A new private sector-led initiative is aiming to boost the number of multi-million-dollar power deals in New Zealand’s corporate sector, increasing clean energy capacity, and enhancing energy security.
The collaboration between the BusinessNZ Energy Council, Sustainable Business Council, EVAmarketplace, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, and DLA Piper is raising industry awareness of the potential of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in New Zealand and exploring new tools to support uptake.
PPA agreements involve pre-purchasing power over a 10-20 year-period by medium to large energy users, including manufacturers, commercial buildings and others.
Tina Schirr, Executive Director at the BusinessNZ Energy Council, says the agreements make new generation more commercially viable by incentivising the development of new renewable projects and will help give certainty to business customers.
“Aside from security of supply, businesses are also looking to reduce their carbon footprint to help meet demand from their customers and meet 2030 targets,” said Schirr.
“Significant reductions in costs are possible too – but you have to ride out the ups and the downs.”
The market has been on the rise in Europe for some time with deal count peaking at 272 published PPAs in 2024, representing a 65% increase from 2022.
Tom Metcalfe, a senior lawyer in DLA Piper’s international renewables practice, offered insights on growth in the European market at a recent industry meeting. Hosted by the Employers and Manufacturers Association, the workshop was attended by more than 100 participants from across the energy sector.
“We have seen volatility in energy prices lead to a sharpened focus on energy procurement strategies and the potential benefits of price hedges in the European market. There is clearly potential for New Zealand too against a backdrop of high wholesale power prices,” said Metcalfe.
“Another important part of the PPA market is the sale and purchase of environmental attribute certificates. So having a robust system for the transfer of traceable certificates is key.”
Mark Williamson, Partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, highlighted additional drivers for the growing momentum of PPAs globally.
“Regulatory incentives, and corporate sustainability commitments have also contributed to the uptake in Europe,” said Williamson.
“These agreements are proving to be a key mechanism for unlocking large-scale renewable energy projects, and a vital part of achieving the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation.”
Antonia Burbidge, Head of Climate and Nature at the Sustainable Business Council, said there are some successful local examples of large-scale, long-term deals currently in play domestically.
“Lodestone Energy for example, has been a market leader,” said Burbidge.
“It is fantastic to see information sharing happening related to process, for example, the need for early engagement with lenders. In other cases, it’s what you can expect in terms of outcomes such as reporting or helping achieve Scope 1, 2, and even Scope 3 emissions targets – which has been tricky territory for many.”
Off the back of the industry workshop new resources including a legal template are underway to support market delivery.
“Our next step is a standardised corporate PPA template to simplify the process and reduce legal costs – a common barrier to entry. This is expected to increase market liquidity, and could significantly benefit New Zealand’s economy,” said Schirr.
Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
WATCH: Sen. Reed says DOGE doesn’t want efficient government, it wants to weaken government, blackout oversight & serve Trump and Musk’s interests at the expense of taxpayers
WASHINGTON, DC – Who is in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)? What is the agency up to? Who is it benefitting? Who is it hurting? Is DOGE breaking the law?
These are all simple, reasonable questions — ones that Congress and courts have been asking and ones that the Trump Administration has dodged since January 20, when the president signed an Executive Order that changed the name of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), a small, technology-based office, and morphed it into the vastly more expansive DOGE with long tentacles extending into the operations of virtually every federal department, agency, and office.
Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the U.S. Treasury Department, the White House, and other key federal agencies and offices, took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to call out DOGE for its attempted power grab, incompetence, and lack of transparency.
“Mr. Musk and DOGE have rammed their way into agencies — not to make smart decisions, not to improve efficiency, not to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, but to disrupt, denigrate and demoralize. And along the way, DOGE has made incredible blunders, such as firing and then scrambling to rehire employees at the Nation Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Let me repeat that – Mr. Musk and his minions fired the people who keep nuclear weapons safe,” said Senator Reed.
Senator Reed continued. “Musk and his unvetted coders made the CIA send an unclassified email with the names of its recent hires. And cut staff from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Weather Service who prevent and warn every American of travel and weather dangers. These actions don’t just reflect incredible incompetence — they are dangerous. They undermine national security and increase risks for American citizens. In any other setting, blunders like these would be grounds for firing. But Musk and DOGE operate with arrogance, impunity, and zero transparency.”
Regarding the question of who is in charge of DOGE, Donald Trump told a Miami audience of investors and corporate executives on February 20: “I signed an order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and put a man named Elon Musk in charge.” Trump made that statement just days after his Administration’s lawyers told federal courts that Mr. Musk isn’t even a part of the federal bureaucracy.
In terms of what the agency is up to, no one in the Trump Administration has been able to fully say, but Mr. Musk has repeatedly announced broad changes in federal policy well beyond the purview of “modernizing federal technology,” which was the guise Trump used to establish DOGE. And DOGE has taken unprecedented and illegal actions against federal workers, firing thousands at a time with little planning and even less justification. DOGE’s mass-firings and unchecked actions are proving to be harmful to both the federal workforce and the broader economy.
Reed noted that members of the Appropriations Committee typically work together on a bipartisan basis to seek information and conduct oversight in order to ensure that federal dollars are spent in accordance with the laws passed by Congress.
“But now, without authorization from Congress, DOGE is recklessly slashing its way through virtually every federal agency, from the Office of Personnel Management to Treasury to HUD, State, USAID, to the Department of Defense and more,” said Reed. “It is vital that we understand what DOGE is and isn’t. While Elon Musk tells the American People that DOGE is ‘maximally transparent,’ it is not.”
Reed pointed out the American people still do not have answers to fundamental questions like:
• What is the scope of DOGE’s work?
• How many people work at DOGE? And who are they?
• Do they also hold jobs outside the Federal government?
• What are their financial holdings and potential conflicts of interest?
• Do they have allegiances to foreign governments?
• Will it respond to requests under the Freedom of Information Act?
• What are its plans to reform agencies?
• Who is DOGE firing and why?
During his floor speech, Reed noted that when DOGE does publicly share some limited information, it is frequently wrong. As the New York Times reported, five of DOGE’s biggest claimed savings were deleted from its website because they were inaccurate. This includes:
• A cancelled USAID contract for $650 million that was counted three times;
• A cancelled Social Security contract was erroneously listed as being worth $232 million instead of $560,000; and
• A cancelled ICE contract was listed as saving $8 BILLION instead of $8 million.
“If you’re going to name something the Department of Government Efficiency, don’t you owe it to the taxpayers to actually do a good job?” Reed asked.
On top of having zero accountability, DOGE’s legal authority to operate is dubious.
“DOGE is now using the hollowed shell of USDS to illegally undo the American federal government, moving from agency-to-agency cutting congressionally appropriated federal spending, priorities, and even dismantling entire agencies. The bottom line is that DOGE is without congressional authorization and without directed funding from Congress,” said Reed. “Based on press reports, it appears to be populated by a mixture of unelected billionaires, tech executives, and un-vetted, unexperienced people, including an individual who was found to have posted racist tweets. This gang is being granted access to Americans’ most sensitive data like your bank accounts, your Social Security accounts, and it would seem, a host of classified intelligence. How are they using this information? How are they protecting this information from our enemies? Is it being shared with outside entities?” Reed asked.
Reed concluded: “Every single day that passes without transparency and Congressional access to information about DOGE’s funding, staffing, and scope of work is a moment too long. With the current Continuing Resolution due to expire on March 14th, we have big decisions to make. My hope is that these decisions can be made on a bipartisan basis informed by the facts. But we cannot responsibly fund the government if we do not understand how DOGE has infiltrated it and made it less efficient and responsive to the taxpayers.”
The Minns Labor Government has today released the state’s first NSW Industry Policy to promote collaboration across industry, the innovation sector, and trade businesses, to give firms the confidence they need to invest and grow in NSW.
Built around three connected missions – Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition, and Local Manufacturing – the NSW Industry Policy sets out the Government’s approach to the NSW economy of the future.
The policy will also set three ambitious new Local Manufacturing targets to position NSW manufacturing to capitalise on global market opportunities.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with a thriving and diversified economy, and the NSW Industry Policy will provide a clear strategic direction across all Government agencies and programs.
This approach will ensure industry support is clear and consistent, driving investment to help build a productive and resilient economy fit for the future.
This first-of-a-kind policy, consolidates actions from the private sector, research institutions, and Government agencies to help address some of the most significant current and future challenges facing the state.
The NSW Industry Policy was informed by extensive consultation with industry peak bodies, academia, and engagement with NSW Government agencies.
It consolidates targets across numerous government initiatives and identifies key sectors to enable success across all industries.
The Minns Labor Government will use regulation, procurement, planning, strategic land use, and infrastructure building to help drive change.
The Government will also partner with industry and other stakeholders to deliver on skills and education, innovation and technology, and trade and investment, to help ensure the policy’s success.
A thriving economy in NSW benefits everyone, creates more and better jobs, improves the way we make and do things, and grows the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of NSW.
Key to this is a diversified industry base and protecting our economy from future shocks which the three central missions will help address.
Mission 1: NSW residents have access to safe, secure, affordable, well-designed and sustainable housing
Housing affordability and availability has become one of the state’s biggest challenges.
Due to the Liberal-National decade of delay, housing supply has not kept up with demand, contributing to increased pressure on prices and rents.
To improve productivity and sustainability, put downward pressure on construction costs, and increase supply, the Minns Labor Government will focus on increasing the uptake of advanced technologies and innovation in the production and use of sustainable building materials.
Innovative methods, including modular construction and the potential use of automation and robotics, will help the delivery of new homes.
The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $8.5 billion to address the housing challenge through investment in social housing and homelessness services, planning reforms, and housing-enabling infrastructure and rental housing.
Mission 2: NSW is a globally competitive clean energy, sustainable and low carbon economy
NSW has the potential be a leading force in the global net zero economy, including through our abundance of critical minerals, which are essential components of clean energy and low carbon technologies.
Developing sustainable industries that export goods and services to other decarbonising markets is critical to offsetting the decline in carbon-intensive industries.
Renewable fuels are one opportunity for NSW to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as freight, while contributing to fuel security and growing regional NSW economies.
The progression of a commercial green hydrogen sector would also produce low-emissions products and fuels for domestic trade purposes.
The Minns Labor Government invested $3.5 billion in Climate Change and Energy initiatives in the 2024-25 Budget, including $3.1 billion in NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones, getting more clean energy into the grid while creating secure jobs for communities across the state.
Mission 3: NSW is a dynamic and resilient economy supported by local manufacturing
Manufacturing declined nationally over the past two decades.
NSW manufacturers face significant challenges, including high costs and weak supply chains.
In light of these challenges, growing local manufacturing will require NSW to leverage its comparative advantages including its skilled workforce, infrastructure, and abundant resources.
In order to combat these challenges, the Minns Labor Government has set three new Local Manufacturing targets:
Target 1: NSW Gross Value Added for manufacturing achieves real growth on average over the years to 2031.
Target 2: NSW Gross Value Added for manufacturing achieves growth equal to, or greater than Gross State Product on average in the years between 2031 and 2040.
Target 3: Achieve a 50% minimum local content target for future rolling transport stock by 2035.
Advanced manufacturing technologies will also provide new opportunities for NSW to be globally competitive in complex and high-value products while NSW manufacturers can benefit from the global transition to net zero.
Innovative new technologies in big data, artificial intelligence, quantum, virtual reality, and robotics are dramatically changing manufacturing processes, from design and prototyping to the actual fabrication of products.
The Minns Labor Government has already committed over $600 million to drive investment in local manufacturing.
This investment has helped manufacturing in NSW grow two consecutive years for the first time in two decades.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:
“The NSW Industry Policy details the Minns Labor Government’s vision and plans for the economic future of NSW and provides the strategic direction across all Government agencies and programs to drive industry investment.
“This is a clear and stable policy approach to help guide private sector investment needed to increase jobs and productivity in NSW.
“Addressing the housing crisis, supporting NSW through the transition to Net Zero, and growing our local manufacturing industry are among our key priorities.
“NSW manufacturing grew in only two years in the 2010s under the previous Liberal-National Government.
“With three new Local Manufacturing targets, we have demonstrated a real commitment to supporting local manufacturing to promote a dynamic, sustainable, and diversified economy.
“We want to see a manufacturing industry that is innovative, productive, and boosts Australia’s sovereign capability.
