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Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, yesterday commented on the publication of The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review.

• Environmental Audit Committee

The Dasgupta Review, Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, yesterday said:

“Professor Dasgupta’s report should serve as a wake-up call for us all. While as humans we have prospered in recent decades, it is not without cost, and it has been nature that has beared the brunt of our choices. We are part of nature, and have taken it for granted with precious ecosystems at ‘tipping points’ and endangered species facing extinction.

“Professor Dasgupta has been clear that action is needed now to reverse these frightening trends. It makes economic sense rather than leaving it too late which would be even more costly to address. Nature must be seen as integral in our economy – in the same way infrastructure such as public transport and buildings are. He rightly acknowledges that COP15 and COP26, both due to be held this year, offer a unique opportunity to hit the reset button on biodiversity loss and climate change mitigation.

“My Committee looks forward to welcoming Professor Dasgupta on 24 February, where we will be exploring his report in greater depth. He will be followed by a Minister from the Treasury, offering Committee members the opportunity to hear the Government’s view on Professor Dasgupta’s findings.”

Additional information

• The Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, is exploring how the UK can best protect and enhance biodiversity.
• While evidence gathering has concluded for the inquiry, the Committee is holding a further session on 24 February to hear from Professor Dasgupta and from a Treasury Minister. Further details, and confirmation of the attending Minister, will be announced in due course.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees