Geothermal Push in Central Europe: A new look at geothermal’s role in Central and Southeast Europe argues it could be a key heating source, especially where district heating networks already exist and the Pannonian Basin offers strong potential. Urban Mining for Critical Materials: Europe’s “urban mine” idea is getting a major boost, with a report saying waste streams could supply over half of future critical raw material demand by 2050—aiming to cut new mining impacts. Iceland Geothermal Project Clears Hurdle: Iceland’s Parliament has moved the Bolaalda geothermal project into the utilisation category, letting Reykjavik Geothermal advance toward planning, impact assessment and further drilling for up to 100 MWe. Whaling Returns to Iceland: Iceland has resumed commercial fin whaling after a two-year pause, with fin whales already killed and quotas set for the 2026 season—sparking renewed conservation backlash. Arctic Climate Meets Politics: NATO’s Arctic Sentry drills highlight how climate-driven access is reshaping defence priorities, with experts warning the alliance still has work to do. Heatwave Link to the “Cold Blob”: Reporting on Europe’s heatwave points to a cold North Atlantic patch south of Iceland and Greenland that may interact with weather extremes, even as global warming drives the baseline risk. Saharan “Blood Rain” Reaches Europe: Dust from the Sahara is being carried across Europe and can fall as reddish rain during storms, a reminder of how far climate-linked weather effects travel. Reykjavík University Energy Deal: Reykjavik University and Southern Utah University signed an agreement to expand sustainable energy education and research, including geothermal-focused field learning. Data Centers Power Deal: Borealis secured a 12MW firm power PPA with Landsvirkjun for its Blönduós campus expansion, tying AI infrastructure growth to Iceland’s electricity supply. Tourism Pressure in the Arctic: Tromsø is set to introduce a visitor tax from 2027 to help fund measures as high demand strains nature and infrastructure. Off-Road Driving Crackdown: GPS routes for illegal off-road trips in South Iceland were removed from Wikiloc after fines, underscoring enforcement around protected highland terrain. Ghost Gear Problem in India: A report from India describes how lost fishing gear keeps trapping marine life, and argues solutions must cover the gear’s full lifecycle, not just end-of-life recycling.