Global Scans · Life on Land · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss,

• [New] Using dual-band radar, NISAR will monitor Earth's surface for natural disasters, ecosystem changes, and climate dynamics, offering valuable data for global science. India TV News
• [New] With India rapidly advancing its telecom infrastructure and digital ecosystem, Bharat 6G 2025 served as a catalyst for global partnerships, technological breakthroughs, and future-ready solutions that will define the digital era. The Tribune
• [New] The investments made now in projects, partnerships, and innovation ecosystems will yield a more secure and self-reliant Europe in the face of rapidly evolving aerial threats. Kaya
• [New] To fully capture the economic potential of GenAI, Africa must focus on scaling solutions tailored to its unique challenges and opportunities, while investing in critical infrastructure, talent and ecosystems. The Mail & Guardian
• [New] Climate change is among the most pressing global challenges facing the world today, posing risks for humans and natural ecosystems. Baxter
• [New] The residual emissions that remain in Wales in 2050 are mostly methane (primarily from agriculture, with smaller contributions from land use and waste), which is a short-lived GHG. Climate Change Committee
• [New] How to pay for projects to reduce the risk of wildfires and other natural disasters - such as establishing fuel breaks on unmaintained land or expanding wildfire safety education programs - is uncertain, especially as the Trump administration makes cuts to emergency grant funds. Honolulu Civil Beat
• [New] The next frontier for GCC innovation in India is likely to be business model and ecosystem innovation, where GCCs will reimagine how value is created and delivered within their organizations and across global markets. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] Over the next four years, officials and partners representing the Boise National Forest will undertake a management plan to reduce wildfire risks near Bogus Basin. The Yellow Pine Times
• [New] The integration of Windsurf into OpenAI's ecosystem could accelerate the development of advanced AI agents, opening new possibilities for innovation and efficiency. Geeky gadgets
• [New] The integration of Windsurf into OpenAI's ecosystem could pave the way for new advancements in AI technology. Geeky gadgets
• [New] Nearly a third of global antibiotic use ends up in rivers, threatening aquatic ecosystems and accelerating the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. News-Medical
• [New] While the UK is making strides, fragmented approaches globally could complicate cross-border transactions and hinder the growth of digital asset ecosystems. The Fintech Times
• [New] Teradata will enable access to data through a Zero Copy connector within the ServiceNow Workflow Data Network, Teradata's hybrid, multi-cloud analytics and data platform for Trusted AI is now part of ServiceNow Workflow Data Network - an ecosystem of more than a hundred enterprise data partners. Blocks and Files
• [New] Recent initiatives like iCET and India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem, with involvement of private sector, academia and a range of organizations, mark a significant development that aim to cultivate a rich defence innovation ecosystem and opportunities for co-development and co-production. Kashmir Convener
• [New] Smart Cities and Connected Infrastructure China's commitment to smart cities and autonomous vehicle ecosystems presents additional investment opportunities in connected infrastructure. openpr
• [New] The Scottish Government's ambition to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 (aligned with goals set in the UN Global Biodiversity Framework), is recognised as a highly challenging goal given the complex nature of tackling the drivers of biodiversity decline. SPICe Spotlight | Solas air SPICe
• [New] By embedding transparency, trust, and user rights into the ecosystem, India has the opportunity to set a global benchmark for ethical digital gaming innovation. Law School Policy Review
• [New] AI-enabled precision systems could help farmers grow more food in a smaller area, with fewer resources, which could massively reduce the global land area needed for agriculture. University of Cambridge
• Startup Europe strengthens networking opportunities for deep tech scaleups and ecosystem builders to accelerate the growth of the European startup scene. Shaping Europe's digital future
• The development of international frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures is expected to play a catalytic role. Nikko AM Hongkong Site
• Bishop Alminaza will raise concerns about the expansion of liquefied natural gas and fossil gas operations in Verde Island Passage, often referred to as the Amazon of the Oceans, which is recognized as the most biodiverse marine habitat in the world. ICN

Last updated: 18 May 2025