AGP Executive Report

El Niño Alert for Central America: NOAA says El Niño has arrived and could intensify into late-year “historic” levels, raising fears of drought and food stress in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor; Guatemala has prepped 1.1 million food rations for a potential food security emergency. Storm Watch for Guatemala Coast: Tropical Depression Cristina is forecast to bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to El Salvador and Guatemala, with totals of 4–8 inches and locally up to 12 inches, plus mudslide concerns in coastal and mountainous areas. Heat Risk in the Region: A new study warns of “cooling poverty” affecting billions, where people face life-threatening heat without safe or affordable cooling—an issue likely to worsen as El Niño boosts extreme temperatures. Plastic Cleanup Tech: Ocean Cleanup’s solar-powered rubbish-eating boat is targeting plastic in Southern California, capturing bottles, cups, and microplastics from Ballona Creek into onboard bins. Wildlife Health Threat: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, with experts warning the fly could spread further across the Americas—linked to illegal cattle movement and deforestation pressures.

El Niño Alert for Guatemala’s Dry Corridor: Scientists say El Niño has arrived and could intensify into late-year “history books” levels, raising alarms for drought, crop stress, and food insecurity across Central America’s Dry Corridor, where Guatemala has prepped 1.1 million food rations. Storm Risk for Guatemala Coast: Tropical Depression Cristina is expected to bring heavy rain and flood risk to southern El Salvador and Guatemala, with mudslides possible in steep terrain as the system tracks toward the region. Wildlife Health & Biosecurity: Reports of New World screwworm reaching the U.S. highlight how animal disease can spread via livestock movement—an issue that matters for Guatemala’s regional animal health and border controls. Water Access in Guatemala: Marquette’s Engineers Without Borders chapter won a major engineering education award for a sustainable water distribution project benefiting 350+ households in Guatemala communities. Plastic Pollution Cleanup Tech: A solar-powered rubbish-eating boat in Los Angeles Bay shows how captured plastic and microplastics can be intercepted before they spread further.

El Niño Watch for Guatemala: The US says El Niño has arrived, with NOAA forecasting a 63% chance of a very strong event by Nov–Jan—raising fears of drought in Central America’s “Dry Corridor,” where Guatemala has prepped 1.1 million food rations for a possible food-security emergency. Storm Cristina Risk: A tropical storm warning is in effect along parts of Central America, including the Guatemala–El Salvador border area, as Tropical Depression Cristina moves toward Guatemala with heavy rain totals of 4–8 inches (locally up to 12) and threats of flash flooding and mudslides. Heat and “Cooling Poverty”: New research warns that over 2 billion people in poorer communities face life-threatening heat without safe, affordable cooling—an issue likely to worsen as El Niño boosts global heat extremes. Wildlife Health Alarm (Screwworm): Reports of New World screwworm spreading in the US highlight how livestock smuggling and deforestation can accelerate outbreaks across borders, raising concerns for regional animal health and surveillance.

Storm Risk for Guatemala Coast: Tropical Depression Cristina has strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristina and is expected to bring 4–8 inches of rain, with some areas up to 12 inches, plus life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across southern El Salvador and Guatemala, with warnings also extending through Honduras. Wildlife & Land Use: A new push to protect cloud-forest habitat in eastern Guatemala and western Honduras is gaining momentum as communities link deforestation and coffee expansion to threats facing the jade palm pit viper, with local conservation groups working to keep forests standing. Screwworm Threat: New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S. (Texas and New Mexico), raising alarms for livestock and wildlife; officials are moving to contain the outbreak while researchers point to illegal cattle smuggling as a driver. Guatemala Agroecology: Farmers in Guatemala’s highlands are reviving Maya-rooted biopesticides to cut costly synthetic agrochemicals, aiming for safer soils and more resilient crop protection. Climate & Health: A global analysis warns that “cooling poverty” leaves over 2 billion people exposed to dangerous heat without safe, affordable ways to cool.

