UN climate and ocean push: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used UNGA81 to call for reform of the international system, stronger climate action, and faster access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection and urging support for Pacific resilience initiatives ahead of Pre-COP31. Ocean governance: Fakafanua also backed a proposal for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and said Tonga aims to lift ocean protection from 30% to 50% to safeguard fisheries, biodiversity and resilience. El Niño water warning: A Tonga-focused column argues that with El Niño intensifying, the most urgent need across Pacific islands is water security, highlighting past drought impacts and the strain on shipping and services. Tsunami science from 2022: New research explains why Tonga’s 2022 “Ultra” eruption produced an unusually powerful tsunami, pointing to rapid collapse of a large contiguous caldera block. Maritime safety in rough seas: A regional climatologist warns boat operators to take extra care as El Niño-linked weather turbulence coincides with recent Pacific maritime tragedies. Media and climate accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration stressing the role of news in covering climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional climate justice in law: 16 Pacific island countries, including Tonga, are taking part in a writeshop for submissions to the ICJ climate advisory proceedings, pushing for climate justice and urgent cooperation. Blue Pacific security talks: Defence ministers meeting in Fiji discussed safeguarding the Blue Pacific amid security challenges, including concerns over ballistic missile tests and the need for coordinated regional response.