EU Climate Finance Clash: The European Central Bank plans to dock up to 5% from loans to high-emission firms from 2027, expanding its “climate factor” to cover bank credit claims—while critics warn it overreaches and global green funds saw $84bn leave in 2025. EU Packaging Overhaul: From 12 August, the EU’s PPWR kicks in, pushing packaging to be reusable or recoverable, cutting unnecessary material, boosting recycled content, and requiring full recyclability by 2030 with clearer sorting labels. Heatwave Emergency in the UK: Andy Burnham chairs a Cobra meeting as Britain faces its fifth heatwave, drought and hundreds of wildfires, with water restrictions looming for millions. Spain Eclipse Meets Fire Risk: Spain braces for a surge of eclipse tourists with 350 official viewing sites and access limits to reduce wildfire ignition during extreme heat. Wildfire Monitoring from Space: ESA Copernicus imagery shows major burn scars in southwestern France, underlining how satellites track fast-moving fires. Nuclear Cooling Disrupted by Jellyfish: EDF shut down three reactors at Gravelines in northern France after jellyfish clogged cooling pumps, cutting output at another unit. Water Stress in Switzerland/Italy: Switzerland will temporarily send more water from Lake Lugano to Italy for 10 days to support rice-growing areas, easing drought impacts. Sweden Mining Greenlight: Sweden’s government backs Boliden’s Laver copper mine project, aiming to reduce Europe’s import dependence. Aviation Tech Push: A Swiss hydrogen aircraft project highlights the storage challenge of liquid hydrogen at -253°C as Europe seeks lower-carbon aviation.