'Urgent action' needed to tackle biodiversity loss 

Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss chairwoman Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin at the launch of the assembly's report in April. Picture: David Young/PA

The Government has failed to adequately protect biodiversity and “urgent action” must be taken before the environment degrades beyond “a point of no repair.” 

Biodiversity is inextricably linked to human health; yet, despite our reliance on it for our survival, it has been controlled and degraded by powerful economic interests that should not be allowed to continue, the joint committee on environment and climate action heard.