Climate & Weather: Super El Niño is rapidly intensifying, with forecasts pointing to record-strength impacts into winter 2026/27—raising alarm for Australia’s heat, drought risk and wider knock-on effects. Reef & Biodiversity: Scientists warn the Great Barrier Reef faces mass bleaching and collapse as El Niño builds, with new research also mapping the Reef’s microbiome and highlighting how stress could disrupt recovery. Land Protection: Australia’s protected land area hits 25% after the Simpson Desert Indigenous Protected Area is dedicated, adding 4.7 million hectares managed by Traditional Owners. Energy Transition Politics: Labor’s national conference sees internal pushback on the green agenda, including resistance to winding back miner tax credits and debate over renewables approvals. Climate Litigation: Greenpeace Australia Pacific celebrates a court dismissal of Woodside’s SLAPP-style “fishing expedition” tied to Scott Reef climate protest, as opposition to gas drilling grows. Data Centres & Water: In the NT, experts slam claims that groundwater use is needed to stop Earth’s magnetic poles flipping—while broader concerns continue over datacentres’ environmental impacts. AI & Power Demand: A Southland community questions a $3.5b AI data centre over power, noise and consultation, with developers saying it will rely on free cooling and no groundwater draw. Circular Economy: Solar waste and PV recycling remain a major problem, with reports highlighting how panels end up in landfill when recycling systems lag.