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Key developments
NOAA says El Niño has formed
The New York Times reported that NOAA said Thursday an El Niño has formed in the tropical Pacific and is likely to intensify in the coming months. The pattern is expected to raise the odds of extreme weather and higher global temperatures, adding a new natural warming driver to already elevated climate risks.
Why it matters
A strengthening El Niño can quickly reshape heat, drought and storm risks across major population and agricultural regions.
Sources & driving stories
THE NEW YORK TIMES
The New York Times coverageU.S. solar generation beats coal in May
The New York Times reported that Ember data showed solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, edging coal at 12.2% and marking the first monthly crossover in which solar outproduced coal. The milestone came even as new U.S. solar installations slowed last year and the Trump administration moved to bolster coal.
Why it matters
It is a symbolic turning point in the U.S. power mix and a sign that solar continues to gain ground despite policy headwinds.
Sources & driving stories
THE NEW YORK TIMES
The New York Times coverageBrazil reports sharp drop in Amazon clearing
The Times of India reported that Brazilian officials said May Amazon deforestation was 61.4% lower than the same month in 2025, with 370 square kilometers cleared, while Cerrado clearing fell 12%. Officials used the figures to push back on U.S. tariff accusations tied to alleged illegal deforestation, saying the country is on track for its lowest annual levels once the data are consolidated.
Why it matters
Amazon forest loss is a major driver of Brazil’s emissions and a central variable in the region’s climate trajectory.
Sources & driving stories
THE TIMES OF INDIA
The Times of India coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
SBTi publishes Net Zero Standard v2
The update tightens how companies must evidence implementation and progress, not just announce targets.
WORTH NOTING
Central Asia renewables outpace grid upgrades
An EDB report says transmission, reserve margins and storage are not keeping up with rapid solar and wind expansion.
WORTH NOTING
MIT traces CO2 cement strength boost
Researchers directly observed how injected CO2 changes cement chemistry, a useful signal for lower-carbon concrete development.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
How strong will the El Niño get?
Its intensity and duration will determine how much additional heat, drought and storm volatility hits over the next several months.
OPEN QUESTION
Can Brazil keep deforestation down through the dry season?
Dry-season fire risk, forest degradation and trade pressure could reverse the recent improvement.