The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and American Rivers are hosting a briefing on policies and financing solutions to modernize U.S. water infrastructure on May 7, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

• Event details: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, Rayburn Gold Room (2168), 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC; livecast available at www.eesi.org/livecast; the event is free and open to the public and attendees are asked to RSVP to expedite check-in. Speakers/Panelists: To be announced. Context noted: in January 2026 a sewer line collapse discharged 200 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.
• Agenda & focus: The briefing will convene practitioners and policy experts to discuss innovative policy and financing solutions (e.g., smart monitoring systems, credit trading) to address aging infrastructure, stormwater and sewage overflows, and extreme weather. The session will highlight existing programs such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and provide links for subscription, privacy policy, and contact/RSVP forms.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Climate Central are hosting a briefing titled “Tracking Down Data: Where to Find Climate and Environmental Information in 2026” on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT at Rayburn House Office Building Gold Room (Room 2168) with a live webcast at www.eesi.org/livecast.

• Event details and logistics:
  • Date/Time: Thursday, April 23, 2026 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm EDT
  • Location: Rayburn House Office Building Gold Room (Room 2168) — in-person and Livecast at www.eesi.org/livecast
  • Registration/Check-in: RSVP requested to expedite check-in (event is free and open to the public). Speakers are listed as to be announced.
• Context and substance:
  • The briefing highlights that hundreds of federal scientific datasets and reports (examples: national climate assessments, climate.gov, EJScreen) “have been removed from public access, altered, or buried.” It notes that universities, nonprofits, and national associations are stepping up to maintain public access to weather and climate data.
  • The session will describe where to find these datasets and the implications for end users, from individuals using weather apps to corporations making business decisions.

Fonterra has admitted that Anchor-brand butter packaging breached fair trading laws as part of a settlement to a 2024 lawsuit brought by Greenpeace Aotearoa.

• Main announcement: Fonterra admitted its Anchor packaging was likely to mislead consumers over the claim ‘100% New Zealand grass-fed’ after Greenpeace Aotearoa sued in 2024; the packaging claim conflicted with Fonterra allowing cows to be fed imported palm kernel expeller potentially linked to deforestation in Indonesia’s Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (research cited from Rainforest Action Network and Nusantara Atlas in early 2025). Also noted: Fonterra is set to finalise sale of consumer brands including Anchor to Lactalis later this year.
• Background and related developments: Greenpeace Aotearoa led the legal action; the article references broader legal precedents and complaints — the Danish High Court ruling against Danish Crown in March 2024 for misleading ‘climate-controlled pork’ claims, and formal complaints in 2025 by Greenpeace Denmark and Greenpeace Sweden against Arla alleging overstated emissions reductions. All factual timelines, organisations, and referenced research are drawn from the article.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu held a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to reconfirm Romania’s support for Moldova and to review bilateral cooperation on energy, transport and pollution response.

• Main announcement: The two prime ministers reconfirmed Romania’s support for Moldova both bilaterally and in advancing its European path, reviewed the status of joint interconnection projects, discussed energy and transport infrastructure cooperation (including the takeover of Giurgiulesti Port by the Port of Constanta and the A8 Motorway Pascani–Iasi–Ungheni), and noted that Moldova’s consumer electricity supply was ensured via alternative routes including four 110 kV interconnection lines with Romania.
• Background and details: Romania provided prompt assistance in the Dniester River pollution crisis (teams intervened from day one, helping to install absorbent barriers and supplying materials), discussed border transit conditions for citizens and goods, and Romanian experts are working with Moldovan administration to align legislation and practices with European standards; the article references the pollution and energy disruptions as caused by Russian Federation attacks in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer) announced a raft of measures coming into force on 1 April 2026 that raise wages, cut energy bills, and provide targeted support for vulnerable households.

• Main action: National Living Wage increased to £12.71 (a £900 boost for 2.4 million workers) and National Minimum Wage increased to £10.85 (a £1,500 boost for over 200,000 young workers); energy bills cut by an average £117 a year for millions, prescription prices frozen (caps medicines at around £10), and the Crisis & Resilience Fund launched with £1bn to help vulnerable households (e.g., heating oil support). These measures come into force 1 April 2026 and some supports (energy price cap cut) are locked in until end of June 2026.

• Background and additional details: The announcement follows a 16 March public update listing five steps already in place (including extending fuel duty cut to September and £53 million for households exposed to heating oil), the ongoing £150 Warm Home Discount expansion (received by ~6 million families this winter), and government efforts to build energy security and press for de-escalation in the Middle East as a means to reduce price pressures.

