AGP Executive Report

Climate Policy Fight: Environmental groups in the Philippines are pushing back on President Marcos Jr.’s push to amend the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act to allow waste-to-energy, warning it would burn waste into more toxic pollution instead of fixing the root causes. Carbon Markets & Governance: Zimbabwe stakeholders are calling for transparent, inclusive rules as they operationalize the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry and shape how communities share in carbon finance. China’s Climate Plan: China released its 2026-2030 climate response plan, targeting a 17% cut in carbon intensity by 2030 and expanding carbon trading and product footprint management. Steel Decarbonization: China’s steel sector is urged to speed low-carbon transformation through better carbon management and cleaner production. Extreme Heat & Wildfire Impacts: Western Europe’s mega-fires near Bordeaux and across Spain are driving mass evacuations, with climate change cited as a key driver; in the UK, heat health alerts are in force as risks to vulnerable people rise. Water & Food Security: Drought is worsening in Uganda’s Karamoja region, with emergency food distribution underway as hunger deaths are reported. Nature Protection: The Philippines’ DENR is moving to secure marine protected areas in the Kalayaan Island Group, backed by years of local research. Clean Energy Moves: Malaysia’s public transport operator says shifting riders to rail and buses helped avoid 225,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2025; in India’s western Odisha, rooftop solar is expanding under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Agriculture & Pollution: Oregon faces a Clean Water Act lawsuit over a new water-quality permit for industrial farms/CAFOs, critics say it fails to adequately monitor and prevent illegal discharges. Youth Climate Action: A Kenyan teen has planted thousands of trees and is urging more youth-led climate involvement.

Wildfire & heat impacts: UK fire chiefs warned wildfire risk “remains elevated” as a fourth heatwave approaches, with an amber heat-health alert in parts of England and Wales and hundreds of blazes recorded in recent weeks. Climate overshoot: Earth Overshoot Day 2026 lands July 30, with humanity using nature about 73% faster than ecosystems can regenerate—marking the largest overshoot on record. Biodiversity & habitat protection: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a major natural stronghold to the global conservation spotlight. Pollution & public health: Southwest Florida is dealing with blue-green algae toxins, with new research suggesting low-level chronic exposure may be occurring. Nature-based climate solutions: Kenya counties are pushing a circular-economy plan to turn agricultural waste into fertilizer and clean energy. Local climate governance: Edmonton reported the wettest summer on record, with severe storms continuing as planners and residents brace for more. Energy transition debate: Oregon released an offshore wind roadmap after years of political pushback, aiming to set standards for future development.

Wildfire Emergency in Europe: France and Spain are racing to contain fast-spreading wildfires as a new heatwave looms, with evacuations affecting about 320,000 people combined and officials warning the season is worsening under climate pressure. Heat & Drought Watch (UK): The UK’s Met Office has raised heat health warnings to amber in parts of England, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35C and rainfall far below normal. Water Stress (Moldova): Moldova has declared a hydrological alert after low Dniester River levels tied to dry conditions, aiming to keep water supply stable amid cross-border complications. Climate-Linked Forecasting Failures (Korea): A report highlights how climate change is making Korea’s weather more unstable, with forecasts missing severe downpours that disrupt daily life. Renewables vs “False Solutions” (Philippines): Greenpeace Philippines urged President Marcos Jr. to prioritize renewables and reject nuclear, fossil gas, and waste-to-energy as energy “false solutions.” Waste Reform (Indonesia): Indonesia is moving major sites from open dumping toward controlled/sanitary landfills, with organic waste separation pushed to reduce pollution. Conservation & Land Rights (US): Save the Redwoods League transferred 125 acres to the Yurok Tribe, restoring salmon habitat and creating a new tribally run public space. Arctic Science: Researchers captured footage of a rare Arctic bobtail squid tending eggs in Greenland, underscoring how polar warming is reshaping marine life.

