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Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the African Heads of State Energy Summit [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Your Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Excellencies, Majesties, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a pleasure to join you here all today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency President Hassan and her Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.

    But I would also like to underscore that it is because of her incredible leadership and her vision, that we are all here today and gathered as an African continent.

    I would also thank the African Union for keeping the fire under our feet to do right thing for the continent.

    Congratulations to my two brothers, the African Development Bank Group, Akin, and the World Bank Group, Ajay. These are incredible partnerships, that bring genuine experience, decades of work from the public sector to the private sector.

    That is why we are looking to them for the success of this union.

    But we also look to the Rockefeller Foundation for a strong and meaningful partnership – one that brings key stakeholders together in this room.

    Your bold investments are a testament to Africa’s potential for a sustainable and resilient future.

    Today, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access, as we have heard, but it is also one of the most vulnerable to intensifying climate shocks.

    Yet our continent is rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. Which are all essential for the energy transition, and benefit from limited sunk costs in fossil fuel-intensive energy infrastructures. Africa is also home to a vibrant, young, and enterprising population.

    This provides immense potential for Africa to show the rest of the world what a new economic development paradigm grounded in sustainability, resilience, justice, and inclusivity can look like.

    Enhanced energy access, affordability, and reliability is not only crucial for achieving our Sustainable Development Goal 7 but also serves as a catalyst for broader development goals. Access to clean and sustainable energy underpins progress in health, in education, in gender equality, while driving economic growth and climate action. Many of the 17 goals.

    By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, we can create green jobs, and build resilient livelihoods — paving the way for improved stability and prosperity across the continent.

    With renewables now being the cheapest source of new electricity almost everywhere on earth, Mission 300’s bold commitment to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 represents a transformative opportunity for Africa.

    Combined with systemic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition.

    By powering essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and commerce, bolstering industries like solar manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and clean energy solutions, renewable energy can unlock unprecedented economic potential.

    With reliable energy access, the continent’s 147 million small and medium enterprises — key drivers of economic growth — will have the tools to scale, innovate, and create jobs, turning energy into a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress.

    Tanzania stands as a shining example of how rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions can transform lives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

    The country has made remarkable strides, with electricity access increasing from just 14% in 2011 to 46% in 2022. And what does that mean? It has led to over 1 million new connections, driving the rural electrification rate to 72%.

    In November 2024, more than 60,000 social institutions were connected by REA, benefiting 12,905 educational institutions, 6,768 health facilities, over 8,000 places of worship, and 29,000 commercial areas.

    This progress means that more boys and girls in remote areas can now study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can deliver life-saving services to off-grid populations, and rural businesses can thrive with reliable power. Tanzania demonstrates how energy access is not just about electricity—it’s about opportunity, equity, and the foundation of a brighter future and a life in dignity for everyone.

    We must ensure that Mission 300 seizes the opportunity that lies ahead.

    With five years to the endpoint of the SDGs and having completed the first decade of implementing the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, it is clear that transformation efforts remain insufficient.

    I would like to deeply commend the African leadership that is here today, as you seek solutions to address Africa’s energy access, climate vulnerability, and development challenges holistically.

    Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

    We must accelerate our collective efforts to fast-track solutions for SDG 7 but also the Paris Agreement and propel Africa to become a clean energy powerhouse.

    This requires urgent action in three key areas beyond this Summit.

    First, creating the right enabling environment to attract scaled private and public investments through stronger, stable, and more coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.

    We are very pleased to see, thank you Ajay, the private sector that is here today and we hope they will accompany us through this very difficult but at the end profitable journey.

    This year, every Party to the UN Climate Convention has committed to submit a new economy-wide national climate action plan, that is aligned with the 1.5 degrees world that we need, well before COP 30 in November.

    If done right, these climate plans should align with national energy strategies and development priorities – and they would doubling as investment plans to seize the potential of renewables, helping to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. 

    Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure we do not repeat historical patterns of exploitation on this continent.

    Second, mobilizing affordable, accessible, and adequate finance.

    The chronic underinvestment in renewable energy in Africa, and long-standing structural barriers such as exorbitant capital costs, mean that a continent with the potential to be a renewable powerhouse accounts for less than one percent of global installed solar capacity.

    It is why we are calling for an SDG Stimulus to scale up affordable, long-term financing for developing countries, and for the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion” to bridge the climate finance gap by leveraging all sources and by addressing unjust and structural barriers. 

    Last year’s Pact of the Future sent an unequivocal message — reform of the international finance architecture is urgent and essential to:

    And this Pact would have not gotten over the line, if not for the leadership of the African leaders in the United Nations.

    It spoke to strengthening the voice and the representation of developing countries;

    It spoke to mobilizing far greater levels of financing for the SDGs, and directing that financing to countries most in need;

    It spoke to enabling countries to borrow sustainably, and with confidence, to invest in their long-term development;

    But it also spoke to provide effective and equal support to countries during systemic shocks.

    Finally, multilateralism – our international cooperation- still remains our best hope for delivering solutions at the necessary scale and speed.

    And I note to many of us, as I look to the geopolitical challenges that we have today. Multilateralism does not seem like the best offer on the table – but it is.

    It is a place that we come to. It is a global townhall for our global village. It is where we have visibility and where we can shine a light on the opportunities. But also, where we can give hope to the millions that look to us – to serve them.

    The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting your efforts every step of the way.

    Through our UN expertise and presence in the country, we are committed to supporting Mission 300, the African Development Bank and the World Bank. And we are committed to help identify and attract investments, strengthen policy, and secure the support you need to make Mission 300 a success.

    Finally, I would like to also commend our Special Representative. It is not often that we have women in leadership positions. Today, we are hosted by a great leader that is a woman.

    But we also have the Special Representative of the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who is playing a critical role within the Mission 300.

    In this critical countdown to 2030, let us ensure that Mission 300 delivers concrete outcomes towards the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Agenda 2063.

    Let us seize this moment to accelerate and to deliver transformative progress. Together, I am sure that Africa can lead the clean energy transition, creating lasting prosperity and resilience for generations to come and actions and aspiration fulfilled today for our women and our youth.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Alenia Space to develop the payload for the third satellite of the Copernicus CO2M mission

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Alenia Space to develop the payload for the third satellite of the Copernicus CO2M mission

    The Copernicus CO2M mission will meet the European Union’s high-priority requirements to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by human activity

    Brussels, January 28, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed an amendment to its CO2M contract, worth 88 million euros, with the space segment prime contractor OHB System. This amendment provides for the development of the payload for the third satellite in the CO2M Copernicus mission, in addition to the first two satellites payloads that are currently under integration. Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space Programme. It provides accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security for the benefit of all European citizens. The CO2M mission as part of the Copernicus Programme is developed by the European Space Agency with a co-funding made by the European Union and the European Space Agency.

    CO2M ©OHB

    The signature of this amendment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of the CO2M mission to develop a European anthropogenic greenhouse gas monitoring capability. Following the awarding of the CO2M contract in 2020 for the development of the first two satellites of this mission, ESA has renewed its confidence in OHB System and Thales Alenia Space to provide a third satellite and payload. With this additional satellite, the CO2M constellation will further consolidate its operations, while enhancing the accuracy of CO2 measurements thanks to greater repeatability of acquisitions (more than 3 times a week at European latitudes).

    The goal of the CO2M mission is to measure human-induced atmospheric carbon dioxide (and methane). These measurements will reduce current uncertainties in estimates of emissions of carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuels at sub-continental scales. This will provide the European Union with a unique and independent source of information to assess the effectiveness of public policies, and to track their impact on decarbonizing Europe and meeting national emissions reduction targets.

    “We are proud to pursue the development of the Copernicus CO2M mission alongside the European Commission, ESA and OHB System,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “The CO2M mission is unique and marks an important milestone in European leadership with regards to climate change and greenhouse gases reduction. Thales Alenia Space will continue to bring its flight-proven Earth Observation expertise to this mission, which is essential to meeting the ambitious goal of measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by human activities.”

    Each CO2M satellite’s payload includes three instruments:

    • A combined CO2/NO2 (carbon dioxide/nitrogen dioxide) instrument based on a near-infrared and shortwave-infrared spectrometer provided by Thales Alenia Space in France;
    • A Multi-Angle Polarimeter (MAP) based on four identical cameras, contained in a dedicated optical unit, provided by Thales Alenia Space in France;
    • A Cloud Imager (CLIM), derived from the flight-proven Proba-V instrument, provided by OIP Sensor Systems in Belgium.

    CO2M will measure images of atmospheric columns of CO2 with the resolution, accuracy, time sampling and spatial coverage required to provide the key space component inputs of the Operational Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Monitoring & Verification Support (MVS) Capacity.

    The atmospheric measurements made by the combination of satellites and in-situ networks, especially CO2M, will provide Europe with a unique operational capability that will contribute to the global monitoring of fossil CO2 emissions[1], meaning CO2 emissions arising from anthropogenic activities, add carbon in the climate system with a huge impact on climate change.

    More about industrial contributions

    As prime contractor, OHB System is leading an industrial consortium including Thales Alenia Space and OIP Sensors to build the CO2M instruments. Thales Alenia Space in France is responsible for developing the CO2/NO2 Instruments and Multi-angular Polarimeters for the CO2M satellites. Thales Alenia Space in Spain will provide the S-band transponder (SBT) and the Instrument Control Unit (ICU), Thales SESO will provide key optical elements of the CO2/NO2 spectrometers (collimator mirrors and imagers optics), and Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland the telescope of the CO2/NO2 instrument.

     

    [1] Sum of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, process CO2 emissions from cement production, process CO2 emissions from metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) production, CO2 emissions from urea production, urea application and agricultural lime, emissions from the combustion of biofuel (carbon-neutral over one year) and from land use, land-use change and forestry (including large-scale biomass burning of forest or peat fires).

    ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries, with 16 sites in Europe.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Linda J. Bilmes, Daniel Patrick Moynihan Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Public Finance, Harvard Kennedy School

    Howard Lutnick, left, is President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

    The U.S. secretary of commerce oversees the smallest but arguably most complex of all Cabinet-level departments.

    Established as a distinct entity in 1913, it has evolved into a sprawling organization with 13 bureaus spanning a wide variety of critical areas that include weather forecasting, conducting the census, estimating gross domestic product, managing fisheries, promoting U.S. exports, setting standards for new technology and allocating radio frequency spectrum. It is even home to one of America’s eight uniformed military services, the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps with its own fleet of ships, aircraft and 321 commissioned officers. Its main mission is to monitor oceans, waterways and the atmosphere in support of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

    As a result, there is no other Cabinet position that has to engage with lawmakers in Congress across so many disparate technical issues, committees and stakeholders. This medley reflects both the historical evolution of the U.S. economy and a degree of political happenstance.

    I served at the Commerce Department in several roles, including as chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration, management and budget, and have watched several administrations attempt to craft an overarching strategic narrative around this diverse set of missions.

    Besides the difficult job of formulating a unifying strategy for the department’s many activities, I believe there are three specific challenges in particular that await the next secretary, a position that requires Senate confirmation.

    The Commerce Department manages salmon as part of its National Marine Fisheries Service.
    AP Photo/Manuel Valdes

    Commerce: A sprawling bureauocracy

    From its earliest days, the Commerce Department has collected trade statistics, overseen lighthouses and issued patents and trademarks. But since then, its portfolio has expanded significantly.

    In 1970, NOAA was placed inside Commerce, partly as a result of a feud between President Richard Nixon and his interior secretary, Wally Hickel, over the Vietnam War. NOAA now accounts for more than half the department’s US$11 billion budget and has created some peculiar departmental overlaps.

    As President Barack Obama joked in his 2011 State of the Union speech, “The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in freshwater, but the Commerce Department handles them when they’re in saltwater.”

    While the joke wasn’t quite accurate – a division of Commerce manages salmon in both fresh and saltwater, though Interior does restore their habitat – it does reflect some odd situations. For example, when it comes to sea turtles, Interior oversees their nests on shore, whereas Commerce protects them in the open sea.

    Due to the department’s broad interests, the commerce secretary has a role in nearly every important issue facing the country.

    He or she needs to be a quick study who is able to multitask, respond to congressional inquiries on a myriad of topics, as well as manage a 50,000-strong workforce including economists, scientists, statisticians, meteorologists and other experts.

    One example of the caliber of experts Commerce oversees is the National Institute for Standards and Technology, which does cutting-edge research in bioscience, artificial intelligence, materials science and industrial measurement standards. The institute currently has five Nobel laureates in physics and chemistry on its staff and is on the front lines on cybersecurity and national defense.

    While it’s unclear how Trump nominee Howard Lutnick plans to unify Commerce’s work, the previous secretary, Gina Raimondo, outlined five strategic goals for her department, including driving U.S. global competitiveness, using data to find new opportunities and modernizing its services and capabilities.

    The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is holding a hearing on Jan. 29, 2025, to consider Lutnick’s nomination.

    Challenge No. 1: Another census is just around the corner

    The incoming secretary’s biggest challenge will be the decennial census due on April 1, 2030.

    The census counts every person living in the U.S. and five U.S. territories. Census data is used to apportion the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and to adjust or redraw electoral districts, as well as to apportion federal funding allotted to each district. Consequently, the census receives huge attention in Congress. It will be an especially hot topic because the data collected in the 2020 census had errors due to the pandemic.

    Conducting the census is highly labor intensive and takes many years of planning and preparation, which ramp up now.

    The Commerce Department must hire 500,000 temporary workers, open local offices and run large-scale field tests, award billions of dollars in contracts, and work with every state, local, county and tribal government in the country to map where people live. This includes dorms, homeless shelters, nursing homes, prisons, oil rigs, boats, tents, hospitals and mobile homes as well as houses and apartments.

    The Census Bureau says it began planning for 2030 as far back as 2019 and is preparing to do a test census in 2026.

