Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa

Greenpeace Aotearoa has joined a complaint to the EU, lodged by EU-based organisation Both ENDS, over New Zealand’s failure to comply with clauses in the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement requiring strong climate action.

Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman says, “The New Zealand Government has spent the last three years systematically undermining climate and environment laws and regulations in our country, often with the explicit stated purpose of gaining trade benefits.”

“We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis, and the UN is warning that we are set to breach 1.5℃ of global temperature rise. We need urgent action to cut climate pollution rapidly, but the Government has instead spent the last three years engaged in a race to the bottom on environmental regulation – and that’s why we have co-sponsored this complaint.”

Norman says that this action comes after years of good-faith engagement with the New Zealand Government.

“Over the last three years we have met with the Prime Minister, Ministers and senior officials on many occasions to urge them to change course and to warn them that they were breaching the sustainability chapter of the free trade agreement with the European Union. We have mobilised people to sign petitions, we’ve made submissions against their legislation, we’ve marched in the streets, and more. But this Government has not listened.”

“Hence today we are joining this complaint in the hope that the risk of losing preferential trade access to the EU market will encourage the New Zealand Government to change course. Sadly it seems that money is the only language they understand.”

The EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2023, requires both parties to ‘effectively implement the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, including commitments with regard to nationally determined contributions’, and ‘to refrain from any action or omission that materially defeats the object and purpose of the Paris Agreement.’

Dr Norman says, “We need to act collectively as a global community to achieve our climate and environmental objectives, yet the New Zealand Government has consistently and deliberately undermined global efforts, and undermined the Paris climate agreement in particular.”

“Whatever the outcome of the New Zealand general election in November, we need to insist that the next New Zealand Government rejoins the nations of the world that take their climate and environment responsibilities seriously.”

The Both ENDS complaint identifies several areas of concern as evidence of a breach of the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement, including:

1. The reversal of the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration
2. The weakening of the biogenic methane target
3. The removal of the ETS backstop for agricultural emissions, and refusal to price agricultural emissions at all.
4. The Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Act, which retroactively prevents legal action against climate-polluting companies.
5. A failure to set ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as required under the Paris Agreement

The Both ENDS complaint is co-sponsored by the following New Zealand organisations and individuals: the Environmental Law Initiative, Greenpeace Aotearoa, Ngāti Pūkenga Iwi ki Tauranga Trust, OraTaiao: New Zealand Climate and Health Council, Mike Smith, and Professor Emeritus Jane Kelsey.

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Source: Save the Children

Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have swept away houses and buildings in Western Nepal, forcing nearly 750 families to leave their homes and killing more than 20 people, according to the government.

The floods and landslides come just a month after flash floods tore through Northern Nepal, killing at least 1,400 people with about 5,700 still missing.

Save the Children in Nepal is working with partners to distribute emergency aid including shelter kits, comprising tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats and rope, and hygiene kits to the affected areas.

Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children in Nepal, said:

“Children are extremely anxious. They saw the devastating destruction in Northern Nepal one month ago, and are now seeing their homes being washed away.

“Floods in Nepal are crippling livelihoods, disrupting education and causing fear for children who need security and safety.

“The heavy rain is forcing children and their families to flee to higher ground or move into emergency shelters. Roads and bridges have been damaged, hampering efforts to reach communities.

“Save the Children is working with partners to deliver essential aid to people who have been displaced, including shelter and hygiene kits, in the first phase of the response, but, as we have seen before, their needs will be long-term.”

In areas impacted by the massive flash floods on 26 August in Northern Nepal, Save the Children has so far reached more than 7,500 people, including about 2,300 children, with emergency assistance and support.

The humanitarian and child rights organisation has set up child-friendly and temporary learning spaces, providing children with a safe place to play and learn, and is working alongside local authorities and partners to strengthen protection measures including increased monitoring and surveillance, including at checkpoints, and access to psychosocial support and case management services for children and their families.

Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The child rights organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition and child poverty.

New Zealanders wanting to support Save the Children’s emergency response in Nepal can donate here: https://childrens-emergency-fund-colombia.savethechildren.org.nz/

About Save the Children NZ

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Global Sumud Flotilla

As Tunisian authorities refuse to disclose Naouar’s condition, prominent international artists, public figures and human rights advocates unite to demand the immediate release of the ‘Sumud 4’ and an end to the criminalization of Palestine solidarity.

Sept 23, 2026

TUNIS / INTERNATIONAL – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has issued an emergency alert following the critical hospitalization of steering committee member Wael Naouar, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike for nearly 40 days in Mornaguia Prison.

Tunisian authorities are now maintaining a complete information blackout, refusing to provide any update regarding Naouar’s medical state or the circumstances surrounding his emergency transfer. The alarming silence comes as dozens of high-profile artists, legal scholars, and political leaders— including climate activist Greta Thunberg, anti-apartheid leader Chief Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, actor Liam Cunningham, and legal commentator Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu —launched an open letter urging the Tunisian government to immediately free Naouar and his three co-defendants.

“Wael Naouar’s life and health are the direct responsibility of the authorities holding him in custody,” stated the Global Sumud Flotilla. “This worrying silence and the total refusal to provide information to his family or legal team raise serious concerns for his safety. We hold the President of the Republic, the General Directorate of Prisons and Rehabilitation, and the Ministry of Justice fully responsible for his life and for any harm that may befall him.”

Naouar launched his hunger strike on August 16 to protest his prolonged detention without trial. On September 10, fellow GSF organizers Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan El Henchiri, and Ghassan El Boughdiri joined the open-ended hunger strike just before the a Tunisian court extended their pretrial detention by four months despite a complete absence of credible evidence. All four men have been held for more than six months for helping coordinate a non-violent civilian aid mission to Gaza.

In their open letter, titled “FREE THE SUMUD 4,” the signatories declare:

“A man has been on hunger strike for more than a month in a Tunisian prison because he refuses to accept that solidarity with Palestine is a crime. His heart could stop at any moment… Tunisia has long stood with the Palestinian people and resisted colonialism. We ask its government to remember that history, and to act before another prisoner pays with his life.”