“Our ambition is clear: to build a better NSW and to make our state the most attractive place for people to live and work, and for local businesses to thrive.”
Quotes attributable to State Secretary of the AMWU Brad Pidgeon:
“This policy, particularly the three new Local Manufacturing targets, provides a huge boost for manufacturing workers right across the state.
“We need an ambitious vision for and support for our local manufacturing industry and this policy provides just that.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Head of Australian Industry Group Helen Waldron:
“The NSW Industry Policy provides the certainty and clarity that NSW businesses need to thrive in our rapidly changing economy.
“Having a clear, overarching strategic vision from the NSW Government provides NSW industry with the tools it needs to attract and grow investment supported by Government policy settings.”
Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture
5 March 2025
Who does this notice affect?
All internal and external stakeholders who may require Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry regulatory services across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
What has changed?
The department is preparing for the forecasted severe weather event anticipated across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales coastal on Thursday 6and Friday 7 March 2025, associated with Tropical Cyclone…
“The time to step up is now” for the people of Somalia, where drought threatens 1.7 million young children at risk of acute malnutrition, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday.
The East African country faced famine in 2022, but a scale-up in humanitarian assistance helped to avert catastrophe.
Today, food insecurity on the increase once again, with 3.4 million people already acutely food insecure. That number is projected to rise by a full million, to 4.4 million between April and June – nearly a quarter of the population.
According to the international food security classification system IPC, acute hunger is level three on a scale of one to five, with level five denoting famine and level four, severe acute malnutrition.
High risk of mortality
WFP believes that about 1.26 million children under the age of five need immediate support. Of that number, 466,000 will likely be severely acutely malnourished this year and at risk of death.
“We have learned in Somalia from past experience that that delays can be deadly, and we need resources to provide support to these very vulnerable groups,” said WFP spokesperson Jean-Martin Bauer, speaking from Rome.
He called on donors and partners to increase funding to the country of 19 million people.
Poor harvest
Two consecutive failed crop seasons last year resulted in harvests 45 per cent below-average yields, Mr. Bauer said.
This is linked to consecutive climate shocks in Somalia, where poor rainfall depleted water sources and led to livestock losses.
Weather forecasters predict another drought from April to June, while humanitarians warn that malnutrition is likely to worsen due to disease outbreaks and reduced food access.
WFP has yet to factor in the impact of any funding cuts from the United States but chronic underfunding has forced it to cut back assistance to 820,000 people, down from 2.2 million in 2022.
The agency has also had to downsize its school feeding programme, which was suspended in some states including the South West and Somaliland.
Funding shortfalls
Just 12 per cent of the $1.4 billion overall appeal for Somalia has been funded so far, Mr. Bauer said.
The WFP provides up to 90 per cent of food assistance in Somalia, making it an essential lifeline for thousands of people, including many internally displaced by conflict.
A combination of in-kind food assistance and cash-based transfers is needed to mitigate the worst effects of the crisis, Mr. Bauer stressed, referring to aid coming in the form of goods or services like food packages, shelter and blankets.
“When you are facing a crisis like the one we are worried about in Somalia, we need all types of resources to be put at play to avert the worst,” he said.
1. According to the EU Treaties[1] Member States are primarily responsible for the management of disasters[2], including forest fires. The Commission supports coordination and complements Member State actions through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism[3] and its early warning tools, including the Copernicus’ European Forest Fire Information System (EFISS)[4]. The Commission also encourages the use of the Galileo Emergency Satellite Warning Service and supports the development and maintenance of Member States response capabilities to wildfires through rescEU[5] and the European Civil Protection Pool[6]. The Commission encourages the share of best practices in prevention and preparedness with a variety of tools[7][8].
2. As announced by the President of the European Commission in the Political Guidelines 2024-2029, the Commission intends to put forward a Quality Jobs Roadmap, developed together with the social partners to support fair wages and good working conditions for all EU workers, including those in the public safety sector.
3. Advanced technologies used in EFISS, and the European Flood Alert System[9] play a key role in the detection and response to potential disasters. The Commission also encourages the use of advanced technologies in this field through multiple instruments, such as the Track 1 technical assistance and the Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP)[10] grants as well as the Horizon Europe[11] programme including its disaster risk reduction activities[12] and the EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change area[13].
[1] Article 196 TEU https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:C:2016:202:FULL
[7] Including pre-positioning of fire-fighters during fire seasons, advisory missions, and peer reviews of their national disaster management systems, including of Italy’s, published in January 2025 (https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/stories/italy-ucpm-wildfire-peer-review-final-report-published-and-handed-over)
[8] Furthermore, the European Regional Development Fund National Programme for Security for Legality 2021 — 2027 in Italy includes a project on smart forest environmental monitoring of EUR 30 Million. This involves the development and deployment of a system to collect, manage, integrate and correlate environmental monitoring data, together with automatic alert mechanisms to support a network for the control and verification of criminal activities in forest, rural and peripheral areas of cities. The aim is to provide the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Unit Command of the Carabinieri with adequate control tools for data and information to strengthen legality and combat environmental crime.
Question for written answer E-000789/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left)
President Javier Milei of Argentina has in the past suggested that Argentina may exit the Paris Climate Agreement.
A fact sheet[1] on the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement published by the Commission states:
‘In the agreement, the EU and Mercosur commit to effectively implement the Paris Climate Agreement and to cooperate on the climate aspects of trade. Furthermore, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change becomes an “essential element” of the agreement, which means that a party can suspend the agreement if it considers that there is a serious breach of the Paris Agreement or if a party leaves the Paris Agreement.’
Can the Commission confirm that should Argentina exit the Paris Climate Agreement, this would result in the immediate suspension of the EU-Mercosur agreement, as stated in the Commission fact sheet?
Question for written answer E-000482/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Piotr Müller (ECR)
Following the recent scandal involving Frans Timmermans, the former EU Commissioner for Climate, regarding the EU’s funding of environmental organisations to lobby for green policies, including the ‘Fit for 55’ programme, the findings on environmental standards and restrictions appeared to have been artificially excessive and unjustified in the public eye from the outset.
Today, we are justified in asserting that they were falsified with EU money and at the EU’s behest.
Please provide specific answers to the following questions:
1.Does the Commission know the amount of funding allocated to these organisations? If so, what was the amount?
2.According to what criterion were the organisations selected to receive this funding?
3.Who gave the order to carry out lobbying activities in the above case?
Headline: With Fewer than 20 Days Left, Claimants Urged to Submit Notice of Loss by March 14
With Fewer than 20 Days Left, Claimants Urged to Submit Notice of Loss by March 14
SANTA FE, N.M. — The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office reminds individuals, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding that there are fewer than 20 days left to submit a Notice of Loss (NOL). Congress has extended the deadline to March 14, 2025. This is the last day to begin the claims process. Submitting an NOL is quick and simple. It takes less than 20 minutes and ensures that we can begin review of your claim. Claimants do not have to provide supporting documentation when submitting an NOL. Claims will continue to be processed and paid out after March 14.“If you were impacted by the fire or flooding and haven’t yet started your claim, it’s crucial that you do so as soon as possible,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “If you have questions, concerns, or if you are hesitating, please reach out to our office or attend one of our in-person events, which you can find on our website News and Events | FEMA.gov, before the March 14 deadline.”Additionally, impacted landowners can request a conservation restoration plan through the U.S. Agriculture Department’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Conservation restoration plans address natural resources losses, such as erosion control, debris removal, fencing, and riparian (river) restoration. These plans, developed by certified planners, provide the costs estimated to repair or replace damaged resources and ensure claimants receive fair and transparent compensation for eligible losses. To receive compensation based on an NRCS plan, both an NOL and NRCS plan request must be submitted by the March 14 deadline. For more information on restoration plans, please visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/hermits-peak or one of the following two NRCS Field Office locations: Las Vegas NRCS Field OfficeMora NRCS Field Office1927 A 7th St. Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3594 Ext. 3523 NM Highway 518Mora, NM 87732505-387-2424 Ext. 3The Claims Office is also offering flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Coverage for eligible homeowners, business owners and home renters, extends for up to five years. Navigators can help claimants apply for NFIP coverage before the March 14 deadline.Our Advocate’s Office continues to host events to help claimants complete and submit NOLs, upload documentation, and receive one-on-one assistance. Upcoming events include:Tuesday March 4Friday, March 7Saturday, March 8Probate Workshop2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Highlands University Student Union, Room 322800 National Ave. Las Vegas NM, 87701 Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rainsville Fire Department103 County Road AO29Rainsville NM, 87736Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tri-County Farmers Market510 University Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701Wednesday, March 12Friday, March 21Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rociada Volunteer Fire Station278 N.M. 105 Rociada, NM 87742 Mobile Connects10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Abe Montoya Rec. Center1751 N. Grand Ave. Las Vegas, NM 87701 NOLs can be submitted in person at a Claims Office, by email, or by mail. NOLs can be downloaded from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon website or can be picked up at a Claims Office. Locations and hours can be found at https://www.fema.gov/hermits-peak/contact-us. If you have questions, call the Claims Office Helpline at (505) 995-7133. Representatives are available Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. MT. Outside these hours, you can leave a voicemail, and your call will be returned.Don’t wait—submit your NOL today to begin your recovery journey. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides that the value of compensation is not considered income or resources for taxation purposes. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions regarding your tax obligations for compensation received. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid $1.89 billion to claimants.For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.Para información en español, visite fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. erika.suzuki Tue, 03/04/2025 – 17:23
lthough the deadline for disaster assistance has passed, FEMA is still in Georgia helping survivors impacted by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. You can visit any U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) locations listed below to meet with a FEMA representative about your application or to update your contact information. FEMA representatives are working with their SBA partners at these locations: Bulloch County Statesboro-Bulloch County Library 124 S. Main St. Statesboro, GA 30458 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Coffee County Satilla Regional Library 200 S Madison Ave Douglas, GA 31533 Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Jeff Davis County Jeff Davis County Recreation Department 83 Buford Road Hazlehurst, GA 31539 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Lowndes County Valdosta State University Foundation Inc. 901 North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31601 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday. Richmond County Centro Cristiano Oasis VIP 3265 Deans Bridge Rd Augusta, GA 30906 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sundays Telfair County Telfair Community Service Center 91 Telfair Ave # D McRae-Helena, GA 31055 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; Closed Saturdays and Sundays Toombs County Center for Rural Entrepreneurship 208 E 1st St Vidalia, GA 30474 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; Closed Saturdays and Sundays There are additional ways to check the status of your application or update your contact information:
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Friday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eunyoung Choi, Postdoctoral Associate in Gerontology, University of Southern California
Extreme heat increases the risk of a number of diseases, including kidney and heart conditions.Spencer Platt/Getty Images
What if extreme heat not only leaves you feeling exhausted but actually makes you age faster?
Scientists already know that extreme heat increases the risk of heat stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction and even death. I see these effects often in my work as a researcher studying how environmental stressors influence the aging process. But until now, little research has explored how heat affects biological aging: the gradual deterioration of cells and tissues that increases the risk of age-related diseases.
New research my team and I published in the journal Science Advances suggests that long-term exposure to extreme heat may speed up biological aging at the molecular level, raising concerns about the long-term health risks posed by a warming climate.
My colleagues and I examined blood samples from over 3,600 older adults across the United States. We measured their biological age using epigenetic clocks, which capture DNA modification patterns – methylation – that change with age.
DNA methylation refers to chemical modifications to DNA that act like switches to turn genes on and off. Environmental factors can influence these switches and change how genes function, affecting aging and disease risk over time. Measuring these changes through epigenetic clocks can strongly predict age-related disease risk and lifespan.
Research in animal models has shown that extreme heat can trigger what’s known as a maladaptive epigenetic memory, or lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns. Studies indicate that a single episode of extreme heat stress can cause long-term shifts in DNA methylation across different tissue types in mice. To test the effects of heat stress on people, we linked epigenetic clock data to climate records to assess whether people living in hotter environments exhibited faster biological aging.
We found that older adults residing in areas with frequent very hot days showed significantly faster epigenetic aging compared with those living in cooler regions. For example, participants living in locations with at least 140 extreme heat days per year – classified as days when the heat index exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.33 degrees Celcius) – experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging compared with those in areas with fewer than 10 such days annually.
