AGP Executive Report

Climate & Food Security: A new analysis warns Super El Niño’s “hidden hunger” effects go beyond crop losses, including poorer food quality, diet gaps, microbial spoilage, heat-related illness, and pollution from wildfire smoke. Climate Extremes: The UN and UK Met Office project a high chance of repeated years above the Paris 1.5°C threshold, with major risks for drought, wildfires, and vulnerable ecosystems. Nature & Coasts: Ireland’s coastal erosion is worsening as stronger storms damage dunes and shorelines, with researchers flagging multiple hotspots and urging people to stay off fragile dunes. Policy & Nature Funding: New Zealand’s Budget 2026 draws sharp criticism for cutting baseline conservation and climate-related spending, just as climate disruption and biodiversity loss accelerate. Corporate Accountability & Chemicals: Australia sues 3M over “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam, seeking more than £1bn in damages. Energy Transition & Security: A report argues Europe’s clean-energy push still depends on gas infrastructure for reliability during supply shocks. Local Environment & Land Use: In Northern Ireland, experts highlight greener road-building materials and methods, while farmers and environmentalists continue fighting over the A5 upgrade’s climate-law compliance and land valuations.

Canada Climate Politics: Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault says he’ll resign as an MP this summer, framing it as a break from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s climate policy rollbacks. Heat & Health: Environment Canada issued yellow heat warnings for Saskatchewan, urging residents to check on vulnerable people as temperatures climb with little overnight relief. Climate Risk to Health: A new U.S. study projects heat-driven heart disease could rise sharply by 2050, with higher burdens expected in lower-income communities. New York Climate Law: New York lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul are poised to weaken the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, delaying key emissions rules and shifting targets. Wildfire Impacts: Research finds the West may see fewer wildfires overall, but when fires do start they burn far more land—raising stakes for smoke and health. Energy Transition Debate: A UK report argues AI data centres could worsen heat unless waste heat is reused, pushing for heat networks and mandates to share heat. Local Climate Action: Massachusetts awarded Northampton High School geothermal funding to cut utility costs, while Cork schools earned Green Flags for sustainability work. Land Rights & Carbon Markets: Indigenous communities in Kenya warn carbon projects and land registration delays could deepen land loss.

Water diplomacy clash: Papua New Guinea’s climate chief says climate impacts are already hitting economies and coasts, while Afghanistan’s neighbor?—no, in Dushanbe, Musadik Malik warned “water aggression” and urged India to respect the Indus Waters Treaty, warning unilateral moves could destabilize downstream rights. Climate governance shake-up: New Zealand’s Environment Ministry is being disestablished in an “end of an era” fight over whether nature loses its dedicated voice. Carbon registry push: The DRC named Lumiere as its sovereign carbon registry, aiming to move from design to deployment ahead of the GEF Assembly. Heat emergency: Europe is baking through an unusually early heatwave, with emergency warnings and reported deaths as temperatures soar. Local environment pressure: In Palawan, groups renewed criticism of DENR tree-cutting permits tied to the Berong Nickel Project, citing protections for old-growth forests and sensitive habitats. Energy transition momentum: Africa’s power buildout is shifting toward solar, wind and storage as grids and fuel costs strain.

Road vs. trees in Manila: Environmental groups, fisherfolk and youth protesters rallied in Manila against DENR-backed cutting of decades-old trees for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx), accusing officials of “rubber-stamping” corporate projects that displace communities and damage ecosystems. Heat-and-drought emergency: Thailand has been placed on maximum environmental alert as “Super El Niño” threatens record heat above 45°C and the worst drought on record, with knock-on risks for water, power and public health. Climate accounting fight: A Western critique of China’s carbon reporting is being challenged as politically biased, with defenders arguing countries can legitimately update measurement methods. Coral tourism backlash: A new study finds scuba-diving tourism is causing frequent, often hidden coral damage—about 41% of reef contacts visibly harm corals. Water politics: Pakistan urged India to respect the Indus Waters Treaty at a high-level forum in Dushanbe, warning unilateral moves could set a dangerous precedent.

