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] Alternative proteins (AP), including any protein-rich ingredients sourced from plants, insects, fungi, algae, or animal cells, present an opportunity for the consumption of protein-dense foods with a lower environmental impact than conventional livestock products. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The expansion and adoption of AP in LMICs could present a promising solution to nourish the world's growing population while mitigating the global food and environmental crises. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The expansion of AP could provide nutritious solutions while also diversifying the protein-rich food basket and addressing concerns about environmental impact, animal welfare, and human health. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The emergence of AP alongside traditional animal-source proteins could offer broader choices for farmers regarding the production processes and greater resilience. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Plastic pollution will become more abundant by cumulative mass than all life on Earth, with a plethora of potential negative consequences across scales of biological organization, from molecular and cellular to population and ecosystem level. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In 2050 under the 8.5 high emissions scenario, habitat in TSCF and TGSS will remain constant; however, by 2070 there will be a loss of habitat suitability in TSMBF and an increase in habitat suitability in tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] An increase in habitat suitability in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas is predicted under the moderate emissions scenario 4.5 for both 2050 and 2070. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The suitable habitat for R. sanguineus could increase in the western US, in Central America, and in some South American countries. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In 2070 there is a predicted loss of habitat in TSMBF, as well as an increase in suitable habitat in tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] 30% of the present area of habitat suitability remains unchanged in the 2050 and 2070 predictions. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In 2070, habitat suitability was predicted to decrease in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests and increase in tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Using the high emissions SSP5 - 8.5 scenario, habitat suitability in tropical and subtropical coniferous forests and temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands was predicted to be constant in 2050. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Scenario 4.5 showed an increase in habitat suitability for R. sanguineus in tropical and subtropical regions in both 2050 and 2070. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The awareness around the threats faced by our planet is growing as the number of climate-related events increases, with leading institutions, regulators and the general public facing broad environmental concerns. Generali
• [New] Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction are threatening ecosystems across the globe at an alarming rate. observanceguide.com
• [New] Air pollution is the leading global environmental risk to health, contributing significantly to mortality worldwide. Nature
• [New] Tipping points in Earth systems, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, the Amazon rainforest, permafrost, are no longer theoretical risks. Position Green
• [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

Last updated: 23 May 2026