Climate & Food Security: The strongest El Niño in years is already worsening drought, floods, and harvest losses, putting about 60 million people at risk of hunger across East and Southern Africa, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean—Nicaragua’s “dry corridor” is named among the hardest-hit areas. Coffee Supply Risks: Coffee prices are expected to stay supported as thin inventories meet a strengthening El Niño, with Fitch Solutions/BMI pointing to weaker 2027–28 crop prospects and higher downside production risks for weather-sensitive growers in Asia. Cocoa Quality in Nicaragua: German researchers say “overfermentation” can create smoky off-flavors in cocoa, with samples including plantations in Nicaragua and Costa Rica—good news for producers trying to improve flavor consistency. Public Health & Local Industry: Nicaragua’s Mechnikov Institute says it has produced millions of vaccines for Nicaragua this year and expanded production lines, while exploring future packaging and new vaccine options. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Nicaragua, aiming to speed financing for solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, and clean transport. Wildlife Crime Watch: Costa Rica reports rising wildlife trafficking, with demand for species including titi monkeys reaching buyers across the region and beyond—an environmental crime trend that also affects Nicaragua’s neighbors.