AGP Executive Report

Ocean Monitoring & Climate Governance: The EU is pouring €92 million into OceanEye to expand ocean monitoring with drones and satellites, contrasting with U.S. plans to cut the Ocean Observatories Initiative. Blue Carbon Under Pressure: A new synthesis warns that mangroves, seagrass, and salt marsh “blue carbon” protection depends not just on survival but on what happens to the land behind them as seas rise. Caribbean Resilience Funding: Dominica launched a US$26 million climate resilience project (DOMCREP) to boost food security, disaster preparedness, and early warning in eight vulnerable communities. Data Centers’ Environmental Cost: A UN University report says data centers already rival major countries in electricity use and that AI-driven demand could double water and pollution impacts by 2030. Climate Risk Signals: Research on Antarctic ice dust points to how past warmth coincided with major sea-level rise, offering clues for today’s ocean changes. Biodiversity & Health Threats: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly in Texas, raising stakes for livestock near the U.S.-Mexico border.

El Niño and food risk: A Reuters report warns dry weather is already disrupting crop planting across Asia, with an expected severe El Niño later in 2026 threatening yields from India to Southeast Asia and Australia, with global climate change likely worsening the impacts. Data centers’ climate and water strain: A UN University report says data centers’ electricity use already rivals major countries and could double energy, water use, and pollution as AI grows—raising fresh pressure for cleaner power and smarter cooling. Cuba’s garbage crisis: AP reports Havana’s trash piles have surged after fuel shortages and power outages stalled garbage collection, with residents burning waste and health officials warning of toxic smoke as summer and hurricane season approach. Amazon CO2 experiment: A $50m Amazon FACE project will release CO2 via towers in Brazil’s Cuieiras reserve to test whether forests absorb emissions or instead amplify warming—running through 2036. Gender violence mobilization: Argentina’s Ni Una Menos marches marked 11 years, renewing demands for stronger state protection and faster justice for femicide and economic violence. Wildlife and climate: Separate reporting highlights southern right whale life in Argentina’s Golfo Nuevo and notes how warming is reshaping ecosystems.

Deforestation-free beef push: Chinese meat traders started buying Brazil’s first “Beef on Track” certified zero-illegal-deforestation beef, aiming to decouple cattle ranching from forest clearing by auditing supply chains tied to protected and Indigenous areas. Climate risk watch: The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño is rapidly forming, with a high chance of “super” impacts—more heat, drought, floods, and stronger extremes—raising stakes for food, forests, and water across the region. Coral bleaching threat: NOAA says El Niño could trigger another mass coral bleaching event this summer, with reefs in the northern Pacific and parts of the Caribbean and Florida at high risk. Data center footprint: A UN University report finds AI-driven data centers already rival major countries’ environmental footprints, and projects big jumps in electricity use, water demand, and pollution as AI expands. Biosecurity at the border: USDA reported a New World screwworm detection in Mexico near the U.S. border, a serious livestock threat that could spread through animal movement. Caribbean resilience: Jamaica advanced a national science, technology and innovation strategy framework to better connect research to farmers, factories, and climate-smart development.

Community Air Monitoring: A free workshop in Mexicali trained residents to build and use air-quality monitors, aiming to help communities document local pollution and push for accountability. Climate Risk to Food: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought and an approaching El Niño are raising fears of crop failure and hunger for Indigenous Maya farmers, with millions potentially affected and emergency food supplies already prepared. El Niño Watch: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is likely to develop and could intensify extreme heat and weather impacts across the region, adding pressure to drought and disaster planning. Trade & Forced Labor: The U.S. proposed new tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement, naming several Latin American countries among those with partial or weak compliance. Amazon Restoration & Reforestation: Venezuela’s acting government launched an ecological restoration push tied to its national reforestation plan, signaling continued investment in landscape recovery. Policy on Coffee & Ecosystems: Venezuela’s National Assembly advanced early articles of a Coffee Bill framing coffee as “fundamental interest” and linking production to soil and ecosystem protection.