Prominent Signatories Leading the Global Demand:

• Greta Thunberg , Climate activist and international civil disobedience leader.
• Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela , Chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, anti-apartheid advocate, and grandson of Nelson Mandela.
• Kneecap , Acclaimed Irish hip-hop trio and cultural activists.
• Liam Cunningham , International actor ( Game of Thrones ) and human rights advocate.
• Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu , Prominent lawyer, author, and political commentator.
• Tiz Zaqyah Razak , Award-winning Malaysian actress and public figure.

“We know the power of a voice, a name, a stage, an audience,” the signatories state in the collective declaration. “A man has been on hunger strike for more than a month in a Tunisian prison because he refuses to accept that solidarity with Palestine is a crime. His heart could stop at any moment… From Palestine to Tunisia, from the prison cell to the street, people should not be prosecuted for refusing to accept injustice.”

The open letter outlines four non-negotiable demands:

• The immediate and unconditional release of the Sumud 4.
• Immediate urgent medical care for Wael Naouar and all hunger-striking organizers.
• The dismissal of all charges against all GSF organizers.
• The removal of arbitrary restrictions imposed on previously released GSF organizers.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reiterates that civil society movements, human rights defenders, and cultural leaders worldwide will not sit idly by while civilian organizers face political imprisonment for coordinating peaceful efforts to challenge israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird

Thirty Five thousand have gathered in Auckland’s Albert Park this afternoon to march down Queen Street to protest the Government’s controversial Conservation Amendment Bill.

Speaking from the protest, Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman said, “We are part of nature, not separate from it. An attack on nature is an attack on all of us. It needs to stop.”

“If Luxon wants a fight over conservation land, he has one. This huge turnout today shows people are not prepared to stand by while a government tries to rewrite conservation law to make those places easier to exploit.”

“Today’s March for Nature is an unmistakable warning to the Coalition Government. Luxon should look at the thousands of people filling Auckland’s streets today and read the room. Bin the Bill, keep your hands off conservation land, and leave it protected for generations to come.”

Forest & Bird’s Richard Capie, also speaking from the protest, said “Today’s march shows just how deeply people care about our unique creatures and incredible wild places. Nature brings New Zealanders together – there is no more powerful unifying force in Aotearoa than te taiao.

“The message to every political party from the people of New Zealand is clear: if you stand up for nature, we will stand with you. But if you sell off our conservation land, weaken environmental protections, or put short-term profit ahead of our future, we will not stand by and let it happen.”

Other speakers included Augusta Macassey-Piccard of Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, Gabrielle Brayne of Anti-War Aotearoa, Aigagalefili Fepulea’i-Tapua’i (Fili) of Aotearoa Climate Action Network, and Māori activist Mike Smith.

Norman says, “Conservation land is part of who we are in Aotearoa. But the Conservation Amendment Bill would open the door to more mining, more commercial exploitation and degradation of the wildlife and places we all love.

“Today, thousands of people from all walks of life have come together to say that we will not stand for this. Together, we will fight this rotten Bill every step of the way until it is dead and buried.”

The protest, organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird, is backed by over 30 civil society groups, including unions, environmental charities, scientific societies, ratepayer associations and outdoor recreation groups. They include the PSA, NZEI and Unite Union, the NZ Botanical Society, Environmental Law Initiative, Mindful Money, and Athletes for Nature.

Capie says, “Aotearoa New Zealand – our mountains, oceans, rivers, forests, and landscapes – are like nowhere else on earth. They are home to iconic native species that exist only here. New Zealanders are rightly incredibly proud of te taiao and we share a deep sense of aroha for the environment. Conservation land, our wildlife and wild places, are taonga, a treasure. They must be looked after for future generations.

“So, when these places are put at risk, New Zealanders stand up and say no. That is the message I’ve heard over and over again today – protect te taiao – hands off our conservation land.”

The march will leave Albert Park at 1:30pm and travel down Queen Street, before arriving in Te Komitititanga Square. Greenpeace and Forest & Bird are urging participants to enrol to vote, with the election in seven weeks.

Greenpeace – Updated numbers: 35k marched for nature

Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa

More than 35 thousand people joined today’s march for nature, to demand that the Government scrap the Conservation Amendment Bill.

The march was organised by Greenpeace and Forest & Bird, who are particularly concerned that the Bill will allow commercial exploitation of conservation land.

Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Russel Norman says “If Luxon wants a fight over conservation land, he has one. This huge turnout today shows people are not prepared to stand by while a government tries to rewrite conservation law to make those places easier to exploit.”

Forest & Bird Group Manager Policy & Advocacy Richard Capie says “The message to every political party from the people of New Zealand is clear: if you stand up for nature, we will stand with you. But if you sell off our conservation land, weaken environmental protections, or put short-term profit ahead of our future, we will not stand by and let it happen.”

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Save the Children New Zealand

Young people from across Aotearoa will come together in Auckland this Saturday, 19 September, for Aotearoa Youth COP 2026, a day of workshops, guest speakers, activities, and discussion focused on climate action and the issues young people want decision-makers to hear.

Hosted by Save the Children New Zealand as part of its Generation Hope youth programme, the event will bring together rangatahi aged 14 to 20 to learn more about climate change, connect with other young people, and explore how they can help shape the decisions affecting their future.

This year’s event will feature multiple workshops covering different areas of climate action, guest speakers sharing their experiences and expertise, and a range of stalls where participants can learn more about organisations, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.

Throughout the day, young people will be encouraged to share their own experiences, priorities, and ideas, building their knowledge and developing skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, and advocacy.

A key focus of the event will be the development of an Aotearoa Youth Climate Statement, bring together the views and recommendations of young people taking part.

The statement will reflect the climate issues rangatahi want leaders to prioritise and will be formally handed over to the New Zealand Government ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, helping ensure young people’s perspectives are part of wider climate discussions.

Generation Hope Ambassador Betty, 18, says Youth COP gives young people an important opportunity to connect with others who care about climate action and have their views taken seriously.

“Having lived in weather event-prone areas all my life, climate change is something our generation is going to live with for the rest of our lives. We are the “now” that needs to be part of the conversations and decisions surrounding this issue.

“Youth COP is a platform to turn our concerns about climate issues into practical action along with other young people.”

Generation Hope Ambassador Brayden, 16, says the event will give rangatahi the chance to hear from a range of people working on climate issues while developing their own ideas about what needs to change.

