Portugal holds significant lithium reserves, but their exploitation is contested. The British company Savannah plans to develop a large lithium mine near Covas do Barroso, aiming to produce 25,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually. However, experts like Carlos Leal Gomes question the feasibility and quality of the reserves. The local population, represented by Nelson Gomes and the association Unis pour la défense de Covas do Barroso, opposes the project due to environmental concerns. Despite a favorable environmental impact assessment from the Portuguese Environment Agency, the community plans to challenge the project in court.

There is a consensus on shifting focus from fire suppression to fire prevention, distinguishing between wildfire mitigation and adaptation (WM&A). An analysis of 116 parishes in Portugal using principal component analyses and random forest modeling revealed that mitigation and adaptation actions are locally independent, driven by different goals, actors, and policy frameworks. Mitigation is linked to policy funding, socioeconomic dynamism, and ownership structure, while adaptation is led by local governments. Both actions are underfunded and supported by distinct policy domains.

Portugal, home to Europe's largest lithium reserves, is considering exploiting these resources, particularly in Covas do Barroso. London-based Savannah Resources aims to establish a significant lithium mine in the region, promising substantial output for electric vehicle batteries. However, local residents and experts express concerns over environmental impacts and the quality of the reserves. The Portuguese Environment Agency has given conditional approval, but local opposition remains strong, with plans to challenge the project in court.

Portugal, holding significant lithium reserves, is at the center of a debate over a proposed lithium mine near Covas do Barroso. The British company Savannah plans to develop the mine, projecting substantial lithium production for electric vehicle batteries. However, experts like Carlos Leal Gomes question the accuracy of these projections and the quality of the reserves. Local residents, represented by Nelson Gomes and the association Unis pour la défense de Covas do Barroso, strongly oppose the project due to environmental concerns, despite a conditional favorable evaluation from the Portuguese environmental agency. The conflict highlights the tension between economic development and environmental preservation.

The article presents an algorithm designed to infer the activation and deactivation times of water pumps in a lift station based on water level readings taken every 5 minutes. The algorithm corrects errors in the time series data regarding the number of active pumps and models the water level continuously using piecewise linear functions. The study aims to provide accurate estimates of pump operation times for a water management company, addressing data gaps and errors in the original dataset. The methodology and results are validated through a detailed analysis of a sample dataset.

Nearly a year after seeking refuge in Portugal, a Ukrainian family faces challenges with schooling their child, Dmytro, who is among over 14,000 minors that arrived in Portugal since the war began. Only 32% of these children attend Portuguese schools. Dmytro tried a local school but struggled without Ukrainian peers and understanding Portuguese, leading to a decision to continue his education online with a Ukrainian school. Daily classes are sometimes disrupted by bombings or power outages. Alyona Smertina from the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal explains that many Ukrainian families opt out of Portuguese schools due to plans to return to Ukraine or to complete the school year online before integrating. The Portuguese Minister of Education has expressed concern over the low enrollment of Ukrainian refugee children in Portuguese schools.

On February 13, the final report of the Independent Commission for the Study of Sexual Abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church will be made public. The commission had already validated 424 testimonies by October, with most cases being legally expired. The president of the commission highlighted the consistency of the testimonies, indicating endemic proportions of abuse in some places. Carla Ferreira of the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) and psychologist Ricardo Barroso provided insights, suggesting that the number of reported cases is just a fraction of the actual situation. The commission received the 2022 award from APAV. The Catholic Church in Portugal is preparing to take appropriate measures, with a plenary assembly of the Portuguese Catholic episcopate scheduled for March 3 to further analyze the report.

On February 13, an independent commission will publish its final report on child sexual abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church, revealing 424 testimonies. The commission's findings highlight the severity and long-term nature of the abuse. Experts believe the number of reported cases will increase, emphasizing the need for the Church to take concrete actions to prevent future incidents and support victims. The Portuguese Catholic Bishops' Plenary Assembly will review the report in early March.

Portugal is experiencing a severe drought following four heat waves, exacerbated by Spain's decision to halt water release from the Duero basin, potentially violating the Albufeira Agreement. The United Nations has advised Portugal to improve water use efficiency, particularly in agriculture. The drought has severely impacted apple production in Carrazeda de Ansiães, with producers like Luís Veiga facing significant losses. Duarte Borges from the local agricultural association describes the season as extremely challenging due to high temperatures and low water availability. Producers are seeking government assistance for future solutions.

The ceramics industry in Portugal, particularly the company CINCA, is severely impacted by rising energy costs, with gas bills increasing nearly fivefold. João Lima, CINCA's general manager, highlights the significant impact on production costs and profits, and the company's efforts to reduce energy consumption and explore new investments. The delay in receiving aid from the European Union and the Portuguese government exacerbates the situation, with the industry awaiting promised support measures.