Climate Heat Emergency: Thailand has been placed on maximum environmental alert as “Super El Niño” threatens record heat over 45°C and the worst drought on record, with knock-on risks for water, agriculture, and the energy grid. COP31 Build-Up: Istanbul will host a Zero Waste Forum ahead of COP31, pushing circular economy and methane cuts from city-scale policy to practical projects. Renewables Push: India’s REconnect summit in New Delhi spotlights energy security via solar, storage, and renewables amid geopolitical supply shocks. Governance Under Fire: In Manila, protesters accuse DENR of rubber-stamping tree-cutting for the SALEx expressway, warning it favors investors while harming ecosystems and communities. Ocean Carbon Debate: A $15m Bermuda-led seabed study aims to strengthen rules around destructive fishing by clarifying how marine sediments store carbon. Wildlife Trade Crackdown: The UAE signals zero tolerance on illegal wildlife trafficking, with penalties up to 15 years in prison and major fines. Climate Accountability Politics: Australia’s COP31 travel and staffing costs spark backlash, while leaked BHP documents fuel claims the miner is slowing decarbonisation while benefiting from diesel tax breaks.

Climate Law in Malaysia: Malaysia’s National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) is set to turn Net Zero 2050 into a binding legal duty, giving the government power to hold public and private sectors to decarbonisation targets and to build tools like an emissions trading scheme and carbon pricing. Local Power Struggles: In New York, resistance is growing against 18 planned industrial solar farms, with locals warning about wildlife loss and land damage as the state pushes ahead. Health Risks from Pollution: A Zhejiang University study flags that toxic metal particles in rural North China air may be smaller and more harmful than in cities, tied to biomass and coal burning. Biodiversity Protections: Sri Lanka plans five new forest reserves for World Environment Day 2026, while Ontario Species Rules: leaked emails show concern that at-risk species protections were weakened and public input narrowed after the Endangered Species Act was replaced. Floods Hitting Health Systems: In the UK, floods have forced closures across NHS hospitals for months, adding pressure to an already strained repair backlog.

AI Ethics Showdown: Pope Leo XIV says he’ll release a long-awaited AI manifesto Monday, warning against “delegating” life-and-death decisions to machines and calling out AI’s “environmental devastation,” with Anthropic co-founder involvement. Climate Accountability Fight: In New Zealand, a climate activist alleges a “co-ordinated campaign of secret lobbying” after RNZ reports the PMO had no record of a court-revealed briefing tied to a case against major emitters—raising fresh transparency questions. Data Centre Pressure: Scotland faces mounting criticism over “major shortcomings” in how it counts emissions from hyperscale AI data centres, while Vancouver residents push back against new “AI factory” plans. Heat and Weather Reality Check: Britain braces for brutal spring heat with record-breaking temperatures possible, and Bengaluru’s thunderstorms and lightning are rising steadily, linked to moisture, monsoon shifts, urban heat and pollution. Local Action, Real-World Scale: Lagos reports thousands arrested for sanitation and environmental offences, while Oxfordshire opens flood-resilient garden tours and Cambridge lines up 180+ nature events.

Budget Pressure Test: Bangladesh’s FY27 budget lands as private investment hits historic lows, credit growth sinks to 4.72%, and industry growth stalls—raising the stakes for any fiscal push to revive hiring and output. Wildfire Risk in Wales: BBC’s Countryfile spotlights South Wales’ escalating summer wildfire threat, with last year’s 3,000+ fires underscoring how fast conditions can turn. Climate Policy Backlash: The US rolls back Biden-era refrigerant rules after a Kroger-linked Oval Office move, a reminder that climate safeguards can be traded for short-term cost claims. Biodiversity Signals: UK seagull numbers are plunging, with bird flu, farming shifts, and waste changes blamed. Water & Food Stress: Southern Africa’s hunger emergency is framed as more than drought—linked to collapsing resilience and preparedness after El Niño. Local Green Moves: Punjab advances “waste-to-energy” plans under Suthra Punjab, aiming to cut landfill pollution while generating power.

Urban Heat vs. Roadbuilding: Manila approved cutting 617 trees for the SALEx skyway, with 225 already felled, as tarpaulins line Quirino Avenue while the 40.62-km expressway pushes toward Skyway Stage 3. Climate-Driven Trail Damage: In B.C., storms repeatedly wash out the Vedder Rotary Loop Trail, forcing long repairs and raising safety questions about park resilience. Permafrost Pollution: A new Yukon study warns thawing permafrost is releasing toxic metals into northern rivers, turning once-clear streams orange and in some cases as acidic as mining-contaminated sites. Local Air Quality Action: Dorset is running volunteer air-sampling to target traffic pollution harming rare heathlands, with ammonia exceeding safe levels at every site. Food System Stress: UK price-cap debate is framed against a looming food shock from war-linked fertilizer strain and El Niño. Energy Transition Governance: Taiwan’s offshore wind push faces a hard reality check: most power still comes from fossil fuels, making the transition a security and grid-governance challenge.

Disaster Toll: Afghanistan’s floods have killed 28 people in just two days, with 285 dead and 354 injured since Hamal 6, as more rain threatens additional flooding and even knocks out telecom lines. Heat Pressure: India’s 2026 heatwave was intensified by human-driven warming, with ClimaMeter linking extreme heat to a background that’s up to 2°C hotter than past decades. Climate Law Momentum: CARICOM countries welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the ICJ climate advisory opinion, reinforcing the idea that climate protection is a legal duty. Biodiversity at Risk: Maharashtra activists are urging the CM to finally grant legal protection to more than 23,000 wetlands, warning delays are worsening biodiversity loss and climate vulnerability. Food & Trade Stress: Ecuador’s banana surplus and the Ecuador–Colombia tariff dispute are pushing prices to multi-year lows, while growers brace for El Niño and disease threats. Wildlife Shift: Armadillos are moving north toward Chicago as warmer winters help them expand. Waste Failures: Another landfill collapse in the Philippines killed a trash picker and left two missing, renewing calls for stronger oversight. Sports Footprint: FIFA’s expanded 48-team World Cup across Mexico, Canada and the US is projected to be the most-polluting in international sport, with emissions estimated at 5–9 million tonnes of CO2.

Forests & Livelihoods: Malaysia’s Sabah kicked off a National-level International Day of Forests drive with about 1,000 trees planted at the Sook Lake Forest Reserve, framing forests as “Forests and Economies” for rural jobs and resilience. Climate Adaptation Gaps: In Cambodia, rural communities say floods and droughts hit without advance warning, and conservation duties fall on locals due to weak authority and tools—now hoping an Australia-Cambodia climate resilience partnership brings practical support like clean water stations. Ethics Market Backlash: Australia’s ethical investing boom is cooling fast—“green fatigue” is driving 60–70% lower trading in ESG funds as younger investors lose enthusiasm amid backlash. Ocean Carbon Debate: A new focus on governing marine carbon dioxide removal highlights the equity problem—who benefits from ocean-based climate fixes as ecosystems face warming and acidification. Biodiversity Finance: Namibia launched a N$1 billion conservation project to secure long-term community-based protection funding. Water as an Asset: A separate push argues water rights are becoming the next major investment battleground as stress rises.

Climate Diplomacy & Energy Tech: PM Modi’s Europe-UAE-Nordics-Italy swing is framed as a push for resilient supply chains and energy security, linking West Asia and Europe through logistics, defense, and green-tech partnerships. Plant Biosecurity: Ireland unveiled its Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2030, warning that pests and diseases—amplified by travel and trade—can wipe out up to 40% of crops. Local Governance Transparency: Austin City Council approved Austin Energy’s plan to buy gas “peaker” plants in a closed-door vote, drawing backlash over hidden costs and locations. Marine Conservation: North Atlantic right whales hit 23 calving births this season—more than double last year—though the population remains critically low. Microplastics Breakthrough: Indian teens won the Earth Prize for “Plas-Stick,” a tamarind-seed powder that clumps microplastics in drinking water for easy removal. Biodiversity & Restoration: Kenya launched the CHERISH restoration push in the Cherangany Hills, tying ecosystem recovery to livelihoods and climate resilience.