    Trump administration policies, such as ongoing efforts to round up and deport undocumented migrants, will make it even more challenging to count immigrants and other historically hard-to-reach groups. During his first term, President Donald Trump sought to prevent unauthorized immigrants from being counted at all – but ran out of time.

    A NOAA crew on a reconnaissance flight into the eye of Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
    Sim Aberson/NOAA via AP

    Challenge No. 2: NOAA on the front lines of climate change fight

    Second, NOAA is likely to be in the political crosshairs, due to its role as a global leader in studying oceans, climate and coastal ecosystems.

    It tracks rising sea levels, ocean acidification and extreme weather events, and forecasts their impact on fisheries, shipping, marine protected areas and habitats. It also runs the National Weather Service and issues severe storm warnings. These and many other NOAA activities are vital to monitoring the pace of climate change and helping Americans adapt.

    NOAA’s mission and its budget are sure to be scrutinized by the Trump administration, which has already reversed a variety of policies meant to slow the pace of climate change. Trump himself has called climate change a “hoax.” That and policy proposals that seek to break up or privatize NOAA suggest many of NOAA’s climate-related activities could be under threat.

    Challenge No. 3: The patent problem

    A third challenge the incoming secretary will face is an ongoing crisis at the Patent and Trademark Office.

    Unlike most federal agencies, the Patent and Trademark Office is funded by user fees collected from applicants rather than from tax revenue. This is supposed to make it more efficient and easier to hire staff quickly, but the model is under stress due to a shortage of patent examiners with skills in assessing science, technology, engineering and math applications. The agency currently has a backlog of over 800,000 unexamined patent applications – near an all-time high.

    The backlog is likely to continue to grow as artificial intelligence and other state-of-the-art technologies accelerate the discovery cycle, but the slow process of patent approval – two years on average – can throw a wrench in it.

    Patents and trademarks are critical to U.S. competitiveness because they reward innovation and discovery and help inventors attract investors.

    The Trump administration’s broad federal hiring freeze is likely to worsen the Patent and Trademark Office’s staffing issues, while the back-to-office mandate may make it harder to recruit patent examiners, who often work remotely.

    On top of this, Elon Musk, whose companies hold large numbers of patents and who already holds tremendous sway in the Trump administration, says “patents are for the weak” and compared them with landmines in warfare. “They don’t actually help advance things,” he said. “They just stop others from following you.”

    In addition to these three areas, Commerce’s roles in international trade, telecommunications, industrial security and other matters could also become epicenters of any global crisis.

    This all adds up to an uncomfortable mix of political and operational challenges for the next secretary.

    This story is part of a series of profiles explaining Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

    Linda J. Bilmes is affiliated with the Harvard Kennedy School. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Commerce from 1997-1998 and as CFO and Assistant Secretary for Management, Budget and Administration from 1999-2001.

    – ref. Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary – https://theconversation.com/commerce-oversees-everything-from-weather-and-salmon-to-trade-and-census-here-are-3-challenges-awaiting-new-secretary-248087

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Children killed in Darfur hospital attack, date set for US climate pact withdrawal, WHO leads call to fight neglected diseases

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    At least one girl and three boys were killed, and three boys injured, during an attack on the Saudi Hospital in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, North Darfur, on Friday. 

    The children were among the patients being treated in the hospital’s emergency ward for injuries from previous bombings in the area, said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

    “This heinous attack is a blatant violation of children’s rights. Children are being killed and injured in the very places where they should be safest from harm,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    “Such attacks exacerbate the dire situation for children and families who are trapped in areas affected by conflict, insecurity, and lack of protection.”

    70 per cent of hospitals out of action

    In Sudan, over 70 per cent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are currently non-operational due to damage, destruction, lack of supplies, or being used as shelters.

    The delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and routine immunisation has been hindered by ongoing security concerns and lack of access, worsening the humanitarian crisis and putting countless lives, especially those of children, at significant risk.

    Under International Humanitarian Law, hospitals enjoy special protection and must not be targeted. Attacks on them undermine the essential care and relief the facilities provide to civilians, including children. All parties to the conflict have an obligation to ensure the protection of civilians, including children, and refrain from any actions that could impede access to life-saving medical services.

    “Continued attacks on health facilities endanger children’s lives and restrict their access to lifesaving medical care, which can have immediate and long-term impacts on their health,” said Ms. Russell. “The violence must end now. Children in Sudan cannot wait any longer.”

    US with pull out of Paris Agreement 27 January next year

    The United States has officially notified the Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, effective 27 January 2026, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

    The historic accord reached by 193 countries in December 2015 in a bid to keep temperature rises to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, was signed by the US on 22 April 2016.

    During the first Trump administration the US withdrew from the Agreement effective 4 November 2020, before his successor took the country back into the accord on 19 February 2021.

    Fight continues against global warming

    The UN Spokesperson said the latest withdrawal would not lead to any slowdown in the UN’s efforts to combat climate change.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to the Paris Agreement and to support all effective efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Mr. Dujarric.

    The international community continues to work towards the goals set by the Agreement, despite the US’s decision to withdraw.

    UN health agency leads call to fight neglected disease scourge

    Health news now, and an appeal from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) for concerted action to tackle neglected tropical diseases, which impact more than one billion people – often with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

    Every year, around 800 to 900 million people are treated for at least one neglected tropical disease, according to the UN health agency, which warned that global warming has emerged as a threat in this field of medicine.

    Long list

    The list of tropical diseases is a long one and includes Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya and dracunculiasis. They tend to thrive among vulnerable people who live in poverty and are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

    Progress in tackling these diseases remains hampered by a lack of investment and conflict, the WHO said, ahead of World Neglected Tropical Disease Day on Thursday.

    Today, 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease; WHO’s goal is for 100 countries to do the same by 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Flooding and natural disasters in Rhodes and Lemnos – P-002710/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The whole EU territory is susceptible to climate change impacts[1]. As the first European Climate Risk Assessment underlined, risk ownership is shared across the EU, Member States, sub-national and private sector actors, along with the means and responsibility of acting on them. The Commission will continue to contribute to making Europe more climate resilient[2],[3], among others with a new EU Adaptation Plan.

    Adaptation measures that meet the relevant criteria are eligible for the 30% budget of the EU funds set aside for climate, including the Cohesion fund[4], Next Generation EU[5], the European Regional Development Fund[6], the Common Agriculture Policy[7] and LIFE[8]. Greece is already receiving substantial funding to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks[9].

    The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[10] may cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities. Private damage is not eligible.

    It can only be activated at the request of a Member State which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.

    Greece requested EUSF assistance for the storm ‘Daniel’ disaster in November 2023. The Commission determined Greece’s application eligible for support and paid out EUR 101 million in 2024.

    Greece has not submitted an EUSF application due to the flooding of Rhodes and Lemnos at the end of November 2024.

    The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation subprogramme of the LIFE Programme[11] follows a bottom-up approach tailored to local needs and can also offer room for special attention to islands’ needs related to climate change.

    • [1] European Environment Agency, European Climate Risk Assessment, 2024.
    • [2] EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, COM(2021) 82 final.
    • [3]  COM(2024) 91 final.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/cohesion-fund/
    • [5] https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_en
    • [8] LIFE, https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en
    • [9] Under Greece’s 2021-2027 Partnership Agreement for Regional Development (ESPA), over EUR 726 million in public funding is allocated to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks.
    • [10] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012
    • [11] Budget of EUR 947 million for the period 2021-2027.
    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Peace in Sudan: a fresh mediation effort is needed – how it could work

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gerrit Kurtz, Peace and Conflict Researcher, German Institute for International and Security Affairs

    Intense fighting has ravaged Sudan since 15 April 2023. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and its erstwhile comrades-in-arms, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Famine, displacement and mass atrocities are wreaking havoc in the country.

    International mediation efforts have been lacklustre and fruitless. The United Nations security council has been preoccupied with other crises and blocked by its own divisions. The African Union has created diplomatic groups, a high-level panel and a presidential committee, none of which has been particularly active. It has been very slow in tackling the political process it wanted to lead.

    The US and Saudi Arabia convened several rounds of talks, first in Jeddah, then in Switzerland. The Sudanese Armed Forces delegation failed to turn up in Switzerland. The Rapid Support Forces expressed willingness to talk peace, while simultaneously committing sexual and gender-based violence on a massive scale. The Biden administration only lately slapped sanctions on the top leaders of both forces, Abdelfattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti).

    I have studied civil wars, mediation and peacebuilding for more than 12 years, with a focus on Sudan, including regular visits to the country and the region in the past five years. Based on this experience I have identified five reasons why mediation has failed. These are: the resistance of the conflict parties based on the dynamic nature of the war; continued military and financial aid by their external sponsors; as well as mediation attempts that were too narrow, not viewed as impartial, and lacking in coherence.

    Clearly, a new approach to mediation is needed, not simply a new mediator. Turkey has recently offered to lead talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the United Arab Emirates, the main backer of the Rapid Support Forces, but Egypt, Kenya and several multilateral organisations also keep looking for opportunities.

    Any new initiative will have to have certain components if it’s going to succeed:

    • political parameters, ideally set by a parallel civilian political process, of what might come next for Sudan should guide mediators

    • negotiations should take place in secret so that trust can be established

    • back channel communications networks must be established with potential spoilers without ceding undue legitimacy to them

    • a gender- and youth-inclusive approach

    • more effective international coordination

    • consistent pressure on the conflict parties and their external backers.

    Why previous mediation efforts failed

    Firstly, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces have shown significant willingness to stop hostilities.

    The military fortunes of the two sides has waxed and waned. As long as either side feels successful militarily, they are unlikely to commit to sincere negotiations. Outright military victory leading to control of the whole territory (and its borders) remains out of reach for all.

    Secondly, their respective allies have not shown any particular interest in peace.

    External actors have provided military support to the warring parties, and helped finance them. The UAE is the main sponsor of the Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese Armed Forces cooperates with Egypt, Eritrea, Iran and Russia, for arms deliveries and training. The UAE promised the US to stop supporting the Rapid Support Forces, but the arms flows continued.

    Thirdly, some conflict management efforts were based on a flawed conflict analysis. There were attempts to organise a face-to-face meeting between Hemedti and Burhan, by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union. But the war is not primarily a contest of “two generals”. Neither Hemedti nor Burhan has full control of their forces. Nor is a renewed military government acceptable to large parts of Sudan’s vibrant civil society.

    Fourth, mediation efforts suffered because some of the parties saw them as lacking impartiality. Sudanese Armed Forces leaders don’t trust Kenya, whose President William Ruto is closely aligned with the UAE and has, until recently, allowed the Rapid Support Forces to conduct meetings and a press conference in Nairobi. Kenya was supposed to lead the Intergovernmental Authority on Development quartet of mediators, which never really got off the ground. Similarly, Sudan remains suspended from the African Union.

    Finally, there was a competition of mediation platforms, allowing the warring parties to shop for the most convenient forum for them.

    What a path to a ceasefire might look like

    International attention is currently focused on Turkish president Recep Erdogan, who has offered to mediate between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the UAE. The Sudanese Armed Forces has harshly criticised the UAE for its support to the Rapid Support Forces. The offer, then, is based on the assumption the UAE might actually cease that support.

    Any new approach should differ from previous efforts.

    • Mediators should provide a broad sense of political parameters for a post-war (interim) order, ideally with strong input from Sudan’s civilian groups. Those could include a conditional amnesty as well as assurances of personal safety for the top military leaders and of some stake in a transitional period, without promising any blanket impunity or renewed power-sharing.

    But international mediators should grant the warring parties political recognition and legitimacy only in exchange for feasible concessions.

    • Negotiations should take place in secret, allowing confidential exchanges between declared enemies. This is particularly important for the Sudanese Armed Forces given the rivalry among its leadership.

    • Back channel communications should be established to all actors with real constituencies in Sudan, without empowering them unnecessarily. Turkey is well-placed to reach out to senior members of the previous (Bashir) regime who have found exile there. They control large parts of the fighting forces on the side of Sudanese Armed Forces and could prove to be a major spoiler. The armed groups in the so-called “joint forces” would also need to feel somewhat included.

    • Mediators should find ways to include a broad array of civilian actors, in particular women and youth groups. Instead of only targeting “men with guns”, a peace process should be gender-inclusive.

    • Any lead mediator should keep other interested parties such as the EU, the UK, Norway, and the other countries and organisations already mentioned, informed and engaged.

    • Pressure should be kept up by the US, UK and EU on external backers of the two main warring parties, and target both military and financial flows. Policies, including further targeted sanctions, should be as aligned as possible.

    Preparing for a window of opportunity

    There’s no guarantee that the violence would cease even if these conditions were met. The main belligerents are likely to continue their current offensives. The Sudanese Armed Forces will try to oust the Rapid Support Forces from central Khartoum completely. The Rapid Support Forces will keep trying to take El Fasher, the only capital in Darfur not under their control.

    The impending re-capture of Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces may provide an opportunity for a new round of talks, if it comes with consistent international pressure. Mediators should be ready to push for an end to the fighting.

    – Peace in Sudan: a fresh mediation effort is needed – how it could work
    – https://theconversation.com/peace-in-sudan-a-fresh-mediation-effort-is-needed-how-it-could-work-248330

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Canada-Poland Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Canada and Poland’s relationship is steadfast, from our mutual commitment to transatlantic and energy security to our common pursuit of a more sustainable planet. Together, we stand united and determined to create a safer and more prosperous world today – and for generations to come.

    Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, concluded his trip to Warsaw, Poland, where he signed the landmark Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement alongside the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.

