AGP Executive Report

Climate Litigation: Courts are becoming a counterweight as governments retreat from climate commitments. Australia’s top court blocked a coal mine expansion over its climate impact, while international court opinions have affirmed states’ duties to act. War’s Environmental Toll: Iran’s foreign minister says US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities risk contaminating soil and water and causing pollution that could last for decades. Climate-Resilient Food: New maps show where farmers in southern Africa could grow drought-tolerant bambara groundnut, a nutritious crop that could help diversify food supplies. Water and Heat: Google says its planned Indian data centre will use air cooling after an assessment found pressure on the local watershed. A strengthening El Niño is also raising concern about water and power shortages in Telangana. Wildlife: Chinstrap penguins at Zavodovski Island, home to the world’s largest colony, have declined by 63%, a stark warning for a species facing climate pressures.

Mangrove Restoration: Prudential Life Insurance Ghana has planted 12,300 mangroves at the Songor Ramsar Site over three years, aiming to restore threatened wetlands and strengthen nearby communities against climate impacts. Air Pollution: Lahore’s LUMS has launched a research centre to identify major sources of particulate pollution across Punjab and study indoor air quality in schools. Storm Fallout: Hurricane Isaias triggered three sewage spills in Tallahassee; Florida officials said crews contained and cleaned them, though one spill reached Lexington Creek and Munson Slough. Regional Cooperation: Leaders from five Caspian Sea countries agreed to establish a joint mechanism to address the shrinking sea. Forest Protection: Finland halted Google data-centre construction after 530 hectares of forest were cleared without completed environmental impact studies. Climate Resilience: Nepal’s foreign minister called for fair climate finance and stronger cooperation, highlighting the severe flood risks facing Himalayan and Pacific communities.

River Pollution: Malaysia’s Pahang environment department is investigating black, foul-smelling water and dead fish in two rivers near Raub. Officials have collected river and factory-effluent samples and are awaiting test results. Tree-Planting Drive: Kenya plans to plant 17.24 million trees for Mazingira Day, with seedlings tracked to monitor survival. Flood Risk: England’s Environment Agency issued coastal flood alerts, while warning that about two million people living in at-risk homes do not know their properties could flood. Water Stress: Drought remains in 11 English areas, with reservoir storage at 54%—well below the seasonal average. Caspian Cooperation: Five countries agreed to establish a commission to investigate the Caspian Sea’s falling water levels and develop joint measures. Marine Protection: Tanzania and South Africa called for stronger cooperation on coastal management as the Nairobi Convention set priorities for ocean governance, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Climate Risks: A super El Niño formed in September, China’s climate center says, while UNICEF warns the 2026–27 cycle could threaten the health, safety and education of more than 347 million children. Nepal’s recent deadly floods highlight the need for long-term, community-led adaptation; the country is urging COP31 to deliver grant-based funding and faster support for loss and damage. COP31 Finance: Pacific leaders are pressing wealthy nations to turn climate pledges into action and get funding to vulnerable communities sooner. Energy and Environment: The U.S. has exempted many winter oil exploration activities in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve from case-by-case environmental reviews, drawing concern over a rollback in scrutiny. In contrast, California and France are expanding cooperation on clean energy, wildfire and heat preparedness, cleaner transport and nature protection. Nature Protection: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have launched a joint UNESCO bid to recognize and protect the Prespa region’s biodiversity and shared heritage.

Climate Outlook: China’s climate centre says a “super El Niño” formed in September, with Pacific waters more than 3°C above average and further warming expected. The event could disrupt rainfall and lift global temperatures. COP31 and Finance: Pacific leaders ended pre-summit talks urging faster climate funding. New pledges bring the Pacific Resilience Facility to $190 million, still well short of its $500 million initial target. Caspian at Risk: Regional leaders gathered in Turkmenistan to address falling Caspian Sea levels, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. Pollution and Accountability: Two former directors of an Italian chemical plant will stand trial over alleged environmental disaster linked to PFAS contamination; residents near the site have reported elevated chemical levels. Climate in Court: Australia’s highest court blocked a coal-mine expansion on climate grounds, as climate lawsuits gain momentum worldwide. Climate Education: A U.S. survey found only about half of teens correctly identify human activity as the main cause of climate change, despite widespread concern among young people.

