Our Scans · (LF.13) Climate Action · 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 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• [New] Neither the U.S. federal government, nor high-emitting nations like Russia, China, and India, will reduce greenhouse emissions in a timeframe that will avert serious climate impacts that ultimately will cause profound, irreversible harm to the world. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
• [New] Urban extreme heat is an escalating climate risk across the Asia-Pacific region, driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and existing social and economic vulnerabilities. Indico.UN (Indico)
• [New] A comprehensive climate strategy in 2026 will make resilience part of mainstream risk management, integrated directly into supply chain continuity plans, capital investment decisions, and insurance models. Global Network for Zero
• [New] Climate decarbonization efforts in garment supply chains are transferring financial and operational risk onto suppliers and workers, a new industry report has revealed, warning that 2.4 billion workers worldwide are already exposed to heat stress linked to climate change. texfash.com
• [New] Permafrost thaw could cost Alaska between $37 billion and $51 billion in infrastructure damages under various climate scenarios, illustrating how winter urban heat islands can translate directly into long-term economic losses. New Polis e-journal
• [New] In 2026, climate data governance, not just policy advocacy, will be a competitive differentiator. Global Network for Zero
• [New] Climate threats have been inching closer to Singapore in recent years. ST
• [New] Climate justice is an investment in peace and security, because vulnerability anywhere becomes a risk everywhere - rippling through financial systems, supply chains and global stability. Thailand
• [New] The proposed SEC rules and the California climate-related legislation will require independent verification for Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. The Conference Board
• [New] Climate reporting obligations set by the SEC, California, and the EU will impose escalating obligations on companies to verify their disclosures. The Conference Board
• [New] The world expects energy companies to lead on climate and environmental priorities. Farmonaut
• [New] Major global climate models are now signaling a rapid transition toward El Nino later in 2026, with some projections suggesting the potential for strengthening by late summer. Yahoo News
• [New] Reducing global methane emissions is critical for reducing climate impact and achieving net-zero targets by 2050. The Conference Board
• [New] Arctic summer sea ice is critical to global climate regulation and regional climate stability, but it is projected to disappear by 2050. Ocean Visions
• [New] Climate change could lead to more than 500,000 additional malaria deaths in Africa by 2050, a study by researchers from the Kids Research Institute Australia and Curtin University shows. Ecofin Agency
• [New] Climate change, along with habitat loss due to ongoing human development, will drive the extinction crisis in Colorado and around the world. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
• [New] Governments, policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritize developing strategies that ensure tourism can withstand global challenges such as geopolitical turmoil, economic instability, health risks, and the impact of climate change. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Key Insight: With urbanization and climate volatility rising, hydroponic container farm systems are projected to supply up to 50% of fresh greens and herbs in cities by 2028, leveraging less land, less water, and greater yield predictability. Farmonaut
• [New] The world needs more people with practical and scientific skills to weather hard times and tackle existential risks such as climate change. Business Insider
• [New] Flawed economic models are underestimating the impact of the climate crisis, which could crash global finances. PRX - Public Radio Exchange
• [New] The world is entering an era of cascading risks: climate disruptions, economic shocks, technological uncertainty, and social instability are unfolding in complex and interconnected ways. Mexico Business
• [New] With advancing climate change, many areas of the world, including U.S. cities such as Miami, Houston, Phoenix and Las Vegas, will confront many more days each year hot enough to threaten human survival. PennLive

Last updated: 23 February 2026