This link between biological age and extreme heat remained even after accounting for a wide range of individual and community factors such as physical activity levels and socioeconomic status. This means that even among people with similar lifestyles, those living in hotter environments may still be aging faster at the biological level.
Even more surprising was the magnitude of the effect – extreme heat has a comparable impact on speeding up aging as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. This suggests that heat exposure may be silently accelerating aging, at a level on par with other major known environmental and lifestyle stressors.
Long-term public health consequences
While our study sheds light on the connection between heat and biological aging, many unanswered questions remain. It’s important to clarify that our findings don’t mean every additional year in extreme heat translates directly to 14 extra months of biological aging. Instead, our research reflects population-level differences between groups based on their local heat exposure. In other words, we took a snapshot of whole populations at a moment in time; it wasn’t designed to look at effects on individual people.
Our study also doesn’t fully capture all the wayspeople mightprotect themselves from extreme heat. Factors such as access to air conditioning, time spent outdoors and occupational exposure all play a role in shaping personal heat exposure and its effects. Some individuals may be more resilient, while others may face greater risks due to preexisting health conditions or socioeconomic barriers. This is an area where more research is needed.
What is clear, however, is that extreme heat is more than just an immediate health hazard – it may be silently accelerating the aging process, with long-term consequences for public health.
Large swaths of the U.S. population are experiencing long stretches of extreme heat, as this map of cumulative heat days from 2010 to 2016 shows. Eunyoung Choi, CC BY-ND
Older adults are especially vulnerable because aging reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. Many older individuals also take medications such as beta-blockers and diuretics that can impair their heat tolerance, making it even harder for their bodies to cope with high temperatures. So even moderately hot days, such as those reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.67 degrees Celcius), can pose health risks for older adults.
As the U.S. population rapidly ages and climate change intensifies heat waves worldwide, I believe simply telling people to move to cooler regions isn’t realistic. Developing age-appropriate solutions that allow older adults to safely remain in their communities and protect the most vulnerable populations could help address the hidden yet significant effects of extreme heat.
Eunyoung Choi receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Aging.
India’s circular economy to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050 – Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Delegates visits Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate
Posted On: 04 MAR 2025 6:39PM by PIB Delhi
India’s circular economy could generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050. Expressing this view, while speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav said, the ‘circular economy’ may be about to drive one of the biggest transformations in business since the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago. Through a radical departure from the traditional ‘take, make, waste’ production and consumption models, the circular economy could provide a potential $4.5 trillion in additional economic output by 2030 world over.
Addressed the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, in Jaipur today.
Stated that PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s call for building a ‘waste to wealth’ circular economy ensures the driver for adopting circular economy isn’t scarcity – it’s opportunity.… pic.twitter.com/LkDd8RCcp1
Shri Yadav also informed the forum about India’s candidacy for organising the World Circular Economy Forum in the year 2026.Every year, World Circular Economy Forum is organised and in this year, 2025 it is being organized in Sao Paulo, Brazil. India has expressed the willingness to host World Circular Economy Forum 2026.
Emphasising on the steps taken, the Minister said, India remains committed to addressing plastic waste challenges and their associated ecological impacts. The Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) have led to significant measures targeting municipal, industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. India has banned certain categories of single-use plastics through notification in 2022. In alignment with the Mission ‘LiFE’ initiative, MoEFCC has notified the Eco-Mark Rules to encourage demand for environmentally friendly products while promoting energy efficiency and circular economy principles.
He further said, Circular Economy Action Plans for 10 waste categories have been finalized, for which regulatory and implementation framework is under progress. India has already notified various waste management and extended producer responsibility rules in certain sectors, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, e-Waste Management Rules, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, and Metals Recycling Policy, among others.
Paid a visit to the exhibition on the sidelines of the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, in Jaipur today.
Thrilled to witness the innovation at display, ready to drive the waste to wealth economy as we move towards realising the vision of… pic.twitter.com/XQFdhNAeq8
Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Srinivas Kathikala, and Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Sudhansh Pant jointly chaired a significant session today, focusing on advancing waste management and circular economy initiatives. The session saw the launch of several key reports, best practices and the signing of important agreements aimed at strengthening India’s waste management ecosystem.
Launch of SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal
A major highlight of the session was the launch of the SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal, an innovative online platform developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The portal is designed to enhance project monitoring, streamline data management, and facilitate resource sharing, thereby supporting the mission’s broader objective of transforming waste into valuable resources. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and effective solid waste management.
Release of IFC Document Reference Guide
The session also marked the release of the IFC Document Reference Guide: Business Models and Economic Assistance for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Projects. This guide provides comprehensive insights into various business models for MSW processing, including waste-to-electricity, biomethanation, and bioremediation. The document serves as a crucial resource for municipalities and private players looking to implement effective and economically viable waste management projects.
MoU Between CSIR and MoHUA
In a significant step toward fostering scientific collaboration in waste management, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This partnership will facilitate research-driven solutions and innovative technologies to enhance urban waste management practices across India.
Release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra’
The event also saw the release of ‘India’s Circular Sutra: A Compendium of Best Practices in 3R & Circular Economy’. This compendium documents successful case studies and innovative approaches in the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) framework, providing valuable insights for urban local bodies and stakeholders looking to implement circular economy solutions.
These initiatives mark a significant step forward in India’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management, encourage innovation, and drive the transition toward a circular economy.
CEEW Report on Solid Waste Management in Million-Plus Cities
The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) presented its latest study, which offers a detailed outlook on solid waste management (SWM) practices in cities with populations exceeding one million. The report highlights sustainable waste management strategies, circular economy principles, and decentralized solutions that can be tailored to meet the unique challenges of India’s rapidly urbanizing regions.
Technical and Heritage Visit of Delegates
The delegates undertook a technical site visit to key waste management and sanitation facilities in Jaipur, including the Waste to Energy Plant and Sanitary Landfill Site at Langariyawas and the Dehlawas Sewage Treatment Plant. These visits provided firsthand insights into innovative waste processing techniques, energy recovery from waste, and efficient sewage treatment mechanisms.
In addition to the technical visits, the delegates also explored Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, and Patrika Gate. These heritage visits offered a glimpse into the city’s architectural grandeur and historical significance, providing a holistic experience that blended urban infrastructure advancements with Rajasthan’s vibrant cultural legacy.
Question for written answer E-000787/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)
Tsunamis – characterised by sudden, powerful waves caused by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides – pose significant threats to coastal regions.
Climate change, contributing to rising sea levels that may intensify seismic activity, could increase the frequency and severity of tsunamis. This growing threat poses significant risks to the EU’s islands and coastal regions, where dense populations and critical infrastructure are concentrated.
Recent events in the Aegean Sea, in particular near the island of Santorini, have caused concern among Europeans living on islands and in coastal areas about the possibility of tsunamis affecting EU territory.
Given the foregoing:
1.Have evaluations been made regarding the potential increase in tsunami occurrences and their severity in EU coastal regions due to climate change?
2.How does the Commission facilitate collaboration between Member States to enhance tsunami preparedness, early detection and early warning systems?
3.What strategies and protocols are currently in place to ensure the readiness of Member States, in particular Cyprus, for dealing with potential tsunamis, particularly as regards public education and emergency response plans?
Our circadian rhythm – that internal biological clock – requires our internal body temperature to drop at night for quality sleep. The ideal room temperature for sleep is 15°C to 19°C.
Rising outdoor temperatures make this body temperature increasingly difficult to maintain, especially for those without air conditioning. Paradoxically, widespread air conditioning use further contributes to climate change by using fossil-energy, which creates emissions.**
Research shows the impact on our sleep is already measurable. Our 2023 study of 375 Australian adults found people lost 12 minutes per night on the hottest nights compared with the coldest (31°C vs 0.4°C overnight temperatures across the year).
Globally, scientists predict we could lose 50–58 hours of sleep annually per person by the end of the century if warming continues unchecked. This is one way climate change will make geographic inequalities worse.
Rising temperatures make it increasingly difficult to maintain your body’s circadian rhythm, especially for those without air conditioning. Antoniodiaz
2. Climate change is worsening air pollution
Hot and dry conditions typically tend to make air pollution worse. As climate change increases the number of hot days and frequency of heatwaves, the rate of wildfires will increase. This adds another source of air pollution, increasing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and airborne particles.
Air pollution is linked with poorer health, increased risk of chronic illness and early death.
Air pollution also impacts our sleep through breathing issues, inflammation and potentially disrupting our nervous system’s ability to regulate sleep.
With these extreme events comes widespread upheaval in affected communities. From mass population displacement to loss of shelter, security and essential resources, sleep is likely way down the list of priorities when dealing with natural disasters.
However, sleep disturbances are common after these extreme events. A review of global research on wildfire survivors found two-thirds experienced insomnia and more than a third reported nightmares. These effects persisted up to 10 months after the disaster.
Two-thirds of wildfire survivors experienced insomnia and over a third reported nightmares. Toa55/Shutterstock
Research confirms these climate concerns are linked with sleep disturbances including difficulty falling asleep, insomnia and wakefulness. They occur across the age spectrum, affecting both younger and older adults.
If climate-related concerns or ongoing poor sleep are significantly impacting your life consider consulting a doctor or psychologist.
Tips for getting a good night sleep during hot nights
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. They cost nothing or very little and require just a small bit of pre-bedtime planning.
· sleep in the coolest room in the house (this may not be the bedroom)
· keep curtains closed during the day to limit heating from sunlight
· put on a fan – air flow can lower your perception of the temperature (by helping sweat evaporate faster) without actually cooling your room
· select light, breathable bedding (natural fibres work best)
· if outside temperatures drop at night, open the windows to encourage air circulation.
For your body:
· take a cool shower before bed to help lower body temperature
· timing your exercise is important: aim to exercise early in the day
· wear light natural-fibre clothing
· keep a damp towel or spray bottle by your bed to dampen your skin
· stay hydrated but avoid heavy meals before sleeping.
As we adapt to a changing climate, getting a good night’s sleep should be a top priority for our health.
With some practical adjustments to our environments and habits, we can adapt to these changes while advocating for the broader climate solutions that will ultimately help us all rest easier.
Ty Ferguson receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund and the National Health and Medical Research Council
Carol Maher receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the National Heart Foundation, the SA Department for Education, Preventive Health SA, the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, the South Australian Office for Sport, Recreation and Racing, Healthway, Hunter New England Local Health District, and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
Headline: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 arrives on July 11 with new skaters, parks, music and more
Multiple new skaters are joining the original line-up, and you’ll also be able to create your own skater, not only customizing their appearance, but their hometown, skating style, and more. And of course, no Tony Hawk game would be complete without music, and you’ll be skating along to tracks from the original soundtrack, as well as new tracks.
THPS 3+4 builds on the work started by Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, bringing the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master controls and handling you’d expect – and for those taking on the series for the first time, an in-depth tutorial from Tony Hawk himself will walk you through exactly how to play.
Welcome to Waterpark
You may have caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar location in today’s reveal trailer – this is Waterpark, a new level added to THPS 3+4. Introduced as part of the revamped THPS 4 Tour, this is a broken-down, dried-out park in the heart of the Mojave desert – perfect for budding skaters.
The rides might not be functional any more, but they’re more than open for finding lines and trick opportunities. Six rides are open for you to try and trick off of – Down the Drain, Peak Cyclone, Twisted Vipers and more offer challenging trips down to ground level. Just skate to the entrance of each one, and you’ll be transported to the top to try your luck.
If you’re looking for something a little more chill, take a trip down the Lazy River, which snakes around the entire map, head to the Marquee for a ramp-filled area perfect for combos, or find a way to open up the Castle Slide for even more opportunities to earn points.
Pre-Order Now for Early Access and More
Pre-orders for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 open today, and will give you access to the Foundry Demo (not available on Nintendo Switch). Kicking off in June, this demo will include two skaters and two parks to try out – and your pre-order will also net you an extra in-game shader for Tony Hawk at full game launch.
Pre-ordering the Digital Deluxe Edition will give you three days of Early Access to the full game – as well as some far more unexpected bonuses. Play as both the Doom Slayer (with two outfits, two unique tricks, and a hoverboard) or a Revenant (with its own two unique tricks), not to mention themed skate decks, Create-a-Skater items and bonus soundtracks.
