CEQA Safeguards: California lawmakers passed SB 954 to rein in CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing, after a Garden Grove chemical leak forced mass evacuations—aiming to protect both communities and workers. Himalayan Climate Disaster: Nepal says it hasn’t refused foreign help after deadly floods and glacier-linked cascading risks; India sent more relief while scientists warn destabilised mountains could trigger repeat collapses. Ocean Heat Spike: Copernicus data shows record global sea-surface temperatures (21.1°C), boosting marine heatwaves, sea-level rise risks, and stress on coral and fisheries. El Niño Intensifies: New research links human-caused warming to stronger El Niños, raising odds of hotter extremes. Drought and Desertification Costs: A UN desertification summit fell short as degraded land drains economies—reported at $878bn a year—while drought worsens across Europe. Water as Security: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar warns against “weaponising” Indus Waters Treaty flows, stressing regional peace and environmental sustainability. Renewables Policy Push: Caribbean experts back updating renewable-energy rules to unlock solar power, citing governance and investor confidence gaps. Food and Heat Stress: A study finds climate change adds extra heat-stress months for hundreds of millions of children, with major health implications. Glyphosate Drug-Crop Ban Lifted: Colombia annulled a 2015 glyphosate ban for illicit crops, while requiring environmental and health safeguards before any resumption. US Energy Review Rushed: The Trump administration speeds environmental review for an 800-mile Alaska oil pipeline, shortening public comment to 15 days. Youth Climate Funding: Omaha was selected for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, with teens competing for $50,000.