Portugal Waste Crisis: Portugal has approved a €2.3bn plan to tackle its worsening waste problem through 2030, as landfill capacity shrinks fast and 13 of 32 sites are close to full, with 59% of municipal waste still going to landfills. Wildlife Crime in Iberian Waters: Spain has referred the shooting of “Toñi,” a critically endangered orca in Portuguese waters, to prosecutors, with investigations pointing to a Spanish-flagged vessel and possible offences against a protected species. Air Pollution Awareness: The UN’s International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is marked on Sept 7, spotlighting air pollution as a major health risk and urging action by governments and businesses. Climate Pressure Abroad: South-East Asia’s air quality is being hit by smog from Indonesia’s wildfires, as peatland fires burn underground and are hard to fully extinguish. Energy Transition Permits: A new policy focus on critical minerals shows permits are increasingly shaping project costs and timelines, with Brazil tightening scrutiny and the EU using its Critical Raw Materials Act to streamline strategic permitting. Tourism & Travel Rules: New EES border rules are driving fresh travel anxiety for passengers heading to Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece, with advice aimed at avoiding delays and missed connections.