Climate Risk & Insurance: Munich Re says non-peak disasters are now racking up $100bn+ insured losses, with heat claims rising and hazards shifting from ecological to economic damage. Critical Minerals: A new analysis frames lithium, rare earths and other “clean energy” inputs as the 21st-century resource race shaping geopolitics and supply chains. Air Quality & Health: Kuwait’s environment authority is expanding fixed and mobile air monitoring, while a separate report warns heat and pollution are worsening health risks. Urban Heat: Research maps “heat islands” in the Twin Cities and identifies which UK cities face the worst extreme-heat vulnerability. Nature Protection Push: Over 30 groups back Auckland’s March for Nature against a Conservation Amendment Bill that could open public conservation land to commercial exploitation. Biodiversity Plan (Wales): Caerphilly County Borough launches a Nature Recovery Action Plan targeting 10 priority species. Climate Policy (NZ): Labour says the emissions trading scheme price is too low, pausing new forestry registrations while it reviews how to drive real cuts. Flood & Resilience (Nepal): Commentary argues Nepal must debate whether rebuilding after floods should include major water infrastructure—only if it’s technically, environmentally and socially feasible. Waste & Enforcement (Fiji): A Korosomo clean-up in Labasa collected 30 sacks and six truckloads of rubbish, with calls to enforce the litter law.