NewzIntel.com

Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Donald Trump is moving rapidly to change the contours of contemporary international affairs, with the old US-dominated world order breaking down into a multipolar one with many centres of power.

    The shift already includes the US leaving the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords, questioning the value of the United Nations, and radical cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Such a new geopolitical age also involves an assertion of raw power, with Trump using the threat of tariffs to assert global authority and negotiating positions.

    While the US is not significantly less powerful, this new era may see it wield that power in more openly self-interested and isolationist ways. As new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it in January, “the post-war global order is not just obsolete – it is now a weapon being used against us”.

    With global democracy in retreat, the emerging international order looks to be moving in an authoritarian direction. As it does, the position of New Zealand’s vibrant democracy will come under mounting pressure.

    But world orders have come and gone for millennia, reflecting the ebb and flow of global economic, political and military power. Looking back to previous eras, and how countries and cultures responded to shifting geopolitical realities, can help us understand what is happening more clearly.

    An evolving world order

    Previous orders have often focused on specific centres – or “poles” – of power. These include the Concert of Europe from 1814 to 1914, the bipolar world of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, and the unipolar world of American dominance after the end of the Cold War and since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

    Periods of single-power dominance (or hegemony) are referred to as a “pax”, from the Latin for “peace”. We have seen the Pax Romana of the Roman Empire (27 BCE to 180 AD), multiple Pax Sinicas around China (most recently the Qing Dynasty 1644 to 1912), Pax Mongolica (the Mongol Empire from 1271 to 1368) and Pax Britannica (the British Empire from 1815 to 1924).

    It is the Pax Americana of the US, from 1945 to the present, that Trump seems bent on dismantling. We now live in an international order that is visibly in flux. With autocracy on the rise and the US at is vanguard, a “Pax Autocratica” is emerging.

    This is accentuated by the rapid rise of Asia as the main sphere of economic and military growth, particularly China and India. The world’s two most populous countries had the world’s largest and third largest economies respectively in 2023, and the second and fourth highest levels of military spending.

    The simultaneous rise of multiple power centres was already challenging the Pax Americana. Now, a new international order appears to be a certainty, with Trump openly adapting to multipolarity. Several major powers now compete for global influence, rather than any one country dominating.

    China’s preference for a multipolar international order is shared by India and Russia. Without one dominant entity, it will be the political and social basis of this order, as determined by its major actors, that matters most – not who leads it.

    Pax Democratica

    The current (now waning) international order has been underpinned by specific social, political and economic values stemming from the national identity and historical experience of the US.

    According to US political expert G. John Ikenberry, former president Woodrow Wilson’s agenda for peace after the first world war sought to “reflect distinctive American ideas and ideals”.

    Woodrow imagined an order based on collective security and shared sovereignty, liberal principles of democracy and universal human rights, free trade and international law.

    As its dominance and military strength increased in the 20th century, the US also provided security to other countries. Such power enabled Washington to create open global trade markets, as well as build core global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations and NATO.

    For Ikenberry, this Pax Americana (we might call it a Pax Democratica) rested on consent to the US’s “provision of security, wealth creation, and social advancement”. This was aided by the its more than 800 military bases in over 80 countries.

    The democratic deficit

    Trump undercuts the central tenets of this liberal world order and accelerates a slide towards authoritarianism. Like Russia, India and China, the US is also actively constraining human rights, attacking minorities and weakening its electoral system.

    This democratic retreat leaves a country such as New Zealand in a global minority. If Trump targets the region or country with economic tariffs, that precariousness might increase.

    On the other hand, previous world orders have not been truly hegemonic. Pax Britannica did not encompass the entire world. Nor did Pax Americana, which didn’t include China, India, the former Soviet bloc, much of the Islamic world and many developing countries.

    This suggests pockets of democracy can survive within a Pax Autocratica, especially in a multipolar world which is more tolerant of political independence.

    The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index ranked New Zealand, the Nordic countries, Switzerland, Iceland and Ireland highest because their citizens

    choose their political leaders in free and fair elections, enjoy civil liberties, prefer democracy over other political systems, can and do participate in politics, and have a functioning government that acts on their behalf.

    It is these countries that can be at the vanguard of democratic resilience.

    Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

    – ref. As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’ – https://theconversation.com/as-trump-abandons-the-old-world-order-nz-must-find-its-place-in-a-new-pax-autocratica-249358

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Geopolitical, Environmental, Socioeconomic Crises Threatening Development Gains, Under-Secretary-General Tells Commission for Social Development

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Global solidarity is more essential than ever to address poverty, hunger, inequality and other pressing challenges facing humanity, speakers emphasized today at the opening of the 2025 annual session of the Commission for Social Development, calling for increased investment in social protection to meet these urgent needs.

    “We must step up our efforts and confront these challenges and development gaps, with determination and a collective resolve,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.  He noted that geopolitical, environmental and socioeconomic crises — compounded by megatrends like digital transformation and aging populations — threaten hard-won development gains, jeopardizing solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion.

    “We must reverse these trends,” urged Philémon Yang (Cameroon), President of the General Assembly, adding:  “When every $1 invested in social protection yields $3 of return, measured in improved health and productivity — we literally have everything to gain.  It offers our best shot to ensure we leave no one behind”.

    The Commission — established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council as one of its functional organs — advises the United Nations on social development issues.  Its sixty-third session will run through 14 February under the priority theme:  “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

    In his introductory remarks, Bob Rae (Canada), President of the Economic and Social Council, stressed the importance of leaving no one behind and expressed deep concern about a high level of unemployment among young people:  “If young people can’t get their foot on the ladder, it creates a huge range of social problems.”  Developing an international legal instrument on the rights of older people could strengthen efforts to shift perceptions about old people and ageism and help understand what more can be done to allow them to become and remain active participants in their societies.  Moreover, he stressed the need to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities, which “we have not made anywhere near the progress that we need to make”.

    Liana Almony, Chair of the NGO (non-governmental organization) Committee for Social Development, demanded modifying certain sociocultural patterns and norms to eliminate stigma, prejudices and stereotypes.  “Vulnerable and marginalized individuals face social injustice, discrimination and exclusion in many, if not all, aspects of their everyday lives,” she said, adding:  “Legal recognition and identity play a critical role to ensure the global community upholds its promise of leaving no one behind.”

    Judy Kipkenda, Co-Chair of the UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, speaking on behalf of global youth constituents, put forward several recommendations to the Commission, including empowering youth-led organizations and providing funding, technical support, and platforms for youth-led initiatives that address social and economic challenges.  “By investing in youth, promoting equity and fostering social harmony, we can create a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all,” she said.

    “The year 2025 is a crucial year,” said Guy Rider, Under-Secretary-General for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, noting that the second World Summit for Social Development [to be held in Doha in November 2025] must lay the foundation in fulfilling the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  “With only five years remaining until our SDG [Sustainable Development Goal] deadline, we simply must secure progress in the social dimension of sustainable development,” he said, adding:  “We must listen more attentively to people’s voices and ensure that they can shape their own futures.”

    Commission Chair Krzysztof Maria Szczerski (Poland) emphasized that the expected outcome of this session is actionable policy recommendations to support Member States and the Economic and Social Council in implementing the outcomes of the 2023 SDG Summit and the 2024 Summit of the Future, thereby accelerating the implementation of 2030 Agenda and preparing for the second World Summit for Social Development.

    The Commission also held a high-level panel discussion to take stock of the first World Summit in 1995 and the upcoming second conference.

    In his keynote speech, Danilo Türk, President of Club de Madrid, recalled that as a former President of Slovenia, he was personally involved in the preparation for the first Copenhagen Summit 30 years ago.  He pointed out that in the current global political climate, social development and social issues are often neglected or seen as not among the main priorities.  “That’s a big problem, a problem that affects the United Nations as an organization, as a community of nations,” he said.  So, the second Summit in Doha should, most importantly, reaffirm the existence of the UN social development mandate.

    He also highlighted the need to recognize that social challenges are increasingly multidimensional, requiring integrated, synergetic approaches to policymaking.  It is also essential to develop a practical methodology to systemically assess both policy proposals and the obstacles to their implementation, ensuring that ambitious goals are not set without clear mechanisms for action. He also called for creating a dedicated institutional space for UN agencies with strong social mandates to collaborate strategically, enhancing the Economic and Social Council’s role in fostering integrated solutions.  “The 1995 Copenhagen Summit was known as the ‘People’s Summit’, and we must reignite that spirit today,” he concluded.

    Valérie Berset Bircher, Deputy Head of the International Labour Affairs Division of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, said that advances have been made since Copenhagen.  “Extreme poverty has declined, life expectancy has increased, more children are in school and the world has witnessed economic growth,” she said.  The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has slowed progress.  “We need to have policies, measures and action that ensure that we are truly leaving no one behind,” she added.  Wealth inequality in the last several years has widened, leaving many unable to benefit from economic growth.  Women, young people and informal workers often lack access to stable jobs, fair wages and social protection.  As it prepares for the upcoming Summit in Doha, Switzerland will focus on policies that strengthen labour institutions and individual capacity to take advantage of the opportunities offered by today’s changing world, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups.

    Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission, outlined efforts undertaken by the bloc.  Social rights are “at the centre of our action” with three headline targets that deal with employment, skill development and poverty eradication.  On the latter, the bloc will propose its first anti-poverty strategy in 2026 addressing the root causes of the scourge.  It will strengthen its child guarantee supported by the European Social Fund.  A new pact for European social dialogue has been agreed and will be signed at the beginning of March, he noted.  Looking forward, the views of social partners and civil society must be duly considered at the second Summit, where world leaders must renew the social contract, rebuild trust and embrace a comprehensive vision of human rights. International labour standards remain the basis for social development, he added.

    Anousheh Karvar, French Government representative to the International Labor Organization (ILO) and to the G-7 and G-20 for labour, employment and social protection, said that it is time to bring about social justice to as many people as possible.  There are many challenges that remain unresolved.  “As we speak, more than half of the world population does not have access to any social protections,” she stressed.  For 30 years, there has been a “certain fatigue”, she went on to say, urging the need to “breathe new life into the social agenda”.  The November 2025 Summit in Doha must not limit itself to “stock taking or goal setting”.  It must also call upon the world to come to an agreement on how to achieve development goals.  “We must fully implement the standards and norms set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) for more than 100 years,” she urged.

    Eleni Nikolaidou, Expert Minister Counsellor and Deputy Director General of Hellenic Aid at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, said that the second Summit must advocate for sustained, long-term investment in social protection and employment programmes, strengthening social protection systems.  The Summit must also ensure equitable access to quality education and universal access to healthcare.  It must promote policies that support active aging by ensuring the inclusion of older persons in social, economic and cultural life, and leverage technology and digital transformation.  The Summit must also strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities by implementing comprehensive policies that promote accessibility, social inclusion and equal opportunities.  “Finally, we need a clear road map for action beyond 2025 — the Summit should not only review past commitments but set out specific, time-bound goals for implementation, with monitoring mechanisms to track progress and accountability,” she said.

    Fabio Veras, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Applied Economic Research, and Head of the International Policy Center for Inclusive Development, said that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few continues to hinder social mobility.  Climate change, armed conflicts and economic crises amplify existing vulnerabilities, undermining progress and hindering the achievements of the SDGs.  “The lack of adequate social coverage, particularly in low-income countries, further compromises progress on the SDGs,” he said.  “Billions of people remain unprotected against life’s inherent risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability,” he went on to say.  Further, he urged the need for a fundamental review of the international financial system to ensure that developing countries have access to affordable, long-term financing.  “Expanding universal social protection is necessary for reducing poverty, eradicating hunger and reducing inequality,” he added.

    Charles Katoanga, Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introduced the following four reports of the Secretary-General:  “Strengthening social cohesion through social inclusion” (document E/CN.5/2025/3); Social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (document E/CN.5/2025/2); Policies and programmes involving youth (document E/CN.5/2025/4); and Modalities for the fifth review and appraisal of the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 (document E/CN.5/2025/5).  He also introduced a note of the Secretary-General on “Social resilience and social development” (document E/CN.5/2025/7).

    In other business, the Commission elected, by acclamation, Joslyne Kwishaka (Burundi), AlMaha Mubarak Al-Thani (Qatar) and Oliver Gruenbacher (Austria) as Vice-Chairs, and designated Vice-Chair Paola Andrea Morris Garrido (Guatemala) to serve as Rapporteur.  The Commission also adopted the provisional agenda (document E/CN.5/2025/1).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Storms and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions that occurred in March and May of 2024.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration Number

    Primary

    Counties

    Neighboring

    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20461 Lampasas Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Mills and San Saba Flooding, Excessive Rain and Flash Flood May 4-5, 2024 3/10/25
    20462 Hunt Collin, Delta, Fannin, Hopkins, Kaufman, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt Flooding and Excessive Rain Beginning March 11, 2024 3/10/25

    Under these declarations, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared these declarations on July 9, 2024. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 10.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-17 in Preparation of Forecasted Hazardous Winter Weather

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FEBRUARY 10, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-17 as a precautionary measure to prepare for hazardous winter weather expected to impact the State of Missouri starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed.

    “With hazardous winter weather forecasted for this week across much of the state, we want to be as prepared as possible,” Governor Kehoe said. “We ask that all Missourians be proactive, stay aware, and use extreme caution during these potentially dangerous winter weather events. This Order helps ensure homes in Missouri can stay warm and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist.”

    Executive Order 25-17 suspends hours of service regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. The Order also gives the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri the authority to call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to aid Missourians.

    After a round of light snow primarily across the Ozarks Monday night into Tuesday, the National Weather Service forecasts a more significant winter storm to impact the state beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to lead to widespread travel impacts. Mainly snow is expected north of the I-44 corridor with a chance of at least four inches across northern Missouri, and a wintery mix is expected along and south of the I-44 corridor.

    Motorists are encouraged to postpone travel if possible. If you must travel, use extreme caution and check road conditions before driving to help determine if your trip can be completed safely. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Traveler Information Map app can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices here.

    Executive Order 25-17 will expire on March 10, 2025. To view the Order, please click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $17.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Relief, Emergency Preparedness 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $17,860,797.42 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricanes Laura and Ida relief, new generators, and flood elevation projects.
    “Preparing for future storms is always top of mind. The best way to prevent devastation is by putting precautions in place,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will not only restore communities throughout Louisiana but also ensure they are prepared for future storms.”

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $7,239,362.23
    City of Lake Charles
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to the Purple Heart Recreation Center and Gymnasium as a direct result of Hurricane Laura.

    $1,492,935.30
    Livingston Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for replacement of the Lod Stafford Road Bridge as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,906,341.99
    St. John the Baptist Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,421,300.00
    Winn Parish Emergency Power Generator Systems
    This grant will provide federal funding for the purchase, and installation of 15 permanent generators in Winn Parish.

    $57,115.00
    Winn Parish Emergency Power Generator Systems
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs assisting with solicitation, development, review, and processing of sub-applications.

    $1,908,920.50
    GOHSEP 
    This grant will provide federal funding for the purchase and installation of two permanent generators in the city of Monroe.

    $3,632,990.40
    St. John the Baptist Residential Elevations
    This grant will provide federal funding to elevate 21 residential structures.

    $201,832.00
    St. John the Baptist Residential Elevations
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs including reviewing contractor invoices, preparing and submitting reimbursements, and record keeping.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mark SubbaRao Brings Data to Life Through Art

    Source: NASA

    Name: Mark SubbaRao
    Title: Lead, Scientific Visualization Studio (SVS)
    Formal Job Classification: Information Technology Specialist
    Organization: SVS, Science Mission Directorate (Code 606.4)
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission?
    I have an amazing job. I get to work with all the most interesting NASA science and make it visual to help people can understand it. The Scientific Visualization Studio, the SVS, supports all of NASA and is located at Goddard.
    What is your educational background?
    I have B.S. in engineering physics, minor in astronomy, from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I have a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Johns Hopkins University.
    What is data visualization? How is it different from animation?
    Data visualization is the graphical representation of actual data (in our case usually scientific data). At its most basic it takes the forms of charts, graphs, and maps. In contrast, conceptual animation, such as the work of our colleagues in the CI Lab, is the graphical representation of ideas. Conceptual animation and data visualization are both needed to communicate the full scientific process.
    How did your work for the University of Chicago develop your interest in visualization?
    I worked on software for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, a project to create the biggest 3D map of the universe. Our goal was to map 3D positions of a million galaxies, which we did. My role was to develop the software to determine the distance to galaxies. To see the result we needed a way to see how the galaxies were distributed in 3D, which led to my interest in visualization.
    Viewing this map, I felt like we had revealed a new world which no one had yet seen altogether. The desire to share that with the public led me a position at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

    How did planetariums evolve during your 18 years of working for the Adler Planetarium?
    I led their visualization efforts for their Space Visualization Laboratory, a laboratory that was on the museum floor and had multiple specialized displays. The local scientific community used our laboratory to present to the public including other scientists and students.
    I also produced planetarium shows and designed exhibits. My last project, “Astrographics” for Art on the Mart, was a 2.6-acre, outdoor projection onto a building near the Chicago River. We believe that this is the largest, permanent outdoor digital projection in the world.
    I began to see the power of the planetarium as a data visualization environment. Traditionally, a planetarium has been a place to project stars and tell stories about constellations. Planetariums have now evolved into a general-purpose visualization platform to communicate science.
    I got more involved with the planetarium community, which led to me becoming president of the International Planetarium Society. A major focus of my presidency was promoting planetariums in Africa.
    Why did you come to NASA’s SVS at Goddard?
    I came to Goddard in December 2020. I always admired NASA’s SVS and had used their products. I consider the SVS the preeminent group using scientific visualization for public communication.
    I wanted to work on visualizations for a broader variety of sciences, in particular, climate science. Our group created visualizations for the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, the fall of 2021. In March 2022, I created a visualization called Climate Spiral, which went viral.

    [embedded content]
    This visualization shows monthly global temperature anomalies (changes from an average) between the years 1880 and 2021. Whites and blues indicate cooler temperatures, while oranges and reds show warmer temperatures.Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center / NASA’s Scientific Visualization StudioDownload high-resolution video and images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

    As the lead, how do you hope to inspire your group?
    Our group is very talented, experienced, and self-motivated. Data visualization has recently exploded as a communication tool. Our goal is to continue to stay on top of this rapidly evolving field. Coupled with this, there has been an explosion in scientific data from satellites and super computers. As data becomes bigger and more complex, visualization becomes an even more important tool for understanding that data.

    Your work combines art and science. What are the benefits of combining art and science?
    One huge benefit is that you can reach people through an artistic visual presentation of science who may not be interested in simply reading an article. You can go beyond teaching people, you can move them emotionally through a good, artistic presentation.
    For example, in “Climate Spiral,” we did not want to just inform people that global average temperatures have increased, we wanted people to feel that the temperature has increased.
    Also, our universe is just beautiful. Why not let the beauty of the universe create something artistic for you? I sometimes feel like I cheat by letting the universe do my design for me.
    What do you do for fun?
    Since moving to Maryland, and living near the Chesapeake Bay, I have taken up stand up paddleboarding. I like to cook too. My father is Indian, so I cook a lot of Indian food.
    Who inspires you?
    Arthur C. Clarke, the science fiction writer, also wrote a lot of popular science. He played a big part in my decision to become a scientist.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    Follows more than $10 billion in projected payments related to Hurricanes Helene and MiltonWASHINGTON — FEMA has exercised its borrowing authority under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to borrow $2 billion from U.S. Treasury to pay eligible National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholder claims. This borrowing action follows payouts in 2024 from several large-scale and back-to-back flooding events. While the NFIP’s premiums are usually sufficient to pay claims in years without catastrophic floods, heavy rain events in 2024 –including hurricanes Helene and Milton– caused massive, widespread damage resulting in tens of thousands of flood insurance claims.Hurricane Helene has received more than 57,400 flood insurance claims totaling more than $4.5 billion as of Feb. 6, 2025. Based on data as of Jan. 31, 2025, the estimated range for total losses paid in to the NFIP is between $6.4 to $7.4 billion. Hurricane Milton received more than 21,100 flood insurance claims totaling more than $740 million as of Feb. 6, 2025. The estimated range for losses paid is between $1.2 to $2.9 billion based on data as of Jan. 31, 2025.The NFIP is not designed to pay for multiple catastrophic events in a single year without additional financial assistance. The combined losses from 2024 have depleted the NFIP’s funds generated from premiums to pay claims.FEMA’s borrowing authority is $30.425 billion, of which FEMA has already borrowed $20.525 billion in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and Harvey between 2005-2017. The debt is now $22.525 billion.“The widespread, devastating flooding following hurricanes Helene and Milton reemphasizes the financial effects flooding can have not just to survivors but also the National Flood Insurance Program. We are strategically utilizing short-term borrowings in 60-day increments, demonstrating our careful and responsible management of the borrowing authority,” said Elizabeth Asche, Ph.D., Senior Executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “Despite these challenges, the NFIP remains unwavering in its commitment to fully pay every claim and ensure policyholders receive the compensation they are owed for eligible flood-related losses.”FEMA has always paid its NFIP claims on all eligible losses. Those who take the step to protect their homes and businesses by purchasing flood insurance get paid every dollar they are owed under their flood insurance policies.Flooding continues to be the costliest and most frequent natural disaster in the United States and flood insurance is still the best way for individual homeowners, renters and businesses to financially protect against future flood losses. The NFIP provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage to nearly 4.7 million policyholders nationwide.For more information about the NFIP, visit Floodsmart.gov. 
    amy.ashbridge
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 16:44

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – More than 1,000 FEMA staff are still on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. FEMA will continue to process applications, receive, and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs.  Survivors who applied for FEMA assistance should continue to stay in touch with the agency to update their application. Missing or outdated material could result in delays. Information that may need to be updated includes:Your current housing situation, phone number or mailing address.The name of a person designated to speak for you.Names of household members and number of people living in the home.Changes in your FEMA application. Correcting or verifying home and property damage.Your payment preferenceFloridians who are waiting for an inspection should continue to check their application status. Survivors can check their application status by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or calling FEMA directly at 800-621-3362. It is important to make sure all contact information is current. FEMA may call survivors to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. Survivors should answer these calls or return any missed phone calls. FEMA will call survivors up to nine times to schedule an inspection. An applicant who misses these calls will need to request an inspection again. For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    despina.pappas
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 15:36

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA to Host Housing Resource Fair Feb. 15 in Augusta

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    EMA is hosting a Housing Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, in Augusta at the following location:
    Henry Brigham Community Center
    2463 Golden Camp Rd. C, 
    Augusta, GA 30906
    The Housing Resource Fair will bring together federal, state and local agencies in one place to offer services and resources to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.  
    The goal of this collaborative effort is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery.
    Survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as gain information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.
    The Housing Resource Fair is an opportunity for survivors to: 

    Explore affordable housing options and rental assistance programs.
    Meet with representatives from local housing organizations, landlords and property managers.
    Gain access to resources for displaced individuals and families.
    Learn about community partners that will provide educational funding resources to attendees. 

    For FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Wallace, the Housing Resource Fair will give survivors that needed one-on-one experience: “We want survivors to know we are here for them and want to see the best outcome, which is moving into safe, sanitary and functioning housing,” he said. “We will walk them through their options to ensure they are aware of the resources that are available to fit their need.”
    Anyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether they have applied for FEMA assistance or not, is welcome to attend.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Keshena Resident Receives 115-Month Prison Sentence for Serious Domestic Violence Offense on Menominee Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 6, 2025, John V. Miller, Jr. (age: 43), an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and former resident of Keshena, received a 115-month prison sentence following convictions for strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

    The sentence, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of guilty pleas entered by the defendant on September 27, 2024. Miller will also face three years of supervised release once he completes his sentence.

    According to publicly filed court documents, Miller severely injured his ex-wife during an assault in a wooded area outside Keshena, which is a community on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Miller kicked, struck, and punched the victim, who suffered a facial fracture and severe bruising and swelling. Miller also strangled the victim to the point of unconsciousness before leaving her in the woods. The victim awoke and found her way to a nearby mobile home, where the resident there called for help.

    In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crime the defendant committed and remarked upon the need to punish the defendant for his “brutal” and “horrendous” acts. The court discussed the seriousness of the offense from the perspective of the effect it had on the victim and the children she shares with the defendant. The defendant’s documented history of violence against this victim and a total of 20 prior convictions also factored in the court reaching its sentence. Judge Griesbach also observed the need to incarcerate the defendant for a lengthy period to protect the victim and public.

    The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in U.S. District Court in Green Bay.

    # #  #

    For further information contact: 
    Public Information Officer 
    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
    (414) 297-1700
    Follow us on Twitter  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Keshena Resident Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Involuntary Manslaughter Related to Overdose Deaths in Tribal Jail

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 7, 2025, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach accepted the guilty pleas of Warren J. Grignon to one count of distribution of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 and one count of involuntary manslaughter in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111 and 1153(a).

    According to the indictment and plea agreement, Grignon was an inmate at the Menominee Tribal Detention Center in Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation. On December 23, 2024, Grignon distributed fentanyl he smuggled into the jail to three other inmates. All three inmates overdosed. Two inmates were revived through the efforts of additional inmates, corrections staff, and responding officers from the Menominee Tribal Police Department. One inmate could not be revived and was pronounced dead. A later autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a fentanyl overdose.

    The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before Judge Griesbach. Grignon faces a total sentence of up to 28 years in prison as well as fines and assessments for each count. Grignon also faces a minimum term of three years, and up to a lifetime of supervised release after completing any period of imprisonment.

    The Menominee Tribal Police Department and FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier is prosecuting the case in the United States District Court in Green Bay.

    # #  #

    For further information contact: 
    Public Information Officer 
    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
    (414) 297-1700
    Follow us on Twitter  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Question to the Commission on the Scala Coeli (CS) landfill case – E-002756/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The competent authority may only authorise a landfill site if strict environmental and health requirements of the Landfill Directive[1] are complied with. T he characteristics of the site, or the corrective measures to be taken, shall indicate that the landfill does not pose a serious environmental risk[2]. The location of the landfill must take into consideration requirements relating to e.g. distance to residential and recreation areas, waterways, water bodies, agricultural or urban sites; the existence of groundwater, coastal water or nature protection zones in the area; the geological and hydrogeological conditions in the area; and the risk of flooding, subsidence, landslides or avalanches on the site[3]. Regional waste policy and measures to improve environmentally sound waste management are set out in the Calabria Region’s waste management plan of March 2024 established under the Waste Framework Directive[4].

    2. As a result of the recently revised Industrial Emissions Directive[5], Best Available Techniques reference documents will be developed for landfills, starting mid-2025.

    3. Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. The Commission aims to swiftly follow up on systemic issues involving the application of EU law in EU countries. However, one-off instances of this are better dealt with at national level, as long as there are available remedies, including judicial ones. In these cases, it is up to the national courts to apply and enforce rights under EU law[6].

    • [1] Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, OJ L 182, 16.7.1999, p. 1-19, amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 100-108.
    • [2] Annex I, Section 1.2 and Article 8 of the Landfill Directive.
    • [3] Annex I, Section 1.1 of the Landfill Directive.
    • [4] Article 28-33 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109-140.
    • [5] Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024.
    • [6] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 (COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers).
    Last updated: 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue- Advancing India’s energy transition held in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue-   Advancing India’s energy transition held in New Delhi today

    Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme announced

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Fourth India-UK Energy Dialogue, co-chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs of India, and Mr. Ed Miliband, Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero for United Kingdom, was held today in New Delhi.

    The dialogue focused on reviewing progress made in the energy sectors of both nations, including power and renewable energy, and reaffirming the commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future. The Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring that the energy transition and economic growth proceed together, while maintaining affordable and clean energy access for all.

    The Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring energy security and sustainable development and emphasized expanding the cooperation in the areas of power distribution, sector reforms, industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonization, and electric mobility while exploring new opportunities in the emerging fields such as energy storage, green data centers, and offshore wind, with an increased focus on MSMEs.

    The Ministers were pleased to announce the launch of Phase-2 of the India-UK bilateral Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme. This phase will aim to provide technical support for ensuring round-the-clock power supply, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and accelerating industrial energy efficiency and de-carbonization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power (MOP) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

    The Ministers were pleased to observe the bilateral collaboration between the two sides to promote growth and jobs, through technical assistance cooperation and investment.  They also discussed the progress of trade missions focusing on offshore wind and green hydrogen, as well as the cooperation between the UK’s Energy Systems Catapult and India’s Power Trading Corporation.

    Recognizing the shared ambition for advancing offshore wind development, the Ministers announced the establishment of a UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce, which will focus on advancing offshore wind ecosystem development, supply chains, and financing models in both countries.  Mr. Miliband commended India’s ambitious initiatives in the renewable energy sector and shown a strong interest in gaining insights from India’s experience in implementing the Solar Rooftop Programme (PM – Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna).

    The Ministers agreed on the importance of power market regulations in driving the energy transition and ensuring greater energy security and access. To support this, they announced the continuation of the Power Sector Reforms programme under the UK Partnering for Accelerating Climate Change (UKPACT). Additionally, a new taskforce has been proposed between the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) and India’s Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to support renewable energy integration and grid transformation in India.

    Both Ministers emphasized the ongoing value of the India-UK Energy Dialogue in advancing mutual energy transition goals, ensuring energy access, and building secure and sustainable clean energy supply chains while aligning these efforts with economic growth.

    The Ministers expressed their intention to further strengthen their collaboration through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looked forward to the fifth UK-India Energy Dialogue in 2026. The dialogue concluded with the launch of the ‘Best Practices Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency/Decarbonisation’ and a ‘Pathways for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation in the Indian Aluminium Sector’.

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    JN/ SK

    (Release ID: 2101542) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today launched India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant at AIIMS New Delhi.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today launched India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant at AIIMS New Delhi.

    The Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named “Sṛjanam,” was officially dedicated to the nation:

    1st of its kind indigenously developed Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Rig has been developed by CSIR NIIST Thiruvananthapuram:

    “India’s New Eco-Friendly Technology Biomedical Waste Solution Set to Transform Healthcare Waste Disposal” says Science and Technology Minister Dr. Singh

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Showcases Govt’s First 100 Days Vision with Record-Breaking Investments in Science and Technology

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today launched India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant at AIIMS New Delhi.

    The Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named “Sṛjanam,” was officially dedicated to the nation by the Minister at a ceremony held in the AIIMS auditorium. Following the ceremony, he, accompanied by Director General of CSIR Dr. N. Kalaiselvi and Director of AIIMS Dr. M. Srinivas, walked to the site within the AIIMS premises where the machinery had been installed and formally switched it on.

    This innovative, environmentally friendly technology, developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), offers a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste.

    Speaking on the Commissioning, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh called for a paradigm shift from ‘Waste to Wealth’ and emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental concerns. He noted that India’s economy has transitioned from being part of the fragile five to a member of the First Five and is poised for continued growth. He highlighted the significance of the new biomedical waste treatment rig, which is set to revolutionize waste management in healthcare facilities.

    The “Sṛjanam” rig can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables, without the use of costly and energy-intensive incinerators. Additionally, the rig imparts a pleasant fragrance to the otherwise foul-smelling toxic waste. With a daily capacity of 400 kg, the equipment is capable of handling 10 kg of degradable medical waste per day in the initial phase. Once validated, this technology will be ready for full-scale implementation after receiving approval from relevant authorities.

    With the growing demand for better waste disposal solutions, the “Sṛjanam” rig offers a safer and more efficient approach, eliminating the risks associated with human exposure to harmful waste and minimizing the chances of spills and accidents. The technology has been third-party validated for its antimicrobial action, and studies have shown that the treated material is safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded CSIR-NIIST for its innovative and cost-effective solution to dispose of pathogenic biomedical waste in an eco-friendly manner. He referenced the 2023 annual report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which indicated that India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, presenting a significant challenge in its safe and proper disposal. The new technology addresses this issue and presents an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional incineration methods.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh further explained that improper segregation, open dumping, open burning, and inadequate incineration of biomedical waste lead to severe health hazards, including the release of carcinogens and particulate matter. He emphasized the need for effective waste management to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership continues to drive India’s progress in science, technology, and green initiatives. He praised Shri. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), for his prompt actions in securing the necessary clearances for this project.

    In his address, Dr. Singh mentioned other technological milestones achieved by India, including the first indigenous DNA vaccine, the development of India’s first HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer, and rapid advancements in space technology. He also highlighted India’s breakthrough in pharmaceuticals with the creation of the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’ and India’s first gene therapy trial for hemophilia, supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

    Vice-President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recalled the ‘One Week One Lab’ initiative, which aims to raise awareness about CSIR’s groundbreaking projects, such as the first hydrogen buses developed by NCL Pune, off-season tulips developed by CSIR Palampur, the 108-petal lotus, and more.

    The Science and Technology Minister also emphasized the priorities of the government during its first 100 days, which include the approval of India’s first Bio E3 policy, the sanctioning of 1000 crores for Viability Gap funding for space startups, 2000 crores for Mission Mausam, and 50,000 crores for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF). Furthermore, he highlighted the recent Union Budget, which proposes 20,000 crores for Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

    Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by urging for increased academic collaboration between institutions and proposed making postgraduate students co-guides in exchange programs, fostering synergy and shared learning. He emphasized the government’s unwavering support for science, technology, and innovation under the leadership of PM Modi. He said “This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, and with continued progress in innovation and sustainable technologies, India is set to become a global leader in environmental and healthcare solutions”.

    The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and DG, ICMR, Tanmay Kumar IAS, Secretary MoEFCC, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR and DG, CSIR, and Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group President Calviño in Kyiv on first official visit outside EU to announce new major projects for critical energy infrastructure, basic services for citizens and investment in SMEs across Ukraine

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB President is leading the EIB delegation to Ukraine on her first visit outside the EU since taking up office last year.
    • Calviño stressed the EIB Group’s long-term commitment to Ukraine in talks with the government and business leaders in Kyiv.
    • The projects announced under EU’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility include €420 million in investment for the public sector to restore and protect energy supplies, and for water, heating, housing and other critical infrastructure.
    • The support also includes new loan and guarantees for SMEs, unlocking almost €500 million of new finance.
    • The EU 112 emergency call system will be rolled out in Ukraine with EIB backing.
    • A €16.5 million grant provided by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to an EIB International Climate Initiative Trust Fund has been signed for renewable energy in Ukraine.
    • There are plans for close cooperation to advance social housing in the country.

    On her first official visit outside the European Union since taking up office a year ago, European Investment Bank (EIB) Group President Nadia Calviño is visiting Kyiv today to meet top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The objective of the visit is to agree on new financing operations for Ukraine and stress Europe’s long-term commitment to the country. President Calviño is leading the delegation that also features EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.

    The package – part of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility – includes €420 million for new public-sector projects to restore and protect energy supplies, heating systems and other critical infrastructure that has been damaged since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The EIB and the European Commission are set to finalise the approval of a €2 billion EIB contribution under the Facility.

    The latest round of European funding announced today will also benefit Ukraine’s private sector, with the aim of bolstering thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the country’s economy. It combines a €100 million loan and guarantees aimed at unlocking around €400 million in lending to SMEs through key Ukrainian banks – including Ukreximbank, ProCredit Bank and Ukrgasbank – with which the EIB has signed agreements today.

    Another element of the package is the planned rollout of the European Union’s common 112 emergency number and call system across Ukraine to enhance public safety. President Calviño visited an operating centre in Kyiv that will run the new system to mark the signing of a €40 million EIB loan for the initiative, which is complemented by a €12 million EU grant and funding from Member States under the EU for Ukraine Fund.

    “This is my first official visit outside the European Union since  taking up office as President of the EIB Group last year. Support for Ukraine is a top priority and that is why I am so pleased to be here to announce new major projects for SMEs, energy, water and other essential services that will help people to continue with their daily lives and support the country’s economic resilience, while also laying the foundation for a stronger Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño.”

    “The financing package that we have announced reflects our ongoing and unwavering commitment, since the very first day of this war, to help Ukraine recover, rebuild, and thrive despite the immense challenges it faces. This is a joint effort of Team Europe made possible through close collaboration with the European Commission and EU Member States,” added EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Ukraine.

    “This support package, developed with the EIB, further demonstrates the European Union’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. With the Ukraine Facility, we are restoring vital infrastructure and helping businesses grow – crucial projects as Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression. Together, we will continue to support Ukraine, working on key areas, such as energy, housing, and public safety to build a stronger and more sustainable future,” said EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová.

    Today, four projects worth €420 million were announced under the EU’s Ukraine Facility. They will help to restore critical infrastructure and services and ensure a stable energy supply. The projects include the €100 million “Ukraine Recovery III”, €100 million “Ukraine Water Recovery”, and the €100 million “Ukraine District Heating”, which will be channelled through Ukreximbank. These initiatives aim to ensure that millions of Ukrainians in more than 100 communities across the country have access to heating, water, hospitals, schools and housing for internally displaced people. The €120 million “Support of Ukrhydroenergo Stability and Recovery” loan to the largest hydropower generating company in Ukraine will help to restore hydropower plants and thus reinforce the Ukrainian energy system.

    Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine — Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba said: “We deeply value the strong cooperation with the European Investment Bank, in particular under the recovery programmes, which are playing, since 2014 a key role in supporting more than 100 communities across the country. We are grateful for the support to the communities that are de-occupied or close to the front line. The provision of social, medical, logistical, educational and other infrastructure is essential to ensuring our communities remains strong and resilient. Today we sign €100 million of the multi-sector Ukraine Recovery III loan for the restoration and modernization of critical infrastructure, such as heating, hospitals and housing for IDPs and we sign €100 million of Ukraine Water Recovery dedicated to water and wastewater. Our collaboration on social housing is another key component, reflecting our shared commitment to providing essential infrastructure and stability for those in need. The grant for renewable energy, which we also signed today, will play a vital role in ensuring that critical buildings, like hospitals, can continue serving the population amidst power cuts. Together, these initiatives not only accelerate our recovery but also help us build a more resilient and sustainable future for our country.”

    The financing provided for the 112 call system in Ukraine will expand data centres across the country and upgrade their technological capacity, ensuring that critical services are reliable and efficient.

    “Implementing and developing the 112 emergency call system has become a crucial component in enhancing public safety in Ukraine and in aligning our infrastructure to European standards. Thanks to the EIB loan and support from European partners, we will be able to improve cooperation between emergency services, particularly through the automatic detection of the caller’s geolocation. We will strengthen our ability to assist individuals with hearing and speech impairments, as well as foreign citizens. This project is about enhancing the safety of our citizens and providing timely assistance to those in need,” said Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

    The EIB is also signing a €16.5 million grant from the German government with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine to promote renewable energy. The grant comes through the EIB’s International Climate Initiative Fund and is part of the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan announced by the EIB in October 2024.

    The grant will help integrate renewable energy systems into public buildings undergoing renovation works under EIB municipal loans. This will upgrade social infrastructure and make energy more reliable, cleaner and less costly. The grant will also help to decentralise energy generation, ensuring that critical public buildings in towns and villages are less reliant on electricity supplies from large power stations, making them less vulnerable to blackouts in the event of an airstrike.

    Berthold Goeke, Director-General for Climate Action, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) said: “Through the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme, the International Climate Initiative (IKI) is helping smaller Ukrainian communities — those most affected by the war and in urgent need — to implement climate-friendly technologies. This support enables Ukraine to reduce energy costs and modernize outdated infrastructure in public buildings, laying the foundation for a stable and renewable energy future. In this way, the German government is addressing two critical challenges in Ukraine’s energy system. First, we are supporting the development of a decentralized and resilient energy supply, particularly for essential public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. Given the ongoing Russian aggression and the destruction of central energy infrastructure, this is vital for ensuring stability and security. Second, our initiative contributes to Ukraine’s long-term energy transition by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, paving the way for a climate-neutral energy system.”

    Social housing is one of the most pressing issues in Ukraine, with 10% of the country’s housing stock damaged as a result of the war. The EIB is supporting the government in drafting a new housing code and exploring the possibility of financing the construction of homes that are publicly owned.

    Background information

    EIB in Ukraine 

    The EIB Group has been supporting Ukraine’s resilience, economy and efforts to rebuild since the very first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In 2024, we supported projects aimed at securing Ukraine’s energy supply, repairing critical infrastructure that has been damaged, and ensuring that essential services continue to be delivered across the country. This brings the total amount of aid we have disbursed since the start of the war to over €2.2 billion. This funding has played a crucial role in ensuring that vital services continue to be delivered to people in Ukraine. For example, this year we inaugurated the water supply facility in Bucha that was rebuilt, and which provides clean water to 9 000 residents. We also opened five new schools in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ternopil Oblasts, helped build a department for children’s infectious diseases at a hospital in Zhytomyr Oblast, and significantly improved sanitation through the upgraded sewerage collector in Vinnytsia Oblast. Furthermore, our investments have helped modernise street lighting in Dnipro, benefitted the reclamation of the Hrybovychi landfill in Lviv, and helped to upgrade water infrastructure in Mykolaiv. We have also strengthened Ukraine’s transport networks to ensure resilient and sustainable mobility for businesses and residents. With our support, cities such as Lviv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, and Sumy have purchased new buses, trolleybuses, and trams. In addition, we have funded the reconstruction of the M01 Kyiv-Chernihiv-Novi Yarylovychi section of road that had been damaged in the war. To enhance Ukraine’s energy resilience, we have launched the Energy Rescue Plan, securing €600 million in EU-backed financing, including €86 million to build anti-drone shelters to protect critical electricity transmission infrastructure. These measures are crucial to maintaining stable power supply across the country amid ongoing challenges. In 2024, we signed over €250 million in new investment for projects to further enhance social infrastructure and support businesses that are the backbone of Ukraine’s economy.

    The EU for Ukraine Fund (EU4U) was established in 2023 as part of a larger EU for Ukraine initiative. The fund aims to accelerate EIB Global’s support for Ukraine’s most urgent infrastructure needs and help sustain its economy. The Fund supports both public and private sector projects to rebuild critical municipal infrastructure and improve access to finance for entrepreneurs.

    The International Climate Initiative (IKI) Fund was established in 2019 in partnership with the government of Germany, with the aim of catalysing investment for ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in developing and emerging countries. The IKI Fund seeks to do this by providing investment grants, financial instruments and technical assistance to public and private sector beneficiaries, as well as advisory services to central banks and financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $17.9 million for flood mitigation, generators and Hurricanes Ida, Laura aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $17,860,797 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for flood mitigation projects and emergency power generator installations in Louisiana.

    “Our communities depend on projects to help them prepare for storms and recover from disasters. This $17.9 million will help Louisianians with flood mitigation, emergency generators and permanent repairs after Hurricanes Ida and Laura,” said Kennedy 

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $7,239,362 to Lake Charles for permanent repairs to the Purple Heart Recreation Center and Gymnasium due to Hurricane Laura. 
    • $3,632,990 to St. John the Baptist Parish for the elevation of 21 residential structures.
    • $1,908,921 to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the instillation of two permanent generators in Monroe, La.
    • $1,906,342 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida. 
    • $1,492,935 to Livingston Parish for the replacement of the Lod Stafford Road Bridge as a result of Hurricane Ida.
    • $1,421,300 to Winn Parish for the installation of 15 emergency power generator systems.
    • $201,832 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs associated with the elevation of 21 residential structures.
    • $57,115 to Winn Parish for management costs associated with the installation of the 15 emergency power generator systems.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Earth is already shooting through the 1.5°C global warming limit, two major studies show

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Earth is crossing the threshold of 1.5°C of global warming, according to two major global studies which together suggest the planet’s climate has likely entered a frightening new phase.

    Under the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, humanity is seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep planetary heating to no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. In 2024, temperatures on Earth surpassed that limit.

    This was not enough to declare the Paris threshold had been crossed, because the temperature goals under the agreement are measured over several decades, rather than short excursions over the 1.5°C mark.

    But the two papers just released use a different measure. Both examined historical climate data to determine whether very hot years in the recent past were a sign that a future, long-term warming threshold would be breached.

    The answer, alarmingly, was yes. The researchers say the record-hot 2024 indicates Earth is passing the 1.5°C limit, beyond which scientists predict catastrophic harm to the natural systems that support life on Earth.

    2024: the first year of many above 1.5°C

    Climate organisations around the world agree last year was the hottest on record. The global average temperature in 2024 was about 1.6°C above the average temperatures in the late-19th century, before humans started burning fossil fuels at large scale.

    Earth has also recently experienced individual days and months above the 1.5°C warming mark.

    But the global temperature varies from one year to the next. For example, the 2024 temperature spike, while in large part due to climate change, was also driven by a natural El Niño pattern early in the year. That pattern has dissipated for now, and 2025 is forecast to be a little cooler.

    These year-to-year fluctuations mean climate scientists don’t view a single year exceeding the 1.5°C mark as a failure to meet the Paris Agreement.

    However, the new studies published today in Nature Climate Change suggest even a single month or year at 1.5°C global warming may signify Earth is entering a long-term breach of that vital threshold.

    What the studies found

    The studies were conducted independently by researchers in Europe and Canada. They tackled the same basic question: is a year above 1.5°C global warming a warning sign that we’re already crossing the Paris Agreement threshold?

    Both studies used observations and climate model simulations to address this question, with slightly different approaches.

    In the European paper, the researchers looked at historical warming trends. They found when Earth’s average temperature reached a certain threshold, the following 20-year period also reached that threshold.

    This pattern suggests that, given Earth reached 1.5°C warming last year, we may have entered a 20-year warming period when average temperatures will also reach 1.5°C.

    The Canadian paper involved month-to-month data. June last year was the 12th consecutive month of temperatures above the 1.5°C warming level. The researcher found 12 consecutive months above a climate threshold indicates the threshold will be reached over the long term.

    Both studies also demonstrate that even if stringent emissions reduction begins now, Earth is still likely to be crossing the 1.5°C threshold.

    Heading in the wrong direction

    Given these findings, what humanity does next is crucial.

    For decades, climate scientists have warned burning fossil fuels for energy releases carbon dioxide and other gases that are warming the planet.

    But humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase. Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its first report in 1990, the world’s annual carbon dioxide emissions have risen about 50%.

    Put simply, we are not even moving in the right direction, let alone at the required pace.

    The science shows greenhouse gas emissions must reach net-zero to end global warming. Even then, some aspects of the climate will continue to change for many centuries, because some regional warming, especially in the oceans, is already locked in and irreversible.

    If Earth has indeed already crossed the 1.5°C mark, and humanity wants to get below the threshold again, we will need to cool the planet by reaching “net-negative emissions” – removing more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than we emit. This would be a highly challenging task.

    Feeling the heat

    The damaging effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe. The harm will be even worse for future generations.

    Australia has already experienced 1.5°C of warming, on average, since 1910.

    Our unique ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, are already suffering because of this warming. Our oceans are hotter and seas are rising, hammering our coastlines and threatening marine life.

    Bushfires and extreme weather, especially heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and severe. This puts pressure on nature, society and our economy.

    But amid the gloom, there are signs of progress.

    Across the world, renewable electricity generation is growing. Fossil fuel use has dropped in many countries. Technological developments are slowing emissions growth in polluting industries such as aviation and construction.

    But clearly, there is much more work to be done.

    Humanity can turn the tide

    These studies are a sobering reminder of how far short humanity is falling in tackling climate change.

    They show we must urgently adapt to further global warming. Among the suite of changes needed, richer nations must support the poorer countries set to bear the most severe climate harms. While some progress has been made in this regard, far more is needed.

    A major shift is also needed to decarbonise our societies and economies. There is still room for hope, but we must not delay action. Otherwise, humanity will keep warming the planet and causing further damage.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

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

    – ref. Earth is already shooting through the 1.5°C global warming limit, two major studies show – https://theconversation.com/earth-is-already-shooting-through-the-1-5-c-global-warming-limit-two-major-studies-show-249133

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Climate impacts are forcing people from their homes. When, how and why do they have valid refugee claims?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney

    For a long time, it seemed refugee law had little relevance to people fleeing the impacts of climate change and disasters.

    Nearly 30 years ago, the High Court of Australia, for instance, remarked that people fleeing a “natural disaster” or “natural catastrophes” could not be refugees.

    Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Canada had said “victims of natural disasters” couldn’t be refugees “even when the home state is unable to provide assistance”.

    It was back in 2007 that I first started considering whether international refugee law could apply to people escaping the impacts of drought, floods or sea-level rise. At the time, I also thought refugee law had limited application. For a start, most people seeking to escape natural hazards move within their own country and don’t cross an international border. That fact alone makes refugee law inapplicable.

    Refugee law defines a refugee as someone with a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group.

    So one challenge was in classifying supposedly “natural” events as “persecution”, which requires an identifiable human actor.

    It was also widely thought such events were indiscriminate and couldn’t target people on account of their race, religion or one of the other five grounds. This is partly why some advocates called for an overhaul of the Refugee Convention to protect so-called “climate refugees”.

    However, we have learned a lot in the intervening years.

    A new approach

    It’s become clear the impacts of climate change and disasters interact with other social, economic and political drivers of displacement to create risks for people.

    This is what some legal experts have called the “hazard-scape”.

    And the impacts of climate change and disasters are not indiscriminate – they affect people in different ways. Factors such as age, gender, disability and health can intersect to create particular risk of persecution for particular individuals or communities.

    For example, a person who is a member of a minority may find their government is withholding disaster relief from them. Or, climate or disaster impacts may end up exacerbating inter-communal conflicts, putting certain people at heightened risk of persecution.

    Now, we have a much more nuanced understanding of things. Refugee law (and complementary protection under human rights law) do have a role to play in assessing the claims of people affected by climate change.

    No such thing as a ‘climate refugee’ under the law

    There isn’t a legal category of “climate refugee” – a popular label that has caused confusion. However, there are certainly people facing heightened risks because of the impacts of climate change or disasters. These impacts can generate or exacerbate a risk of persecution or other serious harm.

    This means that when it comes to the law, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

    Instead, by applying existing legal principles and approaches, it’s clear some people impacted by climate change already qualify for refugee status or complementary protection (under human rights law).

    One instructive case, heard in New Zealand, involved a deaf and mute man from Tuvalu who was seeking to avoid deportation on humanitarian grounds. He was found to be at heightened risk if a disaster struck because he could not hear evacuation or other warnings. He also didn’t have anyone who could sign for him or ensure his safety.

    In another case, an older couple from Eritrea were found to be especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because of “their elderly status and lack of family support”, in circumstances where they would be exposed to “conditions of abject poverty, underdevelopment and likely displacement”. This, in addition to other conditions in Eritrea, meant that there was “a real chance they would suffer cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by way of starvation and destitution”. They were granted complementary protection.

    A practical way forward

    New Zealand has led the way on showing how existing international refugee and human rights law can provide protection in the context of climate change and disasters. It’s time for the rest of the world to catch up.

    With colleagues from Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, I’ve helped create a practical toolkit on international protection for people displaced across borders in the context of climate change and disasters.

    This is a detailed resource for legal practitioners and decision-makers tasked with assessing international protection claims involving the impacts of climate change and disasters.

    It shows when, why and how existing law can apply to claims where climate change or disasters play a role.

    Inaccurate but popular labels aren’t helpful

    Inaccurate but popular labels – such as “climate refugee” – have caused confusion and arguably hampered a consistent, principled approach.

    Some judges and decision-makers assessing refugee claims may be spooked by “climate change”. They may think they need specialist scientific expertise to grapple with it.

    The new toolkit shows why international protection claims arising in the context of climate change and disasters should be assessed in the same way as all other international protection claims. That is, by applying conventional legal principles and considering the facts of each case.

    The toolkit stresses that it’s important to assess the impacts of climate change and disasters within a broader social context.

    That includes examining underlying systemic issues of discrimination or inequity that may impact on how particular people experience harm.

    The toolkit also shows why a cumulative assessment of risk is necessary, especially since risks may emerge over time, rather than as the result of a single, extreme event.

    And it emphasises the need to look at the “hazard-scape” as a whole in assessing the future risk of harm to a person.

    We hope the toolkit helps to debunk some common misunderstandings and charts a clear way forward. Our ultimate ambition is that people seeking international protection in the context of climate change and disasters will have their claims assessed in a consistent, fair and principled way.

    Jane McAdam receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a member of the expert sub-committee of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration. She thanks the Open Society Foundations (OSF) for its generous support of this project and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its endorsement.

    – ref. Climate impacts are forcing people from their homes. When, how and why do they have valid refugee claims? – https://theconversation.com/climate-impacts-are-forcing-people-from-their-homes-when-how-and-why-do-they-have-valid-refugee-claims-248865

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Gives Update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy Visit

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Gives Update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy Visit

    Governor Josh Stein Gives Update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy Visit
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding an update on I-40 and U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy’s visit to western North Carolina:    

    “Today, I am pleased to announce that we will reopen two lanes of I-40 by March 1. I am proud of NCDOT’s focus on this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe. Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy.

    “As I welcomed Secretary Duffy to North Carolina today to show him the devastating impact Hurricane Helene had on our roads, I expressed my appreciation for U.S. DOT’s partnership and emphasized that there are billions of dollars of work still to do to get people safely back on the roads. I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and our federal partners to ensure we have the resources we need to rebuild our infrastructure as quickly as possible. And I am grateful for his visit to shine a spotlight on western North Carolina. It is clear to me that he intends to help.” 

    Feb 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Prioritizing nuclear power and natural gas over renewable energy is a risky move for Ontario’s energy future

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Norman W. Park, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, York University, Canada

    The demand for electricity is growing rapidly as the world transitions from fossil fuels to low carbon-emitting forms of energy. However, making this transition will be difficult.

    Ontario is projected to require 75 per cent more electricity by 2050, spurred by increasing demand from the industrial sector, data centres, electric vehicle (EV) adoption and households, according to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

    To meet this demand, Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce has proposed transforming the province into an “energy superpower” by aggressively expanding nuclear energy and natural gas while cutting support for wind and solar renewable energy.

    This plan was spelled out in a policy directive from Lecce instructing the IESO to consider bids from all energy sources, opening the door to allow bids from natural gas and nuclear energy.

    This is a departure from previous policies. Previously, under former Energy Minister Todd Smith, the IESO had stipulated bids for the electrical grid should only be from wind, solar, hydro or biomass.

    The Ontario government should reconsider these plans. Non-renewable energy sources are costly, rely on new, expensive technologies, ignore the harm to human health and ignore the consequences for global warming.

    Expanding nuclear

    A central pillar of the Ontario government’s energy plan is the aggressive expansion of nuclear power. The province has committed to refurbishing 14 CANDU reactors at Bruce, Darlington and Pickering, and has proposed constructing new reactors at Bruce.

    Ontario is also the first jurisdiction in the world to contractually build a BWRX–300 small modular reactor project at Darlington, despite not knowing its projected cost.

    The cost of this small modular reactor may be much higher than similarly sized solar, wind and natural gas projects. This is unsurprising, given that the costs of nuclear projects are often much higher than projected.

    Ontario encountered a similar issue when the Darlington nuclear generating station was constructed. The actual costs of nuclear projects were more than double projected costs and took almost six years longer to complete than projected.

    Given these historical challenges and uncertainties, the province’s push for nuclear expansion is a cause for concern.

    Opposition to wind and solar

    Despite significant cost reductions in utility-scale wind and solar farms, which makes them less expensive than nuclear and fossil fuels in many parts of the world, Ontario’s recent policy directive reduced support for these non-emitting renewable energy sources.

    The directive is a continuation of the government’s antipathy to wind and solar energy. Shortly after winning its first election in 2018, the Doug Ford government cancelled 750 renewable energy contracts at a cost of $230 million to Ontario residents. Ford defended this decision by saying it saved taxpayers $790 million and that wind turbines had “destroyed” Ontario’s energy file.

    Unsurprisingly, growth of wind and solar energy in Ontario has stalled since the Ford government gained power. This slowdown has put it at odds with international trends. Between 2018 and 2023, the global growth of solar and wind energy nearly doubled and is projected to continue growing.

    By curtailing support for renewable energy, Ontario risks missing out on the economic, environmental and technological benefits these energy sources offer. In other words, it may hinder the province’s ability to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

    Support for natural gas

    Instead of investing in wind and solar to power Ontario’s electrical grid, the province has increased its reliance on natural gas. This expansion has tripled the percentage of energy provided by gas-fired turbines from four per cent in 2017 to 12.8 per cent in 2023. It’s projected to grow to 25 per cent by 2030.

    Burning more natural gas increases the risk of premature death and emits more greenhouse gas compared to wind and solar energy.

    According to Health Canada, outdoor air pollution has a total economic cost in Canada of $120 billion per year, and it resulted in 6,000 premature deaths per year in Ontario and 15,300 deaths in Canada. That’s about eight times higher than the annual number of motor vehicle fatalities in Canada.

    Shifting focus from natural gas to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar could reduce these environmental and health impacts in Ontario.

    Reconsidering Ontario’s energy transition

    Ontario’s energy transition must involve supplying more energy to an expanding electrical grid while ensuring it remains reliable and resilient. The current government’s plans to turn the province into an “energy superpower” will commit Ontario to decades of costly expenditures and relies on unproven new technologies.

    The government’s proposal to increase natural gas to supply the electricity grid and new buildings will increase the risk of premature death and serious illness to Ontarians and will increase greenhouse gas emission, undermining efforts to combat global warming.

    Lecce should reconsider his current policy directive to the IESO. Future bids for the electrical grid should instead be evaluated for their impacts on the health of Ontario residents and climate change.

    Ontario’s energy policies should also be guided by knowledgeable experts outside of government, rather than solely by politicians. Establishing a blue-ribbon committee comprising energy scientists and environmental specialists would provide needed oversight and ensure the province’s energy strategy is cost-effective, technologically sound and aligned with climate goals.

    Ontario has an opportunity to lead by example in balancing energy needs with environmental and health priorities.

    Norman W. Park receives no funding from any organization that would benefit from this article. He is affiliated with Seniors for Climate Action Now.

    – ref. Prioritizing nuclear power and natural gas over renewable energy is a risky move for Ontario’s energy future – https://theconversation.com/prioritizing-nuclear-power-and-natural-gas-over-renewable-energy-is-a-risky-move-for-ontarios-energy-future-246289

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Online algorithms could help save the planet with just a few small tweaks

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martin Gibert, Chercheur en éthique de l’intelligence artificielle, Université de Montréal

    YouTube’s algorithm is extremely powerful. If the company were to direct some of its users’s attention to pro-climate content, this would likely have positive consequences on a large scale. (Shutterstock)

    Have we tried everything to tackle the climate crisis? At least one simple idea has hardly been explored: prioritizing climate content on social media.

    The climate crisis is seriously aggravated by a lack of attention, including in the recent United States presidential election campaign. But algorithmic recommenders could help, as they are responsible for a significant proportion of how human attention online is allocated. Algorithmic recommenders are artificial intelligence systems that suggest content, such as news feeds, music or videos, to people based on their behaviour and preferences.

    Take YouTube, where hundreds of millions of users watch billions of hours of content each day. That’s a huge amount of brain time. But how do these users select the handful of videos they watch, out of the billions of uploaded content online? Well, in 70 per cent of cases, they merely follow YouTube’s automated recommendations. This system determines a massive proportion of human attention.

    Effectively leveraging this attention could help achieve vital advances in climate action across the political spectrum.

    Two per cent for the climate

    In a recent article published in Ethics and Information Technology, we argue that YouTube — the world’s biggest online video library — should tune its recommendation algorithm in a way that favours the mitigation of the climate crisis. We even propose a precise figure: two per cent of recommendations should be selected for their climate content.

    This goal raises a number of critical questions.

    What kind of videos could be recommended? Educational videos on climate change are clear candidates, but so are conferences by climate activists, as well as content that encourages viewers to mobilize or change their behaviour, for example by promoting public transport, plant-based cooking or climate demonstrations. The two per cent figure is a proposal, not a dogma. It’s far from invasive, but it’s still significant.

    Another fundamental question is: who decides which videos are good for the climate? From the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to relevant non-governmental organizations to video hosting platforms themselves, there are potential avenues for determining climate-positive content. In any of these cases, transparency will be key to effectiveness.

    Algorithmic recommenders are responsible for a significant proportion of how human attention online is allocated.
    (Shutterstock)

    Ethical analysis of YouTube recommendations

    Firstly, as American researcher Tarleton Gillespie explains in his book Custodians of the Internet, YouTube is already doing moderation, which is a central part of its business. For example, it removes pornographic, violent or illegal content in the name of user safety and well-being, and in accordance to copyright or local laws. Our proposal is merely an extension of these efforts.

    Currently, YouTube’s algorithmic system appears not to be programmed to push relevant content for the climate, which is endangering the viability of climate content creators. Its own researchers report that it instead maximizes user engagement.

    YouTube’s algorithm is extremely powerful. If the platform were to direct some of its users’ attention to pro-climate action content, it would likely go a long way toward boosting awareness and encouraging action on climate change. There is a strong argument to be made for programming the algorithm along these lines. Simply put, a significant potential benefit for us all is possible at relatively little cost.

    Research has also found that YouTube has, in the past, contributed to spreading false information about the climate crisis. A 2024 report found that YouTube earned millions of dollars a year from content that promoted climate denial.

    YouTube says that it won’t show ads on “content that crosses the line to climate change denial.” However, video-sharing platforms have a moral responsibility to also promote information that is factual. This could be done by amplifying climate videos as we propose.

    YouTube’s algorithm may be likened to a librarian who is tasked with deciding how the library’s books are displayed. In the context of the climate crisis, a wise and informed librarian should put forward at least some books on this issue. Online algorithms should be designed less like an attention-grabbing machine and more like a responsible librarian.

    Recommendation algorithms as part of the solution

    Our proposal would likely not be without detractors. For example, would it amount to manipulating users? Our proposal is overtly about influencing people’s attitudes in favour of tackling the climate crisis. But it’s not about imposing specific content on the user, who remains free to choose whether to watch the content. The nudge is very gentle — and hardly all that different from the algorithmic nudges taking place all across the internet.

    Our proposed intervention merely acts on a small fraction of recommendations. No one will force viewers to watch videos with Greta Thunberg, David Suzuki or Michael Mann. On the other hand, if successful, our proposal could help avoid the serious problems that would result from climate inaction.

    In the face of the growing environmental crisis, recommendation algorithms like YouTube’s could help us build climate bridges across political divides, promote action and raise awareness — all essential tools to building a more just future.

    Lê Nguyên Hoang is the President of the nonprofit Tournesol Association, which is mentioned in the paper.
    He is also the YouTube content creator of the Science4All channel, which sometimes produce climate-related videos.
    He was previously a researcher at EPFL, with a salary derived from an AI Safety research grant.

    Martin Gibert and Maxime Lambrecht do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Online algorithms could help save the planet with just a few small tweaks – https://theconversation.com/online-algorithms-could-help-save-the-planet-with-just-a-few-small-tweaks-240183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: There isn’t enough ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel to make a dent in our emissions – and there won’t be for years

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ben Purvis, Research Associate, Sustainability Assessment, University of Sheffield

    Most of this fuel is currently made from used cooking oil. Scharfsinn / shutterstock

    The UK chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has described so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a “game changer”. As she announced government support for a series of airport expansions, she said that the fuel “can reduce carbon emissions from flying by 70%”.

    This number is misleading. Optimistic estimates do suggest that fully replacing fossil jet fuel with its sustainable alternative could lead to total savings of around 70%. But it will be hard to produce enough SAF to make a difference on that sort of scale. Even if the UK meets its ambitious targets, an annual saving of 7% by 2030 is more plausible.

    SAF is synthetic liquid fuel derived from something other than fossil fuels. These inputs have to be processed into a liquid that can be burned safely while also storing a lot of energy for its weight, since minimising weight is crucial. This is why long-haul electric battery-powered planes are unlikely to take off any time soon.

    The UK classifies three major pathways for creating sustainable aviation fuel. It can be derived from oils or fats, including used cooking oil or tallow. It can come from other sorts of material, such as municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, or sewage. Or it can be made from hydrogen and captured carbon using renewable electricity.

    SAF can also be produced from bioenergy crops, and products such as palm oil. However the UK won’t certify it as sustainable, due to concerns about land use and impacts on wildlife.

    Emissions that would have occurred anyway

    Burning SAF actually emits a similar amount of CO₂ to fossil jet fuel. Instead, most savings come from how we account for the waste and renewable energy that is used to produce it.

    Waste emits greenhouse gases anyway, sustainable fuel supporters argue. So why not have those emissions do something useful, like power a plane?
    Jenya Smyk/shutterstock

    SAF fundamentally relies on assumptions that if waste or energy crops were not used to make this fuel, they would be incinerated, would degrade, or would in some way release their embodied carbon anyway. In the case of fuel derived from renewable energy and captured carbon, it assumes that carbon came from the atmosphere in the first place. This allows these emissions to be deducted from the total impact of SAF, leading to lower emissions than conventional aviation fuel.

    Is sustainable aviation fuel even sustainable?

    Estimates of how much greenhouse gas SAF could cut vary greatly due to the many different ways it can be produced, and the complexities of accounting for emissions across the entire life cycle from waste, to fuel production, to plane engine. A 2023 review by the Royal Society illustrates this nicely. It found SAF could at best produce effectively negative emissions (a 111% reduction), while at worst it could be more carbon intensive than fossil kerosene jet fuel (a 69% increase).

    While policy incentives are likely to encourage increased production, there remain serious concerns that will need to be addressed before SAF can become a serious competitor for conventional jet fuel. There are hard limits to the amount of used cooking oil available for instance, and the use of other feedstocks is still in its infancy.

    Meanwhile any renewable energy used to make the fuel will have to compete with growing demand from electric vehicles, AI data centres and more. And there are big worries the industry simply won’t be profitable enough to attract initial capital investment, let alone take on its well-established rival.

    UK SAF production

    Coming into effect in January, the UK’s SAF mandate sets legal obligations for aviation fuel suppliers in the UK to progressively increase proportions of sustainable fuel, from 2% of total jet fuel in 2025 to 10% in 2030, and 22% in 2040.

    This is one of a growing number of commitments globally, including RefuelEU, and the US SAF grand challenge, which seek to increase demand and encourage more investment in production.

    As of 2023, 97% of the UK’s supply is derived from used cooking oil, with the rest from food waste. Only 8% of this cooking oil is sourced from the UK, with most being imported from China and Malaysia. The UK also comprises 16% of the global SAF market, despite representing only 1% of total passengers.

    Currently, the only commercial producer of SAF in the UK is the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery which processes used cooking oil. The previous government allocated £135 million of funding to nine projects, aiming to have five plants under construction by 2025. Despite several projects selecting sites, at the time of writing none appear to be under construction.

    In an industry with razor-thin profit margins, SAF remains considerably more expensive than conventional aviation fuel. With potential producers filing for bankruptcy and companies including Shell pulling out due to profitability concerns, the market is looking rocky.

    A 7% saving is more plausible

    Let us assume that Rachel Reeves’ 70% saving is deliverable if fossil jet fuel was fully replaced with SAF. That’s optimistic in itself, but not beyond the realms of possibility.

    Getting hold of that much sustainable fuel is less plausible, however – the total demand for jet fuel in the UK is more than ten times the current global production of SAF. But let’s assume that the rocky global market can deliver the UK’s ambitious demand of 10% SAF use by 2030.

    Reeves’ figure then becomes an optimistic value of 7% savings across the UK industry. If we then correct for anticipated growth of passenger numbers, assuming plans for airport expansion, those savings are likely to vanish.

    While SAF has a role to play in decarbonisation, growth sits in clear opposition to its impacts and potential. If the UK has any hope of meeting its climate targets, it should instead be seeking alternatives to flying where possible.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Ben Purvis receives funding from the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.

    – ref. There isn’t enough ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel to make a dent in our emissions – and there won’t be for years – https://theconversation.com/there-isnt-enough-sustainable-aviation-fuel-to-make-a-dent-in-our-emissions-and-there-wont-be-for-years-249270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Winter Weather Advisory for Oregon: Falling Branches and Power Line Precautions

    Source: US State of Oregon

    regon residents are bracing for continued winter storms bringing heavy snow, ice, and increased risks of falling tree branches and downed power lines. Emergency management officials urge the public to remain alert, be properly prepared for winter driving, and follow safety guidelines to protect homes, vehicles, and personal well-being.

    Risk of Falling Branches

    Many regions in Oregon are experiencing snowfall and ice buildup on trees. The added weight can cause branches—or even entire trees—to snap unexpectedly. Falling branches pose a danger to:

    • Vehicles: Branches can damage cars, so avoid parking under trees whenever possible.
    • Pedestrians: Tree limbs can break without warning, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors.
    • Power lines: Branches falling onto power lines may cause electrical hazards or widespread outages.

    Downed branches can disrupt utility lines, potentially leading to extended power outages. To prepare:

    • Stock up on essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and blankets ready in case the lights go out.
    • Keep extra supplies: If safe to do so, store a few days’ worth of food and water, especially in rural areas where utility restoration may be delayed.
    • Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates through official channels. Follow any advisories from the National Weather Service or your local emergency management office.

    What to Do if a Power Line Falls

    A downed power line is extremely dangerous. If you see or suspect a live wire has fallen on your property, car, or near your home:

    • Stay away and call for help: Immediately call 911 and report the downed line. Then contact your local utility provider. Do not approach or attempt to move the line. Even if it appears inactive, it could still be energized.
    • If a power line falls on your car: Stay inside your vehicle. Do not step out unless there is an urgent threat like a fire. If you must exit (e.g., due to fire), open the door carefully, jump out without touching the car and the ground at the same time, then land with your feet together. Shuffle or hop away, keeping both feet close together to minimize electrical risk.
    • Keep others clear: Alert neighbors and passersby to the hazard. Set up a safe perimeter, if possible, to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into contact with the live wire.

    General Safety Tips

    • Use caution around trees: Weakened limbs can break at any moment—keep an eye on overhead branches and fallen debris.
    • Dress in layers: Winter conditions can change quickly, and frostbite can occur if you’re not properly protected from the cold.
    • Only travel when necessary: If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination. Check road conditions before driving and let someone know your route if you must travel.

    Stay safe, everyone! By keeping these precautions in mind—avoiding falling branches, staying prepared for power outages, and knowing what to do if a power line falls—you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community during Oregon’s challenging winter conditions.

    Additional Resources:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the U.S. Climate in January 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    Key Points:

    • The Palisades and Eaton wildfires in southern California destroyed more than 16,000 structures near Los Angeles and were responsible for at least 29 fatalities. Dry conditions and near-hurricane-force Santa Ana winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fires during January.
    • The coldest Arctic airmass of the season-to-date plunged as far south as southern Florida the week of January 19. Larger snowfall amounts ranged from six inches in eastern Texas to record amounts of 10 inches in parts of the Florida Panhandle, as well as more than 10 inches in Lafayette, Louisiana.
    • January 2025 was the coldest January since 1988 and sixth driest on record for the nation.

    Other Highlights:

    Temperature

    The average temperature of the contiguous U.S. in January was 29.2°F, 0.9°F below average, ranking in the coolest third of the 131-year record and the coldest January on record (2005–25) for the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN). Generally, January temperatures were below average from the central and southern Rockies to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Above-average temperatures were present across parts of the West Coast, Northern Tier and Northeast.

    The Alaska statewide January temperature was 15.4°F, 13.2°F above the long-term average, ranking eighth warmest in the 101-year period of record for the state. Above- to much-above average temperatures dominated the state during January.

    For January, Hawaiʻi had an average temperature of 64.1°F, 0.7°F above the 1991–2020 average, ranking in the middle third of the 35-year record.

    Precipitation

    January precipitation for the contiguous U.S. was 1.39 inches, 0.92 inch below average, ranking as the sixth-driest January in the historical record. Precipitation was below average across much of the West and from the northern Plains to the Northeast and across portions of the Southeast. Pockets of above-average precipitation were present across the Rockies as well as portions of the central and southern Plains.

    Alaska’s average monthly precipitation ranked wettest on record for January, exceeding the record set in 1949. Much of this precipitation fell as rain throughout the month with three to five times the average amount falling across much of the region from southwest Alaska northeastward to the eastern Brooks Range.

    Precipitation across Hawaiʻi in January averaged 6.09 inches, 0.98 inch above average, ranking in the wettest third of the 1991–2025 record.

    Drought

    According to the February 4 U.S. Drought Monitor report, about 42.4% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up about 4.3% from the end of December. Drought conditions expanded or intensified across much of the Southwest and parts of southcentral Texas, as well as in portions of the Carolinas. Drought contracted or was reduced in intensity across parts of the northern Rockies and Hawaiʻi.

    Monthly Outlook

    Above-average temperatures are favored to impact northern portions of the Southwest and Southeast while precipitation is likely to be above average across portions of the West and Great Lakes. Drought is likely to persist or expand across parts of the central and northern Plains, East Coast and from the Southwest to the Deep South. Visit the Climate Prediction Center’s Official 30-Day Forecasts and U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook website for more details.

    Significant wildland fire potential for February is above normal across southern California, the Deep South and Southeast. For additional information on wildland fire potential, visit the National Interagency Fire Center’s One-Month Wildland Fire Outlook.

    For more detailed climate information, check out our comprehensive January 2025 U.S. Climate Report scheduled for release on February 13, 2025. For additional information on the statistics provided here, visit the Climate at a Glance and National Maps webpages.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to two papers assessing the impact of 2024 temperatures on Paris Agreement targets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Two papers published in Nature Climate Change look at the impact of 2024 temperatures on Paris Agreement targets (1.5 degrees). 

    Dr Akshay Deoras, Research Scientist, National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, said:

    “The two papers help reflect the fact that we are getting dangerously close to breaching the Paris Agreement. Well-defined methodologies have been used, and conclusions are backed by solid data. However, a key limitation of these studies is that the models used might not account for all factors influencing global warming. This means that some uncertainty remains regarding whether the Paris Agreement will be breached in the late 2020s, early 2030s, or even earlier. This uncertainty should not be used as an excuse to continue business as usual, since the goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C is certainly dead in the absence of a rapid and robust reduction in emissions. Governments must urgently strengthen their commitments, align policies with science, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. The world cannot afford to abandon the Paris framework at this stage; instead, we must reinvigorate it with ambition and accountability.”

    Dr Robin Lamboll, Research Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Grantham Institute – Climate Change and Environment, Imperial College London, said: 

    “These two papers show that we are already in a time of peril for the 1.5°C target.  

    “There is a subtle distinction between what they show and what you might assume: they show that IF we are in a scenario that exceeds 1.5°C, the time of exceedance has very likely already started.  

    “The work by Cannon does not investigate scenarios where we never exceed 1.5°C, and the work by Bevacqua states that, in a scenario where we risk but aren’t committed to exceeding 1.5°C, we are “likely” but not “very likely” to exceed 1.5°C in the long term (so, more than 66% but less than 90% chance), now that we have seen a single year above 1.5°C warming.” 

    Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, said:

    “A single year of exceedance of 1.5°C does not break the guardrail of the Paris Agreement. However, it does highlight that the headroom to stay below 1.5°C is now wafer thin. In a recent paper a collection of Met Office scientists calculated that the current global warming level is 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels. Added to this a Met Office forecast of carbon dioxide for the coming year reveals that the atmospheric concentration of CO₂ is now inconsistent with pathways keeping to 1.5°C; this suggests that only rapid and strong measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions will keep us from passing the first line of defence within the Paris Agreement.”

    Dr Alan Kennedy-Asser, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment, said:

    “I find the results of this modelling study to be, sadly, unsurprising and I would agree that the evidence suggests that 2024 (and now 2025) will be within a 20 year period which has an average temperature at or above 1.5°C unless something very radical changes in the next 5 to 10 years, suggesting we may be already living in the 1.5°C world the Paris Agreement referred to. Another way to think about this is that the year 2024 exists within 20 different climatology periods (one starting at 2024, one ending at 2024). The period ending 2024 is not above 1.5°C, however I would be very confident the one beginning in 2024 will be above 1.5°C unless something very radical changes in the next 5-10 years (in agreement with these papers). Meanwhile somewhere between these two will be the closest that one period is to precisely 1.5°C (perhaps the period 2018-2037 – we shall find out).

    “Both studies use straightforward but, in my opinion, sensible methodologies and use the most suitable data currently available: these are precisely the research questions CMIP6 models are designed to answer. However, even though the planet may be in a period that is at or exceeds 1.5°C, there is great value in taking rapid action to slow further warming, as the rate of change matters and every tenth of a degree matters.

    “I believe the press release is an accurate representation of the papers.”

     

    Prof Daniela Schmidt, Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, said:

    “To determine whether the Paris agreement has failed is defined as two decades above 1.5C and not one year as we have just had, due to natural climate variability. These papers suggest that the forcing conditions have been reached now, and that we reached the decade in which the Paris agreement will be broken. They came to this conclusion by interrogating climate models and observed temperature anomalies in complex discussions about probabilities and model baselines.  These are important papers exploring when 1.5C warming is passed, given the impacts projected and the need for adaptation to reduce risk.

    “The key importance of the Paris agreement is to avoid risk. Every increment of warming avoided by dramatically increasing mitigation reduces the risks and impacts of human driven changes to our climate system on people, our cities, our infrastructure and the environments which support us.

    “Fixating on a number of 1.5C, and that if will be surpasses, has the real risk of reducing actions, demotivating all of us – people, civic society, industry – to give up on trying. The consequence of a lack of ambition is that we will stay on the warming pathways we are currently on, which leads to nearly 3C warming globally, locally much more. Such warming has immense, and in parts irreversible consequences for Nature and people.

    “So while breaching 1.5C is not good news, reducing action and reaching twice as much warming is clearly much worse.”

     

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “A single year being globally 1.5 degree Celsius warmer than preindustrial levels does not mean we have crossed the Paris climate agreement threshold but it does mean breaching this dangerous level is pretty much inevitable.

    “The threshold of 1.5 degree Celsius above preindustrial climate decided at the Paris climate agreement applies to the global surface temperature averaged over multiple decades so a single year doesn’t mean we have breached this dangerous level. But given that warming of climate is accelerating, it is common sense that if a year unaffected by additional warming influences such as El Niño crossed this boundary it is pretty certain that crossing the 1.5 degree threshold will be inevitable without a step change in efforts to cut greenhouse gases. The new studies robustly confirm that even accounting for El Niño warmth, the persistence and magnitude of global temperatures in 2024 mean that to all intents and purposes breaching the 1.5 degree threshold is a given and that we need to double down efforts to avoid the even more dangerous 2 degree Celsius threshold by rapidly and massively cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”

     

    Dr Richard Hodgkins, a Reader in Climate Futures at Loughborough University, said:

    “While individual years may always be warmer or cooler than long-term averages, the analysis in both papers show that the record warmth of 2024 is likely to be part of a long-term shift above 1.5C, rather than being a one-off. However, this doesn’t mean that the Paris Agreement target of 1.5C is dead, because the Net Zero pathway to 1.5C always assumed that temperatures would increase above that target, before coming back down in the second half of the current century. So, in that sense, 1.5C is not dead.

    “However, the anticipated decline of temperatures relies on the assumption that large-scale technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the free atmosphere will be rapidly developed, globally deployed, and operate successfully, which is speculative to say the least. So, in that sense, 1.5C is dead because achieving it relies on borderline science fiction. There are many who would say that the reliance on carbon dioxide removal meant that 1.5C was never a very plausible target in the first place. Regardless, it shows that focusing on targets and not actions is an ineffective approach, and that actual emissions reductions, which can be achieved with existing, successful technologies, are needed now.”

     

    Dr Vikki Thompson, Scientist at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, said:

    “These studies use data from both observational sources and multiple climate models to show we should now expect to exceed the Paris Agreement within the next 20 years, much sooner than climate projections had suggested. With this January continuing the recent trend, becoming yet another hottest on record month, we have seen 18 of the last 19 months exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial. Not quite the 18 consecutive months shown by Cannon to make it virtually certain we will exceed the Paris Agreement, but so very close. 

    “The rate we have reached these levels is terrifying and shows, yet again, how urgently we need to act. Without adaptation and mitigation we will continue to feel the impacts of the accelerating warming with more and more extreme weather events.”

    Paper 1:

    ‘A year above 1.5 °C signals that Earth is most probably within the 20-year period that will reach the Paris Agreement limit’ by Emanuele Bevacqua et al. was published in Nature Climate Change at 16:00 UK time on Monday 10 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02246-9

    Paper 2:

    ‘Twelve months at 1.5 °C signals earlier than expected breach of Paris Agreement threshold ‘ by Alex J. Cannon et al. was published in Nature Climate Change at 16:00 UK time on Monday 10 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02247-8

    Declared interests

    Prof Richard Allan: No conflicting interests

    Dr Vikki Thompson: No interests to declare.

    Dr Akshay Deoras: No conflicts to declare.

    For all other experts, no response to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $60 Million for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $60 million transaction to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure deployment across New York City. The loan provided by NY Green Bank (NYGB), the State’s clean energy investment fund and a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to Revel, the largest provider of public EV fast-charging in New York City, will enable Revel to more than triple its current New York City public fast charging network this year. This represents NYGB’s first EV charging infrastructure transaction and supports the expansion of investments in clean transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing access to critical charging infrastructure necessary for the wider adoption of EVs.

    “In support of the transition to a clean energy economy, it is critical that we continue to build electric vehicle infrastructure to ease the shift to EV ownership for more New Yorkers, especially those in urban areas,” Governor Hochul said. “This significant investment addresses the key need of providing electric vehicle users in New York City with much needed public charging options while reducing local emissions.”

    This funding will enable the construction of 267 new charging stalls across nine sites and supports the intricate construction activities involved in designing and building EV charging stations. Revel will complete construction of the below new sites in the next 12 months, with the remainder to be completed by 2027:

    • 60 charging stalls in Maspeth, Queens, that will be the largest fast-charging station in the Northeast U.S.
    • 44 charging stalls near LaGuardia Airport, making it the largest fast-charging station near an airport in the country. *
    • 24 charging stalls at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); making it the largest charging station at the airport. *
    • 30 charging stalls in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
    • 20 charging stalls in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. *

    * Located in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC)

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NY Green Bank’s financing support for critical infrastructure that is advancing clean transportation complements NYSERDA’s efforts to drive the transition to electrification of this sector. Increasing the state’s charging capabilities is a step forward in ensuring New Yorkers can plug in and drive clean and we commend Revel’s leadership in this regard in a major hub and in high-impact locations such as major airports.”

    NY Green Bank President Andrew Kessler said, “NY Green Bank is pleased to share this exciting transaction that is demonstrating the viability of financing EV charging infrastructure to support the adoption of electric vehicles. The Revel transaction is an important and replicable precedent we expect will help accelerate investment in this fast-growing sector and expand access to EV charging for more New York drivers.”

    Revel Co-Founder and CEO Frank Reig said, “For the past few years, Revel has been preparing a strategic portfolio of the most lucrative fast-charging locations in New York City. These sites are now shovel-ready. With the critical support from NY Green Bank, we are ready to take New York’s EV economy to the next level with a fast-charging network rivaling any other top tier city.”

    Revel broke ground in November at JFK Airport, adjacent to the main rideshare vehicle waiting area, with support from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. With funding from NYGB, Revel will now be able to complete construction of the aforementioned 24 charging stalls. That site will open in Q1 2025 and is expected to be one of the most utilized charging stations in the country.

    State Senator Kevin Parker said, “Our goal is to leave New York State in a better condition than when we found it. If we are going to move forward with our CLCPA goals, we must transition our transportation sector to clean vehicles. We also must invest in the infrastructure needed to provide confidence, reliability, and convenience for New Yorkers. I applaud Governor Hochul, Revel, and NYSERDA for continuing to provide these opportunities with financing support through New York Green Bank.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The future of transportation is electric. Today’s investment by the NY Green Bank and NYSERDA represents our state’s continued commitment to new and emerging transportation technologies and a greener, cleaner future for New Yorkers.”

    Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “I am encouraged by this announcement. Expanding our charging infrastructure is essential if New York is going to reach its zero-emission transportation goals. These additional chargers will make transitioning to an EV more convenient and reliable.”

    Revel charging stations are open to the public on a 24/7 basis for any make and model EV. All chargers installed at future locations will have speeds of at least 320 kilowatts (kW), which can charge an EV in as little as 15 minutes.

    Last year, NYGB completed another groundbreaking transaction with Inspiration Mobility—which partners with Revel—to support the deployment of nearly 400 EVs in New York City that are increasing access to clean ridesharing transportation. Over three-quarters of Revel’s pipeline projects being supported by NYGB financing are located in DACs, advancing NYGB’s goal to commit a minimum of 35 percent, with a target of 40 percent, of its capital to projects benefiting DAC.

    As the largest state green bank in the nation, NYGB has committed more than $2.4 billion to advancing New York State’s clean energy economy for all New Yorkers. Since inception, its investments have mobilized up to $8.8 billion in project costs across technologies, with $383 million mobilized in the clean transportation sector alone. NYGB’s transactions are designed for replication and adoption by the private sector, helping to animate the market and mobilize capital into underserved green sectors with a special focus on clean transportation, energy storage, and building decarbonization.

    More information about the Revel deal can be found in NYGB’s transaction profiles on its portfolio page. Photos and video are available upon request by contacting Revel at [email protected].

    New York State’s Climate Agenda
    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Spain and WFP partner to strengthen resilience of indigenous women in the Philippines’ Bangsamoro region

    Source: World Food Programme

    MANILA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of PHP 45 million (US$780,000) from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to enhance agriculture-related livelihoods and boost the climate resilience of indigenous women in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim` Mindanao (BARMM).

    The project will reach 28,000 people from indigenous and rural communities. It also aims to promote leadership opportunities for women and strengthen their skills for adapting to climate change that threatens food and nutrition security. 

    “Despite significant progress at the global level, no country in the world has achieved gender equality.  That is the reason why Spanish Cooperation aims to not only boost but also accelerate the progress of women’s participation and leadership at all decision-making levels. If we are talking about climate resilience in a country most at risk of extreme climate, we must put indigenous women and their communities at the centre of the action,” said Violeta Dominguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines.

    Climate change is impacting food security, nutrition and gender equality in conflict-affected BARMM. In 2024, WFP conducted a ‘Leaving No One Behind’ study that showed barriers such as climate-related risks hinder rural and indigenous women from accessing resources and decision making processes, resulting in the loss of livelihood opportunities and poverty.

    Under the AECID-funded project, rural and indigenous women will undergo training in climate-resilient agriculture and leadership skills. The project will aim at strengthening women’s cooperatives by linking their agricultural production to reliable markets. The activities will also incorporate social behavior change to improve local food and nutrition practices.

    “WFP thanks AECID for their important contribution to enhancing resilience in BARMM. With the increasing frequency and intensity of climate emergencies in the Philippines, women are especially vulnerable. It is urgent that we strengthen their capacities and so that they can withstand shocks better,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman.

    In partnership with the BARMM Government, WFP will work closely with other UN agencies, community-based organizations and indigenous communities to ensure greater participation and grassroot implementation.

    Since 2006, WFP has been supporting the Philippine Government in augmenting emergency response operations, enhancing disaster management capacities, conducting resilience-building activities and strengthening food and social protection systems to improve development.

    #                 #                   #

    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 Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_philippines

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the price of your favorite chocolate will continue to rise

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Narcisa Pricope, Professor of Geography and Land Systems Science and Associate Vice President for Research, Mississippi State University

    Chocolate prices spiked amid very dry conditions in Africa. Chuck Fishman/Getty Images

    Valentine’s Day often conjures images of chocolates and romance. But the crop behind this indulgence faces an existential threat.

    Regions like northeastern Brazil, one of the world’s notable cocoa-producing areas, are grappling with increasing aridity – a slow, yet unrelenting drying of the land. Cocoa is made from the beans of the cacao tree, which thrives in humid climates. The crop is struggling in these drying regions, and so are the farmers who grow it.

    This is not just Brazil’s story. Across West Africa, where 70% of the world’s cacao is grown, and in the Americas and Southeast Asia, shifting moisture levels threaten the delicate balance required for production. These regions, home to vibrant ecosystems and global breadbaskets that feed the world, are on the frontlines of aridity’s slow but relentless advance.

    A farmer in Colombia holds a cacao pod, which holds the key ingredients for chocolate.
    ©2017CIAT/NeilPalmer, CC BY-NC-SA

    Over the past 30 years, more than three-quarters of the Earth’s landmass has become drier. A recent report I helped coordinate for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification found that drylands now cover 41% of global land, an area that expanded by nearly 1.7 million square miles (4.3 million square kilometers) over those three decades — about half the size of Australia.

    This creeping dryness is not just a climate phenomenon. It’s a long-term transformation that may be irreversible and that carries devastating consequences for ecosystems, agriculture and livelihoods worldwide.

    What causes aridity?

    Aridity, while often thought of as purely a climate phenomenon, is the result of a complex interplay among human-driven factors. These include greenhouse gas emissions, land use practices and the degradation of critical natural resources, such as soil and biodiversity.

    These interconnected forces have been accelerating the transformation of once-productive landscapes into increasingly arid regions, with consequences that ripple across ecosystems and economies.

    Greenhouse gas emissions: A global catalyst

    Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of rising aridity.

    Greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, increase global temperatures. Rising temperatures, in turn, cause moisture to evaporate at a faster rate. This heightened evaporation reduces soil and plant moisture, exacerbating water scarcity – even in regions with moderate rainfall.

    Aridity began accelerating globally in the 1950s, and the world has seen a pronounced shift over the past three decades.