And if you want to go all-out, the Collector’s Edition of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 will come complete with a limited-edition, full-size Birdhouse skateboard deck (deck-only, other skateboard components not included) featuring a reissued version of the iconic Wings graphic and a printed Tony Hawk autograph. The Collector’s Edition includes a physical copy of the game, and all the Digital Deluxe Edition benefits.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 launches on July 11. Pre-orders open today. Learn more ontonyhawkthegame.com.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 – Digital Deluxe Edition
Headline: Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina Shares Recovery Progress, Launches Public Dashboard
Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina Shares Recovery Progress, Launches Public Dashboard lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today, the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) shared progress on Helene recovery and launched a public dashboard at WNCRecovery.nc.gov. The newly released website features updates, resources, and information detailing progress of Helene recovery efforts, including rebuilding safe housing, restoring infrastructure, and revitalizing the economy.
“My commitment to the people of North Carolina is this: I will bring urgency, focus, transparency, and accountability to everything my administration does as we work to rebuild,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This new resource will allow us to provide regular updates on our progress along with information and resources for our neighbors in western North Carolina.”
Since January, GROW NC has worked across state agencies and with local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners to accelerate recovery in western North Carolina. Much more is left to be done but below is an overview of recovery progress.
Temporary housing programs are serving 5,720 households, ensuring they have safe, warm shelter.
4,753,466 cubic yards of right-of-way debris has been removed from WNC roadways.
84% of impacted public roads in western North Carolina are fully reopened. Nearly 1,300 roads have been reopened since the beginning of the storm.
Interstate 40 reopened to traffic on Saturday, March 1st for the first time since Hurricane Helene swelled the Pigeon River and scoured large swaths of eastbound lanes last September. The N.C. Department of Transportation and contract crews have stabilized the remaining westbound lanes and prepared them to provide one lane of traffic in each direction.
The WNC Small Business Initiative has funded 989 loans for small business owners impacted by Helene to bolster economic recovery. The program is expected to award more than 600 additional grants to small business owners across western North Carolina in the coming weeks.
Half of all state parks and cultural sites impacted by the storm have fully reopened, and all but three are open for visitors in some capacity.
“There is still so much work to do to help western North Carolina recover,” said Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC. “Our team is committed to working quickly to ensure a robust recovery for the region, while providing complete transparency along the way.”
Governor Stein continues to advocate for additional resources from the state and federal government to support recovery efforts. In February, Governor Stein requested an additional $19 billion in federal funds to support home rebuilding, restore critical infrastructure, keep businesses open, shore up local governments, and reduce impacts from future natural disasters. He continues to work with the legislature to secure state funding to address immediate needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, following his request for $1.07 billion.
Headline: Governor Stein Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of Potential Severe Weather Across the State Wednesday
Governor Stein Issues Preparedness Tips Ahead of Potential Severe Weather Across the State Wednesday lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Governor Stein and emergency officials are urging all North Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of severe weather on Wednesday as well as the continued high fire danger conditions today statewide. Tomorrow, the state faces the potential of severe storms, strong winds, potential flooding, and isolated tornadoes. North Carolinians should prepare today to be ready for what may come through tomorrow.
“As our state from the mountains to the coast faces a severe storm, strong winds, and potential flooding late tonight and all day tomorrow, we urge all North Carolinians to stay tuned to their local weather forecast and stay safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “If a severe weather warning for isolated tornadoes is issued for your area, please have a plan to take immediate cover.”
A Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall has been introduced to portions of the mountains overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, a line of storms ahead of a strong cold front will move into western North Carolina before sunrise and continue moving eastward while strengthening, reaching western portions of central North Carolina by late Wednesday morning. The line of storms will reach eastern North Carolina by early afternoon eventually moving offshore by Wednesday evening. This line of storms has the potential for wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. The current forecast places much of central and eastern North Carolina at a level 3 of 5 (enhanced risk) for severe weather on Wednesday. In the enhanced risk area, there is the potential for a few isolated tornadoes. Risk levels vary across the state; North Carolinians should pay attention to local forecasts and make plans that are appropriate for the risk level in their area.
Ahead of tomorrow’s severe weather, dry conditions, gusty winds, and low relative humidity will increase the threat for wildfires. Outdoor burning is discouraged today.
Preparedness Tips:
During periods of severe weather, it is important to go inside a sturdy structure and to the middle of the building, away from windows.
You should secure all outdoor items at your house that could become airborne in gusty winds.
Make sure your cell phone is charged and that you have enabled emergency alerts so you can be informed by local emergency management and by the National Weather Service.
Have a plan to take cover if a severe weather warning is issued for your area.
As a reminder, a watch is a reminder that weather conditions may support severe weather conditions. A warning means that hazardous weather conditions are expected and imminent.
Visit www.readync.gov for more information on how you and your family can be prepared.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
March 04, 2025
Legislation would protect American jobs, keep energy security competitive against China, and support record investments in rural communities
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., along with U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor, D-Fla., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., today introduced legislation to nullify Donald Trump’s day-one executive orders on energy. The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act would reassert America’s clean energy leadership, keep energy costs for families as low as possible, and unfreeze critical Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to protect jobs and support rural economies.
“Since day-one, Trump has been laser focused on giving handouts to the oil and gas industry at the expense of American jobs,” Wyden said. “As the nation braces itself for more spin from Trump during tonight’s State of the Union, here are the facts: crippling clean energy production at home will only lead to clean energy manufacturing packing up and moving to China. Rural communities, which are the American epicenter of clean energy jobs and investments, will suffer the consequences of Trump’s ignorance. America needs a leading clean energy response to continue to be a dominant energy force against China.”
“President Trump’s reckless energy agenda will hike electric bills, raise costs for families, and give China the upper hand in advancing clean energy solutions,” Castor said. “By reversing progress in clean energy initiatives and thumbing his nose at allies, Trump is forcing American families to pay the price of unchecked climate change while other nations reap the economic benefits of innovation. Floridians know the costs of extreme weather and pollution firsthand, and we must stand firm against policies that harm our economy and environment. That’s why I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this important legislation, which will protect our significant progress in expanding cleaner, cheaper energy for American families.”
“Donald Trump’s Day One executive orders were nothing more than a massive giveaway to his Big Oil donors — gutting climate action and stalling clean energy investments while American families were left holding the bag,“ Tonko said. “Trump promised that his actions would lower energy costs for consumers, but instead, energy prices have only gone up. That’s why I’m joining Senator Wyden and Congresswoman Castor to introduce this legislation to repeal these reckless orders, restore American leadership on fighting the climate crisis, and put working families’ pocketbooks over oil industry profits.”
The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act would nullify the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, the executive order declaring a National Energy Emergency, the executive order behind the U.S. departure from the Paris Climate Agreement, and the executive order that pauses offshore wind leases in the Outer Continental Shelf.
Cosponsors in the Senate include Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as well as Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Patty Murray, D-Wash., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Chris Coons, D-Del., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Jack Reed, D-R.I.
Wyden is a longtime champion of keeping energy costs low for consumers while electrifying the grid. In 2019, Wyden and his colleagues introduced legislation to overhaul the federal energy tax code, create jobs and combat climate change. In 2022, Wyden’s Clean Energy For America Act was enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act – significantly lowering carbon emissions while reducing energy costs.
The text of the bill is here.
[. With increased wildfire activity in recent years, it is crucial that Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams and communities at risk are prepared for any challenge that may arise this season.
If Budget 2025 is passed, the province will invest a new historic high of $160 million in base funding for wildfire personnel, equipment, training and contracts for aircraft, an additional night vision equipped helicopter, and heavy equipment. This investment is vital to ensure Alberta’s wildland firefighting teams have the equipment, training, and personnel needed to respond to wildfire threats and mitigate the impacts of catastrophic wildfires on Alberta’s communities.
“There is nothing more critical than protecting Albertans, our homes and our communities from the effects of wildfires. Alberta is home to some of the best firefighting personnel in the world and through Budget 2025, we are making a major investment in our wildfire teams and communities, giving them the tools, training and support they need to prevent, mitigate and respond quickly to any challenge that may come up this wildfire season.”
“We thank our Alberta Wildfire team and first responders for their ongoing dedication to keeping people safe. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) aims to strengthen the province’s emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, collaborating with communities to enhance resilience and public safety. With a 2025-26 budget increase of $10 million for a total of $118 million, the AEMA will empower communities to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and safety.”
The Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs are critical to ensuring vulnerable communities in the Forest Protection Area have the tools needed to successfully mitigate the risks of wildfires. In addition to ongoing work on Fireguard projects across the province – including in the Bow Valley near Canmore, as well as Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Hinton, Whitecourt and Slave Lake, Budget 2025 would allocate an additional $15 million over three years to continue supporting projects being administered by the Forest Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA.)
Alberta’s government would also allocate $10.8 million to ensure Albertans can easily access FireSmart resources to better protect their homes and properties.
“FRIAA is pleased to help support Alberta Forestry and Parks as the province enters the 2025 wildfire season. We continue to strongly encourage all communities in Alberta that are exposed to risks of wildfire to participate in the Community Fireguard and FireSmart programs by developing plans and proposals to access funding. Wildfires pose a significant risk to Alberta’s communities, and it’s great to see the province is making wildfire management a priority.”
“Alberta’s wildfire team remains fully prepared and is ready for the 2025 wildfire season. Each year we improve our ability to meet the challenge ahead and the investments we make in people, resources and new technology prove critical in our response efforts.”
A key part of prevention efforts is stopping wildfires before they start. It is essential that every Albertan understands their role in wildfire prevention – every action counts in protecting our communities and natural resources. Last year, the province saw a significant decrease in human-caused wildfires. In 2024, there were 282 wildfires caused by residential and recreational fires, down from 385 in 2020, 395 in 2021, 399 in 2022, and 303 in 2023. This represents a nearly 30 per cent drop from the highest numbers Alberta saw in 2022. It is more important than ever to continue building on that progress to further reduce the risk of future wildfires. As part of these efforts, Alberta’s government is renewing its commitment to public awareness and education campaigns on safe practices, while also enforcing fire bans when necessary.
“Wildfire is the hazard which poses the greatest risk to communities like Canmore. We are more prepared than we have ever been with work on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard ongoing, years of FireSmart work in the community and ongoing efforts to ensure we have the emergency resources we need in place. The support from the Government of Alberta has been instrumental in helping us advance these initiatives.”
“As a community surrounded by forests, fire hazard reduction and protection is a priority for the ongoing safety and security of our community. With the ongoing support of the province, we are nearing completion of our internal community fireguard which will help break the path of a wildfire and keep it away from populated areas and vital infrastructure.”
In 2025, Alberta Wildfire is also launching a pilot project using hoist-equipped helicopters. These helicopters will enable rapid deployment of crews to remote, hard-to-reach areas and provide critical support for emergency evacuations if needed. One new helicopter is under contract and two specialized crews have been hired for this wildfire season. The results of this pilot will determine whether the program will be expanded and continue into 2026.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on supporting the economy.
Quick facts
Budget 2025 allocates more than $1.4 million over three years in additional capital investment to expand and enhance response capacity during the wildfire season.
Additional funding of $900,000 over three years for Alberta’s Fire Weather Network, ensures enhanced fire weather monitoring to support the wildfire response throughout the province.
About 51 per cent of wildfires in 2024 were caused by people, down from the five-year average of 67 per cent.
In 2024, Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires with just over 705,000 hectares burned.
In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
So far in 2025, there have been 21 wildfires, and 78 hectares burned, a dramatic reduction from the same time last year where there were 34 wildfires, and 306 hectares already burned.
Related information
Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
Bow Valley Community Fireguard
Related news
Protecting the Bow Valley from wildfires (Jan. 13, 2025)
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Grover D. Jordan, 57, of Charmco, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 18, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Jordan in Fayetteville. Jordan admitted that he possessed three firearms discovered during the traffic stop: a Taurus model PT1911 .45-caliber pistol, an Armi Galesi model 9 6.35mm pistol, and a Beretta model 3032 Tom Cat .32-caliber pistol with a removed, altered or obliterated serial number.
Jordan also admitted that he possessed a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver discovered during an August 20, 2023 traffic stop by law enforcement of a motorcycle he was operating in Charmco. Jordan further admitted that he possessed a Dupont electric generator, which is explosive material under federal law, discovered during the traffic stop.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Jordan knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for two counts of wanton endangerment in Raleigh County Circuit Court on March 15, 2019.
