EU Carbon Fight: The European Commission has proposed loosening the EU Emissions Trading System, letting heavy industry keep free pollution permits longer and cutting the annual cap decline—sparking backlash from member states warning it could weaken Europe’s climate push. AI Data Centre Water Stress: Cape Town’s tribunal backed rezoning for a hyperscale data centre, reigniting questions about how much water AI infrastructure consumes for cooling and what that means for local water pressure. Local Pushback on Data Centres: Governments and communities worldwide are increasingly resisting AI data-centre expansion over land, power and water demands, with protests escalating as projects move forward. Dutch Heat & Drought Watch: The Netherlands faces a possible fourth regional heat wave late July, with drought worsening in western and southeast areas and wildfire risk rising as soils dry out. Water Shortage in the Netherlands: The government has officially declared a water shortage amid persistent heat and drought, underlining how fast conditions are tightening. Wildlife Protection in Zeeland: Animal rights groups won a court ruling halting Zeeland’s planned cull of fallow deer, saying the province didn’t justify the permits carefully enough. Amsterdam Smart Lighting: Amsterdam’s connected smart streetlights are doing more than saving energy—adapting brightness to weather and events to improve public space management. Wildfire Smoke Safety: Wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to ease over New Jersey thanks to thunderstorms, but health warnings remain a reminder of how quickly air quality can turn. Weather Outlook NL: Cooler, changeable conditions are forecast after the dog days begin, with showers possible and temperatures mostly in the low 20s.