Tropical Storm Cristina: The NHC says Cristina is still a tropical storm off Central America, with a tropical storm warning from the Honduras–Nicaragua border to the Guatemala–El Salvador border, bringing heavy rain that could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, including in Guatemala. Heat Risk: A new analysis warns “cooling poverty” affects more than 2 billion people, leaving the poorest communities exposed to dangerous heat without safe, affordable ways to cool. Guatemala Farming Shift: In the Western Highlands, farmers are reviving Maya-rooted practices to make cheaper biopesticides from local plants, aiming to cut back on costly agrochemicals and reduce ecological harm. Volcano Tourism: A Guatemala volcano hike to Volcán Pacaya includes roasting marshmallows on active lava fields—an unusual reminder of how people live alongside extreme natural hazards. Wildlife/Health Alert: The New World screwworm outbreak is spreading in the U.S., prompting quarantines that also raise concerns for livestock and wildlife.

Tropical Storm Cristina: The NHC says Cristina is still moving along Central America’s Pacific coast with 40 mph winds and heavy rain, with Guatemala among areas warned about mudslides and life-threatening flooding through Thursday. UK Travel Advisory: The UK Foreign Office updated guidance for Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, flagging Cristina’s heavy rainfall risk. Guatemala Farm Innovation: In the Western Highlands and beyond, farmers are reviving Maya-rooted practices to make cheaper, safer biopesticides from local plants, cutting back on expensive agrochemicals. Water Rights & Pollution: A report highlights how contamination of Guatemala’s San Román River has devastated Q’eqchi’ communities, tied to rapid expansion of industrial palm oil plantations in Petén. Diplomacy: Guatemala’s ambassador, Manuel Estuardo Roldan Barillas, presented credentials in Indonesia, underscoring ongoing regional engagement.

Storm Risk for Central America: The UK Foreign Office updated travel guidance for Guatemala (along with Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras) as Tropical Storm Cristina is forecast to bring heavy rain, raising risks of flash floods and landslides. Guatemala Farmers Cut Agrochemicals: In the Western Highlands, smallholders are reviving Maya-rooted biopesticides made from local plants to protect crops, reduce costs, and limit ecological harm from synthetic chemicals. River Rights and Pollution: A report revisits the San Román River crisis in Petén, where industrial palm expansion left communities facing brown, lifeless water and contaminated drinking supplies—fueling calls for stronger protections. Diplomacy: Indonesia’s president received credentials from newly appointed ambassadors, including Guatemala’s Manuel Estuardo Roldan Barillas. Regional Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Boris is also expected to bring damaging rain and mudslide risk in southern Mexico, with spillover concerns for nearby areas.

Agroecology in the Highlands: Guatemalan farmers in Sololá, Huehuetenango and Chiquimula are reviving Maya-rooted plant-based biopesticides to cut back on costly synthetic agrochemicals, aiming for safer soils and healthier crops. Tropical Storm Cristina: The Pacific system strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristina, with forecasts of heavy rain across Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala—up to 304 mm—raising flood and landslide concerns. Tropical Storm Boris: Another Pacific storm, Boris, is expected to hit Mexico’s Guerrero and Oaxaca with intense rainfall and possible life-threatening flooding as it moves inland. River rights and pollution: A look back at the San Román River disaster in Petén highlights how industrial palm expansion has fouled waterways vital to Q’eqchi’ communities, fueling contaminated drinking water and ecological collapse. Volcano tourism, Guatemala style: A viral travel piece spotlights hikers roasting marshmallows on Volcán Pacaya’s lava fields—an unusual reminder of how Guatemala’s natural hazards also draw visitors. Diplomacy with an environmental angle: Guatemala’s ambassador presented credentials in Indonesia, underscoring ongoing international ties that can shape future cooperation on climate and sustainability.

