El Niño Weather Watch: A strengthening Super El Niño is driving a sharp north-south winter pattern across South America, with Paraguay and the Southern Cone seeing wetter conditions tied to the event, while solar output risks are also being flagged after rare snow in Chile’s Atacama. El Niño Risk for Families: A regional briefing warns El Niño impacts could stretch into early 2027, raising risks of drought, extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, and food insecurity—effects that vary widely by territory. Electric Vehicle Push: Paraguay’s clean-power advantage is now being pitched as an EV strategy to cut fuel imports and attract investment, with the transport sector still heavily reliant on petroleum. Carbon Credit Cooperation: Paraguay and Taiwan are deepening climate and carbon-credit collaboration, including training for young officials and work to improve monitoring and green finance links. Deforestation Linked to UK Charcoal: A Global Witness investigation ties UK retailers’ barbecue charcoal (including Big K sold via B&Q and Waitrose) to Paraguayan Gran Chaco deforestation, spotlighting enforcement gaps in deforestation-free supply rules. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A new study flags Paraguay among Latin America’s plastic pollution hotspots, warning that weak waste systems are letting imported plastic leak into the environment. Biodiversity Under Pressure: “Forgotten fauna” coverage highlights freshwater sharks and rays facing rising extinction risk, underscoring how little is known about inland species. Local Forestry Showcase: Paraguay’s lumber sector is promoting Expo Madera 2026 in Asunción, aiming to boost understanding of forestry’s jobs and environmental role. Tech for Smaller Firms: Paraguay is using AI to help micro, small, and medium enterprises find tenders they’re actually able to win, addressing barriers that keep most small businesses out of public contracting.