Fossil-fuel transition turns from talk to implementation: Santa Marta’s first “transitioning away” conference moved the debate forward, shifting it from COP deadlock to practical questions of how phaseout happens in real economies—yet the hard part starts now, with finance, participation, and legal barriers (including investment rules) still unresolved. Energy transition vs “tech fixes”: The meeting also exposed a split between grassroots calls to avoid “false solutions” and policymakers pushing market-led tools like hydrogen, nuclear, carbon pricing, and carbon capture. Pacific geopolitics in focus: The Pacific Islands Forum signals that Cold War-style rivalries are back in play as Palau hosts leaders in late August/early September. Tuvalu-Fiji cooperation: Tuvalu and Fiji used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to deepen a bilateral framework, back Tuvalu’s Pre-COP push, and coordinate on climate and ocean priorities. Connectivity risk: A new report warns island nations—including Tuvalu—are exposed to nationwide internet blackouts from damage to a small set of undersea cables. Economy under pressure: The World Bank says growth across 11 Pacific economies, including Tuvalu, is forecast to slow to about 2.8% in 2026 as fuel costs, shipping, and weaker tourism bite. Tuvalu fisheries support: Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is seeking consultants to train community fish markets on processing fish and pork substitutes for import reduction.