News for January, 2026
Hello, and welcome to the first roundup of environmental news for 2026. I think a theme that should be pushed this year is recovery and restoration. True: there is much news that belittles the idea (as you will see below). Nevertheless, the notion is underscored by: the recent enactment of the UN High Seas Treaty, by which 60+ signatory countries pledge to provide biodiversity protections to 30% of the ocean and shorelines by 2030.*, the level of renewable uptake that is beginning to meet and exceed fossil fuel capacity, and despite the best efforts of a clade of usurping tyrants, the rule of law and the will of the people is still hanging on. Despite massive depredation, the oceans are remarkably resilient, if they are given time to recover