AGP Executive Report

Storm Update for CNMI: Typhoon Choi-wan has moved away from the Marianas, with all watches and warnings for Saipan and Tinian lifted, but hazardous marine conditions and lingering wind, surf, and rain risks remain as recovery continues. Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders and climate advocates are using Fiji and Tuvalu talks to press for stronger action ahead of COP31, including a unified push to defend the 1.5°C goal and reject “false solutions” and fossil-fuel expansion. Sea-Level Rise Reality: Reporting highlights how rising seas are already making land uninhabitable across the Pacific, with leaders calling for faster, fairer climate finance and protection for low-lying communities. Health Under Extreme Heat: Medics warn that extreme heat is raising pregnancy and newborn risks, with global survey figures pointing to heat-linked complications. CNMI Workforce & Federal Policy: CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged support for a federal bill to eliminate the CW “touchback” requirement, saying it disrupts local projects and labor planning. Guam Seabed Mining Dispute: Guam officials object to a federal finding that a proposed seabed mining lease sale won’t affect Guam, citing concerns over water, air, wildlife habitat, fisheries, and cultural sites. Regional Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Koguma (27W) formed far east of the Marianas and was upgraded to tropical storm status, with forecasts shifting closer to the Northern Islands.

Typhoon Choi-wan Update: Saipan and Tinian got an all-clear as Choi-wan moved away, but officials warn hazardous winds, rough seas, flooding risk, and advisories still linger through the weekend. Local Governance: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce gubernatorial debate was cut short when a power outage hit the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium during Tropical Storm Choi-wan, with the rest of the forum planned to resume online. Workforce & Policy: CNMI HR leaders urged repeal of the CW touchback requirement, saying it disrupts projects and the islands’ labor pipeline, and pointed to a bill aimed at rewriting the federal rule. Aviation & Environment: A proposed new Saipan radar on Mount Petosukara would restore long-range surveillance for north-facing airspace, with the FAA reviewing public comments before a final NEPA decision. Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s fossil-fuel and coal expansion plans are drawing fresh scrutiny at pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, with Pacific leaders pressing for faster, fairer climate action. Food & Fisheries: Pacific climate experts warn that overshooting 1.5°C could shift fish feeding grounds and disrupt traditional fishing and ecosystems.

Typhoon Choi-Wan Update for CNMI: Choi-Wan strengthened and kept a wide wind field affecting the Northern Marianas, with Saipan and Tinian under tropical-storm conditions and a Wind Advisory still in place even after “All Clear.” Flood Risk: A Flood Watch remains for Saipan and Tinian through late Sunday night as heavy rain from Choi-Wan and a monsoon inflow band raises flash-flood concerns, with 5–8 inches possible. Hazardous Winds & Seas: NWS reports strong gusts across the region and warns that dangerous marine conditions and rough seas can persist even as the storm center moves away. Local Impacts: Weather disrupted daily life, including outages and closures, and even cut short a Saipan Chamber gubernatorial forum when power went out. Climate & Oceans: A Pacific climate expert warns that overshooting 1.5°C could permanently shift fish and threaten traditional fishing grounds, while El Niño is already disrupting seaweed farming and livelihoods across the region. Pre-COP31 Push: Fiji and Tuvalu are hosting Pacific-led climate talks ahead of COP31, with leaders urging faster climate finance and ocean-focused action.

Typhoon Choi-Wan Update: Choi-Wan has strengthened as it pulls away from the far Northern Marianas, but hazardous weather is still spreading across the Marianas. Saipan and Tinian are under an All Clear while a Wind Advisory remains in effect, and a Flood Watch continues through late Sunday night as heavy rain raises flash-flood risk. Local Impacts: The storm has already disrupted daily life—schools and Northern Marianas College closed or shifted schedules, power outages hit Saipan, and even a gubernatorial forum was cut short by a blackout. Climate Risk to Food Systems: Dr. Rufino Varea warns that if global temperatures overshoot 1.5°C, fish will shift feeding grounds, threatening traditional fishing areas and disrupting Pacific spawning cycles. Pre-COP31 Push: Pacific leaders are gearing up for Fiji and Tuvalu meetings ahead of COP31, pressing for faster, accessible climate finance, stronger ocean protection, and direct loss-and-damage support for frontline communities.

