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 organic potato segment is predicted to witness the highest CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2033 owing to the deepening consumer awareness about health, environmental sustainability, and food transparency. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Asia will take the lead on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation in 2026, with bills in play in Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand. JD Supra
• [New] With biodiversity loss increasingly recognized as a systemic risk to the global economy, more financial institutions are beginning to address the nature-related risks and opportunities associated with their financing activities. sustainalytics.com
• [New] GETF strategically fosters private sector engagement in Malawi's green economy by reducing investment risk and supporting scalable, inclusive solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth. Impact Funding
• [New] Development of environmental and safety regulations in China Additional inspections or stricter rules for domestic mines could further dampen local supply - which would have a positive effect on international iron ore prices. GOLDINVEST.de
• [New] Coastal erosion is a complex and multifaceted environmental issue that threatens the stability and resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities worldwide. Omics International
• [New] Drought poses a significant threat to animals and crops, affecting up to 45% of the world's agricultural land, which is home to 38% of the global population. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Environmental degradation threatens the lives of children worldwide. TRANSCEND Media Service
• [New] The lives of children worldwide are threatened by preventable circumstances including, but not limited to, diseases, poverty, malnutrition, death penalties and environmental degradation. TRANSCEND Media Service
• [New] By 2035, bees may autonomously pollinate 30% of global crops while doubling as environmental sensors. International Defense Security & Technology
• [New] 2026 will be a consequential year for anyone communicating on climate and environmental solutions. Greenhouse Communications
• [New] Microplastics could be impacting the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) which is critical for regulating Earth's temperature. The Times Of India
• [New] Leatherbacks are the heaviest reptiles on Earth, and their population is already declining from existing threats such as fishing gear entanglement. Center for Biological Diversity
• [New] Trade, tax, energy, environmental regulation, and supply-chain risk further reinforce the need for North American collaboration. RunSensible
• [New] By 2026, regulatory and investor scrutiny will demand projects not only demonstrate operational viability but also minimize environmental impacts and maximize safety for workers and adjacent communities. Farmonaut
• [New] As the number of satellites in orbit continues to climb, so does the risk of their remnants falling back to Earth, and into the path of commercial airliners. The Daily Galaxy - Great Discoveries Channel
• [New] The deregulatory push is being challenged in court and will almost certainly face more lawsuits, with environmental groups like the Environmental Defense Fund repeatedly suing over weakened protections. N-LAWS
• [New] Around the world, sand mining has increased flood risks in Uganda, destabilised and rerouted major rivers in India, and sparked a boom of deadly organised crime across Asia. Daily Mail
• [New] Nature-based solutions will become a strategic necessity, not an add-on A defining feature of sustainability in 2026 will be the elevation of nature from a peripheral issue to a strategic business priority. Tunley Environmental
• [New] In South Korea, construction began on a national animal-free testing facility, scheduled for completion in 2026. Humane World Action Fund
• [New] The private industry will have its debut by HAL-L&T launching the first fully indigenously manufactured Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle early 2026, which will carry OceanSat-3A, an Earth observation satellite for oceanography and environmental monitoring. ArabNews
• [New] A controversial scheme will begin to reflect sunlight to Earth with satellites in 2026, so that dark places can be temporarily lit for visibility or energy production. New Scientist
• [New] The programs, which are underway at the Matsitama Copper Project, the Semarule Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project, and the Foley Uranium Project, are scheduled to resume in mid-January 2026. / Botswana MiningFeeds

Last updated: 10 January 2026