Climate & Health: A new Nature Climate Change study finds heat stress is rising fast worldwide, with nighttime “feels-like” temperatures climbing faster than daytime—about 70% of people now face at least 90 days of strong heat stress each year. Wildfire Smoke: NOAA says smoke from Pacific Northwest fires is expected to blanket parts of the U.S. again, with advisories in Oregon, Washington and Idaho as large fires burn millions of acres. Policy Fight: A coalition of 19 U.S. attorneys general sued the Trump EPA over a rule that would weaken hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phaseout deadlines, arguing it would worsen climate impacts. Species Protection: Florida Democrats urged federal agencies to withdraw an Endangered Species Act “blanket rule” they say would cut protections for threatened species and critical habitat. Climate Finance Debate: Commentary argues voluntary carbon markets keep falling short on forest conservation because communities in the Global South aren’t getting primary benefits. Adaptation on the Ground: Pakistan’s monsoon is killing people at scale, with deaths tied to collapses, electrocution and drowning—an adaptation and infrastructure warning. Local Action: Canada’s Lake Country adopted a new Official Community Plan to guide growth through 2046 while protecting natural areas and rural character.

Wildfire emergency in Europe: France and Spain are battling fast-moving blazes that have forced hundreds of thousands to flee, with Bordeaux still in the danger zone as officials warn conditions could worsen with hotter weather. Heat and climate impacts: A UK study links June’s scorching heatwave to major lost working hours and economic damage, while Murcia’s forecast shows another climb toward high 30s. Mangroves for fisheries and protection: Indonesia and Qatar both stress mangrove rehabilitation and protection as key to coastal food security and ecosystem recovery, including plans for site-based restoration and monitoring. Local climate governance: Moldova’s Covenant of Mayors East marks 15 years of city-led climate action, while Georgia pushes low-carbon transition tools via national greenhouse-gas monitoring and reporting. Biodiversity warning: A global review finds about half of migratory bird species are declining, underscoring accelerating habitat and climate pressures. Ocean and pollution stakes: Philippine fisherfolk urge Congress to advance the Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape bill and demand justice after the 2023 oil spill. Policy and accountability: Zimbabwe’s parliament speaker calls for strict, on-time ministry financial reporting—framing it as essential for credible oversight.

Mangrove Momentum (Kuwait & Qatar): Kuwait and Qatar marked International Mangrove Day by highlighting mangroves as coastal shields and climate carbon sinks, with Kuwait pushing national seed germination and restoration and Qatar reporting mangroves now covering about 14 sq km, including over 7 sq km in Al Thakhira Reserve. Climate Risk & Biodiversity: Singapore warned that a potentially strong El Niño could trigger severe coral bleaching in 2027, while Tasmania’s swan galaxias faces “imminent” extinction pressure from introduced trout and climate-driven droughts and floods. Extreme Weather on the Move: Wildfires across France and Spain displaced hundreds of thousands and prompted Pope Leo XIV’s prayer appeal, underscoring how heat and fire are becoming recurring threats. Water Quality & Local Action (UK): A new community scheme for the River Itchen aims to step up monitoring and restore a chalk-stream ecosystem threatened by pollution and heat-driven algal blooms. Climate Finance & Preparedness (Fiji): Fiji secured US$80M from the AIIB to bolster economic resilience and climate/disaster readiness alongside reforms. Policy & Regulation Watch: India’s agriculture biotech roundtable urged faster, science-based approvals for GM and genome-edited crops while keeping biosafety and environmental safeguards. Energy Transition (Iran): Iran inaugurated a 5-megawatt geothermal plant at the Sabalan volcano site, signaling a push to diversify away from fossil fuels.

