Deforestation & illegal supply chains: A Reuters/Global Witness investigation says UK retailers including B&Q and Waitrose have sold barbecue charcoal linked to Paraguay’s Gran Chaco deforestation, tracing it to Paraguayan supplier Taruma and raising questions about enforcement of UK deforestation rules. Plastic waste fallout: A new report highlights “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America after China’s 2018 plastic-waste import ban, naming Paraguay among the worst-affected countries as health risks and open-dump disposal grow. Wildlife & habitat protection: In Itapúa, residents reported a jaguar with its cub near the Tebicuary River, reinforcing the need to protect biological corridors in a landscape where forests and farms meet. Biodiversity tourism: Asunción will host the 15th South American Bird Fair (Sept 17–20), spotlighting Paraguay’s ecosystems and 730+ bird species. Climate finance cooperation: Taiwan and Paraguay agreed on a pilot carbon credit project covering five hectares of woodland in Paraguay’s Chaco, aiming to test verification and credit transfer methods. Electric mobility push: Paraguay’s renewable power advantage is being leveraged to expand an electric vehicle economy, targeting reduced fuel imports and new investment. El Niño risk context: Regional coverage warns El Niño could intensify into a historic event, with Paraguay and neighboring areas facing shifting rainfall patterns and flood/drought risks. Local action for cleaner air: Asunción marks World Car-Free Day on Sept 20 with a citywide cycling ride to cut car use and promote sustainable transport. Conservation science: Paraguay is also tied to international biodiversity monitoring efforts, including a mammal camera-trap network designed to track species changes with shared methods.