LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Eugene Laron Fishback, 32, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 40 years in prison, for five counts of drug trafficking.
In June 2024, following a four-day trial and approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Fishback guilty of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of carfentanil. Fishback was also convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to testimony at trial, between July 1, 2022 and December 7, 2023, Fishback conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil. On October 11, 2023, Fishback and his girlfriend, Tedi Hawkins, were evicted from their Lexington apartment. During a court ordered eviction, Fayette County Constables and members of the Lexington Police Department found plastic bags in the apartment, which contained over 7,000 fentanyl tablets, and four semi-automatic pistols, ammunition, and large capacity clips. Fishback and Hawkins later relocated to another apartment complex and came under DEA and Lexington Police Department investigation.
A federal search warrant was executed on the new residence, in December 2023. Execution of that warrant resulted in the seizure of more than 1,000 additional fentanyl tablets and a quantity of carfentanil. Fishback was later arrested from his vehicle, which contained another 1,000 fentanyl tablets and more than 10 grams of carfentanil.
After Hawkins had entered a guilty plea, Fishback attempted to convince her to withdraw that guilty plea, during a recorded jail call.
At the time of his indictment on these federal charges, Fishback had four pending state felony indictments in Fayette County. Additionally, Fishback has a number of prior felony convictions.
Under federal law, Fishback must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon Fishback’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department, with assistance from the Fayette County Constable’s Office Third District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger West and Brittany Baker are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
January 27, 2025
Senators fight back against Donald Trump’s day-one withdrawal of the United States from Paris Climate Agreement
Washington DC—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they have joined 20 U.S. Senate colleagues to reintroduce the We Are Still In resolution in response to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement through a day-one executive order.
“With increasingly severe weather consistently threatening Oregon and the wildfires now ravaging southern California, it’s clear the climate is in crisis and it’s no time to retreat on clean energy policies,” Wyden said. “With the passage in 2022 of the largest climate and clean energy investment in history, the United States has led on international climate policy to create an economically and environmentally viable future for our children. The We Are Still In resolution would keep our country on track of refusing to sacrifice good-paying, forward thinking jobs and the future our children deserve by appeasing a few big oil billionaires.”
“Climate chaos is a global problem, and it requires global solutions,” Senator Merkley said. “Our communities are ravaged by wildfires and smoke, hurricanes and extreme flooding – all exacerbated by climate chaos. To address the worsening crisis, we need strong international partnerships and the United States has both a moral and a strategic responsibility to lead the world in climate action.”
The We Are Still In resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress continuing to work with and highlighting local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners. The resolution underscores significant climate and clean energy actions by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris climate agreement. With Trump’s withdrawal, the United States joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris climate agreement.
Full text of the We Are Still In resolution is here.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Key Commitments from Agriculture Nominee to Support Georgia Farmers and Families
At today’s Senate Agriculture committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee to run the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Senator Reverend Warnock pushed for key commitments to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more
Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Reverend Warnock helped secure nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia; if confirmed, Ms. Rollins will oversee the distribution of this funding
Senator Reverend Warnock also pushed Rollins on how she would protect Georgia farmers from high costs associated with trade wars and expanding market access
Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?”
Senator Reverend Warnock: “Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us”
Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Thursday’s Agriculture nominee hearing HERE and HERE
Washington, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. Senate Agriculture committee hearing on the nomination of Brooke Rollins to lead the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pushed for key commitments from Rollins to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably, Georgia farmers are protected from the high costs associated with trade wars, and more. The Senator also pushed Rollins to commit to protecting Fort Valley State’s partnership with USDA and to removing red tape from low-income children and families receiving nutrition benefits.
If confirmed, Rollins would oversee USDA’s rollout of disaster funding for farmers Senator Warnock secured in December. Following the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Senator Warnock fought for the inclusion of agricultural disaster funding in any end-of-year government funding package, which included nearly $21 billion in disaster relief funding for farmers as well as $10 billion in economic assistance for row crops farmers, including cotton and peanut farmers in Georgia.
“Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?,” Senator Reverend Warnock asked.
As a veteran member of the Senate committee overseeing federal agriculture policies, and as a senator representing a state with a proud and prosperous history of agriculture excellence, Senator Warnock is vigilant in defending programs that help Georgia farmers keep more profits in their pockets and keep the industry at the frontlines of Georgia’s success.
“Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
Watch the first part of the Senator’s remarks HERE and the second part HERE.
See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and USDA nominee Brooke Rollins (remarks have been lightly edited for clarity):
On federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers
SRW: Last year I worked hard with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to provide $21 billion to help farmers recover from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Farmers, as you know, do incredible work. It’s a tough business. There’s so much you don’t control. The margins are narrow, and so I do everything I can to protect my growers in Georgia. I cannot overstate how critical it is for USDA to distribute this assistance, this disaster assistance to Georgia farmers as quickly as possible–but also as equitably as possible. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure disaster assistance is distributed both swiftly and equitably?
Brooke Rollins (BR): Yes sir, thank you, and I’ll try to answer quickly so we can go on. The day I got the call from President Trump, it was Saturday, November 23rd. We were in our motorhome traveling across the country to an Aggie football game. Within a few hours of accepting the nomination, I began to immediately pivot to how we distribute this disaster and so important economic aid working with a few of the senators on this committee. Clearly I am not confirmed yet, so this is going to await my arrival. But in the meantime, sir, we’ve already announced the undersecretary who worked on this in the last Trump administration who is already building the team who distributed these funds so they know what they’re doing. We’re not reinventing the wheel.
SRW: Will you work with our state agriculture commissioner to ensure Georgia producers, including our foresters, have the support they need from USDA to get that assistance without having to jump through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops?
BR: Of course.
SRW: And will you also commit to equitably getting that assistance to all eligible farmers, all eligible farmers, including those who’ve been historically left out of USDA assistance, often due to discrimination.
BR: Sir, we will follow the law and ensure that that is the case.
SRW: Is that a yes or a no?
BR: Yes.
On protecting Georgia farmers from costs of trade wars
SRW: Farmers in Georgia are already concerned about potential retaliatory actions following President Trump’s promises to levy heavy tariffs. They are already dealing with slim margins due to high input costs, and the last thing they need is to be caught in the middle of a trade war that could drive-up food prices for all of us. If confirmed, what will you do from your position at USDA to ensure that Georgia’s farmers and families aren’t caught up in a trade war? It’s something I have worked on with Republicans, helping to get our farmers’ goods to market, it’s something we think about a lot.
BR: When I was in your office last month we talked about your commitment to your farmers and what a priority this was to you. Georgia is a very important agricultural state. You’re obviously pastoring in a church and in the United States Senate, but I was impressed at your commitment to your ag community in your state and look forward to continuing to work with you. It’s very clear the coming tariffs, and I think there is no doubt President Trump has been very transparent that he believes this is an extremely important tool in his toolkit to put America first, to revive the economy, to get us back to a place where he believes we need to be, and I agree with him and hope to help him execute that vision. But it also should not be surprising that his heart and his commitment to our farmers and our agriculture community was certainly clear in the last administration. The number one answer from my perspective is working around the clock to expand market access and working on new trade deals and getting new partners from around the world. I already have an undersecretary named, hopefully get him confirmed, so we can begin to build those teams. The president is a consummate dealmaker, and I feel very confident we will be able to expand those markets, begin to peel back the trade deficit, and get back to trade surpluses. But immediately moving into the distribution of disaster relief, economic relief, the new farm bill that’s coming out, I’ve already announced the undersecretary and put the team in place to be able to deploy that.
SRW: I agree with you that access to farm markets is critical and in Georgia we’ve got a lot of sectors that are relying on strong export markets: timber, poultry, pecans. Are you concerned that isolationist trade practices may harm our abilities, our farmers’ ability to access these foreign markets?
BR: I have full confidence in President Trump’s ability to lead us on this, and, and hopefully he and many of you have confidence in my ability to help from the ag perspective.
On supporting 1890 land grant institutions
SRW: Ms. Rollins, good morning and welcome to you and to your family and all those who are here to support you and congratulations on your nomination. I enjoyed meeting with you last month to discuss your nomination and plans for USDA, and this morning I’d just like to follow up on some of the issues, many of which we’ve already discussed. But first, it has come to my attention that a recent executive order has led to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to our 1890 land grant institutions, institutions like Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. There’s strong bipartisan support for these institutions. They’ve done an incredible job, often doing so much for so many with so very little for such a long time that it’s lost on people the work these institutions do every day. I’m deeply concerned about this and the actions to shut out their voices at USDA. Ms. Rollins, if you are confirmed, will you commit to supporting our 1890 institutions?
BR: I am not familiar with exactly what you’re speaking of, but my commitment to you is to find out and to continue a really important discussion and to learn more about the issue.
SRW: Well the executive order could lead to the potential termination of USDA’s liaisons to these 1890 institutions which helped them to navigate their relationship with the USDA. Can I have your commitment to protect those who serve these institutions at the USDA?
BR: Again, sir, I would want to know more and understand more before I can make that commitment, but clearly, those institutions are important. They are bipartisan supported, and you have my commitment to have a very robust dialogue at any moment, any time of day or night, to ensure that we have all the data as we’re making any decisions.
SRW: I appreciate that. I’ve had good relationships and good work, bipartisan work, supporting these institutions, and I hope you’ll keep your eye on that issue.
BR: I will.
On fighting hunger and protecting nutritional benefits
SRW: Fighting hunger has long been a part of my life’s work long before I was elected to the Senate. As you know, I’m a pastor, and the one miracle story that’s in all the gospels, all four, is the feeding of the 5000. And so I constantly hear from Georgia families about how their dollar just doesn’t go as far at the grocery store as it used to. The average Georgian participating in SNAP, a food assistance program that provides critical nutrition, aid to our most vulnerable families, has about $6.15 a day to spend on food. In your view, is $6.15 a day adequate to avoid hunger for Georgia families.
BR: Sir, this is a supplemental program. I am just getting my arms around it. There are few that will be in my role, if confirmed, that have a passion for this more than I do. Serving those who are most in need, as you and I discussed in your office, is a driving force of my entire life. It almost sent me to seminary, but I ended up in public policy instead, so you have my wholehearted commitment to look and ensure that the people who need this the most are receiving it in the best way possible, but at the same time ensuring that all of the tax dollars that are spent on it are also spent in the best way possible.
SRW: One of the things as these families struggle, one of the things that I’m concerned about are proposals to slash this critical assistance and create additional work verification red tape for families participating in these programs. Do you think creating more bureaucratic red tape for families will help them purchase nutritious food?
BR: I think it’s extremely important that we take a wholesale look at every one of these programs and ensure that they are serving the people that are needing the programs and that they are the safety net that they truly set out to be. Obviously I do not like the words bureaucracy or red tape, but ensuring that we have set up the appropriate lifelines and the appropriate structure so that we can get these resources to the families that need them the most.
