Global Scans · Nature · Weekly Summary

WHAT''S NEXT?: Oceans, animals, and land are all under threat from climate change and human activities. The effective and efficient conservation of agricultural biodiversity is vital to meeting the global challenges of food and nutritional security for an expanding world population. But, the signs are of continued degradation of our global natural resources and environment.

• [New] The greatest potential to reduce species extinction risk in the Northern Sub-catchments of San Jose, Costa Rica, lies in addressing habitat loss and degradation due to livestock farming and ranching, urban expansion, and the spread of non-native invasive species. IUCN
• [New] The Intergovernmental Panel on Nature ranks invasive species among the most serious threats to global biodiversity. SciTechDaily
• [New] Emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America present expansion opportunities due to rapid industrialization and increasing environmental awareness. The Niche Research
• [New] By means of diplomatic efforts, China could bring biodiversity to the fore and help build consensus, strengthen cooperation and assemble the global force in nature conservation and restoration. Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment
• [New] As the world fears another decade of failure on biodiversity and urgently seeks leadership to advance the GBF, China stands in a position to take a lead on and further enhance its influence in international environmental governance. Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment
• [New] Current commitments and action are falling short, while an increasingly divided world further complicates global efforts to address environmental threats and build resilient development. Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment
• [New] In 2025, Chinese regulators translated high-level policy goals into operational rules that will shape corporate reporting, carbon management and environmental oversight in 2026. JD Supra
• [New] Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy reflects nature's foundational role in Canada's economy and identity, but its success will depend on sustained investment. Policy Magazine
• [New] Achieving the Nature Strategy's goals will require $5.5 billion in public investment by 2030. Policy Magazine
• [New] The federal government's forthcoming plan to implement Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy, developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, is an opportunity to align public spending with nature-positive outcomes and magnify the impact of Canada's investments. Policy Magazine
• [New] Planetary water crisis: UN warns that humanity is already consuming more water than the Earth can replenish. The Green Amazon
• [New] The EU's proposed full ban on PFAS could lower health and environmental costs by €110 billion (£95 billion) between now and 2050 (with total costs amounting to €330 billion, rather than €440 billion under a business-as-usual scenario). Chemistry World
• [New] As an example of the last one, the original report stated that the decline of Himalayan rivers will almost certainly escalate tensions between China, India, and Pakistan, potentially leading to nuclear war. PATROL
• [New] Mirror life could not be developed safely and could lead to the death of most complex life on earth. Rand Corporation
• [New] Water could be used to make fuel on-site, thus expanding further mining and general space exploration without relying on resources from Earth. Discover Magazine
• [New] Environmental risks continue to dominate the long-term outlook, with extreme weather, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse and critical change to earth systems remaining the top three risks over the next decade. Climate Matters
• [New] The implications for satellite tracking and communications are significant, as enhancements in lunar operations may foster better connectivity and navigation systems that could also benefit Earth-bound services. KeepTrack
• [New] Climate change, asteroid threats, and overpopulation make Earth vulnerable. Earth
• [New] The impacts of a hothouse Earth pathway on human societies would likely be massive, sometimes abrupt, and undoubtedly disruptive. The Guardian
• [New] A new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report warns that for every US$1 invested in protecting nature, US$30 goes to activities that harm it. United Nations
• [New] With critical growing regions in the Black Sea and South America facing immediate environmental threats, the global community is watching a calm before the storm scenario unfold where any further disruption could trigger a rapid escalation in consumer prices. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Environmental standard implementations demand carbon-neutral mining operations by 2035, requiring substantial renewable energy infrastructure investments. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 21 February 2026