This week's climate news highlights a surge in cobalt mining driven by the demand for batteries. A University of Houston researcher emphasized the urgent need for greater protections for mine workers due to the dangerous, unregulated conditions of these cobalt mines. The exponential growth of cobalt mining is raising environmental concerns, notably the impact of mining activities on local ecosystems and communities. The increasing reliance on cobalt for various technologies underscores the critical importance of managing its extraction sustainably to mitigate its environmental and social costs. The health and climate risks associated with coal-burning in Southeast Asia have also come to the forefront. Fine particle pollution from coal-fired power plants is causing a significant health crisis, leading to millions of premature deaths in the region annually. The urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources to address both the health and environmental impact of coal burning is becoming more pronounced. Furthermore, the Philippines is considering utilizing idle green mining assets to seed a sovereign wealth fund. This development aims to leverage state-owned copper mines while minimizing environmental harm. It reflects the growing significance of balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability in resource management. The feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the Philippines has sparked concerns and garnered mixed reactions from experts. Some view nuclear energy as complementary to intermittent renewable power, while others perceive inter-technology conflicts as a barrier to achieving climate goals. Meanwhile, Fisherwomen in Java are leading the fight against marine dredging due to fears about coastal erosion and harm to marine ecosystems. The conflict highlights the importance of sustainable coastal resource management and the active role of local communities in environmental preservation.