Volcanic hazards & methane: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption shows the seafloor caldera collapsed fast and deeply (from ~150m to ~850m), helping drive the tsunamis that hit Tonga and the Pacific. The same eruption cloud also appears to have chemically destroyed some of the volcano’s own methane, tracked via satellite signals. Early warning for all: Pacific Ministers wrapped up the 4th Meteorology Ministerial Meeting with a renewed push for stronger weather, climate, ocean and water services under Weather Ready Pacific, with Tonga’s new radar and wider observing upgrades highlighted. Tonga-Pacific cooperation: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on development priorities, including climate change, disaster resilience and sustainable development support. El Niño risk: Pacific climate briefings warn the 2026 El Niño could be among the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall likely in parts of the western Pacific and reef impacts from falling sea levels. Cyclone-season preparedness: Habitat for Humanity reports community-led steps in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to strengthen shelters, safe water access and local disaster plans. Marine safety gap: Vanuatu’s ferry disaster renews calls to turn marine warnings into action, with officials saying meteorology can warn but lacks authority to stop vessels. Waste & recycling voices: Pacific grassroots recyclers are set to help shape regional waste and recycling policy in Vanuatu, bringing community experience into the room. Regional fisheries leadership: Pacific countries used COFI37 to press for stronger support for Pacific-led, science-based fisheries management.