Wildfire & heat impacts: France ordered evacuations from the Cap Ferret peninsula as two wildfires spread, with thousands fleeing and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated to send water-bomber aircraft. Ukraine war’s environmental knock-on effects: Ukrainian drone strikes kept hitting Russia’s logistics network, with Wildberries warehouses burning across regions including near St Petersburg; reports say multiple people died and inventory was destroyed, adding pressure to fuel and supply chains. Climate risk signals: A new update on El Niño forecasts says the chance of 2026 becoming the warmest year has jumped to 35%, driven by strengthening Pacific warming—raising odds of more extreme weather. Water & agriculture cooperation: Azerbaijan and Russia discussed agricultural ties and water stress, including Caspian Sea water-level decline and plans to test drought- and disease-resistant crops. Arctic sustainability push: BRICS youth researchers met in Russia to focus on sustainable Arctic tourism, environmental conservation, and Indigenous cultural heritage. Energy & infrastructure: Saipem completed major offshore installation work for Romania’s Neptun Deep gas development, including jacket and topside placement and export pipeline steps.