Climate Impacts: A new study finds heat seasons now start nearly two weeks earlier and lengthen by about 5.4 days per decade, leaving less time to prepare. New Zealand’s latest climate report warns its glaciers could lose all their volume by 2100 under high emissions, threatening water supplies and mountain ecosystems. Pacific Climate Finance: Pacific leaders at pre-COP31 called for faster funding, with the region’s climate fund still hundreds of millions short as island communities face mounting risks. Climate and Courts: Australia’s High Court blocked a coal-mine extension after finding its climate emissions had not been properly considered, in a landmark ruling for scrutiny of major projects. Data Center Expansion: A Finnish court ordered Google to pause forest clearing for data-center sites until environmental studies are complete, underscoring the land and energy costs of growing AI infrastructure. Communities at Risk: UN agencies say Sudanese civilians face climate shocks alongside violence and displacement, while New Zealand advocates urge urgent funding to reduce cyclone risks from vulnerable forestry land and debris.

Pacific Climate Finance: Pacific leaders at Pre-COP31 are pressing for faster, easier-to-reach funding as the regional resilience fund remains US$320 million short of its US$500 million target. The Green Climate Fund says a further US$300 million for the region could go before its board this month. COP31: Organisers plan a proposed summit decision focused on implementation and electrification, while the EU is lowering expectations for a major breakthrough. UN climate chief Simon Stiell says overshooting 1.5°C is now expected, making it urgent to limit how far and how long temperatures exceed it. Extreme Weather: The WMO warns a strengthening El Niño could push Pacific sea-surface temperatures to record levels and raise risks of heat, drought and flooding worldwide. Wildlife: A study found Zavodovski Island’s chinstrap penguin population fell by about two-thirds from 2011 to 2025, with climate-driven disruption to ocean food chains a likely factor. Environmental Oversight: Google has been ordered to pause forest clearing for data centers until environmental studies are completed.

Environmental Rights: Five years after the UN recognised a right to a healthy environment, legal experts urged Europe to make it binding. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries led to 233 arrests, rescued more than 1,000 animals and uncovered 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. US Emissions: The EPA plans to weaken methane safeguards for oil and gas, including its program to investigate major leaks. Pacific Climate Finance: At pre-COP31 talks, Pacific leaders pressed wealthy nations to turn promises into funding; developing countries had just $26 billion in adaptation finance in 2023, far below estimated needs. Climate Litigation: The US Supreme Court heard arguments over whether a Colorado climate lawsuit against ExxonMobil and Suncor can proceed. Coal and Climate: Australia’s High Court blocked a coal mine expansion, ruling that climate impacts must be considered. Amazon Forests: New research finds wildfire pollution, heat and drought are further reducing tropical forests’ ability to absorb carbon.

Pacific Climate Justice Push: At Pre-COP31 in Fiji, leaders including Fiji PM Rabuka, Palau President Whipps, and Tuvalu PM Teo urged COP31 to deliver real climate finance and faster action, warning the 1.5°C goal is slipping and adaptation funding is far short. Mountain-to-Ocean Alliance: Nepal’s foreign minister proposed “Sagarmatha to the Sea,” linking Himalayan glacier risks with Pacific sea-level threats to build a united COP31 front. Climate Finance Pressure: ADB chief Kanda said Pacific adaptation finance covers only about 26% of needs, while Whipps demanded direct, grant-based support. Data Center Environmental Scrutiny: Finland ordered Google to halt preparatory work at two sites pending environmental impact assessments, while Minnesota’s Hermantown council adopted an AUAR for a proposed Google data center amid community concerns. Food Security Under Fire: FAO called for urgent emergency agricultural funding across the Near East and North Africa as conflict and funding gaps drive crisis-level hunger. Local Environment Enforcement: UK authorities warned travelers not to bring EU meat and dairy back in luggage, and Northampton fined a resident over repeated household waste dumping.

