NewzIntel.com

Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-Evening Report: More dry lightning in Tasmania is sparking bushfires – challenging fire fighters and land managers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania

    Tasmania has been burning for more than two weeks, with no end in sight. Almost 100,000 hectares of bushland in the northwest has burned to date. This includes the Tarkine rainforest and alpine ecosystems of Cradle Mountain that may never recover.

    The situation has taken emergency services and land management agencies by surprise. The seasonal bushfire outlook for summer 2024 suggested Tasmania’s fire risk was nothing out of the ordinary. The state was also well prepared for bushfire fighting, particularly with specialised aircraft.

    But this fire season has turned out to be anything but typical. Firefighting capacity has been stretched to the limit and interstate crews have been called in.

    It all began with a massive lightning storm in the evening of Monday February 3. The incidence of such lightning fires has been increasing in Tasmania since the 1990s.

    An official inquiry into the bushfires will no doubt be held, given the substantial social, economic and environmental harm – as well as the sizeable costs associated with fighting the fires from the air in remote and rugged landscapes.

    Nonetheless, important lessons are emerging from these fires, which speak to the broader, worsening threat as the climate changes.

    Understanding the impacts of the fires

    Fortunately, direct economic losses from theses fires have been limited so far, despite significant disruption associated with evacuation and road closures. Tourism operators and honey producers have been hardest hit.

    The fires caused brief but substantial smoke pollution across the state, placing a range of people with medical conditions at risk.

    The full environmental effects and the benefits of prescribed burning are yet to be evaluated. Nonetheless, there is grave concern about damage to unique rainforests and alpine ecosystems. If sufficiently dry the organic soils, or peats, that supports forests and treeless areas in western Tasmania are also vulnerable to combustion.

    We undertook a preliminary estimate of how much highly fire-sensitive vegetation – plant communities that will take more than 50 years to recover – may have burned. This involved comparing the current bushfire boundaries or footprint, based on satellite data and field reconnaissance, to vegetation mapping used for various purposes including fire management. We put the figure at 19,716 hectares of vegetation. However, it’s possible not all of this burned and islands of unburned vegetation persist within the broad fire boundary.

    Our estimation includes 10,419 hectares of temperate rainforest (10% of the fire area) and 462 hectares of alpine vegetation (0.45% of the fire area). Neither of these vegetation types can readily tolerate fire.

    Our analysis suggests about half of fire-affected rainforest areas have been previously burned by fires since 1982 (48%) and some small areas have burned twice (5%). Recurrent fires in rainforest can result in permanent loss of this vegetation. Just how much damage has been done will require further assessment.

    Current area affected by bushfires in northwestern Tasmania, comparing data from Geoscience Australia on bushfire boundaries and Land Information Services Tasmania on vegetation. Note, not all of the shaded area has burned.
    Grant Williamson

    Emergence of new fire patterns

    The number of fires ignited by lightning have increased in Tasmania since the 1990s. When the lightning occurs in storms without much rain, or where the rain evaporates before it hits the ground, it’s known as dry lightning.

    Concerningly, in the last decade two other major dry lightning fire events have occurred,
    likely a signal of a change in fire activity. As a result, fires are burning into areas that historically are rarely affected by fire, damaging the natural values of the Tasmanian wilderness.

    This event could not be predicted

    Going into summer, experts were concerned that soils across western Tasmania were particularly dry. This increased the fire risk in the seasonal outlook.

    The recent rapid fire growth in Tasmania was caused by the unusual combination of regional drying (including dry soils), an extreme lightning storm and subsequent strong winds.

    But the sequence of events that caused this fire to take off could not have been predicted more than a week ahead. That’s because it is impossible to predict lightning and windstorms outside the seven-day window of weather forecasts.

    What’s more, our research shows it is currently not possible to reliably predict which lightning strikes will start fire.

    By February 12, more than a dozen fires had burned around 50,000 hectares in the state’s northwest.
    NASA Earth Observatory

    Rapid attack and fire suppression have practical limits

    Massive lightning storms that ignite multiple fires overwhelm the capacity of firefighters to locate and immediately extinguish all the flames.

    Unfavourable weather conditions caused the west coast fires to rapidly grow. Firefighting shifted from attempts to extinguish the fire to instead contain its spread. This involved techniques such as targeted waterbombing, back burning and building fire breaks.

    These approaches have been successful in some cases, notably the deployment of retardant drops to contain the Canning Peak fire, saving extensive stands of conifer rainforest. But suppression efforts were imperfect, as the loss of a private tourist facility hut on the Overland Track has demonstrated.

    Managing these massive fires demands triage – making difficult choices about where to direct firefighting effort. Effective triage requires a detailed understanding of the location of areas of high economic, cultural and environmental value. High-quality mapping of these sites and involvement of specialists in the broader decision-making process is essential.

    The Tasmanian government does have maps and expertise to guide triage, but there are calls for more investment to protect the region’s ecological values. This is particularly important for small, localised sites vulnerable to fire, such as groves of ancient Huon pine.

    Fires continue to burn in Tasmania’s west, putting wilderness areas at risk (7.30)

    Broader lessons for fire fighting

    Dry lightning storms are hard to predict, extraordinarily difficult to contain, and can cause substantial economic, social and environmental harms.

    Technology alone – such as that which combines satellites, artificial intelligence, drones and water bombers – is not enough to eliminate these fires. What’s needed is a diverse portfolio of approaches, involving a combination of:

    • reducing fuel loads by prescribed burning
    • firefighting that is carefully targeted using high quality data
    • expertise embedded in firefighting teams.

    Researchers and fire managers must also identify the best strategies for prescribed burning to reduce bushfire risk while protecting areas of high economic, conservation and cultural value.

    Climate change will bring more frequent monster fires – and fighting them demands a broad suite of investment.

    David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and also receives funding from the New South Wales Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    Grant Williamson receives funding from the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. More dry lightning in Tasmania is sparking bushfires – challenging fire fighters and land managers – https://theconversation.com/more-dry-lightning-in-tasmania-is-sparking-bushfires-challenging-fire-fighters-and-land-managers-250063

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More than half of Australia’s homes were built before fire standards came in. Here are 5 ways to retrofit them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Subha Parida, Lecturer in Property, University of South Australia

    Carl Oberg/Shutterstock

    Houses and fire do not mix. The firestorm which hit Los Angeles in January destroyed nearly 2,000 buildings and forced 130,000 people to evacuate.

    The 2019–20 Australian megafires destroyed almost 2,800 homes. This summer, houses and buildings have been lost in Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.

    As temperatures inch upwards, bushfires will become more severe and more frequent, posing risks to more homes. But fires don’t affect homes equally. Older homes built before fire resilience standards became mandatory are at higher risk of going up in flames.

    In the aftermath of the devastating LA fires, there are signs that newer homes have fared better than older ones. Previous fires in California and Australia have shown newer homes built with fire-resilient features are more likely to survive than older homes.

    The problem is, more than half (55%) of Australia’s homes were built 30 or more years ago – before national standards for fire resilience were introduced.

    The good news: you can take action to make older homes more resilient.

    Why are new homes better able to survive bushfires?

    Location, vegetation and luck play a role in determining which houses survive fires. But there is also evidence newer homes with heat- and ember-resistant features survive better.

    Construction standards in both Australia and the United States require the use of materials and designs which reduce fire risk.

    In Australia, the national construction standards have been in place since the early 1990s. Over time, the standards have expanded to include more fire-resistant features, such as fire-resistant external walls.

    By contrast, older homes are more likely to be built of flammable materials such as wood and untreated timber. Older homes are also more likely to have mature trees and shrubs closer to the house, which can increase fire risk. But as the CSIRO Bushfire Best Practice Guide points out, “trees can also be used to shield against wind, absorb radiant heat, and to filter embers […] when located at a safe distance from the house”.

    More exacting construction standards apply for homes built in areas considered at risk of bushfire. State and territory governments have interactive maps of these areas.

    Unfortunately, climate change is expanding these areas at risk. As the LA wildfires show, warmer climates mean fire can attack suburbs and cities thought to be safe from bushfire.

    Climate change is also making home ownership more expensive, as insurance premiums rise in the wake of more expensive disasters. Analysts predict banks may begin rejecting mortgage applications for properties in areas at high risk from fire.

    Older homes are more likely to burn if a bushfire comes through.
    Ekaterina Kamenetsky/Shutterstock

    How can we make older homes more resilient?

    Older homes remain highly sought after, especially in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

    But for these homes to be brought up to modern standards of bushfire resistance, they often require significant retrofitting. These retrofits can drastically reduce the risk of ignition.

    How do houses actually ignite? Wind-blown embers are a common cause in starting house fires. If a few houses in a town start burning, the fire can spread house to house.

    Here are 5 ways to protect your older house:

    1. Upgrade external vents. Traditional external vents are designed to ventilate rooms and roofs. But they also permit embers to gain access to attics and crawl spaces and spark a fire. Upgrading to ember-resistant vents can directly improve your home’s resilience.

    2. Install ember gutter guards. Ember-resistant gutter guards are made of metal and have finer mesh than normal gutter guards. These help to prevent the build-up of dry leaves and twigs and stop small embers from landing.

    3. Upgrade windows and walls. You can cut your risk further by installing bushfire-resistant shutters for windows, using fire-resistant material for wall insulation and replacing combustible material with better alternatives such as metal roofing, fibre cement siding for walls and tempered glass windows.

    4. Check your deck and verandah. Wooden decks and verandahs are risky in high-risk areas. If they need to be rebuilt, choose fire-resistant materials.

    5. Make space around your home. In fire-prone areas, removing trees and shrubs within 20 metres of the house can reduce risk. A well-managed area of pavers and low-density plants and shrubs close to the home acts as a fire break.

    Ahead of fire season, making and updating an evacuation plan is equally vital. Homeowners should prepare emergency kits with essential documents, medications, and protective gear. If a fire starts in your area, applying fire-retardant gels to surfaces at risk can provide temporary protection.

    In high risk areas, ensuring clear space between vegetation and the house can cut fire risk. Pictured: a house in Balmoral, New South Wales, after fire passed through in 2020.
    Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

    Homeowners can use the National Emergency Management Authority’s bushfire resilience rating app to assess their home’s bushfire risk and to see which retrofits are highest priority.

    State or territory governments offer advice on making your house more resistant to fire attack: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory.

    Protecting our homes takes time – and money

    Australia’s housing crisis has been front page news for months. As we head towards the federal election, it will remain a hot-button issue. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet heard discussion of the risk posed to our housing stock from bushfires made worse by climate change.

    While planning controls and building standards can raise the standards of future homes, better support and incentives are needed to retrofit existing homes – especially for those built before fire safety standards became the norm.

    Retrofitting is crucial. But it’s not cheap. Costs can range from A$8,500 to $47,000 per property.

    These expenses can be prohibitive for many homeowners. Initiatives such as the Bushfire Resilience Rating Home Self-Assessment app can result in insurers offering premium discounts to homeowners using it to introduce recommended measures.

    In some areas, local governments offer financial assistance for retrofitting, such as the Bushfire Wise Rebate by Ku-ring-gai Council in NSW.

    Without greater financial support or government incentives, a significant portion of Australia’s housing stock will remain vulnerable, increasing risks as climate change expands fire-prone areas.

    Subha Parida receives receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

    Lyrian Daniel receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

    Michaela Lang receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).

    – ref. More than half of Australia’s homes were built before fire standards came in. Here are 5 ways to retrofit them – https://theconversation.com/more-than-half-of-australias-homes-were-built-before-fire-standards-came-in-here-are-5-ways-to-retrofit-them-249490

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mobility of persons with disabilities – E-002793/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the current multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, different funding instruments, notably the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Cohesion Policy Funds can be used to support barrier-free access to transport.

    CEF finances actions to improve transport infrastructure accessibility, and to date has included a particular focus on accessibility for persons with reduced mobility in railway stations[1].

    T he Social Climate Fund was established to support vulnerable groups, among others, in the fair transition to clean mobility. Provided that the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2023/955[2] are respected, a part of this money could be used by Member States to improve the access of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility to sustainable transport solutions, including making public transport infrastructure more accessible.

    The revised guidelines for the development of the trans-European network (TEN-T)[3] require that, when developing the TEN-T infrastructure, priority should be given, among others, to measures improving accessibility for all users, including persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.

    This should be pursued in particular by means of better integration of the different transport modes into the urban nodes, including by developing multimodal passenger hubs, which should facilitate seamless connections of TEN-T to public transport infrastructure by 2030.

    The European Union has adopted a wide range of legislation to bring about improvements in access to transport for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility[4].

    The President of the Commission has indicated in her political guidelines[5] the new Commission’s commitment to implement and enforce EU legislation in this area.

    See annex : Annex

    • [1] Since 2014, nearly 150 CEF projects included such measures.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a Social Climate Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 — OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 1-51.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (Text with EEA relevance) OJ L, 2024/1679.
    • [4] Please find a non-exhaustive list of EU legislation which improve the barrier free access of people with disabilities to transport in the annex to this reply.
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather

    Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Stein declared a state of emergency as emergency officials prepare for winter weather to impact the majority of the state. In a briefing this morning, Governor Stein, Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, and Secretary of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins provided an update on the winter weather that will impact much of the state starting Wednesday and into Thursday. The Governor advised that all North Carolinians take precautions by listening to local officials and plan accordingly for low temperatures, ice, and snow.  

    “This morning, I declared a state of emergency across North Carolina, and we are activating a cross-agency storm response,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Most of North Carolina will be impacted by this storm, and our greatest concerns are potential power outages and road safety. We urge all travelers to stay off the road once the storm hits on Wednesday, to keep their devices charged, and to monitor local weather.”  

    “The State Emergency Response Team has been activated and is working with the Department of Transportation, North Carolina National Guard, State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services, and local emergency management to provide resources quickly throughout the state,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “We ask that all North Carolinians continue to monitor the weather tomorrow and stay off the roads when possible.”  

    A winter storm will impact much of North Carolina Wednesday into Thursday. The forecast for northern central and eastern North Carolina includes snowfall accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with localized totals reaching up to 9 inches across the far northeast. The northern mountains and higher elevations in western North Carolina are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of snow. Elsewhere, lighter snowfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated, with the exception of far southeastern North Carolina, where light freezing rain or rain is expected. 

