AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are heading to Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) for pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C warming limit, more climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast. Cabo Verde Spotlight: A Reuters report says Cabo Verde is among the few non-Pacific leaders confirmed for the Tuvalu/Fiji pre-COP push, highlighting how small island states are trying to keep climate pressure on the agenda. Early Warnings in Action: Cabo Verde validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, forecasting, warning communication, and preparedness to reduce harm from extreme weather. Wildlife & Data: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (over 300 traps, 150,000+ images) is revealing rare wildlife findings—useful for biodiversity monitoring methods that Cabo Verde researchers can learn from. Air Pollution: A new Copernicus analysis finds nearly 40% of the world exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in early 2026, with heat and pollution driving worse air quality. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in the Pacific ahead of COP31, but attendance is thin for leaders outside the region—Reuters notes Cabo Verde is among the confirmed non-Pacific leaders, underscoring how small island states are pushing for stronger climate action and ocean-focused protection. Storm Impacts & Preparedness: Cabo Verde validated its Early Warnings for All roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, which brought heavy rain, coastal damage, power outages and a missing person—highlighting how warnings can buy time and how links between monitoring, alerts and response must keep strengthening. Air Pollution: A new global analysis warns nearly 40% of people were exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—an urgent reminder for Cabo Verde’s public health and ecosystem risks. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum, aiming to tackle transboundary water stress and climate-driven insecurity. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap project in Tanzania (area about the size of Cabo Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns—showing the value of sustained biodiversity data. Skills-to-Jobs Model: Reporting highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) as a rare case that tracks training outcomes into employment, not just course completion.

Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks in Nadi (Oct 5–8) to set the agenda for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and stronger focus on oceans as sea levels rise fast. Cabo Verde Spotlight: A Reuters report notes Cabo Verde is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending the Tuvalu-and-Fiji pre-COP events, underscoring small-island stakes in climate negotiations. Storm Impacts & Preparedness: Cabo Verde validated an “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Tropical Storm Gonzalo, linking monitoring, warning communication, and preparedness/response in a multi-hazard plan. Air Pollution: New Copernicus analysis finds nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—an urgent health and ecosystem risk. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap project in western Tanzania (area about the size of Cape Verde) logged 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records—showing how sustained monitoring can reveal biodiversity trends. Water Security (West Africa): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional water agenda, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum, as transboundary water stress fuels climate resilience needs.

Storm Response in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought heavy rain, gusty winds, fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding across the islands, with fishing vessels lost at sea and one person reported missing—early warnings helped authorities and residents prepare. Early Warning Systems: Cabo Verde validated its “Early Warnings for All” roadmap after Gonzalo, using a multi-hazard approach that links monitoring, warning communication and preparedness, with a whole-of-society plan to mobilize resources. Climate & Health Risk: A Copernicus analysis found nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and pollution—bad news for health, ecosystems and crops. Wildlife Monitoring: Over 300 custom camera traps in western Tanzania captured 150,000 images, including rare serval patterns and new records of elusive species—showing how better monitoring can guide conservation. Water Security in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional action plan to tackle the West Africa water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Skills-to-Jobs Model: A report highlights Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) for tracking outcomes and boosting employment rates through co-financed, demand-led training.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo and Cabo Verde readiness: Gonzalo brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the Cabo Verde islands, with fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding; early warnings helped, and no deaths were reported, but one person was missing and some fishing vessels were lost at sea. Early Warnings for All roadmap: Cabo Verde validated its multi-hazard Early Warnings for All roadmap after Gonzalo, linking risk monitoring, warning communication and preparedness with a whole-of-society push to mobilize resources. Ozone pollution warning: New Copernicus data says nearly 40% of the world’s population has been exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026 so far, driven by heat and emissions—an air-quality risk that also threatens ecosystems and crops. Wildlife camera-trap breakthrough: A Panthera project using 300+ custom camera traps across western Tanzania (area comparable to Cape Verde) captured 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records for several elusive species. Water security in West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional action plan to tackle the water crisis, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum and a focus on shared rivers, climate resilience and financing. Ocean monitoring funding: OceanEye’s alliance launched with major pledges (including Canada and the EU) to expand global ocean observing, supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Skills-to-jobs model in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is highlighted for tracking outcomes into the labor market, with strong employment rates and equity targets for women and low-income groups. Winter-sun demand touches Cabo Verde: TUI’s winter programme keeps growing in the Atlantic, including the Cape Verde islands, as demand for short-haul warm-weather breaks remains strong.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo’s Cabo Verde impacts: The storm brought gusty winds and heavy rain, with fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding across the islands; several fishing vessels were lost at sea and one person was reported missing before Gonzalo weakened and dissipated. Wildlife monitoring boost: A large camera-trap effort in western Tanzania (300+ custom traps) produced 150,000+ images, including rare serval patterns and new records for several species—highlighting how better field data can guide biodiversity protection. Regional water security push: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next meeting, aiming to strengthen shared river governance and climate resilience. Climate-linked security warning: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that shrinking land and water are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and migration pressures, turning climate stress into a regional security risk. Cabo Verde skills-to-jobs model: Reporting highlights how Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund tracks outcomes into the labor market, with strong employment results and equity targets.