“There are so many different parts to climate action, and it can sometimes be hard to know where you fit into it or how you can make a difference.

“Youth COP is a chance for young people to come together, hear different perspectives, ask questions and have our own voices heard. For me, it’s about becoming a more informed citizen and making sure those who make decisions on behalf of young people understand what matters most to our generation – because we are the ones who will have to live with the decisions being made today.”

Save the Children New Zealand Programme and Advocacy Director, Jacqui Southey, says meaningful youth participation is an important part of climate action, particularly because children and young people are already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis.

“The climate crisis is already affecting children around the world, including their health, education, homes, food security, and safety, while many of the decisions being made today will shape the world young people inherit.

“Youth COP gives rangatahi a chance to deepen their understanding of climate issues, test their ideas, and work together on the issues that matter to them. Young people have a right to be heard on decisions that affect their lives, and they bring valuable perspectives and solutions to the table.”

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Four Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel from Auckland, Dunedin, Ōmokoroa, and Richmond were presented with King’s Birthday Honours by the Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington today.

Fire and Emergency Board Chair Raveen Jaduram was pleased to be part of the Fire and Emergency Royal Honours luncheon, held at Parliament following the investiture ceremony, celebrating the recipients and their well-deserved recognition.

“Our people being honoured today have made outstanding contributions across Fire and Emergency, as well as fostering strong connections within their communities.”

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements. We thank them for the lasting contribution they have made in service to Fire and Emergency and to Aotearoa New Zealand. Their communities are stronger because of their work.”

An additional two King’s Service Medal recipients, Ralph Pitcher and Graeme Kates, will be attending ceremonies to receive their awards later in September and October.

Congratulations to the recipients:

Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga Esitone) PAUGA, appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga has served for more than 40 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the preceding New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS).

Mr Pauga became a career firefighter in 1981 and served until retirement in 2025. He was an operational firefighter for 32 years before attaining the role of Assistant Commander in 2013 and Area Commander in 2015, latterly holding roles with Fire and Emergency national headquarters. He co-founded Afi Pasefika (Pacific Fire) in 1996, an initiative which has become an important part of the People Led Network and Pacific representation and advocacy within Fire and Emergency. Under his guidance Afi Pasefika has grown into a national network of career and volunteer firefighters, support personnel, and executive officers. The network works closely with Pacific communities to deliver fire safety messages, foster recruitment, and provide career advice for Pacific personnel. He was the Fire and Emergency representative on the Te Kiwi Māia Advisory Group from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has enabled firefighters and their family to access specialised wellness and recovery support. He has strengthened the relationship between Fire and Emergency and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, establishing collaborative initiatives to enhance operational capability. Mr Pauga led a team of firefighters to Samoa as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.

Ms Michele Margot POOLE, appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Ms Michele Poole has contributed to emergency responses across New Zealand for more than 30 years.

Ms Poole is currently a Senior Regional Communications and Engagement Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She is a member of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Emergency Management Assistance Team, the Fire and Emergency Urban Search and Rescue Command and Technical Support team, and the Maritime New Zealand National Oil Spill Response team. She represents Fire and Emergency on the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Public Information and Warnings Group. She has developed and implemented Fire and Emergency’s Emergency Strategic Communications capability. She trains and supports Public Information Management around New Zealand and has built capability in emergency communication across the public communications sector and in local government. She was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand chapter of Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) and chaired the New Zealand EMPA Conference from 2014 to 2021. She has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most significant emergency responses including the 2011 Christchurch and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes, Whakaari/White Island eruption in 2019, and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. She has been deployed to major emergency responses in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. For her contributions to emergency communications, Ms Poole was made a Fellow of EMPA.

Mr Ian John BLUNT, awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt has contributed more than 40 years to community service and leadership, primarily through Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Mr Blunt joined Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1984, progressing from Station Officer in 1988 to current Chief Fire Officer since 2002. He has played a key role in regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation by forging effective partnerships between Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Coastguard, and local Bay of Plenty organisations. In 2015, he pioneered the establishment of New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, separate from the firefighting team. This innovation now supports approximately 300 calls annually and is recognised nationally. He has ensured sustainable funding for the station through community and corporate partnerships, enabling the acquisition of vehicles and equipment without requiring members to fundraise. As a long-time member, Chair and Course Superintendent of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, he has used his own equipment and time to improve the grounds and infrastructure. He has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, serving as Commodore and ensuring ongoing emergency response collaboration to enhance community safety. Mr Blunt has been involved in Ōmokoroa Point School fundraising activities as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and through the Fire Brigade.

Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD, awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the dairy industry.

Mr Ted Ford has served the Appleby community over 36 years as a volunteer firefighter and is a prominent member of the Jersey farming industry.

Mr Ford was an inaugural member of the Appleby Volunteer Rural Fire Force in 1988 and was instrumental in its transition to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2017. He worked as a training coordinator and vehicle and equipment coordinator. He has had a long involvement with the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, becoming Vice President in 2018, and President from 2019 to 2021. He continues to serve as a committee member, focusing on the care and maintenance of the Association’s 100-acre park. He has volunteered with local and national Jersey groups and is a Jersey New Zealand Regional Ambassador for the Upper South Island. He was a committee member for the planning and presentation of the Top of the South New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. He was Chair for the Top of the South Agricultural Industry Training Organisation and offered training on his farm to develop cadets’ practical and theoretical farming knowledge. Mr Ford was Chair of the Appleby School Committee from 1985 to 1987 and continues to support the school with educational farming visits.

Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to conservation and the community.

Mr Graeme Kates has played a significant role in the protection of native biodiversity in the Arthur’s Pass region for more than 31 years.

In 2003, Mr Kates privately funded extensive stoat and rat traps within the Bealey Valley, a conservation initiative which led to the foundation of the Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust (APWT). With the APWT, he undertook initial work to protect the Great Spotted Kiwi in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where his subsequent research and data collection led to improved knowledge of the species. He helped install 106 kilometres of trap line and coordinates the volunteers that service them, resulting in over eight thousand predator species caught within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. He created and maintains a website that updates the public on track and mountain conditions, weather stations and webcams within Arthur’s Pass National Park. As an experienced mountaineer, he wrote ‘Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers’, published by the New Zealand Alpine Club. He voluntarily controls invasive weed species and is largely responsible for the eradication of lupins in the Bealey Valley. Mr Kates also volunteered for Arthur’s Pass LandSAR, and served for more than 29 years with the Arthur’s Pass Volunteer Fire Brigade, including five years as Fire Controller and 17 years as Deputy Fire Controller.

Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.

Mr Ralph Pitcher has served the Whangamatā community for more than 60 years.

Mr Pitcher has been a volunteer firefighter since 1965, still actively serving as part of the Whangamatā Fire Brigade. He assisted with major equipment and building changes to the Brigade and has mentored generations of firefighters. He is founding member, President, and committee member of the Moana House retirement home, where he was integral to the completion of the Wilson Wing Hospital, and five low-cost housing cottages for pensioners. He has served for more than 48 years with the Whangamatā Lions Club, including 15 years as President. He served on several committees and manages the Charitable Trust responsible for dispersing funds to community organisations. He is Trustee of Lions Investment Golf Club, committee member of the Williamson Golf Club and was involved in the establishment of Titoki Golf Club. He was a volunteer ambulance officer and later became Chair of St John’s Whangamatā Ambulance Service. He was a committee member of the Whangamatā Club for 15 years. He was President and was founding member of the Whangamatā Sports Centre and Squash Club, contributing significantly towards the Club’s redevelopment. Mr Pitcher volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver.

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Eco-Business

UNDP and Eco-Business also announced a new partnership – Unlocking AI for Sustainability – advancing AI governance and sustainable deployment of the technology.

Singapore, 11 September: Energy security and climate resilience must be treated as value drivers, not compliance costs, regional leaders said at the flagship Unlocking capital for sustainability (https://www.unlockingcapitalforsustainability.com/singapore/2026) summit in Singapore yesterday, calling for harmonised rules to channel capital into Asia’s underfunded energy transition and adaptation priorities.

Geopolitical conflicts and supply shocks have strengthened the urgency of the energy transition, especially in import-dependent Asia. Yet fragmented regulations and technical standards continue to constrain investment at scale.

In Asean alone, the region will need US$1.3 trillion by 2030 and US$11.9 trillion by 2050 (https://aseanenergy.org/blogs/how-can-asean-close-its-energy-investment-gap-to-foster-its-energy-transition) to finance the clean energy transition – but the region lacks the regulatory coherence to mobilise this capital efficiently.

In a keynote dialogue, Jeffrey Siow, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance for Singapore, said the energy transition in Singapore is especially constrained by the energy trilemma of ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply in the country.

“Our approach here is to create options as early as possible, and when some of these options become economically viable, we will scale them,” he said in a fireside chat moderated by Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

This includes the Asean Power Grid (APG) but progress hinges on resolving cross-border technical and infrastructure needs.

Siow said the major obstacle to accelerating the APG is regulation as Asean lacks a “unified framework for cross-border electricity”.

“As of now, domestic regulations differ in every country… It’s a patchwork at the moment which is not very helpful. The other constraints are export license durations and the lack of clear norms around how to inspect, maintain and repair subway cables, for instance.”

To accelerate deployment, Singapore and Thailand, as Asean chairs for 2027 and 2028 respectively, will aggressively push APG deployment. Singapore will lead the work on the Asean submarine power cable development framework and address hurdles in the bankability of energy trading projects, Siow said.

Adaptation finance gap widens as risks mount

Beyond mitigation, adaptation and resilience are critical as Asia warms at twice the global average, exposing economies to operational, credit and social risks.

Yet Asia accounts for an estimated 75 per cent of the global climate adaptation finance gap (https://www.temasektrust.org.sg/newsroom/new-CIIP-report-climate-adaptation-and-resilience-solutions-for-asia), with only US$19 billion (9.5 per cent) of the region’s US$200 billion in annual needs currently met. In this scenario, Asian companies could face US$336 billion in annual climate-related costs.

“There’s clearly a recognition of the importance of adaptation resilience, but there are some problems for accessing the finance. It’s not a cost – it’s an investment,” Edward Vrkić, Resident Representative for UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, said in his keynote address.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Eco-Business also announced a new partnership – Unlocking AI for Sustainability, a new initiative building on the success of Unlocking capital for sustainability.

The platform will bring together thought leadership and convenings to advance five priorities across the region: sustainable AI infrastructure; the use of AI for climate, energy and environmental action; AI’s role in mobilising finance and investment; stronger supply-chain resilience; and AI safety and governance.

Igniting capital, powering progress

Organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative, and co-located for the first time with AT ONE IMPACT WEEK 2026 (https://impactweek.com/), the 2026 edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability – Singapore convened more than 300 delegates from government, finance and industry under the theme of “Igniting capital, powering progress”.

“Asia Pacific sits at the centre of the global climate finance gap. Beyond mitigation, adaptation needs here are rising faster than almost anywhere else, yet the communities most exposed to these remain largely outside the financial system altogether,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO, Eco-Business said.

“As weak local interventions, missing data on climate vulnerable borrowers, investors who are still unfamiliar with adaptation as an asset class and simply too few finance professionals fluent in both climate science and inclusive finance, and so this financing gap is widening exactly the time where our region needs it the most,” she added.

The sustainable finance forum also marked the launch of 2027 edition of The Liveability Challenge (TLC), Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform, which announced a record of over S$5.5 million in catalytic funding to invest in and subsequently scale the next groundbreaking solutions for urban liveability.

Going into its 10th year, and presented by Temasek Foundation, the global crowdfunding platform announced a new Oceans theme where, with the support of co-presenter Asia Ocean Fund, it will seek out pioneering solutions across areas such as maritime and energy and ocean data and intelligence.

Together with the Decarbonisation and Cool Earth themes, these deep-tech solutions are timely as global warming continues to rise, while ocean health and marine ecosystems come under increasing environmental pressures.

“As we mark the 10th edition of TLC, Temasek Foundation remains committed to catalysing greater support for solutions with the potential to scale, reflected in a record funding pool of more than S$5.5 million. The addition of a new Oceans theme, with Asia Ocean Fund coming onboard, also broadens our focus to an area critical to Asia’s climate resilience,” said Heng Li Lang, Head, Climate and Liveability, Temasek Foundation.

