Global Scans · Climate · Weekly Summary

• [New] Beijing is doubling down on greening its economy, and aims to hit two major climate goals: carbon peaking, where carbon dioxide emissions have reached a ceiling by 2030, and carbon neutrality, where net carbon dioxide emissions have been driven down to zero by 2060. The Conversation
• [New] Rather than relying solely on complex tax credits and subsidies, Canada could consider a Carbon Takeback Obligation - a policy mandating that for every tonne of carbon dioxide generated by the fossil fuels sold, a specific percentage must be permanently recaptured and stored geologically. calgaryherald
• [New] The South China Sea will remain a barometer of great-power influence and ASEAN unity in 2026. The Diplomatic Insight
• [New] The European Commission now targets a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Clintel
• [New] All water companies - and all tap drinkers - now face an equal threat: the warming of the planet. The Bell
• [New] Climate change and its associated physical risks and costs pose the highest negative impact alongside being the most likely to occur. Aerotime
• [New] Climate change is and will continue to disrupt lives, livelihoods, and productivity around the globe. Aerotime
• [New] Extreme weather is increasing because of climate breakdown and the Environment Agency data says 6.3m properties, residential homes and businesses are in areas at risk of flooding, rising to 8m by 2050. The Guardian
• [New] Even a modest number of surviving HIMARS launchers, properly networked with radar and unmanned systems, could pose a serious threat to PLA amphibious shipping, staging areas and nearby bases-giving Taipei a potent tool for sea denial and counter-landing operations. Sino Daily
• [New] As India's urban population grows rapidly, lapses in water testing heighten the risk of disease outbreaks. The Guardian
• [New] Weather systems were impacted thousands of kilometers across the Pacific, reducing moisture across large parts of Australia and significantly raising the risk of bushfires in all states and territories. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Knowing how Australian rain might be affected by Chinese aerosols is made harder by the different effects of the particles and complex weather systems transporting them across the Pacific. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Climate change and environmental pressures will demand urgent attention in Southeast Asia throughout 2026. The Diplomatic Insight
• [New] Some agreements were reached on climate adaptation financing for 2035, and it is expected that by 2026 renewable electricity will exceed 20% of global production for the first time, with the Global South leading the adoption of green technologies. Ara in English
• [New] Croatia's cruising destinations, particularly the Dalmatian coastline, provide a pristine blend of excitement, stunning coastal views, and the opportunity for true seclusion. IYC
• Scientific assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change later confirmed that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would significantly reduce damage compared to 2 degrees Celsius, although the risks would still be severe. GreentechLead
• South Asia's poor are overwhelmingly threatened by extreme heat and air pollution, while sub-Saharan Africa faces a more diffuse combination of drought, floods, heat, and infrastructure deficits. Policy Circle
• Of the 1.1 billion people living in acute multidimensional poverty worldwide, nearly 80% reside in regions exposed to at least one major climate hazard-extreme heat, floods, drought, or dangerous air pollution. Policy Circle
• The additions to South Australia's park network align with the state and federal governments' 30 by 30 commitment, which aims to protect 30% of Australia's landmass and marine areas by 2030 in an effort to halt further biodiversity loss. Department for Environment and Water
• The bill for extreme weather damages will continue to rise until the world slashes greenhouse gas emissions and phases out fossil fuels. The Guardian
• More frequent and intense extreme weather, often linked to climate change, could make the Mediterranean more hospitable to invasive species. financialpost

Last updated: 05 January 2026