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Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Calls for Increased Collaboration to Accelerate the Green Energy Transition in Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, October 30, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The eighth Babacar Ndiaye Lecture held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C., on 26 October 2024, under-scored the need for African nations to strike a balance between short-term development imperatives and long-term climate goals. 

    Under the theme “Saving Lives Today versus Saving the Planet for the Future: Can the AfCFTA Resolve the Climate Change Dilemma?” discussions centred on how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa’s most ambitious trade initiative, could serve as a vehicle for economic growth and environmental sustainability, positioning the continent as a leader in the global green transition.  

    The Lecture drew a distinguished audience of policymakers, academics, financial experts and climate advocates.  

    Speaking about Dr. Babacar Ndiaye in his opening remarks, H.E. Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank Group, said “Dr Babacar Ndiaye was most concerned by the long-term threats posed to humanity by climate change. He once said, “Climate change is the greatest threat to development, particularly in Africa, where millions of people depend on the environment for their livelihoods … Africa’s economic transformation cannot happen without addressing climate change.”  

    Dr. Ndiaye’s reflection on the impact of climate change was spot-on and intellectually deep.” But, “disappointingly, the global debate on climate has been so much focused on emissions reduction with the question of reducing its impact on Africa and other developing countries always reduced to a footnote. A call for Africa to decarbonise, when the continent has not even carbonised, poses a serious threat to the socio-economic development of a gas-rich continent that has at least six hundred million people without electricity.” 

    The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement “is seen as a potent means of reducing carbon emissions as it is helping to domesticate industrial activities and minimise the carbon emissions caused by shipping of commodities to far-away lands for value addition and reshipping to Africa and elsewhere. We believe that The AfCFTA could offer a pathway to a just transition, enabling local industrial value addition while protecting the planet.”  

    Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, the Immediate Past Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, delivered a powerful address titled “Sustainable Infrastructure for Africa’s Future: Harnessing Innovation and Partnerships.” He spoke passionately about the advantages of the AfCFTA and its potential to transform Africa’s trade landscape, reduce carbon emissions and foster innovation in green industries. 

    “There are two obvious advantages to a fully operational AfCFTA.The first is that 42% of African countries, aside from North Africa, now have legislation prohibiting the export of raw ores or minerals before being processed. This legislation gives African countries the benefit of jobs and revenues from local processing and manufacturing.  

    “The second advantage of the AfCFTA is that shipping is a major source of carbon emissions. Under current trade practices, a large share of African raw materials are exported to other regions, where they are processed or manufactured into finished products, usually using fossil fuel power sources, before being shipped back to Africa for consumption. This cycle contributes to higher emissions and constitutes a loss for African countries that do not reap the value chain gain from beneficiation. Intra-African trade in finished goods will substantially reduce this massive cause of global emissions,” he said. 

    The reduction of emissions by intra-African trade has been the subject of several empirical studies. Professor Osinbajo referred to a recent ECA/ CEPII study titled “Greening the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement’s Implementation” published in December 2023, which found, inter alia, that implementing the AfCFTA can boost intra-African trade by 35% in 2045 while increasing GHG emissions by less than 1%, compared to no AfCFTA or climate policies.  

    These studies do not factor in using renewable energy sources in the processing and manufacturing of traded goods, an assumption of the Climate Positive Growth paradigm, which would again substantially reduce emissions.  

    Professor Osinbajo cited mining bauxite in Guinea as an example. If Guinea, which has 25% of global deposits of bauxite, processed the bauxite it mines to aluminium with renewable energy in readiness for export, Guinea could save the world 335 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year, which is approximately 1% of global emissions, and create 280,000 jobs and generate $37 billion of additional revenue. If it chooses to sell the aluminium within Africa, it will again save the huge shipping cost to countries thousands of miles away.  

    A Bloomberg study done for the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2021 on the manufacture of battery precursors found that manufacturing battery precursors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has plenty of lithium and cobalt, is three times cheaper than manufacturing it in the US, EU and China. Manufacturing in the DRC would extend value chain opportunities to other African countries, they would need manganese from Zambia, Tanzania, Gabon and South Africa to contribute to its capacity to produce these battery precursors. Manufacturing using renewable energy could significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing. Africa’s abundant renewable energy has very low seasonality or intermittency, making it possible to reliably provide a renewable baseload to power continuous industrial production.  

    “The AfCFTA empowers African countries first to add value to materials and specialise in areas of national comparative advantage, and also to work together to trade more beneficially with the rest of the world,” said Prof Osinbajo. 

    He futher said that “Most African countries depend on fossil fuels for their energy needs and for fossil fuel rich African countries, this is also a major source of export earnings and fiscal revenues. Ostensibly in keeping with their net zero obligations, there has been a growing trend amongst development finance institutions to withdraw from fossil fuel investment. These actions include the World Bank’s decision to cease funding for upstream oil and gas development in Africa and the restrictions on financing downstream gas development by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Clearly, the implications of these actions are dire, where there are no immediate alternative sources of power and the cost of the transition to cleaner fuels may be prohibitive. Some studies show that divesting from fossil fuels could reduce GDP by as much as USD$30 billion for Nigeria, USD$22 billion for Algeria, and USD$19.3 billion for Angola.” 

    H.E. Dr Rania A Al-Mashat, Minister for Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation, Arab Republic of Egypt said that while the “African continent is the least responsible for carbon emissions, it has the biggest burden in terms of financing climate change for developmental needs – such as food and water security, and access to energy. 

    She called for greater collaboration with national and international stakeholders “We need to work together; we need to bring the experiences from other places so that Africa can push forward with respect to development and sustainable economic growth.” 

    In her Goodwill Message, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, spoke about the rapidly closing window to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. She addressed the fact that many African countries are mired in debt, exacerbated by extended crises with little access to long-term concessional financing to invest in sustainable development. 

    “With adequate access to financial resources at a reasonable cost, renewables can dramatically boost economies, grow new industries, create jobs and drive development, including by reaching the over 600 million Africans living without access to power,” said Ms Mohammed. 

    She also stressed the importance of prioritising inclusive policies that empower women and youth when building climate-resilient economies.  

    “By harnessing the collective might of the AfCFTA, Africa can make strides in addressing both climate action and sustainable development by promoting regional integration and fostering green industrialisation.  

    “The AfCFTA can help build climate-resilient economies while creating jobs, reducing poverty and strengthening food security.”  

    The eighth Babacar Ndiaye Lecture also reinforced Afreximbank’s commitment to leadership in financing sustainable infrastructure and trade policies across the continent. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Have Questions? Answers May Be Available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Have Questions? Answers May Be Available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    Have Questions? Answers May Be Available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA remains in Louisiana to assist survivors recovering from Hurricane Francine. Three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open to support survivors from Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes. FEMA employees are on-hand to answer questions and assist with applications. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Louisiana and nonprofit and nongovernmental partners are also available to assist survivors as they navigate their recovery. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).DRCs are open at the following locations: St. Mary ParishMorgan City Municipal Auditorium728 Myrtle St.Morgan City, LA 70380Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Library151 Library DriveHouma, LA 70360These centers operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary. Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center4876 Hwy. 1Raceland, LA 70394This center will close Nov. 1. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.The centers have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff.Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request.Real-time captioning as well as information in Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions are available.The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in languages other than English and printed material in multiple languages.Specialists can help you update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance. They can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.
    alexa.brown
    Wed, 10/30/2024 – 15:43

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Announces Over a Billion Dollars to Decarbonize California Ports and Improve Air Quality

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Announces Over a Billion Dollars to Decarbonize California Ports and Improve Air Quality

