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 low-carbon transition could create 375 million jobs over the next decade, spanning renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. We Mean Business Coalition
• [New] A $1 investment in nature-based adaptation for climate change results in $4 of environmental, social, and economic benefits through avoided losses and reduced risk. The Dirt
• [New] China asserts dominance over rare earth minerals, controlling 61% of global production and over 90% of processing, by imposing export controls that could halt industrial operations worldwide for essential components in missiles, electric vehicles, and smartphones. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] ISRO is preparing for its first crewed mission in early 2027, which will demonstrate readiness for sustained human operations in low Earth orbit and support future lunar objectives. CryptoRank
• [New] SpaceX's reliance on Starlink for profitability exposes it to regulatory and technical risks, such as spectrum allocation disputes and the environmental impact of its satellite constellation. Ainvest
• [New] As AI demand outstrips production of gas turbines, hyperscalers will turn to offgrid solar + battery power systems, which are already competitive with pure gas or gas + solar in the sunnier parts of Earth. Casey Handmer's blog
• [New] Unlike previous commodity cycles driven primarily by construction and manufacturing, today's mining landscape reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical strategy, environmental mandates, and technological disruption that will define investment opportunities through 2026. Discovery Alert
• [New] Environmental defenders continue to be exposed to significant risks of penalization, persecution, harassment, and even killings. Countercurrents
• [New] Global catastrophic risks are jeopardizing life on Earth. London Futurists
• [New] There will be a seamless experience for consumers, businesses, and mission-critical applications with the combination of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, high-altitude platform systems, and terrestrial networks providing global coverage. CIO&Leader
• [New] Multiple atmospheric rivers (ARs) are forecast to impact the Pacific Northwest through the middle of next week, with persistent rainfall forecast to lead to widespread riverine flooding. The Watchers
• [New] AI investments risk fueling layoffs, environmental damage from energy-hungry data centers, and abuse in surveillance and deportation contexts. MarketingProfs
• [New] Bhutan's timber, rammed-earth, and stone-masonry construction practices offer valuable lessons for low-carbon development and hazard-sensitive planning. The Frontier Manipur
• [New] Despite the economic, environmental and public health benefits that California's ZEV mandate is projected to deliver, it has been attacked by the federal government. Daily Bruin
• [New] The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled plans to boost EU resilience to threats like rare earth shortages by strengthening trade measures and adding new economic security tools. FDD
• [New] As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the potential for AI to drive sustainable development becomes increasingly evident. Ryz Labs
• [New] Consumer behaviour is expected to shift considerably in the coming years, driven by heightened awareness of environmental issues. Joindecker
• [New] A paper published by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz and the consulting firm Accenture suggested that 60% of animal-based foods would need to be replaced with plant-based or cultivated alternatives by 2050 to keep the food system within climate limits. Sentient
• [New] The UK's legislative independence on environmental policy after Brexit presents an opportunity to lead Europe on air quality. IEEP UK
• [New] Poor air quality remains the single biggest environmental threat to human health in the UK and is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year. IEEP UK
• [New] Solar eruptions can grow to truly catastrophic scales, having the potential to wreak havoc on electrical systems and Earth-orbiting satellites. Live Science
• [New] New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance works to advance environmental justice in New Jersey by supporting grassroots organizing, building coalitions, and advocating for policy changes that protect frontline communities from environmental hazards and climate impacts. Eventbrite
• [New] Scientists warn that Earth is being pushed toward critical climate tipping points - thresholds beyond which self-reinforcing feedback loops (such as permafrost thaw, ice-sheet collapse, forest dieback) could trigger runaway changes, potentially irreversible on human timescales. Countercurrents

Last updated: 13 December 2025