    Significant ice accumulation is possible in parts of central and eastern North Carolina. Accumulations of a quarter inch or more may cause tree limbs to break and lead to power outages. It is crucial for all North Carolinians to stay informed about the weather, as the forecast will be updated and refined as Wednesday approaches. 

    The State Emergency Response Team is activated, and the State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers remain in close communication with local emergency management officials to ensure that all resources are available and ready to quickly respond to aid our North Carolina communities.   

    The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has activated more than 180 guardsmen to assist and support local communities across the state.  

    More than 1,500 employees with the N.C. Department of Transportation have been pre-treating roads across the state. As of Tuesday morning, the agency had spread 1.8 million gallons of brine to pretreat hundreds of miles of interstates, highways, and secondary roads statewide. Nearly 600 trucks with plows and spreaders and 240 motor graders are ready to remove snow and ice, and more than 130,000 tons of salt are ready to treat roads after the storm hits. 

    Once the storm hits, NCDOT crews are prepared to work around-the-clock in shifts to plow and treat snow and ice until all state-maintained roads are cleared. The agency will prioritize clearing interstates first, followed by U.S. and N.C. routes and then secondary roads. 

    Visit ReadyNC.gov for power outage information and for information on how you and your family can prepare for winter weather. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.   

    To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:  

    • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area. Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.   

    • Stock up on water and non-perishable food. 

    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged. 

    • Stay home and off the roads if you can. 

    • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you must travel. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.   

    • Dress warmly if you go outside. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.   

    • Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.   

    • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.   

    • Check in on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, during winter weather.  

    • If your power goes out:  

    • Only operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

    • Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors. 

    • Properly vent kerosene heaters. 

    • Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.  

    • If you are utilizing a portable heater, make sure that it is properly ventilated, has at least 3 feet of space on all sides, and never leave children unattended near a heater.  

    Feb 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft shares its agenda for the 2025 Washington state legislative session

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft shares its agenda for the 2025 Washington state legislative session

    This year is historic for Washington state as we welcome Governor Bob Ferguson, the first new governor in twelve years. In the few weeks since his inauguration, Bob Ferguson has signaled a pragmatic approach to governance, launching a new era in Washington State. Alongside Washingtonians across the state, Microsoft welcomes the Ferguson administration.  

    Today, in line with our commitment to transparency, we are sharing our annual legislative agenda. 

    This year is also notable as the 2025 session is a biennial budget year where over the course of 105 days, the legislature will negotiate, write, and ultimately pass three distinct yet interdependent operating, capital, and transportation budgets, outlining the critical spending and revenue plans for the next twenty-four months. With a new federal administration, new governments around the world, and our new government here in Washington, this biennial budget process has a certain gravitas. 

    Indeed, this is a critical moment for our state. The complexity of our state’s economic fabric—aerospace, technology, life sciences, agriculture, and space—has resulted in both a growing population and now, more than ever, a moment of unprecedented technological progress, presenting opportunities for Washington State and Washingtonians. Given the pace of progress all around us and the unique role we play in the innovation economy, Governor Ferguson and our legislators must be equally agile with deft and delicate policies over these next weeks of the 2025 legislative session. 

    As in years past, Microsoft’s 2025 legislative agenda aligns closely with the priorities of Washingtonians. As a homegrown global company, we have an eye on these global shifts of change and opportunity. And in these global shifts of change and opportunity, the priority of policymakers in Olympia must be on maintaining and expanding economic vitality, addressing the crisis of affordable housing, supporting high-quality education, and improving public safety and quality of life for all of Washington.  

    People-centered outcomes with policies that genuinely increase housing supply 

    Washington and Oregon have the tightest housing markets in the United States and in Washington we need housing of every kind. There is wide agreement that Washington needs to add one million new housing units over the next 20 years to meet the needs of state residents, thereby making housing more affordable.  

    In 2019, Microsoft announced a historic investment of $750 million to support the creation and  

    preservation of affordable housing. This initiative aimed to help low- and middle-income workers, such as nurses, teachers, and police officers, who are increasingly unable to afford housing near their workplaces. Our investment contributed and preserved 12,000 units of housing for our neighbors in the Puget Sound region. What we learned through our financial investment, however, is that funding is not enough. We must increase the supply of land and do more to incentivize housing development.  

    As we have for the past decade, Microsoft supports policies that make it easier, faster, and less expensive to increase housing production. We need to unlock more land for housing, increase financing, and enable efficient and effective government permitting, including the use of new technology to speed up permit review. This includes reforms and incentives that enable more housing in areas with abundant employment and transportation modes, leveraging public investments in transit to provide affordable living options for people across various income levels, enabling them to build their lives closer to their jobs, schools, parks, and other neighborhood amenities.  

    Among the novel and promising ideas being advanced this session is to promote and unlock residential uses in commercial zones, especially in close proximity to frequent and reliable transit. The rise of online shopping has led to an increase in empty big box stores and underutilized strip malls surrounded by empty parking lots. Policymakers should prioritize rezoning underutilized commercial spaces along existing transit hubs to create vibrant new communities. Freeing up larger tracts of underutilized land will help housing developers overcome the first hurdle to building multi-family apartments, townhomes, and condos.  

    For the 2025 legislative session, the legislature must continue to take big swings at policy so that Washington State has housing for all. 

    Access to all types of education for all Washingtonians 

    In April, Microsoft will celebrate 50 years in business. In the decades after Microsoft was founded, Washington state shifted to a knowledge and innovation economy. Now, we are participating in the shift to an AI economy. And to meet the needs of this moment, we need an interactive jungle gym of skilling and credentialing opportunities for all Washingtonians so we can move both upward and across career paths to follow the job opportunities that hold the most promise now and as job opportunities evolve.  

    Washington businesses are creating great jobs, but many people lack the necessary skills or credentials to attain them. We need our state to prioritize policies that address the skills gap limiting employment options for too many people. As a leader in global technology, Washington is also a leader in future technologies like AI, clean energy, and quantum computing, which will create a new wave of meaningful family-wage jobs. Washingtonians must be prepared with the right skills to participate in the economy now and in the economy of the future. 

    Microsoft also supports policies that enhance K-12 student achievement, foster career awareness in middle school, and encourage more students to pursue post-secondary credentials. Offering all Washington kids these opportunities has long been a priority for Microsoft. This year, lawmakers are advancing policies that create seamless pathways into higher education through guaranteed enrollment and generous eligibility for the Washington College Grant program. We are excited about the work being done in these areas.  

    We also encourage the state to establish more apprenticeships in high-demand fields and expand higher education programs to produce enough qualified applicants to match available jobs.  

    These are the policies that create a jungle gym of opportunity. 

    Committing to our statewide transportation plan 

    Our transportation system is the lifeblood of our state, and our state legislature has done extraordinary work in recent years. We have many important projects underway across the state. People rely on our roads, highways, rail, and ferries to travel to work, school, obtain healthcare, and find recreation. Employers also depend on reliable transportation to move parts and products around the state and beyond. We applaud the work that has been done to keep Washington moving. 

    This biennium, the priority is to ensure that projects currently underway are completed on time, provide sufficient maintenance funding for existing facilities, and continue to make necessary investments in transformative regional projects, including ultra high-speed rail in the Cascadia corridor. 

    Cascadia at the forefront of the digital economy and looking to the future 

    Washington state serves as one of the world’s leading centers for the development of artificial intelligence technology. Advances in artificial intelligence are enhancing customer service interactions, transaction processing, and workflow efficiency across various sectors. Microsoft sees extraordinary opportunities for our state government to leverage local AI expertise to maximize public resources. We look forward to participating in these crucial conversations, which are more important than ever this year.  

    As we look to the future, we are optimistic. Microsoft’s long-standing partnership with the state of Washington has been part of the success of our state. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are as committed as we have ever been to collaborating with lawmakers to secure our state’s vibrant future. We look forward to working together to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years. 

    We see this as a unique opportunity to partner with Governor Ferguson and the legislature to advance Washington State using technology and innovation, increasing individual productivity capacity, and expanding access to government services for Washingtonians. 

    State budgets that are sustainable and prioritized 

    The most important policy bills the legislature will pass, however, will be the budget bills. More than anything, this bill will reflect the state’s priorities now and for the next two years. Budgets are where Washington’s tax dollars are put to work. Over the years, Microsoft has supported targeted tax increases for important programs and services. We have supported and defended nearly every transportation package in recent history. We supported the creation of the Workforce Education Investment Act to expand higher education opportunities for all Washingtonians. We have also provided millions in matching funds to help accelerate affordable housing. And just last year we helped lead the business community in defending the Climate Commitment Act. 

    This year, legislators are facing grim budget news—a budget deficit ranging from $10 to16 billion, depending on who you ask and how you do the math. Importantly, Washington State is not in a recession. This deficit is not due to an economic downturn that caused a decline in revenues. In fact, most revenues are still marginally increasing or flat. Very simply, our policymakers in Olympia have passed budgets that went beyond our means. 

    We believe this challenge affords an opportunity to reexamine recent spending and Washington State’s priorities of government. 

    We join others in Washington in asking straightforward questions about the outcomes Washingtonians are gaining from past and current state investments. Ultimately, the state budget is the state’s most important investment opportunity for improving economic competitiveness and encouraging private sector job growth.  

    We stand ready 

    This year, we stand ready to work with Governor Ferguson and the Legislature to find solutions to all these challenges. 

    The 2025 legislative session is a pivotal moment for our state. With the can-do spirit Washington has always been known for, we are optimistic our legislature and Governor Ferguson will collaborate and find creative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Like so many others across the state, we at Microsoft are eager to be partners.  

    Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for Washington State. 

    Tags: affordable housing, Education and Jobs, transportation, Washington state

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan steps up funding to WFP to strengthen food security and expand agricultural exports in Malawi –

    Source: World Food Programme

    LILONGWE – Today the United Nations World Food Programme welcomed the generous contribution of US$ 1.75 million from the Government of Japan to address food insecurity, help vulnerable communities recover from natural disasters and enhance the local agricultural export capacity.

    Japan’s Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya announced the funding at an event in Lilongwe today, alongside representatives from the Government of Malawi.

    “Japan remains committed to supporting Malawi’s efforts to overcome food insecurity and foster sustainable development,” said Ambassador Oya. “By addressing immediate needs and investing in agricultural export capacity, we aim to contribute to a brighter future for Malawians.”

    The funding will support national efforts to provide food assistance during the lean season, which is expected to be particularly challenging due to recent back-to-back emergencies. With this support, WFP will procure, transport, and distribute 786 metric tonnes of maize, reaching 71,000 vulnerable people. These efforts support vulnerable communities who face severe food insecurity due to consecutive climate shocks, including Tropical Cyclone Freddy (2023), and the El Niño-induced drought (2024).

    “This support reflects the strong partnership between Japan and Malawi. It will provide life-saving food assistance while also helping the country build long-term food security and economic opportunities,” said Simon Denhere, WFP Malawi Country Director ad interim.

    Beyond emergency relief, Japan is investing US$ 1 million to scale-up Malawi’s sesame export capacity. In partnership with WFP, the Malawi Bureau of Standards will improve certification, testing, and quarantine capabilities to meet international standards. The initiative includes training, facility upgrades, and technical collaboration to boost export opportunities for smallholder farmers.

    “The Government of Malawi deeply appreciates Japan’s support in strengthening our national response to food insecurity. This timely gesture complements government’s efforts in providing much-needed relief to vulnerable communities affected by climate shocks while boosting our national food stocks,” said Reverend Charles Kalemba, Malawi’s Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs.

    #                    #                       #

    About WFP

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X @wfp_media | @wfp_malawi

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE guide highlights the potential benefits of food trees in urban areas

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE has launched a new guide “The Edible City: Why Food Trees Matter,” which explores the multifaceted benefits of incorporating food-producing trees into urban landscapes. This guide emphasizes the role of urban forests in enhancing food security, improving community well-being, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. 

    Food trees not only provide nutritious food for urban residents but can also contribute to a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a more sustainable urban future. 

    The guide highlights the key potential benefits of incorporating food trees into urban areas which include:  

    • Enhanced Food Security: Urban food trees can provide a valuable source of fresh, nutritious food for residents, improving access to healthy diets and reducing reliance on long-distance food transport. 

    • Improved Community Well-being: Community orchards and food forests in parks or even along urban roads and green patches can foster social interaction, strengthen community bonds, and provide opportunities for education and skill-building. 

    • Climate Change Mitigation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. They also provide shade, reducing urban heat islands and improving air quality. 

    The guide provides valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders on how to integrate food trees into urban landscapes effectively. It includes practical guidance on tree selection, planting and care, and strategies for community engagement and participation. 

    The publication is available for download at https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/2422244_E_PDF_WEB_0.pdf 

    UNECE works on forests and the bioeconomy to support the development of evidence-based policies for sustainable forest management and communicate the many products and ecosystem services forests provide. It also assists countries in monitoring and managing their forests, with a growing focus on integrating nature-based solutions into city planning. To find out more about our key urban action initiatives, please visit: https://unece.org/Forests/UrbanAction  

    Join UNECE on 20 March 2025 for International Day of Forests on “Forest and Food” to learn more:  https://unece.org/info/Forests/events/399516 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN environment agency calls for urgent action on ‘triple planetary crisis’

    Source: United Nations 2

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Climate and Environment

    The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) called on Tuesday for urgent action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, warning that progress on all fronts remains slow and uneven.

    “Last year brought both successes and disappointments in global efforts to tackle the triple planetary crisis,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, introducing the agency’s latest Annual Report.

    She also pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions that are hindering environmental cooperation.

    “Environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and arduous. But even in complex geopolitical times, collaboration across borders and across our differences is the only option to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.”

    Ambitious climate targets vital

    UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024 warned that countries must cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target agreed in the landmark Paris Agreement.

    Without drastic action, temperatures could rise between 2.6°C and 3.1°C this century, climate models warn, with catastrophic consequences.

    UNEP is actively working with over 60 low and middle-income countries to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles, part of a larger push to cut emissions from the transport sector.

    UN scientists highlight the kind of national projects making a difference, including Antigua and Barbuda procuring fleets of electric buses, and Kenya introducing legislation for major investments in electric motorcycles and public transit.

    Ending plastic pollution

    Plastic pollution, one of the most pressing global environmental threats, is another major focus, as international efforts continue to negotiate a legally binding ban.