Climate Risk Watch (El Niño): The UN’s WMO says there’s an 80% chance El Niño develops June–August and a near-90% chance it lasts to at least November, with climate change likely supercharging drought, heavy rain, and heatwaves across the world. Hurricane Danger (Heat + Intensification): A separate explainer warns that warmer oceans and a more rapid intensification pattern are making hurricanes more dangerous, even when storm counts may be lower. Fossil-Fuel Transition vs. Trade Pressure: Colombia faces a $198m investor-state dispute after measures tied to its shift away from fossil fuels, highlighting how investor protections can slow energy transitions. Protected Areas (Venezuela): Venezuela took part in an international meeting focused on making protected areas more effective, aligning with the 30x30 biodiversity goal. Caribbean Youth & Resilience: The Caribbean Development Bank’s Youth Fire Forum convened regional young leaders to push solutions for an uncertain climate future. Local Tech for Climate-Ready Skills (Venezuela): Students in Guárico trained in programming and robotics through the Small Engineers Agenda, framed as building future-ready, tech-sovereign capacity.

El Niño Watch: The UN weather agency warns El Niño is likely returning soon, with an 80% chance of forming before September and up to 90% persistence into November—raising risks of heat stress, drought, and extreme rain across regions including parts of Latin America and Central America. Food Security Under Pressure: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought is already drying wells and threatening subsistence crops, with families fearing hunger as El Niño approaches. Caribbean Resilience Push: Caribbean leaders are calling for a shift from reacting to disasters to building resilience early, with a regional conference focused on early warning systems, climate adaptation, and disaster risk financing. Amazon & Mining Scrutiny: Reports highlight ongoing illegal gold mining in Brazil’s Amazon despite crackdowns, with environmental and community impacts still severe. Climate-Linked Legal Battles: Patagonia’s trademark fight with drag activist Pattie Gonia is drawing attention to how climate brands manage reputational risk amid litigation. Tourism After Hurricanes: Sandals says it’s accelerating a $200m rebuild of Jamaica resorts damaged by Hurricane Melissa, framing the work as “Sandals 2.0” for the Caribbean tourism ecosystem.

Amazon & Cerrado Fire Response Tech: Brazil’s Copaíbas Program is upgrading community fire brigades in the cerrado and Amazon with real-time smoke monitoring towers, offline-capable apps, and faster training—aimed at cutting response times and protecting conservation units. Caribbean Climate & Disaster Outlook: Cuba’s meteorology institute says the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season may be less active than normal, with 11 tropical storms expected and a moderate Cuba hit risk (40%), while NOAA also forecasts a below-normal season—still a reminder to prepare. Shark Meat Scrutiny: A Mongabay investigation finds Brazil’s government agencies buying large quantities of shark meat for public institutions, raising overfishing and heavy-metal (mercury/arsenic) health concerns. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank will host a high-level dialogue with other MDB leaders on the future of development finance amid debt and climate shocks. El Salvador Education Safety: UNESCO’s Agustine Project progress check in El Salvador highlights violence prevention via socio-emotional skills, student councils, and safer school environments. Brazil Digital Safety Rulemaking: Brazil’s digital regulator ANPD opens public consultation on age-verification guidance, including biometric methods, to implement the Digital ECA. Nicaragua Indigenous Land Loss: Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (Taupla Brooklyn) died in detention, underscoring ongoing pressure on La Moskitia forests and territories. Brazil Amazon Deforestation Context: Coverage flags Amazon deforestation hitting its lowest level since 2019, while other reports warn illegal gold mining remains a major threat.

Colombia Election Fallout: President Gustavo Petro rejected the first-round quick count, alleging irregularities and challenging the credibility of the rapid reporting system—setting up a tense fight before official certification. Wildlife & Climate Adaptation: A new University of Florida review finds hurricanes can kill, help, or reshape animal behavior, while also spreading invasive species—highlighting how stronger storms in a warming world complicate conservation. Environmental Justice in the U.S.-Mexico Border: An Arizona-Mexico desert springsnail case heads to court over a decade-long delay in endangered listing, with habitat threatened by border-wall construction. Caribbean Resilience & Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York brings tourism ministers together to strengthen regional resilience and market strategy amid shifting global conditions. Latin America Climate Context: A report warns sand demand is outpacing nature’s ability to replenish it, stressing impacts on coastal defenses and biodiversity as climate risks rise. Amazon Mining Pressure: Greenpeace reports illegal Amazon gold extraction continues despite crackdowns, raising alarms for indigenous territories and environmental damage.

