Global Scans · Nature · Weekly Summary

WHAT''S NEXT?: Oceans, animals, and land are all under threat from climate change and human activities. The effective and efficient conservation of agricultural biodiversity is vital to meeting the global challenges of food and nutritional security for an expanding world population. But, the signs are of continued degradation of our global natural resources and environment.

• [New] The growing use of space to support sustainability and security on Earth will lead to more adverse impacts on the space environment. Stanford Emerging Technology Review
• [New] Up to 37% of the emissions reductions required by 2030 might come from protecting and restoring nature. Earth
• [New] New research published this month by WRI and Ohio State University found that allowing companies to use high-quality nature-based carbon credits alongside direct emissions reductions could provide immediate and substantial climate benefits. We Mean Business Coalition
• [New] Although more than two in five plant species are estimated to be threatened with extinction, only about 20% have global International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessments. EurekAlert!
• [New] If companies use nature-based carbon credits, they could significantly help improve the chances of limiting warming to 2 °C by 2030. Wildlife Works
• [New] Beyond environmental concerns, 2026 will see a heightened focus on the human element of sustainable fashion. BindasLook.in
• [New] The rapid increase in satellites in low Earth orbit heightens the risk of collisions and space debris, while astronomers warn that light pollution caused by satellites is affecting observations from ground-based telescopes. Statista Daily Data
• [New] A coordinated Canada-Nordic response framework could enable aircraft, icebreakers, and specialized emergency units to operate across national boundaries during crises, improving response times and reducing environmental damage. ArcticToday
• [New] Exploration Vessel Nautilus will map and explore deep-sea priority areas in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around Wake Island, one of the most isolated land masses on Earth and one of the least explored areas under U.S. jurisdiction. NOAA Ocean Exploration
• [New] Unintended consequences Even if we could use solar geoengineering to reduce the average temperature of Earth, the cooling effects would not be uniform across the globe. Sierra Magazine
• [New] With over 140 million objects orbiting the Earth at an average of ten times the speed of a bullet, space junk poses a significant risk to new satellites and communication constellations, as well as new space launches, like the recent Artemis II mission. Innovation News Network
• [New] India is advancing toward more ambitious Low Earth Orbit missions and its longer-term goal of a first crewed lunar mission by 2040. LinkedIn
• [New] The Recovering America's Wildlife Act will help safeguard habitats and biodiversity, slow extinction rates and secure a brighter future for people and nature. The Nature Conservancy
• [New] While biodiversity exists everywhere - from urban parks to polar tundra - certain regions are recognized as biodiversity hotspots: areas with exceptionally high concentrations of endemic species (found nowhere else on Earth) that are also under significant threat. ClockZone
• [New] San Joaquin Valley farms could see 20% reductions in applied water by 2040 due to groundwater pumping restrictions stemming primarily from SGMA but also from other new environmental regulations. Valley Ag Voice
• [New] Nature underpins food systems, clean air and water, energy, climate and disaster resilience, and Canada's identity-yet it faces mounting threats from climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss. Mirage News
• [New] In a context of increasing environmental degradation worldwide, biodiversity loss is emerging as a critical threat to global health. United Nations University
• [New] The Artemis III mission, now in 2027, will be designed to test out systems and operational capabilities in low Earth orbit to prepare for an Artemis IV crewed landing in 2028. National Space Centre
• [New] By 2030, nature-based solutions will be delivered at pace to support landscape-scale adaptation to and mitigation of climate change impacts. GOV.UK
• [New] By 2050, new wildlife-rich habitats will be delivered across England, creating new strongholds and connected networks for nature as wildlife populations continue to increase. GOV.UK
• [New] By 2050, agricultural land will be managed to prioritise sustainable food production and environmental benefits. GOV.UK

Last updated: 16 May 2026