UNESCO & Nature Protection: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, spotlighting the northern Red Sea’s unusually resilient coral reefs as climate pressure mounts. Climate Extremes & Health: Toronto’s heat is hitting unevenly, with lower-income areas getting less tree shade as the city plans for hotter summers. Wildlife & Human Conflict: Kerala ordered capture of a rogue tusker (KM1) in Aralam Farm, with a radio collar and release back into forest habitat. Marine Life Recovery: Scientists report a rare “whale supergroup” of nearly 300 humpbacks off South Africa, a sign of rebound after the 1986 hunting ban—though wars still threaten some populations. Food, Water & Resilience: Zimbabwe’s push to finish major dams frames storage as economic security, not just infrastructure. Coastal Carbon & Community: Andhra Pradesh says it restored nearly 7,000 acres of mangroves and plans more, tying the work to cyclone and sea-erosion protection. Policy & Climate Finance: The Trump administration admitted in court it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on states’ political identity, fueling “weaponized government” claims. Biodiversity Discovery: A new monkey species was identified in the DRC, adding urgency to rainforest protection.

Wildfires & Smoke: Wildfires across western Europe and Canada are driving mass evacuations and record-breaking air pollution, with Minnesota blaming Canadian fires while officials warn the causes are complex. Heat Impacts: In Yucatán, schools are scrambling as classroom temperatures above 26.7°C cut learning outcomes, forcing schedule shifts and cooling workarounds. Accountability & Planning: Ghana’s Eco Impact Network is calling for sanctions against officials who approve illegal development in waterways and flood-prone areas, arguing disasters stem from weak enforcement as much as rainfall. Local Land-Use Fights: In Scotland, appeals over trees and a proposed Paisley commercial development highlight ongoing pressure over open space and environmental impacts. Nature-Based Solutions: Abu Dhabi launched a digital mangrove observatory to track restoration across 1,775 hectares, aiming to measure ecosystem recovery—not just planting numbers. Climate Policy Debate: The Carbon Capture Boom is starting to crack as skepticism grows over whether CCS delivers real emissions cuts.

Wildfire Crisis in Europe: France and Spain ordered mass evacuations as wildfires merged near Madrid and Bordeaux, forcing more than 160,000 people to flee and prompting military help. Heat & Power Resilience: Malta’s outages during a heatwave exposed how vulnerable buildings and grids are, with calls to cut peak demand and strengthen climate-ready construction. Climate Risk Planning: Eight UK government bodies met to push climate scenario planning into policymaking, aiming to stress-test decisions against severe future conditions. Nature-Based Restoration: UK’s Broughton Sanctuary secured long-term funding to restore 607 hectares and independently verify ecosystem gains. Mangroves & Carbon: Myanmar marked International Day for Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation, highlighting mangroves as carbon sinks and disaster-risk buffers. Wildfire Forecasting Signals: Canada’s tornado warnings are rising faster than confirmed touchdowns, raising questions about alerting practices as extreme weather intensifies. Data Centers vs Communities: Florida’s governor race is turning into a fight over AI data centers, with candidates pushing moratoriums or tougher rules on power and water impacts. Wildlife Under Pressure: Uganda began relocating endangered Nubian giraffes to reduce pressure from oil drilling and climate stress.

Wildfire Emergency: Tens of thousands fled fast-moving wildfires in southwest France and blazes merged outside Madrid, prompting France to order total evacuation of Cap Ferret and Spain to declare a national emergency as heat and winds turn landscapes into tinder. Heat Safety: Environment Canada issued heat warnings for parts of the southern prairies, urging hydration, cooling centers, and precautions against heat illness. Climate Courts: A U.S. judge ordered the EPA to fund climate and environmental justice grants it illegally canceled, including $20M for a Nevada tribe, after finding the shutdown unlawful. Adaptation Planning: Scientists say Antarctic ice-loss models are most reliable for sea-level planning through mid-century, while uncertainty grows sharply later in the century. Low-Carbon Public Works: Coquitlam’s Mundy Park Pool reopened as one of Metro Vancouver’s first low-carbon outdoor pools, cutting emissions about 80% with heat pumps, efficient systems, and covers. Coastal Restoration: B.C. earmarked $500K for restoring 70 hectares of Cowichan estuary marshland to reduce flooding risk and protect wildlife. Nature-Based Momentum: Bangladesh’s youth-led “Mission Green Bangladesh” tree-planting campaign won UNEP recognition, while local groups push new planting drives. Data Center Scrutiny: Environmental groups asked the FCC to pause licensing orbital data center projects, warning of major environmental risks from the AI-driven buildout.

