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] Using public data for conservation categories that could be included under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, the Association for Mineral for Mineral Exploration has calculated that OECMs protect up to 36.3% of land in B.C.. AME - Association for Mineral Exploration
• [New] No solar radiation storms expected, ensuring safety for astronauts and spacecraft in low Earth orbit. KeepTrack
• [New] High levels of electron flux are anticipated on specific dates, which could lead to increased drag on low Earth orbit satellites. KeepTrack
• [New] Costs will be 30% higher in 2026 than they were in 2020, while the £2.4 billion farming budget for England has been almost the same since 2007, even as farmers and growers are asked to do more to comply with environmental legislation, with less funding and no certainty. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] The added dimension of Chinese capital and demand deepens concern that South America could become a cornerstone of Beijing's long-term food-security strategy, with implications for pricing power, environmental standards, and geopolitical leverage. Ag Bull Trading
• [New] At the more speculative end, a spider-like construction robot demonstrated how autonomous 3D printing could one day build structures on Earth or assemble habitats on the Moon. Foresight
• [New] Rare earth elements present similar opportunity profiles, with China controlling approximately 85% of global processing capacity according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Discovery Alert
• [New] The study published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Climate Change estimates almost 80% of glaciers worldwide are set to vanish by 2100 at the planet's current warming trajectory of around 2.7 degrees above pre-industrial average. northeastNOW
• [New] The evolution of Greenland rare earth potential reflects broader themes in global resource security, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development. Discovery Alert
• [New] Animal species faced mounting pressures, with nearly 8,000 at risk from the overlap of extreme heat and habitat loss. Climate Cosmos
• [New] Canada oil pipeline revival represents a complex intersection of economic necessity, environmental responsibility, and geopolitical strategy that will influence North American energy markets for decades to come. Discovery Alert
• [New] Lower-carbon bitumen production could position Canadian exports competitively in Asian markets where environmental standards increasingly influence procurement decisions. Discovery Alert
• [New] According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, revitalizing America's infrastructure will require massive, sustained investment - and leadership that integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at every stage. MRINetwork
• [New] The successful implementation of air taxis will be a critical step in shaping the future of urban mobility in Saudi Arabia, bringing both economic and environmental benefits while enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. Travel And Tour World
• [New] As long as going green requires buying and integrating Chinese technologies into critical infrastructure, environmental policymakers will be wagering decarbonization's success on some of the world's highest stakes geopolitical bets. Heatmap News
• [New] Airlines worldwide are making significant strides toward reducing their environmental impact, but achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require continued innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Lithium extraction has heavy environmental and public health costs, and supply chains are dominated by China, presenting critical geopolitical trade-offs and vulnerabilities. oilprice.com
• [New] The U.S. Department of Energy announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity of $134 million to enhance domestic rare earth supply chains. Rare Earth Exchanges
• [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

Last updated: 20 December 2025