Our Scans · (LF.15) 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] Invasive alien species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity globally, as they negatively impact the ecological stability of invaded habitats and native species, leading to consequent pressures on essential ecosystem functions and services. EU GREEN
• [New] Indonesia's vulnerability is compounded by long-term land use changes, including the conversion of agricultural land into plantations and large-scale infrastructure projects. Reccessary
• [New] The American confectionery giant defines climate-smart agriculture as context-appropriate practices that are applied to best optimize efforts to reduce and remove GHG emissions, regenerate soils, support biodiversity, and adapt to increasing climate hazards. CNS Media
• [New] The global hydrogen economy is not developing as a uniform system, but rather as a collection of regionally specific ecosystems, each with its own constraints and opportunities, all of which are extensively covered by IDTechEx. Innovation News Network
• [New] While biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse are indeed major global threats, we argue the UK must ground its national risk assessments in rigorous evidence rather than deterministic models or speculative migration projections. EurekAlert!
• [New] Scientists have warned that a new UK Government report on global biodiversity loss and national security risks distorting evidence and driving ineffective policy by framing ecological degradation and its impacts on migration as a security threat. EurekAlert!
• [New] Vector-borne disease risk is shifting in response to land use changes, pet travel, wildlife movement, and climate-related warming and extreme weather. dvm360
• [New] Land leasing and rural revitalization for renewable projects are expected to provide an untapped opportunity in the U.S. Persistence Market Research
• [New] More talented technologists will consider roles in the UK's fintech ecosystem. TechBullion
• [New] The successful integration of photocatalytic hydrogen production into the global energy ecosystem will require careful navigation of complex policy and regulatory landscapes, as well as the alignment of various stakeholders and industries. MH News
• [New] Future operations are expected to focus on deeper integration within signaling ecosystems and the abuse of legitimate network processes to sustain persistent, scalable, and difficult-to-detect access across global telecommunications infrastructure. CYFIRMA
• [New] For responsible mining and land stewardship, tools such as Farmonaut's satellite-based mineral detection are now indispensable-speeding up exploration, reducing environmental risk, and making global land use innovation both effective and ethical. Farmonaut
• [New] Plastic waste in marine ecosystems is expected to increase by 65% in 2030, even under the current ambitious commitments set by governments. Siemens
• [New] The IPCC notes with high confidence that concurrent heat waves and droughts will continue to increase, creating compound risks that multiply harm across ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Climate Adaptation Center
• [New] Spain's vast land area offers opportunities for reforestation and soil carbon sequestration projects. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Italy's geographical diversity offers opportunities for forestry and land use projects. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 emphasizes integrating nature restoration into climate action. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages Norway's Government Pension Fund Global, has issued Nature Expectations - guidance for portfolio companies as they assess, disclose, and manage risks arising from impacts on land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems. JD Supra
• [New] A company budgeting a $500 million expansion in a region with Indigenous land overlaps must now carry a materially higher legal and compensation risk than was true twelve months ago. / Australia investing.com
• [New] Degraded coastal communities in the UK could soon be transformed by floating wetlands as part of a drive to boost biodiversity. Positive News
• [New] Reductions in grazing livestock that promote plant growth could enable ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide, benefiting the global climate. EurekAlert!
• [New] Many low-elevation Arabica zones will likely become unsuitable by 2050, while some higher, currently cool forested areas could become prime coffee land. / Ethiopia General Warfield's Coffee

Last updated: 20 April 2026