Storm Impacts in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought gusty winds and heavy rain to the islands, triggering fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding; several fishing vessels were lost at sea and one person was reported missing before the storm weakened and dissipated on Sept. 26. Wildlife Monitoring: A large camera-trap survey in western Tanzania (300+ traps, 150,000+ images) highlights how hidden monitoring can reveal rare wildlife patterns and track threats like declining lions—useful for strengthening similar biodiversity work across island ecosystems. Water Security for the Region: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum—aimed at better shared-river governance, climate resilience, and funding for water systems. Skills-to-Jobs Model in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is praised for linking financing to competitive training grants, employer co-funding, and graduate employment tracking—an approach that could support greener, more resilient livelihoods. Ocean Observation Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch OceanEye, securing major pledges to expand global ocean monitoring that supports climate forecasts and coastal protection.

Wildlife Monitoring: A new Panthera camera-trap survey in western Tanzania used 300+ custom traps to collect 150,000 images, including rare serval “freckle” morphs and early records of aardwolves, bat-eared foxes and springhares—plus signs of dwindling lions in key reserves. Storm Impacts in Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo brought gusty winds, heavy rain, fallen trees, power outages and urban flooding across the Cabo Verde Islands, with fishing vessels lost at sea and one person reported missing before the storm weakened and dissipated. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next West Africa Regional Water Forum. Climate at the UN: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s prime minister highlighted drought, desertification, water scarcity and rising seas as present realities for small island states. Ocean Data Funding: Canada and the EU helped launch OceanEye, pledging C$339m+ to expand global ocean observation that supports climate and coastal protection.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo Impacts Cabo Verde: Gonzalo brought gusty winds, heavy rain, fallen trees, power outages, and urban flooding across the Cabo Verde Islands before weakening and dissipating as it moved away. Wildlife Monitoring Boost: More than 300 custom camera traps across an area the size of Cape Verde helped generate 150,000+ images, including rare wildlife records—useful for biodiversity work relevant to island ecosystems. Water Security Push for West Africa: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum—aiming to strengthen shared river governance, climate resilience, and financing. Climate Risk at the UN: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho highlighted drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and rising seas as present realities for small island states. Jobs Through Training Finance: Cabo Verde’s Employment Promotion and Training Fund (FPEF) is credited with tracking outcomes into the labor market, with strong reported employment rates and employer co-financing.

Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration at the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared river management, climate resilience and better financing—plus Cabo Verde will host the next forum. Climate & Security Warning: ECOWAS parliamentarians in Accra warned that shrinking land and water are feeding farmer-herder conflicts, livelihood stress, displacement and wider security risks. Cabo Verde at the UN: Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho told the UN General Assembly that for small islands the climate crisis is already here—citing drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and rising seas. Tropical Weather Watch for Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is bringing tropical storm conditions and heavy rain risk to the Cabo Verde islands, with warnings in effect as it tracks near/over the islands before weakening. Ocean Monitoring Push: OceanEye International Alliance launched with major pledges to expand global ocean observation—supporting climate prediction and coastal protection.

Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS backed a stronger, shared approach to managing transboundary rivers and boosting climate resilience, ending the West Africa Regional Water Forum in Abidjan with the Abidjan Declaration and naming Cabo Verde as host for the next forum. Climate & Security Warning: ECOWAS parliamentarians warned that shrinking land and water are escalating farmer-herder conflicts, displacement and poverty—turning climate stress into a regional security risk. UN Ocean & Plastic Pollution: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s PM Francisco Carvalho stressed that the climate crisis is already hitting small islands via drought, desertification, water scarcity and sea-level rise, while speakers pushed for better ocean governance and action against plastic pollution. Tropical Storm Gonzalo (Cabo Verde): Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed off Africa and brought tropical storm conditions and heavy rain risk to the Cabo Verde islands, with warnings in place as the storm tracks near/over the archipelago before weakening.

