Pulses offer exceptional nutritional value and immeasurable environmental benefits. However, the persistent perception of pulses as a "humble" or traditional food has contributed to declining consumption in many countries. The 2026 theme ("Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence") aims to dispel these misconceptions and celebrate the true value of pulses, from their contributions to promoting human health to strengthening soil ecosystems.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted the significant economic, environmental, and human impacts of extreme weather reported around the world in the first few weeks of 2026, and emphasized the importance of investing in accurate and timely forecasts and early warning systems.

I reflected on the role of academic societies and how researchers at national research institutes engage with them and contribute to talent development. The environment surrounding education and research in Japan now faces challenges that differ significantly from the era that once underpinned science and technology advancement, such as financial constraints and compliance requirements. I believe that JIRCAS, as a national research institution, may now be socially expected to adopt a more proactive stance. Rather than taking a passive approach of accepting talent educated at universities, it should actively collaborate with educational institutions to directly engage in human resource development.

In an editorial in Nature, Dr. Johan Rockström, known as the proponent of the "Planetary Boundaries" concept, argued for the need for a green food revolution rooted in science and justice for a sustainable planet.

In 2015, 195 countries committed to limiting global warming to "well below 2°C" and "pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C" in order to reduce human impacts on the climate system. While the United States has reportedly officially withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, a Nature commentary/opinion piece discusses the need for the world to confront "overshoot," or the loss and damage that would result if global warming were to exceed the 1.5°C limit, as well as the need for adaptation.

A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) finds that for every US$1 invested in nature conservation, the world spends US$30 on nature destruction, and it calls for a fundamental shift in global financing toward nature-based solutions (NbS) to correct this gross imbalance.

With chronic groundwater depletion, water overallocation, land and soil degradation, deforestation, and pollution exacerbated by global warming, a UN report has declared the dawn of an "Era of Global Water Bankruptcy" and called for a fundamental review of global water resource management plans.

On January 17, the UN Agreement on Biodiversity in the High Seas and Related Areas entered into force. It is expected to fill a regulatory gap in the high seas, which account for two-thirds of the ocean, complement national efforts, enable coordinated conservation measures in the high seas, and promote efforts to ensure the health of marine ecosystems for decades to come.

1419. Global Risks 2026

The Global Risks Report 2026, published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF), showed that compared to previous years' reports, environmental risks, such as geopolitical, economic, and geoeconomic risks, have become more highly prioritized in the short term, while environmental risks have receded. However, environmental risks remain the most serious risk in the long-term, 10-year outlook.