Amazon Deforestation Watch: Brazil’s Amazon clearing hit its lowest level since 2019, a rare bright spot amid ongoing pressure from land-use change and illegal activity. Colombia Election & Security: Colombians voted in a presidential race that could reshape the response to guerrilla violence, with voters weighing “total peace” talks versus a hard-right military crackdown. Escazú Implementation: Dominica’s civil society is pushing the government to speed up Escazú Agreement implementation after a sensitisation workshop, focusing on public participation, access to environmental info, and protection for environmental defenders. Tijuana Sewage Crisis: The Parallel Gravity Line wastewater pipeline collapsed again in Tijuana just two weeks after emergency repairs, raising contamination risks for the Tijuana River Channel and nearby beaches. Climate Impacts on Wildlife: A study in Argentina links rising temperatures to heavier owl monkeys over the past two decades, adding to growing signs of climate stress across ecosystems. Food Security & Fertilizer: Iran-war-linked fertilizer price spikes are pushing farmers toward organic alternatives, with wider climate and emissions implications for agriculture. Caribbean Climate Governance: Regional groups are urging better disaster and climate readiness, as heat and drought risks intensify across the islands.

Amazon Gold & Illegal Mining: Greenpeace reports illegal miners extracting billions in Brazil’s Amazon gold, underscoring how enforcement gaps keep fueling extraction despite crackdowns. Deforestation Signals: Multiple reports say Brazil’s Amazon deforestation has fallen to its lowest level since 2019, a rare bright spot that still leaves ecosystems vulnerable. Colombia Election & Violence: As Colombia votes, guerrilla attacks are traumatizing children in conflict zones, with residents describing constant fear and disrupted daily life. Colombia Coal Supply Chain: Colombia’s ban on coal exports to Israel is reported to have shifted supply to South Africa, showing how trade restrictions can be rerouted through global shipping networks. Caribbean Climate Data: Taiwan’s technical mission supports greenhouse-gas inventory validation and crop-emissions data work in Saint Lucia via the CCMRVH hub. Mexico Reef Backlash: Royal Caribbean scraps a planned Mexico water park after permit denials tied to reef and mangrove ecosystem concerns. Climate Law Momentum: A UN resolution affirms an ICJ ruling that countries have a legal duty to limit warming, likely to shape future climate litigation. Hurricane Watch: Eastern Pacific forecasters flag a likely early-season tropical depression as El Niño conditions develop, with potential knock-on impacts for the region.

Colombia Election & Security: As Colombia heads to a presidential vote, AFP reports guerrilla violence is traumatizing children in conflict zones like Suarez, where attacks and fear are tied to dissident groups and illegal mining. Climate Impacts on Coasts: Chilean researchers warn black kelp forests could lose 58% of habitat by 2050 as warming and marine heatwaves push these underwater “forests” out of their current range. Hurricane Preparedness in the Caribbean: A regional workshop in Trinidad and Tobago is pushing impact-based forecasting so warnings focus on what storms will do, not just what they are. Storm Resilience Infrastructure: A new look at hurricane season stresses that wetter storms mean engineers must harden roads, drainage, and utilities before damage hits. Amazon Gold & Enforcement: Greenpeace reports illegal miners are still extracting billions in Brazil’s Amazon despite crackdowns, raising pressure on enforcement and indigenous protections. Renewables & Energy Costs: Europe’s renewables drive down fossil fuel imports, with an IEA/Ember-linked report citing €51.4B saved in 2025 and more expected in 2026. Agriculture Insurance: Jamaica is rolling out $50M in parametric protection for 5,000 farmers ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

Climate & Oceans: A new report warns that “Super El Niño” can sharply disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries by warming seas, weakening upwelling, and cutting plankton productivity—raising risks for coastal food security and livelihoods, especially in island and coastal nations. Amazon Heritage: A Brazilian court ordered federal and local authorities to restore and preserve Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s near-century-old rubber city in Pará, after it fell into ruin. Colombia Security at the Polls: Colombia heads to a presidential vote amid heavy deployment of security forces and alerts across hundreds of municipalities, as political violence concerns grow and polarization shapes campaign stakes. Marine Crime & IUU Fishing: Argentina’s coast is described as a “graveyard of ships” tied to illegal fishing, with claims that some vessels scuttled themselves to avoid capture. Caribbean Climate Readiness: Caribbean forecasts point to a hurricane season that may be quieter but still erratic, with calls to prepare for heat, drought, and rising energy pressures. Energy Transition in Chile: ContourGlobal began commercial operations of a solar-plus-storage project in Chile, adding a long-duration battery system to support firm renewable power. Sargassum Watch (Florida): Florida’s “Dr. Beach” list again flags heavy sargassum impacts, showing how seaweed blooms keep disrupting coastal tourism.

