Volcanic Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption sent ash over Java and Sumatra, halting flights at eight airports and disrupting more than 200 routes, with Qantas reporting impacts to Jakarta services—another reminder of how fast climate-linked hazards can spill into travel and daily life. Pacific Preparedness: Samoa, Australia and partners ran Exercise Longreach in Apia, testing tsunami response plans through tabletop and simulation drills led by Pacific agencies. Climate & Food Risk: Coverage flags El Niño’s intensifying pattern and the growing “extreme weather danger zone,” with warnings that impacts will hit agriculture, fisheries and household resilience. Biodiversity & Land Use: A debate over fynbos restoration at Lower Tokai challenges claims of a booming species recovery, arguing that most listed species can’t be verified on site. Circular Materials: A Sydney woman was buried in a “living coffin” made from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres, designed to break down in about 45 days—an unusual but tangible push for greener end-of-life options. Local Environment Rules: Victoria’s tightening cat curfews are driving costly containment upgrades, with some councils requiring 24-hour or night-only restrictions.