The Singapore edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability was also supported by key business partners such as United Overseas Bank (UOB), City Developments Limited (CDL), BDO Unibank, CapitaLand Investment and OCBC Bank, covering a wide range of issues from closing Asia’s adaptation investment gap to pricing nature risks and addressing the climate-human health nexus and more. (see Appendix for partner quotes).

In partnership with Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the forum also hosted closed-door briefing which saw focused on the policy and regulatory constraints to mobilising and allocating climate capital through a new report (https://www.sei.org/publications/policy-barriers-climate-finance-asia-case-studies/), as well as the Regional Adaptation Investment Facility (RAIF) – a regional financing scheme to de-risk and catalyse climate adaptation finance for vulnerable communities.

Unlocking capital for sustainability is hosted in six markets across Asia in 2026. In addition to Singapore, the flagship forum was hosted in Jakarta in June, Kuala Lumpur in July, Manila in August and it will be hosted in Bangkok in September as well as in Hong Kong in November.

Appendix

Melissa Moi, Head of Sustainable Business, Group Corporate Sustainability Office, UOB:

“As climate risks intensify across Asia Pacific, financing for adaptation and resilience will need to scale rapidly as they are critical elements that shape business continuity, supply chain resilience and future growth. We will continue to help advance the conversation on how adaptation and resilience can become a mainstream investment priority across the region. By strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors, developing common standards and scaling innovative financing solutions, more capital can be unlocked to address a broad range of resilience challenges, including water security.”

Mike Ng, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, OCBC:

“Recent geopolitical conflicts and the growing frequency of natural disasters have reinforced why sustainability and the energy transition remain more important than ever. Energy security, resilience and sustainability have become inextricably linked. Building resilient, low-carbon energy systems is no longer solely about decarbonisation, it is also critical for strengthening the ability of economies and communities to mitigate climate and energy-related risks. Our partnership with Eco-Business reflects our shared commitment to mobilising capital at scale, to help businesses and countries translate sustainability ambitions into impact.”

Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited:

“The line between land and ocean is an illusion; our survival and our supply chains are completely interdependent. As Dr Sylvia Earle famously said, ‘No water, no life. No blue, no green.’ The built environment has a critical role to play, we must shift from just ‘minimising harm’ to actively restoring marine life through superior design, circularity and nature-based solutions. The next chapter of Asian leadership requires businesses to look past short-term trade-offs, be bold and co-create ‘Blue Alpha’ in addition to ‘Green Alpha’, where financial performance and ecological regeneration thrive together. Unlocking investment in the blue economy is the ultimate economic opportunity of our decade to solidify long-term resilience and scale cross-sector growth.”

Andrew Jasudasen, Chief Sustainability and Sustainable Investments Officer, CapitaLand Investment:

“As climate risks intensify, the built environment has a critical role to play in strengthening climate resilience and safeguarding human well-being. As a leading global real asset manager with a strong foothold in Asia, CapitaLand Investment believes that responsible capital stewardship and sustainable real assets can deliver lasting value for both communities and stakeholders. To accelerate progress, we need stronger partnerships, innovative solutions and scalable financing mechanisms that can bridge ambition with implementation, taking into consideration real world constraints. Platforms such as Unlocking capital for sustainability help bring together policymakers, investors and industry leaders to catalyse meaningful action and mobilise capital at scale.”

About Eco-Business

Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading business intelligence and advisory platform dedicated to advancing sustainable development. We produce trusted, high-quality multimedia content exploring the world’s most pressing challenges–and the solutions driving change. Our work is aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supported by a 15-year archive of news, analysis, research, and events on sustainable development topics. Headquartered in Singapore, we have a presence in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, and London.

For more information, visit www.eco-business.com (https://www.eco-business.com/)

UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative

UNEP Finance Initiative brings together a large network of banks, insurers and investors that collectively catalyses action across the financial system to deliver more sustainable global economies.

For more than 30 years the initiative has been connecting the UN with financial institutions from around the world to shape the sustainable finance agenda. We’ve established the world’s foremost sustainability frameworks that help the finance industry address global environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges.

Convened by a Geneva, Switzerland-based secretariat, more than 500 banks and insurers with assets exceeding US$170 trillion work together to facilitate the implementation of UNEP FI’s Principles for Responsible Banking and Principles for Sustainable Insurance, as well as three UN-convened net-zero alliances. Financial institutions work with UNEP FI on a voluntary basis and we help them to apply the industry frameworks and develop practical guidance and tools to position their businesses for the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Founded in 1992, UNEP FI was the first organisation to engage the finance sector on sustainability and incubated the Principles for Responsible Investment, now the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment.

Today, we cultivate leadership and advance sustainable market practice while supporting the implementation of global programmes at a regional level across Africa & the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean and North America.

For more information, visit https://www.unepfi.org/ (https://www.unepfi.org/)

About Unlocking capital for sustainability

Unlocking capital for sustainability is an annual flagship event organised by Eco-Business in partnership with UNEP FI that brings together high-level decision makers in finance, business, government and civic society to discuss and commit to actionable initiatives that mobilise the capital markets for sustainable development projects. Our full list of knowledge partners – past and present – can be found on our website: www.unlockingcapitalforsustainability.com (https://www.unlockingcapitalforsustainability.com/)

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Messe Essen GmbH

Essen, 8 September 2026

The international defence industry trade fair

Civilian and military experts share their knowledge

When the international defence industry comes together for the first time at the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September 2026, the focus will not be limited to technologies and solutions. With the ‘EUDEX Conference by CPM’, the trade fair will feature an exclusive conference format that addresses current security policy challenges and, in particular, highlights cooperation between military and civilian stakeholders. The conference will take place on 22 and 23 September, running alongside the trade fair, and is organised by CPM Verlag.

More than 350 exhibitors from 19 countries are expected to attend the premiere of EUDEX. As a new international trade fair for the defence industry, it brings together companies, procurement organisations, the Bundeswehr, government agencies and other stakeholders in the security and defence sector. The event gains a distinctive profile by being held concurrently with Security Essen. This brings civilian and military security together in a shared exhibition environment—two sectors whose challenges, technologies and solutions are increasingly overlapping.

