AGP Executive Report

El Niño Humanitarian Alert: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face growing risks from droughts and flooding tied to an El Niño expected to be the strongest on record, with Central America hit by harvest-damaging dryness and parts of Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela facing higher wildfire risk. Chile Environment Moment: Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert near Copiapó is seeing a rare bloom after unusually heavy winter rainfall linked to El Niño conditions. Energy Storage in the Region: Renalfa IPP and Eurowind inaugurated a solar-plus-storage hybrid renewable park in Bulgaria, highlighting how battery storage is reshaping grid planning in Europe. Plastic Treaty Push: Talks on a global plastic pollution treaty are moving toward a possible deal in March. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: The Comedy Wildlife Awards’ latest finalists underscore conservation efforts, supporting programs aimed at protecting threatened species and habitats.

Plastic Treaty: Chile’s ambassador Julio Cordano says the world-first plastic pollution deal could be adopted in March, after talks in Bangkok narrowed gaps between countries pushing for production cuts and oil-producing states favoring waste-only focus. Seafood Greenwashing: A U.S. class-action lawsuit targets Australis Seafoods’ Trapanada unit over alleged misleading “sustainably farmed” claims for Chile-sourced Mama Bear salmon, accusing harms to marine ecosystems. Climate Risk for LatAm: A new report warns a super-strength El Niño could disrupt supply chains, agriculture and infrastructure across Latin America, with drought risks in Central America and flooding threats in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Biodiversity Watch: Scientists report a new penguin species after more than 100 years, based on genetic work on remote Kerguelen Islands. Circular Waste in Chile Region: Rio de Janeiro joins a Zero Waste Districts pilot with Santiago and Patagonia, aiming to cut landfill waste and methane while boosting local resource recovery. Chile-linked Science: ALMA in northern Chile captured the first direct image of a planet forming in a gas-and-dust swirl, offering new clues on how planets form.

Zero Waste Districts in Chile: Santiago and Patagonia (Chile) are among pilot cities for the Global Zero Waste Districts program, aiming to cut landfill waste and slash methane emissions ahead of COP31, with targets of 70% diversion by 2030 and 90% by 2040. Health & climate risk for LatAm children: UNICEF warns that El Niño’s strongest-on-record conditions put about 25.8 million children across Latin America at rising risk of drought and floods, including wildfire threats in parts of Chile. Chile’s maritime emissions push: SAAM Towage christened the SAAM Petrel in Arica—its first Chilean tug with IMO Tier III certification to reduce NOx emissions. Penguin biodiversity update: Scientists report a new gentoo penguin species (cryptic, genetically distinct) and urge conservation action across islands where multiple countries share responsibility. Cybersecurity with Chile links: A Microsoft 365 breach campaign hit Chilean organizations via “forgotten” service accounts, underscoring weak sign-in protections. Food systems under weather stress: Global cherry production is forecast to hit a record despite U.S. losses from frost and rain, while Peru’s Hass avocado exports are projected to dip 1.9% amid El Niño-driven impacts.

El Niño Warning for Chile and the Region: UNICEF says this year’s El Niño is the strongest on record and puts 25.8 million Latin American children at growing risk from droughts, floods, wildfires and disrupted water supplies. In Chile, the agency flags higher wildfire risk, while heavier rains on the Pacific coast raise flood threats to schools and health infrastructure. Labor Tension at Centinela Mine: Two unions at Antofagasta Minerals’ Centinela copper operation in Chile say they’re ready to strike after rejecting the company’s contract offer, with government-mediated talks now underway and a possible strike authorization from Oct. 13. Wildlife Alert in Maule: Chile’s fisheries authority is investigating the deaths of 57 penguins found along the Maule coast, with suspected entanglement during fishing activities and a criminal complaint filed as police join the probe. Biodiversity Science: Researchers report a new gentoo penguin species after more than a century—work that includes Chilean scientists—showing how DNA can reveal hidden lineages. Climate Impacts on Food: A Chilean climatologist warns El Niño’s shifts in rainfall and heat could hit agriculture hardest, driving higher food prices and deeper vulnerability.

