Nature Can’t Wait
Although the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are spurring governments to increase spending on defense and focus more on economic growth, it would be a mistake to postpone investments designed to protect nature. In…
Luis Acosta/AFP via Getty Images Nature Can’t Wait Oct 22, 2026 Mary Robinson Although the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are spurring governments to increase spending on defense and focus more on economic growth, it would be a mistake to postpone investments designed to protect nature. In fact, meeting internationally agreed targets could add up to $450 billion to annual global GDP by 2050.
YEREVAN—In times of war, geopolitical turmoil, and fiscal tightening, it is tempting to view the defense of nature as a desirable but non-urgent goal—an objective that can be pursued when calmer times return. But we embrace this view at our peril.