Wildlife in 2025: A Future Perspective.

As we approach 2025, the health of our planet remains a pressing concern. Decisions made by global leaders today will shape the fate of wildlife, ecosystems, and our collective ability to combat climate change. With recent political shifts in both the United Kingdom and the United States - the newly elected leaders demonstrate contrasting approaches to environmental policy, which paint a mixed picture of the year ahead.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to lead a green revolution. His government’s policies aim to prioritise biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Investments in rewilding projects, the creation of wildlife corridors, and stricter habitat protections are key components of this strategy. These measures are expected to benefit iconic but vulnerable species, such as hedgehogs, red squirrels, and bats, by creating safe spaces and restoring ecosystems. Beyond wildlife, Starmer’s administration is targeting ambitious net-zero carbon goals through renewable energy initiatives, energy-efficient housing programs, and improved public transportation systems. While these efforts are inspiring, they are not without challenges. Political opposition, economic pressures, and the sheer complexity of implementing such transformative policies could slow progress.

Across the Atlantic, the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency introduces significant uncertainties. Trump’s previous term saw a systematic rollback of environmental protections, including key provisions of the Endangered Species Act and a pivot away from renewable energy investments. His administration favoured fossil fuel development and loosened regulations on industries impacting ecosystems. If similar policies are reinstated, endangered species like the Grey wolf, bald eagle, and Florida panther could face heightened threats, while reduced federal funding for conservation programs could undermine recovery efforts for at-risk wildlife. Furthermore, the rollback of emissions standards and renewable energy programs may counteract global progress on climate change, with the US taking a less collaborative role in international agreements.

The environmental landscape in 2025 will also be shaped by significant events from 2024. The outcomes of COP28, where global leaders agreed to further reduce emissions and support vulnerable nations, could influence policy directions in both the US and UK. Natural disasters, which have grown more frequent and severe, continue to remind governments and citizens alike of the urgency of climate action. Meanwhile, technological advancements in renewable energy and carbon capture may provide new tools for achieving ambitious goals, though their deployment will depend on political and economic willpower.

Globally, the environmental outlook is a study in contrasts. While the European Union pushes forward with strong climate regulations and renewable energy leadership, China and India are grappling with balancing their growing renewable sectors against their reliance on coal. The Global South continues to demand reparations and climate financing from wealthier nations, arguing that those who contributed most to the climate crisis should bear the brunt of its costs. In this fragmented landscape, collaboration will be critical to bridge divides and achieve meaningful progress.

Wildlife, as always, remains at the centre of these debates. Melting ice caps threaten Arctic ecosystems, endangering species like polar bears and seals. In tropical rain forests, deforestation jeopardises the survival of jaguars, macaws, and countless other species, highlighting the importance of international conservation funding. Ocean ecosystems face their own challenges, with over fishing and warming waters threatening coral reefs and marine biodiversity. These interconnected crises underscore the need for unified global action.

Yet, hope is not lost. Individual and grassroots efforts can make a tangible difference. Supporting conservation organisations, advocating for green policies, and adopting sustainable lifestyle choices all contribute to a healthier planet. Governments may set the stage, but the actions of ordinary people can amplify these efforts and drive real change.

The year 2025 stands poised to be one of contrasts: a beacon of progress in some regions, and a battleground for setbacks in others. The UK’s forward-thinking environmental policies offer hope, while the US’s likely policy reversals raise concerns about global unity in addressing climate challenges. Ultimately, the future of wildlife and the environment rests on a collective effort. Whether through policy, innovation, or personal action, we all have a role to play in shaping a world where ecosystems thrive, and biodiversity flourishes. The stakes have never been higher, but neither has our potential to make a difference.

Together, we can strive to make 2025 a turning point for our planet.

Nathan