SRW: As we talk about work requirements, and I support work, I was raised by a father and a mother who had a serious work ethic, but we want to help these families have a basic safety net. Most poor people are children. I think it’s important to remember that most poor people are children. SNAP lifts children, seniors, veterans, and folks with disabilities out of poverty, and it’s proven to reduce health care costs and stimulate our local economies. If you’re confirmed, I hope we can find ways to work together to ensure our most vulnerable families and our neighbors can afford groceries. I think, as someone who preaches the miracle of the feeding of 5000, I think it’s the right thing to do, but I also think it’s a smart thing to do.
BR: Yes sir, you have my commitment.
On combating the history of racial discrimination in USDA
SRW: USDA has a long documented and unfortunate history of racial discrimination, even recent history. I was proud to have secured funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide financial assistance to farmers who had previously experienced discrimination at the hands of their USDA farm lending programs. This was a meaningful step in rebuilding trust. However, USDA still has a lot of work to do and this will only be more difficult following the new administration’s executive order aimed at rolling back all of this progress. I was proud Congress passed my legislation in 2021 to require USDA to create an equity commission, and the commission’s final report provides an excellent road map for continuing this work. Chair Boozman, without objection, I would like to enter the USDA’s 2024 equity report into the record. Thank you so much. When we met last month, you promised to read the equity report. Have you gotten a chance to read it yet?
BR: 90 pages and 66 recommendations. Yes, sir. Now that has been about a little over a month ago, so please don’t ask me to quote page 66, but yes.
SRW: I’m glad you got a chance to read it. I understand it’s been removed from the website or there’s no access to it. I’m glad you got a chance to read it. Will you seriously consider the recommendations of the equity commission’s report if you’re confirmed?
BR: Senator, let me answer this way. I was really appreciative of the conversation. For me, more knowledge is always best, understanding where everyone comes from, whether I agree or disagree, recognizing what’s in the past is important, but also realizing the path ahead and how we forge the path…
SRW: Will you consider the recommendations?
BR: Sir, I will consider anything that’s on the table. I think that’s only fair, but also, President Trump won on the concept of removing the diversity, equity and inclusion, making sure that we are basing our decisions on merit, and I obviously support that 100% as well, but I look forward, Senator, to continuing to talk about this. My friend Alveda has long talked to me about the plight of black farmers in Georgia and other places around the country, and I’m always open to discussions, always, and may I say there is no room for racism at the United States Department of Agriculture.
SRW: In that regard, will you commit to recruiting more diverse employees who understand these communities, have relationships with these communities, so that we build trust between these communities and the lending office?
BR: Sir, my commitment is to recruit the best workforce in the history of the United States Department of Agriculture, period, full stop. I believe that will include many members of all different corners of our country.
SRW: Do you think a diverse workforce and a high-quality workforce are somehow oppositional objectives?
BR: I think always hiring based on who is the best person for the job, who is gonna do the most excellent service, who is best equipped to execute on all of the promises is the promise of America, but I also believe to your point and have long held that ensuring that we give all people a chance to succeed and to thrive and for equal opportunity is a bedrock foundational principle of America.
January 27, 2025: Supporting access to electricity for hundreds of millions of people, the OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is joining Mission 300 with an up to US$2 billion pledge. The institution will initially commit US$1 billion to support the initiative and potentially contribute an additional US$1 billion following a progress and demand evaluation in 2027. Launched by the World Bank Group (WBG) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with partners, the initiative aims to connect 300 million people to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
The OPEC Fund made its pledge at the African Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday. President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “Mission 300 has the potential to be a real game-changer for millions of people in Africa. Access to electricity will support livelihoods, empower people to set up businesses, unlock opportunities and generate economic growth. The OPEC Fund has always pursued Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Access to Affordable and Clean Energy as one of our core goals and today’s pledge further strengthens this commitment.”
Addressing energy poverty in an environment-friendly way is a key concern of the OPEC Fund. Guided by its Climate Action Plan, the institution has significantly scaled up its engagements in recent years, especially in Africa where about 600 million people still lack access to electricity. New projects across the continent include the Niger Solar Plant Development and Electricity Access Improvement Project and the Suez Wind Power Plant in Egypt. The OPEC Fund is also a pioneer in clean cooking solutions and signed a corresponding US$35 million loan with the Republic of Madagascar in September 2024.
Africa is the largest region of operations for the OPEC Fund. Since inception in 1976, the institution has provided some US$15 billion in public and private sector financing to countries across the continent. The OPEC Fund’s engagement is focused on empowering Africa’s huge potential based on natural resources and a skilled, young workforce.
Mission 300 focuses on expanding the electricity grid, increasing connections in underserved areas and deploying mini-grids and standalone solar solutions to bring power to remote, off-grid communities. At the same time, Mission 300 is modernizing Africa’s energy sector by catalyzing infrastructure investment, driving comprehensive policy reforms and mobilizing private investment.
The African Heads of States Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam (January 27-28) will highlight the urgent need for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy across the continent. Mahmoud Khene, OPEC Fund Regional Director for West & Central Africa, represented President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa at the event.
About the OPEC Fund
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world.
The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.
To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that, on January 24, 2025, Mohammed Kazim Ali was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration for paying healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Ali was also ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare as well as a $75,000 fine.
Ali and his co-defendant, Justin Hanson, owned a Milwaukee-area clinical laboratory called Noah Associates. According to court records, beginning in 2017, Ali and Hanson engaged in a three-year-long scheme to pay kickbacks to the owner of a Milwaukee substance use treatment clinic in exchange for referrals of Medicaid and Medicare patients for urine drug testing performed by Noah Associates. Ali and Hanson paid over $400,000 in kickbacks to procure the tests. The tests, however, were not ordered by any physician and were not medically necessary for the treatment of patients. After one physician learned that his credentials were being used without his authorization to order the tests, the physician told Ali to stop. Ali nonetheless continued to have Noah Associates accept and bill the government for tests falsely ordered under that physician’s credentials for months. As a result of the scheme, Medicaid and Medicare paid Noah Associates over $2.2 million for the unnecessary tests. Ali personally received over $800,000 from Noah Associates during the scheme.
At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Ali’s crime, including Ali’s manipulation and breach of trust of the Medicaid and Medicare programs to receive millions of dollars that were not truly earned. Judge Stadtmueller further noted that Ali knew that his conduct was criminal yet still engaged in a long-running, creative fraud scheme—a decision that Judge Stadtmueller criticized as “beyond belief.”
In addition to his sentence, Ali will also be excluded from participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs and has shut down Noah Associates. His co-defendant, Hanson, has also pleaded guilty for paying healthcare kickbacks and will be sentenced on March 21, 2025.
“Paying kickbacks for patient referrals is illegal because, as this case demonstrates, kickbacks result in Medicaid and Medicare paying for unnecessary services,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Rather than bill the government for tests that patients actually needed, Ali abused the Medicaid and Medicare programs for ill-gotten gains. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prevent frauds against Medicaid and Medicare.”
“This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating individuals like Mr. Ali who erode the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those responsible for healthcare fraud are exposed and brought to justice. The safety and well-being of Wisconsin residents remains our highest priority.”
“Individuals and medical providers who accept kickbacks in exchange for the referral of patients covered under a Federal health care program place personal profit ahead of patient care, which can ultimately lead to the delivery of costly, medically unnecessary services,” said Mario M. Pinto, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “Our agency is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring those who violate laws intended to protect patients, and our Federal health care programs, to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Carter and Julie Stewart handled the prosecution.
Heat pump is a key technology to decarbonise the heating and cooling sector[1]. In the building sector, replacing a boiler by a heat pump in the EU allows to reduce the gas consumption by 95% or more and has thus been identified in the REPowerEU plan[2] as one of the means to reduce fossil fuel consumption, gas in particular.
The Commission is working on reducing the environmental impacts of heat pumps beyond their effect on gas consumption and on their CO2 emission reduction and will present in that direction revised ecodesign requirements for space heaters, including heat pumps, in 2025.
Environmental impacts and circularity of wind turbines are extensively studied and covered in Commission’s reports[3]. A sustainability assessment is given in the Annex 2 of the Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO)[4].
As regards cars, a study on the life-cycle assessment of conventional and alternatively fuelled vehicles showed that battery electric vehicles score best for most of the environmental impact categories[5].
The Commission is working on the development of a methodology for the assessment and the consistent data reporting of the full life-cycle CO2 emissions of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles under Regulation (EU) 2019/631[6].
The Commission evaluated the REPowerEU plan in 2024[7]. Over the past 2 years, it has helped the EU save energy (including 18% natural gas savings), diversify its supplies, reduce energy prices, produce clean energy and smartly combine investments and reforms.
[4] European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Mc Govern, L., Tapoglou, E., Georgakaki, A., Mountraki, A., Letout, S., Ince, E., Gea Bermudez, J., Schmitz, A. and Grabowska, M., Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Wind Energy in the European Union — 2024 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/0882709, JRC139320.
[5] European Commission: Directorate-General for Climate Action, Hill, N., Amaral, S., Morgan-Price, S., Nokes, T. et al., Determining the environmental impacts of conventional and alternatively fuelled vehicles through LCA — Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2020, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2834/91418
[6] Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles .
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution to express support for the Paris Climate Accords, an international agreement on climate change. The resolution also highlights significant climate and clean energy actions taken by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris Agreement. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the agreement – meaning that the U.S. joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris Accords.
“From sea level rise in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore to hurricanes in Southwest Virginia, climate change is affecting us all and threatening the safety of our communities,” said Kaine. “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, by President Trump’s short-sighted withdrawal from the Paris Accords, and that’s why I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this resolution to express support for the goals of the climate agreement. I remain committed to building on our progress in recent years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resiliency, accelerate clean energy production, and keep Americans safe.”
On November 4, 2020, the first Trump Administration withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. The Biden Administration re-entered the U.S. into the agreement in January 2021. In December 2024, the Biden Administration released an updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, establishing an emission-reduction target of 61 to 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035.
The resolution is led by U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
The resolution is endorsed by Union of Concerned Scientists and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Full text of the resolution is available here.
North Carolina is still reeling from Hurricane Helene in autumn 2024.Karl Dudman
Another day brings another monster tide for residents of Carteret county, North Carolina, whose coastal towns and villages are being swallowed by the rising Atlantic. Nonetheless, its voters returned Donald Trump to the White House, a man who denies the science of climate change and had withdrawn his country from the Paris agreement on climate change (for a second time) before the sun had even set on his first day back in office.
It is a contradiction that has captured the imaginations of many. In 2017, when Trump first quit the agreement which symbolically pledges countries to limit global heating to well below 2°C, the word “denialism” lit up late-night talk shows and circulated at annual UN summits.
Denialism evokes a pathological rejection of the reality of climate change. It has come to imply a public that can no longer tell fact from fiction, often to their own detriment. Meanwhile, climate-conscious leaders in a handful of Democratic states have repeated their commitment to scientific facts.