Typhoon Choi-wan Impacts CNMI: Choi-wan strengthened into a Category 2 typhoon with a large wind field still covering most of the Northern Marianas, keeping tropical-storm conditions on Saipan and Tinian and typhoon warnings for the Northern Islands; officials reported intermittent power outages, hazardous seas, and a growing flood risk, with a Flood Watch for Saipan and Tinian through late Sunday night. Public Safety & Disruptions: Schools, Northern Marianas College classes, and government offices were closed or shifted as winds and heavy rain battered the islands; the Saipan Chamber gubernatorial forum went dark mid-way after an outage, and election placards were flagged as dangerous in gusty conditions. Water Quality Alert (Rota): The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality flagged certain Rota drainage and beach sites after fecal indicator bacteria exceeded standards, advising residents not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours. Climate Diplomacy Push: Ahead of Pre-COP31, Pacific leaders—including CNMI’s region-wide partners—pressed for faster, accessible climate finance and stronger ocean and loss-and-damage support, while coverage highlighted concerns that global attention is still thin. Local Policy Watch: CNMI launched an eight-month study to calculate the true operating costs of licensed child care centers, aiming to improve subsidy rates for center-based care.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: Saipan and Tinian stayed under Tropical Storm Condition I as the storm moved away but kept strengthening, with the NWS warning damaging winds and heavy rain could continue and a Flood Watch running through late Sunday night. Regional Weather Impacts: Strong winds and gusts were recorded across the Marianas, while Guam and Rota faced a wind advisory and rough conditions tied to a monsoon surge. Local Disruptions: The Saipan Chamber’s gubernatorial forum went dark mid-way after Choi-Wan-triggered worsening weather; schools and offices also closed or shifted schedules, and outdoor sports were canceled. Public Health & Water Safety: CNMI water testing flagged fecal indicator bacteria at Rota recreational sites and storm drainages, with a red-flag no-fishing/no-swimming advisory near specific locations. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders pushed for a bigger role in Pre-COP31 and COP31, with Fiji’s minister stressing the region must be at the center—not the margins—of global climate decisions. Governance & Resilience: CNMI launched an eight-month study to calculate the real operating costs of licensed child care centers, aiming to better align subsidy rates with local realities.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: Choi-Wan has moved away from Guam but strong winds and rain linger, while Saipan and Tinian remain in the storm’s impact zone; NWS reports gusts up to 62 mph on Saipan and flood risk stays high with a Flood Watch through late Sunday night and guidance to clear drains and avoid low-lying areas. CNMI Preparedness: Schools and Northern Marianas College shifted to half-day schedules and closed on Friday; government employees were released early and offices closed to help residents prepare. Travel Disruptions: Jeju Air warned of possible Saipan flight delays and cancellations from Thursday through early Sunday. Marine Water Safety: CNMI’s Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality flagged fecal bacteria at Rota recreational sites, advising no fishing or swimming within 300 feet for 48 hours. Climate Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale will attend Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing for loss and damage funding and stronger Pacific leadership as global climate talks gear up for COP31. Seabed Mining Politics: A proposed U.S. seabed-mining lease near the Northern Mariana Islands is moving ahead even as a China-U.S. rare-earth trade truce continues.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: Choi-Wan moved west-northwest away from Anatahan but still threatens the Northern Marianas with tropical storm conditions and possible typhoon-strength winds, prompting Tropical Storm Condition I for Saipan and Tinian and school and office closures, plus early employee releases and Friday shutdowns. Public health & water safety: CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality flagged fecal bacteria hotspots on Rota’s recreational beaches and storm drainages, advising no fishing or swimming within 300 feet for 48 hours; Tinian sites received green flags. Local resilience planning: The CNMI government launched an 8-month study to calculate the true operating costs of licensed child care centers, aiming to set subsidy rates that better match quality care needs across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Ocean stewardship: Friends of the Mariana Trench announced a board leadership transition as Chair Sheila Babauta steps down but stays on as a director, highlighting Indigenous leadership and environmental justice. Climate justice beyond CNMI: The UN urged the U.S. to fully pay reparations for Marshall Islands nuclear test impacts, warning of ongoing risks tied to rising seas.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: CNMI officials are ramping up as Choi-Wan strengthens east of the Marianas, with Tropical Storm Warnings for Saipan and Tinian and possible typhoon conditions for the Northern Islands. Local Preparedness: Gov. David Apatang placed Saipan and Tinian under Tropical Storm Condition I and ordered government employees released at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, with Friday off, while schools shifted to half-days Thursday and closed Friday. Travel Disruptions: Jeju Air warned of possible Saipan flight delays and cancellations from Thursday afternoon through early Sunday. Ocean Stewardship: Friends of the Mariana Trench honored outgoing Chair Sheila Babauta and announced a board leadership transition. Research & Environment: SPREP and PICAN signed an MOU to protect and manage Pacific environments ahead of pre-COP31, while UOG’s EPSCoR E-CORE seed grants backed new local research and workforce development. Community & Climate: Fijian women preparing climate relocation stories for Pre-COP31 highlight the human side of climate impacts.