Climate Accountability in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Boulder County’s climate lawsuit against Exxon and Suncor, with key questions about whether local governments can sue and how far liability can go. Pacific Climate Pressure: Tuvalu’s climate minister warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as leaders visited the atoll nation ahead of Turkey talks. Defending the Defenders: Philippines Senator Loren Legarda backed stronger protections for land and environmental defenders after Global Witness reported 12 killings in 2025. Corporate Pollution Watch: A Roseland, Louisiana playground stays closed after watchdogs reported dioxin in soil near a former explosion site. Regulatory Clampdown on Data Centers: Finland ordered Google to halt preparatory work at two planned data center sites until required environmental impact assessments are finished. Public Input Fight: Texas advocates protested a Railroad Commission policy change that removed standing general public comment. Wetlands Loss Ruling: Michigan’s court found a marijuana farming business illegally destroyed protected wetlands in Iosco County. Climate Impacts on Girls: A global Plan International study links climate disasters to higher risks of child marriage, pregnancy, violence, and disrupted health services. Carbon Markets: Kenya launched a guide to steer high-integrity carbon investments while protecting communities and ecosystems. Local Environment & Health: A Roseland playground closure and a Michigan wetlands ruling both highlight how environmental harm is being challenged through enforcement and courts.

Pacific climate push: Tuvalu’s climate minister warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as world leaders toured the island ahead of the Turkey summit, with leaders urged to deliver fossil-fuel phaseout and keep 1.5°C alive. Supreme Court climate accountability: The U.S. Supreme Court heard Boulder’s case seeking to make oil firms pay for climate harms, a ruling that could shape dozens of similar lawsuits nationwide and affect Hawaii’s own challenges. Climate finance speed: Fiji’s pre-COP discussions focused on “time to community” for adaptation money, arguing pledges must reach frontline islands faster. Data centres under pressure: Singapore advanced a licensing regime for major data centres covering both security/resilience and environmental sustainability, while Khazna Data Centres published an ESG baseline aiming for carbon-free electricity for 100% of mechanical load by 2035. Food waste and methane: UN reporting says rotting food waste drives up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, with methane from landfills a key near-term target. Local action: Florida Climate Week kicked off with free cleanups and education events, and Northern Ireland’s NI Water highlighted nature-based catchment work to support species recovery.

Supreme Court Climate Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court opened its term with Suncor v. Boulder, weighing whether local governments can sue oil companies in state court for climate-related harms—while Alito recused—leaving advocates split on whether the case will proceed or be narrowed. PFAS & Ports: North Carolina’s ports authority paused the Wilmington Harbor deepening project, citing potential PFAS (“forever chemicals”) impacts in the Cape Fear River and asking the Army Corps to suspend work. Local Climate Accountability: Republican attorneys general said they’re optimistic after arguments, as the court questions whether federal law blocks “climate deception” lawsuits and how far copycat cases could spread. Urban Resilience in India: MMRDA and University College London plan a climate-resilient urban systems centre for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, targeting transport, utilities, buildings and nature-based solutions. Marine Protection in Qatar: Qatar’s environment ministry removed dumped waste from the sea, warning that dumping threatens marine life and navigation safety. Community Water & Fisheries: New York DEC will hold a public meeting Oct. 8 on Skaneateles Lake fisheries management, research, and water quality. Trees & Canopy Pressure: A Kelowna tree group criticized council decisions over green space loss and tree-cutting impacts, arguing climate and canopy targets weren’t properly considered. Climate Finance Tool in Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan, FAO and the Green Climate Fund tested a digital platform to track climate-finance transparency and emissions-related reporting.

