Reacción a "The economic cost of some invasive species may be 1600% higher than previously estimated"

This study represents a crucial step forward in highlighting the often underestimated economic consequences of biological invasions. Quantifying the costs at such precise global and taxonomic scales provides concrete evidence for decision-makers to recognize the urgency of investing in the management of invasive alien species. This kind of detailed data helps bridge the gap between ecological impact and political action by quantifying the damage, which is essential for justifying stricter budgets and fostering international cooperation.

Moreover, in the context of rapidly accelerating biodiversity loss and planetary degradation, it is imperative that control strategies prioritize environmentally sustainable methods. The case of the South American moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, demonstrates how classical biological control can offer effective and ecologically sound solutions when properly implemented. As this study illustrates, reactive management is often too late and much more costly; science-based, proactive, and environmentally respectful control initiatives are not only cost-effective but also essential for long-term ecological resilience.