Jordan has a long criminal history that also includes numerous other convictions for such offenses as grand larceny, domestic battery, DUI, and possession of controlled substances.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Fayetteville Police Department, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Justin Marlowe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-29.
Greenbelt, Maryland – On Friday, February 28, Newton Ofioritse Jemide, 47, a Nigerian national, pled guilty to a federal charge for wire fraud conspiracy. Jemide, who was recently extradited from France, was involved in a scheme to fraudulently obtain federal benefits.
Kelly O. Hayes, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Acting Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Colleen Lawlor, Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General – Philadelphia Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, U.S. Secret Service – Washington Field Office.
“Mr. Jemide and his co-conspirators’ greed and utter disregard for the suffering of those who need national emergency assistance, by stealing from the government, will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Hayes. “The District of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners will continue to hold those accountable who try to defraud our government through fraud, waste, and abuse during times of crisis.”
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals who defraud the federal government for their own personal gain will be identified and held accountable,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, PhD. “DHS-OIG is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we continue fighting waste, fraud, and abuse.”
During the timeframe covered by the indictment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided emergency benefits and compensation for damages to victims affected by declared national emergency disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. Among other benefits, an individual in an area affected was immediately eligible for Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) to purchase life-saving or life-sustaining materials. Victims could decide how to receive assistance payments, which included deposits on prepaid debit cards.
According to the guilty plea, in 2016 and 2017, Jemide and others from Nigeria directed co-conspirators living in the United States to purchase hundreds of Green Dot Debit Cards. Co-conspirators living in Nigeria then registered the cards with Green Dot using stolen personal information from identity theft victims around the United States. Jemide and his co-conspirators used an encrypted messaging application and other means to communicate.
In 2017, following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the California wildfires, Jemide, and other co-conspirators from Nigeria, used stolen personal information to apply online for FEMA and CNA benefits. FEMA dispersed $500 per claim on the Green Dot Debit Cards that co-conspirators purchased for a total of at least $8 million.
“Bringing these criminals to justice prevents further victimization of American taxpayers and abuse of the programs put in place as safety nets for the most vulnerable in our country,” said SAC McCool. “This investigation underscores the Secret Service’s global reach and steadfast commitment, in collaboration with our partner agencies, to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes and relentlessly pursue those committing them.”
In addition to filing false disaster-assistance claims with FEMA, Jemide and co-conspirators also submitted false online claims for Social Security benefits, IRS tax refunds, and other government benefits using stolen identities of multiple individuals, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and other personal identifiers.
“Newton Ofioritse Jemide and his co-conspirators misused Social Security numbers to steal government funds via SSA’s online services. The misuse of SSA’s e-Services to defraud SSA and rightful beneficiaries and recipients will not be tolerated at any level,” said Acting SAC Lawlor. “Our office will continue to investigate those who abuse SSA programs and operations, including its e-Services, for their own selfish gain. I thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this complex case.”
As a result of fraudulent submissions, FEMA and the other federal agencies deposited benefits onto the Green Dot Debit Cards. The funds were deposited on the debit cards using multiple stolen identities, including identities different from the identities used to register the cards. Jemide and select co-conspirators informed other co-conspirators when the fraudulent funds became available on the debit cards and gave them information to cash out the funds from the cards in exchange for a commission. Additionally, the co-conspirators took steps to conceal their identities by enlisting others to make purchases and withdrawals; utilizing multiple store and bank locations and methods of withdrawal; and making money orders payable to other individuals and/or corporate entities.
Jemide faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is currently scheduled for July 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Court Judge Deborah K. Chasanow.
United States Attorney Hayes commended DHS-OIG, SSA-OIG, and USSS for their work in the investigation and thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the United States Marshals Service for their valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Jemide to the United States. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner who are prosecuting the federal case.
Flowing clockwise around Antarctica, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the strongest ocean current on the planet. It’s five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and more than 100 times stronger than the Amazon River.
It forms part of the global ocean “conveyor belt” connecting the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. The system regulates Earth’s climate and pumps water, heat and nutrients around the globe.
But fresh, cool water from melting Antarctic ice is diluting the salty water of the ocean, potentially disrupting the vital ocean current.
Our new research suggests the Antarctic Circumpolar Current will be 20% slower by 2050 as the world warms, with far-reaching consequences for life on Earth.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is like a moat around the icy continent.
The current helps to keep warm water at bay, protecting vulnerable ice sheets. It also acts as a barrier to invasive species such as southern bull kelp and any animals hitching a ride on these rafts, spreading them out as they drift towards the continent. It also plays a big part in regulating Earth’s climate.
Unlike better known ocean currents – such as the Gulf Stream along the United States East Coast, the Kuroshio Current near Japan, and the Agulhas Current off the coast of South Africa – the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is not as well understood. This is partly due to its remote location, which makes obtaining direct measurements especially difficult.
Understanding the influence of climate change
Ocean currents respond to changes in temperature, salt levels, wind patterns and sea-ice extent. So the global ocean conveyor belt is vulnerable to climate change on multiple fronts.
Theoretically, warming water around Antarctica should speed up the current. This is because density changes and winds around Antarctica dictate the strength of the current. Warm water is less dense (or heavy) and this should be enough to speed up the current. But observations to date indicate the strength of the current has remained relatively stable over recent decades.
This stability persists despite melting of surrounding ice, a phenomenon that had not been fully explored in scientific discussions in the past.
What we did
Advances in ocean modelling allow a more thorough investigation of the potential future changes.
The model captures features others often miss, such as eddies. So it’s a far more accurate way to assess how the current’s strength and behaviour will change as the world warms. It picks up the intricate interactions between ice melting and ocean circulation.
In this future projection, cold, fresh melt water from Antarctica migrates north, filling the deep ocean as it goes. This causes major changes to the density structure of the ocean. It counteracts the influence of ocean warming, leading to an overall slowdown in the current of as much as 20% by 2050.
Far-reaching consequences
The consequences of a weaker Antarctic Circumpolar Current are profound and far-reaching.
As the main current that circulates nutrient-rich waters around Antarctica, it plays a crucial role in the Antarctic ecosystem.
Weakening of the current could reduce biodiversity and decrease the productivity of fisheries that many coastal communities rely on. It could also aid the entry of invasive species such as southern bull kelp to Antarctica, disrupting local ecosystems and food webs.
A weaker current may also allow more warm water to penetrate southwards, exacerbating the melting of Antarctic ice shelves and contributing to global sea-level rise. Faster ice melting could then lead to further weakening of the current, commencing a vicious spiral of current slowdown.
This disruption could extend to global climate patterns, reducing the ocean’s ability to regulate climate change by absorbing excess heat and carbon in the atmosphere.
Ocean currents around the world (NASA)
Need to reduce emissions
While our findings present a bleak prognosis for the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the future is not predetermined. Concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could still limit melting around Antarctica.
Establishing long-term studies in the Southern Ocean will be crucial for monitoring these changes accurately.
With proactive and coordinated international actions, we have a chance to address and potentially avert the effects of climate change on our oceans.
The authors thank Polar Climate Senior Researcher Dr Andreas Klocker, from the NORCE Norwegian Research Centre and Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, for his contribution to this research, and Professor Matthew England from the University of New South Wales, who provided the outputs from the model simulation for this analysis.
Taimoor Sohail receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Bishakhdatta Gayen receives funding from Australian Research Council (ARC). He works at University of Melbourne as ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor. He is also A/Prof. at CAOS, Indian Institute of Science.
The coordinator will work on the southern and southwestern coasts of the Island, which are facing serious erosion and landslide problems.
These areas are being hit hard by strong waves and heavy rain, causing damage to homes, road closures, and a drop in business activity.
The funding was secured following a successful bid by council officers to the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (SRFCC) via the Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCERM) 7 funding route.
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said: “Our coast is always changing, and the threat to human life is very real.
“This new role is crucial to help our communities understand the risks and take steps to protect themselves and their properties.
“We are committed to building a resilient future for the Isle of Wight, and this specialist will play a key part in that mission. Their work will ensure that our coastal communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of these ongoing threats.”
The new coordinator will be part of the council’s climate, coast, and environment team.
Their role will be to support residents affected by frequent geological events on the Island and provide advice and support to council departments, councillors, outside agencies, developers, and the public on coastal erosion and landslide issues.
They will also research and develop opportunities to minimise the impact of erosion and landslides and design future strategies for managing these problems.
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, added: “Decaying defences and outdated policies are causing significant problems, worsened by climate change.
“This funding is crucial for providing the necessary resources to support homeowners and businesses. The new coordinator will research and share findings with the SRFCC, focusing on benefits like regeneration, poverty reduction, mental health support, and emergency services.
“They will also collaborate with other councils facing similar issues to find the best solutions. This teamwork is essential for helping coastal communities adapt to the challenges of erosion and landslides, ensuring a more resilient future for the Isle of Wight.”
Source: The White House
Meet the special people who will join the First Lady and President Trump at the U.S. Capitol when President Trump delivers his address to a joint session of Congress.
These men, women, and families come from all different walks of life with incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted to usher in the Golden Age of America.
Elliston Berry from Aledo, TX: Elliston is a 15-year-old who was the victim of computer-generated deepfakes created by a bully at her school intended to humiliate and degrade Elliston and her friends.
The Comperatore Family from Sarver, PA: Helen, Allyson, and Kaylee are the widow and daughters of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter who was killed by the gunman who also shot President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024.
Jeff Denard from Decatur, AL: Jeff has spent nearly three decades working at a steel plant owned by Nucor Steel. His good paying, middle class job at the steel plant has allowed Jeff to serve as volunteer firefighter, provide a loving home to dozens of foster children, and organize his fellow steelworkers to respond to natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene.
Stephanie Diller from Long Island, NY: Stephanie is the widow of Jonathan Diller, an NYPD officer who was murdered at a traffic stop in Queens in March 2024 by a repeat criminal who was allowed to roam the streets.
Haley Ferguson from Spring Hill, TN: Haley is a former foster child, a senior at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Elementary Education, and a Fostering the Future scholarship recipient, which was launched by the First Lady’s organization, Be Best.
Marc and Malphine Fogel from Butler, PA: Marc is an American history teacher who was held hostage by the Russian government and wrongfully sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison. On February 12th, President Trump fulfilled his promise to Malphine, Marc’s 95-year-old mother, that he would bring Marc home.
January Littlejohn from Tallahassee, FL: January is a mother and parents’ rights advocate who sued the School Board of Leon County after school officials at her daughter’s middle school socially transitioned her daughter to a different sexual identity without January and her husband’s knowledge or permission. The school drove a wedge between January’s daughter and her parents, and deceived January about their covert plan to transition her daughter.
Payton McNabb from Murphy, NC: Payton is a former high school athlete who had her dreams of competing in college sports crushed in a September 2022 volleyball match when a biological man playing on the opposing women’s team spiked the volleyball at Payton’s face, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury. Payton joined with the Independent Women’s Forum and has made it her mission to put an end to this brutal unfairness.
Allyson and Lauren Phillips from Woodstock, GA: Allyson and Lauren are the mother and sister of Laken Riley, a young female nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien during a morning jog. The Biden administration apprehended and released Laken’s murderer into the country under its reckless open border policies. The very first bill President Trump signed into law this year was named in Laken’s honor.
Alexis Nungaray from Houston, TX: Alexis is an angel mom and the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was murdered by two illegal aliens during a walk to a corner store. The Biden administration apprehended and released these vicious illegal aliens into the country just weeks before Jocelyn’s murder.
Roberto Ortiz from Weslaco, TX: Roberto has served with U.S. Border Patrol for nearly a decade, and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and California State Guard. He has been shot at repeatedly by cartel members while performing his duties near the Rio Grande River in Texas.
A range of organisations, from landholders to grassroots community groups, joined together last week for the first time to discuss different ecological challenges in the city, and discussed how they can work better together to tackle them. The meeting- hosted by Westminster City Council- provided a platform to collaborate, network and share ideas with the goal of enhancing biodiversity and greening across Westminster.
Named Wilder Westminster, the first meeting marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by the council to address the ecological emergency. Regular collaboration between members will help to continue the discussion and develop the biodiversity and greening action plan outside the group bi-annual meetings.
The aim for future meetings is to continue collaborating to ensure greening efforts are coordinated and impactful and that nature is supported to recover and thrive.
