In the United States, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on February 12, 2026, to revoke the "hazardous" designation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) established after years of scientific review. This could lead to a significant relaxation of GHG emission regulations. Here is an article from the World Resources Institute (WRI) on the implications of this regulatory reversal.
 

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), the raw material for chocolate, is native to South America and cultivated primarily on small farms in West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. It is an important cash crop for tropical countries in these regions. In recent years, poor cacao harvests in West Africa have caused international cacao prices to soar, reaching an all-time high in January 2025. However, by January 2026, the price had fallen by nearly half compared to the same month last year. This article introduces literature on challenges in cacao breeding and cultivation, as well as knowledge on pest and disease control.

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.