Tropical Weather Alert: Invest 93W has rapidly organized east of the Marianas and is now Tropical Depression 26W, with tropical storm watches issued for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan and Saipan/Tinian under Tropical Storm Condition III as forecasters warn of damaging winds, heavy rain and rough seas even if the center stays north. Disaster Recovery & Governance: Gov. David Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days to keep recovery moving after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with Rota still facing displacement and rebuilding needs. Population Pressure: A CNMI official told federal partners the territory is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to limited economic opportunity, shrinking the private sector and tax base. Local Environment & Ocean Stewardship: Friends of the Mariana Trench announced a board leadership transition, highlighting Indigenous leadership and environmental justice in national ocean policy. Climate Justice Context: A new push to study Antarctica’s Wilkes Subglacial Basin is raising fresh sea-level concerns for Pacific island communities already facing rising seas. Community & Resilience: Saipan’s SIS Gecko 5000 and cross-country qualifier drew hundreds to Banzai Cliff and Marpi, underscoring local community spirit amid tough times. STEM & Data Access: CNMI programmers can now work with real NASA data through the NASA Space Apps Challenge, with a local mentor selected to represent the islands.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 26W (Invest 93W) is strengthening east of the Marianas, triggering Tropical Storm Watches for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan and Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian, with forecasts suggesting a Friday pass north of Anatahan and possible tropical-storm intensification late Wednesday into Thursday. Storm Prep & Uncertainty: NWS Guam warns the system’s closest approach remains uncertain, but expects increased showers, gusty winds and rough seas as a monsoon surge develops. Recovery & Emergency Powers: Gov. David Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days to keep recovery moving after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with Rota still facing displacement and rebuilding of power and water. Local Economy Pressure: CNMI officials told federal partners the territory is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to limited economic opportunities, shrinking the private sector and tax base. Coastal Risk in Court: A Saipan boat owner sued CNMI and DLNR officials over a marina grounding, alleging assurances that a storm-damaged channel was safe after Typhoon Bavi. Ocean Stewardship Funding: The Pacific Ocean Commissioner welcomed Bezos Earth Fund grants of more than $25 million for ocean conservation and marine protected areas across Pacific countries.**

CNMI Population & Economy: A senior CNMI official told federal partners in San Francisco the Commonwealth is losing about 1,000 residents a year due to lack of economic opportunity, shrinking the private sector and tax base and raising worries about government finances. Storm Recovery & Emergency Powers: Gov. David Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days to keep recovery powers in place after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with Saipan/Tinian still rebuilding power and Rota still seeing displacement and damaged water and power systems. Marianas Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says Invest 93W may pass northeast of the Marianas and could bring a monsoon surge with strong gusty winds and dangerous seas; residents are urged to monitor forecasts. Local Legal Fight: A Saipan boat owner sued CNMI and DLNR officials over a marina grounding, alleging officials repeatedly assured him the storm-damaged channel was safe. Sea Turtle Management: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is pushing for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Climate & Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a loss-and-damage declaration calling for faster, transparent access to climate information and stronger government accountability.

