Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Michael Joseph told Pre-COP31 leaders that climate change threatens island homes, culture and sovereignty, drawing parallels between Tuvalu and Barbuda after Hurricane Irma. Antigua and Barbuda backed the 1.5°C goal and called for stronger climate finance. Sustainable Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez has taken the chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with sustainability and stronger links between tourism and local businesses among its priorities. Wetland Protection: A community cleanup removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands; volunteers also found bulky items requiring further support to remove. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and humid heat to the region. Short-term drought had developed in Antigua as of September 1, though flood risks remain across much of the Caribbean. Clean Transport: Electric vehicles are on their way for November’s CHOGM, marking the first delivery under Antigua and Barbuda’s clean-energy partnership with Octopus Energy. Marine Oversight: Dredging and reef works at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required written approvals were obtained within the protected North East Marine Management Area.