Renewables Surge in Uzbekistan: Solar and wind generation in Uzbekistan topped 5 billion kWh since the start of the year, up 28% year-on-year, with solar contributing about 60% and the output helping save gas and cut millions of tons of harmful emissions. Cleaner Pest Control in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and China completed field trials of a fungal locust biocontrol agent targeting Moroccan locusts, pointing to a potentially lower-impact alternative to conventional insecticides. Water-Land Cooperation: A Central Asia Water-Land Nexus programme moved into implementation under the GEF, bringing five countries together to strengthen integrated land and water management amid rising climate pressure. Judicial Integrity Push: Uzbekistan plans an automated income and asset declaration system for judges and court staff, plus a compliance control service to detect corruption risks and conflicts of interest earlier. GEF Assembly Momentum in Samarkand: The GEF-8 cycle wrapped with renewed focus on nature, climate and pollution, while countries used the Samarkand meetings to press for faster, fairer access to environmental finance. World Cup Climate Scrutiny: Reporting ahead of the 2026 tournament warns its expanded footprint could more than double the climate cost of Qatar 2022, driven largely by travel emissions.