Think civil and military security together

It is precisely these interfaces that are at the heart of the EUDEX Conference by CPM. Over the course of two days, high-ranking representatives from the Bundeswehr, politics, public administration, industry, the healthcare sector and civil protection will discuss how Germany can strengthen its defence capabilities and the resilience of society as a whole. The range of topics extends from civil-military cooperation and developments in military strategy, through crisis prevention and healthcare, to innovations in security preparedness and NBC protection.

The event kicks off on 22 September with a keynote address by Retired Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, former Inspector General of the Army. Under the title ‘Rethinking Total Defence’, he will focus on civil-military cooperation as a precondition for national resilience. The programme will then go on to explore, amongst other things, the potential that civilian and military actors can unlock for one another and how cooperation must work in real life in the case of an emergency. Participants in the panel discussions include State Secretary Paul Höller from the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy; Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, Commander of Air Component Command; and Udo Schröder-Hörster, full-time member of the regional executive board of Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V., North Rhine-Westphalia regional association.

From NATO strategy to crisis management: a focus on resilience

On the second day of the conference, the focus will be, as well as other topics, on NATO’s military-strategic development, healthcare provision in times of crisis, and cooperation between the state and industry in the field of security prevention. Speakers will include, for example, retired Air Force Lieutenant General Jürgen Knappe, former Commander of the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command; Gerd Friedsam, former President of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief; and Niklas Kull, Head of Development & Testing at Kärcher Futuretech GmbH.

Julia Jacob, Head of Project at Euro Defence Expo: “The current challenges show very clearly that civil and military security can no longer be considered in isolation from one another. This is precisely where EUDEX comes in. Together with Security Essen, we are creating a space where stakeholders from both sectors can meet, learn from one another and identify specific areas of overlap. The EUDEX Conference by CPM brings this vision to the fore and offers our trade visitors further opportunities for discussion, networking and new approaches to solutions.”

Free to attend – advance registration required

The full programme for the EUDEX Conference by CPM, including all topics, speakers and times, is available on the EUDEX website at https://www.eurodefenceexpo.de. Attendance at the conference is free of charge for registered EUDEX visitors. Advance registration is required to visit the trade fair. Important: A ticket for the Security Essen event, which is taking place at the same time, does not grant access to EUDEX.

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Source: Greenpeace

More than 30 organisations have united behind the upcoming March for Nature in Auckland, where thousands are expected to take to Queen Street in opposition to the Government’s plans to open up public conservation land to commercial exploitation.

The organisations backing the march span unions, environmental charities, scientific societies, ratepayer associations and outdoor recreation groups. They include the PSA, NZEI and Unite Unions, the NZ Botanical Society, Environmental Law Initiative, Mindful Money, and Athletes for Nature.

Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says the breadth of support shows how deeply people across Aotearoa care about nature – and how united they are in opposing the Government’s Conservation Amendment Bill.

“Unions, scientists, environmental groups, outdoor organisations and local communities are united and are coming together to say enough is enough. Public conservation land must remain protected for nature and for future generations.”

“We may come from all walks of life, but we are united by a simple truth: people in Aotearoa care deeply about the ancient forests, wild landscapes and pristine waters of this country and we will stand together to protect them.”

Greenpeace is particularly concerned about proposed section 6A of the Conservation Amendment Bill, which would require the Conservation Act to enable commercial development on conservation land ‘to the greatest extent practicable’.

“No one wants to see ancient trees felled to make way for carparks, or their favourite hunting area turned into an open-cast mine. No one wants to see wild and remote beaches ruined by tacky hotels. But that is the kind of exploitation this Bill could enable,” says Toop.

“We’re talking about some of the most spectacular places in Aotearoa – places like Rangitoto, Cathedral Cove, Mount Taranaki and Milford Sound. These places should be protected for nature, not opened up to greater commercial exploitation.

“This Government may have hoped that by moving fast enough, on enough fronts in its war on nature, people would become overwhelmed and give up. But the opposite is happening.”

“People understand what is at stake. Generations have fought to keep these places wild, for the wildlife that depends on them and for those who come after us. That’s why so many organisations from across society are coming together to march against this Bill.”

Toop says people in Aotearoa have fought a similar battle before – and won.

“In 2010, when the John Key Government proposed opening Schedule 4 conservation land to mining, 40,000 people marched down Queen Street. Faced with overwhelming public opposition, the Government backed down.

“Sixteen years later, we are having to come back to Queen Street to defend these places again. And once again, we are seeing people from all walks of life coming together again to say: hands off conservation land.”

The march – spearheaded by Greenpeace and Forest & Bird – begins at 1pm in Albert Park Auckland on Saturday the 19th of September. More information on the march can be found at marchfornature.nz.

Notes

March for Nature endorsing organisations

• Greenpeace Aotearoa
• Forest and Bird
• Public Servants Association (PSA)
• New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI)
• New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union (NZPFU)
• Unite Union Manatōpū
• Environmental Law Initiative
• WWF
• 350 Aotearoa
• Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM)
• Mindful Money
• ActionStation
• NZ Botanical Society
• Athletes for Nature
• Endangered Species Foundation
• Climate Liberation Aotearoa
• Anti-War Aotearoa
• Ngā Haumi
• Environmental and Conservation Organisations (ECO)
• Common Grace Aotearoa
• Zero Waste Aotearoa
• Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
• Extinction Rebellion
• The Tree Council
• Coalition Against the Fast Track (CAFT)
• Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers
• Protect Our Winters Aotearoa
• Peace Movement Aotearoa
• Ora Taiao: Aotearoa NZ Climate and Health Council
• Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign on Military Spending
• Beautification Trust
• Maui & Hector’s Dolphin Defenders
• Ekos

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Sustainable Business Council

New Zealand should remain committed to tackling climate change and focus on the economic opportunities of transitioning to a low-emissions economy, Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) CEO Mike Burrell said today as he opened the 18th Climate Change & Business Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Addressing delegates at Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier climate and business event, Mr Burrell said that while the international climate system is imperfect, it has changed the global trajectory and maintaining New Zealand’s commitments and credibility on the world stage is more important than ever.

“In 2015, the world was heading towards 3 to 3.5 degrees of warming this century – a potentially catastrophic path. Thanks to the commitments Paris inspired, today we are on a trajectory of around 2.2 to 2.8 degrees.

That is still far too high. But it represents a reduction of almost one degree on where we thought we would end up.”

