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 global attack on nature is threatening the UK's national security, government intelligence chiefs have warned, as the increasingly likely collapse of vitally important natural systems would bring mass migration, food shortages and price rises, and global disorder. The Guardian
• [New] The top three risks over the long term are environmental risks: extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and, and critical changes to earth's systems. FTI Strategic Communications
• [New] Non-environmental risks such as geoeconomic confrontation, misinformation, and societal polarization dominate policy attention over the next two years, replacing environmental threats like extreme weather, pollution, biodiversity loss, and critical changes to earth systems. Guidely
• [New] In 2026, biophilia will be less about showpiece installations and more about intentional connections to nature, from landscape art to nature-inspired color palettes. Forbes
• [New] The International Union for Conservation of Nature has repeatedly warned about the loss of biodiversity in conflict areas, particularly isolated, insular ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to exploitation during periods of weak governance. Ediciones EL PAIS S.L.
• [New] People are destroying the wild places where plants and animals live, and that habitat destruction remains the greatest threat to species' survival both in the United States and around the world. Center for Biological Diversity
• [New] Thousands of plants and animals across America are at risk of extinction while they wait for the federal government to do something, anything, to help them. Center for Biological Diversity
• [New] Space junk falling out of orbit and crashing toward Earth is a growing threat. CNN
• [New] Governments will engage in an increasingly intense tug-of-war as immediate needs - such as energy security, affordability and availability - are weighed against the scientific reality of climate change and nature loss. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Increasing Disclosure Adopters: Global financial institutions are beginning to track nature-related risks. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Interdependence of Risks: At least half of the global economy is moderately or highly dependent on nature, making the nature crisis a direct threat to financial stability. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Thousands of spacecraft in similar altitude bands increase the probability of collisions and the creation of debris that could threaten not only communications constellations but also weather, navigation, and Earth-observation satellites. Programming Helper
• [New] A kinetic conflict in space would create debris fields that could render Low Earth Orbit unusable, crippling the global digital economy. Ronin's Grips
• [New] Fundo Pucheguin will become part of a 4-million-acre swath of conservation land across Chile and Argentina - a victory for nature, people and wildlife. Patagonia Works
• [New] As air pollution is a real, systemic risk connected to climate change, nature loss and human rights, addressing it is fundamental to protecting people and planet and building lasting value across portfolios. ShareAction
• [New] The carbon dioxide removal industry - tied to biodiversity and nature-based solutions - could grow to $1.2 trillion by 2050. Council Fire
• [New] Emerging markets are at the epicenter of climate risks, with regions like Africa, South Asia, Central and South America, and small island states facing the brunt of environmental hazards. Council Fire
• [New] The revisions, passed unanimously by the Upper House, will see the Japan Meteorological Agency and the land ministry introduce a standardized alert scale from one to five for four types of disasters: overflowing rivers, flooding caused by torrential rain, landslides, and storm surges. / Japan Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] The implementation of the Environmental Crime Directive will result in tighter German environmental criminal law. www.hoganlovells.com
• [New] The implementation of the Environmental Crime Directive will lead to an expansion of corporate liability under German law. www.hoganlovells.com
• [New] Environmental crime is taking centre stage in the EU's fight against organised crime, with the 2026-2029 EMPACT cycle prioritising crackdowns on offences like waste crime and strengthening enforcement across Member States. Passle
• [New] Environmental practices in 2026 prioritize water recycling, tailings stability, and minimal land disruption. Farmonaut
• [New] 2026 could bring a sharper focus on nature-based sustainability efforts. Sustainable Brands

Last updated: 31 January 2026