Tropical Weather for Cabo Verde: Tropical Storm Gonzalo has been lashing the Cabo Verde Islands with tropical storm conditions and warnings in effect, with forecasts pointing to 1–3 inches of rain over the islands and heavier downpours possible across parts of West Africa; meanwhile, Gonzalo is expected to weaken and become post-tropical over the weekend as it moves north-northwest. Regional Climate & Security: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho stressed that the climate crisis is already hitting small islands through drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification and rising seas, calling for stronger cooperation. Water, Oceans, and Pollution: UN speakers pushed for ocean governance and biodiversity protection, warning that plastic pollution is degrading marine ecosystems and communities. Ocean Monitoring Boost: Canada and the EU launched the OceanEye International Alliance, backed by major pledges (including C$82 million from Canada) to expand global ocean observing—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. West Africa Water Stress: ECOWAS parliamentarians warned that shrinking land and water are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and migration, turning climate pressures into a growing security risk.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo (Cabo Verde impact): Gonzalo has brought gusty winds and tropical storm conditions to the Cabo Verde islands, with warnings in effect as the storm passes near or over the archipelago and then weakens toward a remnant low over the weekend. Atlantic tropics update: Tropical Depression Fay is weakening over the open Atlantic and is expected to fade by midweek, while a separate low southeast of Bermuda has only a low chance to develop. UN climate and ocean focus: At the UN General Assembly, Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho warned that the climate crisis is already hitting small island states through drought, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification, and rising seas. Regional climate-security warning: ECOWAS parliamentarians in Ghana warned that shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder conflict, displacement, and broader security risks. Ocean monitoring push: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye alliance, backed by major pledges to expand global ocean observation that supports climate and coastal protection.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo (Cabo Verde impact): Tropical Storm Gonzalo has brought tropical-storm conditions and gusty winds to the Cabo Verde islands, with warnings in effect as the storm moves north-northwest and is expected to pass near or over parts of the archipelago before gradually weakening into the weekend; forecasters also flag 1–3 inches of rain for the islands and higher rainfall risk along the wider West African coast. Atlantic storm outlook: Former Tropical Storm Fay is weakening in the open Atlantic and is expected to become post-tropical by early next week, while the broader Atlantic remains active but with no direct U.S. threat noted. Ocean monitoring push: At the UN General Assembly, Canada, the EU and partners launched the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over C$339 million (€211 million) to expand global ocean observation—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions and coastal protection. Climate security warning (ECOWAS): ECOWAS parliamentarians warned that shrinking land and water are driving farmer-herder conflicts and migration, framing climate change as a governance and security challenge, not just an environmental one.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Cabo Verde Islands as Gonzalo moves north-northwest near 10 mph with sustained winds around 50 mph and gusts higher, bringing 1–3 inches of rain to the islands and rough seas; forecasters expect Gonzalo to weaken over the weekend as it moves away. Climate Security in West Africa: ECOWAS Parliamentarians meeting in Accra warned that shrinking water, degraded farmland and shifting weather are driving displacement and farmer-herder conflict, urging faster regional action on climate change, early-warning systems, and resilience funding. Ocean Monitoring Push: Canada and the EU helped launch the OceanEye International Alliance, securing over C$339 million (€211m) to expand global ocean observing—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions, and coastal protection. Atlantic Storm Context: Tropical Storm Fay continues in the Atlantic but is expected to weaken, while the wider tropics remain active as other major Pacific hurricanes threaten distant regions.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo (Cabo Verde): The Atlantic’s Tropical Storm Gonzalo has formed near the Cabo Verde Islands, with a Tropical Storm Warning in effect. The NHC says Gonzalo’s center is passing near or over parts of the islands, with winds around 50 mph (85 km/h) and gusts higher, moving north-northwest and expected to bring heavy rain and rough seas through Friday and into the weekend. Regional climate action: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a seminar in Accra calling for faster, coordinated responses to climate change, highlighting droughts, floods, receding coastlines, and displacement across West Africa, and pushing ideas like a Regional Climate Resilience Fund and stronger early-warning systems. Ocean monitoring push: At the UN, the OceanEye International Alliance was launched to expand global ocean observing, with major pledges from the EU and Canada—aimed at improving weather forecasting, climate prediction, and coastal resilience.