Renewables Finance: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, green hydrogen, and even sargassum-linked energy, with Guatemala among eligible countries and proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Canal Security: Panama kicked off Panamax 2026 with 1,700 troops from 21 countries, including Guatemala, running 11 days of coordinated maritime, land, and air drills to protect the interoceanic canal and regional shipping. Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. finalized Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import prohibitions, effective July 24, using a two-tier duty structure (10% or 12.5%) across 60 economies, with broad product exemptions. Guatemala Mining: Fenix nickel laterite mine in Guatemala restarted again, shipping ferronickel cargoes to Asian and European markets, as the long-running Lake Izabal environmental and community conflict remains central. Climate Risk for Farmers: The UN’s weather agency warned strong El Niño is expected to intensify from August, raising drought and rainfall disruption risks for Central America’s dry corridor that includes Guatemala. Cyber Defense: Cyber Shield 2026 concluded after a large-scale drill simulating attacks on electrical power infrastructure, testing military, government, industry, and international partners’ readiness. Coffee Energy Experiment: A U.S. solar-thermal project is testing stored solar heat for coffee roasting, a signal for energy-smart processing ideas that could interest regional food and beverage producers.