Our Scans · (LF.14) Life Below Water · Weekly Summary

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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 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] Tensions in the South China Sea, labour shortages at U.S. ports, and rising insurance premiums have all added layers of risk. Rand Technology -
• [New] Greenpeace is demanding that governments, including Australia, ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and commit to the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Greenpeace Australia Pacific
• [New] Sea level rise on both Pacific and Indian Ocean sides of Asia exceeded the global average, posing serious risks to low-lying coastal areas. kp ias academy
• [New] Sea Level Rise: Sea levels on both the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia rose faster than the global average, threatening coastal regions. IASbaba
• [New] As sea levels rise and climate threats intensify, Ghana's coastal communities are urging immediate action - not just from government, but from all stakeholders - to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Myjoyonline
• [New] The Philippines will soon deploy an army contingent to support law enforcement units on occupied islands in the South China Sea, currently assigned to nine features in the Spratly Island group. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Sea Level Rise: Arabian Sea rising at 3.9 ± 0.4 mm / year and Bay of Bengal at 4.0 ± 0.4 mm / year, both surpassing global average of 3.4 mm / year, threatening coastal zones. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] The United States is preparing to address any possible problems China could cause for nations with close links to the United States, such as Taiwan and Japan, as a result of the growing international confrontation with China over its aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Russian oil is logistically detached from Hormuz, flowing via the Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope, or Pacific Ocean. The Week
• [New] Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen warned Saturday that they would resume attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea if Washington joined the bombing campaign against Iran. USNI News
• [New] Throughout late 2026, naval combat in the South China Sea intensified, which led to the entrance of Vietnam, Japan and Laos into the war against China. Future
• [New] Previous studies on the projected 21st century zonal mean precipitation patterns over the Indian Ocean show an enhanced wetting in the northwestern domain relative to the eastern Indian Ocean. Nature
• [New] With geopolitical tensions still affecting major global shipping routes like the Red Sea, there's an increased risk of delivery delays, port congestion, and extended lead times. Mitchells of Mansfield
• [New] A short-term drop in global temperatures was anticipated due to the recent La Nina event in the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, a climate pattern that typically brings a temporary dip in global average temperatures. ABC News
• [New] Just as the Houthi precedent has impacted global shipping in the Red Sea, Iran's strategic influence could extend instability across other maritime domains if Western military involvement escalates. Dryad Global Ltd
• [New] In 2025, geopolitical risks remain elevated, particularly due to the ongoing US-China trade war, the global energy crisis, and instability in regions such as Ukraine and the South China Sea. POEMS
• Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously threatened to resume attacks on U.S. forces in the Red Sea if the U.S. joined Israel's military operation. Time
• As 42% of the US population resides in shoreline counties, whether housing markets incorporate information on the risk of sea level rise (SLR) is of critical importance. NBER
• If India suspends the Indus Water Treaty or reduces water supply to Pakistan, China might retaliate by restricting water from the Indus or Sutlej rivers. Pakistan Defence Forum
• China continues its forceful maritime and military advances in the East and South China Seas and threatens economic pressure through trade restrictions. The Asan Forum

Last updated: 30 June 2025