Plastic Policy: Sri Lanka’s state-sector ban on single-use PET bottles from June 1, 2026 is a start, but the bigger win is getting private offices, hotels and restaurants to switch to refills and reusable bottles. Flood & Health Prep: Kenya is stepping up disease surveillance and safe-water checks ahead of expected El Niño rains, with extra focus on flood-prone areas and medicine stockpiles. Water Infrastructure: Malaysia’s federal approval of eight Melaka flood-mitigation projects (RM1.46bn) targets flood hotspots and upgrades ponds for both flood control and water supply. Climate-Resilient Food Systems: At Rwanda’s Africa Food Systems Forum, leaders are pushing to scale irrigation because most farming still depends on rainfall and El Niño-linked drought. PFAS Backlash: ChemSec warns AI-driven demand could trigger a “tidal wave” of forever-chemical production, raising alarms for semiconductors and data-centre cooling. Energy Costs: Greece plans energy “democracy” programmes to cut electricity prices by 30% over three years via renewables, storage, efficiency and self-generation. Mining & Environment: Papua New Guinea is inviting Chinese mining investment, but only if projects deliver fair benefits and protect the environment. AI & Rights: UK MPs and peers call for a new AI law focused on human rights and privacy risks.