Westminster is home to exceptional green spaces, owned and managed by a variety of stakeholders including Royal Parks, and BIDS (Business Improvement Districts) and community and third sector organisations, so there was an emphasis on partnership building, calling on everyone to take collective responsibility for creating a greener and more nature-rich environment. The working group also touched on issues such as strategy and purpose, and case studies of good greening practices including recent improvements to Cardinal Place in Victoria by Landsec.
Westminster City Council is hopeful that this new partnership will play a key role in shaping a greener future for central London.
For more information about the work group is doing as well as how to get more involved by visiting the Environment Hub.
Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet member for Climate Action, Ecology and Culture said:
It was great to see different organisations come together in one space to focus on how we can work better together to be more environmentally sustainable, in recognition of the ecological emergency and to help deliver a net zero city by 2040.”
“We all recognise that we can’t do this alone and there is still a lot to be done but by making sure our efforts are coordinated we can bring about meaningful and lasting change in Westminster.”
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChampionX Corporation (“ChampionX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CHX), a global leader in oilfield technology, announced today its ChampionX Emissions Technologies’ Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI) platform has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Methane Alternative Test Method outlined in OOOOb. This approval marks a significant milestone in emissions management, empowering operators to integrate AOGI into their emissions monitoring programs to detect and locate fugitive methane emissions with unmatched efficiency and precision.
ChampionX’s AOGI platform has gained industry-wide recognition for its ability to complement fugitive emissions screening processes. It helps create efficiency with the possibility of surveying over 150 sites per day. By leveraging Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology, AOGI offers a scalable solution with the intent of reducing the time and cost required for emissions monitoring for operators of all sizes.
“As the first component-level platform approved by the EPA, AOGI represents a new standard in emissions monitoring,” said Sivasankaran ‘Soma’ Somasundaram, President & CEO of ChampionX. “This advanced method enables operators to monitor emissions to assist operators in taking action to meet regulatory requirements efficiently while seamlessly integrating into their existing workflows.”
This proven method combines high-definition OGI technology with an advanced gimbal system to detect, locate, and visualize methane leaks with pinpoint accuracy. The OGI technology has been refined for a variety of applications, including handheld, fixed, drone, and aerial systems.
“It’s the ultimate use of OGI, a familiar and trusted technology to pinpoint leaks quickly and efficiently from the air,” said Shankar Annamalai, Senior Vice President of Emissions Technologies and Permian Geomarket. “Given the scale of the oil and gas industry, streamlining the leak detection process is a big relief to operators, especially for small businesses.”
“This approval underscores our commitment to innovation and reinforces the United States’ position as a leading producer of efficient and sustainable oil and gas,” said Somasundaram.
Using our 140 years of oilfield expertise, ChampionX has, and will, continue to support the oil and gas sectors with cutting-edge technologies – ike AOGI, the Aura OGI™ camera, Soofie® continuous monitors, drones with HALO OGI® or Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS) technology, and fixed-wing surveys – to address the evolving environmental and operational challenges.
For more information on how AOGI can complement your emissions monitoring program, visit ChampionX Emissions Technologies | AOGI or contact us at contactemissions@championx.com.
About ChampionX Emissions Technologies ChampionX Emissions Technologies combines deep industry expertise with advanced technology to effectively tackle environmental challenges. By continuously enhancing our solutions, we assist clients in managing the complexities of emissions, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.
About ChampionX ChampionX is a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the world. ChampionX’s expertise, innovative products, and digital technologies provide enhanced oil and gas production, transportation, and real-time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well. To learn more about ChampionX, visit our website at www.championx.com.
Asia and the Pacific face a daunting infrastructure challenge, requiring sustained investment to enhance connectivity, safety, and resilience. While road networks dominate spending, underinvestment in maintenance and limited private-sector involvement threaten long-term sustainability.
Asia and the Pacific will require about $43 trillion from 2020 to 2035 to develop, maintain, repair, and climate-proof its transport infrastructure, according to the Asian Transport Observatory. This represents about 2% of the region’s GDP, averaging roughly $2.7 trillion annually.
Infrastructure investment requirements have tripled, increasing from roughly $750 billion annually between 2000 and 2020 to $2.7 trillion.
Failing to secure the needed resources risks inadequate infrastructure development, leading to deterioration, costly repairs, and transport disruptions over time.
Traffic congestion currently represents about 2-4% of GDP in Asia’s major cities. Road traffic fatalities and severe injuries cost $1.5 trillion in 2021, factoring in the loss of lives, assets, and workforce productivity.
The health consequences of PM2.5 air pollution also contributed to a further loss of at least $4 trillion in 2019. Climate-related challenges may also bring significant expenses, with potential damages to Asia’s transport infrastructure approaching $54 billion.
Moreover, delays and interruptions due to weakened transport infrastructure could lead to logistical losses estimated annually at $43 billion in 2023. It’s estimated that inadequate transport infrastructure directly threatens about 7% of GDP.
Tackling these challenges requires a forward-thinking approach emphasizing infrastructure maintenance, capacity enhancement, safety enforcement, and disaster preparedness to mitigate these considerable costs.
The infrastructure investment needs across the region are vast and varied. The largest share of the investment needs lies within East Asia (58%) and South Asia (17%) sub-regions, representing 73% of the population.
Our projections suggest that investment in transport infrastructure within high-income economies will stagnate by 2035, influenced by an aging population, stabilized travel demand, and well-established infrastructure networks.
On the other hand, low- and middle-income economies are expected to see a sharp rise in investment requirements, driven by inadequate access to transport infrastructure and increasing demand for passenger and freight transport.
Upper-middle-income economies are set to spearhead transport infrastructure investments, maintaining a significant share of 67% of total investment from 2000 to 2020, followed by 65% from 2020 to 2035.
About 74% of total investment needs over the next decade will be concentrated in East and South Asia, propelled by the ongoing rapid growth of transport demand in India and the People’s Republic of China.
Road transport will continue to secure bulk investments from 2020 to 2035, accounting for 63% of total investments (approximately 1.3% of GDP). This is required to bridge the infrastructure gap and improve access and connectivity.
The remaining investment needs are as follows: 17% for railways, including high-speed rail (around 0.4% of GDP), 11% for raid urban transit (about 0.2% of GDP), 4% for ports (0.1% of GDP), and 5% for airports (0.1% of GDP).
Urban rail investment will equal that of heavy rail infrastructure for the first time. Investment in metro systems is expected to increase from 7% of total investments between 2000 and 2020 to 10% from 2020 to 2035. Other than that, we don’t see a significant shift in the pattern of infrastructure spending.
Maintenance is crucial for transport infrastructure, guaranteeing assets’ durability, safety, and effectiveness. Studies show that every dollar invested in maintenance saves $4-$5 later required for reconstruction.
However, there’s a worrying trend of underinvestment in maintenance. This underinvestment will likely persist. On average, maintenance costs for transport infrastructure are expected to represent approximately 24% of total investment expenses from 2020 to 2035.
Nonetheless, maintenance expenditures differ across various modes and countries. New construction projects often receive significant media and political attention, but maintenance initiatives, which are vital for the long-term viability of transport infrastructure, are usually overlooked and go underfunded.
Regrettably, the issue of insufficient maintenance funding is a persistent challenge in Asia.
With nearly 1.8 billion people lacking access to transport infrastructure in Asia, countries are rapidly building infrastructure. But even with a $43 trillion investment by 2035, the infrastructure gap with the global North will continue to exist.
By 2035, Asia’s average transport infrastructure per capita is projected to still be 70% lower than current levels in wealthier countries, as measured by OECD country levels. However, the silver lining is that we will bridge the gap in specific modes at a lower income level.
For example, the average availability of urban rapid transit per capita in Asia and the Pacific is expected to double, rising from 6 kilometers in 2020 to 12 kilometers per million people by 2035. OECD countries had similar access back in 2013, having a GDP per capita nearly four times higher.
Maintaining a sustained annual investment rate of 2.3% of GDP is a challenge in itself. Identifying who will provide that investment is another complex question. While infrastructure development offers clear socio-economic benefits, investments in this area have declined as a percentage of GDP.
This shift raises concerns, especially given the limited involvement of private funding in the region’s infrastructure development. Historically, governments have been the leading financiers.
However, the aftermath of COVID-19 has strained public finances and increased debt burdens. Public-private partnerships show potential but have not expanded enough to meet the growing transport infrastructure demands.
There is an urgent need for a significant increase in private investment to bridge this gap. Attracting such capital depends on the government’s ability to create a more favorable regulatory and planning environment.
Moreover, there is considerable potential for optimizing public infrastructure investments. Governments should explore alternative funding methods, such as raising user fees, leveraging land value, and adopting innovative financing techniques.
Strategic investments, regulatory reforms, and innovative funding solutions are essential to ensuring Asia’s transport infrastructure meets future demands.
TheAsian Transport Observatorywas developed by the Asian Development Bank to strengthen the knowledge base on transport in Asia and the Pacific, and to support better informed investments and policies in the sector.
Headline: Thales reports its 2024 full-year results
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Order intake: €25.3 billion, up 9% (+6% on an organic basis1)
Sales: €20.6 billion, up 11.7% (+8.3% on an organic basis)
Adjusted EBIT2: €2,419 million, up 13.4% (+5.7% on an organic basis)
Adjusted net income, Group share2: €1,900 million, up 7%
Consolidated net income, Group share: €1,420 million, up sharply by 39%
Free operating cash flow from continuing operations2,3: €2,142 million, up 9%
Free operating cash flow2: €2,027 million, stable against 2023
Dividend4of €3.70 per share, representing 40% of Adjusted net income, Group share
Non-financial performance: steady progress towards medium to long-term targets
2025 objectives:
Book-to-bill5above 1
Organic sales growth of between +5% and +6%, corresponding to sales between €21.7 billion and €21.9 billion
Adjusted EBIT margin between 12.2% and 12.4%
Thales’s Board of Directors (Euronext Paris: HO) met on March 3, 2025 to review the 2024 financial statements6.
“2024 was once again a year of strong profitable growth for Thales. Thales, a world leader in advanced technologies in Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and Digital, maintained excellent sales momentum throughout the year, achieving a record order intake of more than €25 billion. The record order book provides unprecedented visibility for all our activities. Sales exceeded the €20 billion mark with organic growth of 8.3%, above expectations. Defence activities, underpinned by an ongoing increase in the Group’s production capacity, the technological excellence of our products and the commitment from all our colleagues, contributed in particular to this performance. Thales also demonstrated once again its ability to generate profitable growth, with an increase in EBIT in absolute terms and as a percentage, reflecting the strength of its operating leverage. Thanks to its unique business model based on world-class products, systems and services, Thales generated free operating cash flow of more than €2 billion. Non-financial performance was also remarkable in 2024. The validity of our CSR strategy was acknowledged as Thales joined the CAC 40 ESG index in 2024. This historic performance is the result of the unfailing commitment of our 83,000 employees, and I would like to thank them sincerely for their dedication to our clients. We are starting 2025 with confidence and determination and a positive outlook for the vast majority of our activities. Thales presented its new strategic roadmap in November 2024. By drawing on its unique leadership positions serving growing markets and its ability to innovate and anticipate technological breakthroughs, the Group affirms its ambition to deliver accelerated, profitable and sustainable growth over the coming years, starting in 2025.” Patrice Caine, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Key figures
Order intake for the 2024 financial year increased by 9% compared with 2023 at €25,289 million and by +6% on an organic basis (i.e. at constant scope and exchange rates). Commercial performance was once again supported by strong demand in the Defence segment and by continued sustained momentum in the Aerospace segment. As at 31 December 2024, the consolidated order book amounted to nearly €51 billion, a record level, up by nearly €5.4 billion compared with the end of 2023.
Sales totaled €20,577 million, up 11.7% from 2023 (+8.3% in organic growth). This robust growth reflects in particular the solid performance of the Defence business throughout the year.
Adjusted EBIT7 stood at €2,419 million in 2024 (11.8% of sales), compared with €2,132 million (11.6% of sales) in 2023, an increase of 13.4% (+5.7% organic change).
At €1,900 million, Adjusted net income,Group share7 was up +7% compared to 2023.
Consolidated net income, Group share, stood at €1,420 million, up sharply by +39% from 2023. This increase can be explained notably by the recognition in 2023 of a non-current and non-recurring expense linked to the implementation of insurance coverage for the Group’s commitments under the Thales UK Pension Scheme. These commitments were transferred to Rothesay at the end of 2023.
