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] Investors in 2026 are increasingly pricing Nature Risk into their models. MEXC
• [New] The nature-finance gap stands at $208 B actual against $1.15 T needed by 2030. Bank for Nature
• [New] The sustainable plastic segment is likely to experience the fastest CAGR of 11.4% from 2026 to 2034 due to advancements in material science that reconcile performance with environmental responsibility. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Over the longer-term, risks such as extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and critical Earth system changes continue to dominate, with respondents describing the environmental outlook as turbulent or stormy. Polycrisis
• [New] Earth could be entering a period of unprecedented climate change on a one-way trajectory, in which processes such as ice-sheet collapse can continue even if the average global temperature is stabilized. Coyote Gulch
• [New] ADB urges governments to integrate climate risk into infrastructure policy and financing while expanding resilience bonds, blended finance, and adopting nature-based solutions. CODATA, Committee on Data of the ISC
• [New] Textile recycling is no longer merely an environmental project; by 2026, it will be a key part of the circular economy. Green City Recycler
• [New] Internal sustainability objectives were cited as the main driver for packaging changes by 74% of managers, while nearly half expect sustainability and environmental regulations to influence operations over the next three years. Flexographic Technical Association
• [New] Nature-inspired themes, such as biophilic designs, will remain a popular interior design trend in 2026. The Orlando Advocate
• [New] Global warming must peak below 2 °C then return under 1.5 °C as quickly as possible to limit the risk of triggering tipping points in the Earth system. Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
• [New] Rare earth elements represent the benchmark case for critical mineral supply chain vulnerability, with Chinese dominance spanning mining, processing, and manufacturing applications. Discovery Alert
• [New] Unlike rare earth elements where Chinese dominance spans both reserves and processing, lithium vulnerability concentrates in geologically stable, politically aligned nations with established US trade relationships. Discovery Alert
• [New] The coalition of climate campaigners based its request on France's duty of vigilance law, which requires large companies to draw up plans to identify and prevent a range of risks including environmental ones or face lawsuits. Insurance Journal
• [New] ESG (environmental, social and governance) sukuk is expected to surpass US$ 70 billion (£52 billion) globally in 2026. The Conversation
• [New] Low Earth orbit could safely support up to 100,000 satellites before spacecraft would start uncontrollably crashing into one another, potentially leading to a worst-case domino-effect scenario known as the Kessler syndrome. Live Science
• [New] In a hothouse Earth scenario, global temperatures could remain above even the worst current projections for thousands of years, causing massive sea-level rises that submerge coastal cities. ANews
• [New] The current trajectory risks making Earth far less habitable, and even 3 °C of warming carries deep risks for humanity and societies. ANews
• [New] Scientists stress that a 3-4 °C rise could halt economies and societies, while the hothouse Earth scenario would be even more catastrophic. ANews
• [New] The world may be closer to a point of no return for global warming, risking a hothouse Earth with catastrophic impacts on humanity. ANews
• [New] Expansion to Sustainability Metrics: Beyond construction and crop health, drones and satellites will monitor carbon, water usage, and biodiversity as USDA and lenders push for environmental stewardship. Farmonaut
• [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

Last updated: 28 February 2026