Climate Justice March: A Catholic priest and 34 environmentalists in Quezon, Philippines, kicked off a week-long protest hike to Manila to denounce environmental destruction hitting farmers, fishers, and poor communities hardest. Data Centre Scrutiny: Scotland’s Stop Climate Chaos coalition and allies are demanding a public consultation before hyperscale data centres get approval, arguing for independent review of grid impacts and net-zero commitments. Environmental Rule Reversal: India’s Congress leader Jairam Ramesh blasted the Modi government’s push to resume retrospective environmental clearances, calling it an “ecologically damaging saga.” Supreme Court Climate Fight: The US Supreme Court is set to hear a major case on whether cities can sue oil companies for climate damages, with Big Oil seeking to block the lawsuit. Drought Relief for Farmers: England’s Environment Agency lets eligible farmers refill on-farm reservoirs earlier due to severe rainfall shortfalls, while stressing the drought is “far from over.” Pacific Pre-COP Pressure: Pacific leaders in Fiji are using pre-COP31 talks to spotlight sea-level rise threats and demand tangible climate finance outcomes.

COP31 Prep in the Pacific: Fiji and Tuvalu are driving the agenda at Pre-COP31 in Nadi, with leaders urging “action, not more promises,” pushing 1.5°C, clean energy, ocean protection, and climate finance that reaches communities fast. Climate Finance Mechanism: Kiribati calls for an ex-post reimbursement system for small island states after projects finish, arguing access to funds is too hard. Australia Fossil Fuel Credibility Clash: Ahead of the talks, Amnesty and the Australian Conservation Foundation say Australia’s renewables push clashes with approvals for new coal and gas, including the Browse project near sensitive marine habitat. Wildlife Protection in Qatar: Qatar’s environment ministry says protected terrestrial areas cover nearly a quarter of land, aiming for 30% by 2030, with World Animal Day highlighting breeding and monitoring for species like Arabian oryx and gazelles. Fire Season Snapshot: Alaska reported its lowest burn area in 31 years, helped by a cold winter and wet summer conditions. Everyday Environment: A guide recommends winter cover crops like oats and rye to protect soil, cut erosion, and suppress weeds.

El Niño Preparedness: The Philippines’ DENR is ramping up water-supply building, conservation, watershed protection, fire prevention and heat safety as El Niño could intensify into a very strong event through early 2027. Climate Governance in Odisha: At Earth Again Conference 2026, leaders urged climate action that delivers measurable outcomes, not just spending—highlighting shifting seasons, stronger cyclones, and the need for better coordination. Urban Heat Drivers: Experts warned that rapid urbanisation, air conditioners and traffic are pushing city temperatures higher, calling for more “breathing space” in planning. Nature-Based Solutions: Odisha officials and conservation voices pushed for more mangrove palm forests, expanded wild grasslands and stronger human-wildlife coexistence. Climate Litigation Watch (US): The US Supreme Court begins its term with major climate liability arguments, including whether oil firms can be forced to pay for harms tied to extreme heat, wildfires and drought. Great Lakes Cleanup Win: Muskegon Lake in Michigan was removed from the EPA’s Areas of Concern after decades of restoration, including removal of massive debris and contaminated soil. Wildlife Under Threat: DENR is investigating the death of a Philippine eagle near power lines, with electrocution among possible causes.

Climate Justice Mobilization: More than 700 people gathered in Fremantle to send a “Climate Justice Now” message to Canberra ahead of COP31, urging a fair transition away from coal, oil and gas plus stronger climate finance and loss-and-damage support. Courtroom Climate Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to weigh whether state courts can hear climate lawsuits targeting fossil-fuel firms for local damage, and whether federal courts can handle related constitutional challenges. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers and researchers are pushing practical, lower-input approaches—like composting, mulching, zero tillage and crop rotation—to cope with worsening weather and protect food security. Food and Health Under Pressure: Kenya’s coffee sector is turning to science and farmer-led innovation to boost resilience, while parts of the U.S. face a major dengue surge tied to changing conditions. Local Environment Actions: Punjab’s CBD Lake rainwater-harvesting upgrade moves into its final phase, and Namibia’s environment ministry says community conservancies are helping protect wildlife while creating jobs.