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] Sea level rise on both Pacific and Indian Ocean sides of Asia exceeded the global average, posing serious risks to low-lying coastal areas. kp ias academy
• [New] Greenpeace is demanding that governments, including Australia, ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and commit to the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Greenpeace Australia Pacific
• [New] Tensions in the South China Sea, labour shortages at U.S. ports, and rising insurance premiums have all added layers of risk. Rand Technology -
• [New] Sea Level Rise: Arabian Sea rising at 3.9 ± 0.4 mm / year and Bay of Bengal at 4.0 ± 0.4 mm / year, both surpassing global average of 3.4 mm / year, threatening coastal zones. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] As sea levels rise and climate threats intensify, Ghana's coastal communities are urging immediate action - not just from government, but from all stakeholders - to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Myjoyonline
• [New] The Philippines will soon deploy an army contingent to support law enforcement units on occupied islands in the South China Sea, currently assigned to nine features in the Spratly Island group. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Sea Level Rise: Sea levels on both the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia rose faster than the global average, threatening coastal regions. IASbaba
• [New] The United States is preparing to address any possible problems China could cause for nations with close links to the United States, such as Taiwan and Japan, as a result of the growing international confrontation with China over its aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen warned Saturday that they would resume attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea if Washington joined the bombing campaign against Iran. USNI News
• [New] Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously threatened to resume attacks on U.S. forces in the Red Sea if the U.S. joined Israel's military operation. Time
• [New] Russian oil is logistically detached from Hormuz, flowing via the Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope, or Pacific Ocean. The Week
• [New] Throughout late 2026, naval combat in the South China Sea intensified, which led to the entrance of Vietnam, Japan and Laos into the war against China. Future
• [New] Previous studies on the projected 21st century zonal mean precipitation patterns over the Indian Ocean show an enhanced wetting in the northwestern domain relative to the eastern Indian Ocean. Nature
• [New] Renewable marine energy-power generated from ocean waves and tides - could play a big role in boosting coastal economies and reducing US dependence on fossil fuels. Human Centered Design & Engineering
• [New] Many creatures could find new homes in parts of the North Sea predicted to become biodiversity hotspots in the next 50 years, although the disruption from climate change could also have negative knock-on effects on the marine ecosystem. BBC News
• As 42% of the US population resides in shoreline counties, whether housing markets incorporate information on the risk of sea level rise (SLR) is of critical importance. NBER
• China continues its forceful maritime and military advances in the East and South China Seas and threatens economic pressure through trade restrictions. The Asan Forum
• If India suspends the Indus Water Treaty or reduces water supply to Pakistan, China might retaliate by restricting water from the Indus or Sutlej rivers. Pakistan Defence Forum
• In 2025, geopolitical risks remain elevated, particularly due to the ongoing US-China trade war, the global energy crisis, and instability in regions such as Ukraine and the South China Sea. POEMS
• The frequency of landfalling TC-induced rainfall exceeding the 90th percentile (105.7 mm / day) increases globally, with largest change in the South China Sea showing over 10 more events, indicating higher flood risks from TCs. Nature

Last updated: 29 June 2025