The Piedmont Environmental Council has announced spring tree planting and riparian buffer stewardship events in Virginia.

• Main announcement: Piedmont Environmental Council is organizing spring plantings under the Plantings for the Piedmont program, including a single-shift event on Thursday, April 9, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Hume, VA to plant 150 native trees and shrubs along a tributary to Thumb Run to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat.

  • Date & time: Thursday, April 9, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Location: Hume, VA (Rappahannock River Watershed)
  • Agenda/subject: Planting 150 native trees and shrubs along a tributary to Thumb Run; volunteers needed for one shift with a lunch break.

• Background and additional event: Earth Day Cleanup & Tree Planting at Clermont Farm will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Berryville, VA (Potomac River Watershed), organized by Piedmont Environmental Council in partnership with Clermont Farm Foundation; volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts to steward an established riparian buffer and conduct maintenance activities.

  • Date & time: Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (morning and afternoon shifts)
  • Location: Berryville, VA (Clermont Farm)
  • Agenda/subject: Earth Day cleanup, maintenance of riparian buffer established by Plantings for the Piedmont; volunteer sign-ups via provided links.

The Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister with responsibility for water, urged consumers to reduce $28 million in arrears to support the government’s investment to enhance and expand water infrastructure.

• Main action: Minister Konris Maynard urged consumers (addressing the National Assembly on March 31, 2026) to reduce the $28 million owed to the Water Services Department; accounts in arrears are subject to service interruption after 90 days, and payments of any amount will keep accounts active while reducing balances. Flexible payment plans are available and consumers are encouraged to contact the Water Services Department to develop payment schedules.
• Background and project details: Since 2022, the government has spent millions on the construction and commissioning of two desalination plants, established a new well in Cayon, constructed new water storage facilities, and replaced underground pipes; exploratory drilling is currently taking place in Saddlers at a highly probable well site.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew presented the Saint Kitts and Nevis Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund Bill, 2026 in the National Assembly on March 31, 2026.

• Main announcement: The Bill proposes a statutory, professionally managed Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund to capture defined portions of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenues, Sustainable Island State contributions, geothermal profits, and other qualifying inflows; deposits will be invested primarily in foreign assets with strict limitations on withdrawals.
• Governance & operation: The Fund will be overseen by an independent board with strict fiduciary duties, mandatory public reporting and independent audits; withdrawals only under clearly defined conditions (natural disasters, economic shocks, or assessed national development priorities). The Bill is presented as aligned with IMF guidance and now moves forward in the legislative process.

PacifiCan announced an investment of over $13.8 million in five B.C. projects through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).

• Main announcement: PacifiCan is investing over $13.8 million in five British Columbia projects to advance defence technologies in AI and aerospace, including $4 million to the University of Victoria’s Centre for Aerospace Research for a satellite ground station and testing facilities, $1.4 million to UVic’s Advanced Control and Intelligent Systems Lab for an AI-powered drone mapping system, over $3 million to Arcane Aerospace, over $2.4 million to Atreides, and over $2.8 million to OSI Maritime Systems.
• Background and implementation details: These awards are delivered under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII); RDII is a national, three-year $379.2 million program. PacifiCan will deliver $67.5 million in BC (2025–2028). Applications for RDII are open until April 15, 2026. The funding builds on the federal Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) (initial $6.6 billion, with $2.1 billion this year).

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, will highlight investments supporting the Canadian Armed Forces at CFB Gagetown following the Government of Canada’s achievement of the NATO 2% defence spending target.

• Main announcement: Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Secretary of State Wayne Long and Parliamentary Secretary David Myles will highlight investments supporting the Canadian Armed Forces at CFB Gagetown, Oromocto, New Brunswick; the media event is scheduled and will follow the Government of Canada’s achievement of the NATO 2% defence spending target.

  • Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. ADT (media asked to arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. ADT)
  • Location: CFB Gagetown, Oromocto, New Brunswick (exact location to be shared upon registration)

• Background and logistics: The advisory lists participating officials and media registration/contact details; media wishing to attend must contact Major Jamie Donovan or Captain Surbhi Matta to confirm attendance and receive participation details.

  • Named officials: The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc; the Honourable Wayne Long; David Myles
  • Media contacts for registration: Major Jamie Donovan (jamie.donovan@forces.gc.ca; 506-429-5336), Captain Surbhi Matta (surbhi.matta@forces.gc.ca; 506-260-3640)
  • Additional media contact: Jean-Sébastien Comeau, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc (jean-sebastien.comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca; 343-574-8116) and Privy Council Office Media Relations (media@pco-bcp.gc.ca; 613-957-5420).

