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] Costs will be 30% higher in 2026 than they were in 2020, while the £2.4 billion farming budget for England has been almost the same since 2007, even as farmers and growers are asked to do more to comply with environmental legislation, with less funding and no certainty. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] The added dimension of Chinese capital and demand deepens concern that South America could become a cornerstone of Beijing's long-term food-security strategy, with implications for pricing power, environmental standards, and geopolitical leverage. Ag Bull Trading
• [New] The evolution of Greenland rare earth potential reflects broader themes in global resource security, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development. Discovery Alert
• [New] Environment Council EU environment ministers are expected to approve conclusions on 'Europe's Environment - Building a more circular and resilient Europe'. European Movement - Join the movement!
• [New] Air quality and emissions monitoring systems will be strengthened across Haryana to improve pollution source assessment and impact evaluation. Guidely
• [New] From a purely environmental perspective, jadarite processing would not pose more but fewer risks. Undisciplined Environments
• [New] Eruptions of charged particles from the sun are moving toward Earth and could create vivid displays of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, across large parts of the northern United States this week. UPI
• [New] As the US seeks to reduce dependence on China's dominance in mineral supply chains, companies can expect incentives for diversification, as well as closer scrutiny of environmental, governance, and labour standards. ESCP International Politics Society
• [New] In addition to rolling back renewable energy investments, the U.S. is looking to eliminate key pollution control laws, which will affect pollution standards for cars, trucks, power plants, and fossil fuel production. Virginia's home for Public Media
• [New] Unlike previous commodity cycles driven primarily by construction and manufacturing, today's mining landscape reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical strategy, environmental mandates, and technological disruption that will define investment opportunities through 2026. Discovery Alert
• [New] As AI demand outstrips production of gas turbines, hyperscalers will turn to offgrid solar + battery power systems, which are already competitive with pure gas or gas + solar in the sunnier parts of Earth. Casey Handmer's blog
• [New] If business as usual logging persists, the environment reforms will fall far short of what Australia's forests - and their plants and animals - need. The Conversation
• [New] A $1 investment in nature-based adaptation for climate change results in $4 of environmental, social, and economic benefits through avoided losses and reduced risk. The Dirt
• [New] As environmental pressures intensify, migration flows will continue to rise, reshaping demographic patterns and influencing global security dynamics. The Nation
• [New] As the world's population and wealth continue to grow, there is a risk that the demand for meat and the negative environmental and climate impacts associated with meat production will continue to increase. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The theme Safe Skies, Sustainable Future reflects a global consensus that aviation's next era will be judged not only by connectivity and capacity, but by safety performance, environmental responsibility, and equitable access. Aviation Today
• [New] Maintaining Europe's position at the forefront of aviation innovation will require not only fresh ideas and skills but also a regulatory and investment environment conducive to empowering the next generation of leaders. eplaneai
• [New] Reuse alone could account for two-thirds of a 97% reduction in plastic packaging pollution by 2040. Gizmodo
• [New] Governments worldwide are imposing stricter environmental standards, such as the European Union's Fit for 55 package, which mandates a 55% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Climate change poses a significant threat to life on Earth, and a major driver of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases that include CO2. Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board
• [New] Climate Risks: Heatwaves, urban pollution and extreme weather are rising faster than India's health, water and urban adaptation capacities. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025: An Assessment of the Global System and Strategies for Transformative Change projects that plastic pollution could jump from 130 million to 280 million metric tonnes by 2040, driven by production growth that far outstrips improvements in waste management. SYSTEMIQ
• [New] Nearly eliminating plastic pollution from the packaging sector and reducing plastic pollution from all major economic sectors by 83% by 2040 is possible with international political attention, commitment of resources and existing technologies, continued innovation, and strategic policy approaches. The Pew Charitable Trusts

Last updated: 20 December 2025