As an anthropologist, I felt uncomfortable with the way the fabled Trump voter was spoken about while rarely being allowed to speak for themselves. I have participated in climate politics as a researcher, activist and diplomat, and I felt there was little reflection among the treaty’s advocates about their own role in the US departure.
I started a PhD to understand the non-participants of climate politics. It took me to coastal North Carolina where, like so many other American communities, the effects of climate change sit alongside a seeming indifference to the crisis.
I wanted to understand how people here related to climate science, and what this thing called denialism actually looked like. I spent a year talking to residents with “Trump Won” flags on their lawns, but I also met scientists, government officials, activists and Democrats.
Here is one thing I found, and one thing I didn’t.
Culture trumps ‘facts’
The science of climate change is incredibly robust, but science alone cannot tell us what makes a solution fair, or who should get a say in its design. The Paris agreement, for example, has a strong moral component that was hard won by developing nations, small island states and international activists.
It depicts a world in which the blame for climate change and the responsibility for addressing it lie predominantly with rich countries such as the US, and it prescribes financial flows to victim countries to help them adapt. For many precarious Americans who feel neither rich nor villainous, this is a difficult narrative to swallow.
I saw a similar pattern in my own research. Racial justice, indigenous knowledge, urban inequality and youth are themes that typically frame public engagement with climate action by the federal government and grassroots movements. These aren’t necessarily topics that will always resonate in rural, conservative communities such as Carteret county.
Fishing has been a major local employer in North Carolina for several generations. Karl Dudman
This helps explain why advocates for climate action tend to speak to the already engaged, by referencing other progressive causes. But advocates are not necessarily more influenced by facts than sceptics. It’s simply easier to sign up to a cause you can see yourself in.
‘Denialism’ is a weak concept
What I didn’t find in North Carolina was what I came looking for: climate denialism. Climate change rarely came up naturally in the conversations I had in Carteret county, but when it did, the responses were inconsistent, ranging from concern to curiosity and from ambivalence and apathy to fatalism and scepticism. What mention there was hardly fit the stereotype of bitter, conspiracy-fuelled rejection of reality.
In this tight-knit fishing community, people had become wary of outside interventions. Some were ill-disposed to environmental movements after feeling lectured by regulatory scientists or environmental campaigners on how to manage a coastline they knew well.
Others were fatalist about resisting sea-level rise – generations spent on the Atlantic’s ferocious frontline taught them that you don’t fight storms, you ride them out. Many people saw things were changing but were too strapped for time and money to do much, or else found it intolerable to wake up each day contemplating the death of their community.
North Carolina’s fishers face several threats to their livelihood. Karl Dudman
Denialism had no explanatory power here. On the contrary, by failing to distinguish between disagreement and lack of agreement, it misrepresented complex social dynamics as a matter of simply believing facts or rejecting them.
So why does any of this matter? Because, when we identify one group as the sole cause of a problem we give ourselves permission to stop asking what we could be doing differently. After all, climate action’s advocates – from UN officers to individual voters – play a role in shaping what legitimate climate action looks like, and who will want to be part of it.
To react to the US withdrawal from Paris by repeating that “science is real”, in the vein of world leaders and American lawn signs, is to miss the point. Public dissent is often less a question of if we should fix climate change than of whose vision of a good world we are working towards.
This is not to shift blame for Trump’s withdrawal. Nor should it excuse people in politics, business and the media who have repeatedly obscured the climate debate in bad faith.
Carteret’s older residents have seen the decline of local industries and ecosystems. Karl Dudman
But reducing public dissent to a matter of misinformation and gullibility shows a lack of humility and dismisses concerns that may not crystallise into opposition if treated respectfully. Asking more questions of ourselves is something we can all do to make climate politics less toxic.
As Trump signed his first executive orders, I pressed send on my thesis’s final corrections. How the international community reacts this time remains to be seen, but the last four years have taught me that it may influence whether or not there is a next time.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Karl Dudman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Headline: Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montgomery County, MD
Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montgomery County, MD
PHILADELPHIA– FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Montgomery County, Maryland. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. The 90-day appeal period began on Jan. 17, 2025.The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administration staff:For the City of Gaithersburg: Nancy Schumm at nancy.schumm@gaithersburgmd.gov, 240-805-1327.For the City of Rockville: Meredith Neely by email at mneely@rockvillemd.gov, 240-314-8874.For Montgomery County and any other municipalities: Bill Musico by email at william.musico@montgomerycountymd.gov, 240-777-6340.Changes resulting from the new preliminary maps for Montgomery County can also be viewed online at the FEMA Region 3 Flood Map Changes Viewer. More information can also be found on Montgomery County’s website, including interactive flood data and frequently asked questions.For more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX). Click on the “Live Chat” icon.Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.Montgomery County Flood Mapping MilestonesSept. 12, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.Feb. 2024 — Multiple Public Open House Meetings jointly hosted by Montgomery County and the Cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville.Jan. 17, 2025 — Appeal Period starts.Fall 2025* — Finalization of preliminary data following appeal resolutions and communities to commence ordinance adoption process. Spring 2026* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. *Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov. ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.Follow us on “X” at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3 erika.osullivan Mon, 01/27/2025 – 18:30
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met this afternoon to hear about further progress to reconnect power and reopen rail lines and schools following Storm Éowyn.
It heard:
5,900 properties are without power, with the vast majority expected to be reconnected in the course of today or tomorrow
Network Rail has restored enough infrastructure to allow around 75% of services to resume, and is working at pace to open up the remaining lines
At least two schools are confirmed to be closed tomorrow
Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance said:
“Three days after the worst of Storm Éowyn, we can see how the sheer scale of the damage continues to impact Scotland’s return to normal. I want to thank everyone who is playing their part, day and night, to get services back up and running.
“Utilities companies are working as fast as possible, in often challenging in weather conditions, and have reconnected over 280,000 properties. Around 5,900 properties are still without power and companies are in touch with those households to estimate restoration times and offer welfare or other support.
“While trunk roads and ferries are largely operating as normal, the railway continues to recover and Network Rail has experienced over 500 incidents. ScotRail were scheduled to operate 50% of services today but this has increased to around 73% over the course of today. We can however expect continued disruption on some lines to last until later this week, so I would ask passengers to be patient and check ScotRail and Network Rail information before they travel.
“A very small number of schools will be closed tomorrow and relevant councils will be in touch with parents and pupils where appropriate.”
Background
SGoRR was chaired by Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance and attended by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this morning published an opinion in the New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.”
In the Guest Essay, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also commits to working with the President to improve the agency’s broken long-term recovery process, which needs serious reform. Following Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and July 2024, flood-impacted families and communities have struggled with red tape and frustrating bureaucracy. Bipartisan reform is necessary.
Read Senator Welch’s essay and view an excerpt below:
Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It. By U.S. Senator Peter Welch Published January 27, 2025, by the New York Times
My state of Vermont is still recovering from two catastrophic floods in the past two years. That’s why I agree with President Trump that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is broken and needs serious reform if it is to meet local communities’ long-term recovery needs.
But to do away with it completely would be a disaster for red and blue states alike.
On Friday, while visiting victims of September’s Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, Mr. Trump said he was considering “getting rid of FEMA.” He now reportedly plans to sign an executive order as a step toward reshaping FEMA, which could eliminate the agency.
Read Senator Welch’s full opinion piece in the New York Times.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Nature Medicine estimates heat and cold related deaths in Europe as a result of climate change.
Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, Lecturer at the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“The study is of high quality, offering a thorough assessment of future scenarios regarding net changes in temperature-related mortality, factoring in various climate, demographic, and adaptation scenarios. Its conclusions are strongly supported by solid data. However, it’s important to note that the applicability of these results is primarily limited to European urban settings.”
What does this study add to our understanding of heat/cold deaths after climate change? Was there doubt before now that on balance deaths would increase in Europe with warmer temperatures?
“Previous estimates based on historical data have suggested that for every heat-related death, there are roughly 10 cold-related deaths. This raises important questions about the net impact of temperature changes due to anthropogenic climate change. This new study underscores a crucial point: without any adaptation to temperature, projections suggest that temperature-related deaths are likely to increase overall, with heat-related deaths surpassing cold-related ones. A related study in Europe also highlighted the significance of mitigation efforts in shaping this net effect, noting that in the most extreme scenarios, mitigation could lead to a positive outcome, balancing the impact of temperature change (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00150-9/fulltext).”
What does the study tell us about excess heat deaths even under relatively optimistic scenarios?
“In the most optimistic scenario—warming is kept below 2°C—while assuming no adaptation to heat, heat-related deaths are projected to outnumber cold-related deaths by 12 per 100,000 person years in 2050-2054. By the end of the century, this gap is expected to widen, with heat-related deaths potentially exceeding cold-related deaths by 50 per 100,000 person years.
“It is clear a hotter world is a more dangerous world. With every fraction of a degree of warming, we will also face increased spread of mosquito-transmitted disease and more intense extreme weather, among other threats to human health.”
Dr Luke Parsons, Applied Climate Modeling Scientist, Global Science, The Nature Conservancy, said:
“I appreciate that this study used different temperature-mortality relationships for different age groups, because we know that different age groups in different locations can respond differently to temperature extremes.
“Additionally, these researchers derived local temperature-mortality relationships and did not extrapolate spatially to grossly different geographies- for example, many studies have tried to estimate global temperature-related mortality changes under warming, but we these studies often lack data for most of Africa (outside of South Africa) and many other countries, so studies often have to make very broad assumptions about how people will react to temperatures without concrete local health data to validate form relationships.
“Despite these strengths, something I worry about that I didn’t see addressed in this paper:
“Heat waves are often associated with increases in deaths, but many studies also find increased deaths in cold times of year, concluding that cold season deaths are due to colder temperatures; therefore, as the globe warms and the cold season becomes warmer, we should see decreases in deaths. However, a variety of other factors could lead to cold-season deaths (such as respiratory infections during the cold season)- if we are indeed over-counting cold-season deaths and their potential reductions in a warmer world, the net impacts of increasing temperatures could result in even larger numbers of early deaths than studies like this estimate. However, we also don’t know how humans will react to the heat- as far as I can tell, these studies don’t take into account migration (for example, do people leave exceedingly hot areas in southern Europe in a warmer world?) or other possible factors- although they do try to account for potential adaptation.
“Additionally, as the authors acknowledge, the health data are aggregated to the city level, and within cities, people can respond quite differently in disparate neighborhoods to temperature extremes depending on social networks, income, housing, and other factors. We have this problem with health data in the US often as well- to keep data anonymous, it is often aggregated, but then we lose really important local information about how more and less vulnerable areas within cities are being impacted by climate change.”
Dr Matthew Maley, Lecturer in Environmental Ergonomics at Loughborough University, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“The study should be commended for accounting for variations in demographics (i.e. age) whilst presenting various future climate change scenarios in various adaptation scenarios.”
What does this study add to our understanding of heat/cold deaths after climate change? Was there doubt before now that on balance deaths would increase in Europe with warmer temperatures?
