Whale Conservation: Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal at the International Whaling Commission to discuss “sustainable use” of whales — opening a path to commercial whaling — was withdrawn. A separate South Atlantic sanctuary bid also failed, while the commission maintained its commercial whaling ban. Climate Outlook: CariCOF warns a strong El Niño could bring drought and lingering humid heat to the Lesser Antilles. Short-term drought had already developed in Antigua by September 1, though flood risks remain high across much of the region. Cleaner Transport: Electric vehicles are heading to Antigua for CHOGM, the first delivery under the government’s Octopus Energy partnership, to cut meeting-related transport emissions. Wetlands Cleanup: More than 53 volunteers removed 2,156 pounds of waste from McKinnons Wetlands. Mattresses, stoves and other bulky items remain and need extra equipment to remove. Marine Protection: Dredging and artificial reef works at Barnacle Point have raised questions about whether required written approvals were obtained within the protected North East Marine Management Area. Climate Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda joined Pacific pre-COP talks, where small-island states pressed for better access to climate finance and support for adaptation.