Uganda is experiencing a severe drought following months of low rainfall and a recent heatwave, with at least 16 deaths attributed to hunger and substantial crop failures reported. The potential development of an El Niño weather pattern later this year could bring heavier rainfall to the region, though this also raises flood risks for drought-stricken areas.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme have jointly requested $200 million in international funding to assist African nations in managing El Niño-related impacts across 22 high-risk countries. Proposed interventions include cash assistance, climate-adapted seeds, livestock support and flood prevention measures. Global agricultural production has been disrupted by extreme weather, with India recording its driest June in 12 years and France experiencing double-digit production declines. UK farmers are adapting to extreme heat by modifying soil management practices to improve water retention.
Wildfires have intensified across Europe, with Spain reporting at least 12 deaths and France experiencing road closures. Affected areas span France, Spain, northern Portugal, the Alpine region into Italy, southern UK and southeast Ireland, with experts attributing fiercer fire seasons to climate-driven hotter, drier conditions.
The Trump administration has implemented regulatory changes that redefine what constitutes harm to endangered species, effectively opening sensitive habitats to drilling, mining, farming and real estate activities. The modification narrows the scope of the 50-year-old Endangered Species Act, which had previously restricted habitat modification on federal lands and water. Environmental organizations have filed legal challenges, while scientific experts expressed concern about the lack of supporting research.
The UK has substantially reduced funding for Congo basin rainforest conservation projects following broader aid cuts. While pledging £200 million for Congo basin protection at COP26, the UK has provided only £39.8 million as of 2024 and has cut the Congo Basin Forest Action Programme by 79 percent to £18.8 million. Additional forest protection initiatives worth millions have been eliminated or reduced, raising concerns among conservation organizations and policymakers about Britain’s commitment to international climate pledges.