“This study confirms a consistent trend of increasing heat-related deaths, particularly under high-warming scenarios. The study also extends what we know by including European regions not included in previous studies.”
The study focuses on a relatively low mitigation and adaptation scenario – (SSP3-7.0) – can you comment on this? How likely/unlikely is it considered to be?
“It’s certainly a pessimistic scenario but one that could be our reality given current emission trajectories and failure to achieve our international climate change goals.”
What does the study tell us about excess heat deaths even under relatively optimistic scenarios?
“The more optimistic scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5) predict an increase in heat-related deaths, though to a lesser extent than SSP3-7.0. This emphasises that adaptation measures must accompany mitigation efforts to manage heat-related health impacts effectively.”
The study suggests that a significant amount of these deaths could be reduced with adaptation. In the cities where the largest death tolls are predicted (Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Madrid, Milan, Athens), what kinds of adaptation measures would be most effective?
“Effective adaptation measures for these Mediterranean cities could include:
Increase green space to enhance urban ventilation and implement reflective building materials.
Develop early warning systems akin to storm warning systems.
Targeted interventions for vulnerable populations (e.g. older adults).
Encourage behaviour change (e.g. advise to not go outdoors in peak temperatures).”
Dr Christopher Callahan, Postdoctoral Scholar in Earth System Science, Stanford University, said:
“This study is an impressive synthesis of heat- and cold-related mortality across Europe. While climate change may reduce cold-related deaths in winter, these results are unambiguous that increased heat-related mortality will outweigh these potential benefits, with an escalating death toll for every degree of global warming.
“One limitation of this study is that their numbers only account for about 40% of the population of the countries analyzed. The total death toll of climate change in these countries is likely substantially greater than these numbers indicate.
“One of the scenarios the authors examine is SSP3-7.0, which is a scenario of relatively high warming. While the most extreme emissions scenarios appear less likely today than previously, we should not discount the potential for very high levels of warming even given current climate policy. Many countries are on track to miss their stated emissions targets, and the rise of the second Trump administration in the United States may impede further progress on emissions reductions.”
Dr Raquel Nunes, Assistant Professor in Health and Environment at the University of Warwick Medical School, said:
“The findings of this study have serious implications for public health. As climate change leads to more extreme heat events, the number of heat-related deaths is expected to rise, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems. Vulnerable groups, such as older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and low-income communities, will be at the highest risk. Without strong adaptation measures, public health systems could struggle to cope with the increased demand for emergency services and hospital admissions.
“To protect public health, governments and policymakers need to invest in early warning systems, public education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements to help individuals stay cool and safe. Health professionals must also be trained to recognise and respond to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, social policies that provide support for vulnerable populations, such as access to cooling centres and affordable healthcare, will be essential in reducing the impact of extreme temperatures.
“This study highlights the urgent need for a coordinated public health response to climate change, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and adaptation to reduce future health risks. A significant proportion of current and future heat-related illnesses and deaths is preventable. What is essential now is the development and implementation of policies and actions aimed at minimising both morbidity and mortality.”
Prof Tim Osborn, Director of the Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (UEA), said:
“Cold weather and hot weather kill tens of thousands of people across Europe every year. Climate change is bringing less severe cold weather but more frequent hot weather, but it isn’t yet known if that means more or fewer people will die from temperature-related deaths in future. The clear finding of this new research is that the net effect of climate change will be more temperature-related deaths in future. Put bluntly, the increase in hot weather will kill more people than the decrease in cold weather will save.”
“While this new study isn’t the final say on the matter, and more research will certainly refine and could still change the overall prediction of future temperature-related deaths, it does break new ground by scrutinizing people’s vulnerability to extreme temperatures by age and by city to a much better level of detail than previous work. This extra level of detail ought to make the new study’s results more reliable.”
“This study also confirms two more general features about climate change. First, the harm from climate change impacts people very unevenly (in this case, with far greater increases in temperature-related deaths predicted for southern Europe than for northern Europe, where milder winters may even reduce the number of deaths). Second, we can greatly reduce the harm from climate change by adaptation — making changes that increase our resilience to extreme weather — but these adaptations are far more successful if we also limit the amount of climate change that we are faced with by accelerating the move away from fossil fuels as our primary energy source.”
Prof Simon Gosling, Professor of Climate Risks & Environmental Modelling at University of Nottingham, said:
“This is a high quality study that uses established modelling methods. It shows an increase in the overall number of deaths from temperature due to future global warming could be avoided if society makes big adaptations to heat. However, we are talking about a really big level of adaptation here – a level where the risk of dying from the heat is half of what it is nowadays. The models aren’t specific about how such a high level of adaptation could be achieved in reality. The way that this might be seen in the real world is through a combination of societal adjustments – in our cities, our homes, public services and work environments. Examples include increasing the amount of green spaces in our cities to help keep them cool, providing cooling centres where people can get relief from the heat, changing our work environments and work policies so that people are at less risk from heat stress at work, and by ensuring the people most vulnerable to heat are cared for and protected. There are some great examples of how this is starting to happen, but it’s a challenge that society has to rise to and achieve at scale, because this study very clearly shows that without high levels of adaptation, we are looking at an overall increase in deaths due to temperature in the future. Reducing global warming is also really important – lowering greenhouse gas emissions will help to significantly lessen the blow on society if we don’t achieve the high levels of adaptation needed to avoid an increase in deaths in the future.”
‘Estimating future heat-related and cold-related mortality under climate change, demographic and adaptation scenarios in 854 European cities’ by Pierre Masselot et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 16:00 UK time on Monday 27 January 2025.
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03452-2
Declared interests
Professor Tim Osborn: No interests to declare.
For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
RANAGHAT, India, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC), a leading global financial brokerage, proudly announces its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative through a strategic partnership with the Shakti Empowerment Education Foundation, part of the Shakti Regeneration Institute (SRI). This collaboration will support the Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school in West Bengal, India, providing 50 low-income students with access to essential educational materials, uniforms, vocational sewing classes, and extracurricular activities.
Image copyright: Shakti Regeneration Institute
This partnership forms part of EBC’s broader CSR strategy, which complements its role as a global financial brokerage, enabling access to global markets while promoting equitable education and sustainable development in communities where economic opportunities are limited.
EBC Financial Group has supported the University of Oxford’s What Economists Really Do (WERD) public education series through the sponsorship of two episodes: The Economics of Tax Evasion in 2023 and Macroeconomics and Climate in November 2024. These episodes explore how economics can address significant societal issues and reflect EBC’s broader mission of empowering informed decision-making—a principle that also drives its global brokerage services, enabling individuals and institutions to confidently navigate financial markets. The WERD series is independently produced by the Department of Economics, showcasing its dedication to bridging academic research and real-world challenges.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate EBC’s dedication to advancing educational access, promoting critical discourse, and addressing the interconnected challenges of socio-economic development and sustainability. Shifting focus to India, EBC’s partnership with SRI reinforces its mission to drive long-term societal change at the local level, equipping individuals with the tools to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities while promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.
In addition to this critical sponsorship, EBC’s leadership in global advocacy is reflected in its contributions to the upcoming documentary #TheRegenerationGeneration, an initiative of SRI directed by its founder, Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri. The film, which addresses the urgent need for regenerative finance and education, highlights the efforts of Nobel Prize-winners, innovators, business leaders, educators, and Indigenous leaders working together to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities from the increasing threats of climate change. It also features interviews with David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd., and Professor Teytelboym from the Department of Economics, Oxford University. EBC’s involvement across both social projects underscores its commitment to not only supporting local communities but also driving global awareness and action toward sustainable and equitable futures.
Barrett expressed the strategic importance of this partnership: “At EBC, we recognise that the true power of education creates the foundation for transforming societies and creating pathways to lasting change. Our partnership with Shakti Regeneration Institute is more than a sponsorship—it reflects our dedication to uplifting the next generation, as we support the Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school in equipping marginalised children with the tools they need to thrive. Through our involvement in the #TheRegenerationGeneration 2025 documentary, we are amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities and supporting the preservation of their cultural and environmental heritage. Similarly, our collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics on their WERD program underscores our dedication to enhancing global understanding of critical economic and societal issues. By investing in education at every level, we aim to create opportunities, promote equity, and address the challenges of our time. These efforts align seamlessly with our core values of integrity, responsibility, and sustainability.”
Ajay Pal-Chaudhuri, Chairman and Founder of Shakti Regeneration Institute, remarked, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with EBC Financial Group, a collaboration that embodies the convergence of corporate responsibility and global impact. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, combining our strengths in education and ecological advocacy to empower communities worldwide. With EBC’s support, we are not only empowering marginalised children through education but also raising global awareness about the critical challenges facing Indigenous communities and the plight of vulnerable ecosystems.”
Foundational Values at the Heart of EBC’s Mission EBC’s commitment to making a meaningful difference aligns with its core values of dedication, responsibility, and integrity. By ensuring that financial resources are directed toward impactful projects, EBC exemplifies how corporate responsibility can foster real-world change, contributing to the welfare of communities and the preservation of ecosystems that sustain vulnerable populations. Operating under top-tier regulation, EBC combines its mission to equip investors with access to global markets such as currencies, indices, and commodities with impactful social investments that contribute to community welfare and sustainability.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school, which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding in January 2025, has been a vital institution in the betterment of local communities in West Bengal. Through its educational programs, the school empowers children and women from marginalised backgrounds, helping them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute positively to their communities. EBC’s support enhances the school’s mission, helping to ensure that these children receive not only basic education but also vocational training and community-building opportunities that will prepare them for long-term success. More information about SRI and its mission can be found at www.shaktiregeneration.org.
About EBC Financial Group Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its services in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices.
Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group’s subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the ‘What Economists Really Do’ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.
Headline: 2 Days Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following Hurricane Helene in South Carolina
2 Days Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following Hurricane Helene in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, just two days away.If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Helene, you should register for assistance even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or 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 Mon, 01/27/2025 – 14:02
strong>COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, just three days away. If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Helene, you should register for assistance even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or 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.
strong>COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 28, just one day away. If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Helene, you should register for assistance even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or 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.
