Global Scans · Resources · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The world is depleting its natural resources at an alarming rate due to population growth and over consumption. Increased competition for ever-diminishing food and water resources may amplify socio-economically motivated armed conflicts and causing quests for more efficient resources on and beyond Planet Earth.

• [New] In the north Indo-Pacific, a geostrategic game is unfolding, one in which control over sea lanes, resources and influence will shape the 21st century. DebateUS
• [New] By unlocking the potential of commercial nuclear energy and easing restrictions on North Sea oil and gas, Britain can secure affordable, reliable energy from its own resources. Electricity Info
• [New] Patagonia has impressive wind resources, with research by CONICET and national universities in Rio Negro and northern Patagonia showing capacity factors - that is, how much energy a wind farm actually produces compared with the maximum it could produce - of close to 50%. Buenos Aires Herald
• [New] Economy: China's expanded presence and influence in the Arctic and space will increase competition for resources, access to trade routes and new economic opportunities. Merics
• [New] Leading AI companies invest strategically in fewer, high-priority opportunities and focus 70% of their resources on people and processes, with only 20% on technology and 10% on algorithms. Nextgov/FCW
• [New] Challenges could include persistent supply chain bottlenecks, rising geopolitical tensions impacting trade, and the ongoing pressure to meet increasing global food demand with finite resources. FinancialContent
• [New] For Washington, keen to secure mineral supply chains vital for advanced manufacturing and clean energy, Pakistan's resources are a strategic opportunity. Asia Society
• [New] To make the investments needed for a modern power grid, the U.S. will have to source a wide range of critical natural resources both domestically and through strategic international partnerships. Highland Associates
• [New] Regional water deficits by 2030 could jeopardise the UK's 2050 net zero targets unless urgent, collaborative action is taken to manage water resources effectively. New Civil Engineer
• [New] Google plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years to construct a major AI infrastructure hub in southern India, diversifying the geographic footprint of critical AI resources. Medium
• [New] The energy and mineral resources ministry is developing a roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel blending, with a gradual increase to 5% by 2035. ADM Investor Services
• [New] An initial group of 21 countries will develop National Health Compacts - government-led agreements that will lay out bold reforms, investment priorities, shared accountability and unlock resources for expanding access to quality, affordable health care. World Health Organization: WHO
• [New] Global uranium resources face increasing development challenges, while global uranium demand projections indicate requirements will continue growing throughout this decade. Discovery Alert
• [New] By concentrating resources on building world-leading capabilities in AI, green energy, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, the CCP hopes to project a new kind of performance: one measured by technological strength, productivity quality, and global leadership in strategic industries. The Diplomat
• [New] Russia is a structural, spatial and positional rival, which uses its fossil fuel resources to threaten European security. Elcano Royal Institute
• [New] For U.S. allies with significant critical mineral resources, the Pentagon's stockpiling program creates potential export opportunities. Discovery Alert
• [New] China, a major commercial and technological power is right next door and expanding economic relations could give India access to valuable markets, resources and technologies. Eurasia Review
• [New] New Mexico has the potential to produce substantial power from its geothermal resources. Source New Mexico
• [New] With 75% of global cobalt, abundant solar and wind resources, and rapidly emerging hydrogen potential, Africa stands at a critical inflection point. United Nations Western Europe
• [New] The California Air Resources Board proposed an emergency action to continue enforcing engine emissions regulations because it says federal government efforts to undo them could result in the sale of vehicles that are not certified to any standard. School Transportation News
• The meteoric rise in demand for mineral resources lithium presents both opportunities and challenges for Albemarle, governments, and global industries. Farmonaut
• By securing access to Arctic resources and shipping routes, the U.S. is positioning itself to dominate a region that will shape global energy markets in the 21st century. Ainvest
• Hydrogen potential - MENA's renewable resources also create opportunities for green hydrogen production, which could become an export commodity in the global energy transition. En tibi

Last updated: 29 October 2025