Chile–Malvinas Tensions: Argentina says it is monitoring Chilean business talks tied to a Malvinas relaunch, warning Santiago not to offer logistical support for resource exploitation near the islands, especially the planned “Sea Lion” oil project. Climate & Weather: A new explainer links El Niño’s Pacific warming to why some regions face drought while others see floods, as the phenomenon strengthens toward its usual peak. Biodiversity & Water: Great Salt Lake’s low levels are threatening a key migratory stopover for shorebirds, raising alarms about habitat loss. Chile Science & Industry: Chile’s Giant Magellan Telescope project moves toward contractor selection for the precision enclosure on its Chilean mountaintop. Chile Agriculture Tech: A Chilean packhouse upgrade uses automated machine-vision sampling to better size and color fruit before storage and packing decisions. Mining & Permits (Chile): Battery Mineral Resources reports SERNAGEOMIN granted an exploitation permit for Cinabrio Norte and authorized Tailings Dam No. 4 at its Punitaqui Copper Project in Coquimbo. Global Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic pushes for faster climate adaptation financing at the UN General Assembly.

Chile Flood Response: A powerful storm system hit central and southern Chile, triggering floods and landslides, with red alerts in Biobío and evacuation orders in Araucanía; reports mention stranded people, damaged homes, and widespread power outages. Regional Climate Extremes: Heavy rain and flooding also disrupted parts of India and Nepal, while a US nor’easter brought severe flooding, flight cancellations, and major power cuts. Lithium & Energy Storage: A new outlook says lithium carbonate demand could surge through 2031, with growth tied to new refining capacity outside China and expanding energy storage. Copper Tightness: Deutsche Bank warns copper may rise sharply as inventories hit historic lows, shifting the market toward a supply squeeze. Biodiversity & Science: Chilean-led research identified a new gentoo penguin species after more than 100 years, highlighting Southern Ocean biodiversity. Ocean & Conservation Finance: The EU and Canada pledged about €211–220 million to expand global ocean observation via the OceanEye alliance. Local Resilience Knowledge: In Nepal, Tharu Indigenous governance and early-warning roles are helping communities prepare for monsoon disasters.

New Penguin Discovery: Chilean-led researchers identified a new gentoo penguin species, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, the first described in over 100 years, based on genetic and ecological differences across Southern Ocean colonies. Chile Climate & Agriculture: Spring rains in central-southern Chile could harm flowering and fruit quality, raising risks of cracking in cherries and fungal disease pressure in apples and vineyards as El Niño boosts weather variability. Chile Carbon Market: Chile’s CO2 tax offsetting saw retirements drop 61% to 1.7 million credits for the 2025 cycle, with limited eligible supply and better voluntary market prices constraining the program. Ocean Monitoring for Fisheries: Global Fishing Watch launched a Vessel Tracking Best Practices Guide to help governments tackle illegal fishing, highlighting that most industrial vessels still aren’t publicly tracked. Mining & Weather Impacts: Rio2 reported severe El Niño-linked winter storms disrupting operations at its Fenix Gold mine in Chile, though safety measures kept the workforce unharmed. Wildlife & Climate History: A new capybara fossil tooth from Chile’s Atacama suggests the region was wetter millions of years ago, reshaping ideas about ancient climate and habitat routes.

Spring Weather Watch for Chilean Crops: Central-southern Chile faces spring rains and wind that could disrupt flowering, trigger fruit drop, and raise disease risk for apples and vineyards—while cherries face higher cracking risk from humid October-November conditions. Global Fishing Watch & IUU Fishing: Global Fishing Watch launched a Vessel Tracking Best Practices Guide, shared with Chile’s fisheries authority at FAO COFI, pushing harmonized standards since most industrial fleets still aren’t publicly tracked. Chile’s Water, Mining, and Rights: Mapuche Williche communities filed a complaint in Norway over Statkraft’s human-rights due diligence tied to Pilmaiquén hydropower projects, as the Los Lagos reservoir filling was nearing completion. Copper & Chile’s Market Signals: Chile-linked copper supply concerns surfaced as Escondida operations were suspended after a fatal accident, while Chile’s mining pipeline also drew attention from Hot Chili’s Costa Fuego pre-feasibility and La Verde resource updates. Chile Food & Nature Notes: A study reports a capybara tooth in the Atacama ~9 million years ago, hinting the region was wetter than previously thought.

