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OngoingEnvironment & Ecology

Climate Change Developments - January 2026

Key climate change related events and reports in January 2026, including extreme weather events, policy discussions, and scientific findings.

2 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 20269 updatesUpdated 19 Jan 2026
Climate ChangeExtreme WeatherEnvironmental PolicyJanuary 2026

Story Summary

January 2026 saw India grapple with a severe rainfall deficit impacting Rabi crops, while Arctic ecosystems faced a viral threat exacerbated by melting sea ice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for global marine stewardship as Greenland resisted US annexation, reflecting geopolitical tensions heightened by climate change. The UN's focus on rangelands aimed to broaden climate action beyond forests, even as global disaster losses saw a temporary dip. Adding to the discourse, an analysis scrutinized Donald Trump's environmental policies, particularly their impact on regulations and conservation efforts, sparking debate on past approaches to climate action.

Key Facts

1India experienced its fifth driest December in 124 years in 2026.
2Rainfall was 79% below the normal average in December 2026 in India.
3Cetacean morbillivirus was detected in Arctic beluga whales.
4The UN declared 2026 as the 'International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists'.
5Global natural disaster losses decreased to $224 billion in 2025.
6The costliest disaster in 2025 was the Los Angeles wildfires, causing $53 billion in total losses.
7UNFCCC COP30 was held in Belém, Brazil.

Timeline (9 events, 6 days)

19 Jan 2026(Latest)1 event

An editorial provided a critical analysis of Donald Trump's environmental policies, focusing on their impact on environmental regulations and conservation.

Source Articles
Trump's Environmental Policies: A Critical Analysis of Greens and GrabsRead article
15 Jan 20262 events

A report indicated a drop in global disaster losses in 2025, but highlighted the continued alarming trend of climate change-influenced extreme weather; an article argued India and China are doing their fair share in climate action.

Source Articles
India and China's Climate Action: A Fair Share AnalysisRead article
Global Disaster Losses Drop in 2025, Climate Change Still AlarmingRead article
7 Jan 20262 events

The 'International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists' highlighted the overlooked role of grasslands in climate plans, contrasting with the focus on forests at UNFCCC COP30.

Source Articles
Grasslands' Crucial Role in Climate Plans: Overlooked EcosystemsRead article
Grasslands' Crucial Role in Climate Plans: A Call for RecognitionRead article
6 Jan 20262 events

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh advocated for shared global stewardship of marine resources; Greenland rejected US annexation amidst climate change geopolitics.

Source Articles
Rajnath Singh Advocates Shared Global Stewardship of Marine ResourcesRead article
Greenland Rejects US Annexation Amidst Climate Change GeopoliticsRead article
4 Jan 20261 event

Drones identified a deadly virus (cetacean morbillivirus) in Arctic beluga whales, linked to climate change and melting sea ice.

Source Articles
Drones Uncover Deadly Virus Threatening Arctic Whales Amid Climate ChangeRead article
2 Jan 20261 event

India recorded its fifth driest December in 124 years, with rainfall 79% below normal, impacting Rabi crops.

Source Articles
India Records Fifth Driest December in 124 Years, Raising ConcernsRead article
Story continues...

Exam Notes

Constitutional articles, acts & key terms

Practice Questions

18 MCQs, 9 Mains questions