Climate Risk Finance: Mongolia’s central bank and the IFC will work to strengthen how banks spot and manage climate-related financial risks, using new data and scenario work. Methane Accountability: The UN says satellites can flag major methane leaks fast, but only a small share trigger repairs—pushing a new push to investigate and fix most big leaks by 2030. Heat Hits Food: Europe’s cereal outlook worsened after June’s heatwave, with forecasts cut and maize pollination stressed, raising pressure on farm incomes. Flood Preparedness: Bangladesh experts call for better flood forecasting, more disaster funding, and smarter urban water planning to cut climate-driven losses. Data Centers & Policy: In Pennsylvania, records show aides drafted data-center “guardrails” with input from Amazon and industry before release, as incentives hinge on compliance. Pacific Climate Law: One year after the ICJ climate advisory opinion, Pacific leaders and youth campaigners say the legal win must now translate into real action. Biodiversity Trade: Qatar joined CITES scientific meetings in Geneva to support endangered-species protections and strengthen implementation. Agroecology in Practice: Kenya’s counties are adopting agroecology policies, but farmers need budgets and faster rollout to build resilience. Local Soil Protection: The Philippines Coconut Authority is promoting coconut-husk mulching to retain moisture and protect crops during El Niño heat and drought.

Coastal Biodiversity Under Threat: In Albania, early work tied to a Trump-linked luxury hotel project has already cleared land, built a bridge, and damaged loggerhead turtle nesting sites and lagoon wetlands—activists call it largely irreversible. Public Health & Governance: Ghana’s sanitation officials argue the problem can’t stay “municipal” and back a National Sanitation Authority to set standards, fund infrastructure, and hold agencies accountable. Climate Reality Hits Home: Colorado’s record-low snowpack and warming-driven aridification are being framed as proof that predictions are now facts on the ground. Heat Adaptation in Europe: Rome is launching free air-conditioned movie screenings to help people without AC cool down and reduce isolation. Water Stress Escalates: North Wales and the Upper Severn have officially declared drought as July turns among the driest on record, with hosepipe bans affecting millions. Coastal Protection Innovation: Miami is testing hybrid “hybrid reef” structures that can cut wave energy dramatically to better defend against future storms. Plastic Reduction, Local Scale: A Friday Harbor coffee shop swaps plastic cups/lids for a single home-compostable cup, while Fiji’s Return and Earn reports millions of containers collected ahead of COP31. Legal Battles Over Nature: Alaska tribes and conservation groups sue to stop a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, warning of irreparable harm. Energy vs Climate Politics: A GOP push targets climate liability lawsuits, framing “energy security” as national security.

Climate Risk & Water: Sri Lanka is bracing for severe drought then widespread flooding as El Niño returns, with officials urging water saving now and earlier rice planting plus flood planning. Renewables & Energy Transition: Malaysia says renewable power is at nearly 32% of installed capacity and is on track for 35% by 2030, while Qatar is opening overseas applications for a nuclear engineering programme to build long-term energy expertise. Circular Economy & Waste: Nigeria’s FAAN rolled out a digital, colour-coded waste management system at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport and upgraded its Pilgrims’ Terminal, aiming to cut landfill waste and emissions. Green Finance: Sri Lanka’s CDB joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials to measure and disclose financed emissions, and separate coverage highlights how green finance is reshaping investment toward climate resilience. Nature & Biodiversity: Tanzania and Japan launched a five-year Lake Victoria fisheries research push using eDNA tools to improve monitoring and protect fish stocks. Policy & Accountability: Human Rights Watch urges Philippines prosecutors to dismiss cyber-libel complaints used to silence rights advocates raising concerns about mining consultations.