Typhoon Recovery Watch: Gov. David Apatang extended CNMI’s State of Significant Emergency for 30 more days, citing ongoing recovery needs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi—especially power and water restoration on Rota. Storm & Sea Conditions: NWS says Invest 93W is not expected to directly hit the Marianas, but it will boost showers and thunderstorms and trigger a monsoon surge with gusty winds and seas over 10 feet, peaking near 13 feet. Local Preparedness: NWS Guam warned El Niño may fuel a more volatile late-year typhoon pattern, with possible westward-moving storms through Micronesia and the Marianas. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: NRDC urged slower, community-led decision-making on potential deep-sea mining around the Marianas, saying residents feel the federal process is moving too fast. Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres for faster, bigger climate finance and support for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Sea Turtle Harvest Review: WPRFMC called for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam and CNMI to help restore traditional cultural harvests. Food Security & Culture: A Pacific breadfruit summit highlighted ‘ulu’s role in health, food security, and climate resilience—while tackling supply-chain hurdles.

Typhoon & El Niño Watch: NWS Guam warned the Marianas could see a volatile end-of-year typhoon pattern as El Niño strengthens, with possible westward-moving storms and shifting forecasts for the weekend. Tropical Disturbance Tracking: A system east of Guam (Invest 93W) may bring wind and rain to the Marianas or miss entirely, with development still uncertain. CNMI Recovery Flights: Philippine Airlines delayed restarting Manila–Saipan service until conditions stabilize after super typhoons, with twice-weekly flights set to resume late October. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC urged Marianas residents to be heard as federal processes move quickly on potential deep-sea mining, while local voices call for more time and participation. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is pushing experimental green sea turtle status reviews in Guam and CNMI to support traditional cultural harvests. Climate Finance at the UN: Samoa called for major reform so climate funding is easier to access and tailored for small island states, as Pacific leaders pressed the UN for faster action. Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Loss and Damage media declaration calling for timely climate information and stronger government accountability. Coral & Ocean Health: Palau hosted international coral reef partners to share restoration and marine conservation work ahead of regional leaders’ meetings.

Tropical Weather Watch: A disturbance east of Guam (Invest 93W) could bring wind and rain to the Marianas this weekend, but forecasters say it may either track north through CNMI or strengthen fast and miss the islands. Sea-Level Rights: Pacific leaders backed a UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, stressing that rising seas shouldn’t automatically strip statehood or maritime zones—an issue with direct stakes for island communities. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (CNMI/Marianas): NRDC representatives say the federal seabed mining lease sale process is moving too quickly, with residents lacking clear answers on impacts and oversight; the concern adds to broader Micronesia-wide warnings. Climate Finance at UNGA: Palau’s Forum chair Surangel Whipps urged sovereignty and stronger climate support, while FSM called for predictable adaptation funding and faster renewable transitions. Reef & Ocean Health: International coral reef partners visited Palau’s PICRC to learn about coral restoration and marine conservation. CNMI Community Focus: Western Pacific fishery officials called for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam and CNMI to support cultural harvests. Science Communication: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to boost access to environmental research.

Climate & Media Accountability: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging governments and regional agencies to share timely, transparent climate loss and damage information and answer public questions. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (CNMI/Marianas): NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and details to weigh a fast-moving deep-sea mining lease sale; CNMI Governor Apatang backs public outreach in Saipan, Tinian and Rota while court challenges play out. UN Climate Finance & Rising Seas: Pacific leaders pressed UN chief António Guterres on climate finance and the Pacific Resilience Facility, while the UN approved a first-ever Declaration on Sea Level Rise affirming statehood and maritime zones can remain stable as coastlines change. Science Communication in the Marianas: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate local environmental research for communities. Ocean Governance & Nuclear Legacy: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine warned against seabed mining at the UN and called for a UN apology over nuclear testing harms.