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] Unless major actions are taken, the sixth mass extinction will lead to catastrophic effects on the Earth's biosphere and human health and well-being. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The growing emphasis on environmental regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2030 and 2050 decarbonization targets, further drives innovation and adoption of autonomous technologies that can contribute to achieving sustainability goals in the maritime industry. Polaris
• [New] The expansion of mining operations, especially in sensitive regions like California's Salton Sea, carries significant environmental and social risks. Ainvest
• [New] Rare Earth Magnets: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be established in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote mining and processing, which are vital for advanced defence electronics. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Critical Minerals: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be developed in coastal states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to secure the full value chain from mining to manufacturing. PMF IAS
• [New] Global progress on nature restoration is nowhere near where it needs to be, and the threat of ecosystem collapse in the world's rainforests remains acute. The Guardian
• [New] We are in the midst of a harrowing extinction crisis with beneficial insects, birds, aquatic life, and mammals dying off in appalling numbers and neonics are a major, reckless threat that the earth does not need. Real Gardens Grow Natives
• [New] The Nature Conservancy of Canada states that Western Screech-Owls are assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, with their small populations threatened by the loss of mature trees that provide cavities for nesting. Real Gardens Grow Natives
• [New] According to the Bird Alliance of Oregon, Whether the species is rare or common, young or old, resident or migratory, most birds are at risk of collision-related injury or death. Real Gardens Grow Natives
• [New] With global meat consumption expected to surge 65% by 2050, the environmental impact will only worsen without intervention. EnviroLink Network - The environmental news site since
• [New] The doubling of rogue drones near military sites in the UK in the last year underlines the increasing and changing nature of the threats we face. Mirage News
• [New] The doubling of rogue drones near military sites in the last year underlines the increasing and changing nature of the threats we face. Daily Mail
• [New] Environmental DNA sampling could be adopted during school field study programs run by environment centers within protected areas in Cyprus. SpringerLink
• [New] Illegal activity greatly increased the risk of an environmental catastrophe in the fragile Arctic environment. The Watch
• [New] The irreversible melting of polar ice sheets, the collapse of key ocean currents and the dieback of the Amazon rainforest are next in line, with devastating risks for people and nature. The Guardian
• [New] Nature is a finite asset which underpins the global economy, meaning that economic insecurity will become more likely as natural resources are used up. The Ecologist
• [New] Global investors, lenders, and insurers are increasingly integrating water risk into environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessments, as well as credit and operational assessments. Mexico Business
• [New] The strategic interests among India, South Korea, and ASEAN overlap primarily in ocean governance, trade, and infrastructure, especially given the rising influence of China in the South China Sea, which poses significant geopolitical and environmental threats. Maritime Fairtrade
• [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

Last updated: 07 February 2026