Netherlands ranked biodiversity loss as their third biggest environmental concern, while respondents elsewhere were generally more concerned about air or marine pollution.
Strong support for action
The survey also explored attitudes towards measures intended to protect biodiversity.
Nearly 8 in 10 Brits would like to see stronger regulations, while 72% support increased public spending on biodiversity protection. Most believe governments should take the lead.
The UK also stands out for the importance people place on local action. Compared with respondents in other countries, Brits see the greatest role and responsibility for local authorities in protecting nature.
Almost half of those surveyed would like to see more media coverage of biodiversity and environmental issues.
Perhaps most significantly, 89% believe that biodiversity protection is directly linked to human health, highlighting a widespread understanding of the connection between healthy ecosystems and human wellbeing.
Similar concerns across countries
While some differences emerged, the UK's responses broadly reflect trends seen across all nine countries.
Overall, people in Mediterranean countries tend to be the most concerned about biodiversity loss, while respondents in the United States and the Netherlands are generally less concerned.
Climate change is the leading environmental concern across all countries surveyed. However, the UK and the Netherlands place a particularly high importance on biodiversity, which people most commonly associate with the variety of ecosystems found in nature.
Across all countries where the survey was carried out::
Some findings suggest that awareness of the urgency of biodiversity loss could still grow. Only around a third of respondents felt there is an urgent need for action, and only a third were firmly opposed to the use of pesticides.
A clear message
While the full scale of the biodiversity crisis is not yet fully recognised by everyone, the overall message is clear.
People across the UK are concerned about biodiversity loss. They're noticing changes in the natural world around them and want action to help protect it.
The findings suggest that biodiversity is no longer a niche environmental issue. For many people, it is increasingly becoming a matter of public concern that deserves greater attention from policymakers, businesses and the media.
The full details of the survey can be read here (Available in Italian only).