Whaling Return: Iceland has resumed commercial whaling after a two-year pause, with two fin whales killed off its coast in the first days of the hunt—sparking fresh criticism from conservation groups. EU Membership Talks: Iceland’s foreign minister urged the EU to be “careful” about any plan to delay full voting rights for new members, as Reykjavik prepares a referendum on reopening accession talks. Water Security: A new global map highlights that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, showing stark gaps between wealthy regions and low-income countries. Arctic Energy Research: A study suggests some of the Arctic’s cold rivers could power hydrokinetic turbines to cut diesel dependence—lowering costs and pollution for remote communities. Geothermal in Iceland’s Orbit: A geothermal project in Iceland cleared a key hurdle, while wider reporting points to geothermal’s growing role in Europe’s energy transition. Ocean Heat & Drought: Research links Central European droughts to winter conditions months earlier, tied to the North Atlantic Oscillation. Space & Seas: A UK spaceport plan to dump rocket debris into Scottish waters faces backlash over risks to tourism and fishing. Reykjavík Culture: The National Gallery of Iceland is hosting Björk-themed exhibitions, including works tied to environmental activism.