Heatwave & drought emergency: Herefordshire hit 29.6C as the UK braces for a fifth heatwave, with UKHSA upgrading alerts and warning of knock-on risks for health, care services, medicines and water-related incidents. Adaptation staffing gap: A Freedom of Information request says just 20 Defra staff work on climate adaptation, despite warnings about rising river flows, major water shortfalls and huge economic costs if the UK doesn’t prepare. Net zero pushback: Baroness Brown of the Climate Change Committee adaptation work warns “it gets worse from here” unless emissions are cut to net zero, as the PM prepares to chair Cobra amid drought and wildfire risk. Water stress & reservoirs: Thames Water research finds strong public support for the £7bn White Horse Reservoir to secure supply for 15m people, progressing through the regulator approvals process. Packaging & recycling rules: EU PPWR starts today, forcing most UK businesses to redesign packaging for recyclability, recycled content and material minimisation. Plastic pollution treaty: Talks on a global plastic pollution treaty reportedly weakened after oil-producing nations resisted, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups. Climate science & finance: The ECB plans up to 5% penalties on loans to high-emission firms from 2027, while climate-focused funds saw major outflows and critics say the approach may overreach. Community & nature action: Northern Ireland’s asset recovery scheme has funded over £1.2m in community safety projects, while Natural World Products runs peat-free compost and family gardening workshops to boost sustainable growing. Solar eclipse & public safety: The UK’s eclipse is followed by the Perseid meteor shower, and health guidance stresses safe viewing to avoid eye damage.