Supreme Court Climate Liability: Justices opened their new term with Boulder, Colorado’s bid to make oil firms pay for climate-linked harms, weighing whether federal law blocks state claims and how far similar lawsuits could spread. COP31 Reality Check: Negotiators head to COP31 with little expectation of major fossil-fuel cuts as heat, floods and El Niño risks intensify, while energy security fears loom. EU Energy Pressure: The European Commission signaled it may delay new methane rules to ease energy costs, alongside moves to cut refinery costs and boost electrification. Packaging & Recycling Rules: UK conservatives push to end pEPR, while industry warns packaging decisions now hinge on EPR compliance, carbon footprints and recyclability. Battery Recycling Push: NSW’s mandatory battery stewardship shifts collection costs to brand owners, setting up growth for battery recycling. Data Centers Under Scrutiny: New Jersey lawmakers consider more control over energy generation as data centers drive demand; Scotland faces “green” data-center claims tied to diesel backup. Energy Security in Asia: The IEA warns Southeast Asia’s electricity demand is outpacing supply, urging cross-border power sharing and diversification. Climate Finance for Islands: Fiji and Pacific leaders press for faster adaptation funding delivery, not just pledges. Directed-Energy Defense: The Pentagon selected counter-drone laser and microwave systems for pilot testing at U.S. bases. Renewables Dealmaking: Canada’s utilities announced a merger of equals to build a larger energy infrastructure platform.