Global Scans · Environment · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT:? Our natural environment is under ever-increasing threat. Landscape and ocean adaptation plus stabilizing biodiversity strategies will play an important role in maintaining global food productivity as climate changes. Evidence is mounting that any economic strategy that ignores carbon pollution will impose tremendous costs on the global economy and will result in fewer jobs and less economic growth over the long term. The global market for commercial "Earth observation" data is expected to hit $3.5 billion by 2024. Battles over environmental regulation could become particularly pointed in the coming years.

• [New] If the sun were responsible for climate change, scientists would expect to see warming from the surface of the Earth up to the stratosphere (the Earth's second layer of atmosphere). Science Feedback
• [New] The ECB's cautious approach to rate hikes despite inflationary pressures has prolonged the low-yield environment, forcing insurers to take on higher credit risk or extend duration in pursuit of better returns. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The accumulation of high-velocity debris in Earth's orbit poses serious threats to satellites and space infrastructure. Copernical.com
• [New] Climate change and an evolving regulatory and legal landscape are driving increased environmental liability, prompting a growing number of businesses to reassess environmental risks and address gaps in protection. Commercial Risk
• [New] Physical risks remain significant along the Silk Road routes, with the geopolitical environment in Central Asia and Eastern Europe presenting ongoing challenges. Poshstar
• [New] Crucial habitats in many UK estuaries are at high risk of being squeezed out, potentially disappearing entirely in the face of climate change and human development, a new study has revealed. Nottingham Trent University
• [New] Most of recent growth in climate pollution has come from China, but even there it appears renewables will cause a peak in coal emissions and then a decline in the next few years. Countercurrents
• [New] Recent scientific findings have raised concerns about the UK's lag in combating microplastic pollution, a growing threat to human health and the environment. Walker Health and Safety
• [New] Whether warming the Earth - or at least managing its climate - is the smarter strategy remains a deeply provocative question, one that will define the future of climate action. Climate Compass
• [New] India's top automotive companies have knocked on the doors of the commerce ministry over concerns that disruptions in the supply of rare earth magnets from China could potentially bring their production lines to a stop. Mint
• [New] The first wave of satellites will send collected data back to Earth and communicate with other space projects. Daily Express US
• [New] As regulatory frameworks for cephalopod welfare mature, the drive for biosecure, data-driven quarantine environments is expected to accelerate, underpinning sustainable expansion and higher survival rates in cephalopod aquaculture operations worldwide. Guambia
• [New] Saudi Arabia is looking to tap into its estimated $2.5 trillion mineral reserves, including rare earths, as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy beyond oil. Strategic Metals Invest
• [New] ESS will enable scientific breakthroughs in fields such as materials science, energy, environmental research, transport, medicine, and health. News Powered by Cision
• [New] SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Nearly 19 million Californians could lose critical protections against the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS in their tap water if the Environmental Protection Agency rolls back its science-based PFAS drinking water standards. Environmental Working Group
• [New] An argument that begins by noting that growing global food needs will create environmental stresses on soil and water resources becomes entangled with domestic social issues that have no obvious connection to the environmental risks of transgenic crops. NCBI Bookshelf
• [New] With rising interest in finding answers to logistics demands on a global scale and expanding fears regarding damage to the environment, trucking companies have to follow emerging trends if they are to achieve success. London Daily News
• [New] Enhanced recycling could reclaim up to 90% of battery materials by 2030, promoting sustainability in battery production and reducing environmental impact. PoweringAutos
• [New] If immediate intervention is not undertaken, it may lose 60% of its fertile soil within the next five years, exacerbating food shortages, health risks, and environmental collapse. Countercurrents
• [New] Regulatory Compliance: As global regulations around refrigerants and environmental impact continue to tighten, ORC systems must use organic fluids that comply with regulations regarding toxicity, ozone depletion, and global warming potential. EMS Power Machines - Steam Turbines, ORC Turbines, Wood

Last updated: 24 May 2025