Climate & Health: Copernicus reports August 2026 as the joint hottest month on record, with global temperatures back above 1.5°C and sea-surface temperatures surging—conditions that are already feeding stronger El Niño-linked extremes. El Niño Watch: The WMO says El Niño is established and likely to intensify later in 2026, with Africa facing mixed impacts: wetter spells in parts of East Africa and higher drought risk in Southern Africa. Education Fallout: UNICEF warns climate hazards disrupted schooling for 171 million students in 2025, with storms, floods and heatwaves driving closures, damage and lost learning—Kenya included. Malaria Pressure: A new analysis highlights how warming and erratic rainfall are shifting malaria risk, noting Madagascar among countries seeing rising case burdens. Madagascar Biodiversity: Researchers describe seven new Madagascar diamond frog species and argue most of the genus’ 27 species are threatened—naming them is key for protection planning. Wildlife Crime Link: Two ring-tailed lemurs stolen from Bangladesh have reportedly been traced to India’s Vantara-linked facilities, raising alarms for cross-border trafficking and repatriation. Conservation Finance: Kenya’s SYMBIOTIC project (with Germany support) aims to pull private money into biodiversity, including tools like green bonds and debt-for-nature swaps—Madagascar is a partner country. Digital Governance: Madagascar advances its national digital ID with new cybercrime bills and plans for a Digital Protection and Investigation Unit to strengthen trust in online systems. Clean Cooking: Carbon credit financing is expanding access to cleaner stoves across Africa, cutting indoor smoke and reducing pressure on forests.