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Climate Central analysis indicates that climate change increases the probability of performance-impairing heat (above 28°C) for 97 out of 104 scheduled 2026 World Cup matches. Nearly half of the matches face at least a 50% chance of such heat, with the highest impact seen in the June 26 match in Guadalajara. To mitigate health and performance risks, organizers have implemented mandatory hydration breaks and increased evening matches, though only three stadiums (Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston) are fully climate-controlled.

Climate Central analysis shows that 14 of the 16 host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup are experiencing more extremely hot days during the June-July tournament period than in 1970. Human-caused climate change is responsible for an average of 49% of these extreme heat days across all stadiums, with the highest impact seen in Miami and Mexico City. In 10 repeat host cities, the frequency of extremely hot days has tripled on average since they last hosted the tournament.

The report finds that anthropogenic climate change has significantly increased the probability of dangerous humid heat during the 2026 FIFA World Cup compared to 1994. Using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as a metric, the analysis indicates that more games are expected to exceed the 26C and 28C thresholds recommended by FIFPRO for cooling breaks and postponement, respectively. While air-conditioned stadiums may mitigate risks for players, spectators at outdoor events remain vulnerable. The study concludes that without substantial adaptation and rapid mitigation of fossil fuel use, hosting summer tournaments in the northern hemisphere will become increasingly hazardous.

The document highlights the health risks posed by extreme heat to players, workers, and fans during the 2026 World Cup, noting that cities like Monterrey, Dallas, and Miami could exceed 35 °C. It discusses FIFA's implementation of three-minute hydration breaks and the potential for shifting match structures to four quarters. Additionally, it addresses the environmental impact of the tournament, specifically the high pollution levels resulting from travel across three host countries, and links these temperature increases to the burning of fossil fuels.

The document explains that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a natural cycle of water temperature in the equatorial Pacific that drives global temperature and precipitation trends. It warns that a strong El Niño is likely by mid-summer 2026, which may boost global temperatures already elevated by human-caused climate change. The guide advises reporters to avoid storm-related terminology, consult local experts to understand regional 'teleconnections', and recognize that climate change is making ENSO swings more pronounced while ENSO simultaneously amplifies climate impacts like flooding and drought.

Mexico possesses world-leading solar resources that could technically supply 90% of its electricity when paired with battery storage. While reaching a 45% clean electricity target by 2030 could reduce US gas imports by 20%, a more ambitious 'solar superpower' scenario could eliminate these imports entirely. However, high local installation costs—38% higher for solar and nearly double for batteries compared to global averages—act as a significant barrier to this transition.

The Livable Caferağa project, part of WRI's Deep Dive Cities Initiative, uses a community-led approach to transform a high-traffic district in Istanbul into a more sustainable urban environment. Following a successful pilot at Mehmet Ayvalıtaş Square in September 2023, the project is implementing five core strategies: prioritizing pedestrian space with wider sidewalks and greenery, expanding bike lane networks from 18 km to 58 km by 2050, launching the 'ModaBüs' local shuttle service in late 2025, implementing sustainable parking management, and transitioning delivery services toward cargo bikes. These efforts align with Kadıköy's goals of a 40% GHG emission reduction by 2030 and full climate neutrality by 2050.

The report argues that rapid declines in battery costs have made near-continuous solar power (24/365 generation) an economic reality in sunny regions. In cities like Las Vegas, achieving 97% reliability for a constant power supply is now cost-competitive at $104/MWh, which is cheaper than new coal and nuclear power. The analysis demonstrates that a relatively small amount of storage—approximately 17 kWh of battery for every 1 kW of stable 24-hour power—is sufficient for most sunny locations. This shift allows solar to support 24/7 clean energy contracts for energy-intensive industries and significantly reduces the need for expensive grid expansions by allowing more capacity to be installed behind existing connections.

The document outlines a comprehensive approach to reducing methane emissions from solid waste, which accounts for approximately 20% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. It proposes a policy matrix categorized into legislative/regulatory, market-based, voluntary, and information/education approaches, mapped across the integrated solid waste management (ISWM) chain. The guide emphasizes that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius requires the global implementation of solutions across all three categories of the ISWM chain: waste prevention/minimization, source separation/treatment of organics, and improved landfill engineering. It provides detailed case studies from Colombia, Germany, India, Italy, Peru, the Republic of Korea, and the United States to illustrate how different policy combinations are applied based on national contexts.