Free operating cash flow from continuing operations7,9 amounted to €2,142 million, compared with €1,968 million in 2023. Including the contribution of discontinued operations, free operating cash flow7 amounted to €2,027 million, compared with €2,026 million in 2023. Calculated on the basis of the scope of continuing operations, the cash conversion ratio of Adjusted net income, Group share, into operating free cash flow was 114%. This once again exceptional performance, which saw the cash conversion ratio exceed 100% for the fifth consecutive year, reflects the excellent momentum of new orders, the phasing effects on cash inflows related to contracts’ execution and the continued Group’s mobilization of its CA$H! plan aimed at optimizing this conversion ratio.
In this context, the Board of Directors decided to propose the payment of a dividend of €3.70 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 40% of the Adjusted net income, Group share. An interim dividend of €0.85 per share was paid on December 5, 2024. The balance of €2.85 will be paid on May 22, 2025.
Order intake
Order intake for the 2024 financial year totaled €25,289 million, up 9% from 2023 in total change and up +6% at constant scope and exchange rates11. For the fourth consecutive year, the order intake was more than 20% higher than sales (book-to-bill). Thebook-to-bill ratio was 1.23, flat against 2023, and 1.28 excluding the Cyber & Digital business, where the order intake is structurally very close to sales.
In 2024, Thales signed 35 large orders with a unit value of over €100 million, representing a total of €8,674 million:
Four large orders booked in Q1 2024:
The entry into force of the third phase of the order placed by Indonesia in 2022 for the purchase of 42 Rafale aircraft (18 aircraft and support services);
Phased contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop the next generation of sonars to equip French nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN);
Order of an aerial surveillance system for a military customer in the Middle East;
Second tranche of the contract signed in 2023 between France and Italy for the production of 400 ASTER B1NT ground-to-air missiles.
Eight large orders booked in Q2 2024:
Order for a next generation cloud native “FLYTEDGE” InFlight Entertainment System for a major worldwide airline;
Order by SKY Perfect JSAT to Thales Alenia Space of JSAT-31, a new generation of satellite reconfigurable in orbit using Space INSPIRE technology;
Exomars 2028, a contract signed between industrial prime contractor Thales Alenia Space and the European Space Agency (ESA) to relaunch the European space mission dedicated to the exploration of the Red Planet;
Order of two new F126 frigates by the German Navy. This additional contract brings the number of F126 frigates acquired by the German Navy to six in the past four years;
Order by the Dutch Ministry of Defence of seven additional Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars;
Service contract for the maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy fleet;
Order by an Asian customer of latest-generation Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars;
Order by France’s Joint Munitions Command (SiMu) of tens of thousands of 120mm rifled ammunition.
Seven major orders recorded in Q3 2024:
Notification by the DGA of the second tranche of the development of the future RBE2 XG radar for the Rafale F5;
Order for the supply of anti-submarine warfare systems for the first phase of the construction of six HUNTER-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy;
Order for the renovation of an air traffic management system;
Order from the UK Ministry of Defence for the supply of Lightweight Multi-role Missiles (LMM) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities;
Order of LMM for the British armed forces;
Order for the supply of Ground Fire multifunction radar and engagement modules following France’s acquisition of seven SAMP/T NG air defence systems;
Order for the supply of communications, vetronics, navigation and optronics equipment for vehicles in the French Army’s SCORPION program.
Sixteen large orders booked in Q4 2024:
Order for the supply of a satellite for the European Space Agency’s EnVision scientific mission to understand the planet Venus;
Contract amendment signed with OHB System for the payload of the third satellite of the European CO2M mission focused on CO2 emissions generated by human activity;
Amendment to the contract with the European Space Agency for the development of the ESPRIT communications and refueling module for the future lunar space station, Gateway;
Order for the development of the world’s first quantum key distribution (QKD) system from geostationary orbit, in collaboration with Hispasat;
Contract with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to develop the Emirates Airlock Module on board the future lunar space station Gateway;
Entry into force of the contract for the supply of 12 Rafale to Serbia;
Order from Naval Group for the supply of equipment for the submarine delivery contract in the Netherlands;
Order under the AJISS contract to provide In-Service Support to Royal Canadian Navy ships;
Order for the development and production of 430 new-generation MICA-NG interception, combat and self-defence missile seekers;
Order from the UK Ministry of Defence for the development and preparation of large-scale production of STARStreak HVMs (High Velocity Missiles) for the armed forces;
Order from the French Air Navigation Services Directorate (DSNA) aimed at improving the 4-Flight air traffic management system;
Amendment to the CONTACT contract with the DGA providing the armed forces with a range of software-defined radios designed for collaborative combat;
Order from the UK Ministry of Defence to ensure the permanence and maneuverability of the Royal Navy’s operational communications;
Order from the DGA as part of the SYRACUSE IV program to equip the French army’s SCORPION vehicles with Thales’ secure satellite communications solution;
Order from the DGA for the design, delivery and maintenance of a resilient communication system;
Order from the DGA to produce an encryption key management and distribution system and key injector for the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
With a total amount of €16,615 million, order intake with a unit value of less than €100 million continued to record favorable momentum.
Geographically12, order intake in mature markets amounted to €19,010 million, very close to that recorded in 2023, which though included the £1.8 billion MSET contract in the United Kingdom. Sales momentum elsewhere was also solid, particularly in the rest of Europe (up by 16% on an organic basis) and in Australia and New Zealand (up by 13% on an organic basis). Order intake in emerging markets was up sharply in 2024, amounting to €6,279 million (+39% at constant scope and exchange rates) thanks to continued strong momentum in the Near and Middle East (with an organic increase of 80%).
Order intake in the Aerospace segment totaled €6,434 million compared to €5,606 million in 2023 (+14% at constant scope and exchange rates). This solid growth reflects several trends.
The different segments of the Avionics market continued to record sustained demand in 2024;
The Space business posted sustained growth in order intake, including five orders with a unit value of more than €100 million recorded in the fourth quarter, four of which in OEN (Observation, Exploration & Science and Navigation) activities.
At December 31, 2024, the segment’s order book stood at €10.5 billion, up 13% from 2023.
At €14,723 million compared to €13,944 million in 2023, order intake in the Defence segment set a new record (+5% at constant scope and exchange rates). The book-to-bill ratio was 1.34, above 1.2 for the sixth consecutive year. This high level is explained by continued strong demand in all activities, with twenty-seven contracts with a unit value of more than €100 million recorded in 2024. The segment’s order book reached a new record at €39.2 billion (up 12%), corresponding to 3.6 years of sales, offering strong visibility for the years ahead.
At 4,032 million, order intake in the Cyber & Digital segment was structurally very close to sales as most business lines in this segment operate on short sales cycles. The order book is therefore not significant.
Sales
Note: full-year 2023 figures have been restated to reflect the transfer of cyber civil activities from the Defence segment to the Cyber & Digital segment.
Sales for the 2024 financial year totaled €20,577 million, compared to €18,428 million in 2023, up 11.7% in total change and 8.3% in organic terms (at constant scope and exchange rates14), driven in particular by the robust performance of the Defence segment.
Geographically15, sales recorded solid growth in both mature markets (+7.9% in organic terms) and emerging markets (+9.6% in organic terms), driven by double-digit growth in Asia.
Sales in the Aerospace segment totaled €5,471 million, up 4.8% from 2023 (+2.9% at constant scope and exchange rates). Momentum in this segment reflects contrasting trends:
The Avionics business posted mid-single digit organic growth in 2024, notably driven by strong momentum in both original equipment activities and aftermarket services, with a return to pre-Covid levels in air traffic. However, as expected, the fourth quarter was impacted by delays in aircraft deliveries to airlines, which postponed in-flight entertainment (IFE) sales;
As expected, sales were almost flat in the Space business. The telecommunications segment continued to be impacted by structurally lower demand in the geostationary satellite market. Conversely, trends remain positive for OEN activities.
Sales in the Defence segment totaled €10,969 million, up 13.9% from 2023 (+13.3% at constant scope and exchange rates). This strong growth came against a backdrop of steady growth in the Group’s production capacity, enabling it to meet high demand in all product lines. Growth was notably driven by land and air systems, such as tactical vehicles and systems or surface radars. The fourth quarter of 2024 also benefited from favorable cut-off effects.
At €4,024 million, sales in the Cyber & Digital segment increased by 1.4% at constant scope and exchange rates (and +14.8% in total change including the positive scope effect of the acquisitions of Imperva and Tesserent). This moderate organic sales growth reflects different trends depending on the activities:
Strong momentum continued for cyber businesses, including a strong performance from Imperva;
Against a high comparison basis in 2023, payment services sales were impacted by destocking by our customers in North America;
Lastly, the digitalization of secure connectivity solutions maintained its strong growth. Sales generated in fully digital connectivity solutions (including eSIMs and on-demand connectivity platforms) recorded double-digit organic growth and accounted for more than half of sales of this secure connectivity solutions business in 2024.
Results
For 2024, the Group posted Adjusted EBIT16 of €2,419 million, or 11.8% of sales, compared to €2,132 million (11.6% of sales) in 2023.
The Aerospace segment recorded Adjusted EBIT of €391 million (7.2% of sales), compared with €369 million (7.1% of sales) in 2023. The segment’s Adjusted EBIT margin is driven by the Avionics business, which posted a double-digit margin and improving, including the contribution of Cobham AeroComms. However, Space activities weighed on the segment’s margin, recording as expected a negative Adjusted EBIT margin in 2024 resulting from several factors: an expected increase in R&D spending, restructuring costs linked to the adaptation plan announced in March 2024 and the impact of inflation not reflected on past contracts.
Adjusted EBIT for the Defence segment amounted to €1,432 million, compared with €1,270 million in 2023 (an increase of +13.0% at constant scope and exchange rates). The margin for this segment was stable at 13.1%, compared to 13.2% in 2023.
At €585 million (14.5% of sales), Adjusted EBIT in the Cyber & Digital segment recorded solid growth in both value and margin. The improvement in profitability was notably due to the successful integration of Imperva and the robust margin on payment services and secure connectivity solutions for mobile networks in highly competitive markets.
Naval Group’s contribution to the Group’s Adjusted EBIT amounted to €93 million in 2024, compared with €91 million in 2023.
At -€166 million, compared with €2 million in 2023, net financial interest increased sharply, as expected. This increase was mainly linked to the substantial rise in debt following the acquisitions made in 2023. Other adjusted financial income16 stood at €35 million in 2024 versus -€37 million in 2023, reflecting the exceptional positive impact of dividends on non-consolidated affiliates and foreign exchange gains. The adjusted financial expense on pensions and other long-term employee benefits16 improved significantly (-€49 million compared with -€76 million in 2023), reflecting the removal of the interest expense following the transfer of UK pension obligations in December 2023.
At €21 million, compared with €105 million in 2023, the Adjusted net income, Group share, from discontinued operations16 was in line with trends in the Transport business, which was sold on May 31, 2024.
As a result, Adjusted net income, Group share16 was €1,900 million, compared to €1,768 million in 2023, after an adjusted income tax charge16 of -€427 million, compared to -€370 million in 2023. At 20.4% in 2024 compared to 20.1% in 2023, the effective tax rate was stable.
The Adjusted net income, Group share, per share16 amounted to €9.24, up 9% from 2023 (€8.48).
Consolidated net income, Group share, stood at €1,420 million, up 39% from 2023. This increase can be explained notably by the recognition in 2023 of a non-current and non-recurring expense linked to the implementation of insurance coverage for the Group’s commitments under the Thales UK Pension Scheme.
Financial position at December 31, 2024
Free operating cash flow17 amounted to €2,027 million compared to €2,026 million in 2023. It included a contribution of €2,142 million from continuing operations and -€116 million from discontinued operations. For continuing operations, the cash conversion ratio of Adjusted net income, Group share, into free operating cash flow was 114%.