Volcano Tourism in Guatemala: Hikers on Volcán Pacaya are roasting marshmallows and even cooking pizza on hot lava fields, drawing attention to active-volcano tourism in the country. River Pollution & Indigenous Rights: A new report revisits the 2017 San Román River disaster in Petén, linking palm oil expansion to contaminated water and dead fish, and arguing for stronger protections for Q’eqchi’ Maya communities and the Usumacinta watershed. Storm Watch for Central America: Tropical Storm Boris is forming off Mexico’s Pacific coast and is expected to bring heavy rain and life-threatening flooding/mudslides to parts of southern Mexico; Honduras has issued a tropical storm warning reaching toward the Guatemala/El Salvador border. Guatemala’s Climate Stress: Coverage highlights fears of hunger in a Guatemalan village as El Niño strengthens, with farmers bracing for worsening conditions. Regional Earthquake Reminder: A magnitude 6.1 quake near Cuba sent tremors into Florida, underscoring seismic risk across the Caribbean region that includes faults south of Cuba toward Guatemala. Trade & Forced Labor Tariffs: USTR proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to goods made with forced labor across 60 economies, with Guatemala included among signaled countries in the broader policy debate.

Wildfire & El Niño pressure on forests: New reporting flags rising fire risk across Central America as El Niño strengthens, with Guatemala recording 1,095 forest fires so far in 2026 and heavy pressure in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Invasive species threat: The New World screwworm has reached the U.S. after decades—first detected in Texas—raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting how the pest has spread through Panama and Central America, including Guatemala. Storm risk for the region: Tropical Storm Boris formed in the eastern Pacific and is expected to bring 4–10 inches of rain (up to 12) to Mexico’s Guerrero and Oaxaca, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides possible. Climate action funding: HCLTech’s Americas Climate Action Grant names Guatemala-based CISP as a winner, backing water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. Trade policy with forced-labor tariffs: USTR proposes Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Guatemala listed among countries facing higher tariff rates. Local environment & mining concerns: An Aquatic March in Guatemala and El Salvador targets a proposed gold- and silver-mining project over fears it could pollute Lake Güija and the Lempa River watershed.

Forest & Fire Watch: Guatemala is seeing rising wildfire pressure tied to El Niño and land-use change, with 1,095 fires recorded so far in 2026 and hotspots concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Water & Mining Protest: Communities on Lake Güija staged an Aquatic March against a proposed gold-and-silver mine, warning pollution could reach the Lempa River watershed that supplies drinking water in El Salvador. Climate Grants: HCLTech awarded $1M in climate action grants in the Americas, with Guatemala-based CISP backing water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. Biodiversity & Tech: A Guatemala-based project using drones is mapping Maya megacities, adding new tools for protecting and understanding heritage landscapes. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas after spreading through Central America, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting the region’s shared biosecurity risks. Coolcation Demand: Travel rankings point to growing interest in cooler, nature-heavy trips across the Americas, with Guatemala listed among 2026 destinations.

Wildfire risk in Guatemala: New reporting flags that northern Guatemala is seeing more forest fires this year, with pressure concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve, even as some community forest concessions show less burning. Climate and hunger fears: Multiple updates warn that El Niño–linked heat and dryness could worsen conditions for Guatemalan farmers and leave vulnerable communities facing hunger. Biodiversity and water security funding: HCLTech named Guatemala-based CISP as a $500,000 winner in its Climate Action Grant, backing rainwater harvesting and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. New World screwworm threat: The U.S. confirmed the flesh-eating parasite in Texas after decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife; the story notes the pest’s spread through Central America and Mexico. Coolcation demand: Travel data suggests Central and South America are set to outperform in 2026 tourism growth, with cooler nature trips drawing visitors—Guatemala is listed among top coolcation destinations.

