New Zealand Planning Overhaul: A $41m centralised environmental data platform is set to sit inside Budget 2026’s new planning system, aiming to cut duplicated surveys and speed approvals, alongside a new national flood map and $400m in highway resilience upgrades. Climate Law Rollback: New York’s final budget loosens and delays key deadlines in the landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act after lawmakers accepted changes to emissions measurement—drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups. PFAS Accountability in Australia: Australia’s government filed a “largest ever” $2bn legal claim against 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam at defence bases, alleging withheld lab results and misrepresentation. Food Methane Pressure: A new ranking finds only three major dairy/coffee firms have public methane targets, despite widespread recognition of livestock’s climate link. Climate Risk Hits Home Insurance: Colorado hail damage is worsening with warming, pushing premiums up 65% in five years and raising costs for homeowners. Water Stress in the Caribbean: St Kitts warns drought conditions may worsen as rainfall drops and El Niño-linked patterns threaten a drier wet season. E-waste to Metals Push: Minnesota’s Reclaiming Critical Metals targets the low recycling rate of e-waste, aiming to recover valuable materials and reduce toxic impacts. Local Environmental Governance: Residents in Albania’s Qerret accuse authorities of cutting trees and demolishing coastal protections for a new access road without consultation. Climate-Linked Legal Battles: Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill to shield energy companies from some climate-damage lawsuits, with carve-outs for permit and safety violations.