    Once in force, the Agreement will deepen ties between Canadian and Polish energy sectors, enabling Canadian companies to apply their nuclear expertise to support Poland’s energy transition and enhance energy security for Poland and the region. It will create good well-paying jobs and opportunities for people on both sides of the Atlantic, while reinforcing Canada and Poland’s shared commitment to nuclear co-operation, non-proliferation, safety, and security. This collaboration will help Poland enhance its clean energy sector and accelerate its efforts to phase out coal from its energy mix.

    This Agreement complements other initiatives to strengthen Canada and Poland’s bilateral relationship, including the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), which was signed earlier this month. Once implemented, the GSOIA will enhance information sharing between Canada and Poland and create business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, and nuclear.

    Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with his Polish counterparts, including Prime Minister Tusk, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski. As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, they agreed on the importance of combatting antisemitism and hate across the globe.

    The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to transatlantic security and underlined the importance of providing military, financial, humanitarian, and other support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that supporting Ukraine will continue to be a priority for Canada, particularly in the context of its 2025 G7 Presidency.

    Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his thanks to the people of Poland for their hospitality during his two-day visit to the country and reaffirmed Canada’s desire to continue deepening ties with Poland in the years to come.

    Quote

    “By working together to advance nuclear technology, Canada and Poland are pushing innovation forward and accelerating energy security. Once in force, the newly signed Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement will promote Canadian innovators, create good-paying jobs, and combine Polish and Canadian expertise in the sector. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to building a more secure future, alongside our closest Allies.”

    Quick Facts

    • In 2023, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the National Atomic Energy Agency of Poland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on small modular reactors (SMR), paving the way for increased exchanges on best practices and technical reviews related to SMR technology.
    • Poland does not yet generate nuclear power commercially, but it has comprehensive plans to use both large-scale and SMR nuclear technology.
    • Canada expects to be the first G7 country to have the first operational SMR, the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300, by 2029. It is under active development by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington Nuclear Station, and Poland is watching developments at Darlington closely, as it plans to deploy the same SMR technology shortly thereafter.
    • In 2023, on the margins of the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Poland, and over twenty other nations endorsed a statement calling for the tripling of nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
    • Yesterday in Kraków, Poland, the Prime Minister announced $3.4 million in new funding to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion in Canada and around the world.
    • Canada and Poland enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership. Canada takes pride in being the first NATO country to have ratified Poland’s membership, in 1998. Polish troops are deployed to the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
    • Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled $4.1 billion.
    • The warm ties between our peoples serve as the foundation of our countries’ strong bilateral relationship. Close to one million Canadians of Polish descent call Canada home.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peace in Sudan: a fresh mediation effort is needed – how it could work

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gerrit Kurtz, Peace and Conflict Researcher, German Institute for International and Security Affairs

    Intense fighting has ravaged Sudan since 15 April 2023. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and its erstwhile comrades-in-arms, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Famine, displacement and mass atrocities are wreaking havoc in the country.

    International mediation efforts have been lacklustre and fruitless. The United Nations security council has been preoccupied with other crises and blocked by its own divisions. The African Union has created diplomatic groups, a high-level panel and a presidential committee, none of which has been particularly active. It has been very slow in tackling the political process it wanted to lead.

    The US and Saudi Arabia convened several rounds of talks, first in Jeddah, then in Switzerland. The Sudanese Armed Forces delegation failed to turn up in Switzerland. The Rapid Support Forces expressed willingness to talk peace, while simultaneously committing sexual and gender-based violence on a massive scale. The Biden administration only lately slapped sanctions on the top leaders of both forces, Abdelfattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti).

    I have studied civil wars, mediation and peacebuilding for more than 12 years, with a focus on Sudan, including regular visits to the country and the region in the past five years. Based on this experience I have identified five reasons why mediation has failed. These are: the resistance of the conflict parties based on the dynamic nature of the war; continued military and financial aid by their external sponsors; as well as mediation attempts that were too narrow, not viewed as impartial, and lacking in coherence.

    Clearly, a new approach to mediation is needed, not simply a new mediator. Turkey has recently offered to lead talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the United Arab Emirates, the main backer of the Rapid Support Forces, but Egypt, Kenya and several multilateral organisations also keep looking for opportunities.

    Any new initiative will have to have certain components if it’s going to succeed:

    • political parameters, ideally set by a parallel civilian political process, of what might come next for Sudan should guide mediators

    • negotiations should take place in secret so that trust can be established

    • back channel communications networks must be established with potential spoilers without ceding undue legitimacy to them

    • a gender- and youth-inclusive approach

    • more effective international coordination

    • consistent pressure on the conflict parties and their external backers.

    Why previous mediation efforts failed

    Firstly, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces have shown significant willingness to stop hostilities.

    The military fortunes of the two sides has waxed and waned. As long as either side feels successful militarily, they are unlikely to commit to sincere negotiations. Outright military victory leading to control of the whole territory (and its borders) remains out of reach for all.

    Secondly, their respective allies have not shown any particular interest in peace.

    External actors have provided military support to the warring parties, and helped finance them. The UAE is the main sponsor of the Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese Armed Forces cooperates with Egypt, Eritrea, Iran and Russia, for arms deliveries and training. The UAE promised the US to stop supporting the Rapid Support Forces, but the arms flows continued.

    Thirdly, some conflict management efforts were based on a flawed conflict analysis. There were attempts to organise a face-to-face meeting between Hemedti and Burhan, by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union. But the war is not primarily a contest of “two generals”. Neither Hemedti nor Burhan has full control of their forces. Nor is a renewed military government acceptable to large parts of Sudan’s vibrant civil society.

    Fourth, mediation efforts suffered because some of the parties saw them as lacking impartiality. Sudanese Armed Forces leaders don’t trust Kenya, whose President William Ruto is closely aligned with the UAE and has, until recently, allowed the Rapid Support Forces to conduct meetings and a press conference in Nairobi. Kenya was supposed to lead the Intergovernmental Authority on Development quartet of mediators, which never really got off the ground. Similarly, Sudan remains suspended from the African Union.

    Finally, there was a competition of mediation platforms, allowing the warring parties to shop for the most convenient forum for them.

    What a path to a ceasefire might look like

    International attention is currently focused on Turkish president Recep Erdogan, who has offered to mediate between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the UAE. The Sudanese Armed Forces has harshly criticised the UAE for its support to the Rapid Support Forces. The offer, then, is based on the assumption the UAE might actually cease that support.

    Any new approach should differ from previous efforts.

    • Mediators should provide a broad sense of political parameters for a post-war (interim) order, ideally with strong input from Sudan’s civilian groups. Those could include a conditional amnesty as well as assurances of personal safety for the top military leaders and of some stake in a transitional period, without promising any blanket impunity or renewed power-sharing.

    But international mediators should grant the warring parties political recognition and legitimacy only in exchange for feasible concessions.

    • Negotiations should take place in secret, allowing confidential exchanges between declared enemies. This is particularly important for the Sudanese Armed Forces given the rivalry among its leadership.

    • Back channel communications should be established to all actors with real constituencies in Sudan, without empowering them unnecessarily. Turkey is well-placed to reach out to senior members of the previous (Bashir) regime who have found exile there. They control large parts of the fighting forces on the side of Sudanese Armed Forces and could prove to be a major spoiler. The armed groups in the so-called “joint forces” would also need to feel somewhat included.

    • Mediators should find ways to include a broad array of civilian actors, in particular women and youth groups. Instead of only targeting “men with guns”, a peace process should be gender-inclusive.

    • Any lead mediator should keep other interested parties such as the EU, the UK, Norway, and the other countries and organisations already mentioned, informed and engaged.

    • Pressure should be kept up by the US, UK and EU on external backers of the two main warring parties, and target both military and financial flows. Policies, including further targeted sanctions, should be as aligned as possible.

    Preparing for a window of opportunity

    There’s no guarantee that the violence would cease even if these conditions were met. The main belligerents are likely to continue their current offensives. The Sudanese Armed Forces will try to oust the Rapid Support Forces from central Khartoum completely. The Rapid Support Forces will keep trying to take El Fasher, the only capital in Darfur not under their control.

    The impending re-capture of Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces may provide an opportunity for a new round of talks, if it comes with consistent international pressure. Mediators should be ready to push for an end to the fighting.

    Gerrit Kurtz is also a non-resident fellow with the Global Public Policy Institute and a member of the Forum New Security Policy of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.

    – ref. Peace in Sudan: a fresh mediation effort is needed – how it could work – https://theconversation.com/peace-in-sudan-a-fresh-mediation-effort-is-needed-how-it-could-work-248330

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Veganuary momentum fades as participants struggle to maintain meat-free options beyond January Academics at the University of Aberdeen have compared attitudes and knowledge around sustainable eating – and willingness to reduce the amount of meat consumed – over a 10-year period. They found that although initiatives like ‘Veganuary’ were helpful in introducing people to alternative diets, this was not sustained in most of…

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Academics at the University of Aberdeen have compared attitudes and knowledge around sustainable eating – and willingness to reduce the amount of meat consumed – over a 10-year period.
    They found that although initiatives like ‘Veganuary’ were helpful in introducing people to alternative diets, this was not sustained in most of those questioned.
    Overall awareness about the need for sustainable diets has improved since ‘Veganuary’ was introduced in 2013, but the same barriers to sticking to them persist, the researchers at the Rowett Institute found.
    And now they are stepping up efforts to understand why by recruiting volunteers willing to go meat-free a few days a week to take part in a detailed study.
    The report – titled Still Eating Like There’s No Tomorrow – is based on analysis of similar populations to those the team spoke to in 2013 to establish what, if anything, has changed in the last decade.
    They reported in 2023/14 that resistance to the idea of reducing personal meat consumption was common across all sociodemographic groups, with meat being seen as pleasurable, social, and traditional.
    The results from the current study suggest participants had a greater willingness to reduce meat consumption a decade on but that there is disparity in attitudes between socioeconomic groups, with those in areas of high deprivation less willing to reduce meat consumption.
    Emily Cleland, the lead author of the study undertaken by a team from the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen said: “Many of the barriers described towards reducing meat consumption have not changed over the decade between studies. 
    “This is important because of the urgent need to change diets to meet the targets set by the Climate Change Committee, which advises the UK and devolved governments.
    “With just over five years to go until the Climate Change Committee’s interim targets for a 20% reduction in meat consumption, it is vital to take stock of progress and identify barriers and enablers, which is the aim of this study.”
    Participants reported that campaigns such as ‘Veganuary’ were successful in reducing their meat consumption for a time-limited period but the ability to continue a meat-free dietary pattern throughout the rest of the year was questioned. Other initiatives such as ‘Meat free Mondays’ were deemed more attainable in terms of enjoyment and health, and having environmental benefit.
    “Our study shows that resistance to dietary change persists due to scepticism about how this would benefit the climate, cost concerns and the sensory appeal of meat,” she added.
    “The greater availability of plant-based alternatives to meat and campaigns such as ‘Meat-free Mondays’ show promising opportunities for change, but we require tailored interventions to overcome entrenched cultural and economic barriers.
    “It is therefore necessary to acknowledge the differing experiences and perceived barriers and facilitators from different groups to create interventions that address specific obstacles, making it easier for individuals to adopt more sustainable dietary practices and ultimately contribute to achieving environmental and public health goals.”
    The new study – led by report co-authors Dr David McBey and Dr Ben McCormick – is looking for anyone willing to reduce their meat consumption for three months.
    They will be asked to keep food diaries, fill in questionnaires and be interviewed about their eating habits during the trial period.
    Dr McBey says: “Eating less meat is important to help the planet and save resources, but it can be hard because of habits, traditions, or not having other options. Our study wants to find out what makes it tricky for people, so we can help them make changes more easily.”
    To sign up go to: Screening Questionnaire or contact lessmeat@abdn.ac.uk for more details.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wednesday weather update28 January 2025 Jersey Met is forecasting persistent rain from around 9am tomorrow, Wednesday 29 January 2025, until around 7am on Thursday 30 January 2025, which could cause localised flooding around the Island. As… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    28 January 2025

    Jersey Met is forecasting persistent rain from around 9am tomorrow, Wednesday 29 January 2025, until around 7am on Thursday 30 January 2025, which could cause localised flooding around the Island. 

    As a precaution the Infrastructure and Environment department has been clearing drains and raising the level of preparedness. 

    Advice to Islanders on how to prepare can be found via: Flooding: how to prepare, cope and clean up (gov.je).

    Stay up to date with weather forecasts at: gov.je/weather.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General Tells Africa Energy Summit Policy Coherence, Finance, Transparent Cooperation Key to ‘Illuminate the Lives of Millions’

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks to the panel on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy” at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, in Dar es Salaam today:

    I want to start by thanking the Government of Tanzania and the African Union for its leadership, and the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Mission 300 partners for convening this summit. 

    Mission 300 has undertaken an enormous task: to help close the energy access gap and unlock sustainable development across the continent by delivering electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.  As we have heard, we face a stark reality:  685 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, with the gap widening as population growth outpaces new electricity connections.

    And yet, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources vital for renewable energy technologies:  it is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources and possesses vast wind, hydro and geothermal potential.  And critical minerals mined in Africa are powering the renewables revolution around the world.

    Despite this abundance, and record global investments in renewable energies worldwide, Africa continues to be left behind and many Africans continue to lack access to clean, affordable energy.  This injustice must be urgently resolved.  Access to electricity is an essential development requirement, one that can also be the multiplier for acceleration in building a sustainable future for all.

    Providing clean energy to local communities represents a unique opportunity to improve health, widen access to education and social protection, make food systems resilient and create green jobs, e-commerce and financial services, while at the same time protecting the environment and biodiversity. 

    We have heard our distinguished speakers discuss why companies and Governments should get involved.  The business case is clear:  the falling costs of renewables and storage offer a great opportunity to deliver access to energy, energy security and sovereignty and climate resilience. 

    With the new African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming at a trade zone without barriers to the transfer of goods and services, the business opportunities will further multiply if the right policy environments — coherent and predictable — are put in place.