Headline: Municipal Roads Repaired with FEMA Funds
Municipal Roads Repaired with FEMA Funds
Projects included flood, erosion, and hazard mitigation worksGuaynabo, PUERTO RICO — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $2.6 million to repair important roads and bridges in the municipalities of Barranquitas and Caguas after Hurricane María, helping to restore road infrastructure and reduce the risk of future damage in the area.“These bridge and road repairs strengthen the island’s resilience, allowing it to not only repair damage, but also increase its capacity to meet future challenges through federal FEMA assistance that includes measures to prevent future damage and protect critical infrastructure,” highlighted the Director of Public Assistance, Al Gómez Rivera.One of the projects in this obligation was the repair of the Maneco Bridge in the Cañabón neighborhood of Barranquitas, which consists of a road and a culvert built in 1960. The planned work had over $579,000 in funds and included the repair of the asphalt, base material and subbase of the road and the 27-foot-long corrugated metal pipe culvert.FEMA’s Public Assistance director, Al Gómez Rivera, explained that one of the main damages was to the sewer pipes through which the river basin passed. The funds for the project made it possible to widen the sewer to mitigate damage to the structure in the event of future rains.The bridge, which now bears the name of “Maneco” — as Manuel Colón Santos is affectionately known — benefits some 200 families. Maneco is a leader at the Cañabón neighborhood, known for the help he provides to his neighbors: his home was available to the community and was a space where food and other aid was offered after Hurricane María. Maneco also works with other residents to maintain the neighborhood’s community center, which serves as a shelter and a space for social events. “Our past perils are over; sometimes you would go to an event and, if it rained, you had to wait on the other side, spend two or three hours [waiting] for the river water to decrease to be able to go through. I am very grateful because it is good for the community and, not only for us, but also for many communities in particular,” Maneco said. Moreover, FEMA allocated over $2 million for repairs to the Los Ramos bridge in the Las Carolinas community in Caguas. This grant supported the construction of a new one-span concrete bridge with galvanized steel beams, as well as the installation of erosion protection in the river. The project also included repairs such as the removal of damaged sections of the bridge and the installation of a temporary asphalt surface while the new bridge is being built.To reduce the risk of future flooding, gabions were installed to protect the bank and bridge foundations from erosion. A geotextile fabric was also placed under the gabions to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion due to rainfall. Hazard mitigation funding includes an allocation of over $26,000 to reduce the risk of future damage. These include the installation of curbs and gutters, drainage ditches and a network to stabilize the road and prevent erosion. These works are expected to prevent long-term damage to the road and protect the environment.The measures also include planting vegetation and installing a netting to prevent bank erosion, which will help protect the area from future damage caused by heavy rains and flooding.FEMA has allocated nearly $34.9 billion for over 11,050 recovery projects following Hurricane María. Of this total funding, over $2.7 billion are earmarked for over 3,000 bridge and road projects across the island.For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr. frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 01/27/2025 – 12:30
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UK Minister for Africa Lord Collins announces support to extend electricity access to millions across Africa.
Minister for Africa Lord Collins announces support to extend electricity access to millions across Africa.
New deal between British International Investment and UK cleantech company MOPO will connect over a million people across the DRC to renewable energy sources, delivering on the Plan for Change by unleashing the power of British technological innovation.
UK partnership with the African Development Bank will also channel private sector capital into African clean energy.
Millions more people across Africa will have access to clean power thanks to UK investment, Africa Minister Lord Collins has announced.
This comes as UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attends the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit today [27 January] in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The UK is one of the largest investors in clean energy in Africa and is working in partnership to support the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Half of Africa’s population – 600 million people – lack vital access to electricity.
Lord Collins is announcing a £5.3 million new deal between British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, and UK cleantech firm MOPO.
This investment will enable MOPO to expand its pay-per-use battery rental operations in the DRC where over 80% of the population lack access to electricity. It demonstrates how UK companies are unlocking new opportunities for growth and positive impact that the clean energy transition has to offer in the UK and beyond.
Lord Collins will also announce new UK support of £8.5 million towards the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to build on existing efforts between the UK and African partners to connect millions of people across the continent with clean, reliable power.
Today’s announcement will unlock private sector investment in renewable energy projects including clean cooking and energy efficiency.
The support, which will be delivered as part of the UK’s Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN), will accelerate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency, developing solar-powered mini-grids in rural communities and providing technical assistance for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury said:
The UK has set a landmark goal to be the first major economy to deliver clean power by 2030, and through our Plan for Change we’ll harness technology to transform the UK into a clean energy superpower. We want to leverage this ambition with our African partners to power green growth, eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.
Connecting the continent to clean, reliable energy is vital, and UK support is helping ensure millions are getting the access they need to prosper through planet-friendly solutions. This will also allow us to deepen our partnerships across Africa, sharing expertise, finance and innovation.
These announcements from Lord Collins show how the UK Government is delivering on the Plan for Change, which will transform the UK into a clean energy superpower, cutting bills and guaranteeing our energy independence, while championing clean technology innovation overseas and generating opportunities for investment and jobs in British businesses.
Speaking at the summit, the UK’s Special Representative on Climate, Rachel Kyte, said:
Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Clean energy, through modern grids and distributed renewable energy offers an opportunity for inclusive growth. Helping end energy poverty supports growth, builds resilience and puts countries on a pathway that helps our common challenge of fighting climate change. The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people in the region with cleaner and more efficient power. That is why I’m pleased to be at this summit, supporting Mission 300 and reaffirming our commitment to our shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa.
At the summit, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate will set out how the UK is deepening our partnerships with African nations and multilateral institutions to fuel the clean energy revolution and stimulate growth whilst tackling the climate emergency.
Leslie Maasdorp, BII CEO said:
At BII we want to use our distinctive position, and track record, to create more early-stage solutions that help expand access to energy for more Africans. This is demonstrated through our investment in MOPO, which is expected to reach over a million people in DRC where energy access is limited.
More broadly, we welcome the partnership of African governments, as well as other institutions like the African Development Bank, in making that ambition a reality.
Today’s announcements at the Dar Es Salaam summit also reinforce the long-standing UK-Tanzania partnership.
Tanzania was one of the first countries to sign up to the first mission of the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance. The two countries are working together to boost the global clean energy transition, whilst furthering trade opportunities that will create jobs and deliver economic growth.
Notes to Editors:
BII is playing its part in the overall ecosystem to meet the goals of Mission 300. Today, BII’s investments provide clean energy to over 26 million people across sub-Saharan Africa and it has ambitions to do more.
MOPO installs hundreds of solar powered hubs which rent MOPO batteries to customers in regions far from the main grid. MOPO was supported in its early stages to develop its technology, business model and partnerships through the FCDO’s Transforming Energy Access programme.
The ADB funding will be delivered through the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and will provide concessional finance and technical assistance to mobilise finance from the private sector into innovate, clean energy projects. Investments made by SEFA with support from the UK and other donors is expected to create 1.3 million new electricity connections in Africa.
The Africa Regional Climate and Nature Programme (ARCAN) is part of the UK’s wider £11.6bn International Climate Finance commitment. Other projects include the Climate Adaptation and Resilience research programme (CLARE), FSD Africa and FSD Africa investments, and Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA).
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share payable February 20, 2025, to shareholders of record on February 6, 2025. This represents a 6 percent increase from the prior quarterly dividend. This dividend will mark the 33rd consecutive year that Franklin Electric has increased its dividend, demonstrating its commitment to returning cash to shareholders and confidence in the outlook of the business.
About Franklin Electric Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
In contrast, a bombastic President Donald Trump used his first domestic trip on Jan. 24 to tour disaster sites in North Carolina and Los Angeles while promoting his litany of grievances and rambling about his dislike of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
It takes a perverse set of skills for a president to act in a way that squanders the opportunity to genuinely exhibit compassion for disaster victims while also lowering the morale of emergency workers at the same time.
Trump’s announcement to overhaul or eliminate FEMA — especially in the midst of an ongoing disaster — is unreasonable and foolish.
Trump’s criticisms
In a Fox News interview on Jan. 22, Trump suggested that FEMA would be facing a reckoning.
While touring hurricane damage in North Carolina on Jan. 24, Trump remarked:
“Well, I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA or maybe getting rid of FEMA. I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.”
The White House later clarified that an upcoming executive order would direct a council of FEMA advisers to examine the agency and come up with proposals for reform.
Turning back the clock
If Trump gets rid of FEMA, he’ll be turning back the clock 50 years. It is illogical to call for a return to a time with a weak and disorganized system of disaster management.
In the 1970s, states were responsible for managing their own disasters. More than 100 different federal agencies could become involved in relief efforts. The system was reactionary and responded on a need basis, with no clear pathways for federal disaster assistance to states.
State governors became increasingly concerned about the lack of a comprehensive national emergency policy. The dispersion of federal disaster management responsibilities among numerous federal agencies was viewed as impeding states’ own ability to manage disaster situations.
In advocating for better disaster management, a National Association of Governors’ report entitled 1978 Emergency Preparedness Project made the case for a centralized emergency management system in the U.S.
When a large-scale disaster stretches the ability of an American city to help its citizens, a formal process exists to request aid. As a local disaster expands in size and scope, requests for more assistance can go up to higher levels of administration, from the state governor and ultimately to the president. In this process, FEMA reports to local governments.
While Trump sits at the top of the executive branch, he can engage in a variety of political shenanigans to undermine FEMA, but he cannot unilaterally abolish the agency. As the agency’s duties are enshrined in law, only an act of the legislative branch can terminate FEMA.
A turbulent history
FEMA has existed for 46 years and faced turbulent times due to the poor decision-making by past Republican presidents. In 1980, Reagan appointed agency directors with conservative philosophies who emphasized downsizing. Under George W. Bush’s presidency, among the flurry of reactions to Sept. 11, 2001, FEMA was eviscerated and relegated from a top-level cabinet level agency to a position buried deep in the Homeland Security organizational chart.
Trump’s aggressive posture in trying to remake government involves creating diversions, sowing chaos and overloading people with lies. Taking a cue from his former White House strategist Steve Bannon on how to deal with the media, Trump’s statements about FEMA have worked to “flood the zone with shit.”
As with many functions of American government, emergency management is just the latest target of disorientation tactics intended to paralyze government operations.
Jack L. Rozdilsky receives support for research communication and public scholarship from York University. He also has received research support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, January 27, 2025/APO Group/ —
By Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth at the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org/en)
Across Africa, nearly 600 million people live in energy poverty, deprived of reliable access to electricity—a fundamental prerequisite for modern life. This staggering statistic represents more than just a lack of power. Significantly, it translates to limited opportunities for education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic growth. Mission 300, a bold initiative championed by the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group in collaboration with key partners, seeks to change this narrative by providing first time electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. A key milestone in this effort, branded Mission 300, is the Africa Energy Summit scheduled for Dar es Salaam, 27/28 January 2025.
The Significance of Energy Access
Energy is the engine of development. Without affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity, Africa cannot achieve its developmental aspirations or secure its rightful place in the global economy. Energy access is the cornerstone of economic transformation, opening doors to education, healthcare, and income generation. Moreover, it fosters gender equality by reducing the time women spend on labour and time-intensive tasks such as cooking with traditional fuels or collecting for firewood. Mission 300’s success is therefore not just about electrification; it is about saving and empowering lives as well as communities. It is also about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding biodiversity.
