Global Scans · Life on Land · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss,

• [New] A 2025 study of Australia's east coast found that by avoiding just 30% of the most ecologically important land, up to 90% of habitat for threatened species could be protected. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The additions to South Australia's park network align with the state and federal governments' 30 by 30 commitment, which aims to protect 30% of Australia's landmass and marine areas by 2030 in an effort to halt further biodiversity loss. Department for Environment and Water
• [New] At scale, shifting away from animal agriculture, which uses 83% of farmland to produce just 18% of calories, could free up vast amounts of land, water, and grain currently fed to livestock, helping address global food insecurity. Edamam.com
• [New] The World Trade Organization's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force, prohibiting subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, which have long undermined sustainable fisheries management and threatened marine ecosystems. Project Syndicate
• [New] Innovation in feed alternatives, disease prevention, and low-impact farming methods is accelerating as companies seek to align with Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategy 2030 targets. Market Data Forecast
• [New] As China consolidates its position by restricting silver and other materials like antimony and tungsten, the global technological ecosystem could face disruptive changes. OpenTools
• [New] Experts across agriculture, conservation, and rural investment sectors largely agree: while explosive growth is unlikely, land will remain one of the most resilient asset classes in the coming year. LandHub
• [New] Recreational land is expected to remain one of the most competitive segments in 2026. LandHub
• [New] Agricultural land is projected to remain one of the most stable land investments in 2026. LandHub
• [New] Multi-use land is widely expected to be the strongest performer in 2026. LandHub
• [New] Despite the tumultuous geopolitical landscape, nations agreed in March to mobilise at least $200bn (£155bn) per year by 2030 to help developing countries conserve biodiversity. Positive News
• [New] Land prices are expected to continue growing in 2026, although Perth, South East Queensland and Adelaide are predicted to ease from recent highs into more sustainable levels of growth. realestate.com.au
• [New] Building back soil health takes years, and in the US, land must be free of any chemical residues for at least three years before the USDA will even consider certifying it for organic production. AgFunderNews
• [New] Chattel Slavery Endured Forced Labour, Land Theft, Racial Violence, Legalized Exclusion, and the Systematic Erasure of Identity, Wealth, and Opportunity-Under the Authority of State and Federal Governments. / USA Change.org
• [New] Chinese officials have pledged to land their own astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030. NBC News
• Arctic ecosystems, dryland regions, small island developing nations and least developed countries could be hardest hit by the early manifestations of climate change. Climate Policy Lab
• South-east Asia's long-stagnant private equity and venture capital ecosystem could get a much-needed boost, following the launch of the Asean Private Markets Council in September. The Business Times
• A study by the University of California, Berkeley, highlights that Central American regions like Guatemala and Honduras could face drastic reductions in suitable land, pushing farmers toward alternative livelihoods. Climate Cosmos
• Pollution, including from chemicals, is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and is an increasingly relevant global risk. ShareAction
• With more than half of the world's GDP highly or moderately dependent on nature and biodiversity, ecosystem losses pose a systemic risk to companies and their shareholders. ShareAction
• Globally, the approved initiatives are expected to improve the management of about 1.2 million hectares of agricultural land and restore more than 314,000 hectares of degraded landscapes. Mexico Business
• Changing climate patterns, unpredictable rainfall, and water scarcity are no longer hypothetical risks - they are reality for farmers and land managers worldwide. Farmonaut

Last updated: 04 January 2026