New World screwworm alert: The USDA confirmed the first locally acquired New World screwworm case in the U.S. in 60 years, found in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—raising fears for livestock, pets, and wildlife as the parasite has already spread through Central America, including Guatemala. Climate and fire pressure: With El Niño-linked dryness looming, Guatemala is seeing a surge in forest fires (1,095 recorded so far in 2026), with hotspots concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Water and conservation funding: HCLTech’s $1M Climate Action Grant backed Guatemala’s CISP to expand water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor via rainwater harvesting. Biodiversity-friendly tourism push: A new “coolcation” ranking spotlights Guatemala among cooler, nature-focused destinations for 2026, reflecting how heat and climate change are reshaping travel choices. Regional environment activism: Protesters staged an aquatic march on Lake Güija to oppose a proposed gold-and-silver mine, warning of pollution risks to a watershed that feeds drinking water downstream.

Climate & Disasters: Guatemala’s wildfire pressure is rising as El Niño-linked dryness looms, with 1,095 fires recorded so far in 2026 and Petén’s Maya Biosphere Reserve among the hardest hit. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new drone-and-LiDAR push is helping archaeologists map hidden Maya megacities in northern Guatemala’s rainforest, turning dense jungle into readable history. Water & Community Resilience: HCLTech’s $1M Climate Action Grant backs Guatemala’s CISP for rainwater harvesting and water security in the dry corridor, aiming to supply clean water to 200 families. Wildlife Health Threat: The New World screwworm continues spreading north after detections in Mexico and now Texas, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife across the region. Public Health: Virginia reports a record measles surge (77 cases), a reminder that major travel hubs can amplify outbreaks—relevant for the World Cup travel season. Travel & Heat Adaptation: A 2026 “coolcation” ranking highlights cooler, nature-heavy destinations across the Americas, with Guatemala listed among the top picks.

New World screwworm alert: Texas confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife as the parasite spreads north from Central America; officials say there may be more cases nearby and emphasize rapid animal health surveillance and wound care. Wildfire risk under El Niño: Northern Guatemala is seeing elevated fire pressure, with Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve hit hardest, as hotter, drier conditions could worsen outbreaks. Water and land climate grants: HCLTech’s $1M Americas Climate Action Grant backs Guatemala’s CISP for rainwater harvesting and sustainable land management, aiming to boost clean water access in the dry corridor. Maya mapping tech: Drone and LiDAR work in Guatemala’s Mirador Basin is revealing hundreds of ancient Maya sites, deepening understanding of biodiversity-rich rainforest landscapes. Health progress: PAHO reports trachoma elimination efforts across 11 Americas countries, highlighting WASH and environmental improvements in rural and Indigenous communities. Climate justice spotlight: Greenpeace MENA’s documentary “Under the Sun” features frontline youth in Guatemala and beyond calling for fossil-fuel accountability and stronger climate action.

Climate & Biodiversity: On World Environment Day (5 June), the Green Game Jam returns with 70 games aiming to raise awareness and funds for reef and rainforest ecosystems, with Rainforest Alliance and Oceana as charity partners. Wildfire Risk: A new look at 2026 fire activity warns that El Niño-linked dryness could push forest fires higher, with Guatemala’s north—especially Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve—already seeing heavy pressure. Water & Community Action: HCLTech’s $1 million Climate Action Grant in the Americas backs Guatemala’s CISP for water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor, targeting clean water for 200 families via rainwater harvesting. Mining Opposition & Water Concerns: Protesters staged Guatemala’s Sixth Aquatic March on Lake Güija to demand stronger protection of the watershed threatened by a proposed gold-and-silver mine, citing pollution risks to water flowing toward El Salvador. Food Security Under El Niño: In Quiché’s Dry Corridor, drought and fears of El Niño are raising alarm over crop failure and hunger, with residents warning that without rain they could “die of hunger.” Health & Environment Link: Guatemala is also in the wider Americas spotlight as PAHO reports progress toward eliminating trachoma, emphasizing water, sanitation and hygiene as key to cutting transmission.