Global Scans · Nature · Weekly Summary

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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] At the UN COP 30 climate summit taking place in Brazil in November, Latin America has the opportunity to take the lead on key emerging sustainable finance themes - not least nature finance. Environmental Finance
• [New] The Ocean Rescue Plan would create a huge network of protected areas (ocean sanctuaries) covering at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. Greenpeace International
• [New] Wind power installations alone could require 150,000-200,000 tons of rare earth elements annually by 2030, compared to current consumption levels of approximately 100,000 tons. Discovery Alert
• [New] Global rare earth consumption forecasts indicate sustained growth through 2035, driven primarily by renewable energy infrastructure deployment and electric vehicle adoption. Discovery Alert
• [New] SpaceX will launch its famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world's most active, to deliver 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, a lower altitude where they are able to circle Earth quickly. Yahoo News
• [New] Maintains the offset credit cap at 6% of a covered entity's compliance obligation from 2026-2045, with at least half providing direct environmental benefits in California. National Law Review
• [New] Abandoned hardrock mines pose significant global environmental and public health risks, releasing heavy metals and acid drainage that damage ecosystems, threaten downstream communities, and cost governments billions in cleanup. PRG
• [New] Lessons learned from the traditional connection with nature in Japanese and Danish architecture could help build greener urban spaces for the future. Horizon Magazine
• [New] Recent developments include prioritizing NMRA-215 for obesity treatment, supported by promising preclinical results in animal models, with clinical trials expected to commence in early 2026. Simply Wall St
• [New] As global demand for energy storage continues to escalate, the battery recycling industry is emerging as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity, fostering sustainable industrial growth. Market.us
• [New] The next few years are likely to bring change - not just in regulations, but also in what companies expect from safety, health, and environmental programs. Magento2 Store
• [New] Scotland is taking a brilliant step toward environmental justice with a proposed law that could make it the first UK nation to criminalize ecocide, a term used to describe large-scale, long-lasting, or irreversible damage to the environment. The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News |
• [New] The European Union has updated its regulations, requiring member states to adopt criminal penalties for severe environmental destruction by 2026. The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News |
• [New] By capitalizing on data, technologies, and community stewardship, their 2026 operations illustrate a transformative shift - where environmental best practices and socially responsible initiatives support economic opportunities without compromising the integrity of precious ecosystems. Farmonaut
• [New] The Chinese leader will enter the talks with significant leverage, being able to point to China's near-monopoly over rare earth minerals that are essential for global manufacturing. Economic Times
• [New] Over half of the world's GDP is now considered exposed to material nature risk. Canadian Occupational Safety
• [New] The climate governance progress across other Asian countries offers a glimpse of hope that national governments are prioritising the energy security, affordability and environmental and societal benefits of the global decarbonization journey. Energy Tracker Asia
• Efforts to meet the ambitious target of conserving at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 have fallen short. Project Syndicate
• Despite a growing trend of dam removals to preserve and restore ecology and indigenous ways of life, small hydropower projects have the potential to contribute more to a renewable energy future because they can be reliable, flexible and cost-effective. UMaine News
• Achieving a balance between technological advancement, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility will be key to navigating the path toward a sustainable future in 2025 and beyond. eszoneo.com
• USPS says it expects to acquire a total of 106,480 new vehicles, including 66,000 zero-emission electric vehicles, ensuring reliable service and maintaining its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. LiveNOW from FOX

Last updated: 01 November 2025