    This process is particularly stark in regions already prone to dryness, such as Africa’s Sahel region and the Mediterranean. In these areas, reduced precipitation – combined with increased evaporation – creates a feedback loop: Drier soils absorb less heat, leaving the atmosphere warmer and intensifying arid conditions.

    The number of people living in dryland regions has been rising in each region in recent years. Years 1971-2020. Scales vary.
    UNCCD

    Unsustainable land use practices: A hidden accelerator

    Aridity is also affected by how people use and manage land.

    Unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing and deforestation strip soils of their protective vegetation cover, leaving them vulnerable to erosion. Industrial farming techniques often prioritize short-term yields over long-term sustainability, depleting nutrients and organic matter essential for healthy soils.

    For example, in cocoa-producing regions like northeastern Brazil, deforestation to make room for agriculture disrupts local water cycles and exposes soils to degradation. Without vegetation to anchor it, topsoil – critical for plant growth – washes away during rainfall or is blown away by winds, taking with it vital nutrients.

    These changes create a vicious cycle: Degraded soils also hold less water and lead to more runoff, reducing the land’s ability to recover.

    Aridity can affect the ability to grow many crops. Large parts of the country of Chad, shown here, have drying lands.
    United Nations Chad, CC BY-NC-SA

    The soil-biodiversity connection

    Soil, often overlooked in discussions of climate resilience, plays a critical role in mitigating aridity.

    Healthy soils act as reservoirs, storing water and nutrients that plants depend on. They also support biodiversity below and above ground. A single teaspoon of soil contains billions of microorganisms that help cycle nutrients and maintain ecological balance.

    However, as soils degrade under aridity and mismanagement, this biodiversity diminishes. Microbial communities, essential for nutrient cycling and plant health, decline. When soils become compacted and lose organic matter, the land’s ability to retain water diminishes, making it even more susceptible to drying out.

    In short, the loss of soil health creates cascading effects that undermine ecosystems, agricultural productivity and food security.

    Global hot spots: Looming food security crises

    Cocoa is just one crop affected by the encroachment of rising aridity.

    Other key agricultural zones, including the breadbaskets of the world, are also at risk. In the Mediterranean, Africa’s Sahel and parts of the U.S. West, aridity already undermines farming and biodiversity.

    By 2100, up to 5 billion people could live in drylands – nearly double the current population in these areas, due to both population growth and expansion of drylands as the planet warms. This puts immense pressure on food systems. It can also accelerate migration as declining agricultural productivity, water scarcity and worsening living conditions force rural populations to move in search of opportunities.

    A map shows average aridity for 1981-2010. Computer simulations estimate that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities caused a 1.2% larger increase in the four types of dry regions combined for the periods between 1850 and 1981–2010 than simulations with only solar and volcanic effects considered.
    UNCCD

    Aridity’s ripple effects also extend far beyond agriculture. Ecosystems, already strained by deforestation and pollution, are stressed as water resources dwindle. Wildlife migrates or dies, and plant species adapted to moister conditions can’t survive. The Sahel’s delicate grasslands, for instance, are rapidly giving way to desert shrubs.

    On a global scale, economic losses linked to aridification are staggering. In Africa, rising aridity contributed to a 12% drop in gross domestic product from 1990 to 2015. Sandstorms and dust storms, wildfires and water scarcity further burden governments, exacerbating poverty and health crises in the most affected regions.

    The path forward

    Aridity is not inevitable, nor are its effects completely irreversible. But coordinated global efforts are essential to curb its progression.

    Countries can work together to restore degraded lands by protecting and restoring ecosystems, improving soil health and encouraging sustainable farming methods.

    Communities can manage water more efficiently through rainwater harvesting and advanced irrigation systems that optimize water use. Governments can reduce the drivers of climate change by investing in renewable energy.

    Continued international collaboration, including working with businesses, can help share technologies to make these actions more effective and available worldwide.

    So, as you savor chocolate this Valentine’s Day, remember the fragile ecosystems behind it. The price of cocoa in early 2025 was near its all-time high, due in part to dry conditions in Africa. Without urgent action to address aridity, this scenario may become more common, and cocoa – and the sweet concoctions derived from it – may well become a rare luxury.

    Collective action against aridity isn’t just about saving chocolate – it’s about preserving the planet’s capacity to sustain life.

    Narcisa Pricope is a member of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Science-Policy Interface, which works to translate scientific findings and assessments into policy-relevant recommendations, including collaboration with different scientific panels and bodies.

    – ref. Why the price of your favorite chocolate will continue to rise – https://theconversation.com/why-the-price-of-your-favorite-chocolate-will-continue-to-rise-246227

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ming Xie, Assistant Professor of Emergency Management and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in Florida in 2022, estimated at over $112 billion. This scene was once a shopping center. Giorgio Veira/AFP via Getty Images

    Imagine a world in which a hurricane devastates the Gulf Coast, and the U.S. has no federal agency prepared to quickly send supplies, financial aid and temporary housing assistance.

    Could the states manage this catastrophic event on their own?

    Normally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, is prepared to marshal supplies within hours of a disaster and begin distributing financial aid to residents who need help.

    However, with President Donald Trump questioning FEMA’s future and suggesting states take over recovery instead, and climate change causing more frequent and severe disasters, it’s worth asking how prepared states are to face these growing challenges without help.

    What FEMA does

    FEMA was created in 1979 with the job of coordinating national responses to disasters, but the federal government has played important roles in disaster relief since the 1800s.

    During a disaster, FEMA’s assistance can begin only after a state requests an emergency declaration and the U.S. president approves it. The request has to show that the disaster is so severe that the state can’t handle the response on its own.

    FEMA’s role is to support state and local governments by coordinating federal agencies and providing financial aid and recovery assistance that states would otherwise struggle to supply on their own. FEMA doesn’t “take over,” as a misinformation campaign launched during Hurricane Helene claimed. Instead, it pools federal resources to allow states to recover faster from expensive disasters.

    During a disaster, FEMA:

    • Coordinates federal resources. For example, during Hurricane Ian in 2022, FEMA coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Defense and search-and-rescue teams to conduct rescue operations, organized utility crews to begin restoring power and also delivered water and millions of meals.

    • Provides financial assistance. FEMA distributes billions of dollars in disaster relief funds to help individuals, businesses and local governments recover. As of Feb. 3, 2025, FEMA aid from 2024 storms included US$1.04 billion related to Hurricane Milton, $416.1 million for Hurricane Helene and $112.6 million for Hurricane Debby.

    • Provides logistical support. FEMA coordinates with state and local governments, nonprofits such as the American Red Cross and federal agencies to supply cots, blankets and hygiene supplies for emergency shelters. It also works with state and local partners to distribute critical supplies such as food, water and medical aid.

    The agency also manages the National Flood Insurance Program, offers disaster preparedness training and helps states develop response plans to improve their overall responses systems.

    What FEMA aid looks like in a disaster

    When wildfires swept through Maui, Hawaii, in August 2023, FEMA provided emergency grants to cover immediate needs such as food, clothing and essential supplies for survivors.

    The agency arranged hotel rooms, rental assistance and financial aid for residents who lost homes or belongings. Its Direct Housing Program has spent $295 million to lease homes for more than 1,200 households. This comprehensive support helped thousands of people begin rebuilding their lives after losing almost everything.

    FEMA also helped fund construction of a temporary school to ensure that students whose schools burned could continue their classes. Hawaii, with its relatively small population and limited emergency funds, would have struggled to mount a comparable response on its own.

    Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, center, and then-FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speak to reporters in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Aug. 12, 2023, while assessing the wildfire damage there.
    AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

    Larger states often need help, too. When a 2021 winter storm overwhelmed Texas’ power grid and water infrastructure, FEMA coordinated the delivery of essential supplies, including water, fuel, generators and blankets, following the disaster declaration on Feb. 19, 2021. Within days, it awarded more than $2.8 million in grants to help people with temporary housing and home repairs.

    Which states would suffer most without FEMA?

    Without FEMA or other federal support, states would have to manage the disaster response and recovery on their own.

    States prone to frequent disasters, such as Louisiana and Florida, would face expensive recurring challenges that would likely exacerbate recovery delays and reduce their overall resilience.

    Smaller, more rural and less wealthy states that lack the financial resources and logistical capabilities to respond effectively would be disproportionately affected.

    “States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, told Stateline in an interview. Access to FEMA avoids the need for expensive disaster response infrastructure in each state.

    States might be able to arrange regional cooperation. But state-led responses and regional models have limitations. The National Guard could assist with supply distribution, but it isn’t designed to provide fast financial aid, housing or long-term recovery options, and the supplies and the recovery effort still come at a cost.

    Members of the National Guard and a FEMA search-and-rescue team work together in the disaster response after Hurricane Florence pounded Wilmington, N.C., in September 2018.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Wealthier states might be better equipped to manage on their own, but poorer states would likely struggle. States with less funding and infrastructure would be left relying on nonprofits and community-based efforts. But these organizations are not capable of providing the scope of services FEMA can.

    Any federal funding would also be slow if Congress had to approve aid after each disaster, rather than having FEMA already prepared to respond. States would be at the mercy of congressional infighting.

    In the absence of a federal response and coordinating role, recovery would be uneven, with wealthier areas recovering faster and poorer areas likely seeing more prolonged hardships.

    What does this mean?

    Coordinating disaster response is complex, the paperwork for federal assistance can be frustrating, and the agency does draw criticism. However, it also fills an important role.

    As the frequency of natural disasters continues to rise due to climate change, ask yourself: How prepared is your state for a disaster, and could it get by without federal aid?

    Ming Xie 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. If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone? – https://theconversation.com/if-fema-didnt-exist-could-states-handle-the-disaster-response-alone-248758

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung To Feature Hylex™ in HVAC Lineup Showcased at AHR Expo

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced it will showcase its comprehensive Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) product lineup at the 2025 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) to be held Feb. 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. At booth 6043, the company will introduce key products — including Hylex universal inverter-driven heat pumps (premium and standard series), EHS Mono air-to-water heat pumps and R32-based DVM S2 variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems — across four different zones (Featured Products, Light Commercial, Commercial and Residential / Controls / Compressor).
     
    Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the AHR Expo is co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Since its inception in 1930, the expo has been regarded as the industry’s biggest and best event for OEMs, engineers, contractors and other trade professionals, making it an ideal venue for the company to demonstrate its latest HVAC technologies and products.
     
    “The AHR Expo serves as an annual bellwether for the industry, which is why we’ve decided to introduce cutting-edge products like the Hylex series of heat pumps at this event, said Hank Choi, Corporate VP and Head of Air Solution Business Team, Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that the newest iterations of Samsung’s innovative HVAC technology will help to uplift the user experience across consumer and commercial applications around the globe.”
     
     
    Hylex Heat Pumps Are True Game Changers for Residential HVAC

     
    As a universal inverter-driven heat pump, Hylex has been designed to revolutionize HVAC through seamless installation and high efficiency. Hylex systems can utilize existing refrigerant piping and provide different piping options for even greater installation flexibility during replacement applications. To further reduce installation costs, they can also use existing control wiring and are compatible with most 24VAC thermostats. Available in the Premium, Deluxe+, and Deluxe series, Hylex also offers built-in Wi-Fi for energy and unit monitoring through SmartThings.1
     

    EHS Mono Brings Water Heating With Low Noise

     
    Comprising a ClimateHub or Hydro indoor unit and one EHS Mono HT outdoor unit, Samsung’s EHS Mono is a water-heating solution with enhanced capabilities that caters to user needs, even at extreme outside temperatures. The combination of various advanced features allows it to achieve a hot water temperature of up to 158°F (70°C) with an operating range of -13°F to 95°F (-25°C to 35°C).
     
    On the engineering level, the EHS Mono HT Quiet’s has a flash injection compressor that enhances heating performance at low temperatures through increased refrigerant mass flow. The heat pump also benefits from new noise-reducing technologies, which allow it to operate at noise levels as low as 35 dB(A) at three meters (10 feet) in low noise mode.
     
     
    DVM S2 Offers Next-Gen Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Performance

     
    The DVM S2, which is the latest generation of Samsung’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, has been designed to deliver energy efficiency along with excellent heating and cooling performance. The system optimizes heating cycles by analyzing fan motor currents and temperature data, reducing defrost duration and improving comfort. Additionally, high- and low-pressure control ensures precise system adjustments, automatically recognizing pipe lengths and optimizing pressure levels to reduce the energy used by the compressor by up to 15%.2
     
    Furthermore, the DVM S2 uses data from various sensors to determine the ideal amount of refrigerant and detect refrigerant volume so that it can ensure improved performance3 and provide early warnings for maintenance. It also brings reduced liquid pipe diameters to lower the overall system charge by 28% on average,4 making the system more efficient and cost-effective.
     
    To find out more about Samsung’s HVAC systems, visit https://www.samsunghvac.com/.

     
     
    1 Available for download on the Google Play store and App Store®. A network connection is required. Samsung application account is necessary.3 Conditions apply. Refer to technical documents for more information.3 Requires an initial dedicated refrigerant check function during commissioning.4 Restrictions apply.

    MIL OSI Economics –