Amazon illegal mining: Greenpeace found “ghost permits” used to launder illegally mined gold in Brazil’s Amazon—98 of 187 permitted areas showed no mining activity, yet 26.8 metric tons were sold (about $3.88B) from 2018 to March 2026, despite Lula’s crackdown. Climate risk & hurricanes: NOAA/Colorado State University forecast a slightly less active 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with El Niño expected to boost wind shear over the Caribbean and main development region. El Niño impacts on food systems: A new analysis warns “Super El Niño” could disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries via warmer seas, weaker upwelling, and lower plankton productivity—raising food security and livelihood risks for coastal and island nations. Caribbean adaptation: OECS and regional partners are pushing for stronger disaster resilience ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, including preparedness for heat and drought. Water & agriculture: Research in arid Patagonia, Argentina, suggests reclaimed domestic wastewater can support outdoor cannabis irrigation while meeting key microbiological safety benchmarks. Energy transition finance: The IEA says natural gas project investment is set to rise 10% in 2026 to $330B, even as oil spending falls and renewables/storage ramp up.

Amazon Protection Clash: Brazil’s Congress passed a bill limiting environmental agencies’ ability to use satellite images to restrict illegally deforested land, pushing enforcement toward on-the-ground inspections—IBAMA warns this could undermine much of its Amazon monitoring. Wildlife Trafficking: Argentina seized 700+ tropical marine animals trafficked from Kenya for the exotic aquarium trade, with many weakened or dead on arrival, triggering emergency rescue efforts. Mining & Sanctions Pressure: Nicaragua said it will return BHMB Mining to its original owners after confiscation and later transfer to Chinese firms, citing a deal meant to normalize operations while avoiding further U.S. sanctions. Biofuels Policy Push: The American Soybean Association urged U.S. Treasury/IRS to finalize 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit guidance to support biofuel demand and soybean markets, including support for “climate-smart” farm practices. Hurricane Watch (Regional Spillover): Experts say early signs of the Atlantic hurricane season should be watched in the central/eastern Gulf and southwestern Atlantic near the U.S. Southeast, where warm waters could boost early development. Ocean Conservation Science: A new study with the Pacific Whale Foundation documents record humpback whale crossings between Brazil and Australia using photo-ID of tail flukes. Caribbean Climate Readiness: Caribbean authorities and health bodies are stepping up messaging and planning for heat, drought, and vector-borne disease risks as conditions shift.

Amazon oil drilling return: Brazil’s Lula is reviving Amazon Basin oil exploration after a decade-long pause, with Petrobras planning new wells in Urucu—framing it as a tradeoff to fund the energy transition while critics warn it undermines forest protection. Climate heat risk: The UN weather agency says there’s an 86% chance the world will exceed the 2024 global temperature benchmark before 2030, with El Niño likely to push records higher. El Niño and food security: Colombia’s “just transition” and fossil-fuel phaseout push is colliding with El Niño-linked drought and energy stress, while broader food-crisis warnings point to rising hunger risk across the region. Adaptation planning in the Caribbean: Curaçao and Sint Maarten are urged to turn climate awareness into National Adaptation Plans with clearer roles, cross-sector coordination, and budget-linked implementation. Deforestation signals: New reporting highlights Brazil’s Amazon deforestation slowing to the lowest levels since 2019—yet policy and enforcement battles remain. Indigenous green economy: A new piece spotlights Indigenous principles of reciprocity, respect, and relationality as practical guidance for a just transition that protects biodiversity and rights. Tourism safeguards in Colombia: A Colombia-focused travel connectivity partnership backs community education and anti-exploitation efforts as tourism grows.

Land & Housing Rights: Barbuda activist John Mussington says communal land protections are under pressure from tourism and luxury development, sharing lessons from Rio’s community land trust pushback against displacement. Marine Life: Argentina’s San Jorge Gulf saw a rare blue whale close to a tourist vessel, boosting local conservation attention. Wildlife Protection: A Gulf-focused interview highlights the Rice’s whale’s extreme rarity (possibly ~50 individuals) and the feeding grounds that need safeguarding. Circular Economy (Mexico): APR and ANIPAC signed an agreement to strengthen plastics recyclability and design-for-recycling standards. Climate & Health (Caribbean): The Caribbean Development Bank’s Nassau meeting agenda spotlights climate resilience and energy transition financing. Food Systems & Climate Risk: Coverage flags how El Niño-linked weather and other shocks can worsen food affordability pressures, with knock-on effects for Latin America’s vulnerable supply chains. Deforestation (Brazil): Reports say Amazon deforestation has fallen to the lowest levels since 2019, while enforcement and policy battles continue.