Global Scans · Life Below Water · 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 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] The coming decade is decisive: without rapid, coordinated global action, ocean health will continue to decline, threatening climate stability, biodiversity resilience, food security, livelihoods and the wellbeing of billions. The United Nations Office at Geneva
• [New] The ocean economy is valued at $1.5 trillion per year and projected to exceed $3 trillion by 2030. The United Nations Office at Geneva
• [New] Governments have promised to protect 30% of the world's ocean by 2030 - the minimum scientists say we need for the ocean to be able to recover. The Guardian
• [New] The European Commission adopted a new initiative, OceanEye, to expand EU's role in ocean observation, with goals to contribute to 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035. TerraWatch Space Newsletter
• [New] In 2026, the United Nations theme Reimagine, alongside the wider action focus on Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet, calls for a fundamental shift in how we interact with the ocean and accelerates efforts to protect at least 30% of global waters by 2030. Raymarine
• [New] Mangroves are among the world's most effective natural carbon stores, but new research suggests their ability to lock away carbon could weaken as sea levels continue to rise. ScienceDaily
• [New] Researchers led by the University of Exeter, working with partners in Colombia and the United States, created a new computer model to examine how sea-level rise could affect carbon storage across entire mangrove forests. ScienceDaily
• [New] Sea level rise may increase carbon storage in some localized areas at first, but whole-forest carbon storage is likely to decline over the next century, meaning more carbon will be kept in the atmosphere, adding to the effects of climate change. Live Science
• [New] Even when some withdrawn water is recycled by datacenters, large-scale withdrawals can strain aquifers and river systems, particularly in arid or groundwater-depleted regions, a recent UN report warned. The Guardian
• [New] China's military operations to project power over Taiwan and its efforts to assert sovereignty claims in the South and East China Seas occur routinely with confrontations that increase concern of miscalculations potentially leading to conflict. Perry World House
• [New] West Antarctica's Doomsday Glacier is on the brink of losing its ice shelf, further compromising the already melting ice mass and threatening to unleash devastating sea-level rises. Live Science
• [New] Vessel diversions around southern Africa to avoid Red Sea and Gulf of Aden risks, coupled with congestion at some Asian load ports, are absorbing capacity and disrupting schedules. Metro Global
• [New] Due to ongoing security risks, ocean carriers are avoiding the Suez Canal and routing ships around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Global Signals
• [New] An El Nino is declared when sea temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific rise to 0.5 °C above the long-term average, leading to high wind shear across the Atlantic Basin, and increasing the risk of heavy rain in some parts of the world, and conversely, drier conditions and drought in others. The Drinks Business
• [New] The UN urged all countries on Tuesday to bolster early warning systems after confirming the onset of El Nino, warning that the Pacific Ocean-warming phenomenon will bring above-average temperatures nearly everywhere and fuel more extreme weather. UN News
• [New] In the East, a vital rail corridor connecting Nova Scotia with the rest of mainland Canada is in danger of washing away as sea levels rise and violent storms occur more frequently, putting at risk residents and the transportation of $35 billion per year in goods and services. SenCanada
• [New] Scientists have uncovered a hidden Antarctic threat that could accelerate global sea level rise far faster than expected. ScienceDaily
• [New] While some portions of the Ocean Observatories Initiative will remain in operation, including a seafloor cable system serving underwater observatories in the Northeast Pacific. WLUK
• [New] Fueled by unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific, El Nino conditions are developing and are set to influence global temperature and rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of extreme weather over the coming months. EarthSky | Updates on your cosmos and world
• [New] While the Strait of Hormuz remains the primary focus for oil traders, any threat to the Bab el-Mandeb - the southern gateway to the Red Sea and Suez Canal - would create another potential chokepoint for global commerce and could further elevate freight and energy costs. Ag Bull Trading
• [New] A new pipeline to the Red Sea is expected to be operational in 2027. Oakglen Wealth - Advisory and Discretionary Management

Last updated: 14 June 2026