El Niño and marine life: A new report warns that Super El Niño can sharply disrupt ocean ecosystems and fisheries by warming seas, weakening upwelling, and cutting plankton productivity—raising risks for food security and coastal livelihoods. Biodiversity and plant survival: Panama’s rainforest neighbors get a spotlight with the “dynamite tree” (Hura crepitans), whose explosive seed-dispersal mechanism can launch seeds up to 252 km/h to help reproduction. Panama Canal climate pressure: Panama Canal planning is under strain as NOAA forecasts a very high chance of El Niño, with forecasts pointing to worsening water-shortage risks for canal operations. Agriculture policy in the region: IICA member states backed a strategic plan through 2030 focused on food security, environmental sustainability, and resilience, with Panama among the participating countries. Tourism and the environment link: Panama’s tourism sector hit $6.583B in foreign exchange earnings in 2025, alongside rising visitor numbers—good news for jobs, but a reminder that growth increases pressure on natural areas and water use. Biosecurity near borders: The U.S. keeps livestock imports shut due to New World screwworm detections in Mexico, while Mexico and the U.S. expand sterile insect releases to prevent spread. Maritime security and cyber risk: China-linked hackers are reportedly targeting maritime, energy, and government networks across the Gulf and beyond, including Panama, using regional conflict instability as cover.