The waste sector accounts for approximately 20% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, equivalent to 5.4 Gt CO2e annually. This guide proposes a policy matrix organized by the solid waste management (SWM) chain to help policymakers implement a combination of legislative, market-based, voluntary, and educational tools. Key strategies include waste prevention, organic waste diversion (composting and anaerobic digestion), and improved landfill engineering (gas capture and biocovers). The document emphasizes that meeting the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit requires a comprehensive approach across the entire SWM chain rather than isolated solutions. It provides case studies from Colombia, Germany, India, Italy, Perú, the Republic of Korea, and the United States to illustrate how different nations layer these policy tools to reduce emissions.

The report details the outcomes of a WRI conference in Bogota, where teams from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico developed a joint vision to synchronize electric mobility deployment with air quality monitoring. It proposes three primary regional projects: a 'Healthy and Sustainable Path to School' initiative to reduce child exposure to pollutants, a regional health-impact calculator platform (QueTanLimpioEsTuAire.com), and a 'Fleets in Transition' project targeting the decarbonization of urban freight. The document emphasizes a focus on vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, and aims to position WRI as a regional leader in integrated sustainable transport solutions by 2030.

The document details the engagement of Mexico within the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), highlighting specific research projects on extreme heat in Mexico City, the participation of Mexican scientists in IAI advisory committees, and the availability of the Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) Fellows program for public officials.

The itinerary describes a guided tour from January 25–30, 2026, focusing on the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in central Mexico. Participants visit the El Rosario and Chincua sanctuaries to observe monarch butterflies and learn about WWF-Mexico's conservation work, including reforestation and the promotion of ecotourism as a sustainable economic alternative to logging. The trip includes visits to Mexico City, Angangueo, and Jungapeo, with a focus on the oyamel fir forests essential for butterfly hibernation.

The ADAPTE project uses GIS to map the intersection of air pollution, extreme weather, and social vulnerability in Latin American cities. Findings indicate that PM10 and NOx levels in Mexico City, Santiago, and Bogota significantly exceed WHO standards. The research highlights that respiratory and cardiovascular mortality risks vary by city, season, and age group, with children in Bogota showing higher respiratory risk during cold seasons and elderly populations showing higher cardiovascular risk during the same period.

The report analyzes Mexico's waste sector methane emissions, highlighting a significant increase since 1990 and a lack of integrated data systems. It identifies critical gaps in organic waste treatment, landfill gas capture, and municipal financing, while providing recommendations to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve stakeholder capacity to meet national climate targets.

The ADAPTE project assesses how air pollution and extreme weather interact to affect human health in Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Bogotá. It finds that suspended particles and nitrogen oxides in these cities significantly exceed WHO standards, with respiratory and cardiovascular mortality risks varying by city, season, age, and socio-economic status.

Mexico's sustainable debt market reached a cumulative GSS+ volume of USD 55.7bn by the end of 2023, with sustainability bonds emerging as the dominant instrument. The market is heavily driven by the public sector, particularly the federal government and development banks, though private corporate participation is increasing. The report highlights the introduction of the Mexican Sustainable Taxonomy in March 2023 as a key development to guide investments. While Mexico is a global leader in sustainability bond volume, challenges remain in the sustainability-linked bond (SLB) market regarding the credibility of GHG targets. Key opportunities for growth are identified in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and low-carbon construction, supported by trends such as US nearshoring.

Mexico's sustainable debt market (VSS+) reached a cumulative volume of $55.7 billion by the end of 2023, with $38.3 billion aligned with Climate Bonds methodology. The market is dominated by sustainable bonds (72% of aligned volume) and heavily driven by the public sector, including sovereign emissions and development banks like Banobras. While Mexico led the world in sustainable bond issuance in 2023, challenges remain in the alignment of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) due to a lack of greenhouse gas (GHG) targets. The report highlights the 2023 launch of the Sustainable Taxonomy of Mexico as a key tool for guiding future investments in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, and agriculture.

The briefing examines the global trend of shrinking lakes and reservoirs, highlighting a study that found 53% of nearly 2,000 lakes experienced significant storage declines between 1992 and 2020. It distinguishes between anthropogenic drivers, such as unsustainable consumption seen in the Aral Sea, and climate drivers, such as increased evaporation in Mongolia. The author argues that this attribution allows policymakers to choose between demand management and behavioral changes for overuse, or infrastructure resilience and conservation for climate-driven losses.

The CCFLA and Urban-Act Subnational Assessment Tool is designed to help city and regional officials identify strengths and gaps in the regulatory, institutional, and financial environments necessary to scale urban climate finance. The tool evaluates 49 dimensions across four categories: Climate Policy, Budget and Finance, Climate Data, and Vertical and Horizontal Coordination. It provides a structured six-step application process—from institutional mapping to the development of follow-up roadmaps—and includes a comprehensive directory of external resources and global case studies to guide subnational governments in improving their creditworthiness, data reporting, and intergovernmental cooperation.