Water Security & Finance: South Africa’s Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says municipal debt to water boards is choking the water sector, with arrears reaching R23.77bn (excluding current accounts) as of 31 July 2026, urging a human-rights approach involving government, communities, business and civil society. Climate Overshoot: A new UN report warns global warming is likely to exceed 1.5°C in the next few years, with Africa facing outsized health and livelihood risks as heat, drought, floods and water stress intensify. Extreme Heat Timing: A study finds extreme heat is no longer confined to summer; events are spreading into spring and fall, making heat alerts and cooling plans harder to manage. Air Quality & Health: UN-linked reporting highlights wildfire and heatwave pollution threats to air quality gains, while a separate study links drinking very hot beverages to a three-fold higher esophageal cancer risk. Parliamentary Oversight: East African MPs call for a climate finance scorecard to track allocations and results, plus public annual climate expenditure reporting to strengthen accountability. Recycling Push: Stakeholders in Nigeria seek stronger policy enforcement to unlock recycling potential, as the country grapples with waste and environmental harm.