Critical Minerals Debate: In the Philippines, opposition lawmakers warn that Executive Order No. 122 on critical minerals could push the country into raw-material extraction, with farmers and Indigenous communities facing displacement and environmental harm. Renewables Investment Push: HSBC points to renewables as a major “sweet spot” for foreign capital, citing BOI figures showing renewables dominating first-half investment. Grid Crackdown: The Department of Energy plans to recommend shutdowns for underperforming, non-compliant power plants in Visayas and Mindanao, targeting especially small diesel units. Waste & Flooding Governance: Malacañang urges local governments to stop garbage from clogging waterways, framing solid waste management as the “first line of defense” against floods. Marine Protection Rules: Saudi Arabia updates marine and coastal regulations, raising penalties up to SR5 million and tightening bans on harmful fishing and habitat damage. Solar Supply Concern: India’s solar cell imports surged again, raising questions about manufacturing self-reliance as imports reach billions of dollars. Biodiversity & Climate Resilience: Nagaland University announces a national conference on biodiversity conservation and climate resilience for North East India. Local Action on Waste: Madurai outlines a strategic overhaul under new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, including stricter segregation at source. Data Centers & Community Impact: A public forum in Illinois spotlights how data centers strain electricity and raises questions about local safeguards and costs.