Data centers vs. climate and bills: California’s Senate passed two bills (SB 886, SB 887) that would push data centers to cover more of the electricity costs tied to AI-driven demand, aiming to prevent ratepayer “collateral” and curb environmental harm as the grid strains. Plastic waste reality check: A new explainer warns that plastic bags and flexible “film” often clog recycling equipment and can take centuries to break down in landfills, urging people to follow local rules and avoid tossing films into curbside bins. Blue carbon for finance: Vietnam launched a national blue carbon partnership to turn mangroves and seagrass into climate-resilience and climate-finance assets, linking conservation with funding and policy. Renewables rollout in Victoria: Australia’s state government declared five onshore renewable energy zones plus a Gippsland shoreline zone, setting where wind/solar and grid connections should scale as coal plants retire. Energy security under stress: With Strait of Hormuz disruptions still rattling logistics and markets, analysts warn that delays and insurance instability can ripple through industrial production far beyond oil prices. Heat and climate justice: Small island states demanded a faster, fairer climate finance overhaul ahead of UN talks, arguing they face the worst impacts despite contributing least emissions.