Climate Watch: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with Europe seeing intense early heatwaves plus sharp rain swings—drier conditions in parts of western/central/eastern Europe and severe flooding in parts of Turkey, Bulgaria and Moldova—while tropical Pacific seas trend toward El Niño, raising the odds of more extreme weather. Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that the booming online trade for reptile feeding could threaten native ecosystems and trigger penalties. Forest & Energy Pressure: A new study flags how charcoal and fuelwood still dominate household energy across Madagascar and other African countries, but weak regulation and unsustainable harvesting are accelerating forest loss and environmental harm. Governance Gap: Another report says countries like Madagascar have strong forest policy frameworks tied to global climate and biodiversity goals, yet implementation is uneven and fragmented—leaving real protection behind on the ground. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s President Tinubu held talks with Madagascar’s President Randrianirina in Abuja, with climate resilience—especially southern Madagascar’s infrastructure impacts—among the expected priorities. Minerals & Jobs: Reuters reports Sumitomo financed the exit of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project, aiming to keep operations going under new ownership after cyclone damage and production suspension.