New study reveals alarmingly massive economic costs of biological invasions to the European Union

Newswise — A recent publication in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe has revealed significant insights into the profound economic consequences caused by biological invasions within the European Union.

The European Union remains susceptible to a multitude of invasive alien species, which are harmful organisms introduced by humans from regions outside their natural habitat. The EU faces heightened vulnerability due to its substantial economic activity, as trade and transportation of goods among member states occur with limited border control measures.

The majority of invasive alien species undergo insufficient assessment regarding their true and potential economic impacts, leading to gross underestimation of cost estimates. To bridge this knowledge gap, a research team has undertaken the task of quantifying the economic expenses associated with biological invasions in the European Union. Their study not only rectifies the observed costs by addressing and filling information gaps but also employs predictive models to estimate future invasion costs, thereby shedding light on the comprehensive economic consequences of such invasions.

The findings of the study are highly concerning. Out of the roughly 13,000 invasive alien species that have managed to establish populations within the European Union, only a mere 259 species, accounting for approximately 1%, have reported costs associated with their invasions. This stark revelation emphasizes the significant gaps in regional cost assessments, indicating a lack of comprehensive understanding of the economic impacts caused by the majority of invasive species.

The study's forecasts for forthcoming estimations unveiled a significant surge in expenses and pricey organisms, with estimations skyrocketing to over €142.73 billion (US$150 billion) by 2040 in the nonexistence of efficient administration.

These discoveries emphasize the pressing necessity for enhanced cost documentation to precisely evaluate the financial consequences of invasive alien species in a boundary-free framework like the EU.

Collaborative global efforts to preclude and alleviate the repercussions of these infiltrations within the European Union and worldwide are hence of utmost importance. Nations must unite their endeavors to thwart the influx of new detrimental invasive species and effectively control the ones already present.

Morgane Henry, the primary investigator of the research from McGill University in Canada, remarked, "The outcomes of our study unveil a startling undervaluation of the financial ramifications caused by biological invasions in the European Union. These expenses not only pose a significant burden on the EU's economy but also endanger the ecological equilibrium and societal well-being. It is crucial that we promptly undertake measures to improve cost documentation, identify the most alarming economic consequences, and collaborate globally to tackle the menace presented by invasive alien species."

Professor Corey Bradshaw, a research collaborator and the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology in Australia, warns that unless the European Union and its governments swiftly tackle the devastating ecological repercussions, biological invasions will result in an overwhelming financial burden that will be nearly impossible to overcome.

Professor Bradshaw asserts, "The economic devastation is immense and will only escalate exponentially unless European biodiversity agencies are equipped with greater resources to implement preventive measures and establish effective controls that proactively combat biological invasions."

"The European Union possesses a distinctive opportunity to confront the substantial economic damage being inflicted due to its funding model, which allows for a unified approach on projects spanning national borders. These statistics should serve as a wake-up call that the current strategy is ineffective, and an immediate examination of a new continent-wide strategy is imperative."

This study enhances our comprehension of the economic ramifications caused by biological invasions within the European Union. Policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders are urged to pay attention to its implications and work together to safeguard our ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the welfare of our communities.