    In Busan last year, 29 out of 32 articles of a new global plastic treaty were agreed. However, negotiations are continuing on a final text.

    UNEP is calling on countries to bridge their differences before the next round of negotiations.

    “Nations must work towards agreeing on a strong instrument to end plastic pollution before the seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December,” Ms. Andersen said.

    A call for greater action

    The UNEP head called for bolder commitments, particularly as countries prepare to submit their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming later in February.

    “Humanity is not out of the woods,” Ms. Andersen warned.

    “Temperatures are rising, ecosystems are disappearing, and pollution remains a deadly threat. These are global problems that require global solutions. The world must pull together to build a fairer, more sustainable planet.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Welltec Annual Report 2024 and Investor Conference Call Announcement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    Annual Report and Investor Conference Call Announcement

    Welltec® will disclose its 2024 Annual Report and will discuss the results during an investor conference call to be held Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at 5 pm CEST.

    The conference call will be available only to current and prospective bond holders, broker dealers, and securities analysts, and can be accessed by dialling in a few minutes before the start and informing the operator that you would like to participate in Welltec’s investor conference call.

    Relevant dial-in details and conference ID can be obtained by contacting Kris Petrov krpetrov@welltec.com and registering for the call. Registration will not be possible once the investor conference has started.

    The 2024 Annual Report will be made available in the “Investor Room” on Welltec’s website at https://www.welltec.com/discover/investors.

    For further information, please contact:
    Kris Petrov, Finance Director
    Cell:  +45 48 14 35 14
    E-mail: krpetrov@welltec.com

    Company Profile:
    Welltec® is a global technology company that develops and provides efficient, hi-tech solutions for the energy industry.
    The company was founded in 1994 and grew rapidly by supplying innovative robotic technology to oil and gas operators. In 2010, Welltec introduced a new business segment focused on the development of Completion products. Commercialization of these products began in 2014, and the company is now a global leader in the field of metal expandable packer technology. Welltec’s cutting-edge products and services are designed to optimize the performance and integrity of a well, in any environment.
    Through advanced engineering and lightweight design, Welltec’s solutions have helped clients increase operational efficiency and reduce carbon footprints in a safe and sustainable way for more than 30 years. Today, Welltec continues to evolve and invest in its technology portfolio with products and services adapted to take on the challenges of New Energy and Climate Technology, including Geothermal and Carbon Capture & Storage projects.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Woodland and Forest Change

    Source: US Geological Survey

    References

    Balch, J. K., Abatzoglou, J. T., Joseph, M. B., Koontz, M. J., Mahood, A. L., McGlinchy, J., … Williams, A. P. (2022). Warming weakens the night-time barrier to global fire. Nature, 602(7897), 442-448. doi:10.1038/s41586-021-04325-1

    Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., Barber, C. P., Zhou, Q., Dwyer, J. L., Vogelmann, J. E., and others (2020). Lessons learned implementing an operational continuous United States national land change monitoring capability: The Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) approach. Remote Sens. Environ. 238:111356. doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2019.111356

    Cartwright, J. (2019). Ecological islands: conserving biodiversity hotspots in a changing climate. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 17(6), 331-339. doi:10.1002/fee.2058

    Dwomoh, F. K., Auch, R. F., Brown, J. F., & Tollerud, H. J. (2023). Trends in tree cover change over three decades related to interannual climate variability and wildfire in California. Environmental Research Letters, 18(2), 024007. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/acad15

    Dwomoh, F. K., Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., & Auch, R. F. (2021). Hotter drought escalates tree cover declines in Blue oak woodlands of California. Frontiers in Climate, 3(67). doi:10.3389/fclim.2021.689945

    Eidenshink, J., Schwind, B., Brewer, K., Zhu, Z.-L., Quayle, B., & Howard, S. (2007). A project for monitoring trends in burn severity. Fire Ecology, 3(1), 3-21. doi:10.4996/fireecology.0301003

    Higuera P.E. and Abatzoglou J.T. (2021). Record-setting climate enabled the extraordinary 2020 fire season in the western United States Glob. Change Biol. 27 1–2

    Juang, C. S., Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., Balch, J. K., Hurteau, M. D., & Moritz, M. A. (2022). Rapid growth of large forest fires drives the exponential response of annual forest-fire area to aridity in the western United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(5), e2021GL097131. doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097131 

    Lund, J., Medellin-Azuara, J., Durand, J., & Stone, K. (2018). Lessons from California’s 2012–2016 drought. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 144(10), 04018067. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000984

    Madakumbura, G. D., Goulden, M. L., Hall, A., Fu, R., Moritz, M. A., Koven, C. D., . . . Randerson, J. T. (2020). Recent California tree mortality portends future increase in drought-driven forest die-off. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 124040. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/abc719

    McDonald, P. M. (1990). “Quercus douglasii Hook & Arn. Blue oak,” in Silvics of North America, eds R. M. Burns, and B. H. Honkala (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service), 631–639.

    Morueta-Holme, N., Fløjgaard, C., & Svenning, J.-C. (2010). Climate change risks and conservation implications for a threatened small-range mammal species. PLoS ONE, 5(4), e10360. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010360

    Reiner, R., and Craig, A. (2011). Conservation easements in California blue oak woodlands: testing the assumption of livestock grazing as a compatible use. Nat. Areas J. 31, 408–413. doi: 10.3375/043.031.0411

    Restaino, C., Young, D. J. N., Estes, B., Gross, S., Wuenschel, A., Meyer, M., & Safford, H. (2019). Forest structure and climate mediate drought-induced tree mortality in forests of the Sierra Nevada, USA. Ecological Applications, 29(4), e01902. doi:10.1002/eap.1902

    Stahle, D. W., Therrell, M. D., Cleaveland, M. K., Cayan, D. R., Dettinger, M. D., and Knowles, N. (2001). Ancient blue oak reveal human impact on San Francisco Bay salinity. Eos. Trans. Am. Geophys. Union 82, 141–145. doi: 10.1029/EO082i012p00141

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2013). Level III ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, US EPA–National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1: 7,500,000. 

    Waddell, K. L., and Barrett, T. M. (2005). Oak Woodlands and Other Hardwood Forests of California, 1990s. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 245. doi: 10.2737/PNW-RB-245

    Westerling, A. L. (2016). Increasing western US forest wildfire activity: sensitivity to changes in the timing of spring. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., B, Biol. Sci. 371:20150178. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0178

    Zhu, Z., & Woodcock, C. E. (2014). Continuous change detection and classification of land cover using all available Landsat data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 144(0), 152-171. doi:10.1016/j.rse.2014.01.011

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nichole Wissman, Assistant Professor of Management, University of San Diego

    After the fires, what comes next for residents? Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    The dramatic images of wealthy neighborhoods burning during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires captured global attention, but the damage was much more widespread. Many working-class families lost their homes, businesses and jobs. In all, more than 16,000 structures – most of them homes – were destroyed, leaving thousands of people displaced.

    The shock of this catastrophic loss has been reverberating across Southern California, driving up demand for rental homes and prices in an already unaffordable and competitive housing market. Many residents now face rebuilding costs that are expected to skyrocket.

    Climate-related disasters like this often have deep roots in policies and practices that overlook growing risks. In the Los Angeles area, those risks are now impossible to ignore.

    As the region starts to recover, communities have an opportunity to rebuild in better ways that can protect neighborhoods against a riskier future – but at the same time don’t price out low-income residents.

    Sisters Emilee and Natalee De Santiago sit on the front porch of what remains of their home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Research shows that low-income residents struggle the most during and after a disaster. Disaster assistance also tends to benefit the wealthy, who may have more time and resources to navigate the paperwork and process. This can have long-term effects on inequality in a community. In Los Angeles County, where one-third of even moderate-income households spend at least half their income on housing, many residents may simply be unable to recover.

    My research at the University of San Diego focuses on managing risk in the face of climate change. I see several ways to design solutions that help low- and moderate-income residents recover while building a safer community for the future.

    Better building policies that recognize future risk

    Before a disaster, communities trying to adapt to climate change often prioritize protecting high-risk, high-value property, such as a beachfront or hillside neighborhood with wealthy homes. My own research also shows a trend toward incremental climate adaptations that don’t disturb the status quo too much and, as a result, leave many risks unaddressed.

    Climate risks are often underestimated, in part because of policy limitations and a political reluctance to consider unpopular solutions, such as restricting where people can build. Yet, disasters once considered unimaginable, such as the Los Angeles wildfires, are occurring with increasing frequency.

    An aerial view shows the devastation left by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles in January 2025. Homes in the hills can be at the highest fire risk during dry weather and strong winds.
    AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

    Making communities safer from these risks requires communitywide efforts. And that can mean making difficult decisions.

    Policy changes, such as updating zoning laws to prevent rebuilding in highly vulnerable areas, can avoid costly damage in the future. So can not building in risky areas in the first place.

    California already has some of the strictest wildfire-prevention codes in the country, but the same rules for new homes don’t apply to older homes. Communities can invest in programs to help these property owners retrofit their homes by offering grants or incentives to remove highly flammable landscaping or to “harden” existing homes to make them less vulnerable to burning.

    Research shows that resilience efforts can spur “climate gentrification,” or displacement due to increases in property values. So, focusing on affordability in resilience efforts is important. For long-term affordability and resilience, governments can collaborate with communities to develop strategies such as supporting Community Land Trusts through grants, low-interest loans or land transfers; implementing zoning reforms to enable higher-density, climate-resilient affordable housing; and incentivizing green infrastructure to strengthen community resilience.


    Beverly Hills Fire Department

    In some cases, communities may have to considered managed retreat – moving people out of high-risk areas – but with adequate compensation and support for displaced residents to ensure that they can rebuild their lives elsewhere.

    Making the risks clear through insurance

    Insurance rates can also encourage residents and communities to lower their risks. Yet in many places, insurance policies have instead obscured the risks, leaving homeowners less aware of how vulnerable their property may be.

    For years, insurers underpriced wildfire risk, driven by market competition. California policies also capped the premiums they could charge. As fire damage and rebuilding costs soared in recent years, insurers unwilling to shoulder more of the risk themselves pulled out of the state. That left countless Californians uninsured and hundreds of thousands reliant on the state-run insurance known as the FAIR Plan. The plan imposes caps on payouts and is now struggling to stay solvent, resulting in higher costs that insurers are expected to pass on to consumers.

    Insurance reforms could help reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations while also lowering overall risk. To achieve this, the reforms could incentivize building more resilient homes in less risky areas.

    As seen with the LA fires, what your neighbor does matters. Reducing fire risk in each home can make entire neighborhoods safer. Insurers can provide a road map for how to reduce those risks, while state and local governments can provide assistance to retrofit homes and help ensure that insurance premiums remain affordable.

    There are also innovative approaches to fund resilience efforts that can include insurers. One example is New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, which requires fossil fuel companies to finance climate adaptation efforts.

    Equipping communities with resilience hubs

    When disasters strike, local groups and neighbors play critical roles in stabilizing neighborhoods. But residents also need more specialized help to find housing and apply for disaster aid.

    Building resilience hubs in communities could help support residents before, during and after disasters.

    The resilience hub in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles provides one model for what these spaces can achieve. It’s anchored in a community arts center with solar power and backup energy storage. Residents can drop in to cool down during heat waves or charge their phones during power outages. It also hosts community classes, including in disaster preparedness.

    Boyle Heights, a largely Hispanic neighborhood in Los Angeles, has a resilience hub that provides disaster preparedness training, as well as support with food, housing and applying for assistance after disasters strike.
    Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    During and after a disaster, resilience hubs can serve as central organizing points. They can provide crucial information, resources and assistance with completing paperwork to access aid. Having access to skilled help in navigating what can be a complicated, time-consuming process is often critical, particularly for people who aren’t native English speakers.

    Getting assistance is also often critical for displaced renters, who may have little certainty about when or if they will be able to return to their homes. Understanding their legal rights can be confusing, and rising costs as rental housing is rebuilt can price them out of the market.

    Research shows that building a supportive community can provide a crucial social safety net when dealing with disasters and also boost the community’s social and economic well-being.

    Reframing policies for everyone

    The catastrophic LA wildfires were a powerful reminder that governments and communities need to think carefully about the risks they face and the role policies may play as they learn to live with greater fire risk.

    Building a resilient future in a warming world will require bold, innovative and collective strategies that support communities while advancing equitable solutions.

    Nichole Wissman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How California can rebuild safer, more resilient cities after wildfires without pricing out workers – https://theconversation.com/how-california-can-rebuild-safer-more-resilient-cities-after-wildfires-without-pricing-out-workers-247680

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on plans to reduce Guildford flood-risk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Public drop-in on Saturday 22 February, 12pm to 5pm at the Electric Theatre, Guildford with an online presentation on Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

    Environment Agency Guildford flood scheme drop-in event.

    The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting local people to share their views and feedback on plans to reduce flood-risk in Guildford town centre. 

    Long history of flooding

    Guildford has a long history of flooding from the River Wey, and the Environment Agency continues working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council on a long-term sustainable strategy to reduce the high level of flood-risk to the town centre. 

    The partners are now in the appraisal stage of the project, where further detailed assessments, surveys and engagement will be carried out to help develop the preferred option for the scheme. This stage is expected to last until 2026.

    To showcase the scheme’s progress, the Environment Agency is hosting an information afternoon on Saturday 22 February, 12pm to 5pm at the Electric Theatre, Guildford.

    There will also be an online Teams presentation on Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm to 8.30pm that anyone can register for at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/

    Public feedback “invaluable”

    Jon Mansbridge, Guildford flood alleviation scheme project director at the Environment Agency, said:

    We encourage local communities and interested groups to have their say, as their feedback is invaluable in shaping our long-term strategy to manage flood risk to Guildford.

    To hear all views, we will be holding a drop-in event where you can find out more and discuss the scheme with our project team, who will be there to answer questions.

    For those that cannot attend, we will also be hosting an online presentation following the public exhibition. It will be another great opportunity to find out about our progress finding  a sustainable flood-risk management scheme and talk face-to-face with our experts.

    The project partners shared early updated scheme proposals with the public in April 2024. Since then, they have further developed the scheme alignment in consultation with landowners and identified areas that will be lowered to create more space for water and habitat creation.

    The flood defences will be visually integrated into existing and regenerated areas of the river corridor, reducing flood-risk to the town centre. The scheme will also enhance the riverside environment, and build better connections between Guildford town centre and the River Wey.

    Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/  to find out more and follow @guildfordfs on X, formerly Twitter.

    People can also e-mail guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk with feedback or questions, and to request to be added to the newsletter mailing list.

    Check flood-risk and sign up for flood warnings by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visiting gov.uk/flood.

    Well-tested flood-protection plans remain in place for Guildford, and the Environment Agency continues to work closely with other professional partners, including Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey County Council, to help those at greatest risk.

    The Environment Agency regularly maintains the River Wey to help reduce flooding, including cutting back vegetation and removing blockages.

    There is also a temporary defence management plan for Guildford, covering Mary Road and William Road, which sets out how the Environment Agency can deploy temporary flood barriers in these areas if a flood warning is issued.

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Follow us on X @envagencyse.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Consolidated net sales of $485.7 million, an increase of 3% to the prior year
    • Energy Systems and Distribution net sales increased 5% and 6%, respectively, while Water Systems net sales were flat
    • Operating income was $43.0 million with operating margin of 8.9%
    • GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.72

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Consolidated net sales of $2.0 billion, a decrease of 2% to the prior year
    • Distribution net sales increased 2%, while Water Systems and Energy Systems net sales decreased 2% and 8%, respectively
    • Operating income was $243.6 million with operating margin of 12.1%
    • GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.86
    • Cash flows from operating activities were $261.4 million

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. today announced its fourth quarter and full year financial results for fiscal year 2024.

    Fourth quarter 2024 net sales were $485.7 million, compared to fourth quarter 2023 net sales of $473.0 million. Fourth quarter 2024 operating income was $43.0 million, compared to fourth quarter 2023 operating income of $50.8 million. Fourth quarter 2024 EPS was $0.72, versus EPS in the fourth quarter 2023 of $0.82.

    Full year 2024 net sales were $2.0 billion, compared to full year 2023 net sales of $2.1 billion. Full year 2024 operating income was $243.6 million, compared to full year 2023 operating income of $262.4 million. Full year 2024 EPS was $3.86, versus EPS in the full year 2023 of $4.11.

    “The fourth quarter marked a solid finish to a challenging year. Our results were driven by strong performance in our newly renamed Energy Systems segment. While we have worked through the elevated post-COVID backlogs at this time, underlying demand remains healthy, and we continue to execute on productivity initiatives as we align our businesses with the more normalized environment,” commented Joe Ruzynski, Franklin Electric’s CEO.

    “Our resiliency is supported by the breadth of our global portfolio, which has proven to be a strategic asset as we closed out a year shaped by macroeconomic pressures. Order trends have improved, and with the support of a very healthy balance sheet, we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the year ahead. In 2025, our focus turns to driving revenue growth and margin expansion as we accelerate innovation and growth,” concluded Mr. Ruzynski.

    Segment Summaries

    Water Systems net sales were $279.6 million in the fourth quarter, flat compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Results were driven by higher sales of groundwater products, water treatment products and all other surface products. These sales increases were offset by lower sales of large dewatering pumps, which had a record fourth quarter last year. Water Systems operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was $35.6 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Water Systems operating income was $44.1 million.

    Distribution net sales were $157.2 million, an increase of $9.2 million or 6 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Sales increases were driven by higher volumes and the incremental impact from a recent acquisition. The Distribution segment operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was $0.5 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Distribution operating income was $1.0 million.

    Energy Systems net sales were $68.8 million in the fourth quarter 2024, an increase of $3.1 million or 5 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2023. Sales increases were driven by higher volumes and price realization. Energy Systems operating income in the fourth quarter 2024 was a record for any fourth quarter at $24.7 million. Fourth quarter 2023 Energy Systems operating income was $19.4 million. The Company has changed the name of the Fueling Systems segment to Energy Systems to reflect its diverse portfolio and growth strategy, as well as to better reflect the markets and customers served by the segment.

    Cash Flow

    The Company ended 2024 with a cash balance of $220.5 million, an increase of $135.5 million compared to the end of 2023. Net cash flows from operating activities for 2024 were $261.4 million versus $315.7 million in the same period in 2023. Cash flow in 2023 benefitted from actions the Company took to improve working capital including inventory reductions as its supply chain resiliency and lead times improved during the year.

    2024 Guidance

    The Company expects its full year 2025 sales including the impact of its recently announced acquisitions to be in the range of $2.09 billion to $2.15 billion and full year 2025 EPS to be in the range of $4.05 to $4.25.

    Earnings Conference Call

    A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter 2024 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9jnstij5

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4b232e4ceea6435ba8f046e92e18e563

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    Forward Looking Statements

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    About Franklin Electric

    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    Franklin Electric Contact:

    Jeffery L. Taylor
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    InvestorRelations@fele.com

     
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
                   
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)              
                   
      Fourth Quarter Ended   Fiscal Year End
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
                   
    Net sales $ 485,745     $ 472,970     $ 2,021,341     $ 2,065,133  
                   
    Cost of sales   321,505       312,961       1,304,061       1,368,125  
                   
    Gross profit   164,240       160,009       717,280       697,008  
                   
    Selling, general, and administrative expenses   117,846       108,825       470,136       433,476  
                   
    Restructuring expense   3,360       356       3,499       1,091  
                   
    Operating income   43,034       50,828       243,645       262,441  
                   
    Interest expense   (1,339 )     (1,481 )     (6,319 )     (11,790 )
    Other income, net   630       1,831       1,339       3,696  
    Foreign exchange expense, net   (1,590 )     (4,026 )     (6,818 )     (12,124 )
                   
    Income before income taxes   40,735       47,152       231,847       242,223  
                   
    Income tax expense   6,443       8,322       50,238       47,489  
                   
    Net income $ 34,292     $ 38,830     $ 181,609     $ 194,734  
                   
    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (637 )     (281 )     (1,300 )     (1,462 )
                   
    Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. $ 33,655     $ 38,549     $ 180,309     $ 193,272  
                   
    Income per share:              
    Basic $ 0.73     $ 0.83     $ 3.92     $ 4.17  
    Diluted $ 0.72     $ 0.82     $ 3.86     $ 4.11  
                   
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
           
    (In thousands)      
           
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
    ASSETS      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 220,540     $ 84,963  
    Receivables (net)   226,826       222,418  
    Inventories   483,875       508,696  
    Other current assets   32,950       37,718  
    Total current assets   964,191       853,795  
           
    Property, plant, and equipment, net   223,566       229,739  
    Lease right-of-use Assets, net   62,637       57,014  
    Goodwill and other assets   570,212       587,574  
    Total assets $ 1,820,606     $ 1,728,122  
           
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
           
    Accounts payable $ 157,046     $ 152,419  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   139,989       104,949  
    Current lease liability   18,878       17,316  
    Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings   117,814       12,355  
    Total current liabilities   433,727       287,039  
           
    Long-term debt   11,622       88,056  
    Long-term lease liability   43,304       38,549  
    Income taxes payable non-current   –       4,837  
    Deferred income taxes   10,193       29,461  
    Employee benefit plans   29,808       35,973  
    Other long-term liabilities   22,118       33,914  
     
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest   1,224       1,145  
           
    Total equity   1,268,610       1,209,148  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 1,820,606     $ 1,728,122  
           
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands)      
           
      2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 181,609     $ 194,734  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   56,073       52,260  
    Non-cash lease expense   21,438       18,852  
    Share-based compensation   12,061       10,133  
    Other   (13,327 )     10,259  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:      
    Receivables   (17,045 )     19,150  
    Inventory   10,889       48,176  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   15,285       (23,085 )
    Operating leases   (21,129 )     (18,874 )
    Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act   (3,870 )     (2,902 )
    Other   19,369       7,007  
           
    Net cash flows from operating activities   261,353       315,710  
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Additions to property, plant, and equipment   (41,682 )     (41,415 )
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment   1,182       1,494  
    Acquisitions and investments   (5,201 )     (34,831 )
    Other investing activities   73       463  
           
    Net cash flows from investing activities   (45,628 )     (74,289 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Net change in debt   29,235       (115,529 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock   7,204       9,193  
    Purchases of common stock   (61,041 )     (43,332 )
    Dividends paid   (46,876 )     (41,723 )
    Deferred payments for acquisitions   (2,591 )     (802 )
           
    Net cash flows from financing activities   (74,069 )     (192,193 )
           
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (6,079 )     (10,055 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents   135,577       39,173  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   84,963       45,790  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 220,540     $ 84,963  
           

    Key Performance Indicators: Net Sales Summary

      Net Sales For the Fourth Quarter
      United
    States    		 Latin Europe,
    Middle    		 Asia Total        
    (in millions) & Canada America East & Africa Pacific Water Energy** Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
                       
    Q4 2023 $161.2   $46.6   $45.5   $26.3   $279.6   $65.7   $148.0   ($20.3 ) $473.0  
    Q4 2024 $158.5   $44.3   $49.7   $27.1   $279.6   $68.8   $157.2   ($19.9 ) $485.7  
    Change ($2.7 ) ($2.3 ) $4.2   $0.8   $0.0   $3.1   $9.2   $0.4   $12.7  
    % Change   -2 %   -5 %   9 %   3 %   0 %   5 %   6 %     3 %
                       
    Foreign currency translation, net* ($0.4 ) ($5.5 ) ($0.8 ) ($0.8 ) ($7.5 ) $0.0   $0.0     ($7.5 )
    % Change   0 %   -12 %   -2 %   -3 %   -3 %   0 %   0 %     2 %
                       
    Acquisitions $3.1   $0.0   $0.0   $0.0   $3.1   $0.0   $4.0     $7.1  
    % Change   2 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   1 %   0 %   3 %     2 %
                       
    Volume/Price ($5.4 ) $3.2   $5.0   $1.6   $4.4   $3.1   $5.2   $0.4   $13.1  
    % Change   -3 %   7 %   11 %   6 %   2 %   5 %   4 %   -2 %   3 %
                       
      Net Sales For the Full Year
      United
    States    		 Latin Europe,
    Middle    		 Asia Total        
    (in millions) & Canada America East & Africa Pacific Water Energy** Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
                       
    FY 2023 $744.4   $174.2   $198.3   $86.8   $1,203.7   $296.5   $673.3   ($108.4 ) $2,065.1  
    FY 2024 $708.5   $170.9   $211.4   $93.2   $1,184.0   $273.7   $685.5   ($121.9 ) $2,021.3  
    Change ($35.9 ) ($3.3 ) $13.1   $6.4   ($19.7 ) ($22.8 ) $12.2   ($13.5 ) ($43.8 )
    % Change   -5 %   -2 %   7 %   7 %   -2 %   -8 %   2 %     -2 %
                       
    Foreign currency translation, net* ($0.9 ) ($9.7 ) ($6.3 ) ($2.4 ) ($19.3 ) $0.0   $0.0     ($19.3 )
    % Change   0 %   -6 %   -3 %   -3 %   -2 %   0 %   0 %     -1 %
                       
    Acquisitions $17.6   $0.0   $0.0   $0.0   $17.6   $0.0   $17.1     $34.7  
    % Change   2 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   1 %   0 %   3 %     2 %
                       
    Volume/Price ($52.6 ) $6.4   $19.4   $8.8   ($18.0 ) ($22.8 ) ($4.9 ) ($13.5 ) ($59.2 )
    % Change   -7 %   4 %   10 %   10 %   -1 %   -8 %   -1 %   12 %   -3 %
                       

    *The Company has presented local currency price increases used to offset currency devaluation in the Argentina and Turkey hyperinflationary economies within the foreign currency translation, net row above.
    ** Recognizing the Company’s diverse portfolio and growth strategy, it renamed its Fueling Systems segment to Energy Systems to better reflect the markets and customers served by this business.

    Key Performance Indicators: Operating Income and Margin Summary

    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Fourth Quarter 2024
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 35.6   $ 24.7   $ 0.5   $ (17.8 ) $ 43.0  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   12.7 %   35.9 %   0.3 %     8.9 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Fourth Quarter 2023
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 44.1   $ 19.4   $ 1.0   $ (13.7 ) $ 50.8  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   15.8 %   29.5 %   0.7 %     10.7 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Full Year of 2024
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 197.9   $ 93.6   $ 24.3   $ (72.2 ) $ 243.6  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   16.7 %   34.2 %   3.5 %     12.1 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the Full Year of 2023
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 196.6   $ 92.7   $ 34.3   $ (61.2 ) $ 262.4  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   16.3 %   31.3 %   5.1 %     12.7 %
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Supports State and Local Response to Ohio Valley Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Supports State and Local Response to Ohio Valley Flooding

    FEMA Supports State and Local Response to Ohio Valley Flooding

    Following President Trump’s Approval of Emergency Declaration for KentuckyWASHINGTON — FEMA is closely coordinating with state and local officials to provide support as widespread flooding impacts portions of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. With winter weather in the forecast, residents should stay informed about changing conditions, as freezing temperatures and additional precipitation could worsen impacts and create hazardous travel conditions.“I spoke to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to offer federal resources and action for the deadly flash floods impacting Kentucky. We discussed how while emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that the Department of Homeland Security stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “Local emergency managers should swiftly notify people in the affected areas to take action to protect themselves and their belongings. DHS stands ready to help when a state needs, requests and declares an emergency. Follow us for updates and closely monitor messages from your state and local leaders.” Within 12 hours of the initial weather impacts, FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams and swift-water rescue teams from Missouri, Indiana and Ohio, to work alongside state National Guard personnel, to assist with evacuations. Additionally, two FEMA Incident Management Teams and emergency communications support were deployed in Kentucky today to assist with response efforts. FEMA is delivering 40 truckloads of meals and water requested by the states. FEMA also deployed staff to the Virginia and West Virginia emergency operations centers to monitor and coordinate on any requests for additional assistance.Resources for Affected ResidentsPeople in affected areas are encouraged to follow local officials’ guidance and seek available resources. Kentucky: Residents with immediate needs should complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form online or call 502-607-6665. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.Virginia, Tennessee and West Virginia: Residents should monitor local emergency management agencies and the National Weather Service for updates and emergency instructions.Shelters are open for those displaced by the flooding. Individuals in need of shelter can locate the nearest open facility by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).FEMA urges residents to take precautions as floodwaters continue to rise. Never attempt to walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can carry away most vehicles.FEMA remains committed to working with federal, state, tribal and local partners to support the recovery for communities and the Americans who were affected by the storms and flooding.
    mashana.davis
    Mon, 02/17/2025 – 22:13

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Legislative proposal to include the EU 2040 climate target – E-000551/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000551/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

    An EU-wide climate target for 2040 is to be set under the European Climate Law[1]. To that end, at the latest within six months of the first global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement[2], the Commission was to make a legislative proposal incorporating an EU 2040 climate target. The first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement concluded at the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in December 2023[3].

    When will the Commission publish a legislative proposal for an EU 2040 climate target in order to ensure that the EU and its Member States adopt revised national climate action plans (i.e. nationally determined contributions, or NDCs) reflecting the 2040 target in a timely manner ahead of COP30?

    Submitted: 6.2.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R1119.
    • [2] https://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/convention/application/pdf/english_paris_agreement.pdf.
    • [3] https://unfccc.int/topics/global-stocktake/about-the-global-stocktake/why-the-global-stocktake-is-important-for-climate-action-this-decade#:~:text=The%20stocktake%20takes%20place%20every,be%20put%20forward%20by%202025.
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurates a day-long conclave – ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurates a day-long conclave – ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’

    Industry-wide adoption of Circular Approaches is critical to driving Sustainable Growth and Resource Efficiency: Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Four Key Strategies for a Successful Circular Economy highlighted – Redesigning Products for Circularity; Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies; Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration; Consumer Awareness and Behavioral Change

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today inaugurated a day-long conclave organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI), on ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025’.

     

    Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister stated, “India generates around 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste growing rapidly. The traditional linear economic model of take, make, and dispose is no longer sustainable. The increasing pressure on landfills, depletion of natural resources, and environmental damage from unchecked waste disposal require urgent action. The circular economy is not just an alternative; it is essential. It marks a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume, and manage materials”. A well-functioning circular economy not only conserves natural resources but also fosters industrial innovation, economic competitiveness, and job creation, he stated.

    Shri Yadav said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is shifting from waste management to harnessing the economic potential of recycling through waste to wealth initiative. “The circular economy has a major role in the future including reducing, reusing, and recycling at every stage, from product design to end-of-life management. Waste should not be treated as a burden but as a resource. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial for achieving economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social security”, he added.

     

    The Minister further stated that by the year 2050 India’s circular economy is expected to have a market value of $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs. It a big opportunity for start-ups and new recycled product developers. It is important to align this growth with environmental sustainability, drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient recycling systems as nobody recycles like Nature, he added.

    Shri Yadav urged the recycling industry in the country to develop and adopt newer innovative technologies for reducing dependence on natural resources as well as cutting down imports of critical minerals needed for economic growth. “Adopting circular economy principles can bring tremendous economic benefits. This shift towards resource efficiency aligns seamlessly with our national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industries in global markets”, the Minister added.

     

    The Minister informed that the Ministry has been instrumental in formulating policies and regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, that incentivize recyclers and integrate the informal sector into formal recycling systems. These initiatives aim to streamline waste management and promote eco-friendly production across industries. The Ministry has notified a number of market-based Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, including those on e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, used oil. The revenue earned by registered recyclers from sale of EPR certificates is additional profit earned over and above the profit generated from the sale of recycled product, he added.

    Shri Yadav said that the government has laid down the policies but Industry-wide adoption of circular approaches is critical to driving sustainable growth and resource efficiency. The Minister highlighted 4 key strategies in this direction:

    1. Redesigning Products for Circularity: Companies must move beyond single-use models and design products for recyclability. The integration of biodegradable, reusable, and modular components will help extend product life cycles and reduce waste.
    2. Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies: Adoption of emerging technologies can transform waste management systems, thereby improving recovery rates.
    3. Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration: Businesses need to collaborate across the value chain to optimize resource utilization, create closed-loop production systems, and build markets for secondary raw materials.
    4. Consumer Awareness and Behavioural Change: Circularity requires active consumer participation. Industries must invest in campaigns to engage consumers, incentivize recycling, and promote sustainable consumption behaviours.

     

    Dr Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said, “There is a huge gap and huge potential to work towards waste recycling system, as the role of recycling industry is important cut imports of various critical products needed for economic growth”. Corporate houses should lead the transition to a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness, he added.

    The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Ashok Kumar, President, Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India and subject experts from the industry and about 200 delegates environmental scientists, waste management professionals and policymakers.

    Link to Union Minister’s Address: https://x.com/byadavbjp/status/1891738588506882540?t=DJBoZWZnfkxUliS4sdOkLw&s=08

     

    *****

     

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2104349) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Milestone at Shoreham flood defence project

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Work at one section of the Adur Tidal Walls Scheme now complete, with roads and paths re-opened

    A major flood defence scheme that will significantly reduce flood risk to over 2,300 properties in Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing has taken a step towards completion.

    Work at Reach E3 of the Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls Scheme is now complete, and the northern section of the Downs Links and Lower Beach Road re-opened on Friday 8 December. Also, as a result of updated modelling for the project, part of the initial plan has been adapted and removed the need for major road works on the A283.

    The scheme is made up of 10 individual reaches, and work has now started on 8. Construction on Reach E3, which includes raised walls and embankments, started in 2016. Steel piling has been installed along the landward side of the path, and has been clad with brick. The Downs Link path was diverted while the work was completed.

    Before the advanced modelling took place, the A283 in Shoreham-by-Sea would have been closed for 12 weeks during construction in spring 2018. As a result of the work that has already taken place, only a very small number of properties would benefit from the road raising work. Instead, these properties will be protected with an alternative solution to ensure they also receive a high level of protection, and the road closures will not take place.

    Elsewhere in the scheme, work on the slipway at Emerald Quay and Sussex Wharf is advancing and the first panes of glass of the riverside flood defence have been installed. The majority of the new wall at Ferry Bridge is complete, and vegetation clearance at Riverbank in preparation for construction to start in the new year is finished. Work at Emerald Quay, Shoreham Harbour Club and Shoreham Fort is progressing well. Much of the work behind the High Street in Shoreham has been completed and is open to the public.

    Phil Prydderch, Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    It’s great news for Shoreham-by-Sea residents that we will be able to enhance their flood protection without the planned road closures. We are committed to protecting all members of the community, and will continue to work with local residents to make them more resilient against flooding.

    When complete, the Shoreham scheme will reduce the tidal flood risk to thousands of homes and a significant number of commercial properties in the area, as well as protecting important local infrastructure such as the road network, railway line and Shoreham Airport. This is one part of the Environment Agency’s national effort to reduce the risk of flooding for at least 300,000 homes by 2020/21.

    The Shoreham scheme’s dedicated project visitor centre is at Beach Green Car Park, Shoreham-by-Sea, and is open between midday and 5:00pm on weekdays. Further information on the scheme is available on GOV.UK or by calling 03708 506506.

    You can also request information by emailing shorehamwestbank@environment-agency.gov.uk or by writing to

    SSD Enquiries, Environment Agency
    Teville Gate House
    25 Railway Approach
    Worthing
    West Sussex
    BN11 1UR

    Notes to editors

    The visitor centre may be closed during scheduled visits from schools and interest groups. Flood impact maps showing the detailed modelling outcomes are available upon request.

    All media enquiries: 0800 141 2743. Or email southeastpressoffice1@environment-agency.gov.uk

    Follow us on Twitter @EnvAgencySE

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Climate Friendly Households Programme Further Enhanced To Encourage Climate Action

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Eligible HDB households will receive additional $100 and programme expanded to include private households. 

    Singapore, 18 February 2025 – To encourage greater involvement in climate action and enable more households to be more efficient in their use of energy and water, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency will further enhance the Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP).

    2               From 15 April 2025, Singaporean and Permanent Resident HDB households will be able to claim an additional $100 in Climate Vouchers, on top of the existing $300. The enhanced CFHP 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.

    3               To claim[1] the additional Climate Vouchers, eligible households can visit go.gov.sg/cv-claim from 15 April 2025 and log in with their Singpass account. For more information on Climate Vouchers, you can visit go.gov.sg/cv-guide.

    4               The Climate Vouchers are valid until 31 December 2027 and can be used at over 150 participating retailers with over 500 outlets to purchase energy- and water-efficient household products.

    5               With this latest expansion in 2025 to include private households, the CFHP will cover around 90 percent of households in Singapore.

    6               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. 

    7               More information on the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme is available at go.gov.sg/climatevouchers.  

     

    [1] As eligible residents will receive the vouchers based on their registered address at the point of claim, those who have shifted houses recently should update their registered address with ICA before making the claim.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is divestiture and how would it stop insurance companies ‘ripping off’ customers?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Allan Fels, Professor Allan Fels, Professor of Law, Economics and Business at the University of Melbourne and Monash University., The University of Melbourne

    Australia is creeping towards adding a divestiture power to its Competition and Consumer Act.

    Under such a law, the courts, on the recommendation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, could break a firm into parts.

    Divestiture is currently used in Australia when the competition and consumer commission considers proposed mergers. Often it will only approve a merger when certain parts of the business are broken up to prevent monopolies.

    It has also been used to deal with abuse of market power by electricity providers.

    Under the proposed change, a company with substantial market power which breaches the Consumer and Competition Act may be forced to divest assets to restore balance and ensure the market is competitive. This would reduce the possibility of consumers being over-charged.

    The Coalition has already proposed breaking up the major supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths which have been long-accused of price gouging customers.

    On Sunday, Coalition leader Peter Dutton signalled he was likely to introduce divestiture if elected to stop insurers from “ripping off” customers by charging exorbitant premiums or refusing to pay claims.

    Premiums have soared by 16.4% in the last year as Australia has been hit by major floods and bushfires. Climate Valuation analysts last month warned one in ten properties could be uninsurable by 2035.

    Repeating his position on Monday, Dutton said:

    If we have a situation where people are being priced out of insurance or they’re deemed an uninsurable risk when they shouldn’t be, that is a failure of the market and we’ll respond accordingly to that.

    He said insurance companies had to be responsible corporate citizens and work with their customers.

    We’re not going to have a situation where people can’t afford insurance or they’re being priced out of products.

    Previously the Morrison government enacted laws which enabled a breakup of energy companies in certain circumstances.

    Labor has not supported a divestiture power. One reason is the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association has opposed such measures.

    The case for divestiture

    In principle there is a strong case for a divestiture law.

    Monopolies and market power stem from an industry being highly concentrated. Often the only way to prevent them from misusing their monopoly is to break them up. The solution could be left to the market or to price regulation or other remedies but these do not address the source of the problem.

    A divestiture power has long existed in the United States. It was used to break up oil, cigarettes, and chemicals in the early days of antitrust law. In the mid-80s it was successfully used to break up the AT&T telephone monopoly. AT&T controlled both long distance and local calls before it was broken up.

    But divestiture is only occasionally used and only when stringent criteria are satisfied.

    Some 20 years ago the US Department of Justice proposed a breakup of Microsoft – the case was never finalised because of procedural problems. However, the Federal Court laid out many prerequisites before this drastic remedy could occur.

    The power has been used in a number of other OECD countries including the United Kingdom.

    When divesting is necessary

    There has been heavy use in Australia of divestiture powers to break up gas and electricity monopolies in the last 30 years

    And there is a strong case for making it a general remedy available for all industries, even though its use would be infrequent.

    Importantly, the availability of this sanction would provide an incentive for firms to comply with abuse of market power provisions of the competition law. These provisions are intended to stop powerful businesses from deterring competition by making it difficult for new entrants to join the market.

    The sanctions for this part of the law currently are very weak. Fines are rarely imposed and if they are, they are small and seen as a cost of doing business to be weighed up against the benefits of anti-competitive behaviour.

    Another reason is that cases take many years. For example, the ACCC case v Safeway 19 years ago took seven years before a court resolution.

    A divestiture power would make firms far more careful before breaching the law.

    Too ‘Russian’?

    Occasionally people question the desirability of this power on the grounds it is the sort of thing you would only see in a country like Russia.

    In an ABC interview last February, Prime Minister Albanese said:

    We have a private sector economy in Australia and not a command and control economy […]We’re not the old Soviet Union. What we have the power to do is to encourage competition and encouraging new entrants.

    However, most observers agree one of the big failures of the Soviet economy has been failure to divest monopolies in energy, transport and other parts of the economy.

    The Coalition’s adoption of a divestiture remedy in three industries is welcome. We need at some point to move to a divestiture power that is available for the whole economy.

    Allan Fels is a former chair of the ACCC.

    – ref. What is divestiture and how would it stop insurance companies ‘ripping off’ customers? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-divestiture-and-how-would-it-stop-insurance-companies-ripping-off-customers-250036

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fonterra announces new incentives for farmers to reduce emissions

    Source: Fonterra

    Fonterra has today announced new funding designed to build a stronger Co-operative and continue to grow value for its shareholders through helping farmers reduce on-farm emissions.  

    For the 2025/26 season beginning on 1 June, Fonterra will introduce a payment for farms that achieve certain emissions-related criteria as part of updates to its Co-operative Difference framework.

    Meanwhile, new incentives that benefit farmers will be funded through separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé, who have been working with Fonterra to make progress towards their individual sustainability goals by supporting farmers to reduce emissions. 

    Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the new incentives demonstrate Fonterra’s strategy in action.  

    “We’re growing relationships with customers who value the hard work farmers put into producing sustainable, high-quality milk, along with the Co-op’s quality of on-farm data and ongoing commitment to improvement. This helps us make progress towards achieving our on-farm emissions target and deliver the highest returns for our farmer shareholders’ milk.    

    “Last year we confirmed six strategic choices that we believe will help grow further value in the years ahead and this is an example of how we’re delivering on two of those choices, deliver the strongest farmer offering and build on our sustainability position,” says Mr Hurrell.

    The new funding, includes:  

    New Co-operative Difference payment

    1-5 cent per kgMS payment: To date, a total of up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) has been possible across all achievements within Fonterra’s Co-operative Difference framework. A new Emissions Excellence achievement will offer a further payment of between 1-5 cents per kgMS for farms that meet certain criteria*. Based on last season’s data, it’s estimated that approximately 5,000 farms will be eligible for this payment next season.

    New customer incentives

    Funding from separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé, will be split between:  

    On-farm solutions: Farmers who achieve the Co-operative Difference will be eligible for access to on-farm tools or services designed to further improve emissions efficiency, for example herd efficiency services from LIC and CRV. Based on last season’s achievements, 87% of farmers would’ve been eligible.
    Extra 10-25 cents per kgMS Emissions Incentive payment: Farmers who achieve the Co-operative Difference and have one of the lowest emissions footprints in the Co-op** will receive an Emissions Incentive payment of between 10-25 cents per kgMS. Based on last season’s data it’s estimated that between 300-350 farms will be eligible for this payment next season.  

    Mars Snacking Chief R&D, Procurement and Sustainability Officer, Amanda Davies says between new equipment and technology, embracing more sustainable practices comes with a price tag for farmers.  

    “That’s why we’re working with partners like Fonterra to help remove this barrier – providing cash, tools, and technology to support farmers in making meaningful, long-term changes.”  

    Nestlé New Zealand CEO, Jennifer Chappell, says Nestlé globally is a significant purchaser of New Zealand dairy ingredients, and dairy remains its largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.  

    “As we strive towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, we are committed to reducing our Scope 3 emissions. We will continue to support farmers, in partnership with Fonterra, fostering new economic opportunities and helping them lower their greenhouse gas emissions.”

    Mars and Nestlé have independently supported Fonterra farmers with their sustainability actions through initiatives introduced over the past couple of seasons.  

    In 2024, Fonterra farmers were invited to take part in the Mars Tools and Services pilot, which provided access to tools and services, including animal efficiency services and digital tools. Additionally, Mars previously supported the Greener Choices programme, which made it easier for Fonterra farmers to identify and buy products at Farm Source stores that could help them make sustainability improvements on-farm.

    In 2022, Fonterra and Nestlé announced a partnership that included the Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki, designed to help reduce on-farm emissions. In 2023, Fonterra announced that Nestlé would make an additional payment of between 1-2 cents per kgMS for farms that achieved any level of the Co-operative Difference. This payment has been replaced with the new Emissions Incentive payment from next season.

    Notes:

    *New Co-operative Difference payment

    To meet the new Emissions Excellence achievement, farmers need to achieve the Co-operative Difference and their emissions from farming activities (like feed, fertiliser and herd) minus any carbon removals (i.e. emissions reductions resulting from the carbon dioxide that is removed from trees and vegetation that is grown on-farm) need to be lower than the Co-op’s 2017/18 baseline year.  

    **Extra 10-25 cents per kgMS Emissions Incentive payment

    To receive the customer-funded Emissions Incentive payment, farmers need to achieve the Co-operative Difference and have one of the lowest emissions footprints in the Co-op (around 30% lower than the average farm). This will take into account not only emissions from farming activities, but also those associated with land use change (e.g. the historical conversion of forests to pasture) and those released from peat soils, before subtracting any carbon removals.

    Fonterra’s Climate Roadmap

    Fonterra has a target of reducing on-farm emissions intensity by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. The target was announced in 2023 as part of its Climate Roadmap, which outlines the Co-op’s 2030 targets and ambition to be net zero by 2050. This target is critical for a number of reasons. It helps the Co-op to remain competitive and build stronger partnerships with customers as well as be able to secure future funding, meet market access demands and comply with increased legal and reporting obligations, as the Co-op plays its part intaking action on climate change.

    Sustainability at Mars

    As part of Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap, the company has built a plan to halve full value chain emissions by 2030*, enroute to Net Zero by 2050. Mars is already delivering on its promises with 16% absolute reductions in GHG emissions in 2023 against a 2015 baseline, across its full value chain.   

    In 2024, Mars launched its Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan, a $47M 3-year investment in new technologies and partnerships to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its global dairy supply chain.  

    *As measured against a 2015 baseline.   

    Sustainability at Nestlé

    Nestlé is striving towards net zero emissions by 2050. In 2020, they published the global Nestlé Net Zero Roadmap and have since transformed their business to start delivering reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all three Scopes of their activities. By the end of 2025, Nestlé aims to reduce emissions by 20% and by the end of 2030, by 50%.  

    Progress toward net zero will be measured against Nestlé’s 2018 GHG emissions. Targets were set by following the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) criteria, providing a clear pathway for future-proof growth with reductions in GHG emissions. Nestlé’s Scope 3 emissions make up 95% of their footprint, and they are addressing more than 80% of these. The SBTi approved Nestlé’s targets in November 2020. Read more here: https://www.nestle.com/sustainability

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Frogs impacted by predators, climate change

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  18 February 2025

    An independent panel of experts has assessed all 20 frog species and sub-species found in New Zealand, and one newt. Four species have declined in status, and none have improved.

    Dr Rhys Burns, DOC’s lead on the assessment panel, says Hamilton’s frogs and one subspecies of Hochstetter’s frog are in serious trouble while Archey’s frogs have higher numbers than previously thought, but are still declining mainly due to the impact of introduced mammals.

    “The current Archey’s adult frog population, previously estimated as between 5,000 and 20,000, has been revised to over 100,000 individuals.

    “Surveys of Archey’s frog in central-southern Coromandel and Whareorino (western King Country) over the past few years have identified higher numbers than previously known. However, their conservation status remains At Risk – Declining, primarily due to predation by rats and mice.”  

    Hamilton’s frog, mainly found on Te Pākeka/Maud Island, Takapourewa/Stephen’s Island and a few smaller translocated populations at other sites, was moved into Threatened – Nationally Critical. Monitoring indicates a decline in the size of the largest population found on Te Pākeka Island.

    The actual cause of the decline isn’t known, but possibilities include climate impact, predation from mice and weka, direct or secondary poisoning from two brodifacoum operations in 2014 and 2019 to eradicate two mouse incursions on the island, the impact of a frog fungus recently found on the island, or a combination of these factors.

    DOC will take all these possibilities into account for future frog management planning on Te Pākeka.

    Climate change impact was added to the assessment for the first time – an acknowledgement that climate pressures are increasing for most frog species.

    “Changes in rainfall and temperature dry the forest understorey where land-based frogs such as Archey’s and Hamilton’s live,” Rhys says.

    “Long periods of high temperatures and dry periods temporarily dry out streams and areas of water seepage that Hochstetter’s frogs rely on. Large storms affect Hochstetter’s frogs that use stream habitat, by increasing water flows, siltation, and in extreme situations, landslides.”

    Rhys says we recently saw the devasting impact of severe weather on the already-fragile Hochstetter’s frog population.

    “Following the severe rainfall events of January 2023, a major slip in Otawa, near Te Puke, destroyed the habitat of the ‘Otawa’ Hochstetter’s frogs, resulting in an estimated loss of 30-40 per cent of the frog population in one night.

    “‘Otawa’ Hochstetter’s frogs were assessed as Threatened – Nationally Critical in this and previous assessments, so the loss was a huge blow. DOC is doing pest control at this site to try to support the recovery of this population.”

    Other Hochstetter’s frog populations were assessed as threatened or declining largely due to the impact of predation by introduced mammals.

    Rhys says frogs are challenging to survey. “They range from the size of a thumbnail to the length of a thumb, and often live in remote places. It’s resource-hungry work.

    “We hope more organisations – whether they’re iwi, other agencies, businesses or community groups – consider researching and surveying frogs.

    “The more high-quality information we have, the better we can protect these taonga species. Our frogs are unique to New Zealand, so if they go from here, they’re gone from everywhere.”

    Conservation status of amphibians in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2024

    Background information

    New Zealand native frogs/pepeketua belong to the genus Leiopelma, an ancient group of frogs that has changed very little in 70 million years.

    New Zealand’s native frogs have several distinctive features that make them very different from frogs elsewhere in the world: they have no external eardrum, they have round (not slit) eyes, and they don’t croak

    Archey’s and Hamilton’s frogs also don’t have a tadpole stage. The embryo develops inside an egg, and then hatches as a tiny almost fully formed frog.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Provides Updates as North Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Provides Updates as North Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather

    Governor Stein Provides Updates as North Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Stein provided updates as North Carolina prepares for winter weather this week. Governor Stein is advising North Carolinians to plan ahead for snow, ice, and strong winds, and to follow safety guidance from local officials.  

    “As North Carolinians brace for another winter storm this week, we encourage all North Carolinians to listen to their local weather forecast and have a plan to stay safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We are monitoring the situation closely and have activated the State Emergency Response Team. I am mobilizing the Department of Transportation, the North Carolina National Guard, and the State Highway Patrol. Our utilities and local officials are also preparing. Our most important goal is to keep North Carolinians safe this week.” 

    “This winter storm will affect much of the state with winter weather, which will impact roadways and possibly cause power outages in areas where significant ice accumulates,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “The State Emergency Response Team remains in close coordination with our local communities, state agencies, and utility partners to quickly address any needs. Please limit your travel and stay off the roads to allow NCDOT and first responders to work safely.” 

    The State Emergency Response Team is activated this morning and is ready to respond. The State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers remain in close communication with local emergency management officials to ensure that all resources are available and ready to quickly respond to any needs that arise.    

    The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) remains a ready force, prepared to support our state in times of need. NCNG leadership has communicated to the force the possibility of inclement winter weather in the coming days, and our Soldiers and Airmen are actively preparing to respond when called. 

    Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation are preparing for potentially hazardous travel. Maintenance crews in NCDOT highway divisions from the mountains to the coast have started spreading a saltwater mixture called brine on interstates and plan to continue with other highways and primary routes before moving to secondary roads throughout Monday and Tuesday. Brine helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. The agency has about 2,500 specially trained employees and contract crews, and hundreds of trucks that can be equipped with plows and spreaders used to pretreat roads and remove snow and ice after a storm hits.  

    The probability is increasing that a winter storm will impact much of North Carolina Wednesday and into Thursday. The eventual track and strength of a low-pressure system will determine precipitation types and amounts. With the current forecast, the best chance for accumulating snow is across the mountains and northern portions of central and eastern North Carolina. Impactful ice accumulations may be possible for portions of central and eastern North Carolina. With any ice accumulations of a quarter of an inch or greater, tree limbs can snap, and power outages may occur. It is important that all North Carolinians remain weather aware over the next day as the forecast will change and be fine-tuned as we get closer to Wednesday.  

    To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips: 

    • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area. Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.  

    • Stock up on water and non-perishable food. 

    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged. 

    • Stay home and off the roads if you can. 

    • Dress warmly if you go outside. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.  

    • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you must travel. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.  

    • Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.  

    • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.  

    • Check in on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, during winter weather. 

    If your power goes out: 

    • Only operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  

    • Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors. 

    • Properly vent kerosene heaters. 

    • Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire. 

    Feb 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shuttering govt entities? Public service boss’s comments welcomed

    Source: ACT Party

    “ACT enthusiastically welcomes a debate on shuttering redundant government entities,” says ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson after the Public Service Commissioner raised the prospect publicly.

    “For households and businesses in an economic slump, cancelling old subscriptions is a financial no-brainer, and it’s time for the Government to run the ruler over its own redundant commitments.

    “For starters, we could close ministries focused on serving specific demographic groups, and instead spend the funding based on need, through the Social Investment Agency.

    “We could scrap the Human Rights Commission and instead strengthen the Human Rights Review Tribunal – the body that can actually act on human rights breaches.

    “We could abolish the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, and the Climate Change Commission, and just let the emissions trading scheme do its job.

    “If we’re serious about growing the economy, we need to shrink the scope of the government, focus on doing the basics well, and return savings to taxpayers. We need to transfer power and resources away from Wellington and back to the firms, farms, and families doing the real work to pull us out of recession.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana turns Nine

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana turns Nine

    Empowering Annadata & Protecting Livelihoods

    Posted On: 17 FEB 2025 6:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    On February 18, 2025, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana marks its nine-year anniversary, celebrating close to a decade of empowering the farmers of India. Launched in 2016 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the scheme offers a comprehensive shield against crop losses caused by unpredictable natural hazards. This protection not only stabilizes farmers’ income but also encourages them to adopt innovative practices.

    Crop insurance is an important risk mitigation tool to protect farmers from natural calamities. It aims at providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of natural calamities like hailstorm, drought, floods, cyclones, heavy and unseasonal rains, attack of disease and pests etc.

    Witnessing the success and potential of the scheme, the Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of ₹69,515.71 crore.

    Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) is a weather index-based scheme, which was introduced along with PMFBY. The basic difference between the PMFBY and RWBCIS is in its methodology for calculation of admissible claims to the farmers.

    Technological Advancements

    • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) envisages use of improved technology including satellite imagery, drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and remote sensing.
    • This is for various applications such as crop area estimation and yield disputes and also promote the use of remote sensing and other related technology for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) planning, yield estimation, loss assessment, assessment of prevented sowing areas and clustering of districts.
    • This enables more transparency, accountability and accuracy in loss assessment and timely payment of claims.
    • Capturing crop yield data/Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) via the CCE-Agri App for direct upload to the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), allowing insurance companies to witness the conduct of CCEs, and integrating state land records with the NCIP.
    • Further, for timely and transparent loss assessment as well as timely settlement of admissible claims YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology) has been introduced from Kharif 2023 after discussions with stakeholders and technical consultations. YES-TECH enables large scale adoption of technology-based yield estimates for yield loss and insurance claim assessments under PMFBY. The purpose is to blend the technology-based yield estimates with manual yield estimates and reduce the dependence on manual system gradually.

    Key Benefits

    • Affordable Premiums: The maximum premium payable by the farmer will be 2% for the Kharif food and oilseed crops. For rabi food and oilseeds crop, it is 1.5% and for yearly commercial or horticultural crops it will be 5%. The remaining premium is subsidized by the government.
    • Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers natural disasters (droughts, floods), pests, and diseases, along with post-harvest losses due to local risks like hailstorms and landslides.
    • Timely Compensation: PMFBY aims to process claims within two months of the harvest to ensure that farmers get the compensation quickly, preventing them from falling into debt traps.
    • Technology-Driven Implementation: PMFBY integrates advanced technologies like satellite imaging, drones, and mobile apps for precise estimation of crop loss, ensuring accurate claim settlements.

     

    Risks Covered

    • Yield Losses (Standing Crops): The Government provides this insurance coverage for yield losses that fall under the non-preventable risks such as Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Tornado, Flood, Inundation and Landslide, Pests/ Diseases, Drought etc.
    • Prevented Sowing: Cases may arise where most of the farmers (insured) of notified areas may want to plant or sow. In such cases, they have to bear the expenditure for that cause and are restricted from planting or sowing insured crops because of unfavourable weather conditions. These farmers will then become eligible for the indemnity claims of up to a maximum of 25% of the sum insured.
    • Post-harvest Losses: The Government provides for post-harvest losses on an individual farm basis. The Government offers coverage of up to 14 days (maximum) from harvesting for crops that are stored in “cut and spread” condition.
    • Localised Calamities: The Government provides for localised calamities on an individual farm basis. Risks such as loss or damage arising from identified localised hazards, such as hailstorms, landslides, and inundation impacting separated farmlands in the notified area comes under this coverage.

    Strengthening the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

    The Government has made several interventions for ensuring better transparency, accountability, timely payment of claims to the farmers since its launch in 2016. As a result of which, the area and farmers covered under the scheme in 2023-24 are at all-time high. The scheme is now the largest in the world in terms of farmer applications. Some States have further waived off farmer’s share of premium due to which there is very less burden on the farmers.

    Eligibility

     

    Though the scheme is voluntary for farmers, non-loanee farmers’ coverage has increased to 55% of the total coverage under the scheme during 2023-24, which shows the voluntary acceptability/popularity of the scheme.

    Application Process

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU269_UCTI1z.pdf?source=pqals

    Conclusion

    Over the past nine years, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has transformed Indian agriculture by providing farmers with a comprehensive safety net against crop losses due to natural calamities. By leveraging advanced technology, the scheme has improved transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in crop loss assessment and claim settlement. With affordable premiums and extensive risk coverage—including yield losses, post-harvest losses, and localised calamities—the scheme has become a crucial support system for farmers, ensuring timely compensation and stabilizing their income. The increased voluntary participation, particularly among non-loanee farmers, highlights the growing trust and acceptance of the scheme. As the PMFBY moves into its next phase, it continues to empower farmers and strengthen India’s agricultural resilience.

    References:

    Kindlly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2104175) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Energy Week 2025

    Source: Government of India

    India Energy Week 2025

    Driving Global Energy Innovation and Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

    Posted On: 17 FEB 2025 6:47PM by PIB Delhi

    India is driving not only its growth but also the growth of the world, with the energy sector playing a significant role.

    -Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    A Global Energy Confluence

    India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, held from February 11 to 14, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, is a premier global event in the energy sector. The event held under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) has grown into the world’s second-largest energy conference.

    A Hub of Innovation and Transformation

    The India Energy Week exhibition has grown exponentially to become the world’s new meeting place for energy professionals, with millions of dollars of business conducted onsite, positioning it at the very heart of international business.

    A key facilitator of dialogue between international and regional producers, the event provides international exhibitors with the opportunity to network with key buyers from over 120 countries across the full energy value chain. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies that drive sustainable energy solutions, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities to shape the future of energy.

    Defining Achievements of IEW 2025

     Key Focus Areas of IEW 2025

    • Energy Transition & Green Future: Major focus on biofuels, flex-fuel vehicles, ethanol blending, and green hydrogen. India is steadily progressing toward its goal of producing 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
    • Exploration & Production (E&P) Reforms: Launch of Open Acreage Licensing Program (OALP) Round X, covering 200,000 sq. km, along with regulatory changes to boost investment in oil and gas exploration.
    • India-US Energy Cooperation: Strengthening LNG supply partnerships and increasing natural gas consumption in India’s energy mix from 6% to 15%.
    • Global Energy Investments: Expanding investments in oil and gas assets across Brazil, Venezuela, Russia, and Mozambique while benefiting from emerging oil sources.
    • Startup & Innovation Recognition: The Avinya’25 – Energy Startup Challenge, led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, awarded innovative startups for breakthroughs in CO₂ capture, ESG solutions, and renewable energy. The Vasudha – Oil and Gas Startup Challenge recognized overseas startups revolutionizing the upstream oil and gas sector with AI-driven solutions.

    Navigating the Nine Thematic Zones

    IEW 2025 introduced nine thematic zones, each focusing on different aspects of the energy sector:

    1. Hydrogen Zone – Hosted by Oil India Limited, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in hydrogen fuel generation.
    2. Biofuels Zone – Highlighting India’s advancements in Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Compressed Biogas, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
    3. Renewable Energy Zone – Featuring innovations in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies.
    4. LNG EcoSystem – Hosted by Petronet LNG, focusing on India’s downstream LNG supply chain and eco-friendly fuel solutions.
    5. Make in India Zone – Hosted by Engineers India Limited, highlighting indigenous energy manufacturing capabilities.
    6. City Gas Distribution Zone – Hosted by GAIL, emphasizing India’s rapid progress towards a gas-based economy.
    7. Petrochem Zone – Hosted by ONGC, showcasing advancements in petrochemical technologies and sustainable solutions.
    8. Innovation Zone – Featuring emerging startups and breakthrough technologies in energy.
    9. Digitalisation Zone – Showcasing AI, IoT, and automation in optimizing energy production and distribution.

    India: The Rising Energy Powerhouse

    India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, is poised for the highest energy demand growth. Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, the nation is advancing towards a greener future with significant investments in secure, sustainable, and affordable energy. India Energy Week 2025 will serve as a key platform for global collaboration, driving discussions on energy security, innovation, and sustainability.

     

    A dynamic energy landscape

    India’s Path to Sustainability

    As a rapidly advancing economic powerhouse, India faces the twin challenge of surging energy demand while mitigating its carbon footprint. In response, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the concept of “Panchamrit” at COP 26, representing a blend of five essential elements. “Panchamrit” underscores India’s commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable growth on a global scale.

    Panchamrit: India’s Five Point Pledge Towards Climate Change

    1. India will take its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030
    2. By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45%
    3. India will meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030
    4. By the year 2070, India will achieve target of net-zero
    5. India will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes till 2030

    Conclusion

    India Energy Week 2025 serves as a pivotal platform for global energy stakeholders to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and witness India’s leadership in energy transition. As Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted, IEW 2025 will act as a catalyst for groundbreaking projects in green hydrogen, solar advancements, and exploration technologies, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. With a focus on transformative collaboration and investment, the event will shape the global energy agenda, positioning India at the forefront of energy security, technological progress, and a sustainable future.

    References

    Download in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

    (Release ID: 2104168) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local boards adopt Emergency Readiness and Response Plans

    Source: Auckland Council

    In times of crisis, local communities come together to help each other out, and they play a critical role in emergency responses.

    That’s why Auckland Emergency Management has empowered 19 local boards across the region to be emergency ready, by developing emergency readiness and response plans.

    From Franklin Local Board in the south to Rodney Local Board in the north, 19 of the 21 local boards adopted an Emergency Readiness and Response plan over the last few months of 2024.

    Auckland Emergency Management worked with each local board to create a plan to meet each area’s particular needs.

    Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says the plans will significantly improve the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

    “People are the lifeblood of their community, and during an emergency, communities play an invaluable role alongside official agencies in mucking in, helping out, and potentially saving lives.

    “The emergency readiness and response plans that span most communities across the region will enhance each area’s emergency preparedness and ability to respond in times of crisis.

    “Collectively, the 20 emergency response plans adopted in Tāmaki Makaurau are a major step towards improving the whole region’s emergency preparedness.”

    Adam Maggs, General Manager Auckland Emergency Management encourages Aucklanders to become familiar with the plan for their area.

    “Each local board area has a unique geographical, social and hazard profile. That’s why we’ve tailored bespoke Emergency Readiness and Response plans to meet the needs of 20 different areas across the region.

    “The plans are for everyone whether they live in an urban or a rural part of Auckland, coastal settlement or small township. I encourage every Aucklander to read the plan for their local board area and keep the fact sheets handy.

    “These plans aim to foster personal confidence and empowerment by encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for their emergency preparedness. It serves as a reliable reference for households, businesses and communities to plan their own readiness activities.”

    The plans respond to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events.

    Each plan identifies the local board area’s top hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process.

    Developed through consultation with diverse community and faith-based groups, subject matter experts, and key agencies, the plans are designed to reflect the unique needs for each area.

    Printed copies will be available in libraries and community centres.

    A digital version of each local board plan is available on the revamped Auckland Emergency Management website, along with other useful information including the new civil defence centre map tool.

    The Emergency Response and Readiness plans will undergo regular reviews to ensure they remain current and effective.

    This year, Auckland Emergency Management will focus on embedding ER&R plan concepts through community outreach. Community groups will be supported with emergency planning, facilitating workshops for those interested in establishing a Community Emergency Hub. Groups that choose not to establish a hub will still receive resources, presentations, and readiness messaging to help their members prepare for emergencies.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Time for Reparatory Justice, Permanent Security Council Seats for Africa, Secretary-General Tells Continental Summit

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the African Union Summit, held today in Addis Ababa:

    President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani — thank you for your leadership in the outstanding exercise of your mandate.  Presidente João Lourenço — parabéns e aguardo com expetativa a oportunidade de trabalhar consigo como novo Presidente da União Africana.

    I also want to give a very special expression of gratitude to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, for his eight years of strong and permanent commitment to multilateralism and impeccable cooperation with the United Nations.  Dear Moussa, working with you is a privilege, a pleasure and an honour.

    The partnership between the African Union and the United Nations has never been stronger.  Together, we see an Africa brimming with hope and possibility.  You have a booming, enterprising population, including the largest number of young people in the world.  The African Continental Free Trade Area is poised to turbocharge the region’s economy.

    And calls to address the legacies of colonialism and slavery are growing louder, as reflected in your theme this year — and as reflected in the leadership of so many passionate voices for the liberation of Africa such as the great Dr. Sam Nujoma of Namibia whose life we celebrate and whose loss we mourn.

    The world must never forget that Africa is the victim of two colossal and compounded injustices.  First, the profound impact of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.  The roots stretch back centuries and the bitter fruit continues to affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.

    Decolonization, alone in itself, was not a panacea.  Political independence did not free countries from structures based on exploitation and decades of economic, social and institutional underinvestment.  It is high time for reparatory justice frameworks to be put in place.

    Second, Africa was under colonial domination when today’s multilateral system was created — and that injustice endures.  Look no further than the United Nations Security Council. There is no excuse that Africa still lacks permanent representation in the twenty-first century.

    I will keep working with the African Union and all Member States to ensure the representation Africa needs and the justice you deserve — including with two permanent members of the Security Council. And we will keep pressing together for an international financial architecture that is no longer outdated, dysfunctional and unfair.

    Correcting age-old injustices is essential to address here-and-now challenges.  And the good news is that we have many of the solutions we need.  Last year, you helped drive that effort at the United Nations, with the Pact for the Future.  I thank Africa for its support that was vital to approve the Pact.  Our task now is to make those commitments a reality.  South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Chairmanship could not come at a better time.

    Let me point to four areas for action.

    First, we must push for peace, security and alleviating appalling levels of human suffering.  Sudan is being torn apart before our eyes — and is now home to the world’s largest displacement crisis and famine.

    As we near the holy month of Ramadan, it is time for an immediate cessation of hostilities.  The international community must come together to stop the flow of weapons and the bankrolling of bloodshed.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congolese people have been suffering — yet again — from a brutal cycle of violence.  And the fighting that is raging in South Kivu — as a result of the continuation of the M23 [23 March Movement] offensive — threatens to push the entire region over the precipice.

    Regional escalation must be avoided at all costs. There is no military solution.  The deadlock must end — the dialogue must begin. And the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The conclusions of the recent joint EAC-SADC [East African Community-Southern African Development Community] Summit offer a way forward — with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire and new momentum for regional efforts based on the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

    Now is the time for swift implementation.  And you can count on the continued support of the United Nations, including the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

    In the Sahel, the clear and present threat of terrorism is undermining peace, security and sustainable development.  And in Somalia, we are urging predictable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission, and I hope that our voice will be heard by the Security Council.

    And as we gather here in Africa, I know all our minds are also very much on Gaza.  A resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all costs.  The Palestinian people have suffered too much.  I welcome efforts by the parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement — and urge action for a permanent ceasefire and release of all hostages.

    Peace is possible in the Middle East — and that starts with tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution — Israel and Palestine — living side-by-side in peace and security.

    On all fronts, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the African Union to advance security, stability, human rights and the rule of law.

    Second, we must keep working together to deliver the AU 2063 Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — and drive action on finance.  African countries pay up to eight times more to borrow than developed countries.  Twenty are in or at risk of debt distress.

    The Pact for the Future supports international a financial architecture reform to reflect today’s economy, ensuring fair representation, and urging effective action on debt relief.  And I will stand with Africa as a matter of justice and to right the historic wrongs.

    Third, the climate crisis.  Climate disasters are tearing across Africa:  Destroying lives, upending livelihoods, devastating economies, and inflaming conflict.  At the same time, the renewables revolution is unstoppable — and Africa is poised to become a global clean energy powerhouse.

    Yet today Africa receives just 2 per cent of global renewables investment.  Realizing Africa’s potential requires access to affordable finance — including by implementing the twenty-ninth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) finance decision fully and on time  and supporting development of a road map to realize $1.3 trillion a year.

    Africa has contributed little to the climate crisis, yet is paying the price with record droughts, floods and heat.  Climate justice requires a massive investment in adaptation, with the international community bearing an enormous responsibility.

    Developed countries must double adaptation finance.  And countries must significantly boost the Loss and Damage Fund.  Allow me a note, when the Loss and Damage Fund was created, the pledging conference that took place has allowed for an amount that is equivalent to the highest contract for a [baseball] player in the United States.  It is absolutely necessary to make the Loss and Damage Fund an effective instrument to support developing countries in adaptation.

    And we also need justice when it comes to your abundant critical minerals.  Too often, your countries are plundered — bound to the bottom of value chains — as others grow rich on your resources.

    The work of the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is designed to help embed justice, sustainability and human rights across the value chain.  Africa’s minerals must benefit Africa’s people.

    Finally, we need action on new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).  Almost two thirds of all Africans have no reliable internet access.  We have a historic responsibility to ensure AI benefits humanity, not just a privileged few, States and businesses.

    The Global Digital Compact shares the ambitions of the African Digital Compact — universal connectivity, capacity- building, and responsible AI governance.  I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help the global South harness AI for the greater good.  Together, let’s ensure these commitments are honoured.

    The United Nations and the African Union stand united in our determination to deliver justice for your continent, leaving no one behind.  We have much to build upon.  So, together, let’s make commitments reality.  And say with one voice:  Viva Africa!

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Geoengineering is politically off-limits – could a Trump presidency change that?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hugh Hunt, Professor of Engineering Dynamics and Vibration, University of Cambridge

    One possible plan involves adding clouds in the upper atmosphere to reflect away sunlight. Thiago B Trevisan / shutterstock

    Donald Trump’s second presidential term is likely to mean big changes for those of us interested in geoengineering. The term refers to deliberate large-scale manipulation of the climate, perhaps by blocking out some sunlight or directly removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Sometimes called climate engineering, we prefer the term “climate repair”.

    Trump is not the most natural supporter of climate change interventions. He is set to expand oil and gas production hot on the heels of the most terrible wildfires in California. At some point the US could see hurricanes on scales even more extreme than Katrina or Helene.

    Extreme weather will become harder to ignore. Trump could of course downplay any link to climate change but there’s a chance this might trigger him to decide emergency action is required and demand to know more about climate engineering options.

    After all, Trump is close to certain tech figures who like big technological solutions to global problems. He likes to act fast and is prepared to deal with democratic reactions later. In those circumstances he might feel that we should do whatever it takes to deploy new climate-saving strategies at speed.

    The most effective methods for cooling the planet involve making the Earth more reflective so that it absorbs less heat from the sun. One option, known as stratospheric aerosol injection, involves spraying sulphur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions.

    Clouds could also be altered to become more reflective, an option known as marine cloud brightening. We can even make ice in the Arctic more reflective by thickening it during the winter months so that it lasts longer in the summer, reflecting the sun’s heat back into space.

    The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines added so much ash to the upper atmosphere the world cooled by about 0.5°C for a year.
    James St John / Flickr

    These technologies sound rather fanciful. Some might find them scary. But with the devastation of hurricanes and wildfires, Trump could potentially instruct the US military to give aerosol injection a go. At present, the technology would rely on high-altitude jets to take millions of tonnes of sulphur dioxide up to the stratosphere above the Arctic, and the US has a lot of these planes.

    Alternatively, Trump might take the opposite path and say “this is just part of the natural cycle of weather”. Climate-change deniers or those who believe reducing emissions alone will work to hit the 1.5°C or even 2°C targets may be given a platform to convince us all that there is no need for geoengineering.

    Geoengineering as an investment

    Maybe there is a middle ground. Trump could decide to support geoengineering research to help the insurance industry. If insurance companies will benefit by having fewer storms and fires, then this would be good for the US economy. So perhaps some expenditure on research right now may be a strategic investment.

    Behind the scenes are deep discussions on geoengineering governance. There are some who argue that geoengineering is so risky for the climate (what if the world cools too much? are we prepared for any unintended consequences?) that it shouldn’t be researched – or at least the research should not be funded by governments.

    Others argue that global governance and democratic issues (who is in charge? who gets a say?) need to be addressed before any research can begin. Then there’s the “slippery slope” argument, that once we start then we’ll never stop.

    Until now these kinds of arguments have slowed the pace of research, but Trump could say that the current position is wrong, as it holds back our knowledge of something which might help the US economy. If Trump decides to unlock geoengineering as an opportunity, then he may not just provide funding but instruct the national labs to get on with research at pace, thereby accelerating our knowledge of the different options. With good data we can make informed decisions.

    How much would this cost? It turns out that geoengineering research is not very expensive and Trump may figure that the potential upside is huge. If he gets excited about it, then geoengineering might suddenly capture the imagination of the US public.

    There is increased interest around the world so the situation in the US is being watched closely. With additional funding and instructions from the new president, geoengineering would soon become established in the mainstream.

    Our team at the Centre for Climate Repair in Cambridge are not the only ones thinking about all of this. This is a hot topic and one which is likely to see significant changes in the coming year.

    Hugh Hunt is affiliated with the Centre for Climate Repair at the University of Cambridge. The centre receives funds from various philanthropic sources.

    Shaun Fitzgerald receives funding from Philanthropists, Trusts and Foundations, and Government grants to work on a range of activities including greenhouse gas removal through and climate engineering.

    – ref. Geoengineering is politically off-limits – could a Trump presidency change that? – https://theconversation.com/geoengineering-is-politically-off-limits-could-a-trump-presidency-change-that-248589

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN launches $6 billion Sudan appeal, as famine takes hold

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Humanitarian Aid

    More than one in two people in war-torn Sudan have too little to eat, famine “is taking hold” and sexual violence is rife, the UN’s top aid official said on Monday, as the global body launched an appeal for $6 billion to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the devastated country and beyond.

    “Civilians [are] paying the highest price, shelling, airstrikes [are] continuing unabated, killing and injuring civilians, damaging and destroying critical infrastructure, including hospitals,” said Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

    “An epidemic of sexual violence rages,” he warned, adding that children are being killed and injured, amid reports of intensifying fighting in South Kordofan in recent weeks – “another state in which famine conditions have recently been confirmed”.

    Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Fletcher explained that the UN 2025 humanitarian and refugee response plans for Sudan aim to assist nearly 26 million people inside the country and across the region who face a desperate situation.

    After nearly two years of conflict, a staggering 12 million people in Sudan and across borders have been displaced.

    The UN aid chief said that he welcomed a conversation just days ago with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces – “about the importance of keeping Adre crossing open [from Chad]. But this is a fraction of what is needed and each movement only happens after complex engagement and bureaucratic processes,” he stressed.

    Famine conditions

    According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), famine has been confirmed in more than 10 locations in Sudan; another 17 are on the brink of famine. 

    The situation is a “collective failure that shames the global community”, WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain told the Geneva meeting via video link. 

    “This is a full-scale hunger crisis and I’m going to call it a catastrophe”, Ms. McCain continued. “The civil war has killed thousands, uprooted millions and set the country ablaze, and yet it’s forgotten,” despite being “the epicentre of the world’s largest and most severe hunger crisis ever”.

    Highlighting the fact that Sudan is also the world’s biggest displacement emergency, UN refugee agency chief (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, condemned the continuing “military logic” of the rival armies that have waged war against each other since April 2023.

    “The logic is, let’s achieve victory, let’s make advances, let’s progress militarily,” he said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces – led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

    Suffering and neglect

    “The logic continues to neglect the situation of ordinary Sudanese that are killed, displaced and suffer all sorts of hardship.”

    Echoing Mr. Fletcher’s observation that it might be difficult to understand why the UN and its partners were issuing such a large appeal for funding at a time of deep cuts to overseas aid by UN Member States, the UN refugee agency chief explained that needs were immense, with one in three Sudanese uprooted by the violence.

    “Social systems, health systems, education – kids haven’t gone to school, almost 13 million people are displaced,” he said.

    “The country is being destroyed; at its foundations, everything is collapsing,” Mr. Grandi insisted, in an appeal to the international community to “step up and help”, not just to ensure that emergency aid and life-saving protection can continue without disruption, but also to end the violence and restore peace to Sudan.”

    Age-old conflict dangers

    Across Sudan, women and girls continue to suffer through appalling patterns of conflict-related sexual violence,” and young men have been forcibly recruited to fight, Mr. Fletcher noted. “The collapse of the education system has compounded the risks faced by Sudanese girls: child marriage, gender-based violence.”

    Although access “remains heavily constrained, particularly where the fighting is most acute”, the UN relief chief insisted that the appeal offered “a lifeline to millions” once the fighting stops, as he appealed for better access “by land, sea and air to those who need help”.

    WFP chief Ms. McCain explained that millions of civilians had lost their livelihoods while humanitarians struggled to reach those in need because of access restrictions.

    Agricultural production has also been decimated, driving up prices by 500 per cent in some areas, resulting in millions of displaced who have no access basic food staples.

    Nearly 16 million reached in 2024

    With $1.8 billion in support last year, humanitarian organizations reached more than 15.6 million people across Sudan. Assistance included food and livelihoods support for more than 13 million people as well as water, sanitation and hygiene support, health and nutrition, and shelter assistance.   

    Humanitarian organizations working in neighbouring countries provided lifesaving assistance delivering food to over a million people, medical support to half a million and protection services to over 800,000.

    For its part, WFP reached more than eight million people with lifesaving aid in 2024 but continues to face widespread access constraints caused by the fighting.

    Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan including displacement camps in Darfur and in the western Nuba Mountains, according to a joint press release from the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, and UNHCR.

    “Catastrophic hunger is expected to worsen by May when the lean season begins. With continued fighting and basic services having collapsed across most of the country, the crisis is set to get worse,” it noted.

    Rape as weapon of war

    Shaza Ahmed, Executive Director of Nada El Azhar – who is a gender based violence (GBV) coordinator in Sudan – said that “women and girls paid a hefty price, as GBV is used as a weapon of war”, compounding a lack of access to health services, education and employment.

    In 2024, more than 50,000 of the most vulnerable women and girls received dignity kids and over 225,000 people received GBV-services such as mental health or psychological support.

    Among the biggest challenges now are protection of female staff and access to communities as well as the overall funding crisis.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Goma is threatened by conflict and a volcano: we’ve created a handbook to help hotspots like these

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Evan Easton-Calabria, Senior Researcher at the Feinstein International Center, Tufts University, and Research Associate at the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford

    The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was taken over by the M23 rebel group in January 2025. This was a tragic escalation of a decades-long conflict that’s led to mass displacement and deaths.

    Goma, a city of two million, hasn’t just been overtaken by rebels. It’s also just 12 miles (19km) from one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world: Mount Nyiragongo.

    Mount Nyiragongo can have lava flows of more than 60 miles (96km) per hour. This is far faster than any human can run. When it last erupted in 2021, thousands of families were displaced and at least 250 people died. An earlier eruption in 2002 left 13% of the city covered in lava.

    The DRC illustrates how millions of people in fragile, violent and conflict-affected parts of the world are at risk of both human-made and natural disasters. A changing climate makes people even more vulnerable to hazardous events. When these disasters interact, they can multiply and increase negative impacts.

    For example, if Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the near future – some research suggests it is likely to do so before the end of 2027 – and there is active conflict at the time, will anyone trust early warning messages? Or feel safe enough to flee on roads where civilians have already been attacked?

    These are some of the questions and scenarios that people working in disaster risk reduction grapple with. Situations like those in the DRC inspired a new UN handbook on early warning systems and early action in fragile, conflict-affected and violent contexts.

    It’s been published by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-World Meteorological Organization Centre of Excellence for Disaster and Climate Resilience. The handbook provides guidance and case studies to increase disaster preparedness and action in some of the world’s most complex environments. Important work being done by the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, the World Bank and others exemplifies the growing awareness of these threats.

    I was the lead drafter of the UN handbook and had the opportunity to interview dozens of humanitarians. I also spoke to meteorologists, disaster risk reduction experts and government officials to learn how they help build and use early warning systems in fragile, conflict-affected and violent contexts.

    Here is what I learned:

    • early warning systems – hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication, preparedness and early action to help people avoid harm – must be provided as a basic service for all, even in conflict zones

    • for early warning systems to be inclusive and effective, they must be trusted by affected communities

    • early warning systems in the places that most need them are drastically underfunded by governments and international actors – and require long-term collaboration and investment

    • early warnings and the early action they enable are a critical tool that can minimise suffering.

    Key takeaways

    Increasingly, work in the humanitarian sector seeks to address the intersecting vulnerabilities that arise from both conflict and climate impacts.

    What this work has made clear is that, first, early warning systems and early action must be available for everyone. Early warnings are the result of a chain of information. This goes from the systems that monitor and forecast weather conditions or hazards to the experts who analyse them to the actors who share this information.

    Early warnings come in many forms. It could be an alert on your phone when a flash flood or other hazard is predicted, or an evacuation message before a volcanic eruption.

    The UN secretary-general has called for Early Warnings for All by 2027. This is an initiative for everyone on Earth to be covered by early warning systems. However, countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence like the DRC lag far behind in receiving investments needed to prepare for current and future risks.

    Second, early warning systems need to be trusted by affected communities, which means co-producing messages and actions with communities and community leaders. Doing so would help take into account the nuanced dynamics in complex contexts.

    In many countries where people experience fragility, conflict and violence, systems of authority have been eroded. In fact, governments may be a party to a conflict, increasing mistrust over any warning messages received. The Red Cross has a new handbook that helps practitioners navigating these and other tensions. Involving communities and community leaders helps with identifying existing early warning mechanisms that can be used for hazards, understanding risks related to conflict or violence, and developing action plans.

    Conflict and peacebuilding experts within civil society and government, and even conflict actors, should be engaged in developing early warning systems. This helps reduce the risk of misunderstandings and misinformation, and ensures that conflict dynamics are taken into account.

    Third, in the places where it’s most needed, early warning systems face funding gaps and limitations. Fewer than 50% of countries classified as least developed, and only a third of small island developing states, have multi-hazard early warning systems (meaning the alarm can be sounded for different hazards, ranging from heatwaves to flooding). Nineteen of the top 25 most climate-vulnerable states are affected by fragility, conflict and violence. All of them are least developed countries, and few have adequate early warning systems.

    This illustrates the scale of vulnerability in these areas.

    Near Goma, the Virunga Supersite monitors and researches Mount Nyiragongo and other hazards in the densely populated region. The Supersite, supported by several organisations, has helped build collaboration between the Goma Volcano Observatory and global institutes studying and monitoring volcanic hazards.

    This is good practice, but the work is routinely hampered by a lack of access due to conflict. The staff also face a variety of risks, including intimidation, violence and kidnapping.

    More collaboration to monitor hazards and generate early warnings and early action is needed. The World Meteorological Organization’s ongoing work with the DRC government to improve early warning systems in the country exemplifies a valuable partnership that can save lives. This is all the more important following recent pauses in US humanitarian funding as resources for post-disaster responses will likely be more limited. There is also an urgent need to address the broader conflict that has plagued regions including the eastern DRC for decades.

    Looking ahead

    The knowledge and resources available to predict and mitigate the impacts of disasters before they take place need to be fully utilised. This is especially important in areas like eastern DRC where an existing humanitarian disaster could evolve into an even larger catastrophe if a volcanic eruption were to occur.

    Early warnings and the early action they enable can reduce suffering, save lives and minimise the cost of disaster response. They are needed in the places already experiencing disasters, too.

    Evan Easton-Calabria was a consultant for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    – ref. Goma is threatened by conflict and a volcano: we’ve created a handbook to help hotspots like these – https://theconversation.com/goma-is-threatened-by-conflict-and-a-volcano-weve-created-a-handbook-to-help-hotspots-like-these-249453

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –