Publication of the UK’s proposed seventh carbon budget on 2 June has been welcomed by the Institution of Civil Engineers as a sign that government is maintaining focus on the statutory 2050 net zero target. ICE is likely to press for clearer pathways on embodied carbon in concrete and steel, whole-life assessments for major schemes, and integration with the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations. Civil and geotechnical engineers should expect tighter carbon reporting requirements on large projects and stronger scrutiny of design choices affecting operational emissions.

FBI agents have arrested former senior CIA official David Rush after a raid on his Virginia home uncovered 303 gold bars worth about $40 million at current prices, plus $2 million in cash and nearly three dozen luxury watches, many reportedly Rolexes. Court filings allege Rush obtained the bullion by submitting multiple requests for “work-related expenses” between November 2025 and March 2026 and also falsified academic and Navy Reserve credentials to claim tens of thousands of dollars in military leave pay. The case raises fresh scrutiny over traceability and custody controls for government-held precious metals.

The European Commission has opened a call for evidence to shape an EU-wide Action Plan on digitalisation in the water sector, responding to projections that water demand could exceed available supply by around 40%. The initiative is expected to prioritise smart metering, real-time network monitoring and digital twins for treatment plants and distribution systems to cut leakage and optimise asset operation. Civil and water engineers should anticipate future requirements for interoperable data standards, sensor-ready infrastructure and integration of hydraulic models with EU-level digital platforms.