El Niño & climate risk: Scientists warn that a strengthening El Niño could bring severe drought in Southern Africa and deadly flooding in parts of Eastern Africa into early 2027, with major hunger and mortality risks unless action and funding move fast. Storms getting worse: A new WorldRiskReport says climate change is intensifying storms, shifting their paths, and pushing more people into harm’s way—hurting poorer economies hardest. Climate finance pressure: Analysis highlights that climate aid often arrives as loans, adding to public debt for the poorest countries while grants remain too limited for adaptation needs. Madagascar in the spotlight: A WorldRiskIndex storm-risk ranking places Madagascar among the higher-risk countries, underscoring vulnerability to extreme weather. Biodiversity & conservation: Research on ancient trees urges caution about claims that old trees are “genetic treasure chests,” while a separate study traces bat origins to Europe and suggests early echolocation and flight evolved sooner than expected. Human rights in Madagascar: A report describes terror and murder targeting people with albinism in Madagascar, including an attack on a mother and her child. Local environment-linked livelihoods: Coverage notes Madagascar’s vanilla supply faces cyclone and drought shocks, threatening a crop central to global food and flavor industries. Ocean monitoring push: OceanEye alliance pledges hundreds of millions to expand global ocean observation—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions, and coastal protection.