    As we move into discussing what policies and reforms for transforming African energy can enable millions to access energy, I would like to focus on three areas of urgent attention for policymakers.

    First, fostering policy coherence.  We are five years away from the target of our SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], and we are not on track.  Policymakers and the international institutions need to strive to ensure sector-wide plans are coherent and aligned with the achievement of the SDGs due in 2030, while investors need robust regulatory laws in place to ensure business can operate aligned with them.

    At this Summit, Mission 300 target countries are presenting their first national energy strategies for achieving universal energy access.  These strategies need to be part of a broader plan, one that — while achieving universal energy access — needs to be aligned with the new economy-wide national climate action plans, or NDCs, consistent with 1.5°C, well before COP 30 [the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference] in November.

    NDCs represent a unique opportunity for all countries to align their new climate plans and energy strategies, together with addressing adaptation needs.  NDCs must coordinate the transition from fossil fuels with scaling of renewables and grid modernization and expansion, ensuring energy security and affordability.  And they must be anchored in justice — providing support for affected workers and communities.

    If done right, climate plans align with national development priorities and double as investment plans — becoming blueprints for a more sustainable and prosperous future.  The Secretary-General’s panel on critical energy transition minerals offers important principles and actionable recommendations to ensure this new era does not repeat historical patterns of exploitation.  SEforALL [Sustainable Energy for All], UN Resident Coordinators and country teams will continue to support country-level policy reforms, integrate stakeholder innovations, build institutional capacities and boost infrastructure investments across the entire clean-energy supply chain. 

    Second, mobilizing finance and support.  While private-sector investments and innovation are important, public financing remains vital — especially in modernizing grid infrastructure to expand access and integrate renewables.  Blending concessional public funds with commercial funds can help multiply renewable-energy investments in developing countries.  We must work to strengthen the health of Africa’s public finances and tackle unsustainable debt burdens that are crowding out essential public investments.

    The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, that will take place in July to underpin the needs for long-term concessional finance, and the 1.3 trillion roadmap, agreed in Baku, that needs to be delivered by COP 30 in Brazil, must provide investments to scale up, among others, the energy transition.

    Third, enhancing transparent international cooperation.  International investments and cross-border partnerships hold the key to delivering electricity projects at a massive scale.  Institutions must be strengthened to operate in complex regulatory environments, with multiple actors across jurisdictions.

    Public-private partnerships need to be subject to stable and transparent public procurement rules throughout the whole project cycle — rules that prioritize long-term sustainability and allow for mutually beneficial contractual relationships.  Transparency and accountability should be a hallmark of Mission 300 and set a new standard for cooperation across the continent. 

    As we start the five-year countdown to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, and mark the ten-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, let us work together to illuminate the lives of millions, power the industries of tomorrow and ensure that no one is left behind in the race to deliver universal clean energy, climate resilience and economic prosperity.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer to Chair Senate EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    Click here for audio. Click here for video.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee announced U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) will serve as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure  (T&I) Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. Cramer previously served as Ranking Member of the subcommittee from 2021 to 2024.
    The T&I Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects and management, public buildings, and regional economic development. During Cramer’s tenure on EPW, the committee has debated and unanimously passed the most substantive highway bill in history and three consecutive Water Resource Development Acts, all of which were signed into law.  
    “The T&I Subcommittee is one of the few places left in Congress where bipartisanship and regular order are the norm, and why not? Americans expect and they understand their roads, bridges, waterways, and efficient interstate commerce is both a federal responsibility and a priority,” said Cramer. “My goal on the committee is to improve the nation’s infrastructure by getting the next highway bill and the Water Resources Development Act done on time and, at the same time, right-sizing this bloated federal real estate portfolio that we have. We have a lot to do and I’m look forward to working with Chairman Capito, and Ranking Member Whitehouse, and my colleagues on the committee, and of course the Trump administration to get the job done.”
    Cramer will serve on the Senate Environment and Public Works Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety Subcommittee as well as the Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee.
    More information can be found here and on the EPW website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville

    Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville
    bwood

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Stein announced that Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), will expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Buncombe County, a significant vote of confidence in western North Carolina. The company’s expansion project will create 325 additional jobs and includes an additional investment of $285 million in Asheville.  

    “Western North Carolina’s economy took it on the chin after Hurricane Helene, yet still it remains an incredible place to work and do business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Pratt & Whitney clearly sees the opportunities in North Carolina and the strength of our highly skilled workforce. We look forward to welcoming them here.” 

    Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.  More than 17,000 customers operating in more than 200 countries and territories use Pratt & Whitney engines, with more than 90,000 engines currently in service.  The company’s Asheville facility, first announced in October 2020, produces high-tech turbine airfoils, an important component in aircraft jet engines.  The company’s new project will expand its production capacity to meet growing customer demand.

    “Pratt & Whitney’s continued investment in Asheville is critical to meet the growing demand for our products, such as the GTF for the A320family and the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II,” said Asheville General Manager for Pratt & Whitney Dan Field. “We would like to thank the state, Buncombe County and Governor Stein for their support on this project. This latest round of investment allows us to add critical process elements for the manufacture of turbine airfoils and increase the overall delivery output of this facility, enabling us to deliver on our customer commitments while creating hundreds of new jobs in the Asheville community.” 

    “The aviation industry is a key driver of North Carolina’s economic success and Pratt & Whitney’s decision strengthens our aerospace ecosystem substantially,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.  “We will continue to invest in support systems, like our community colleges and universities, that help employers like Pratt & Whitney succeed in our state—and bolster Western NC’s economy.”

    The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process.

    The average salary for the new positions will be $62,413, compared with an average wage in Buncombe County of $55,416.  The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $20 million per year. 

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by nearly $2.1 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and the capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $4,202,250, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. 

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 317 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $4.17 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.  

    Because Pratt & Whitney chose to expand in Buncombe County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $1,400,750 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Buncombe, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state. 

    “Many local, regional, and state organizations have worked hard to bring this new economic development project to Buncombe County, all while working diligently through the many details of storm recovery,” said Representative Eric Ager. “We look forward to seeing Pratt & Whitney continue to thrive in our great community.” 

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Departments of Revenue and Transportation, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the Office of Congressman Chuck Edwards, the Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Biltmore Farms, Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville and Buncombe County.  

    Jan 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reappointment of Ofgem Chief Executive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Jonathan Brearley reappointed as Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (14 January 2025) confirmed the reappointment of Jonathan Brearley as Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem.

    The reappointment will run from 1 February 2025 until 31 January 2030.

    The Secretary of State has also extended the terms of 2 non-executive directors – Myriam Madden to 31 March 2025 and Barry Panayi to 16 March 2027.

    Biographies

    Jonathan Brearley – Chief Executive Officer

    Jonathan Brearley was appointed as an executive member of the Ofgem Board in 2018. Jonathan became Ofgem’s Chief Executive Officer on 3 February 2020. This follows his previous appointment as Executive Director for Systems and Networks in April 2018.

    He has wide-ranging energy sector experience, having led Electricity Market Reform as the Director for Energy Markets and Networks at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

    Prior to this, he was Director of the Office of Climate Change, a cross-government strategy unit focussed on climate change and energy issues, where he led the development of the Climate Change Act. Earlier in his career, Jonathan was a senior adviser in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.

    Appointed: 3 February 2020
    Reappointed: 1 February 2025
    Term ends: 31 March 2025

    Myriam Madden – Non-Executive Director

    Myriam was appointed to the Ofgem Board in January 2020. She has held senior executive finance and operational positions in global technology companies, financial services in the UK, US and Europe, as well as the public sector. An experienced Executive Director, Myriam specialised in business transformation, operational restructuring and finance in both the private and public sectors.

    Myriam is a chartered management accountant and a Board member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). She is a Board member of Home Group, chairman of their Scottish subsidiary, a board member of the Traverse Theatre and chairman of their Audit committee.

    Myriam previously served as a non-executive member of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee of BEIS. She was also a Board member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and President of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, both global accounting bodies.

    Appointed: 1 January 2020
    Extended: 1 February 2025
    Term ends: 31 January 2030

    Barry Panayi Madden – Non-Executive Director

    Barry was appointed to the Ofgem Board in March 2020. He specialises in data and digital transformation and has worked in data for the whole of his career. He is currently Chief Data and Insight Officer for John Lewis.

    Prior to John Lewis, Barry spent the majority of his early career at Ernst & Young helping to lead the data and analytics practice and has subsequently headed up data and digital teams in organisations such as Bupa, Virgin and Lloyds Banking Group.

    Appointed: 16 March 2020
    Extended: 1 February 2025
    Term ends: 16 March 2027

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Winter Academy on Nuclear Energy for Students from China Concluded

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The International Winter Academy on Energy has ended at the Institute of Energy. This project is aimed at developing international educational cooperation in energy with universities in different countries. This winter, the Nuclear Energy module was organized for Chinese students from Harbin Engineering University, Sichuan University, Shandong University, and Tsinghua University.

    The staff of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering have been conducting classes in a hybrid format since the pandemic. The transition to online classes was inevitable then, and now it has become a convenient option for students who, for various reasons, cannot come.

    We will continue to accept students both online and in person, as there is demand for this. Our program is short-term, it covers both basic and special aspects of energy, so we provide some participants with the opportunity to study after their main classes and after finishing work, – said Ekaterina Sokolova, associate professor at HSE and founder of the academy.

    The Winter Academy received the “status” of an academy when the organizers and founders of the project realized that education is not the only area of cooperation in which students, teachers from foreign universities and polytechnics are interested.

    Now the program includes not only lectures and intensive courses, but also case studies and presentations of scientific research. The Academy participants presented projects on various topics: “Artificial Intelligence on the Path to Sustainable Energy”, “Small Modular Reactors”, “Nuclear Energy and Climate Change”, etc.

    Students wrote review articles and provided examples of the latest developments in their country, Russia and the world, based on the knowledge they had gained during the program. They presented their research results on the final day at the energy forum.

    The guys visited the laboratory of the Scientific and Educational Center “Thermal Physics in Power Engineering”, where Professor Vladimir Mityakov of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology gave a tour in English, showed the work of the wind tunnel and the results of experiments conducted with its help. Associate Professors of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology Khashayar Sadeghi and Hadi Seyed accompanied the students of the Academy, assistant Alexey Tarasenko gave a lecture on the basics of probabilistic safety analysis.

    We would like our academy to be able to provide not only knowledge, but also the skills required for conducting scientific activities and writing articles. The guys get acquainted with the Polytechnic, with teachers and students. We hold events that teach them to work in a team, overcome the language barrier and develop the skill of communicating with future colleagues and scientists. The language of science is, first of all, the language of cooperation, both in education and in culture, – shared Ekaterina Andreyevna.

    A cultural program was prepared for the Academy participants. The children visited the Hermitage and the Yusupov Palace. Senior lecturer of the Higher School of Architecture and Technical Ethics Natalia Donmez and specialist of the SPbPU History Museum Maria Zavyalova conducted a bilingual excursion dedicated to the history of the Polytechnic University.

    The academy’s organizers plan to attract Russian students and students from international educational programs to obtain different opinions and come to new solutions.

    In the near future, IE employees will begin preparing for the spring program on hydrogen energy, which is very popular. Scientists Competence Center for Advanced Nuclear Technologies in the Area of Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of Energy create a course taking into account the latest industry developments.

    In the summer, the team is preparing for the arrival of several delegations from China and students from other countries for modules on electric power, oil and gas industry, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources.

    Students can follow the updates and recruitment to the academy as tutors on the IE website.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    FEMA To Offer Tips for Home Repair and Rebuilding in the Upstate

    COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents repairing and rebuilding following Hurricane Helene can visit two Home Depot locations in Spartanburg County to get tips and advice on making homes stronger and safer against storms and other hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be available Jan. 27-Jan. 31, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., to answer questions and share home-improvement tips and other proven building methods to prevent or lessen damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. This free information is geared toward do-it-yourselfers and general contractors.The locations are:Home Depot, 121 Dorman Center Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29301 Home Depot, 2300 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307FEMA specialists can answer questions and discuss topics such as:Techniques for home repair and rebuilding.Methods for preventing damage from future disasters.Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent a home.FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helen to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, just one day away. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day, and the help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 
    martyce.allenjr
    Tue, 01/28/2025 – 14:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Disaster evacuations can take much longer than people expect − computer simulations could help save lives and avoid chaos

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ashley Bosa, Postdoctoral Researcher, Hazards and Climate Resilience Institute, Boise State University

    Wildfire smoke rises beyond homes near Castaic Lake as another California wildfire spread on Jan. 22, 2025. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

    When a wildfire notification goes off on your mobile phone, it can trigger all kinds of emotions and confusion.

    You might glance outside and see no smoke. Across the street, your neighbors have mixed reactions: One is leisurely walking their dog, another is calmly packing a small bag, while a third appears to be preparing for an extended vacation.

    The notification advises you to grab your “go bag,” but then panic can set in as you realize you don’t have one ready. So, you scour the local emergency management website for guidance and discover how much you’ve overlooked: important documents such as birth certificates, an extra flashlight, your children’s medications, a phone charger.

    Before you can gather your thoughts, a second notification arrives – this time telling you to evacuate.

    Packing the car, wrangling children or a skittish cat, figuring out where to go – it can feel frenzied in the face of danger. As you pull out, you join a traffic jam on your street, with a black smoke plume rising nearby and neighbors still loading their cars.

    This chaos highlights a worst-case scenario for wildfire evacuations – one that can cause delays, heighten risks for evacuees and complicate access for emergency responders. It’s why researchers like me who study natural hazards are developing ways to help communities recognize where residents may need the most help and avoid evacuation bottlenecks in the face of future disasters.

    The importance of being prepared

    Confusion is common in the face of disasters, and it underscores the need for communities and individuals to be prepared.

