Global Scans · Responsible Consumption and Production · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• [New] Natural gas prices have surged more than 50% over the last two days on forecasts of Arctic weather invading the US, boosting heating demand and potentially threatening disruptions to US gas production as water freezes inside pipelines. Barchart.com
• [New] Electrified vehicles are expected to account for up to 45% of global consumption of critical minerals and rare earths by 2050, and for more than 80% of the growth in demand for substances such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. valorinternational
• [New] By 2030, RNG production is projected to increase by roughly 150-240 million MMBtu per year, representing strong growth but still falling short of expected demand. Energy Vision
• [New] By 2026, more than 40% of manufacturers with production scheduling systems will upgrade to AI-driven capabilities and begin enabling autonomous processes. Amiko Consulting
• [New] Future robots will build other robots, breaking production limits entirely. Vision Times
• [New] By the end of 2026, you will see full production lines (mostly filled with robots) cranking out other robots, including humanoid robots and autonomous driving cars and trucks. Technocracy News
• [New] Tesla's 2026 robotaxi production aims to shift its business model to high-margin autonomous ride-hailing, with ARK estimating 90% of enterprise value by 2029. Ainvest
• [New] The application of contemporary American technology and extraction methods is expected to restore dormant wells and initiate new production cycles within a matter of months. Mint
• [New] In the United States, new cooking-appliance standards coming into force in 2028 will cap annual energy use and ban older power-supply designs, unlocking energy savings equivalent to the consumption of 1.4 million homes. realtyplusmag
• [New] Addressing cost pressures arising from global price volatility in semiconductors, displays, and memory components will be important to ensure stable production and predictable pricing. The Indian Express
• [New] Without new gigafactory capacity, the UK's automotive sector faces declining exports, weaker energy security and the risk of losing production overseas. Innovation News Network
• [New] Global data center electricity consumption is projected to hit 600 terawatt-hours in 2026, a staggering 14% increase from 2025 levels. FinancialContent
• [New] By 2026, global lithium production will be 42% higher than in 2024, with the US and Argentina seeing the fastest growth. Farmonaut
• [New] Global lithium production is projected to exceed 1 million metric tons by 2026, fueling rapid energy technology advancements. Farmonaut
• [New] Up to 600,000 tons of lithium production per year could cover 40% of domestic U.S. requirements. Farmonaut
• [New] Hybrid production strategies combining electrolysis, ammonia cracking, and renewable feedstocks are expected to emerge, allowing developers to maximize revenue across fragmented global markets. PUREPEBRIX
• [New] Green ammonia production could go far in decarbonizing agriculture produce ammonia electrochemically and onsite at farms, replacing the fossil-fuel-heavy Haber-Bosch process. AgFunderNews
• [New] CEAMSA's fiber production in Spain is reportedly expected to expand and scale with the integration of the acquired fiber business, while elevating its international growth. CNS Media
• [New] The greenhouse project is expected to play a key role in expanding year-round vegetable production, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting Kazakhstan's broader goals of agricultural modernization and food security. The Astana Times
• [New] The slowdown in drilling activity will outpace recent increases in drilling productivity that have bolstered U.S. crude oil production. EIA - Energy Information Administration

Last updated: 26 January 2026