Antarctic Governance & Research: China is preparing a sixth Antarctic research station in Marie Byrd Land, raising fresh concerns about geopolitical influence even as Beijing frames it as climate and ice research. Biodiversity in Chile & the Southern Ocean: A Chile–UC Berkeley study re-sequenced gentoo penguins and concludes they are four separate species, including a newly described one—at a time when habitat loss threatens multiple lineages. Atacama Climate Clues: A fossilized capybara tooth nearly 9 million years old in Chile’s Atacama Desert suggests the region was once much wetter than previously thought. Wildlife Tourism (Chile): Punta Arenas and Isla Magdalena are highlighted as a top destination for penguin viewing near Chile’s Antarctic gateway. Food Security: A UN General Assembly warning says hunger gains are vulnerable to severe weather, price shocks, and El Niño conditions. Energy & Trade Pressure: The U.S. diesel export ban debate is framed as worsening energy crises for Latin America and Europe.

Ocean Monitoring Boost: Canada, the EU and 29+ countries launched the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over C$339 million (€211m) to expand global ocean observation that feeds weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Biodiversity in Focus: A team led by the University of Chile and UC Berkeley re-sequenced gentoo penguins and found they are four separate species, with one newly described—while warning that habitat loss could hit most by 2050. Chile’s Deep Past: Scientists reported a capybara tooth about 9 million years old in northern Chile’s Atacama, challenging the idea that the region stayed dry for tens of millions of years. Climate & Wildlife Signals: Chester Zoo in England recorded the first wasp spider in Cheshire, with experts linking its northward spread to warming. Energy Transition Debate: Chile’s copper “green” label is under scrutiny as demand for low-carbon copper grows but definitions and metrics remain unclear. Food Security Warning: A UNGA ministerial dialogue warned hunger gains can reverse under El Niño, higher input costs and trade disruptions.

Climate & Food Security: UN General Assembly remarks warned that hunger gains can reverse as El Niño conditions, higher input costs, and trade disruptions hit food production and prices, with 520 million people still at risk by 2030. Ocean Monitoring: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over C$339 million (€211m) to expand global ocean observation for weather, climate forecasts, and coastal protection. Chile Local Environment: Maipú ended greyhound dog racing, closing and demolishing a track tied to irregular races, and says it will tighten controls to stop the activity relocating. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Chester Zoo reported its first wasp spider record in Cheshire, framing the northward shift as a “climate refugee” trend. Mining & Environment (Chile-linked): A Chilean mine rescue documentary revisits the 2010 Copiapó disaster, highlighting what was missed about the story and the people behind it. Energy Policy (Chile-linked): A report says Chilean products face a proposed U.S. diesel-export ban backlash and tariff pressure, raising costs and trade uncertainty.

Ocean Monitoring Push: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance to keep global ocean observation running, securing over C$339 million (€211 million) in pledges (with the EU adding €92 million) to support the Global Ocean Observing System—key for weather forecasts, climate predictions, and coastal protection. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Chester Zoo in England recorded Cheshire’s first wasp spider, “Wendy,” as experts warn species are shifting north with warming—described as “climate refugees.” Food Security Warning: UNGA remarks from Guyana’s Ashni Singh warned hunger gains remain fragile amid El Niño, higher wheat/fertilizer/diesel costs, and trade disruptions. Chile Local Animal Policy: Maipú (Chile) closed and demolished a greyhound track after banning dog racing, with plans to tighten controls so the activity can’t simply move elsewhere. Chile Trade Pressure: A new U.S. tariff push on Chilean exports is being called for cancellation, arguing it violates the free trade agreement and hits salmon, fruit, wine, and other sectors.

Ocean Protection Push: Chile is backing stronger safeguards for the Nazca and Salas y Gómez underwater mountain ranges, urging limits on extractive activity as threats like overfishing and marine pollution grow, with a possible final vote in 2027. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance for global ocean observation, securing over €211 million (including C$82 million from Canada) to support weather, climate forecasts, and coastal protection. Animal Welfare in Chile: Maipú closed and demolished a greyhound track after banning dog racing, tightening controls to stop the activity from relocating. Climate Finance Watch: At UN Climate Week, leaders renewed calls for climate finance to reach $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, framing climate as a systemic portfolio risk. Biodiversity & Climate Signals: Chester Zoo found a wasp spider in Cheshire for the first time, with experts warning species are shifting north as temperatures rise. Chile Conservation Legacy: Yvon Chouinard’s 2017 Chile land donation pledge helped add over 10 million acres to national parklands. Water Stress Context: The WMO released its 2025 State of Global Water Resources report, mapping freshwater extremes and trends worldwide.

UN Climate & Water: The WMO released its 2025 State of Global Water Resources report, tracking freshwater availability across rivers, groundwater, snow/ice and soil moisture, and mapping floods and drought trends worldwide. Oceans & Biodiversity: Belgium is pushing Brussels to host the permanent UN ocean-biodiversity secretariat under the BBNJ deal, competing with Chile and China as the 81st UN General Assembly ramps up. Global Ocean Observing: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye Alliance, with pledges of at least €211 million to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System and improve forecasting for climate, biodiversity and ocean-based economies. Chile-linked Mining Scrutiny: Environmental groups question BHP and Lundin’s Vicuña project in Argentina over potential impacts on glaciers and water resources, including concerns around a debris glacier and rising water and energy demands. Chile-linked Climate Science: A fossil capybara tooth found in Chile’s Atacama Desert suggests the region was once wetter than today, with the discovery dating back 8.8 million years.

COP31 Electrification Push: A new International Energy Agency analysis says electricity could reach 33% of global final energy by 2035, putting the “35 by ’35” goal within reach as energy markets stay volatile. Chile Mining & Water Stress: Kinross shares plunged after extreme winter storms disrupted Chile’s La Coipa, cutting 2026–2027 output guidance. Chile Copper Supply Tightness: Reuters reports a major copper supply gap tied to disruptions and declining grades, keeping prices near record levels. Chile Aquaculture Under Scrutiny: A lawsuit challenges “sustainably farm-raised” salmon labeling, alleging greenwashing and harm to ecologically sensitive waters. Chile Cybersecurity: Researchers say hackers in Chile targeted Microsoft 365 by abusing non-human accounts to steal sensitive data. Chile Science in the Spotlight: Using Chile’s NIRPS instrument, astronomers discovered exoplanet GJ 3090 b with a rare retrograde orbit. Global Ocean Monitoring: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye alliance, pledging nearly €220 million to expand ocean observation. Chile Climate-Linked Wildlife: A “wasp spider” sighting in the UK is framed as a warming-driven “climate refugee” trend.

Pacific Security Talks: Pacific defence ministers in Fiji said any expansion of the Pacific Response Group needs “absolute consensus,” with phased talks on a legal framework and possible peacekeeping cooperation. Chile & Climate Health: A global sleep-data study links short-term PM2.5 spikes to more nighttime coughing, with results including Chilean cities even at lower pollution levels. Chile Mining & Carbon Markets: BHP and Amazon launched a pilot to trade lower-emissions copper credits tied to Chile’s Escondida, using certificates that can be retired by downstream users. Chile Salmon Crackdown: Chilean salmon producers face renewed sanctions and compliance demands after environmental breaches, with penalties tied to meeting commitments. Chile Paper & Recycling: Smurfit Westrock agreed to buy CMPC’s Chilean containerboard and corrugated business for $420m, aiming to integrate recycled paper flows across Latin America. Aquaculture Inputs: Entobel is pushing insect-based ingredients to reduce aquaculture reliance on marine inputs, citing El Niño-driven volatility. UN Ocean Funding: Canada and the EU backed the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, boosting global ocean monitoring support.