    Delays in evacuating, or the inability to evacuate safely, can have catastrophic consequences, not only for those trying to flee but also for the first responders and emergency managers working to manage the crisis. These delays often stem from a lack of preparedness or uncertainty about when and how to act.

    A study of survivors of an Australian wildfire that killed 172 people in the state of Victoria in 2009 found that two-thirds of survivors reported that they had carried out an existing disaster plan, while researchers found the majority of those who died either didn’t follow a disaster plan or couldn’t. Forecasters had warned that high temperatures were coming with very low humidity, and public alerts had gone out about the high fire risk.

    Residents had little time to evacuate as the Eaton Fire spread into Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. Source: NBC.

    How people perceive risks and the environmental and social cues around them – such as how much smoke they see, their neighbors’ choices or the wording of the notification – will directly affect the speed of their response.

    Past experience with a disaster evacuation also has an impact. Rapid population growth in recent years in the wildland-urban interface – areas where human development meets wildfire-prone areas – has meant that more people with little or no experience with wildfires are living in fire-risk areas. Wildland areas also tend to have fewer evacuation routes, making mass evacuations more difficult and time-consuming.

    Adding to the complexity is the fact that large wildfires are occurring in regions not historically prone to such events and during times of the year traditionally considered outside of wildfire season. This shift has left communities and emergency response teams grappling with unprecedented challenges, particularly when it comes to evacuations.

    Computer models can help spot risks

    To address these challenges, researchers are developing systems to help communities model how their residents are likely to respond in the event of a disaster.

    The results can help emergency crews understand where bottlenecks are likely to occur along evacuation routes, depending on the timing of the notice and the movement of the fire. They can also help fire managers understand where neighborhoods may need to be notified faster or need more help evacuating.

    Firefighters inspect burned out cars along a road in Paradise, Calif., after a deadly fire swept through the wooded area in November 2018. Some people abandoned their cars when they became trapped in traffic with few ways out.
    AP Photo/John Locher

    My team at the Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute at Boise State University is working on one of these projects. We have been surveying communities across Idaho and Oregon to assess how people living in the wildland-urban interface areas perceive wildfire risks and prepare for evacuations.

    Using those surveys, we can capture household-level decision data, such as which evacuation routes these residents would take, how many cars they plan to drive and where they would evacuate to.

    We can also gauge how prepared residents would be to evacuate, or whether they would likely stay and try to defend their home instead.

    Evacuating nursing homes takes time and special resources, including evacuation sites that can meet people’s health needs. When the Eaton Fire swept into Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025, a senior care facility had little time to get its residents safely away.
    AP Photo/Ethan Swope

    With that data, we can simulate how long it will take emergency response teams to evacuate an entire community safely. The models could also show where difficulties with evacuations might be likely to arise and help residents understand how they can adjust their evacuation plans for a safer escape for everyone.

    Bridging the gap between awareness and action

    One of the key goals of this research is to bridge the gap between awareness and action.

    While many residents in wildfire-prone areas understand the risks, translating that knowledge into concrete preparations remains a challenge. The concept of a “go bag,” for example, is widely promoted but often poorly understood. Essential items such as medications, important documents and pet supplies are frequently overlooked until it’s too late.

    Clear and timely communication during wildfire crises is also essential. Evacuation warning messages such as “Ready, Set, Go!” are designed to prompt specific actions, but their effectiveness depends on residents understanding and trusting the system. Delayed responses or mixed signals can create confusion.

    As wildfire risk rises for many communities, preparedness is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. Emergency notifications vary by state and county, so check your local emergency management office to understand what to expect and sign up for alerts. Being prepared can help communities limit some of the most devastating impacts of wildfires.

    Ashley Bosa receives funding from the National Science Foundation Grant No. 2230595 for the project titled “Collaborative Research: Household Response to Wildfire ? Integrating Behavioral Science and Evacuation Modeling to Improve Community Wildfire Resilience.”

    – ref. Disaster evacuations can take much longer than people expect − computer simulations could help save lives and avoid chaos – https://theconversation.com/disaster-evacuations-can-take-much-longer-than-people-expect-computer-simulations-could-help-save-lives-and-avoid-chaos-247668

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Low-level flights to reimage geology over parts of central Florida following Hurricanes Milton, Helene

    Source: US Geological Survey

    RESTON, VA – A low-flying airplane will soon be visible to residents in parts of central Florida. 

    Data collection for this survey area will begin in January 2025 and last potentially through April, weather permitting.

    The survey will cover parts of the following counties in Florida: Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, and Sarasota.

    The airplane will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface. The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. 

    The scientific instruments on the airplane are completely passive, with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected.

    Instruments on the airplane will measure variations in low-level radiation created by different rock types. This information will provide scientists with the framework needed to better evaluate natural resources, groundwater, or geologic hazards. 

    The effort is part of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI); a nationwide collaboration between the USGS and state geologists to modernize our understanding of the nation’s fundamental geologic framework through new geologic maps, geophysical and topographic surveys, and geochemical sampling. 

    Experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the FAA to ensure compliance with U.S. law. More information on USGS mineral resources research can be found here.

    The flights are being coordinated by the USGS and the Florida Geological Survey. Their goal is to image geology at the surface and below ground using airborne geophysical technology, with applications to hurricane resiliency and critical mineral resource evaluation. The data collected will be made freely available to the public once complete. 

    The survey will include re-flights of an area previously surveyed last year to study any changes to the geology following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which made landfall in Florida in September 2024. The 2024 surveys marked the first time in more than 45 years that a public high-resolution survey has been flown in these areas.

    This survey will be flown by contractor Xcalibur Multiphysics via a subcontract to Fugro. 

    To stay up to date on USGS mineral resources data and reports, and to learn more about USGS mineral-resource and commodity information, please visit our website and follow us on X.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Mite-y Use of Electricity

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Mites who hitchhike on the beaks of hummingbirds use a surprising method to help them on their journey: electricity.

    These hummingbird flower mites feed on nectar and live within specific flowers for their species. When it is time to seek out a new flower, they hitch a ride via hummingbirds, but for years researchers have not been sure exactly how these tiny, crawling arachnids quickly disembark at the right flower. Researchers, including Carlos Garcia-Robledo, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, are closer to answering these questions, and they published their results in PNAS.

    Garcia-Robledo studies aspects of the evolutionary and life histories of organisms and how they respond to climate change, including this puzzling behavior.

    Illustration showing how electric charges help mites move between flowers via hummingbirds. The pluses and minuses show the nature of the electric charges. (Illustration courtesy of Marley Peifer)

    “When hummingbirds visit multiple flowers, you usually see the mites going down their beaks only when they touch the first flower,” says Garcia-Robledo. “I thought that was interesting and wondered why the mites were not going to the second or third flower.”

    For years, researchers have proposed that the mites use a smell signal, but after some experimentation to test this theory, Garcia-Robledo was not convinced.

    “I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don’t care much about smells of flowers and so on. I knew it had to be something else.”

    Then, after reading a story about research into how ticks are pulled onto clothing by static electricity, and a chance lunch meeting while working at the La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica, everything came together.

    “I was reminded of the weird observation about the mites, and I thought maybe something electrostatic was happening there,” he says. “These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds.”

    Just by chance, Garcia-Robledo was having lunch with friends and co-authors Konstantine Manser and Diego Dierick. Manser was at the time a Ph.D. student at the University of Bristol in the laboratory that produced the tick static research. Diego Dierick is a scientist at the Organization for Tropical Studies, and an electronics whiz collaborating in many projects at La Selva Research Station. Garcia-Robledo proposed they test his theory on the hitchhiking hummingbird flower mites.

    “Diego and Kosta said that it was super easy and that we should try. We built the devices the next day and brought the first mite from a flower to test it. We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That’s how we figured out that they were using static electricity,” says Garcia-Robledo.

    With that immediate success, the researchers were inspired to experiment further with a power source that only generated static electricity and test whether the mites were attracted to statics or the frequency that it was transmitting. They discovered that when the field was only static electricity, the mites did not respond, yet they did when the field was modulated.

    “The mites respond to the bouncing of a signal that is associated with the size, geometry, and vibration of the hummingbirds, which reach frequencies between 20 and 160 Hz,” Garcia-Robledo says.

    As the hummingbirds beat their wings, they generate a charge, and their bodies become supercharged. So, just like how you may get a small static shock after walking across a room and touching a door handle, the first flower seems to be the one where mites have the electric potential to embark or disembark quickly.

    In another experiment, Garcia-Robledo tested how the mites recognize very small positive electrical charges. He experimented with a very simple and effective device composed of a glass tube, and wire where the wire would be touched by either an aluminum or copper plate to generate a charge. The glass tube held the mite, and when the device was charged, the mites responded by running toward the positive pole at both higher and lower electrical fields, but only when it was transmitting a frequency of 120 Hz.

    “You just charge the little arena, and then instantaneously, the mite is attracted only if you have this little bounce of the signal, and they go to the positive charge even if you have these super tiny charges. The little bounce the second that you touch, it is enough for them to know where to go, and they just go,” says Garcia-Robledo.

    Each of the 19 mite species at La Selva is attracted to specific set of flowers, and they somehow know when they have arrived at the right flower and that it’s time to jump on or hop off their hummingbird shuttle.

    “We think that there may be some specificity in the electric signals or different charges for flowers,” says Garcia-Robledo. “That’s one possibility. We found that there is a structure in the front legs that they used to perceive these electric charges and frequencies. The next step is that we have many of these mites, and they have different structures, and different species of mites have different structures in their legs. Potentially, they can detect different frequencies.”

    Besides signaling when to get off, these electric charges help the mites quickly board their speedy chaperones. Just like the study looking at how ticks hitch a statically charged ride onto clothing, the mites are pulled up from the flower to the hummingbird beaks via the bird’s positive charge.

    “When the mites are attracted by that electric field, we found they are one of the fastest terrestrial organisms for a few milliseconds,” Garcia-Robledo says. “This is the most surprising thing because the mites were not just responding to electrostatics, they are responding to an actual signal generated by an organism. That was super surprising. This may be the first kind of like case where these organisms are using, at the same time, electricity to locate organisms that they are using for transportation, but also for transportation itself.”

    Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation, Dimensions of Biodiversity – 1737778 and Organismal Responses to Climate change – 2222328.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HomeTrust Announces the Sale of Knoxville Branches to Apex Bank

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. and CAMDEN, Tenn., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBI) (“Company”), the holding company of HomeTrust Bank (“HomeTrust”), and Apex Bank (“Apex”) today announced that HomeTrust and Apex have entered into a definitive purchase and assumption agreement (the “agreement”) under which Apex will acquire HomeTrust’s two branches in Knoxville, Tennessee. Under the terms of the agreement, Apex will acquire the physical locations, related fixed assets, and substantially all the customer deposit accounts which are currently estimated at $42 million. HomeTrust will retain the loan accounts associated with the branches.

    “This transaction aligns with our strategic plan to tighten our geographic footprint, improve our branch efficiencies, and allocate our capital to support our long-term growth in other core markets,” said Hunter Westbrook, HomeTrust’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Matt Daniels, President and CEO of Apex Bank said, “Being locally owned and operated, we are excited to expand our footprint in Knoxville. This investment will allow us to better serve customers and support the community. We will continue to look for opportunities to expand our presence in the area and remain committed to providing personalized financial solutions that help individuals and businesses thrive.”

    The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by applicable regulatory authorities, is currently anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2025.

    Piper Sandler & Co. served as HomeTrust’s financial advisor for the transaction, while Silver, Freedman Taff & Tiernan LLP provided legal counsel. Baker Donelson provided legal counsel for Apex.

    About HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.
    HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for HomeTrust Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had assets of $4.6 billion. The Bank, founded in 1926, is a North Carolina state chartered, community-focused financial institution committed to providing value added relationship banking with over 30 locations as well as online/mobile channels. Locations include: North Carolina (the Asheville metropolitan area, the “Piedmont” region, Charlotte, and Raleigh/Cary), South Carolina (Greenville and Charleston), East Tennessee (Kingsport/Johnson City, Knoxville, and Morristown), Southwest Virginia (Roanoke Valley) and Georgia (Greater Atlanta).

    About Apex Bank
    Apex Bank was founded in 1931 and is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Apex Bank has experienced tremendous growth since 2008, increasing total assets from $157 million to over $1.35 billion in 2025. The bank currently has 20 retail locations and a Knoxville-based national mortgage servicing center. Apex Bank has consistently been ranked as one of the best-performing community banks in the nation for the past 16 years, including the award of Tennessee’s Top Community Bank from Independent Community Bankers of America and other leading rankings in the financial industry.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but instead are based on certain assumptions including statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by forward-looking statements. The factors that could result in material differentiation include, but are not limited to, the impact of bank failures or adverse developments involving other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; the remaining effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on general economic and financial market conditions and on public health, both nationally and in the Company’s market areas; natural disasters, including the effects of Hurricane Helene; expected revenues, cost savings, synergies and other benefits from merger and acquisition activities might not be realized to the extent anticipated, within the anticipated time frames, or at all, costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected, and goodwill impairment charges might be incurred; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in general economic conditions, both nationally and in our market areas; legislative and regulatory changes; and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission – which are available on the Company’s website at www.htb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Any of the forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release or in the documents the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of inaccurate assumptions, the factors described above or other factors that management cannot foresee. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    www.htb.com
    www.apexbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council motion supports extension to lifespan of power stations Lancaster City Council has welcomed the recent decision to extend the operating lifespan of Heysham’s two nuclear power stations.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Lancaster City Council has welcomed the recent decision to extend the operating lifespan of Heysham’s two nuclear power stations.

    Heysham One

    At a recent meeting of Full Council, the following motion was passed:

    This Council welcomes last month’s announcement that following a detailed technical review of the power stations, EDF’s licensee board has decided to extend generation dates for Heysham 1 by one year to 2027 and Heysham 2 by two years to 2030.

    This decision is great news for Heysham and the wider local community. The power stations are a provider of high skill, high wage jobs, and the extension of the generating life of the power stations secures employment for more than 1,500 staff and contractors. The power stations are anchor institutions, with supply chains and spending power boosting the local economy. They are also a major source of business rate revenue for the Council, whose significant contributions help secure a higher standard of local services and protect more Council jobs than would otherwise be possible.

    This decision is also excellent news nationally. Extending the generating lives of the Heysham stations will bolster the UK’s security of supply and support plans for the rapid expansion of renewables by helping to maintain grid stability. Nuclear power is a low carbon source of energy, and a key element of the Government’s strategy to provide clean power by 2030.   Ensuring the baseload with nuclear power also helps limit the UK’s dependence on imported gas, a regrettable situation which has caused an energy crisis and led to inflated household bills.

    Council has confidence in the safety considerations underpinning this decision. We note that ongoing generation from the stations will ultimately depend not on decisions by EDF, but on the outcome of future inspections, the results of which are reviewed by the independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.  

    Looking to the future, Council notes that Heysham is a location earmarked by the Government for the potential siting of one or more Small Modular Reactors (SMR), that EDF is an approved development partner for these new technologies, and that the first reactors of this type are intended to be delivered by 2029. Council supports bringing ‘New Nuclear’ to Heysham and welcomes the continuation of the benefits this would bring to both our residents and the rest of the UK.

    Council resolves that:

    1. The Chief Executive will write to the Secretary” of State for Energy and Climate Change, Cat Smith MP and Lizzi Collinge MP, welcoming the generating life extensions to Heysham 1 & 2, and conveying our support for bringing New Nuclear to Heysham and a timeline for this project to achieve, so we can plan for the future engineers and the stability of the Council.
       
    2. That we publicise these views via our various communications channels.
       
    3. That a full response to any consultation on New Nuclear is prepared on behalf of the Council by Business Committee at the appropriate time.

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New life to be breathed into a much-used corner of Morecambe A rejuvenation project will get underway this week to breathe new life into a much-used corner ..

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A rejuvenation project will get underway this week to breathe new life into a much-used corner of Morecambe. 

    Work will begin at the Greenway near the Morecambe railway line, which serves as a junction for pedestrians and cyclists, offering access to the coast, shops and the Way of the Roses cycle route, thanks to a £15k cash injection from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    Repairs will be made to the path, benches will be over-hauled, trees and bushes will be thinned and trimmed, a litter bin installed and a well-used crossing area forming part of the ‘Way of the Roses’ cycle route will be revamped with a unique, People’s Jury and artist co-designed crossing. 

    Residents can get involved too with a public workshop to make bird and bat boxes and join in on litter picks, as part of the project to improve the environment, enhance safety and accessibility. 

    The project is a collaboration between, the Lancaster District People’s Jury on Climate Change, Lancaster City Council and artists from the Good Things Collective. 

    The project builds on the recommendations of The People’s Jury, which was formed after the council declared a climate emergency to guide its efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2030. 

    The Jury’s 2020 report provided key recommendations, and this project was inspired through its on-going collaboration work on the Local Climate Engagement Programme (LCEP) with which it produced additional recommendations, particularly focusing on travel and transport. 

    On Saturday, volunteers from The People’s Jury joined council staff to litter pick at the site ahead of work starting in the coming days.

    Residents see action on the site for the next couple of weeks, with the project expected to be completed by the end of March. 

    Councillor Gina Dowding, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said:  “We are thrilled to receive the UKSPF funding for this important project, which aims to enhance this well-used public space and improve safety and accessibility for all. Whether it’s local commuters connecting to the cycle track, tourists embarking on the Way of the Roses, or residents walking to nearby shops, this initiative will benefit everyone. 

    “This is truly a community effort, and we encourage residents to get involved – from litter picks to making bird boxes – as we work together to improve our local area and also improve sustainable travel through our cycleways.” 

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expert advisory group appointed by independent water commission

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The independent water commission announces members of the new advisory group

    Expert advisory group appointed by independent water commission

    Senior advisory group supporting Sir Jon Cunliffe on major water reset

    Leading voices from areas including the environment, public health and investment have been announced today (28 January) as the new advisory group to the independent water commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.  

    Sir Chris Whitty (Chief Medical Officer), Richard Benwell (CEO, Wildlife & Countryside Link),  Professor Isabelle Durance (Professor of Integrated Water Sciences at Cardiff University) and Peter Harrison (former CEO, Schroders) are among the nine members advising the commission in its major review of the water system. 

    A Call for Evidence will be published in February 2024 to bring in views from all interested parties on possible areas of reform. 

    The members are: 

    • Richard Benwell (environment expert), Chief Executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of environmental charities. Previously policy adviser to the Defra Secretary of State and worked in policy and advocacy roles for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and RSPB.   

    • Chris Whitty (public health expert), Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government. 

    • Professor Isabelle Durance (environmental science and Welsh water system expert), Founder and Director of the Water Research Institute at Cardiff University, and Professor of Integrated Water Sciences 

    • Peter Harrison (investment expert), Former Group CEO at Schroders plc. Member of the Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT), Chair of the charity Business in the Community, and chair-designate of Morgan Sindall plc.   

    • Dame Yve Buckland (consumers advocate), Founding Chair of the Consumer Council for Water (2005 –2015). Chair of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust since 2023.    

    • Jonathan Haskel (economics expert) Professor of Economics at Imperial College Business School. Previously board member at the UK Statistics Authority and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England. 

    • Philip Graham (infrastructure), Executive Director of Good Growth at Greater London Authority. Previously Chief Executive of the National Infrastructure Commission.  

    • Jon Loveday (project delivery and commercial expert), Director of Infrastructure, Enterprise and Growth at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA). Shareholder Non-Executive Director of Crossrail International and Sizewell C. Former Executive Director within the water, telecoms and energy sectors. 

    • Stephen Peacock (planning and place-making expert), CEO of West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Former CEO and Executive Director of growth and regeneration at Bristol City Council 

    The independent water commission was announced by the UK and Welsh governments in October 2024 to help deliver a reset of the water sector, chaired by Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Jon Cunliffe.

    The upcoming Call for Evidence will look at the management of the overall water system, regulatory reform, and the role of water companies, owners and investors.   

    A set of recommendations will be delivered later this year to the Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed and Huw Irranca Davies, Wales’ Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.  

    Sir Jon Cunliffe, Chair of the independent water commission, said: 

    Since taking up this role I have seen the many complex challenges faced by the water sector in England and Wales. All sides know that change is clearly needed.  

    The calibre of expertise we have bought together in this group reflects the significance of the task ahead.  

    I know their insight and experience will be invaluable in recommending meaningful and long-term reforms to rebuild the trust that has been lost and deliver a thriving and sustainable water sector for the future. I look forward to our work together in the coming months.

    As set out in the Terms of Reference, the Commission is operating independently of the UK and Welsh Ministers. The Chair and advisory group are supported by a Defra Secretariat.  

    Full biographies of all advisory group members are listed below.   

    Name Details
    Richard Benwell (environment) Richard Benwell is CEO of Wildlife & Countryside Link, a coalition of environmental charities. He is a Board member of UK Youth for Nature and the Broadway Initiative, and Chair of Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership. Previously, he was Policy Adviser to the Secretary of State at DEFRA, and has worked in policy and advocacy roles for WWT and RSPB.
    Sir Chris Whitty (public health) Professor Sir Chris Whitty FRS is Chief Medical Officer for England (CMO) and head of the public health profession. He is an epidemiologist and NHS infectious disease consultant physician. Chris has worked with the Royal Academy of Engineering and others on solutions for the safe management of sewage.
    Dame Yve Buckland (consumers) Yve Buckland was the founding Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, holding the role between 2005 and 2015.  She has also held a number of roles in public health, including Chair of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement at Warwick University (2005 – 2010), Pro-Chancellor of Aston University (2019 – 2023), and in 2022 Dame Yve was appointed Chair of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. 
    Jonathan Haskel (economics) Jonathan Haskel is Professor of Economics at Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, where he has been since 2008.  He has previously taught at Queen Mary, University of London; Dartmouth College, USA and New York University, USA.  His research interests are productivity and growth.   In addition to his academic activities, he has been an External Member of the Reporting Panel of the Competition and Markets Authority (2001-2009); a non-Executive Director of the UK Statistics Authority (2016-2022) and an External Member of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (2018-2024).
    Philip Graham  (infrastructure) Philip Graham was the founding Chief Executive of the National Infrastructure Commission from 2015-20, during which time he led its establishment as an independent arms-length body and delivered the UK’s first ever cross-cutting National Infrastructure Assessment. He is currently Executive Director for Good Growth at the Greater London Authority, where he leads the Mayor’s policies and programmes in relation to London’s environment, economy, infrastructure, and spatial development. He worked across areas in the Department for Transport, including leading the Airports Commission’s review of aviation capacity for Sir Howard Davies.
    Jon Loveday (project management and delivery) Jon Loveday is the Director of Infrastructure, Enterprise and Growth at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), the government’s centre of expertise for infrastructure and major projects. He leads the expert delivery team advising on the set up of delivery bodies, commercial models and project delivery across the £800bn Government’s Major Projects Portfolio. Jon has held Executive roles for regulated utility companies and major construction and infrastructure contractors and has extensive experience of delivering major utility projects throughout the UK.
    Peter Harrison (investors) Peter Harrison was formally Group Chief Executive of Schroders plc, with over 35 years’ experience in the asset management industry. He is currently a member of the Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT), chair of the charity Business in the Community, and chair-designate of Morgan Sindall plc.
    Professor Isabelle Durance (science and Welsh water system) Isabelle Durance is Professor of Integrated Water Science and Director of the Water Research Institute at Cardiff University, recognised for its interdisciplinarity and extensive stakeholder reach that includes water companies, government and regulators. With multi-million-pound support, her personal research in the UK and overseas examines interactions between landscape change, biodiversity and ecosystem services.  Outside her academic role, she is involved extensively in various advisory capacities to government bodies, research councils, charities, industry and regulators – especially in the water sector.
    Stephen Peacock (planning and place-making) Stephen Peacock is Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, responsible for £1 billion of investment to drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the most productive and fast-growing UK city region outside London. He has a commercial background in international energy and technology along with a track record of public sector leadership.  A former partner with a major professional services firm, Stephen was Chief Executive of Bristol City Council where his achievements include the creation of the award-winning City Leap public-private partnership.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Debbie Collier, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, University of the Western Cape

    Increased average temperatures, climate variability, and extreme weather events are taking a toll on the environment and disproportionately affecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. This is intensifying challenges in the world of work.

    Working on a warmer planet increases health and safety risks and affects workers’ well-being and productivity. These risks are a challenge for employment, labour standards, and the creation of decent work.

    Temperatures in South Africa are rising faster than the global average. And finding ways to adapt to climate change and navigate its challenges is becoming increasingly urgent. These challenges are compounded by the disruptions of an energy transition. South Africa also has high levels of inequality and unemployment.

    South Africa, one of the largest (CO₂) emitters in Africa, has committed to reducing its emissions with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. But how does the country balance the need to cut carbon emissions while protecting an already vulnerable working population during the energy transition?

    Enabling a just transition is a focus for the constituencies of the National Economic Development and Labour Council. The council is South Africa’s national social dialogue institution. It consists of representatives from the state, organised labour, organised business, and community organisations. The council’s Labour Market Chamber has been working on how best to integrate principles of labour and environmental justice. And how labour laws can be used to support a just energy transition.

    The University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, of which I am the director, has supported the council and its social partners in labour law reform processes. The aim is to ensure that labour laws and policy are responsive to the changing world of work, and are “fit for purpose” in the just transition era.

    Two priorities are to implement the Climate Change Act as envisaged. And to use and develop labour law to support a just transition.

    The Climate Change Act

    The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 incorporates the goal of decent work within a commitment to a just transition. The act, which will take effect on a date yet to be determined, defines a just transition as

    a shift towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society and ecologically sustainable economies and societies which contribute toward the creation of decent work for all, social inclusion, and the eradication of poverty.

    The act is ambitious in its scope and leaves no part of society untouched. It aims to restructure the economy from one dependent on fossil fuels to a low carbon economy, at the same time contributing to decent work and an inclusive society.

    New institutional arrangements are envisaged and existing institutions are expected to adapt. Relevant state actors must “review and if necessary revise, amend, coordinate and harmonise their policies, laws, measures, programmes and decisions” to “give effect to the principles and objects” of the act.

    The act provides impetus for change and an opportunity to revisit the country’s labour law and industrial relations landscape.

    Labour law in a just transition era

    South Africa’s labour law promotes both collective bargaining and employee consultation processes — the “dual channels” for engagement. However, industrial relations are typically characterised by adversarial bargaining over wages and economic distribution. This approach falls short of the nuanced and collaborative processes needed to navigate a just transition. The first step requires a shift from familiar, adversarial patterns of engagement.

    The energy transition and adaptation to climate change may have significant implications for job security and employment. These include

    • the adoption of new technologies, resulting in workplace restructuring

    • changes in the organisation of work or work methods

    • the discontinuation of operations, either wholly or in part.

    The framework for constructive engagement on such developments includes institutions and mechanisms at workplace, sector and national levels. At the workplace, workplace forums were intended for this purpose.

    Workplace forums are voluntary institutions introduced in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1994 to ensure that workers are consulted and have a voice in decisions that affect them. Unfortunately, the uptake of workplace forums has been limited.

    Industry and sector institutions include bargaining councils and the Sector Education and Training Authorities. These should be developed into spaces for consultation on measures to support a just transition and coordination of skills development and industrial policy.