Climate & Nature Action: A new Climate and Nature Emergency Briefing is set for July 28 in Salisbury, after public demand pushed the event back—featuring a community-focused film and calls for a prime-time government briefing. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Metro Vancouver is bracing for hazy skies and wildfire smoke as temperatures climb, with Environment Canada warning of humid heat and more fire starts in B.C. Ocean Warming: A new explainer highlights how the ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from greenhouse gases, driving record sea temperatures and changing marine conditions. Wildfire Health: Vermont is seeing smoke from afar, with health risks ranging from breathing problems to longer-term impacts on thinking and mental health. Coastal Protection: In the Philippines, WWF-Philippines and local communities are working to rehabilitate mangroves—now threatened by stronger typhoons and sediment-clogged channels after the country lost over 60% of mangrove cover since 1918. Climate Finance: Bangladesh policymakers and experts are urging more equitable, transparent climate funding so vulnerable communities can lead adaptation. Pollution Enforcement: A proposed Public Health Bill in Fiji raises concerns about unclear enforcement roles between health and environment agencies when pollution threatens waterways and public health. Mining & Emissions: A study warns metal mining’s carbon footprint may be far larger than assumed, pointing to acid mine drainage as a major overlooked source. Energy Transition Tech: Sandia National Laboratories was selected to lead AI-driven DOE research projects, including work tied to climate and water systems. Biodiversity Tech: Maharashtra approved an AI-based bird sanctuary plan in Thane to monitor species and threats in real time.

Climate & Health: A new Maui Wildfire Exposure Study is turning a rural health center into long-term fire-health infrastructure, tracking blood, lung function and mental health to guide future wildfire risk reduction. Legal Rights for Nature: Earth Law Center lawyer Missy Lahren highlights “Rights of Nature” cases that give ecosystems a voice in court, including lessons from the Elwha River rewilding. Urban Water Resilience: Seoul’s “Climate Adaptive Tower” lifts the building on stilts to keep ground permeable, manage stormwater like a sponge, and preserve trees. Corporate Accountability: Greenpeace is pushing Dutch court disclosure demands tied to JBS’s planned $6bn expansion, warning of climate and human-rights risks in Nigeria. Data Centres vs Resources: South Africa’s data-centre boom is drawing scrutiny over electricity and water strain, as demand surges alongside drought and an aging grid. Mining & Climate Costs: Research finds metal mining’s carbon footprint may be far larger than assumed because acid mine drainage emissions are often overlooked. Air Pollution: UNEP flags Kenya among countries with serious air-quality problems, linking pollution to major public-health harm. Nature-Based Cooling: Medellín’s Green Corridors greening program is credited with localized cooling up to 5°C in shaded areas. Food & Forests: A report says Vietnam’s coffee boom drove major Central Highlands deforestation, with knock-on effects for water, soils and carbon storage. Water Policy: Luxembourg is accelerating river restoration after slow progress, adding 51 new measures to meet ecological targets faster.

Climate Litigation: 18 Democratic-led states, D.C., and New York City sued the Trump administration over an EPA rule that delays the phaseout of super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration, arguing it will boost greenhouse gases and undercut the 2020 AIM Act. Heat Safety: A coalition of groups urged Congress to reject the Heat Workforce Standards Act, warning it would block federal workplace heat protections even as heat-related ER visits rise. Coal Ash & Water: Alabama may get state oversight of coal ash ponds, a move critics say could leave toxic waste leaching into rivers and groundwater. Energy Transition Funding: New York released $8 million for alternative fuels like clean hydrogen and ammonia to help hard-to-electrify sectors. Clean Power for Public Services: Kuwait’s fund and UNDP backed a $3 million Lebanon project to expand solar and energy efficiency in priority institutions. Extreme Weather Impacts: England’s record heat revealed a buried 17th-century garden pattern at Chatsworth, while Mon (India) saw deadly landslides and rain disasters with calls for faster rehabilitation. Batteries: CATL and Solarpro signed a 2 GWh sodium-ion storage deal for Central and Eastern Europe, aiming to deploy the first large-scale project this year.