The net balance of acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries and affiliates amounted to €359 million. Under its acquisition strategy, the Group completed two major operations in 2024:
The acquisition (on April 2, 2024) of Cobham Aerospace Communications, a leading supplier of cutting-edge technologies enabling flexible, integrated and more-autonomous avionics systems, based primarily in the United States and generating sales of approximately $200 million in 2023 (see press releases dated July 12, 2023 and April 2, 2024);
The sale (on 31 May 2024) to Hitachi Rail of the Transport business, a global leader in rail signaling and train control systems, telecommunications and supervision systems, and fare collection solutions (see press releases dated August 4, 2021 and May 31, 2024). This business generated sales of €1,822 million in 2023.
As part of the share buyback program covering a maximum of 3.5% of the capital announced in March 2022 and completed in March 2024, 1,245,757 shares were repurchased during 2024, representing 0.6% of the share capital, for €176 million. The Group repurchased a total of 7,469,396 shares under this program, 3.5% of the share capital.
At December 31, 2024, net debt amounted to €3,044 million compared with €4,190 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease reflects the impact of free operating cash flow generation, acquisitions and disposals for -€359 million (€3,464 million in 2023), the payment of €708 million in dividends (€634 million in 2023), new lease liabilities for €143 million (€166 million in 2023) and the share buyback program.
Equity, Group share amounted to €7,515 million, compared with €6,830 million at December 31, 2023. This increase reflects the positive contribution of consolidated net income, Group share (€1,420 million) less the dividend payout (-€708 million) and share buybacks (-€176 million).
Non-financial performance
In line with its corporate purpose of “Building a future we can all trust”, Thales has set itself the ambition in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): to contribute to a safer, greener and more inclusive world. First, the Group will seek to maximize the contribution of its portfolio of solutions to the planet and society. Secondly, Thales has set itself ambitious targets on three main priorities:
The fight against global warming;
Strengthening gender diversity at all levels;
The implementation of the best standards in terms of ethics and compliance.
In terms of the fight against global warming, scope 1 & 2 CO2 emissions fell by 56.8% in 2024 compared to 2018 and scope 3 emissions fell by 24.7% compared to 2018. The Group has thus achieved its 2030 targets ahead of schedule for the second consecutive year. The absolute value reduction targets for carbon footprint remain relevant for 2030 given the Group’s growth prospects. To raise employee awareness to climate change and its impacts on society and on the Group, a voluntary training named “Thales Climate Passport” was deployed in 2024 with the aim of training 50% of managers. Over 67.4% of managers, representing around 35,000 employees, completed this training course in 2024, demonstrating the great success of this training.
With regard to strengthening diversity, Thales has set itself an ambitious target for 2026 to have 75% of management committees with at least 4 women. Thus, at the end of 2024, 61.5% of the Group’s management committees had at least 4 women, compared to 52.6% at the end of 2023. The highest levels of responsibility comprised 21.1% women at the end of 2024[1]; a performance in line with the Group’s trajectory to reach the set goal of 22.5% by 2026 (compared to 20.4% at the end of 2023 and 16.6% at the end of 2018).
In the area of ethics and compliance, 100% of employees concerned by the 2024 anti-corruption training campaign have been trained, demonstrating the Group’s continuous commitment to train all employees potentially exposed to risk situations. In 2024, the ISO 37001 certification “Anti-bribery management systems” was renewed for 3 years and extended to Germany, Australia, and New Zealand after Canada and the United States in 2023, and the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in 2022. Thus, in 2024, the revenue generated by certified entities represents 64% of the Group’s revenue (vs. 58% in 2023).
[1] Percentage of women in the total workforce: 27.4%.
Proposed dividend
The Board of Directors decided to propose to the shareholders, who will convene at the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2025, the payment of a dividend of €3.70 per share. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 40% of the Adjusted net income, Group share, per share.
If approved, the ex-dividend date will be May 20, 2025, and the payment date will be May 22 2025. This dividend will be paid fully in cash and will amount to €2.85 per share, after deducting the interim dividend of €0.85 per share paid in December 2024.
Outlook
Thales is embarking on 2025 with confidence, bolstered by good visibility in the vast majority of its activities.
In 2025, the Avionics business will be driven by both the original equipment and aftermarket services activities, the continued growth of the Cobham AeroComms business, and the gradual recovery of the IFE business. In the Space business, the outlook remains positive, particularly in the Observation, Exploration & Science, Navigation and military telecommunications activities. However, the structural weakness of demand in the geostationary satellite market will dampen the growth of this activity. Thales will continue to implement its cost adaptation plan, with the objective of an Adjusted EBIT margin of 7%+ in the Space business in 2028.
The Defence segment, which enjoys a record order book, will be further supported by strong demand in 2025, against a backdrop of increasing military spending, particularly in the geographical areas where the Group operates. With the increase in its production capacity over the past several years and a portfolio of premium solutions incorporating differentiating leading technologies, Thales is ideally positioned to meet its customers’ needs.
Lastly, the Cyber and Digital segment will benefit from positive momentum in 2025, supported by Thales’ unique positioning and leadership. The continued development of Imperva will strengthen the differentiating value proposition in cybersecurity activities in order to take advantage of the buoyant environment. The payment services business is also expected to gradually return to growth.
The Group expects net investment expenses to slightly exceed €700 million in 2025 (after €617 million in 2024) to meet the need to increase production capacity, particularly in the Defence business.
As a result, Thales sets the following targets for 2025:
A book-to-bill ratio above 1;
Organic sales growth of between +5% and +6%, corresponding to sales in the range of €21.7 billion to €21.9 billion;
An Adjusted EBIT18 margin between 12.2% and 12.4%, up 40 to 60 basis points from 2024.
The Group also expects to maintain a high cash conversion ratio of between 95% and 100% in 2025.
Note: assuming no new major disruptions of macroeconomic and geopolitical context; including tariff increase.
Impact of new tax measures in France
Following the adoption of the 2025 budget, which introduces various tax changes, the impacts for the Thales Group are as follows:
An additional tax expense of ~€80 million related to the temporary additional corporate tax charge, giving rise to an additional tax of 41.2% in 2025, resulting in an overall tax rate of 36.13% (instead of the current rate of 25.83%);
~€8 million in taxes payable on share cancellations made in October 2024 as part of the share buyback program.
The temporary additional contribution to corporate tax for Naval Group could have a negative impact of around €8 million on Thales’ Adjusted EBIT in 2025.
These different impacts will represent an equivalent cash outflow in 2025.
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This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although Thales believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ significantly from the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties, as described in the Company’s Universal Registration Document, which has been filed with the French financial markets authority (Autorité des marchés financiers – AMF).
1 In this press release, “organic” means “at constant scope and exchange rates”. See note on methodology on page 18 and calculation on page 23.
2 Non-GAAP financial indicators, see definitions in the appendices, page 18. The title “EBIT” has been amended to “Adjusted EBIT”, in accordance with ESMA’s recommendation.The definition remains unchanged.
3 Operating free cash flow from continuing operations, excluding the Transport activity sold on May 31, 2024.
4 Proposed to the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2025.
5 Ratio of order intake to sales.
6 As at the date of this press release, the verification process on the sustainability information is ongoing. With the exception of the possible impact of the conclusions of this process, the audit procedures have been carried out. The audit report will be issued following the Board of Directors’ meeting on April 2, after the finalization of the procedures related to sustainability information.
7 Non-GAAP financial indicators, see definitions in the appendices, page 18.
8 Proposed to the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2025.
9 Free operating cash flow from continuing operations, excluding the Transport activity sold on May 31, 2024.
10 Mature markets: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand; emerging markets: all other countries. See table on page 22.
11 Taking into account a currency effect of €49 million and a net scope effect of €625 million.
12 See table on page 22.
13 Mature markets: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand; emerging markets: all other countries. See table on page 22.
14 The calculation of the organic change in sales is shown on page 23.
15 See table on page 22.
16 Non-GAAP financial indicator, see definition in the appendices, page 18 and calculation, pages 20 and 21.
17 Non-GAAP financial indicator, see definition in the appendices, page 18.
18 The title “EBIT” has been amended to “Adjusted EBIT”, in accordance with ESMA’s recommendation.The definition remains unchanged.
Expansion of enhanced Climate Friendly Household Programme
To encourage more households to take climate action, NEA and PUB will further enhance the Climate Friendly Households Programme.
From 15 Apr 2025, eligible HDB households will receive an additional $100 in Climate Vouchers, on top of the existing $300 offered in 2024. The programme will also be expanded to include Singapore Citizen households living in private residential properties. This means that eligible HDB and private households can claim a total of $400 worth of Climate Vouchers, which are valid until 31 Dec 2027.
By switching to more resource efficient appliances and fittings, households can reduce their energy and/or water consumption, lower their utility bills, and help to tackle climate change.
$25 million Weather Science Research Programme to enhance Singapore’s weather prediction capabilities
A new Weather Science Research Programme (WSRP) has been launched to enhance Singapore’s ability to understand and predict our tropical urban weather, including extreme weather arising from climate change.
The new programme aims to build weather science capability in the national research ecosystem. The Centre for Climate Research Singapore will collaborate with local research institutions to incorporate the latest scientific and technological developments such as Artificial Intelligence. A key initiative under the WSRP is to create a detailed historical weather re-analysis over recent decades for Southeast Asia – the first of its kind in the region.
Funded under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, the WSRP is now open for research proposals from local research institutions.
The Alliance for Action on Packaging Waste Reduction for the E-commerce Sector has published a set of Guidelines on Sustainable E-commerce Packaging.
Apart from a list of 3R solutions tailored to various types of e-commerce packaging, the Guidelines also provide operating models for e-commerce marketplaces to promote sustainable packaging to consumers, and drive awareness and responsibilities among suppliers.
Also included in the Guidelines is a scorecard that company leaders can use to assess the maturity of their management practices in relation to sustainable packaging, and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Up to $1 billion to upgrade hawker centres and build 5 new hawker centres
Over the next 20 to 30 years, MSE and NEA will invest up to $1 billion to upgrade existing hawker centres and build another 5 new hawker centres.
Through the Hawker Centre Upgrading Programme 2.0, hawker centre infrastructure will be upgraded to be more vibrant, accessible, with climate-resilient community spaces. Hawkers can also look forward to a more conducive work environment.
To better serve residents, 5 additional new hawker centres will be built. 2 new hawker centres will also open at Bukit Batok West and Punggol Coast.
To celebrate SG60 and the 5th anniversary of the inscription of Singapore’s Hawker Culture on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cooked food and market stallholders across all hawker centres and markets managed by the Government or Government-appointed operators will receive a one-off rental support of $600 per stall.
Singapore, 4 March 2025 – The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), under the National Environment Agency (NEA), has launched a $25 million Weather Science Research Programme (WSRP). The new programme aims to enhance Singapore’s ability to understand and predict our tropical urban weather, including extreme weather arising from climate change. The WSRP, funded under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, is now open for research proposals from local research institutions.
2 Climate change poses significant challenges for Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region. Singapore’s Third National Climate Change Study, led by the Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) [1] under MSS, projects higher temperatures, more extreme wet and dry periods, and rising mean sea levels by the end of the century. Singapore is located in the deep-tropics where weather prediction is particularly challenging, due to the complexity of dominant local weather processes like thunderstorms and fine-scale interactions with local features such as coasts and the urban landscape. Recent advancements in weather research and technology, such as high-resolution modelling, artificial intelligence and enhanced remote-sensing observational networks, present opportunities to tackle the challenges of tropical local weather prediction.
3 Through the new programme, MSS aims to build weather science capability in the national research ecosystem. CCRS will work with Institutes of Higher Learning and Research Institutes to improve weather prediction for Singapore and the region by incorporating the latest scientific and technological developments in this area.
4 For example, researchers will use artificial intelligence (AI) to combine data from various sources, potentially enhancing predictions of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The programme will also develop advanced weather prediction systems that consider how local weather is affected by ocean and land conditions, which could improve our ability to forecast phenomena like Sumatra squalls. Scientists will also investigate new ways of incorporating weather observations, such as those from polar-orbiting environmental satellites and ground-based radars, for more accurate and timely weather forecasts.
5 A key initiative under the new programme is to create a detailed historical weather re-analysis over recent decades for Southeast Asia – the first of its kind in the region. This comprehensive dataset will offer valuable insights into past weather patterns and provide a valuable dataset to leverage AI for local weather prediction. WSRP projects are expected to be awarded in the second half of 2025.
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[1] CCRS is a research centre under MSS and part of NEA. It was officially launched in March 2013, with the vision to be a world leading centre in tropical climate and weather research focusing on the Southeast Asia region.
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