    Nationally, Nedlac is the apex social dialogue institution. There’s also the Presidential Climate Commission which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee and facilitate a just transition. The commission is regulated by the Climate Change Act. It plays a critical role in steering just transition policy processes and building consensus on regulatory developments.

    What are the gaps?

    Labour law has limited scope to address environmental degradation or the concerns of communities. To plug this gap, programmes that integrate rights, policies and services for workers and communities affected by the energy transition should be considered. For example the framework for Social and Labour Plans in the mining sector could be augmented to support a just transition.

    Labour law functions and mechanisms that support a just transition may need to be strengthened. Key areas for improvement include:

    • the framework and ecosystem for skills development to prepare workers for job transitions

    • occupational health and safety and labour standards for the protection of workers in conditions of increased heat and extreme weather events

    • the scope, application and objectives of social security schemes and social protection for workers affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Other steps towards a just transition include:

    Environmentally sustainable practices must be a priority in all workplaces. Consultation and coordinated responses should not be limited to workplaces, sectors and industries that are directly affected, such as the coal mining sector.

    Adaptation to climate change should be at the forefront of the collective efforts of all South Africans. Perhaps even more so in higher education institutions, where the responsibility to educate, innovate, and lead by example is paramount.

    South Africa’s climate change law envisages a pathway to social inclusion and decent work. Its labour laws provide critical tools for the transition.

    Debbie Collier, Shane Godfrey, Vincent Oniga and Abigail Osiki co-authored the Nedlac report, Optimising labour law for a just transition (2024).

    – A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition
    – https://theconversation.com/a-hot-and-troubled-world-of-work-how-south-africas-bold-new-climate-act-and-labour-law-can-align-to-drive-a-just-transition-243406

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Debbie Collier, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, University of the Western Cape

    Increased average temperatures, climate variability, and extreme weather events are taking a toll on the environment and disproportionately affecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. This is intensifying challenges in the world of work.

    Working on a warmer planet increases health and safety risks and affects workers’ well-being and productivity. These risks are a challenge for employment, labour standards, and the creation of decent work.

    Temperatures in South Africa are rising faster than the global average. And finding ways to adapt to climate change and navigate its challenges is becoming increasingly urgent. These challenges are compounded by the disruptions of an energy transition. South Africa also has high levels of inequality and unemployment.

    South Africa, one of the largest (CO₂) emitters in Africa, has committed to reducing its emissions with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. But how does the country balance the need to cut carbon emissions while protecting an already vulnerable working population during the energy transition?

    Enabling a just transition is a focus for the constituencies of the National Economic Development and Labour Council. The council is South Africa’s national social dialogue institution. It consists of representatives from the state, organised labour, organised business, and community organisations. The council’s Labour Market Chamber has been working on how best to integrate principles of labour and environmental justice. And how labour laws can be used to support a just energy transition.

    The University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, of which I am the director, has supported the council and its social partners in labour law reform processes. The aim is to ensure that labour laws and policy are responsive to the changing world of work, and are “fit for purpose” in the just transition era.

    Two priorities are to implement the Climate Change Act as envisaged. And to use and develop labour law to support a just transition.

    The Climate Change Act

    The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 incorporates the goal of decent work within a commitment to a just transition. The act, which will take effect on a date yet to be determined, defines a just transition as

    a shift towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society and ecologically sustainable economies and societies which contribute toward the creation of decent work for all, social inclusion, and the eradication of poverty.

    The act is ambitious in its scope and leaves no part of society untouched. It aims to restructure the economy from one dependent on fossil fuels to a low carbon economy, at the same time contributing to decent work and an inclusive society.

    New institutional arrangements are envisaged and existing institutions are expected to adapt. Relevant state actors must “review and if necessary revise, amend, coordinate and harmonise their policies, laws, measures, programmes and decisions” to “give effect to the principles and objects” of the act.

    The act provides impetus for change and an opportunity to revisit the country’s labour law and industrial relations landscape.

    Labour law in a just transition era

    South Africa’s labour law promotes both collective bargaining and employee consultation processes — the “dual channels” for engagement. However, industrial relations are typically characterised by adversarial bargaining over wages and economic distribution. This approach falls short of the nuanced and collaborative processes needed to navigate a just transition. The first step requires a shift from familiar, adversarial patterns of engagement.

    The energy transition and adaptation to climate change may have significant implications for job security and employment. These include

    • the adoption of new technologies, resulting in workplace restructuring

    • changes in the organisation of work or work methods

    • the discontinuation of operations, either wholly or in part.

    The framework for constructive engagement on such developments includes institutions and mechanisms at workplace, sector and national levels. At the workplace, workplace forums were intended for this purpose.

    Workplace forums are voluntary institutions introduced in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1994 to ensure that workers are consulted and have a voice in decisions that affect them. Unfortunately, the uptake of workplace forums has been limited.

    Industry and sector institutions include bargaining councils and the Sector Education and Training Authorities. These should be developed into spaces for consultation on measures to support a just transition and coordination of skills development and industrial policy.

    Nationally, Nedlac is the apex social dialogue institution. There’s also the Presidential Climate Commission which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee and facilitate a just transition. The commission is regulated by the Climate Change Act. It plays a critical role in steering just transition policy processes and building consensus on regulatory developments.

    What are the gaps?

    Labour law has limited scope to address environmental degradation or the concerns of communities. To plug this gap, programmes that integrate rights, policies and services for workers and communities affected by the energy transition should be considered. For example the framework for Social and Labour Plans in the mining sector could be augmented to support a just transition.

    Labour law functions and mechanisms that support a just transition may need to be strengthened. Key areas for improvement include:

    • the framework and ecosystem for skills development to prepare workers for job transitions

    • occupational health and safety and labour standards for the protection of workers in conditions of increased heat and extreme weather events

    • the scope, application and objectives of social security schemes and social protection for workers affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Other steps towards a just transition include:

    Environmentally sustainable practices must be a priority in all workplaces. Consultation and coordinated responses should not be limited to workplaces, sectors and industries that are directly affected, such as the coal mining sector.

    Adaptation to climate change should be at the forefront of the collective efforts of all South Africans. Perhaps even more so in higher education institutions, where the responsibility to educate, innovate, and lead by example is paramount.

    South Africa’s climate change law envisages a pathway to social inclusion and decent work. Its labour laws provide critical tools for the transition.

    Debbie Collier, Shane Godfrey, Vincent Oniga and Abigail Osiki co-authored the Nedlac report, Optimising labour law for a just transition (2024).

    Debbie Collier receives funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and is the director of the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work (CENTROW). CENTROW has received funding to assist the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and social partners in labour law reform processes.

    – ref. A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition – https://theconversation.com/a-hot-and-troubled-world-of-work-how-south-africas-bold-new-climate-act-and-labour-law-can-align-to-drive-a-just-transition-243406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Press Conference “Risks in BaFin’s Focus”, 28 January 2025

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    Check against delivery.

    A warm welcome from me too!

    The environment facing the German financial sector in 2025 will be challenging.

    At the moment, there is no single key risk. The situation is multifaceted and complex. Companies are having to deal with a diverse range of risks. Risks that are sometimes closely interconnected. Many of these risks can have immediate impacts, while some will only materialise in the long term. This situation is described in the fourth edition of our “Risks in BaFin’s Focus”, which we are publishing today. The picture is also very dynamic. While some risks remain consistently high – for example the strained situation on the commercial real estate markets – the risk situation in market-driven areas can change rapidly. Since going to press, we have seen a kind of party mood develop in certain parts of the financial markets. And as we all know: the bigger the party, the bigger the hangover.

    Over the next few minutes, I would like to discuss three topics. These three topics are very different, but they all make one thing clear: some of the challenges we are facing today are the result of new risk drivers. In other words, they are the result of developments that cannot be precisely gauged – in part because we lack relevant historical experience. This makes risk management more difficult. For the supervised entities, but also for us. The trend arrows for the risks I will address today are pointing in the wrong direction, symbolising a growing risk.

    The first topic I would like to address today is sustainability. Or, to be more precise: the physical risks of climate change. Still fresh in all our minds are the images of the devastating fires around Los Angeles. A tragic disaster with thousands of destroyed buildings, tens of thousands of people evacuated and more than two dozen fatalities. It is estimated that the potential property damage and economic losses could be as high as 150 billion US dollars. This will of course have an impact on the financial sector, especially on insurers’ loss amounts. Rating agencies estimate that in Europe, too, more than 30 percent of reinsurers annual loss budget for natural disasters could already be used up – and that within the first few days of the year.

    For disasters of this kind to occur, many factors have to come together. While regional weather patterns undoubtedly play a role, experts tell us that climate change is increasingly creating the conditions for these kinds of catastrophic fires. Conditions such as long periods of drought.

    Companies in the financial sector must therefore continue to address the physical risks of climate change – and they need to address these risks more intensively. That is to say, the specific effects of global warming, such as extreme weather events like droughts and flooding. Of course, the transition risks posed by the journey to a sustainable, low-carbon economy will also remain relevant.

    But I would say that in comparison, regulation and supervision have not paid sufficient attention to physical risks up to now. At BaFin, we will be putting a particular focus on these risks in 2025 – climate change is forging ahead. According to Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation programme, the global average temperature in 2024 was more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Physical risks, which will have an impact on banks’ loan portfolios or insurers’ loss amounts, are continuing to rise. Think of the Spanish region of Valencia, where severe flooding last autumn caused extensive damage. According to estimates, the ratios of non-performing loans in Spanish banks’ portfolios will rise in the coming quarters.

    We are therefore taking a close look at how physical risks are addressed at the companies we supervise – such as banks and insurers that are particularly at risk due to extreme weather, supply chain dependency or concentrated credit and market risks. We have found that the companies have generally made progress in managing their sustainability risks, but there is still room for improvement.

    For example, when it comes to integrating and processing data on physical climate risks. This is important for banks and insurers to be able to assess individual natural hazards. And that means they need to draw on several sources of information. We have found that many companies lack important data. In the case of banks, this is often customer-related location data – combined with an allocation of the physical risks to an exact address, such as possible flooding due to heavy rain. Insurers have gaps in their data, for example, in terms of public flood protection measures or the building regulations of the respective cities and municipalities. It is our impression that banks, in particular, are still in the early stages in this regard. They are currently focusing on building up their data basis.

    This is very important work. Supervised companies need to manage the increasing physical risks of climate change. Take regional banks, for example. If an extreme weather event were to occur in their home region, many of their customers could be affected at the same time. Not to mention numerous employees. This geographical concentration can be problematic. It can also particularly affect insurers and banks with specialised business models, for example in agriculture and forestry. The situation is made even more difficult by the sometimes very close links between banks and insurers through risk transfers. Just think of real estate loans and the protection of properties against natural disasters. These risks in particular are becoming increasingly difficult to assess: how likely are they to occur? How severe could potential damage be? And: will the property even be insurable for a reasonable price in future? In several areas of some US states, such as Florida or California, this is no longer a possibility . Climate change is one reason for this. Such insurance gaps not only raise political and social questions, but also questions about the financial viability and recoverability of real estate loans.

    It is important to realise that historical data is only of limited value – the risk situation is changing rapidly. Depending on the scenario one takes , one neighbouring country might be almost completely under water by the end of the century. It also seems plausible to me that climate change could become a driver of another highly charged geopolitical issue: migration.

    For BaFin, one thing is certain: supervised companies must continue to address in detail the physical risks of climate change and, especially, integrate these risks into all areas of their risk management. We should not wait for the next disaster. A forward-looking approach will not only protect the solvency of insurers and banks, but also be able to drive prevention measures forward. If risks are properly priced, it is more likely that they will be mitigated. The more trouble we have getting climate change under control, the more we will have to accept that physical risks are increasing and that prevention and risk avoidance are becoming more and more essential.

    The second topic I would like to address today is the risk arising from the profound technological change taking place in the financial industry. Here, too, historical experience is not particularly helpful. New technologies – such as generative artificial intelligence or, in future, quantum computing – are driving the transformation of the industry forward. These technologies have tremendous potential. For companies. And for customers. But they also entail very significant risks.

    At the top of the list are potential cyber incidents or major IT failures. Large banks, insurers and clearing houses play an extremely important role and have highly sensitive and therefore valuable data. This makes them particularly susceptible to cyber incidents. Data presented by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also confirms this. According to the IMF report, almost a fifth of all global cyber incidents over the past 20 years affected companies in the financial sector. The damage amounts to almost 12 billion US dollars.

    The threat of cyber incidents is globally very high. And it is continuing to rise. This is also due to the tense geopolitical situation. Many companies in the financial sector and their key service providers form part of the critical infrastructure. They are thus an attractive target for state-initiated attacks. But the threat is also rising due to the many new technological possibilities.

    For example, through generative AI. More and more companies in the financial sector are using generative AI or testing its use. And of course, criminals are also using such technologies – to develop new attack methods or malicious code, for example. High quality phishing messages can be created quickly using AI, which makes it much more difficult to identify fraudulent messages.

    Many companies are aware of all these risks and have invested in their IT security. That’s good news. But we cannot become complacent. It is important to us that companies continuously monitor current developments and threats. That they adapt their security measures. And that they prepare for crisis situations. They are currently well positioned to do so: the financial institutions reported strong earnings in 2024. They should use these earnings to invest further in their IT security. This is what we expect of them. It is also what their customers expect of them.

    It goes without saying that our work as a supervisory authority is increasingly being defined by the risks arising from technological change. Just to give one example: in the first three quarters of 2024, we received 258 reports of IT incidents in payment services. This is a significant increase compared to previous years. In two out of three incidents, the cause was not at a supervised financial institution, but at one of its service providers.

    We are also continuing to identify numerous serious IT shortcomings in our IT inspections at supervised companies.