Greenpeace International and Greenpeace organisations in the US filed a motion for a new trial in North Dakota District Court on 27 March 2026 seeking to overturn a US$ 345 million judgment issued 27 February 2026 in Energy Transfer’s SLAPP lawsuit.

• Main action: The motion for a new trial (filed 27 March 2026) asks the court to vacate or retry the case after the February 27, 2026 US$ 345 million judgment; it alleges denial of a fair trial, including biased jurors (7 of 9), the assignment of 100% of claimed damages to Greenpeace despite numerous other participants, exclusion of favorable evidence, admission of prejudicial material, and erroneous jury instructions.
• Background and details: The motion documents include an over-100-page summary of trial errors; the case arose from actions related to the Standing Rock Movement and the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL); the motion PDF is publicly accessible and Greenpeace International provided press contact details (+31 (0)20 718 2470, pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org) and a WhatsApp group link for updates.

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has had its new five-year strategic plan “Djoliba… the next step” approved by the WAMU Council of Ministers and formally launched after its Board meeting in Dakar.

• Main announcement: The WAMU Council of Ministers approved BOAD’s new 2026–2030 strategic plan “Djoliba… the next step”, which sets a funding target of XOF6.5 trillion for 2026–2030, and foresees XOF2.65 trillion in loans and a securitization programme of XOF1.1 trillion; the approval was confirmed after the Board of Directors meeting held 25–26 March 2026 in Dakar.
• Additional details/background: The Board approved 17 new projects totaling XOF501.568 billion, bringing cumulative BOAD financing since 1976 to XOF10,387.2 billion; governance and risk items approved include an ISO 37001-aligned anti-corruption framework and a €200 million (XOF131.2 billion) credit facility from SMBC, plus a MIGA grant up to US$299,167 (~XOF166.8 million) for gender and climate mainstreaming.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed South Africa’s position as a leading investment destination at the Business Gala Dinner of the 6th South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026.

• Main announcement: Deputy President Paul Mashatile reiterated that South Africa is open for investment, stressing a shift “from commitments to implementation” at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (Johannesburg, 31 March 2026); he cited R1.5 trillion in commitments (2018–2023), of which more than R600 billion has converted into projects, and a current pipeline of R284.8 billion across 66 projects.
• Background and details: He highlighted completed and ongoing structural reforms (Operation Vulindlela: grid access unlocked, streamlined water licensing, private participation in freight logistics, visa reforms), noted sovereign credit rating upgrade and removal from the FATF grey list, and identified priority sectors: renewable energy, green hydrogen, battery storage, critical minerals, digital infrastructure (broadband, fintech, AI), agritech, tourism and manufacturing.

The South African government (President Cyril Ramaphosa) announced that the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference secured the highest-ever investment commitments in value and number of projects.

• Main announcement: At the closing of the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), President Cyril Ramaphosa reported the highest cumulative value and number of pledges since the SAIC’s 2018 launch, with major commitments including Toyota: R10.4 billion (KwaZulu-Natal, automotive energy transition), Sasol: R60 billion (modernising operations in Mpumalanga and the Free State), and Teleperformance: R145 million (global business services project expected to generate 2,600 jobs).
• Background and details: The pledges are largely domestic capital with a sharp rise in foreign direct investment and participation from development finance institutions; investments span all nine provinces and cover sectors such as mining, renewable energy, infrastructure and global business services.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Location: Sandton
• Agenda / subject: Announcements of investment pledges across sectors (automotive energy transition, Sasol modernisation, renewable energy, infrastructure, global business services)

The Government of Canada will announce investments in Western Canada at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt following achievement of the NATO 2% defence spending target.

• Announcement details: The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National, will make an announcement focused on investments in Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt and strengthening national security, following Canada reaching the NATO 2% defence spending target.

  • When: April 1, 2026, 10:00 am PDT
  • Where: Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt — His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Main Gate B Jetty, Victoria, BC
  • Focus: Investments at CFB Esquimalt and support for national security (no monetary figures provided in the advisory).

• Logistics and media instructions: Media must register in advance by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with attendee name(s) and media outlet no later than 08:00 am (local) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026; bring government-issued photo identification and expect to be greeted and escorted to B Jetty for the event.

  • Media contact: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada — 613-992-7468 / media@veterans.gc.ca.
  • Minister’s office contact: Adam Rogers-Green, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs — 343-573-0946 / adam.rogers-green@veterans.gc.ca.

