Ecopetrol Cyberattack: Colombia’s energy giant Ecopetrol says a ransomware-linked intrusion exposed data tied to about 3,300 user accounts, with extortion demands issued; the company says operations are normal and it’s investigating and filing a complaint. Climate & Waste Education: Colombia is pushing “zero-waste schools” to cut single-use plastics and build recycling habits early, as waste generation and low recycling rates keep landfills under pressure. El Niño Prep: Latin America governments are preparing for El Niño impacts—drought, floods and heat—while Colombia’s farmers are urged to ready crops for shifting conditions. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Colombia-linked biodiversity push highlights conservation work and species monitoring, including efforts tied to protecting habitats and restoring ecosystems. Illegal Mining in the Amazon: Ecuador’s Amazon protected areas are facing escalating illegal gold mining, with armed groups threatening park rangers and disrupting monitoring. World Cup Footprint Debate: Coverage around the 2026 World Cup spotlights environmental concerns, including carbon impact and the scale of travel tied to FIFA leadership. Flood Watch (Rio Grande): Flood levels along the Rio Grande near the Colombia Bridge are receding, but warnings remain, with agencies coordinating response and monitoring infrastructure. Heat & Rights Protests: In the U.S., heat-wave protests targeted ICE actions after deaths of people including a Colombian man, renewing calls for accountability and due process.