Business groups block action that could help tackle biodiversity crisis, report finds

Industry associations for sectors from oil to agriculture in the US and Europe found resisting wildlife-friendly laws, say researchers

Industry groups representing some of the world's largest companies are opposed to almost all major biodiversity-relevant policies" and are lobbying to block them, according to a new report.

Researchers found that 89% of engagement by leading industry associations in Europe and the US is designed to delay, dilute and block progress on tackling the biodiversity crisis, which scientists say is as serious as the climate emergency. Just 5% of support was positive and the remaining 6% was mixed or neutral, according to the climate thinktank InfluenceMap.