Heat & emissions debate: Paris deputy mayor Audrey Pulvar blamed the United States’ carbon emissions for France’s deadly heat wave, arguing that widespread air-conditioning in “90% air-conditioned” cities is tied to global warming. Mauritania energy & grids: The AfDB backed key steps for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection, signing project implementation contracts under the Desert to Power initiative to boost regional electricity reliability and trade. Climate diplomacy with local voices: The CHAMP coalition created a Subnational Advisory Council, giving cities and regions a formal seat in climate decisions; Nouakchott Region President Fatimetou Abdel Malick and Chefchaouen mayor Mohamed Sefiani represent Africa. Mauritania climate finance: The OPEC Fund and Mauritania signed two financing agreements totaling $195 million, targeting climate-resilient infrastructure and food security systems. Water access map: A global data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with over 2 billion people lacking reliable safe service. Food risk from El Niño: FAO warned a new El Niño phase could raise drought risk for crops and pasturelands, with sharp impacts expected across the Sahel and other vulnerable regions. Ocean protection push: Our Ocean Conference in Kenya drew $6.4bn in pledges for marine conservation, including marine protected area expansion and pollution-reduction efforts.