Today’s ESG Updates
- UN Launches El Niño Appeal: FAO and WFP are seeking $202 million to help countries prepare for potential El Niño impacts.
- India’s Coal Imports Fall: Thermal coal imports dropped to a four-year low as renewable energy generation increased.
- Wildfire Disrupts Rail Services in Spain: A wildfire in Catalonia temporarily disrupted high-speed rail services between Madrid and Barcelona as Spain prepares for its first major heatwave of the summer.
- Namibia Removes Oil Official: Namibia has confirmed the removal of Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino.
UN agencies seek early funding for El Niño response
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) have launched a $202 million appeal after forecasts suggested that El Niño could intensify later this year. The agencies want to help nearly nine million people in 22 countries where droughts, floods, and storms could affect food supplies and farming.
Many of the countries included in the appeal are already facing food shortages linked to conflict, economic pressures, and past weather disasters. FAO and WFP say early funding would allow support to reach families before conditions worsen and help them protect crops, livestock, and other sources of income.
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Further reading: Bracing for El Niño: FAO and WFP launch joint appeal to protect 8.8 million people from extreme weather events
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Renewable growth cuts India’s coal imports
India’s thermal coal imports fell to their lowest level in four years during the first five months of 2026, according to commodities consultancy BigMint. Imports dropped 12% compared with the same period last year as domestic coal production increased and renewable energy generation continued to grow.
India has been trying to rely less on imported coal and generate more electricity from renewable sources. Higher coal prices and shipping costs also made imports less attractive. At the same time, renewable energy accounted for a record share of the country’s electricity supply despite strong demand during recent heatwaves.
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Further reading: India’s thermal coal imports drop to 4-year low as green power rises
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Spain wildfire affects major rail route
A wildfire in northeastern Spain disrupted high-speed rail services between Madrid and Barcelona after breaking out near a railway line in Catalonia. Authorities suspended train services on part of the route while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
The fire comes just days before what could be Spain’s first major heatwave of the summer. Forecasters have warned that temperatures may rise above 40°C in some areas, increasing concerns about wildfires after last year’s intense heatwave and severe forest fires across Spain and Portugal.
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Further reading: Wildfire in Spain disrupts Madrid-Barcelona rail service as heatwave looms
Shino removed as Namibia’s petroleum commissioner
Namibia has removed Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino, ending months of speculation about her future in the role. Shino helped develop the country’s oil and gas regulations as Namibia worked towards its goal of producing its first oil by 2030.
The government has not explained why it made the change. Aune Amutenya, a senior official in the energy ministry, will take over the role on an interim basis. The decision comes as Namibia reviews proposed changes to the rules governing its growing petroleum sector.
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Further reading: Namibia’s energy minister confirms removal of petroleum commissioner Shino
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: A group of people carrying brooms Cover Photo Credit: Dibakar Roy