Google has announced an expansion of its Certified Refurbished Pixel program, adding the Pixel 8a and making refurbished Pixel models available on the Google Store and Amazon Renewed.

• Main announcement: Google is launching its biggest Certified Refurbished expansion this month (March 2026), bringing Pixel 8a plus Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 7 and 7 Pro to the Google Store and making the same Certified Refurbished portfolio available through Amazon Renewed; devices are available while supplies last.
• Details & guarantees: Refurbished phones are inspected and repaired with authentic Google parts, come preloaded with the latest Android software, include seven years of software updates and Pixel Drops, are packaged in redesigned, 100% plastic-free packaging with the Relove icon, and purchases via Amazon are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu met with Romania’s President Nicusor Dan in Bucharest to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and Romania’s continued support for Moldova’s European integration.

• Main announcement: During an official visit to Bucharest, the PM and the President agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy connectivity and infrastructure projects, including investments in high-voltage power lines, the modernization of schools and universities, and support for competitive businesses to foster interconnection between the two markets.
• Context and background: The meeting reiterated Romania’s constant support for Moldova’s European path amid the challenges triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine, stressed the importance of market interconnection and an increase in Romanian investments in Moldova; this report describes the leaders’ commitments rather than announcing specific signed deals or financial amounts.

The sixth South Africa Investment Conference announced private sector commitments totalling R113.5 billion across 65 projects, including 16 “landmark investments” each valued at R10 billion or more.

• Main announcement: The conference unveiled 16 landmark investments (each ≥ R10 billion) and a broader pipeline totalling R113.5 billion across six sector clusters. Key private pledges include Sasol R60 billion (chemicals and packaging, rolled out across all provinces), Cornubia 957 R25 billion (tourism/property in KwaZulu-Natal), MTN Group R21.8 billion (ICT/digital infrastructure), French Chamber R20.4 billion (multiple industries/provinces), Diem Co & Salt Rock City R20 billion (tourism/property), and Seriti Green R10 billion (Mpumalanga, green economy).
• Background & government details: The announcement is part of broader sector and government commitments, including a green-economy cluster of 19 projects worth R55.6 billion (renewables, mineral beneficiation, chemicals, packaging) and government infrastructure/sector allocations totalling R3.35 trillion over three years (including R1 trillion infrastructure spend, R870 million transport reforms/projects, R2.3 trillion energy reforms/projects, IDC R11.7 billion, and an infrastructure fund of R37.2 billion).

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Time: Not specified
• Location: Not specified
• Agenda/subject: Announcements of private-sector capital commitments across energy, green economy, tourism/property, digital infrastructure/ICT, manufacturing, and coordinated action on infrastructure, critical minerals and industrial development.

The Romanian President Nicusor Dan has announced that Moldova can always count on Romania’s support for EU accession, energy security, and resilience to hybrid threats.

• Main announcement: President Nicusor Dan confirmed continued Romanian support for Moldova’s European integration, energy security, and resilience to hybrid threats, following his meeting with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu in Bucharest. The meeting emphasised major interconnection projects in energy, infrastructure, transport and digital networks meant to bring Moldova closer to the European Union through Romania.
• Background and visit details: The statement followed Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s official visit to Romania, which included participation in the Romania Government Roundtable Conference and meetings with President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, plus a planned meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania to promote investment opportunities in Moldova.
  • Date: described in the article as today (official visit).
  • Location: Bucharest, Romania.
  • Agenda: Romania Government Roundtable Conference (political and institutional leaders and business representatives from Romania, Europe and the United States); bilateral meetings on cooperation, energy interconnections, and investment promotion.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $3.8 billion national nature strategy built on three pillars: protecting nature, building Canada well, and valuing and mobilizing capital for nature.

• Main announcement: The federal plan commits $3.8 billion to a national nature strategy with measures for new national parks, marine protected and conserved areas, support for Indigenous-led conservation, private capital mobilization, and comprehensive biodiversity data collection; it signals movement toward Canada’s target to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
• Context and next steps: Greenpeace Canada says the plan falls short of needed ambition and calls for reintroducing strong federal nature legislation (Bill C-73, the Nature Accountability Act), cites procedural context including parliament prorogation in January 2025 which halted Bill C-73, references Greenpeace’s January 2026 report “Belonging in Nature”, notes a petition signed by more than 118,000 people, and highlights the opportunity to lead at UN Biodiversity conference (COP17) in October 2026.