Climate Adaptation Under Scrutiny: Indonesia’s proposed “Giant Sea Wall” for Java’s north coast—touted as flood protection—faces backlash over cost, feasibility, and risks to mangroves, fisheries, and sand-mining. Public Health Meets Climate: South Africa launched its first Climate and Health Surveillance Platform to track climate-driven disasters and climate-sensitive diseases as extreme weather strains care. Science Funding Pressure: Australia’s CSIRO says it will cut 92 environment jobs, including climate modelling roles tied to its ACCESS system—raising alarms about future forecasting and adaptation planning. Wildlife at the Edge: The emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal were added to the IUCN Red List as climate change reshapes Antarctic habitat, with China and Russia accused of blocking stronger protection. Policy Pushes and Tradeoffs: The U.S. EPA moved to ease refrigerant rules, arguing it will lower grocery costs—while critics warn it undermines climate progress.

Marine Research Push: The Philippines’ DENR is building a Marine Scientific Research Station in Casiguran to strengthen science-based protection of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve, with the project already 25% along. Blue Tourism Momentum: Türkiye keeps its global edge in coastal sustainability, retaining third place in the 2026 Blue Flag rankings as Blue Flag beaches rise to 580. Climate Policy vs. Cost of Living: In the US, the Trump administration is set to loosen Biden-era refrigerant rules for grocery stores and cooling—aiming to cut grocery prices—while critics warn it could worsen climate pollution. Hurricane Watch: NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms), but urges preparation because one storm can still be devastating. Public Health & Water Safety: WHO flags antimicrobial resistance as a continuing major threat, and a new report highlights how unregulated private wells leave millions exposed to hidden contamination. Local Nature Funding: Ireland’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund is awarding €3m to 209 projects, including €96k for 11 Westmeath initiatives.

Reef rescue, but the clock is ticking: Australia just unveiled nearly $92M more for Great Barrier Reef management as it braces for a potential “in danger” UNESCO ruling, funding water-quality work, monitoring, and coral-spawning trials—while critics warn it won’t matter without steep cuts to climate pollution. Water stress: England’s Lords warn taps could effectively run dry without urgent action, pushing rain harvesting and tighter water use as drought risk rises. Climate policy pressure: The UN General Assembly backed a World Court advisory opinion on states’ climate obligations, with the US among the few to oppose. Jobs and science under strain: Australia’s CSIRO confirmed 92 environment-research job cuts, and Canada’s unions warn federal cuts to food-safety and research capacity could hit food security. Local governance shakeups: South Africa’s coalition reforms would force parties to sign legally binding agreements to stabilize municipal service delivery.

Water Infrastructure Push: Bangladesh’s PM says work will start on both the Padma and Teesta barrages to ease shortages, protect agriculture, and cut climate-linked risks. Biodiversity Targets: Westmeath County Council launches a 2025–2031 Biodiversity Action Plan with delivery-focused steps to protect lakes, peatlands, wetlands, farmland and hedgerows. Climate + Health Link: South African researchers using 10 years of healthcare data report extreme temperatures are tied to measurable changes in visits and hospital admissions—another reminder that heat and cold are public-health issues, not just weather. Waste + Emissions: Minnesota’s MPCA awards $302k in compost grants, including $36,780 for apartment organics collection, aiming to keep food waste out of landfills. Built-Environment Accountability: A new Westmeath-style push echoes in Glasgow, where a public screening of “The People’s Emergency Briefing” targets how the built sector responds to climate and nature risks. Extreme Weather Hits: Severe storms and a tornado warning swept southwestern Ontario, with Norfolk County reporting downed trees and hydro lines.