Our Scans · (LF.15) Life on Land · 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 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] Around the world, communities are grappling with increasing risks to water availability, threatening not only ecosystems and livelihoods but also peace. WaterBlog@KTH: Reflect, Rethink, Refill
• [New] As the world rapidly warms, levels of tropospheric ozone are projected to increase in all business-as-usual scenarios, exacerbating the most damaging impacts of climate change and harming health, agriculture and ecosystems. Clean Air Fund
• [New] Reintroducing some recently extinct species to their old habitats might improve biodiversity locally, but government-funded conservation for 11 focal extinct species in New Zealand would sacrifice conservation for nearly three times as many (31) extant species. UQ News
• [New] Global opportunities offer higher salaries, advanced tech ecosystems, and better living standards, making relocation an attractive option for Indian techies. Nri Globe - One globe. One root. Infinite NRI connectio
• [New] Widespread destruction and use of heavy weaponry are releasing massive greenhouse gases and pollutants, posing lasting threats to global climate and ecosystems. PMF IAS
• [New] Wildfire risk is increasing in frequency, severity and cost, driven by climate change, land use changes and expanding urban development. Insurance Business
• [New] The proposed Land Use Framework for England could provide an effective basis for a policy and incentive landscape that optimises the use of land to deliver on a wide range of objectives such as climate mitigation and adaptation, food security and nature. Climate Change Committee
• [New] Addressing key challenges in improving the quality, accessibility, and availability of risk data for investments in EMDEs will help mobilise greater volumes of private investment to finance the global development, climate, and biodiversity goals. Environmental Finance
• [New] Positioned as a cornerstone of India's evolving delivery ecosystem, Skye Air's initiatives unlock opportunities and transform lives for millions of Indians. Web3Wire
• [New] In a 2015-2050 scenario of strong land use and climate change mitigation globally, rates of biodiversity loss would decrease but biodiversity would continue to decline. Nature
• [New] As digital identities and tamper-proof academic or employment records gain traction, AI will serve as the analytical layer that authenticates, validates, and risk-scores credentials in milliseconds, particularly in global, gig-led, or freelance hiring ecosystems. AuthBridge
• [New] Collaboration between government, industry, and civil society, will be key to staying ahead of evolving threats and restoring trust in India's digital financial ecosystem. Lawful Legal
• [New] Due to the temporal dominance Iran held in the initial 48-hour post-strike window, it is likely that the false narrative will continue circulating in digital ecosystems that do not have access to or literacy in satellite image interpretation. The Cyber Shafarat - Membership only site
• [New] The United States, together with India, launched a joint land invasion of Iran in March, 2026, with aerial support from Israel, as well as logistical support from Saudi Arabia. Future
• [New] India, with its large education and skilling ecosystem, has the potential to emerge as a Global Gig Hub for new-collar skills, which will power the future global economy. The Hindu
• [New] First up, the UK government has launched a call for evidence from businesses and financial institutions on how to scale private investment in nature restoration, aiming to close a major funding gap and support its goals, including protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. We Mean Business Coalition
• [New] Invasive alien species, including insects, are a major threat to native plants and animals in Europe and are one of the five major causes of biodiversity loss. Yahoo News
• [New] Critics have argued that SpaceX's so-called fail fast, learn faster approach poses risks to both safety and the environment, especially when testing near populated areas or delicate ecosystems. Digital Trends
• [New] The European Green Deal emphasizes the goal of minimizing air, water, and soil pollution to levels that support health and ecosystems by 2050. AntiPollutionPlan.com
• [New] The Forest Survey of India has identified degraded forests over the last 15-20 years as offering the greatest potential for creating additional carbon sinks. TOne Academy
• [New] In a significant push to strengthen country's artificial intelligence ecosystem, Google has partnered with the state of Maharashtra to empower its AI startups, offering them with global opportunities. Storyboard18
• [New] Canada approved the XRP ETF, positioning itself as a leader in the regulated digital asset ecosystem, with hopes the US will follow suit. BeInCrypto
• [New] Dubai may offer one of the strongest ecosystems for entrepreneurs, but without simple and affordable ways to retain customers, many SMEs risk losing the people they worked so hard to gain. HiDubai Focus

Last updated: 30 June 2025