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] Fastest-growing Refrigerant: R32 is expected to be the fastest-growing refrigerant, projected to grow at a CAGR of 34% from 2025 to 2032, owing to regulatory compliance and environmental benefits. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment for environmental engineers to increase by about 3% from 2022 to 2032, roughly mirroring the average growth rate for all occupations. Research.com
• [New] Employment for environmental engineering degree graduates is projected to grow about 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by increasing environmental regulations. Research.com
• [New] The critical metals fund has announced an investment in a rare-earth refinery in Lacq, aiming to meet 15% of global demand for heavy rare earths by 2027. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] The New York City Housing and Preservation Development Department requires Enterprise Green Communities or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for all new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects that it finances. ESG Dive
• [New] As wildly successful as the low Earth orbit satellite era has been, it could be creating the conditions for its own demise as space debris keeps accumulating. CNet
• [New] Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, adversely affecting a wide range of health conditions (including heart and lung conditions). Dorset Council
• [New] In a Mars context, NEP could support a continuous flow of materials between Earth and Mars, enabling long-term infrastructure development. Innovation News Network
• [New] The US administration proposed an $18.8 B fiscal 2027 budget for NASA, a 23% decrease from FY2026, which warrants a 52% cut to Earth science - from $2.15 B enacted in FY2026 to $1.02 B requested for FY2027. TerraWatch Space Newsletter
• [New] The conflict in the Middle East has made the global financial environment more uncertain and unpredictable. Financial Stability Board
• [New] Most Canadians plan to shop second-hand in 2026 driven by economic and environmental concerns. / Canada RETAIL INSIDER
• [New] NASA recently announced a sweeping overhaul of the Artemis program, which will see Artemis III test the docking capabilities of the Orion crew capsule with a lunar lander in Earth orbit in 2027. Live Science
• [New] The mining industry has a long history of environmental disasters caused by poorly stored waste in tailings dams - a type of dam that will also be built for Bendigo-Ophir. The Guardian
• [New] Singapore and China have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new smart city twinning initiative that also opens several opportunities for communications industries to collaborate in various sectors including intelligent transport, smart education and smart environment management. ITS International
• [New] The year 2026 is anticipated to feature several inaugural flights of advanced spacecraft and lunar landers, advancing human and robotic exploration capabilities across low Earth orbit and the Moon. Grokipedia
• [New] With a launch mass of approximately 14,600 kilograms and solar power generation of 13,200 watts, Haven-1 will target a low Earth orbit at 425 kilometers altitude and 51.6-degree inclination, enabling access for international crews and private astronauts. Grokipedia
• [New] In response to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, a One Health framework is essential because selection and transmission occur across interconnected human, animal, food, and environmental systems. Frontiers
• [New] By modelling global supply chain scenarios through to 2050, we find that cleaner electricity alone can drive major reductions in environmental impact, but it is not enough. The University of Sheffield
• [New] Achieving global climate targets will require a fundamental shift in how humans interact with the natural world. EnviroLink Network - The environmental news site since
• [New] Cement and concrete are vital to the built environment, from housing and commercial buildings to data centers and transportation networks, and global demand for cement is expected to increase to 6.2 billion tons by 2050. Center for Green Market Activation
• [New] Sustainable food, fiber, forest, and mineral production in 2026 and beyond will rely on the principles of organic farming - and on cutting-edge technology and transparent management tools to ensure real, lasting environmental benefits. Farmonaut

Last updated: 18 April 2026