Yet, the path ahead is daunting. At the current pace of electrification, coupled with Africa’s rapid population growth, the number of people living without access to electricity could remain largely unchanged. Action is therefore an imperative, and Mission 300 provides the roadmap to achieve universal energy access by 2030, consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The Role of Mission 300
Mission 300 will invest in new and rehabilitation of generation capacity, transmission systems, including intra- and regional interconnections, as well as distribution grids to build robust and reliable power systems. It will be complemented by reforms in the energy sector to ensure affordability and sustainability of electricity service, and financially viable utilities while partnerships with the private sector will assist in mobilizing funding at the required speed and scale
In addition to providing electricity access from interconnected power systems, through Mission 300’s transformative vision, mini-grids, and stand-alone solar home systems will be prioritized to provide electricity to underserved regions and communities, including in fragile and remote areas where extending the interconnected grid is impracticable. These Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions are amenable to easy and speedy roll-out, cost-effective, modular, sustainable, and can ensure that no community is left behind in the Mission 300 journey. DRE solutions are projected to account for more that 50% of new connections by 2030.
A Defining Moment: The Africa Energy Summit
The upcoming Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam will be a pivotal moment in Mission 300 journey. Hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group, as well as the African Union, the summit will bring together over 25 Heads of State and Governments, Heads of international Organisation, including Banks, energy experts, and private sector leaders to forge a common path toward universal energy access.
The principal outcomes of the summit comprise of the adoption of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration by the entire continent and twelve country energy compacts co-created between countries and the Mission 300 partners. The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration will outline commitments to reforms and actions necessary to achieve Mission 300 while twelve country energy compacts, will expound on the principles of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration to establish tangible country specific actions and measures for accelerated electricity access such as least-cost power expansion plans, providing last-mile access through grid and distributed renewables, building financially viable energy systems, regional interconnection and promotion of private sector participation in the energy sector. The twelve countries that will submit energy compacts account for almost half of the global population without access to electricity.
Another important outcome will be the enlisting of additional partners to the Mission 300 bus. Several partners are expected to announce additional financial resources and technical assistance in furtherance of the Mission 300 goal.
Why Now?
Firstly, is the unity of purpose and visionary leadership of African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group Presidents that has led to the forging of a structured approach to definitively address the electricity deficit problem in Africa, in collaboration with other development partners.
Secondly, the continent is blessed with abundant energy resources, including renewable energy, such as 60% of the world’s best solar potential, of which only a tiny proportion has been harnessed.
Thirdly the cost of renewable energy technology, particularly wind and solar, has reduced dramatically in the recent past making electricity generation from these sources cost competitive compared to sources of conventional power. Moreover, access to information communication technology, and digitization thereof, currently enables payment platforms that support distributed renewable energy solution.
When combined, the foregoing provides unprecedented opportunities for addressing the continent’s energy access deficit while also espousing a low-carbon growth trajectory, to support Africa’s climate goals.
A Call to Action
Mission 300 is more than an energy initiative; it is a moral imperative. It represents a collective commitment to uplift millions from poverty, foster inclusive economic growth, and create a resilient, green future. But its success hinges on robust support from all stakeholders—governments, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. Together, we must prioritize reforms, mobilize investments, and leverage partnerships to transform Africa’s energy landscape.
Let us seize this defining moment. The Africa Energy Summit must not just a platform for discussion on energy. It must constitute a watershed moment for energy access in Africa. Let us therefore work to actualize Mission 300 and literally light up the lives of millions, thereby creating lasting change that will evoke enormous pride on future generations.
In conclusion, “the road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with opportunity. With determination, innovation, and collaboration, we can achieve universal energy access in Africa. This is our moment to make history.”
Greenbacker, together with Hecate Energy, has completed the development of its largest clean energy project to date. After acquiring the project from Hecate, Greenbacker closed on construction financing in conjunction with commencing construction.
Greenbacker partnered with six of the world’s leading project finance banks and financial institutions to secure $869 million in construction-to-term, letter of credit, and tax equity bridge loan financing and with a global investment manager for an additional $81 million development loan facility.
The 674 MWdc solar project is expected to power over 120,000 New York homes, support hundreds of green jobs.
NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“Greenbacker”), an independent power producer and energy transition-focused investment manager, today announced it has secured $950 million in aggregate financing to support the acquisition, construction, and operation of its largest clean energy project to date. When complete, the 674 MWdc / 500 MWac utility-scale solar farm (“Cider”) will be the largest solar project in the state of New York.
Greenbacker acquired Cider from Hecate Energy LLC (“Hecate”), one of the largest renewable energy developers in the US. The two companies initially entered into a development partnership in 2021 to bring the project through development, financing, and the commencement of construction.
Following the acquisition, Greenbacker closed on an $869 million financing composed of a construction-to-term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, and letters of credit. The financing was led collectively by six Coordinating Lead Arrangers: MUFG, KeyBanc Capital Markets, ING Capital LLC (“ING”), Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., New York Branch (“Intesa Sanpaolo”), Societe Generale, and Wells Fargo. MUFG and KeyBanc Capital Markets served as the Co-Documentation Agents and Co-Administrative Agents; ING, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Societe Generale, served as Co-Syndication Agents; ING and Wells Fargo served as Co-Green Structuring Agents. ING, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Societe Generale acted as Bookrunners.
Greenbacker also successfully closed on an $81 million development loan with Voya Investment Management (“Voya IM”). The development loan with Voya IM was utilized to support Cider’s late-stage development, preliminary construction activities, and equipment procurement.
With committed funds totaling nearly $1 billion, Cider represents another milestone for Greenbacker—its largest project financing to date.
“Greenbacker has called New York home for 14 years, and we’re proud to be both the owner of the largest solar energy project in the state’s history and a driving force in accelerating its ambitious clean energy goals,” said Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker. “This substantial achievement—the result of successful collaboration across a group of top-tier institutions, including our long-time development partner Hecate—will create hundreds of green jobs, deliver affordable clean power, and help continue to build a sustainable future for New Yorkers.”
Cider also marks the third clean energy collaboration between Greenbacker and Hecate. Over the past several years, Greenbacker has acquired over 70 MWac of utility-scale solar in New York from the developer.
“Hecate is proud to once again partner with Greenbacker to complete the development of the Cider Project, which represents a landmark accomplishment for renewable energy development in the state,” said Nick Bullinger, Hecate’s Chief Operating Officer. “This project embodies Hecate’s mission to make impact at scale building out clean generation to power our future.”
“This is the latest in a long history of project financing transactions with Greenbacker, highlighting our ongoing commitment to deploying capital with high-quality partners to help grow the clean energy industry,” said Gregory Berman, Director KeyBanc Capital Markets.
“This transaction reflects our strong partnership with Greenbacker, belief in its sustainability mission, and commitment to advancing clean energy in New York and nationwide,” said Alberto Mihelcic Bazzana, Director at MUFG.
Cider will utilize approximately 2,500 acres of land in Genesee County, where it began construction in late 2024. The project is expected to generate enough annual clean electricity to power approximately 120,000 average New York households.1
“Greenbacker’s successful closing on this development loan facility and the bank syndicate’s construction and long-term facility is a pivotal achievement for our organization,” said Carl Weatherley-White, Greenbacker’s Head of Capital Markets. “Finalizing $950 million in capital to build the largest solar project in New York is a testament to the deep expertise and dedication of all parties involved.”
Sheppard Mullin and Barclay Damon served as counsel for Greenbacker; Winston & Strawn LLP served as counsel for Hecate; Winston & Strawn LLP and Rath, Young, and Pignatelli, PC served as counsel for the bank syndicate; Latham & Watkins LLP served as counsel for Voya.
Greenbacker is committed to empowering a sustainable world by connecting individuals and institutions with investments in clean energy. As of September 30, 2024, the company’s fleet of clean energy projects have produced over 10 million MWh of clean energy since 2016, abating more than 7 million metric tons of carbon2 and supporting thousands of green jobs.3
About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides asset management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its asset management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.
About Hecate Energy Hecate Energy was founded in 2012 by a team of energy industry veterans and has successfully developed 4.1 GWs of projects to construction or operations. Hecate believes in establishing beneficial, sustainable, and collaborative partnerships with the host communities where its projects are located and tailors each renewable energy project it develops to better meet the needs of project stakeholders. Hecate Energy has entered over 6 GWac of renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) across 55 PPAs with 24 counterparties as well as projects that are selling through merchant markets. Projects that Hecate has developed and that are constructed or are under construction include over 4 GWac of solar projects and 103 MWac of battery storage projects totaling over $6 billion in asset value. Hecate has an active development pipeline of over 43.7 GWac of renewable projects.
About MUFG and MUFG Americas Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,100 locations in more than 50 countries. MUFG has nearly 160,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to be “the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.
MUFG’s Americas operations, including its offices in the U.S., Latin America, and Canada, are primarily organized under MUFG Bank, Ltd. and subsidiaries, and are focused on Global Corporate and Investment Banking, Japanese Corporate Banking, and Global Markets. MUFG is one of the largest foreign banking organizations in the Americas. For locations, banking capabilities and services, career opportunities, and more, visit www.mufgamericas.com.
About Voya Investment Management Voya Investment Management (IM) has approximately $392 billion in assets under management and administration as of Sept. 30, 2024, across public and private fixed income, equities, multi-asset solutions and alternative strategies for institutions, financial intermediaries and individual investors, drawing on a 50-year legacy of active investing and the expertise of 300+ investment professionals. Voya IM has cultivated a culture grounded in a commitment to understanding and anticipating clients’ needs, producing strong investment performance, and embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in its business.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.
Residents of Hertfordshire are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.
Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.
Residents, including those from St Albans District, can join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points.
There is also an option to acquire retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate.
The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.
St Albans City and District Council (SADC) is working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the move to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
Councillor Raj Visram, SADC’s Lead for Climate, said:
One of our priorities as a Council is to tackle the climate emergency and encourage the District to become net zero by 2030.
Our involvement with the Solar Together scheme is one of the many actions we are taking to achieve these goals.
The feedback we have received from residents who have taken advantage of the offer in previous years has been highly positive. Residents in St Albans District have been among the most enthusiastic in the county.
I urge any interested householder who has yet to make a Solar Together enquiry, to do so now. They can potentially cut harmful emissions and save money on their energy bills at the same time.
SADC and other Councils enable the scheme and do not benefit financially in any way.
Solar Together, which has already proven to be a hit across the county, operates like this:
Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
Telephone and email help desks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.
Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said:
With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Hertfordshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid.
The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.
iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems.
To date, Solar Together has installed over 16,480 solar panels in Hertfordshire, reducing carbon emissions by 31,180 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 17,000 cars off the road in that time.
iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 200 schemes have led to 185,000 residents installing solar PV systems.
The Solar Together scheme, delivered by iChoosr, is a group-buying initiative that enables households and businesses to purchase solar panels at a competitive price. By teaming up with local authorities, the scheme is able to leverage the collective buying power of residents to negotiate better rates from trusted solar panel providers. This not only helps to make solar energy more accessible and affordable but also supports the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Solar Together is currently responsible for 10% of MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) solar panel installations in England – the independent certification scheme that certifies microgeneration (renewable energy) products and installers.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The Defence Secretary visited British Army soldiers deployed in Estonia this Christmas to thank them for their service
The Defence Secretary visited UK Armed Forces personnel deployed to Estonia to thank them for their vital service at Christmas.
Some 10,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, and aviators will spend Christmas Day deployed overseas, sacrificing celebrations with their families and friends to keep the UK safe.
