Shield of the Americas: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori confirmed the country will join the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition during Marco Rubio’s visit, aiming to speed intelligence-sharing and joint action against cross-border criminal groups, while stressing Peru’s sovereignty remains intact. El Niño & coastal risk: As El Niño strengthens, new forecasts warn of wetter, stormier conditions across parts of the Americas, with California facing higher sea levels and more coastal damage risk. Amazon biodiversity & citizen science: In Tambopata, Peru, Rainforest Expeditions is running a citizen-science effort that lets visitors help track Amazon wildlife, including moths, while supporting research inside the reserve. Mercury-linked mining impacts: A new film spotlights how gold mining in Madre de Dios is tied to mercury pollution and deforestation, and profiles attempts to shift small-scale mining toward mercury-free methods. Climate heat record: Copernicus reported August as the hottest month ever recorded globally, with ocean temperatures at unprecedented highs. Peru maritime governance: Peru reaffirmed its commitment to IMO work on safe, efficient, and sustainable shipping, citing marine-protection initiatives tied to the Nazca Ridge and Grau reserves.