    This is why the topics of IT security, cybersecurity and outsourcing remain high on our agenda. This year, we are planning more than 30 IT inspections, including follow-up inspections and inspections focusing on IT security.

    We will also be more closely monitoring multi-client service providers that offer services to a significant extent in the European financial market, service providers that this market also relies on. In addition, we are preparing to participate in joint examination teams led by the European Supervisory Authorities; these teams monitor critical IT service providers. Among others, the focus here will be on cloud hyperscalers.

    We need strong and effective supervision in the IT sector. At the same time, we need to keep an eye on emerging technologies. Technologies that are not yet available today, but which we know could have a very significant impact on the future of the financial sector. One such technology is quantum computing.

    Some people might argue that there aren’t yet any mass-produced quantum computers. Maybe so. There are still a few technological hurdles to overcome. But research and development are making rapid progress. You may remember that a few weeks ago, in December, Google presented a new quantum chip. In less than five minutes, this chip performed a calculation that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 quadrillion years. That is a one with 25 zeros. An unimaginable number that far exceeds the age of the universe.

    We don’t yet know when powerful quantum computers will be widely available. But there is much to suggest that we will see a breakthrough happen.

    Companies in the financial sector need to get ready for this development. They need to get ready today.

    Why do I emphasise this so strongly? Because quantum computers will be able to overcome conventional encryption technologies. Current cryptography methods such as RSA1 , which form the basis of IT security in the financial sector today, will no longer be an obstacle for quantum computers. This will pose a massive threat to data security in the financial industry. The cryptography currently used for the largest cryptoassets is probably not quantum-resistant either. Now, please be aware that this is not only some future scenario we are talking about. This risk is already relevant today. Data can already be stolen and stored today, to be decrypted later.

    Companies must not underestimate the risks that this poses. They must take protective measures – now. Especially for security-relevant data designed to have long-term validity. This is the only way they can protect this data in the long term.

    This may remind some of you, at least the older ones among us, of the millennium bug. That was a major issue at the end of the 90s. And the situation is similar today. Only this time we don’t have a target date we can work towards.

    So what exactly needs to be done? Companies must identify the data that could be jeopardised by quantum computing. And then develop a protection plan that takes existing technical possibilities and standards for post-quantum cryptography into account. A protection plan must of course be flexible by design. To ensure that IT risk management can react to future developments. And to ensure that it is in a position to implement future safety recommendations and standards.

    The fact that quantum computing is jeopardising data security is nothing new. The BSI pointed this out a good five years ago. The German government has also addressed the topic in its cybersecurity strategy. So today, I would like to emphasise once again: the time to act is now. When the first powerful quantum computers are for sale, it will be too late.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    In addition to the physical risks associated with climate change and the risks arising from technological changes in the financial sector, we also need to talk about the current economic situation – and the risks that this situation is giving rise to.

    As you all know, the German economy is stagnating. Last year, GDP fell by 0.2%. For 2025, the German Council of Economic Experts (Sachverständigenrat) is expecting slight economic growth of 0.4%. This shows that the economic situation remains difficult.

    Geopolitical risks are currently a key factor clouding the growth prospects of the German economy. This is because the German financial system is highly susceptible to geopolitical shocks. And the risk of such shocks is currently high. For example in the area of trade policy. We are seeing a global trend towards more protectionism. In particular, an intensification of the trade dispute between the US and China would have considerable consequences for the global economy, but especially for Europe. US import tariffs on German and European goods would also have direct impacts on the German economy.

    The number of corporate insolvencies in Germany rose significantly in 2024 – by 16.8% compared to the previous year. As a consequence, the risk that companies will partially or completely default on their loans also rose. The ratio of non-performing loans at German banks rose sharply in the third quarter of 2023 and has continued to increase since then. The aggregate NPL ratio increased from 1.38% to 1.76% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. We have seen this trend in both large and less significant institutions. And we expect the proportion of problematic loans to continue rising – in part due to the weak economy. In all probability, the impact of higher value adjustments will also become evident in institutions’ earnings in the foreseeable future. Banks’ loan books are a reflection of the health of the economy.

    Loan loss provisions at German banks likewise continued to rise, but have remained at a low level. In the third quarter of 2024, the loan loss provision ratio, i.e. the ratio of cumulative loan loss provisions to the loan portfolio, was 1.41%.

    The increased credit default risks are not only relevant for banks. Insurers also have to deal with these risks. After all, insurers also grant loans to companies. And they invest in private debt funds.

    BaFin will be taking a particularly close look at the risks arising from corporate loan defaults in 2025 – at banks and at insurance companies. In particular, we will be keeping a close eye on institutions that are heavily involved in sectors that could be significantly affected by an economic downturn or by geopolitical tensions. We will also be monitoring the investment behaviour of insurers, with a particular focus on the risk management of alternative investments such as private debt.

    Macroprudential measures also remain important for the resilience of the German financial sector. These measures include instruments such as the countercyclical capital buffer, which currently stands at 0.75% of domestic risk exposure. In December 2024, the Financial Stability Committee assessed this level and once again deemed it appropriate.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    As you can see, the financial sector is operating in a very challenging environment. This is in part because, for many risk drivers, we cannot draw on past experience. Physical climate risks, quantum computing, deglobalisation, geopolitical upheavals – the proverbial look in the rear-view mirror doesn’t help much when it comes to such developments. This makes it all the more important for companies in the financial sector to manage their risks wisely and to think in terms of scenarios. They must ask themselves: What can the risk situation mean for us? Where are we vulnerable? And how can we prepare for this? And, of course, they need to be highly resilient to potential shocks. More than anything else, this means keeping well-stocked capital and liquidity buffers. That is what we expect of them – and we will be paying particularly close attention to this over the course of the year.

    Now I look forward to your questions!

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workers must be protected from extreme weather

    Source: Scottish Greens

    28 Jan 2025 Climate Economy

    Scottish Greens echo calls from the Scottish Trade Union Council to stop endangering the lives of workers.

    More in Climate

    Storm Éowyn caused mass chaos across Scotland on Friday, with schools, public transport, and football all being cancelled due to high winds.

    However, many hospitality and retail businesses remained open despite a red weather warning from the Met Office. Now, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP is calling on the UK Government to protect workers from extreme weather events.

    Extreme weather events such as Storm Éowyn will only become more frequent with the looming climate breakdown. The Met Office’s red weather warning is a rare precaution but one that many Scots could become more used to in coming years.

    Despite advice to remain at home, many businesses forced their employees to travel to work during the storm. Many bartenders, shop workers, and waiters all had to brave 100mph winds to attend work.

    We need your support to put people and planet before profit. Take action today to help.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

    “Red weather warnings are rare, but the damage that they do is severe. It’s appalling that any business forced workers to ignore government advice and come into work during one of the worst storms for a long time.

    “We’ve seen the devastating impact of Storm Eowyn on communities across Scotland, with hundreds of thousands of homes losing power, railways brought to a standstill, and, tragically, the loss of life.

    “As the climate crisis worsens, we will face increasing climate chaos, so we must be prepared to protect communities and workers against these extreme weather events.

    “The best thing the UK government can do is take real action to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions, but they must also adapt to the damage already done.

    “Governments must face the reality of climate breakdown and adapt legislation to protect workers; we need to see robust rights in place for workers to stay safe during red weather warnings by rejecting shifts or avoiding unnecessary travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Additional £1.18M investment for parking improvements

    Source: City of Winchester

    As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support a vibrant local economy, Cabinet agreed the investment, which will see improvements delivered at pace this year.

    Winchester Park and Ride service

    £305,000 will be spent to improve CCTV provision, tackle anti-social behaviour at the Park and Ride sites and upgrade payment machines. A further £40,000 will be invested to improve and upgrade the multi-storey phone signal.

    As part of the improvements programme budget, further resurfacing works will take place at St Catherine’s Park and Ride facility, alongside improved signage, enhanced cycle storage and new digital signs, supporting the council’s commitment to become a carbon neutral district by 2030.

    Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said: “Tackling the climate emergency and improving air quality across the Winchester district, whilst ensuring our town centres thrive, underpins the significant investment we are making.

    “Our ambitious programme of works over the coming year will improve the visitor experience by ensuring our Park & Ride, Park and Walk and cycle parking facilities are well maintained, safe and accessible, which supports the Winchester Movement Strategy.”

    Winchester City Council’s Park and Ride and Park and Walk facilities have both seen an increase in user numbers over the last 12 months, which is supported by positive city centre footfall data which also shows an increase over the same time period.

    Later this year, Middle Brook Street car park will be upgraded to become a Pay and Display facility. This enables the council to provide disabled parking spaces closer to the shops, make entry and exit easier, and improve traffic flow along Friarsgate. This will require some phased closure periods, but the council is committed to minimising disruption and ensuring users are kept well informed throughout the process.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM and Partners Launch Project to Strengthen Environmental Health Awareness in Lebanon 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Beirut, Lebanon – December 2024 – In cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with Seed Global Health, has launched the “Environmental Health Capacity and Awareness Strengthening in Primary Healthcare Facilities” project. This initiative aims to empower healthcare workers at selected primary healthcare centers across Lebanon by addressing the growing challenges of climate-related health impacts.   

    A recent study by the Lebanese Red Cross Climate Center highlighted the significant health risks posed by climate change in Lebanon. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events increase the risks of heat-related health issues, including heatstroke and dehydration, particularly in urban areas. Furthermore, climate change in Lebanon is expected to worsen water scarcity and quality, with more frequent droughts, variable rainfall, and disrupted agriculture. This will lead to higher risks of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and food insecurity, further straining Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system.  

    The project, which will run from January to April 2025, is aligned with the Ministry of Public Health’s National Strategy and brings together interdisciplinary expertise to strengthen the health sector’s resilience.  

    Dr. Firas Abiad, the Minister of Public Health in Lebanon stated: “Public, private and peripheral hospitals have proven their critical role during the Lebanese conflict, not only in providing care but also in addressing the broader health needs of the population. While the priority for international support to Lebanon remains the health sector, we must seize this opportunity to advance in all areas, including environmental health. Strengthening environmental health measures will ensure that facilities across Lebanon can provide safer, and more sustainable healthcare services. A resilient health system integrates environmental health into its foundations to safeguard the well-being of both residents of the region and the Lebanese population.” 

    Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO of Seed Global Health, said, “Health workers are our frontline defense against the impacts of climate change on health and it is crucial they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to better understand and respond to these impacts. Seed Global Health is proud to partner with IOM and others to ensure people in Lebanon and elsewhere are better protected against the growing threat of climate change on health.”  

    The project will take a phased approach, starting with a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of primary healthcare staff regarding environmental health and climate change. The results will inform tailored training programs, equipping healthcare workers with the tools to address climate-health challenges. Key activities include developing gender-sensitive, equity-focused survey tools, engaging stakeholders, and gathering actionable data to enhance preparedness and capacity.  

    The project will be supported by technical experts from global and academic institutions, including the University of Melbourne and its Climate CATCH Lab, and will involve active collaboration with local stakeholders such as the Ministry of Public Health, PHCC managers, and NGOs.  

    About the Project  

    This initiative reflects IOM’s commitment to addressing the intersection of climate change and health. The project’s key outcomes include a final needs assessment report, recommendations for future capacity-building efforts, and a roadmap for sustained environmental health interventions.  

    About Seed Global Health  

    Seed Global Health partners with governments, health professional schools, hospitals, and clinics to educate health workers, strengthen the quality of health services, and support policies that enable health professionals to deliver high-quality services to those in need. To date, Seed Global Health has trained more than 45,000 health workers who work in health facilities serving over 76 million people. 

    For more information, please contact:
    In Lebanon: Joelle Mhanna, jmhanna@iom.int

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Their Profits, Our Loss: International oil and gas companies’ 2024 profits

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Tuesday 28 January 2025 — Interested media are advised of the annual results announcements by some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies for 2024, which was confirmed to be the hottest on record. This includes Australian-based gas giant Woodside. 

    As LA continues to burn and extreme weather events impact regions across the world, Greenpeace spokespeople in Australia and globally are available to discuss the role of oil and gas majors in fuelling climate chaos. Spokespeople can also present Greenpeace’s demand that governments worldwide introduce equitably designed taxes and fines to reclaim money from the industry to pay for the spiralling costs of extreme weather events.

    Annual profit announcements will be made in the coming weeks:

    • Shell: 30 January
    • ExxonMobil: 31 January
    • Chevron: 31 January 
    • TotalEnergies: 5 February
    • Equinor: 5 February 
    • BP: 6 February 
    • Woodside: 25 February

    Solaye Snider, Climate and Energy campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Off the back of the hottest year on record, Woodside will soon announce its annual profits from extracting and exporting fossil fuels. Right now, much of Australia is gripped by an extreme heatwave stretching from Perth to Brisbane, with sweltering temperatures, wild storms and flash flooding battering communities across the country.

    “In the midst of a cost of living crisis, it’s not right that fossil fuel executives are taking home million dollar pay cheques while fuelling climate destruction across the globe. Everyday Australians should not be footing the bill for climate-fuelled disasters, while fossil fuel corporations like Woodside and Santos continue to profit. Big polluters should pay for the damage their reckless pursuit of profit is causing to communities and the environment across the world.”

    Ian Duff, Co-Head of Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, said: “The annual profits of oil and gas companies are driving our losses. While their earnings go from extremely high to very high, their pollution remains at record levels. Ordinary people can no longer foot the bill for the greed of dirty energy companies or bear the costs for loss and damage which are fuelled by Big Oil’s emissions. Governments must stand with the people – not the oil and gas lobby – and finally enforce the Polluters Pay principle.” 

    The Greenpeace Stop Drilling Start Paying global campaign is working with millions of people to stop oil and gas companies from expanding, resist their intimidation, and ensure they pay for climate damages already felt by people across the world. greenpeace.org.au/act/make-polluters-pay

    -ENDS-

    For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –