EU maize output forecast slashed to 19-year low on heat, drought
The European Commission has cut its EU maize production forecast for 2026/27 to 50.1 million tonnes, a 19-year low, citing severe summer heat and drought.
Environment & Ecology
French wheat exports to fall as poor maize harvest forces feed switch
France's wheat exports outside the EU are set to drop sharply in 2026/27 as a drought-hit maize crop forces more wheat into livestock feed.
Panama Canal to Cut Daily Ship Transits as El Niño Deepens Water Crisis
The Panama Canal will reduce daily ship crossings from September as El Niño brings record heat and below-average rainfall, threatening water levels.
Colorado River water cuts approved: What it means for Arizona and the West
A new federal decision framework cuts Colorado River water allocations to lower basin states, prompting a push for alternative water sources and conservation.
US Declares Drought Disaster in Puerto Rico as Water Crisis Deepens
US declares drought disaster for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, unlocking emergency loans for farmers as extreme drought grips over a third of the territory.
Czech farms cull cattle as drought drives feed costs to record highs
Czech farmers are cutting cattle herds as an exceptional drought shrinks feed supplies and sends hay prices soaring.
Hormuz Closure Reshapes Global Energy: Renewables Surge, Coal Rises
The Strait of Hormuz closure is accelerating renewable energy adoption globally, though coal use and emissions are also climbing as nations scramble for secure power.
SpaceX Unveils $100 Billion Louisiana Launch Site Plan
SpaceX plans a $100 billion spaceport in Louisiana, its largest launch site, targeting first flights by 2029 and thousands of annual launches.
Tolima Governor Suspects Criminal Groups Behind Forest Fires
Colombia's Tolima province investigates whether criminal groups deliberately set forest fires that have destroyed thousands of hectares and farmland.
Texas Wildfire Forces Evacuations as Blaze Races Through Ranchland
A fast-growing wildfire in rural north central Texas has forced evacuations, destroyed structures, and closed schools.
French sugar beet harvest set to fall over 20% after drought and heat
French sugar beet harvest expected to be over 20% below the five-year average due to severe drought, heat, pests and disease.
Global ocean surface temperature hits new all-time high, EU monitor says
EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reports global daily sea surface temperature hit a record 21.1°C on Aug 22, 2026.
South Sumatra turns to prayer as wildfires choke Indonesian province
Thousands in South Sumatra prayed for rain as wildfires and haze disrupt life. Authorities battle fires with cloud seeding and arrests.
South Sumatra turns to prayer as wildfires blanket province in toxic haze
About 3,000 residents in Palembang joined a special rain prayer as South Sumatra battles the nation's worst wildfire outbreak, with thick smoke disrupting daily life.
Bordeaux's Earliest Harvest on Record as Heat and Drought Cut Wine Output
Extreme heat and drought in Bordeaux have triggered the earliest harvest on record, with yields down about 20% and production at a 40-year low.
Nevada challenges federal Colorado River water cut plan in court
Nevada filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration's Colorado River management plan, which imposes steep water cuts on lower-basin states from 2027.
Alaska court dismisses environmental challenge to offshore drilling order
A federal judge in Alaska dismissed a lawsuit by environmental groups challenging the Trump administration's move to reopen protected coastal waters to offshore drilling.
Norway's top court to hear appeal in landmark oilfield climate case
Norway's government asks the Supreme Court to overturn rulings that invalidated oilfield permits over climate impact concerns.
Baltic Cyclone Kills Two, Cuts Power to Half a Million
A powerful cyclone killed two and left hundreds of thousands without power across the Baltic states.
Indonesia Arrests 72 Suspected of Starting Forest Fires as Haze Chokes Borneo
Indonesian police arrested 72 people for allegedly starting forest fires. Water-bombing continues as haze reduces visibility to 1-10 meters in parts of Borneo.