Mr Burrell said trust and credibility were critical assets for a small, trade-dependent nation navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

“When we make international commitments, whether on trade, security or climate change, other countries need to know that our word means something.”

“Because if we expect others to honour the commitments that matter to us, we have to honour the commitments we make to them.”

Mr Burrell said climate change remains one of the defining long-term challenges facing New Zealand and the world. While businesses and governments are navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change, he said the need to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience has not diminished.

“If we want a say in the global future being created, we have to help shape it. That means credible action at home. And it means using our influence internationally to turn difficult conversations into practical progress.”

Held under the theme Building Momentum. Driving Change., the two-day conference has brought together around 500 business, government, iwi and community leaders in Auckland, with a further 50 participants attending via a satellite hub in Christchurch and additional delegates joining online.

The conference is jointly delivered by the Sustainable Business Council, Climate Leaders Coalition and the Environmental Defence Society.

Mr Burrell said responding to climate change is not only about managing risk, but also about positioning New Zealand to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

Alongside discussions on adaptation, resilience, energy, innovation and the global climate outlook, SBC and CLC will also lead a plenary session later today examining the economic opportunities available to New Zealand through the transition to a low-emissions economy.

The session will draw on the organisations’ Driving Sustainable Growth report which quantifies the economic opportunity in transitioning to an innovation and productivity-led economy, underpinned by affordable and plentiful renewable energy, and 2026 Election Policy Priorities, which calls for durable policy settings that support long-term investment, productivity growth and emissions reduction.

About SBC 

The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) is a CEO-led membership organisation with around 120 businesses from all sectors, ambitious for a sustainable New Zealand. Members represent $170 billion of collective turnover, 38% of GDP, and nearly 255,000 full-time jobs. Our network gives members unparalleled influence and the ability to take large-scale collective action. SBC is part of the BusinessNZ network and is the New Zealand Global Network partner to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. www.sbc.org.nz

About CLC

The Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) was launched in July 2018 with a mission of having business CEOs leading the response to climate change through collective, transparent, and meaningful action on mitigation and adaptation. Coalition signatories collectively represent around 28% of GDP, employ around 8% of NZ’s full-time employees, and have a collective turnover of $126 billion. To be a signatory, organisations are held to account for delivering on commitments outlined by a ‘Statement of Ambition’. www.climateleaderscoalition.org.nz

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BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2026 – ECOVACS has been named the global No.1 home robotics brand in a newly released research report by Forbes China, which recognizes its leadership across multiple home robotics categories. Built on in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities and scalable technology stacks, the company has expanded from floor care to windows, lawns, and pools, with its service robotics now serving more than 38 million households across nearly 180 markets worldwide.

“The future of home robotics is not about adding more products. It is about giving people more freedom from everyday tasks,” said David Qian, CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS. “By reusing around 80% of our core technologies and adapting 20% to each scenario, we can bring robotics from floors and windows to lawns and pools. Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate to make robotics more intelligent, autonomous and accessible, helping more people enjoy an easier everyday life.”

From Indoors to Outdoors: Expanding the Role of Home Robotics

For ECOVACS, the vision of “Robotics for All” means bringing the benefits of service robotics into more parts of everyday life.

ECOVACS’ expansion into new household environments began with windows. Since pioneering the robotic window cleaning category with its first WINBOT in 2011, ECOVACS has continuously evolved its robotics to address real consumer needs. The latest WINBOT W3 OMNI, showcased at IFA 2026, features Vortex Wash, an industry-first automatic wiping-pad cleaning technology that eliminates the hassle of manually washing dirty pads. With more than 1.5 million households worldwide using WINBOT products[1], ECOVACS ranks No. 1 globally in category shipments, according to IDC.[2]

The same idea extends outdoors. For many households, lawn care is a recurring task, with edges among the most difficult areas to keep neat. ECOVACS is showcasing the GOAT T Series at IFA 2026, addressing this challenge with TruEdge Trimmer, designed to cut closely along lawn borders and leave less work behind for users, while the industry-exclusive HoloScope 360 Dual-LiDAR Navigation help it handle different yard layouts with greater autonomy. To date, robotic lawn mowers GOAT have covered nearly 1.4 billion sq. m. of lawn globally – equivalent to around 200,000 standard soccer pitches.

In floor care, ECOVACS pioneered OZMO ROLLER technology to tackle one of the most persistent cleaning challenges: stubborn messes without spreading dirt back across the floor. Featured on the DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone at IFA 2026, the latest OZMO ROLLER 3.0 combines strong cleaning pressure with continuous self-washing to keep the roller clean as it cleans, helping users achieve a deeper clean with less effort. Since its global introduction in September 2024, OZMO ROLLER-equipped models have reached more than 2.8 million units in cumulative global shipments as of July 2026, according to ECOVACS’ internal data.

Building on its expertise across floor, window and lawn care, ECOVACS is extending the robotics experience to pool cleaning. Showcased at IFA 2026, the ULTRAMARINE L1 PRO is designed to take the time and effort out of pool care, autonomously navigating and cleaning different pool environments with minimal user intervention. By bringing robotics to another traditionally hands-on task, ECOVACS is making pool care simpler.

Technology Stacks Powering Global Multi-Category Leadership

Underpinning this multi-category success is scalable technology stacks spanning robotics, sensing, motion control, cleaning, and power management. Rather than building each category from the ground up, ECOVACS can adapt and scale proven robotics capabilities across different environments and user needs, creating a platform built to move from one scenario to the next.

This strategy is backed by more than 900 R&D professionals, RMB 554 million in R&D investment in the first half of 2026, and more than 3,100 patents [3]. Its vertically integrated R&D and manufacturing model further strengthens this technology advantage, giving ECOVACS greater control over key robotics technologies and shortening the path from innovation to products people can use. Together, these capabilities enable ECOVACS to bring proven robotics expertise into new categories and markets at scale, while staying focused on where robotics can create meaningful value in everyday life.

The results are increasingly visible in global markets. In the first half of 2026, global shipments of ECOVACS service robots increased 44.1% year on year, while revenue from new categories, including robotic window cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and robotic pool cleaners, grew 75.1% in international markets. For the first time, international markets accounted for more than half of ECOVACS’ total revenue in Q2 2026, reaching 51%. The milestone reflects how the company’s robotics portfolio is increasingly scaling beyond China.

As ECOVACS expands into more categories and markets around the world, it is bringing its robotics innovation to more people, making everyday life easier wherever they live. At IFA Berlin 2026, visitors can experience this vision at IFA 2026, Hall 9, Booth 113 at Messe Berlin, September 4 to 8.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Winter Climate Summary overview:

This was New Zealand’s third-warmest winter on record, with a nationwide average of 9.7°C. This was 1.1°C above the 1991-2020 winter average, making it New Zealand’s 3rd-warmest winter since Earth Sciences New Zealand’s seven station temperature series began in 1909. This may surprise a large portion of the population, especially in northern areas where winter temperatures were close to average. However, the exceptional warmth of June nationwide, and the relatively warm winter throughout the South Island, were the dominant features of the country’s overall seasonal temperature. Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) or well above average (>1.20°C above average) throughout the South Island. Temperatures were also above average for many parts of the North Island. The exception was parts of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, eastern Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne, where temperatures were near average (±0.50°C of average).

Rainfall was above normal, or well above normal, for Southland, Otago, southern and inland parts of Canterbury, and the West Coast. Rainfall was below normal for large parts of the North Island, including Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and much of Waikato, Auckland, and Northland. Rainfall was near for remaining parts of the country. Impactful heavy rainfall occurred from 5-9 July for eastern parts of the country, with three local states of emergency declared.

El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and strengthened considerably from mid-winter onwards.

Highlights:

• The highest temperature was 26.0°C, observed at Bromley (Christchurch) on 20 June. This was New Zealand’s second-highest winter temperature on record.
• The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July.
• The highest 1-day rainfall was 194 mm, recorded at Franz Josef on 26 August.
• The highest wind gust was 207 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 23 August.
• Of the six main centres in winter 2026, Auckland and Tauranga were the equal-warmest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny.
• The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Nelson (1823 hours), Whakatāne (1793 hours), New Plymouth (1760 hours) and Richmond (1722 hours).

August Climate Summary overview: Warm and wet for the South Island

Highlights:

• The highest temperature was 23.5°C, observed in Timaru on 25 August.
• The lowest temperature was -10.7°C, observed at Cass (inland Canterbury) on 6 August.
• The highest 1-day rainfall was 194 mm, recorded at Franz Josef on 26 August.
• The highest wind gust was 207 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 23 August.
• Of the six main centres, Auckland was the warmest, Tauranga was sunniest and the wettest, Wellington was the least sunny, Christchurch was the coldest and the driest.
• The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Nelson (1823 hours), Whakatāne (1793 hours), New Plymouth (1760 hours) and Richmond (1722 hours).

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Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

• A week on, search and rescue operations and humanitarian aid efforts are a desperate race against time
• Almost 4,000 people are missing, and some 50,000 people urgently need access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene
• Nepal produces just 0.1% of global emissions, yet communities are paying a devastating price as climate risks grow

The catastrophic floods in Nepal are a stark warning of what a hotter world will mean for communities on the climate frontline and why governments and donors must invest now in climate resilience, adaptation and disaster preparedness, rather than waiting for the next disaster to strike, Oxfam has warned.

A week after the devastating floods, rescuers are still scrambling to reach people cut off by destroyed roads, bridges and landslides. Oxfam and local partners are racing to deliver life-saving assistance, but the scale of the destruction is making access to some of the worst-affected areas, particularly Rasuwa, increasingly difficult.

“Nepal contributes just 0.1% of global emissions, yet our communities are paying a devastating price as climate risks grow,” said Santosh Pandey, Oxfam in Nepal’s Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Management Lead.

“Nepal’s devastating floods should be a wake-up call for governments and donors. We cannot keep waiting for disasters to happen. In a burning world, climate shocks will become more frequent here and communities need the resources to prepare, adapt and become more resilient before the next disaster strikes.”

The Government of Nepal estimates that 10,000 households – around 50,000 people – require immediate access to clean water, toilets and hygiene, with thousands more in need of shelter and food.

Oxfam launched an emergency response a day after the floods struck. It is working with local authorities and partners in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading to reach some of the worst-affected communities.

The major flash flood on 26 August was triggered by a massive glacier collapse and ice-rock avalanche that blocked the Lhende Khola, 20km north of the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint. At least 1,000 people have been killed and 3,916 remain unaccounted for, while more than 50,000 people have been displaced or temporarily moved from their homes.

Nepal is highly exposed to floods, landslides and earthquakes. Climate change is adding further pressure through rapidly changing glaciers, snow and water systems and increasingly unpredictable extreme weather. The Himalayan region also faces growing risks from glacial floods in the years ahead.

Oxfam said far more investment is needed in climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure, particularly in countries that have contributed little to global emissions.

“The lesson from Nepal is clear: resilience saves lives,” said Pandey. “If we only fund the response after a disaster, we will always be one step behind. Communities need sustained investment to prepare for the shocks we know are coming.”

“But for now our focus must be on action – we are in a race against time to save lives and support everyone affected.”

He added: “We know that shelter, food and emergency hygiene kits are desperately needed. We are doing everything possible to reach the affected populations, but against such immense need, our contribution feels overwhelmingly small.”

Oxfam has deployed 200 hygiene kits and 1,000 water purification tablets to Rasuwa and distributed water, sanitation and hygiene and food assistance in other affected communities.

It is also preparing to scale up its response over the next six months, aiming to reach 2,000 households – around 10,000 people – with life-saving assistance including WASH, shelter, protection and cash support.

But Oxfam warns that emergency relief alone will not protect Nepal from the next shock.

“Nepal needs international solidarity now, but it also needs investment for the future,” said Pandey. “Climate action must become a priority, not an afterthought.”

Notes

• Oxfam has worked in Nepal since the 1980s, alongside communities and local partners to tackle inequality and deliver humanitarian and development programmes. Its work is grounded in strengthening civic space and supporting people to challenge the injustices that keep them in poverty, led by a feminist approach rooted in the Global South. Oxfam in Nepal works across three connected areas: climate and water, gender justice, and humanitarian response and disaster risk management.

• Oxfam is working closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the Social Welfare Council and District Administration Offices to deliver relief materials to affected communities.  

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