The work of the UK Armed Forces continues over Christmas on 60 operations in 44 countries this, while hundreds more personnel are working to protect the UK’s skies, shores, and seas at home.
There are 900 British personnel deployed in Estonia, ready to defend NATO’s eastern flank and working alongside French and Estonian forces to deter aggression and uphold stability in eastern Europe.
The visit to Estonia by the Defence Secretary also highlighted the UK’s unwavering dedication to NATO and commitment to defending the alliance.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
In a world in which global insecurities are rising, we depend more and more on those who are willing to serve. And those who are willing to serve are supported by the families that stand with them and behind them.
This Christmas, I pay special tribute to those 10,000 military personnel who are deployed overseas, many of them not seeing family and loved ones at this important time.
It was an honour to spend time with some of those troops in Estonia, to serve them Christmas lunch and thank them for their commitment and professionalism. This week they will sacrifice what most of us take for granted, that special time with our families, to ensure that our nation is safe.
Our British deployment in Estonia demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and the security of Europe, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad. Our presence here is a powerful message to our allies and adversaries: the UK stands ready to defend its allies and uphold our shared values, all year round.
The visit to Estonia provided an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to discuss Project ASGARD, which will help UK Armed Forces in the country utilise new and emerging tech to become more lethal and better able to defeat the enemy.
It will harness developing technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced sensors to help more quickly discover and process information and strike enemies on the battlefield, with priority work continuing on the programme in 2025.
The UK’s relationship with Estonia is a cornerstone of NATO’s defence. British personnel stationed in Estonia form a vital part of the enhanced Forward Presence, ensuring a permanent presence along the alliance’s eastern flank.
The visit comes as the UK has recently signed a defence roadmap with Estonia. The agreement will see the UK’s 4th Brigade Combat Team held at high readiness from 2025, ready to deploy at short notice to Estonia in times of crisis.
It will also include the first overseas deployment of the UK’s cutting-edge Challenger 3 tanks and Boxer armoured vehicles, reinforcing NATO’s defensive capabilities along its eastern border.
The British deployment at Tapa remains the UK’s largest permanent overseas deployment, and both countries are working together closer than ever, with the UK leading on the new DIAMOND initiative, which will improve NATO’s integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly across Europe.
Paying tribute to Armed Forces personnel on duty at Christmas, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:
Thank you to all our Armed Forces personnel for your extraordinary hard work this year.
From delivering the nuclear deterrent and policing NATO skies, to training Ukrainian recruits and protecting merchant shipping in the Red Sea, the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that the nation asks of us.
I am immensely grateful to those deployed away from home over the festive season and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In the UK, Royal Air Force aviators at RAF Boulmer and NATS Swanwick are ready to scramble Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to monitor any hostile aircraft which approach UK airspace.
Behind the scenes and out of sight at the MOD’s digital HQ in Corsham, military cyber experts will remain vigilant this festive season, defending the UK against constant cyber threats every minute of every day.
These dedicated professionals ensure the security of vital digital networks, guaranteeing that the systems that connect our people, places, and equipment run smoothly and securely.
Royal Navy ships will also continue their work protecting the UK’s seas and coastline.
Somewhere, deep in the ocean, a Royal Navy nuclear attack submarine continues to provide the nation’s nuclear deterrent in a patrol that has continued 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 55 years.
And the Household Division of the British Army will continue to guard royal palaces in the nation’s capital throughout the Christmas period.
In an address to the soldiers deployed at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, the Defence Secretary said:
I wanted to say, above all, thank you. Thank you on behalf of all those back home who will never have the chance to say this to you for themselves. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our country safe.
This is a really important deployment for us. What you’re doing here really matters. It matters for the security of Europe, and it matters to us all back home in Britain.
You are making good on Britain’s unshakable commitment to NATO and to a safe and peaceful Europe. And that’s why we have this Operation CABRIT, the biggest commitment of British troops in another country.
Here on the front line, we must also be on the cutting edge of new technologies and new combat techniques we must learn from Ukraine.
We ask a lot of you all in the Armed Forces, not least the separation from your families and your friends and your loved ones. And at Christmas, that sense of separation can be especially strong.
So thank you for your service. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice what almost all of the rest of us take for granted. It’s an honour to be with you.
Being an EU member has made Sweden stronger and wealthier. Through EU cooperation, we are better equipped today to meet the challenges and problems that our societies face. Continued support to Ukraine, criminality, competitiveness and the climate transition, sum up the Government’s priorities in its continued work in the EU.
1. Continued support to Ukraine
Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine will soon be entering its fourth year. Supporting Ukraine is the most important task of our generation. Russia’s actions are a threat to the security of Europe and the rules-based international order. The Russian regime is also attempting to undermine democracy in other European countries. This autumn, for instance, we saw, among other things, how Russia tried to affect the election outcome in Moldavia. It is clear that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own security. Individually and collectively.
In Sweden, the Government is making record investments in civil and military defence. We have already reached the NATO target of spending at least two percent of GDP on defence. In the EU, we are pushing to systematically increase pressure on Russia, such as by imposing more and tougher sanctions, including against the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ and liquefied natural gas. We are also encouraging the Commission to present proposals on how to limit Russia’s influence within every political sphere, such as by imposing import tariffs on Russian goods. The Government is prepared to go further and use a larger amount of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Ukraine’s path to EU membership is crucial. In the coming months, the Government would like the EU to open accession negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova, who have taken impressive steps towards reform. Despite Russia’s war and pressure.
2. Criminality
Criminality is a growing problem throughout Europe. Some 70 per cent of gangs in the EU operate in at least three countries. In Sweden we are making life harder for criminals. The same kind of offensive is needed in the EU. The Government is advocating close cooperation to help confiscate criminals’ assets and status items, and to stop the transfer of crime proceeds to third countries. During Sweden’s Presidency of the EU, we started the work to give national police authorities better access to digital information. This work must continue. Europol, the EU’s cooperation body for law enforcement, needs to have a more prominent role.
Combatting criminality includes having control over migration. 50 per cent of gang members are not EU citizens. The Government wants the Commission to present concrete proposals on how irregular migration can be curbed and also how to make the return of those whose asylum applications have been rejected more efficient, including through the use of ‘return hubs’.
3. Competitiveness
Many of Sweden’s and Europe’s priorities require a growing economy. Yet the EU is lagging behind globally. 90 per cent of the world’s economic growth is expected to happen outside the EU. We are in danger of falling behind in the global techrace. The EU needs a deeper and wider internal market, greater investment in research, a continued strong free trade agenda, increased access to capital, and an aggressive simplification agenda to address red tape.
4. Climate
Climate change is a global challenge. Fit for 55, the world’s most ambitious climate package was adopted during Sweden’s EU Presidency. Now the work continues. When the EU decides on a new climate goal for 2040, the Government will support the Commission’s proposal that emissions should be reduced by 90 per cent by then, compared to 1990. This requires that the EU’s climate transition is implemented in a realistic and sustainable way, hand in hand with the work on strengthening EU competitiveness. The Government is working to ensure that EU’s regulatory framework promotes active forestry and the use of renewable forest raw materials, a fossil-free and technology-neutral energy policy that includes nuclear power and a cost-effective climate policy that is broadly accepted in society.
Central to the EU’s climate transition is that all member states achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The Government will not accept that countries who reach the zero-emissions climate goal are forced to compensate for those countries that do not.
The Government is protecting Swedish interests. At home and in the EU, we are driving a determined reform agenda. We are implementing purposeful initiatives to get more Swedes into EU institutions, so that important perspectives are taken into account. We are cooperating with others to solve joint problems. We are taking responsibility during troubled times.
The war in Ukraine, criminality, competitiveness and the climate. These are crucial issues that show why EU cooperation, 30 years in, is more important than ever.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun New Wildlife Research Facility a ‘Game-Changer’ for Biodiversity Conservation, says Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav
Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 7:09PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, today inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, in the presence of Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. These new facilities are built on the foundation laid last year, when the Minister inaugurated the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) and issued its first unique ID barcode and certificate.
Next Generation Sequencing Facility (NGS):
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously. This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health. In wildlife conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying population genetic health with respect to genetic diversity, information on genetic barriers and their effect on populations, unique adaptations and species with unique evolutionary histories, understanding disease outbreaks, detecting illegal wildlife trade, and studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity. This cutting-edge NGS facility positions the Wildlife Institute of India as a leading centre for molecular and genetic research in wildlife conservation, enabling advanced studies in areas such as biodiversity genomics, population genetics, and disease surveillance.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav said, “This facility is a game-changer for wildlife research in India. It empowers scientists with the latest tools to decode the genetic mysteries of our biodiversity and create science-based solutions to protect it. India, as a megadiverse country, needs such advanced capabilities to ensure the survival of our precious wildlife for generations to come.”
A Self-Sustaining Model
The PCC represents a unique, self-sustaining initiative within a government organization, generating revenue while creating employment opportunities for budding professionals under the PPP model.
Shri Bhupender Yadav lauded the Wildlife Institute of India and the EPCH for their collaborative efforts in establishing this world-class facility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification
In the year since its establishment, the PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, ensuring their authenticity and the absence of mixing of other fibers, thus enabling seamless trade of genuine Pashmina products in both national and international markets. The upgraded Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification now includes a dedicated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which enhances the precision and reliability of wool testing and certification.
A Milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat
The PCC, established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), exemplifies the government’s commitment to supporting artisans, weavers, and traders while fostering self-reliance in traditional handicrafts.
The upgraded facility offers:
Advanced Fiber Analysis: SEM-EDS technology to accurately identify and authenticate Pashmina fibers.
Streamlined Certification: Unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.
Global Trade Facilitation: Hassle-free movement of certified products, eliminating delays and financial losses due to fibre scrutiny at exit points.
Supporting Artisans and Conservation Efforts
Pashmina is a cornerstone of livelihood for the artisan and weaver communities of Jammu & Kashmir. The PCC plays a vital role in promoting their industry by certifying genuine products, enhancing their credibility in global markets, and ensuring fair trade practices. Additionally, the facility discourages the use of prohibited fibers, indirectly contributing to the conservation of the Tibetan antelope (Chiru), whose habitat was previously threatened by illegal trade in Shahtoosh wool.
Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted the facility’s potential, stating: “With the Next-Generation Sequencing facility, we are equipping ourselves to address modern conservation challenges with precision and innovation. Developing indigenous capacity to handle such modern technologies, and to build capacity in advancements is critical to take our country forward. “
The NGS facility is expected to bolster ongoing projects and enable new research avenues, including the study of genetic adaptation to climate change, pathogen-host interactions, and the development of conservation strategies for endangered species such as tigers, elephants, riverine dolphins, and other endangered species.
HMoJ Shri C.R. Patil, inaugurates Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision of promoting technical textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and advancing India’s agriculture sector towards sustainable and innovative solutions.
Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 3:54PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) launched Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat, in the presence of Shri C.R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
This demonstration center represents a significant step forward in promoting the adoption of Agro-Textiles as transformative solutions for India’s agricultural sector. These are designed to educate and empower farmers, features live demonstrations of Agro-Textile products, their applications, and practical training modules to help integrate these innovations into daily farming practices. Spread across 15,000 sq. meters, the center will be maintained by SASMIRA for three years, covering eight crop cycles. The facility includes live applications of Agro-Textile technologies such as Shade nets (par-perfect, photo-selective, and vertical farming applications), Medicinal nurseries, Vermicomposting under shade nets, Ground covers (natural and HDPE), Pond liners and crop covers.
Shri C.R. Patil, in his inaugural address, emphasised the critical role of Agro-Textiles in improving crop productivity, conserving resources, and enabling sustainable farming. He urged farmers to visit the demonstration center and integrate Agro-Textile technologies into their practices for enhanced agricultural outcomes.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision of promoting technical textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and advancing India’s agriculture sector towards sustainable and innovative solutions. The demonstration center is equipped with IoT-based monitoring systems to track real-time conditions, crop yield, and growth performance. Additionally, the center will host approved seminars at regular intervals to educate farmers and stakeholders.
Shri Raghavjibhai Patel, Cabinet Minister of Agriculture, assured full state support for the initiative and suggested organizing meetings with state governments to expand the adoption of Agro-Textiles. Dr. Z.P. Patel, Vice Chancellor of Navsari Agricultural University, expressed his enthusiasm for the demonstration center’s potential to bridges the gap between academia and real-world farming, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to increase productivity while conserving resources. Shri Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textile highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to encouraging the adoption of technical textiles in agriculture.
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) today at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. The ISFR is brought out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a biennial basis since 1987. FSI carries out in-depth assessment of the forest and tree resources of the country based on interpretation of Remote Sensing satellite data and field based National Forest Inventory (NFI), and the results are published in the ISFR. The India State of Forest Report 2023 is 18th such report in the series.
The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, instances of forest fire, Agroforestry, etc. To present a detailed picture of the forest health at country level, special thematic information on forest cover and important characteristics of forests have been reported in the ISFR. As per the present assessment, the total Forest and Tree cover is 8,27,357sq km, which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country. The Forest Cover has an area of about 7,15,343sq km (21.76%) whereas the Tree Cover has an area of 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%).
The Minister expressed happiness over the fact that as compared to 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country. He also highlighted the near real time fire alerts and forest fire services provided by FSI using advance technology.
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MAJOR FINDINGS
● The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
● As compared to assessment of 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes 156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km increase in tree cover.
Top four states showing maximum increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (684 sq km) followed by Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km) and Rajasthan (394 sq km).
Top three states showing maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242 sq km) followed by Gujarat (180 sq km) and Odisha (152 sq km).
Area wise top three states having largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
● Area wise top three states having largest forest cover are Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km).
In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 percent).
The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 percent.
● The total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km in the country.
The total growing stock of India’s forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 6430 million cum, of which 4479 million cum is inside the forests and 1951 million cum outside the forest area. There is an increase of 262 million cum of total growing stock as compared to the previous assessment which includes an increase of 91 million cum inside the forest and 171 million cum outside the forest area.
The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670sq km. As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km in bamboo area.
The total annual potential production of timber from trees outside forest has been estimated as 91.51 million cum.
In the present assessment total carbon stock in country’s forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes. There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the last assessment.
Regarding status on achievement of target under NDC related to carbon sequestration, the current assessment shows that India’s carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; which indicates that as compared to the base year of 2005, India has already reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to3.0 billion tonnes by 2030.
Besides providing vital information for monitoring the country’s forest and tree resources, the data given in the ISFR serves as a useful source of information for the policy makers, planners, State Forest Departments, research organisation, line agencies involved in various developmental works, academicians, civil society and others interested in natural resource conservation and management.
Joint statement delivered by the Ambassador Dorothy Camille Shea, Permanent Representative of the United State to the United Nations, along with the Security Council members signatories of the Joint Pledges related to Climate, Peace and Security on the West Africa and Sahel region ahead of the security council meeting.
African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina painted a compelling picture of the potential of Africa’s agricultural and energy transition during a plenary session at the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days, highlighting the deepening Japan-Africa partnership, emphasizing how Japanese technology and innovation could help unlock them.
He spoke on 9 December as part of two panel discussions on Africa’s agriculture and energy transition, that brought together 100 Japanese investors, showcased how digital solutions , innovative technologies and business models are transforming Africa’s business landscape.
“Agriculture is the place to be,” declared Dr. Adesina, highlighting Africa’s possession of 65% of the world’s remaining arable land. “You may like oil and gas, that’s fine. But nobody drinks oil, and nobody smokes gas. But everybody eats food three times a day.” With the global food and agricultural market in Africa projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the continent presents unprecedented opportunities for investment and innovation.
Digital Revolution in Agriculture
Space Shift Inc. demonstrated their groundbreaking use of satellite technology for crop monitoring in Nigeria. Chief Business Officer Tamao Tada presented how their AI-powered system combines optical and radar satellite data to provide continuous monitoring of crop growth, harvest timing predictions, and historical farming activity records – even through cloud cover. This technology is enhancing credit scoring for farmers and improving agricultural decision-making.
AAIC Partners Africa Limited, through Director Hiroki Ishida, shared their success story in Rwanda and Tanzania, where they’ve implemented smart agriculture projects covering 1,700 hectares. Their work demonstrates how Japanese technology can transform large-scale agricultural operations in Africa through IoT solutions and satellite technology optimization.
VunaPay’s COO, Koya Matsuno, addressed one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges through their digital platform that enables instant payments to farmers upon produce delivery. “Imagine working hard for a month and your boss tells you that you’re not going to get paid for another six months,” Matsuno illustrated, highlighting how their solution is transforming agricultural finance.
Green Carbon Inc.’s Manager, Ryo Harada, introduced innovative approaches to generating carbon credits in agriculture. Their projects, including biochar and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice fields, can reduce methane emissions by 30-50% while generating valuable carbon credits for farmers.
Strategic Partnership Framework
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), represented by Jin Wakabayashi, Deputy Director General for Private Sector Investment Finance, outlined their comprehensive support for agricultural development, emphasizing three key pillars for private finance window: Climate-resilient agriculture; Food security enhancement and financial inclusion facilitation.
The African Development Bank’s Director of Private Sector Operations, Richard Ofori-Mante, highlighted successful collaborations with Japanese institutions, including a $600 million of the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) facility with JICA and ongoing partnerships with major Japanese corporations like Mitsubishi.
“What I see here is what Executive Director Nomoto and I envisioned,” reflected Dr. Adesina, describing the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem supporting Japanese investment in African agriculture. This ecosystem spans agricultural technology and innovation; infrastructure development; financial services; private equity and venture capital and government support mechanisms.
The Bank’s collaboration with MasterCard on the Community Pass program, aiming to provide 100 million African farmers with digital access to financial services and agricultural information, exemplifies this ecosystem approach.
Green Transition and Digital Solutions
Uncovered Fund specializes in supporting start-ups in Africa, including climate technology company and electric vehicle (EV) battery service provider, through their funds to support net zero in the continent. “Not just financing, the Uncovered Fund also provides Japanese technology to the start-ups”, explained Mr. Takuma Terakubo, CEO & General Partner.
Hitachi Energy is also working towards clean energy transition and carbon neutral. Through its technologies and partnerships, Hitachi is implementing infrastructure projects which deliver reliable renewable energy to cities and rural areas, contributing to electrification of Africa. Mr. Bekim Tahiri, Executive & Global Sales Manager, emphasizes the importance of digitalization to make all the information visible to identify any issues to maintain their power supply and critically of investing into the Electrical Grid to successfully integrate clean energy whilst supporting access to power for the African continent.
Mizuho, one of the global systemically important banks, has been a bridge between Africa and Asia through strong partnerships with African financial institutions. In his presentation, Mr. Junaid Belo-Osagie, Executive Director, focused on two sectors: hydrogen and clean cooking. “In terms of clean cooking, four in five Africans are exposed to harmful gases, and only 4 billion USD are required to move towards clean cooking scenario”, he added.
The mission of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) is to ensure a stable and affordable supply of energy and mineral resources. Ms. Yuri Uchida, Deputy General Manager of JOGMEC, underscored that in terms of hydrogen and ammonia sector, JOGMEC has a support system that focuses on the price gap, where they try to promote low-carbon hydrogen society.
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance’s (NEXI) business in Africa has been growing in the past 20 years at an annual growth rate of 18%. Mr. Yuichiro Akita, General Manager, illustrated several cases including two wind power projects in Egypt and one solar power project in Kenya, where they underwrote insurances to facilitate green energy transition. “We have projects pipeline worth 5 billion USD in the coming years”, Mr. Akita emphasized.
Catalyzing Action
Ken Shibusawa, Vice-chairperson of Africa Project Team, Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), brought urgency to the discussions. Moderator of the second session, he challenged his Japanese peers to move from interest to action, emphasizing that beyond the commonly discussed “cost of inaction” in sustainability, there was another critical cost: Japan’s missed opportunities in Africa. “In Japan, we have the technology, we have the people, we have the money, but what we lack is the Action,” Shibusawa noted, urging Japanese businesses to realize the cost they’re paying for future generations by not acting in Africa.
Japan’s Long-term Commitment to Africa
In closing remarks, Deputy Vice Minister of Finance of Japan, Daiho Fujii, underscored Japan’s long-standing commitment to African development, dating back to the country’s first participation in the African Development Fund in 1973. He highlighted Japan’s pioneering role in private sector mobilization, notably through the establishment of the EPSA at the Bank in 2006, which has provided around $9 billion to date.
“Africa undoubtedly has huge potential to attain high growth, create jobs and build a solid economic structure for future generations,” Fujii emphasized. He particularly noted how the day’s focus on agricultural innovation and green growth addresses critical development challenges while respecting African ownership of its development path.
The Deputy Vice Minister stressed that “it is time for us to co-create innovative solutions together with Africa,” highlighting how Japanese solutions and innovative business models presented during the session could be “real game-changers” in addressing the continent’s challenges and unleashing its potential.
Looking ahead to TICAD 9
With Japan’s upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), set to take place in Yokohama in August 2025, and the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment negotiations on the horizon, the partnership between Japan and Africa in agricultural innovation and green growth is poised for further expansion. This momentum is evidenced by Executive Director Takaaki Nomoto’s successful mobilization of 100 Japanese participants for the Forum, up from 80 investors last year.
Looking toward TICAD 9, Deputy Vice Minister Fujii reaffirmed Japan’s commitment: “Japan respects African ownership and will continue to encourage sustainable development driven by Africa… I believe if we work together, we can see an Africa where all people enjoy healthy and productive lives.”
The convergence of Japanese technology, investment, and Africa’s agricultural and energy transition potentials is creating unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development and food and energy security, marking a new chapter in Japan-Africa relations.