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award over $1 billion across seven California ports to build zero-emission (ZE) port infrastructure and implement climate and air quality management plans. This substantial investment comes from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, which is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports across the nation.
    California ports will receive three of the largest seven grants nationwide, including over $411 million for the Port of Los Angeles, the biggest award in the country.
    California’s ports play an important role in the nation’s economy, moving hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods annually. These ports process about 40 percent of all containerized imports and 30 percent of all exports in the United States.
    “California’s ports move the goods that power our economy. This historic investment in our ports is a major step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said Senator Padilla. “With more than a billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funding headed to California, we’re decarbonizing our supply chain to produce cleaner air in neighboring communities and meet our climate goals while creating green jobs.”
    “This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change, while accelerating the port-industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This grant will fund over 400 pieces of ZE cargo handling equipment, replacing nearly one-third of the diesel equipment currently on our docks, and eliminating over 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This successful application is the culmination of a deep partnership with environmental justice groups, labor, the private sector, and stakeholders at all levels of government, and we’ll continue to work with our local communities to ensure this investment delivers benefits in their neighborhoods. We thank Senator Padilla, the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unprecedented support of our ambition and look forward to delivering on our commitment to cleaner air for future generations.”
    “Special thanks to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla for his continued advocacy on supply chain decarbonization,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “These Clean Ports grant funds will allow us to bring hundreds of additional zero emissions equipment and vehicles to our seaport resulting in more environmental and economic benefits for the region.” 
    “The funding Senator Padilla has helped to secure from the EPA will be transformational for the Port of Stockton. These funds will significantly decrease freight-related emissions in the Central Valley by transitioning more than 90 percent of our cargo-handling equipment to Zero Emissions. We have been working hard over the years to reduce emissions and replace diesel powered cargo handling equipment with Zero Emission technology and this grant will springboard our efforts. We look forward to leveraging this support to further our advancements in zero-emission equipment and foster a more sustainable future for all,” said Port of Stockton Director Kirk DeJesus.
    “The Port of San Diego is grateful to Senator Padilla for his continued advocacy of the work we are doing to get closer to our goal of becoming a zero emissions operation,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Modernizing our cargo terminals is a win for our maritime tenants, cargo trade business, and most importantly for our public health goals. Together we are delivering on our promise to those who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay.”
    “We are grateful for the U.S. EPA’s award to the Port of San Francisco,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “This major investment will allow us to complete the Mission Bay Ferry Landing and to achieve an electric fleet, with zero emissions. We look forward to working with our partners at San Francisco Bay Ferry and the SFPUC to provide Bay Area residents with the nation’s first zero-emission ferry network, and to bring ferry service to Mission Bay. These EPA funds will also support access to critical, well-paying jobs in the maritime trades.”
    “This grant represents an enormous push forward for the nation’s first high-speed zero-emission ferry network,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the SF Bay Ferry Board of Directors. “SF Bay Ferry will provide a critical transportation link to Mission Bay, an incredibly successful development hub in San Francisco. And because of the EPA’s decision, we’ll be able to do so with clean, reliable and efficient electric ferries. Thank you to Senator Padilla and the Bay Area Congressional Delegation for their support in winning this transformational grant.”
    “The EPA Clean Ports announcement is exciting news for the Port of Hueneme,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “We have the funding to accelerate the Board’s policy to decarbonize the port.”
    “The $43 million EPA Clean Ports Grant is transformative for the Port of Hueneme,” said Kristin Decas, President & CEO of the Port of Hueneme. “We are grateful for the support and leadership of Senator Padilla to help secure these critical dollars for the betterment of communities adjacent to Ports throughout California.”
    “The Port of Redwood City applauds the EPA for this investment to facilitate the long-range planning and create a roadmap towards decarbonization by diversifying fueling options of Port operations,” said Kristine A. Zortman, Executive Director. “This investment represents an opportunity to create new jobs in a transformative sector of energy production furthering our environmental stewardship, workforce development, and emissions reductions.”
    California ports receiving funding from the Clean Ports Program include:
    Port of Los Angeles — $411.69 million: This project aims to accelerate the port’s transition toward ZE on-terminal operations by significantly reducing air pollution in and around the port, deploying ZE cargo handling equipment (CHE), and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The funding will help acquire over 400 pieces of ZE CHE and 250 ZE drayage trucks and associated charging infrastructure, replace nearly 30 percent of the Port’s diesel-burning CHE fleet, and eliminate 41,500 tons of carbon dioxide and 55 tons of NOx emissions annually. The port will also install cutting-edge power management systems, innovative heavy-duty drayage truck and charging deployments, and one of the world’s first shore-power support systems for auto carrier vessels.
    Port of Oakland — $322.17 million: This project will support the vision of reducing emissions and fully decarbonizing port acti­­vities by transitioning to ZE alternatives for drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment. This includes the purchase of 762 pieces of ZE equipment (battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell) to complete a nearly 100 percent­­ conversion of all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions technologies.
    Port of Stockton — $110.47 million: This project will transform the port into the first small port with ZE terminal operations and increase the ZE workforce in Northern California. The port will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide by acquiring electric forklifts, cranes, terminal tractors, and a mobile railcar indexer; obtaining a direct current fast charger; implementing a shore power system; and deploying rooftop solar power and battery energy storage to power new equipment.
    Port of San Diego — $58.6 million: This project will support the port’s longstanding commitment to the electrification of San Diego’s maritime cargo handling facilities and freight transportation by implementing the final electrification elements to transform San Diego’s maritime cargo terminals and the goods movement network on San Diego Bay. These funds will help construct all remaining improvements to the Port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal’s (TAMT) legacy 12kv loop to support all future investments in electrical infrastructure and install a grid-based shore power systems to connect ocean-going vessels and support electric commercial harbor craft homeported at TAMT and deployed throughout San Diego Bay, among other improvements.
    Port of San Francisco — $55.39 million: This investment will transition ferry operations along the San Francisco waterfront to zero-emissions, removing 455,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases and enhancing air quality at the Port of San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area airshed. The project will also connect disadvantaged communities with high-paying employment centers. The funding will deliver a series of projects that will complete the establishment of the first ZE fast ferry network in the country, connecting the two visitor and employment centers of Downtown San Francisco and Mission Bay with the emerging waterfront neighborhood on Treasure Island.
    Port of Hueneme — $42.29 million: The Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful And Resilient Transformation), which includes planning activities, and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results), which involves the deployment of roughly 35 pieces of ZE terminal equipment and a drayage truck incentive program.
    Port of Redwood City — $1.97 million: This project, in partnership with a private entity, includes climate and air quality planning for hydrogen-based fueling and infrastructure.
    Grants from the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will slash mobile source emissions (criteria pollutants, air toxics, and greenhouse gases) at California ports, while grants from the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition will fund emissions inventories, strategy analysis, community engagement, and resiliency measure identification to strengthen zero-emissions port operations and reduce air pollution.
    Senator Padilla believes decarbonizing our ports is vital for powering economic growth and protecting public health. Last year, he announced $74.5 million from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast. He has consistently pushed for funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California’s ports, including over $283 million for the Port of Long Beach last year, $94 million in port infrastructure grant funding in 2022, and over $57 million in 2021. Earlier this year, Padilla announced that the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (San Pedro Ports) will receive more than $112 million through the FY 2024 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for critical construction upgrades and operations and maintenance activities.
    Last year, Senator Padilla and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44) led 16 California lawmakers in urging EPA Administrator Michael Regan to grant authorization for the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) request for its Ocean-going Vessels At-Berth Regulation, which would reduce air pollution in California and protect the health of millions of people who are impacted by emissions from diesel-powered ships. Additionally, Padilla and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the Clean Shipping Act of 2023 to reduce air pollution within the shipping industry and protect the health of port communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley: Port of Portland Earns $2.77 Million Federal Award

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    October 29, 2024
    U.S. EPA invests in Port of Portland through its Clean Ports Program
    Washington D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $2.77 million toward the Port of Portland’s work to decarbonize as well as improve natural disaster resilience.
    “The Port of Portland plays an integral role in many Oregonians’ travel plans, and also a crucial element for small Oregon businesses who depend on the Port to ship their Oregon-grown goods around the world,” Wyden said. “Ensuring the Port of Portland has the long-term tools it needs to build a strong, resilient port Oregonians can depend on today and into the future is vital for our economy and quality of life.”“Ports are a crucial part of keeping the economies of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest flowing as they move goods throughout our region and export our amazing Oregon products around the world,” said Merkley. “This federal funding will provide crucial support to the Port of Portland’s plans to cut down on pollution and transition to zero-emission operations, a big win in our fight against climate chaos.”
    Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the funding is through the U.S. EPA’s Clean Ports Program: Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition for the Port of Portland’s Clean Ports Energy Future Roadmap.
    “This funding is a game-changer for planning a greener future at our marine terminals, from zero-emissions equipment to new renewable power and clean fuel options for the vessels our terminals serve,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “We’re grateful to Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden for their environmental leadership as we create a roadmap for minimizing the carbon footprint of marine shipping operations.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB and WWF will collaborate to mobilise early-stage funding for Nature-based Solutions.
    • Partnership will develop projects to strengthen climate adaptation by working with nature.
    • Accord signed during United Nations Convention on Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia.

    With Europe facing increasingly intense floods and droughts, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and WWF are teaming up to accelerate climate adaptation in Europe by developing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that will help to buffer societies and economies against the worsening impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises.

    In a Memorandum of Understanding, the EIB and WWF pledged to promote Nature-based Solutions across Europe to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Signed during the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia, the four-year partnership will focus on ecosystem restoration projects linked to sectors such as agriculture, energy, and urban resilience, which will harness the power of nature to strengthen climate adaptation in Europe – the fastest-warming continent on Earth.

    By investing in enhancing the health of ecosystems, the projects will also help to reverse nature loss in the continent. The recent WWF Living Planet Report found that species populations have declined by 35 per cent on average in Europe and Central Asia since 1970.

    Under the agreement, WWF will establish an ‘Incubation facility’ to develop a pipeline of Nature-based Solutions from origination until they are investment-ready, while the EIB will provide guidance on mobilising public and private funding for them.

    “Europe’s adaptation to climate change lags far behind what is needed,” said EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle, ”We want to support more nature-based-solution projects to restore and protect biodiversity and strengthen the climate resilience of our society. Partnerships with organisations like WWF with a strong presence on the ground are a relevant way for us to help deliver tangible results on a large scale.”

    Nature-based solutions face significant obstacles including a lack of awareness among investors and a need for consensus building among a wide range of local players.

    “Nowhere is immune from the climate crisis. Europe has been hit by a series of historic floods and droughts in recent years, devastating lives and livelihoods – and they are only going to get worse unless we urgently and drastically scale up investment in Nature-based Solutions,” said WWF Director General Kirsten Schuijt. “This partnership will do exactly that by creating a pipeline of projects that work with nature rather than against it. These projects will enhance the power of nature to protect Europeans from the worsening impacts of climate change, particularly droughts and extreme floods along the continent’s rivers and coasts.”

    The announcement of this partnership is timely as the new European Commission has announced that it will work on a European Climate Adaptation Plan, which will support building preparedness and planning with regular science-based risk assessments and a European Water Resilience Strategy.

    It also comes after the EU Nature Restoration Law was adopted in August 2024. This regulation combines an overarching restoration objective for the long-term recovery of nature in the EU with binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species.

    Over the years, the EIB has worked with WWF on a range of matters including Nature-based Solutions, biodiversity, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. Cooperation has focused on the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, of which the EIB is one of the founding partners alongside WWF. Another example is EIB cooperation with WWF-Greece on stakeholder engagement to identify and develop nature-based solutions for flood resilience in Thessaly, Greece.

    EIB at COP16

    The EIB delegation will be led by Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. For interview requests with members of the EIB delegation please get in touch with the press contact below. Find out more about EIB at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference here.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    As the Climate Bank, the EIB recognises that climate change and nature loss are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing environmental crises. The EIB Climate Adaptation Plan builds on the EU Adaptation Strategy, setting out how the EU can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The EIB Environment Framework outlines the EIB’s delivery of environmental sustainability impacts at scale. Mainstreaming nature-positive investments, increasing the co-benefits for nature, protecting biodiversity and managing the risks from biodiversity and nature loss are key elements of the Framework. 

    WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
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    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
    ©EIB
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    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
    Boost for climate adaptation in Europe as EIB and WWF join forces to develop Nature-based Solutions at scale
    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 13 November 2024 – Brussels

    Source: European Parliament

    1     Resumption of session and order of business
    13   Conclusions of the European Council meetings of October and November 2024
    European Council and Commission statements
    [2024/2783(RSP)]
    15   EU-US relations in the light of the outcome of the US presidential elections
    European Council and Commission statements
    [2024/2904(RSP)]
    4   UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
    Oral question – [2024/2718(RSP)]
             
    Antonio Decaro, Lídia Pereira, Javi López, Emma Wiesner, Lena Schilling, Nikolas Farantouris (O-000010/2024 – B10-0104/24)
    Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
    Council
    2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
             
    Antonio Decaro, Lídia Pereira, Javi López, Emma Wiesner, Lena Schilling, Nikolas Farantouris (O-000009/2024 – B10-0105/24)
    Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
    Commission
    2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
    16   Fight against money laundering and terrorist financing: listing Russia as a high-risk third country in the EU
    Commission statement
    [2024/2905(RSP)]
    2     One-minute speeches (Rule 179)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan addresses the 20th Formation day function of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan addresses the 20th Formation day function of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, creating a disaster-resilient Bharat is a top priority of the Central Government

    Home Secretary launches ‘Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme’ to create 2,37,326 Young volunteers in 315 districts of 28 states across the country as the first responders to disaster preparedness and response

    Union Home Secretary urges the Himalayan and North Eastern Region (NER) states to put up their projects on Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in consultation with respective Stakeholders as per National Programme on GLOF

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 10:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan addressed the 20th Formation day function of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi, as Chief Guest, on Monday.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, creating a disaster-resilient Bharat is a top priority of the Central Government

    Home Secretary also launched ‘Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme’ to create 2,37,326 Young volunteers in 315 districts of 28 states across the country as the first responders to disaster preparedness and response.

    The theme of the formation day event was “Empowering Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction through Awareness for Behavioral Change”. During the event, Union Home Secretary launched seven Guidelines/SOP/Handbook on disaster management viz. (i) Guidelines on Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx) (ii) Guidelines on International Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), (iii) Guidelines for Establishment & Operation of Emergency Operation Center (EOC) (iv) SOP on Off-site Emergency Action Plan (v)Guidelines on CBDRR (vi)Aapda Prabandhan Shabdavali and (iv) Handbook on Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme.

    In his address, Union Home Secretary urged the Himalayan and North Eastern Region (NER) states to put up their projects on Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in consultation with respective Stakeholders as per National Programme on GLOF.

     

     

    NDMA launched ‘Yuva Apada Mitra Scheme’ to train 2,37,326 Young volunteers from the youth organizations such as National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Bharat Scouts & Guides (BS&G), and National Service Scheme (NSS) in 315 districts of 28 states as a first respondent to disaster preparedness & response and Training of 1,300 trainers  (ToTs) for previously trained  volunteers under the Up-scaling of Aapda Mitra Scheme (UAMS) with the estimated cost of Rs. 469.53 Crore.

     

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    RK / VV / RR / PS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WWF Programme Centre Promotes celebration of Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali: A Green, Plastic-Free Festival for a Sustainable Future”

    Source: Government of India

    WWF Programme Centre Promotes celebration of Swachh Diwali, Shubh Diwali: A Green, Plastic-Free Festival for a Sustainable Future”

    Mission LiFE’s Green Diwali: Embracing Clean, Eco-Friendly Celebrations for Lasting Environmental Impact

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 6:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The concept of Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali emphasizes the importance of a clean and eco-friendly celebration that reiterates the core principles of Mission LiFE that aims to protect and preserve the environment, bringing about a pro-planet behavioural change in lifestyle. This initiative aims to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment and communities by sensitizing and motivating individuals to opt for locally made products, embrace a Diwali free from single-use plastic and prioritize pre and post Diwali cleanliness. By doing so, it seeks to foster a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to the festival.

     

     

    In this context, WWF Programme Centre-Resource Partner, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, GoI is disseminating awareness about Green Diwali celebration that would symbolize green, clean and plastic free Diwali through an infographic poster that contains a Green Diwali pledge. The mandate of Programme Centre at WWF-India, MoEF&CC is ‘Wildlife Conservation (including species and habitat) using geospatial techniques’. Programme Centre (PC) EIACP (Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme), Resource Partner (RP), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI at WWF-India was set up for collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information in order to support and promote research, development and innovation among decision-makers, researchers, academicians, policy planners, research scientists & and other stakeholders.

    This activity highlights a crucial step in integrating environmental consciousness into cultural practices, promoting sustainable festivities, and actively involving citizens in India’s climate agenda. Promoting a green, clean, cracker-free and plastic-free Diwali maintains the spirit of the festival while minimizing environmental impact. It aligns with traditional values of purity, light, and joy, showing that festivals can evolve to become more eco-conscious without compromising their cultural essence. The Green Diwali campaign resonates with India’s commitments under climate change agreements (like the Paris Accord) and sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

    Public participation through pledges encourages community-driven solutions. Individuals who engage with such campaigns may integrate green practices in their lifestyle, fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

    Background

    Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by the Prime Minister on 20th October, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat and focuses on bringing about behaviour changes individuals through simple easy to do actions. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI (MoEF&CC) is the nodal Ministry for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE. As part of their implementation efforts, the ministry has mobilized their activities with LiFE and spread awareness about sustainable actions that individuals can undertake. Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) was also among one of the four important focus sectors of the G-20 Summit.

    As envisioned by Prime Minister at the World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow at COP26 and launched on 20 October 2022, Mission LiFE aims to follow a three-pronged strategy for changing our collective approach towards sustainability. First is by nudging individuals to practise simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand); second is by enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply) and; third is to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy).

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis to Lead Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The Senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session.

    On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. Senator Tillis previously wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging Congress to return and quickly pass a disaster recovery package to replenish the fund, writing in part: “…Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA’s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm.” 

    “The SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,” said Senator Tillis. “That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.”

    “The citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,” said Senator Budd. “As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.” 

    “Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven’t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Communities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.”

    “Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.”

    “We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S.,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won’t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.” 

    The Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.

    Read text of the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd & Wicker Visit Fort Liberty, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) have completed visits to Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

    During the visits, they received updates on U.S. Air Force programs, special operations work, and Hurricane Helene response efforts.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “I want to thank Ranking Member Wicker for taking time to visit Fort Liberty and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this week. During our visit, we thanked troops from the 18th Airborne Corps for their rescue and relief efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, met with leaders from USASOC and JSOC, and dined with servicemembers from North Carolina and Mississippi. At Seymour Johnson, it was my honor to showcase F-15E Strike Eagles and their importance to America’s national security. The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military. That’s why my top priority will always be to make sure the men and women and their families at North Carolina’s military bases have the resources necessary to keep our nation strong and safe.”

    Senator Wicker said:

    “Some of the most important national defense work is happening in North Carolina. It was an honor to meet with some of our country’s best and brightest who are helping their fellow citizens in the wake of Hurricane Helene. During our work on this year’s NDAA, Senator Budd has been a vital legislative contributor by directing the right investments to deter China’s growing aerospace threat. He has used the bill to keep his state’s role central in advancing our country’s fighting force. I am excited to continue collaborating with Senator Budd on our shared goal of restoring America’s military might and defense industrial base.”

    Photo:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates, Lays Foundation Stone of several projects and Launches various Health Programmes across 4 Ministries on Dhanvantari Jayanti, significantly enhancing health infrastructure across the country

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates, Lays Foundation Stone of several projects and Launches various Health Programmes across 4 Ministries on Dhanvantari Jayanti, significantly enhancing health infrastructure across the country

    Various initiatives amounting to more than Rs. 12,855 Cr, include projects worth more than Rs. 5502 Cr under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Rs. 5187 Cr under Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; Rs. 1641 under ESIC, Ministry of Labour and Employment and Rs. 525.14 Cr under the Ministry of AYUSH

    Prime Minister Unveils Comprehensive Five-Pillar Health Policy Focused on Preventive Care and Accessibility

    Prime Minister Launches Expansion of Health Coverage under AB-PMJAY for citizens of and above 70 years, at a cost of Rs. 3437 Crore

    Every senior citizen in the country aged 70 and above will receive free hospital treatment through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: Prime Minister

    “Health is regarded as the greatest wealth, a concept that is gaining global recognition through Yoga”

    Prime Minister Reiterates Commitment to add 75,000 New MBBS and MD Seats to Meet Rising Demand

    Prime Minister Inaugurates Phase-II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi, Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; 3 Government Medical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh; 5 projects under PLI Scheme for medical devices and drugs; 4 Centers of Excellence of AYUSH; and many projects at various AIIMS; Inaugurates ESIC hospital at Indore

    Prime Minister lays Foundation Stone for 5 Nursing Colleges in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM in 5 States; 2 Yoga & Naturopathy Institutes in Odisha & Chhattisgarh; upgradation projects at AIIMS New Delhi and Bilaspur; 06 ESI hospitals in 5 States and 4 Centres of Excellence at NIPERs in 4 States

    Prime Minister Launches U-WIN portal for digitalization of Immunization services for pregnant women and children, enhancing access to health services and providing citizens with secure digital identities

    Prime Minister Launches Nationwide Campaign “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan” to promote Health Awareness among Citizens

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark development aimed at strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and providing quality healthcare services across the country, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several health infrastructure projects, and launched various health programmes across the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under Ministry of Labour & Employment at an event at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), here today. The total outlay of these projects amounts to more than 12,855 cr.

    Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda; Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav; Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel; Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje and Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, South Delhi MP (Lok Sabha) were also present on the occasion.

    Today marks 9th ‘Ayurveda Day’, which is celebrated in India and many other countries on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is a day to celebrate the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, God of Ayurveda. Quoting sages and saints, Prime Minister emphasized that “health is regarded as the greatest wealth, a concept that is gaining global recognition through Yoga”. He expressed joy that Ayurveda Diwas is now celebrated in over 150 countries, highlighting the increasing global interest in Ayurveda and India’s ancient contributions to the world.

    Prime Minister said that in the past decade, the country had witnessed beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with amalgamation of knowledge of Ayurveda with Modern medicine, adding that the All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. He noted that it would be possible to see ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science.

    Prime Minister underscored that “a nation’s progress is closely linked to the health of its citizens”, outlining the government’s commitment to healthcare through five key pillars: preventive healthcare, early disease detection, affordable treatment and medications, increased doctor availability in smaller towns, and technological advancements in health services. He stated that India’s approach to health is holistic and highlighted recent projects worth over ₹13,000 crores, including four Centers of Excellence under the Ayush Health scheme, drone service expansions, new infrastructure at various AIIMS, and the establishment of medical colleges. He expressed satisfaction with hospitals being built for laborers, which will serve as dedicated treatment centres. The inauguration of pharmaceutical units aimed at manufacturing advanced medicines and quality stents and implants was also mentioned.

    Reflecting on the struggles many families face due to illness, especially in poorer households, Shri Modi noted that people previously had to sell their possessions for medical care. He said that “to alleviate this burden, the government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which covers up to ₹5 lakh in hospitalization costs for the poor”. He highlighted that around 4 crore individuals have benefited from this scheme, ensuring that they receive treatment without financial strain. He expressed pride in expanding the Ayushman Yojana to include free treatment for all citizens over 70 years old, through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, which is universally accessible regardless of income.

    Reiterating the focus on reducing healthcare costs for both the poor and middle class, Prime Minister noted launch of over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing medicines at an 80% discount and saving citizens ₹30,000 crores. He highlighted reductions in the prices of medical devices like stents and knee implants, preventing a loss of over ₹80,000 crores for the public. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and the Mission Indradhanush yojana, aimed at preventing severe diseases and protecting mothers and newborns.

    Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis to mitigate health risks and mentioned the establishment of nearly two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, facilitating early detection of diseases like cancer and diabetes. He noted that these centres help millions access timely treatment, ultimately reducing costs. Additionally, the government is leveraging technology through the e-Sanjeevani scheme, which has enabled over 30 crore online consultations, significantly lowering healthcare expenses. He announced the launch of the U-win platform, enhancing access to health services in India by providing citizens with secure digital identities. The Made-in-India digital platform will benefit 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually by fully digitalising the complete vaccination process. It will ensure the timely administration of life-saving vaccines to women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s flagship Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

     

    Prime Minister concluded his address by reflecting on the substantial progress in India’s healthcare over the last decade compared to the previous decades, noting the record establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges. He cited recent inaugurations in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as new medical colleges being developed. He assured that the increasing number of hospitals correlates with a rise in medical education opportunities, promising that no child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be hindered by lack of options in India, with nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats added in the past decade and a commitment to announce an additional 75,000 seats in the next five years.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri JP Nadda said, “the health policy presented today by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has two special features. The first characteristic is that it is holistic; In this, all aspects of preventive, promotional, curative, rehabilitative and palliative have been taken care of. The second feature is that the effort made in bringing all the genres together under one roof is very significant and will always be remembered.”

    He also reiterated that the Union Government will provide a health cover of ₹ 5 lakh to any elderly person above 70 years of age, any woman, any caste, any community, and any area, and will make arrangements for their treatment free of cost, adding that this facility will be available throughout their life.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav noted that since 2014, Ayurveda’s involvement in global health has gained a new dimension and credited the Prime Minister for his exemplary contribution towards this. He informed that ‘Support Ayurveda’ initiative has been launched with the aim of spreading global awareness of Ayurveda.

    Details of Projects:

    Various projects and facilities falling under the Union Health Ministry amounting to more than Rs. 1133 Cr were inaugurated by the Prime Minister today. These include three Medical Colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh; facility and service extensions at AIIMS in Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh); Kalyani (West Bengal), Patna (Bihar), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam), and New Delhi where a Jan Aushadhi Kendra was inaugurated; a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical Colleges at Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar, Odisha and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.

    In addition, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for various health infrastructure projects amounting to more than Rs. 925 cr. These include five Nursing Colleges in Madhya Pradesh (Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur); 21 Critical Care Blocks in states of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur & Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan under PM-ABHIM; and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

    With the aim of enhancing access to health services in India by providing citizens with fully digitalized immunization services for pregnant women and children and secure digital identities, Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal today. This Made-in-India digital platform will benefit 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually by fully digitalizing the complete vaccination process. It will ensure the timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. As a major addition to the flagship scheme AB PM-JAY, Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 yrs and above, regardless of their income, at a cost of Rs. 3437 crores.  

    To extend the reach of healthcare services to hard-to-reach areas, Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Care Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), AIIMS Bibinagar (Telangana), AIIMS Guwahati (Assam), AIIMS Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), AIIMS Patna (Bihar), AIIMS Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), AIIMS Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur (Chhattisgarh), RIMS Imphal (Manipur) and AIIMS Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). A Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh was also launched which will help to deliver speedy medical care by stabilizing and treating trauma victims during flight and onsite. It will cover Uttarakhand and nearby areas within 100 nautical miles. In addition, Prime Minister launched a portal for Allied Healthcare professionals and institutes. This is a centralized database of existing Allied and Healthcare Professionals and institutes. Moreover, State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH) for each State and UT was also launched, which lays out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services in these States/UTs.

    Under the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, five projects under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Medical Devices and bulk drugs was inaugurated at Vapi (Gujarat); Sultanpur, (Hyderabad); Bengaluru, (Karnataka); Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh). These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs like Penicillin-G and Clavulanic Acid. These initiatives support India’s goal of reducing import dependence and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities in medical devices and bulk drugs. Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER –Ahmedabad (Gujarat) for Medical Devices; NIPER Hyderabad (Telangana) for Bulk Drugs; NIPER, Guwahati (Assam) for Phytopharmaceuticals; and NIPER – Mohali (Punjab) for Anti-Bacterial Anti-Viral Drug Discovery and Development. The total outlay for the Dept. of Pharmaceutical projects is about Rs. 5187 crores.

    In addition, under Ministry of Labour and Employment, Prime Minister inaugurated a 300 bedded ESIC Hospital which is upgradable to 500 beds at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), and laid the foundation stone for various ESI Hospitals across Faridabad (Haryana), Bommasandra (Karnataka) & Narasapur, Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), and Atchutapuram (Andhra Pradesh) at a cumulative cost of Rs 1641 crores. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.

    Under the Ministry of AYUSH, Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), originally dedicated in 2017, which includes a 150-bedded Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, and extensive accommodation facilities, all at a cost of over ₹289 crores. To enhance India’s health and wellness solutions, he also laid the foundation for two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and launched four Centers of Excellence focused on diabetes research, sustainable Ayurvedic solutions, Ayurvedic botanical research, and systems medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a nationwide health awareness campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” was launched with 470,000 volunteers, aiming to revolutionize public health awareness and attempt multiple Guinness World Records.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hotels and Motels Impacted by Hurricane Helene Can Apply to Operate Under Emergency Operations Plans

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Hotels and Motels Impacted by Hurricane Helene Can Apply to Operate Under Emergency Operations Plans

    Hotels and Motels Impacted by Hurricane Helene Can Apply to Operate Under Emergency Operations Plans
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with lodging establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen safely. Hotels and motels are encouraged to submit Emergency Operations Plans to their local health department so they can reopen as quickly as possible while water systems and infrastructure continues to be repaired in western North Carolina.

    “We are working quickly to help businesses get back on their feet following catastrophic damage left behind by Hurricane Helene,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “For either displaced families or tourism, helping hotels reopen is key to supporting recovery in the region.”

    Lodging establishments must have an approved power and electricity source available and also need an approved water source for bathing, hand washing and laundry service.

    Other important elements include: 

    • The facility is free from sewage or wastewater backing up or accumulating on the property
    • The facility must be able to flush toilets or have a contingency plan for flushing toilets
    • Any food or ice prepared using non-potable water will be discarded
    • Water fixtures with a non-potable water source, like ice machines and water fountains, must be turned off with signs posted that water fixtures cannot be used 

    “Hotels and motels not only serve as lodging for people who are visiting, they also help volunteers and people who need temporary housing while their homes are being repaired from storm damage. We are working with our local partners to get places back open safely and as soon as possible,” said NCDHHS State Environmental Health Director Larry Michael.     

    “We appreciate the support of NCDHHS with the issuance of this emergency operations guidance,” said Lynn Minges President and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This re-opening guidance will help expedite the reopening of impacted businesses and help facilitate the process of business and economic recovery for the region during this important tourist season.”

    While western North Carolina continues to rebuild following Hurricane Helene, work is underway to get businesses up and running and many have reopened for visitors. Most highways in western North Carolina have reopened but some closures are still in place. If you have travel plans, make sure you check with your lodging establishment and on the status of the roads on your planned route before you travel. 

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health recently launched a resource for hospitality operators to assist with environmental health and safety requirements. Operators can reach out directly at EHprepardnessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5999. For more information about Hurricane Helene and resources available for people who are impacted, please go to ncdhhs.gov/helene and ncdps.gov/helene. 

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte y los departamentos de salud locales están trabajando con los establecimientos de alojamiento afectados por el huracán Helene para ayudarlos a reabrir de manera segura. Se anima a los hoteles y moteles a presentar los planes operativos de emergencia a su departamento de salud local para que puedan reabrir lo más rápido posible mientras se siguen reparando los sistemas de agua y la infraestructura en el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

    “Estamos trabajando rápidamente para ayudar a las empresas a recuperarse tras los daños catastróficos causados por el huracán Helene”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Para las familias desplazadas o el turismo, ayudar a los hoteles a reabrir es clave para apoyar la recuperación en la región”.

    Los establecimientos de alojamiento deben tener una fuente de energía y electricidad aprobada disponible y también necesitan una fuente de agua aprobada para bañarse, lavarse las manos y para el servicio de lavandería.

    Otros elementos importantes incluyen: 

    • La instalación está libre de aguas negras o aguas residuales que se atascan o acumulan en la propiedad
    • La instalación debe poder descargar los inodoros o tener un plan de contingencia para descargar los inodoros
    • Cualquier alimento o hielo preparado con agua no potable será desechado
    • Los accesorios de agua con una fuente de agua no potable, como máquinas de hielo y fuentes de agua, deben apagarse con carteles que indiquen que no se pueden usar accesorios de agua

    “Los hoteles y moteles no solo sirven de alojamiento para las personas que los visitan, sino que también ayudan a los voluntarios y a las personas que necesitan alojamiento temporal mientras se reparan sus viviendas por los daños causados por las tormentas. Estamos trabajando con nuestros socios locales para que los lugares vuelvan a abrirse de manera segura y lo antes posible”, dijo Larry Michael, director estatal de Salud Ambiental del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés).     

    “Agradecemos el apoyo del NCDHHS con la emisión de esta guía de operaciones de emergencia”, dijo Lynn Minges, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de la Asociación de Restaurantes y Alojamiento de Carolina del Norte. “Esta guía de reapertura ayudará a acelerar la reapertura de las empresas afectadas y ayudará a facilitar el proceso de recuperación comercial y económica de la región durante esta importante temporada turística”.

    Mientras que el oeste de Carolina del Norte continúa reconstruyendo después del huracán Helene, se está trabajando para poner en marcha los negocios y muchos han reabierto para los visitantes. La mayoría de las carreteras en el oeste de Carolina del Norte han reabierto, pero algunos cierres siguen vigentes. Si tiene planes de viaje, asegúrese de consultar con su establecimiento de alojamiento y el estado de las carreteras en su ruta planificada antes de viajar.

    La División de Salud Pública del NCDHHS lanzó recientemente un recurso para proveedores de servicios de hotelería para ayudar con los requisitos de salud y seguridad ambiental. Los operadores de estos servicios pueden comunicarse directamente con EHprepardnessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov o llamar al 919-707-5999. Para obtener más información sobre el huracán Helene y los recursos disponibles para las personas afectadas, visite ncdhhs.gov/helene y ncdps.gov/helene. 

    Oct 29, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Securing $100 Million for Rail Resilience, Rep. Mike Levin Surpasses One Billion Dollars for Projects in California’s 49th Congressional District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

    October 29, 2024

    Milestone Comes After Less Than Six Years in Office

    Oceanside, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced that he has secured $1.038 billion in total federal funding for 49th Congressional District projects throughout North County San Diego and South Orange County.

    This billion-dollar milestone comes as Rep. Levin helped secure $100 million in new federal funding for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project. That funding will go toward improving the safety, resilience, and reliability of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor, the second busiest rail corridor in the country. Rep. Levin’s commitment to returning taxpayer dollars back to the district to address priorities is evident in this achievement and comes after less than six years in office.

    “Since joining Congress, I’ve made it my mission to deliver the federal funding necessary to tackle the most pressing issues facing our district,” said Rep. Levin. “These funds have helped us pump over one million cubic yards of sand back onto our beaches. They are helping us access clean water, rebuild our roads and bridges, and make our communities safer. I’m thrilled that in less than six years, I’ve brought more than $1 billion in federal funding to communities in North County San Diego and South Orange County.

    “The $100 million grant for OCTA will go towards safeguarding the LOSSAN Rail Corridor from the devastating effects of climate change and coastal erosion, helping prevent the service disruptions we’ve experienced over the past several years. It will deliver real solutions that will protect the Corridor for years to come.”

    Click here to view a map of the projects and funding Rep. Levin has secured for the district.

    Background on Delivering Funds to Safeguard the LOSSAN Rail Corridor in Orange County

    Over the past two and a half years, a seven-mile stretch of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor running along the coast in South Orange County has repeatedly experienced closures for a cumulative total of over 12 months. Climate-induced storm surges, sea-level rise, and erosion have impacted railroad track movement and slope instability along the LOSSAN Rail Corridor right-of-way, resulting in service disruption to both passenger and freight rail services. These closures have negatively impacted passenger transportation, freight services, and military operations throughout the region.

    Building on prior emergency work experience, OCTA has developed potential proactive solutions to maintain the rail corridor’s existing alignment while safeguarding it against the threats of sea level rise and coastal erosion. The Project will construct resiliency and safety measures to stabilize the track currently threatened by wave action and by landslides from adjacent cliffs. It is anticipated that the Project will utilize engineering and sand nourishment solutions. These measures could assist in preventing future emergencies that would lead to track closures or service interruptions, ensuring the operation of both passenger and freight rail services. Rep. Levin is a strong supporter of efforts to fortify the corridor through beach nourishment.

    The 351-mile LOSSAN Rail Corridor travels through a six-county coastal region in Southern California and is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States and the busiest state-supported Amtrak route. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor service includes 41 stations and more than 150 daily passenger trains. As defined by the Department of Defense, the rail line between Los Angeles and San Diego is designated as part of the Strategic Rail Corridor Network, which consists of key railroad lines important to national defense. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor is a key piece of transportation infrastructure for both California’s 49th Congressional District and the nation.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Announces More Than $57 Million to Drive Agricultural Innovation

    Source: USAID

    The United States, through USAID, committed $57.4 million, working with Congress, to accelerate food security initiatives and advance novel climate-smart agricultural solutions to reduce global hunger, poverty, and undernutrition. Announced at the 2024 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa, more than $38 million will support Feed the Future – the U.S. government’s global hunger initiative – Innovation Labs.

    The Feed the Future Innovation Lab network, including two newly funded labs, will advance technology development and draw on the expertise of top U.S. universities and host country research institutions to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges in agriculture and food security. The Climate Resilient Sustainable Intensification lab, led by Kansas State University, will conduct research to develop and adapt technologies that increase agricultural productivity on less land with fewer environmental tradeoffs. At Washington State University, the Veterinary Vaccine Delivery lab will accelerate the development and deployment of cold-chain-independent vaccines for livestock.

    New investments in existing labs include World Coffee Research joining Cornell University to develop improved coffee varieties and the University of Florida partnering with the University of California, Davis to address poultry disease through advances in chicken breeding. Cornell, Purdue, and Michigan State Universities have been awarded extensions to continue work on climate resilient crops, food safety policies and regulations, and local food security policy, respectively.

    The remainder of the funding includes an award to accelerate the development and deployment of disease-resistant wheat varieties through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and CIMMYT; a contribution to the Global Crop Diversity Trust to increase the availability of adapted crops and seeds to meet the challenges of new pests and diseases, higher temperatures, less water, and soil degradation; and funding to non-profit Akademiya2063 to support African leadership on agriculture policy reform.

    Feed the Future has continued to deliver strong results, as demonstrated in this year’s newly launched Feed the Future Interagency Report. In the initiative’s first decade both hunger and poverty fell by 20 to 25 percent in areas of focus. In 2023 alone, Feed the Future worked with 6.2 million producers to apply improved agricultural practices on 4.5 million hectares of cropland and cultivated pasture. In addition, small and medium businesses and farmers accessed $1.4 billion in agriculture-related financing and leveraged $677 million in private-sector investment – double the level in fiscal year 2020 – resulting in record sales of more than $4.6 billion. 

    Building on this success, Feed the Future will continue to work with partner countries, donors, and both the public and private sector in the United States and abroad to accelerate transformational change.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Seven California ports get more than $1 billion to shift to zero-emission operations, cut pollution

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 29, 2024

    What you need to know: The Biden-Harris Administration is granting more than $1 billion to California’s ports to accelerate their transition to zero-emission operations and create good paying jobs.

    SACRAMENTO – California ports are about to become cleaner and more climate friendly thanks to new funding from the Biden-Harris Administration. 

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced seven California ports are receiving more than $1 billion to build zero-emission infrastructure and implement plans to clean up air quality. California ports received a third of the total funding announced today nationwide. The Port of Los Angeles is receiving the nation’s largest clean ports grant of $411 million, which will help the port shift to zero-emission operations. 

    Thanks to historic support from the Biden-Harris Administration and our state’s Congressional leaders, California’s ports are undergoing a rapid transition to become zero-emission. Cleaner ports means cleaner air for communities up and down our state – this is a huge win for our ports that are the backbone of the fifth largest economy in the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California’s ports handle about 40% of the nation’s containerized imports and 30% of America’s exports. This funding is key to Governor Newsom’s build more, faster infrastructure agenda. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.  

    California ports receiving funding from the federal Clean Ports Program include:

    • Port of Los Angeles — $411.69 million: This project aims to accelerate the port’s transition toward ZE on-terminal operations by significantly reducing air pollution in and around the port, deploying ZE cargo handling equipment (CHE), and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 
    • Port of Oakland — $322.17 million: This project will support the vision of reducing emissions and fully decarbonizing port acti­­vities by transitioning to ZE alternatives for drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment.  
    • Port of Stockton — $110.47 million: This project will transform the port into the first small port with ZE terminal operations and increase the ZE workforce in Northern California. 
    • Port of San Diego — $58.6 million: This project will support the port’s longstanding commitment to the electrification of San Diego’s maritime cargo handling facilities and freight transportation by implementing the final electrification elements to transform San Diego’s maritime cargo terminals and the goods movement network on San Diego Bay. 
    • Port of San Francisco — $55.39 million: This investment will transition ferry operations along the San Francisco waterfront to zero-emissions, removing 455,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases and enhancing air quality at the Port of San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area airshed. 
    • Port of Hueneme — $42.29 million: The Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful And Resilient Transformation), which includes planning activities, and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results), which involves the deployment of roughly 35 pieces of ZE terminal equipment and a drayage truck incentive program.
    • Port of Redwood City — $1.97 million: This project, in partnership with a private entity, includes climate and air quality planning for hydrogen-based fueling and infrastructure.

    Recent news

    Oct 29, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced 37 new grant awards totaling more than $827 million to help more than 100 local communities and organizations create long-term solutions to address homelessness. The grant agreements include strong…

    Oct 28, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Barstow Fire Protection District Fire Captain Garret Miller: “Our heartfelt sympathies are with Fire Captain Miller’s family,…

    Oct 28, 2024

    News What you need to know: The Tijuana River sewage crisis has been impacting communities for far too long, and Governor Newsom has pushed federal and international partners to fund repairs and complete infrastructure improvements to finally address this crisis. …

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate Science – Forecasting floods in a fraction of the time with AI – NIWA

    Source: NIWA

    NIWA is using machine learning to forecast flood inundation in a fraction of the time required to run physical models.
    NIWA Climate, Atmosphere & Hazards platform manager Nava Fedaeff leads the project – she says effective flood preparation and response requires detail beyond river flows.
    “What people really want to know is not just whether the river is running high, but what areas will be flooded, and what’s at risk from that potential flooding. We’re exploring how AI will help us to move from weather forecasts to inundation forecasts quickly enough so that useful information gets to those who need it,” said Fedaeff.
    Predicting flood maps with physical models can take 24 hours but with machine learning it takes only 1-2 minutes.
    Five days ahead of an event, scientists combine several elements such as weather forecasting, river flow predictions, inundation mapping and exposure assessments. This enables them to produce models that detail – down to street level – people, property or infrastructure at risk when storms strike.
    NIWA data scientist Dr Deidre Cleland used Westport as a case study in the project.
    She has produced a StoryMap detailing how the system works – with maps, animations and graphics – outlining how her team validated the AI flood model against the real-life 2021 Westport flooding.
    “Our next step is operationalising this machine learning capability so that rapid flood map forecasting is available for a real incoming flood event in Westport. We are also working on extending the machine learning approach to other locations around New Zealand, starting with those at highest risk of flooding,” said Dr Cleland.
    Floods are New Zealand’s most frequent and costly natural disaster, meaning that fast and accurate forecasting of flood impacts is crucial for reducing the risk to life, property and infrastructure.
    This project is part of a $5 million per year package by NIWA to tackle some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or the “Company”) today reported third quarter 2024 net income of $36.7 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to $21.7 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the same 2023 period. Net income for the first nine months of 2024 was $104.4 million, or $2.53 per diluted share, compared to $56.7 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for the same 2023 period.

    Adjusted operating income(1) for the third quarter of 2024 was $29.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to $25.0 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, for the same 2023 period. Adjusted operating income(1) for the first nine months of 2024 was $93.4 million, or $2.26 per diluted share, compared to $56.5 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, for the same 2023 period.

    Highlights for the third quarter included:

    • Gross written premiums of $400.0 million an increase of 12.4% compared to the third quarter of 2023.
    • Combined ratio of 92.2% and ex-Cat combined ratio of 89.4% compared to 90.2% and 89.8%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Annualized return on equity of 19.1% through the first nine months of 2024 compared to 15.8% for the same 2023 period.
    • Book value per share of $19.89, an increase of 19% compared to December 31, 2023.
    (1)See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”

    Skyward Specialty Chairman and CEO Andrew Robinson commented, “These past weeks have proven to be a very difficult time and our thoughts continue to be with those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton; I am proud of the extraordinary efforts of our claims team and partners who continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers affected by these catastrophes.”

    “As for our third quarter, our results reflect our continued excellent execution of our “Rule our Niche” strategy, and our disciplined underwriting and our strategic risk management. Our adjusted operating income was up nearly 18% over the prior year quarter, continuing the trend of strong earnings growth we have delivered every quarter as a public company, and our 19.1% annualized return on equity year to date is outstanding. We delivered gross written premiums growth of 12.4% over the prior year quarter while continuing to increase our mix of business to areas that are less exposed to the P&C cycles. Given investments into our business, the momentum building in certain divisions, and with full consideration for the market backdrop, I am confident that we are well positioned to deliver strong growth as we look forward to the coming quarters.”

    Results of Operations

    Underwriting Results

    Premiums                        
    ($ in thousands)   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    unaudited     2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
    Gross written premiums   $ 400,014     $ 355,732     12.4 %   $ 1,354,877     $ 1,138,224     19.0 %
    Ceded written premiums   $ (131,692 )   $ (75,036 )   75.5 %   $ (502,326 )   $ (441,650 )   13.7 %
    Net retention     67.1 %     78.9 %   NM (1)       62.9 %     61.2 %   NM (1)  
    Net written premiums   $ 268,322     $ 280,696     (4.4 )%   $ 852,551     $ 696,574     22.4 %
    Net earned premiums   $ 269,557     $ 227,033     18.7 %   $ 763,482     $ 604,211     26.4 %
    (1)Not meaningful                        
                             

    The increase in gross written premiums for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, when compared to the same 2023 periods, was driven by double-digit premium growth primarily from our transactional E&S, programs, captives, surety and global property & agriculture underwriting divisions.

    During the third quarter and first nine months of 2023, the Company cancelled a quota share reinsurance contract. Excluding the impact of the cancellation, net written premiums for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 increased 16.5%(2) and 32.0%(2), respectively, when compared to the same 2023 periods.

    Combined Ratio   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Non-cat loss and LAE(1)   60.6 %   60.7 %   60.6 %   60.9 %
    Cat loss and LAE(1)   2.8 %   0.4 %   1.5 %   1.8 %
    Prior accident year development – LPT(2)   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.2 )%
    Loss Ratio   63.3 %   61.0 %   62.0 %   62.5 %
    Net policy acquisition costs   13.9 %   15.0 %   13.9 %   13.0 %
    Other operating and general expenses   15.7 %   15.1 %   15.8 %   16.3 %
    Commission and fee income   (0.7 )%   (0.9 )%   (0.8 )%   (1.0 )%
    Expense ratio   28.9 %   29.2 %   28.9 %   28.3 %
    Combined ratio   92.2 %   90.2 %   90.9 %   90.8 %
    Ex-Cat Combined Ratio(3)   89.4 %   89.8 %   89.4 %   89.0 %
                     
    Adjusted Underwriting Ratios                
    Adjusted loss ratio(2)   63.4 %   61.1 %   62.1 %   62.7 %
    Expense ratio   28.9 %   29.2 %   28.9 %   28.3 %
    Adjusted combined ratio(2)   92.3 %   90.3 %   91.0 %   91.0 %
    (1)Current accident year
    (2)See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”
    (3)Defined as the combined ratio excluding cat loss and LAE(1)            
                     

    The loss ratios for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 increased 2.3 points and improved 0.5 points, respectively, when compared to the same 2023 periods. The third quarter of 2024 was impacted by higher catastrophe losses, primarily from Hurricanes Helene and Beryl.

    The expense ratios for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 were comparable to the same 2023 periods.

    The expense ratios for all periods presented exclude the impact of IPO related stock compensation and secondary offering expenses, which are reported in other expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

    Investment Results

    Net Investment Income                
    $ in thousands   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)     2024       2023       2024     2023  
    Short-term investments & cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,537     $ 3,022     $ 13,645   $ 8,007  
    Fixed income     15,458       9,488       41,722     24,867  
    Equities     596       650       1,974     1,332  
    Alternative & strategic investments     (1,070 )     (71 )     2,615     (7,888 )
    Net investment income   $ 19,521     $ 13,089     $ 59,956   $ 26,318  
    Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities still held   $ 8,378     $ (6,391 )   $ 15,609   $ 2,394  
    Net realized gains     1,809       3,407       1,056     934  
    Net investment gains (losses)   $ 10,187     $ (2,984 )   $ 16,665   $ 3,328  
     

    Beginning January 1, 2024 we simplified the investment portfolio classifications to align with our strategy and the underlying risk characteristics of the portfolio. The prior period has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

    Net investment income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 increased $6.4 million and $33.6 million, respectively when compared to the same 2023 periods, primarily driven by increased income from our fixed income portfolio and short-term investments due to higher yields and larger asset bases.

    Stockholders’ Equity

    Stockholders’ equity was $797.5 million at September 30, 2024 which represents an increase of 10.2% when compared to stockholders’ equity of $723.6 million at June 30, 2024. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to net income and an increase in the market value of our investment portfolio.

    Share Repurchase Authorization

    In October 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock.

    Skyward Specialty Chairman and CEO Andrew Robinson commented, “The share repurchase program allows Skyward to opportunistically deploy our capital in an accretive fashion and ultimately drive long-term value creation for our shareholders. Given our strong cash position and financing flexibility, the repurchase program will not limit our ability to support our near-term growth or our flexibility to support ongoing investment in the key growth areas of our business, or to capture additional value creating opportunities.”

    The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements or a combination of methods and pursuant to safe harbors provided by Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases under the share repurchase program will be determined by the Company in its discretion. The stock repurchase program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares, and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time.

    Conference Call

    At 9:30 a.m. eastern time tomorrow, October 30, 2024, Skyward Specialty management will hold a conference call to discuss quarterly results with insurance industry analysts. Interested parties may listen to the discussion at investors.skywardinsurance.com under Events & Presentations. Additionally, investors can access the earnings call via conference call by registering via the conference link. Users will receive dial-in information and a unique PIN to join the call upon registering.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This release contains certain financial measures and ratios that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). We refer to these measures as “non-GAAP financial measures.” We use these non-GAAP financial measures when planning, monitoring, and evaluating our performance.

    We have chosen to exclude the net impact of the Loss Portfolio Transfer (“LPT”), all development on reserves fully or partially covered by the LPT and amortization of deferred gains associated with recoveries of prior LPT reserve strengthening in certain non-GAAP metrics, where noted, as the business subject to the LPT is not representative of our continuing business strategy. The business subject to the LPT is primarily related to policy years 2017 and prior, was generated and managed under prior leadership, and has either been exited or substantially repositioned during the reevaluation of our portfolio. We consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful metrics for our management and investors to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered supplemental in nature and is not meant to be a substitute for revenue or net income, in each case as recognized in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. For more information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of such measures to comparable GAAP financial measures, see the section entitled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

    About Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.

    Skyward Specialty is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through eight underwriting divisions – Accident & Health, Captives, Global Property & Agriculture, Industry Solutions, Professional Lines, Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S. SKWD stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which represents the top fourth of all Nasdaq listed companies.

    Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, Great Midwest Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. Additional information about Skyward Specialty can be found on our website at www.skywardinsurance.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Except for historical information, all other information in this news release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are typically, but not always, identified through use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “enable,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intends,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “predict,” “probable,” “potential,” “possible,” “should,” “continue,” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied. The most significant of these uncertainties are described in Skyward Specialty’s Form 10-K, and include (but are not limited to) legislative changes at both the state and federal level, state and federal regulatory rule making promulgations and adjudications, class action litigation involving the insurance industry and judicial decisions affecting claims, policy coverages and the general costs of doing business, the potential loss of key members of our management team or key employees and our ability to attract and retain personnel, the impact of competition on products and pricing, inflation in the costs of the products and services insurance pays for, product development, geographic spread of risk, weather and weather-related events, other types of catastrophic events, our ability to obtain reinsurance coverage at prices and on terms that allow us to transfer risk and adequately protect our company against financial loss, and losses resulting from reinsurance counterparties failing to pay us on reinsurance claims. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.

    Investor contact:
    Natalie Schoolcraft,
    nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com
    614-494-4988

    or

    Media contact:
    Haley Doughty
    hdoughty@skywardinsurance.com
    713-935-4944

    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets        
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)        
    (unaudited)   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets        
    Investments:        
    Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,359,700 and $1,047,713, respectively)   $ 1,357,500     $ 1,017,651  
    Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (net of allowance for credit losses of $239 and $329, respectively)     39,321       42,986  
    Equity securities, at fair value     124,719       118,249  
    Mortgage loans, at fair value     36,267       50,070  
    Equity method investments     102,111       110,653  
    Other long-term investments     23,802       3,852  
    Short-term investments, at fair value     206,358       270,226  
    Total investments     1,890,078       1,613,687  
    Cash and cash equivalents     105,573       65,891  
    Restricted cash     45,783       34,445  
    Premiums receivable, net     327,176       179,235  
    Reinsurance recoverables, net     686,725       596,334  
    Ceded unearned premium     236,962       186,121  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs     119,910       91,955  
    Deferred income taxes     18,502       21,991  
    Goodwill and intangible assets, net     87,607       88,435  
    Other assets     80,547       75,341  
    Total assets   $ 3,598,863     $ 2,953,435  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Liabilities:        
    Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses   $ 1,568,777     $ 1,314,501  
    Unearned premiums     692,452       552,532  
    Deferred ceding commission     44,984       37,057  
    Reinsurance and premium payables     200,967       150,156  
    Funds held for others     102,219       58,588  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     73,001       50,880  
    Notes payable     100,000       50,000  
    Subordinated debt, net of debt issuance costs     18,956       78,690  
    Total liabilities     2,801,356       2,292,404  
    Stockholders’ equity        
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 40,099,931 and 39,863,756 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     401       399  
    Additional paid-in capital     716,095       710,855  
    Stock notes receivable     —       (5,562 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,703 )     (22,953 )
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)     82,714       (21,708 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     797,507       661,031  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,598,863     $ 2,953,435  
             
    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
    ($ in thousands)   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Revenues:                
    Net earned premiums   $ 269,557     $ 227,033     $ 763,482     $ 604,211  
    Commission and fee income     1,818       2,085       5,897       5,817  
    Net investment income     19,521       13,089       59,956       26,318  
    Net investment gains (losses)     10,187       (2,984 )     16,665       3,328  
    Other loss     (195 )     —       (202 )     —  
    Total revenues     300,888       239,223       845,798       639,674  
    Expenses:                
    Losses and loss adjustment expenses     170,521       138,536       473,489       377,841  
    Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses     79,817       68,315       226,270       176,653  
    Interest expense     2,229       2,632       7,405       7,250  
    Amortization expense     351       463       1,099       1,336  
    Other expenses     1,117       1,482       3,350       4,061  
    Total expenses     254,035       211,428       711,613       567,141  
    Income before income taxes     46,853       27,795       134,185       72,533  
    Income tax expense     10,185       6,084       29,763       15,814  
    Net income     36,668       21,711       104,422       56,719  
    Net income attributable to participating securities     —       —       —       1,492  
    Net income attributable to common stockholders   $ 36,668     $ 21,711     $ 104,422     $ 55,227  
    Comprehensive income:                
    Net income   $ 36,668     $ 21,711     $ 104,422     $ 56,719  
    Other comprehensive income:                
    Unrealized gains and losses on investments:                
    Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax     31,396       (8,722 )     24,527       (5,309 )
    Reclassification adjustment for losses on securities no longer held, net of tax     (1,963 )     (3,667 )     (3,277 )     (4,879 )
    Total other comprehensive income (loss)     29,433       (12,389 )     21,250       (10,188 )
    Comprehensive income   $ 66,101     $ 9,322     $ 125,672     $ 46,531  
                     
    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
    Share and Per Share Data                
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Weighted average basic shares     40,098,345       36,743,393       40,039,269       35,502,843  
    Weighted average diluted shares     41,428,557       38,403,843       41,302,108       37,830,431  
                     
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.91     $ 0.59     $ 2.61     $ 1.56  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.89     $ 0.57     $ 2.53     $ 1.50  
    Basic adjusted operating earnings per share   $ 0.73     $ 0.68     $ 2.33     $ 1.55  
    Diluted adjusted operating earnings per share   $ 0.71     $ 0.65     $ 2.26     $ 1.49  
                     
    Annualized ROE (1)     19.3 %     16.4 %     19.1 %     15.8 %
    Annualized adjusted ROE (2)     15.5 %     18.9 %     17.1 %     15.8 %
    Annualized ROTE (3)     21.8 %     19.7 %     21.7 %     19.4 %
    Annualized adjusted ROTE (4)     17.5 %     22.8 %     19.4 %     19.4 %
                     
                September 30   December 31
                  2024       2023  
                     
    Shares outstanding             40,099,931       39,863,756  
    Fully diluted shares outstanding             41,986,881       41,771,854  
                     
    Book value per share           $ 19.89     $ 16.72  
    Fully diluted book value per share           $ 18.99     $ 15.96  
    Fully diluted tangible book value per share           $ 16.91     $ 13.84  
                     
    (1)Annualized ROE is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period
    (2)Annualized adjusted ROE is adjusted operating income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period
    (3)Annualized ROTE is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending tangible stockholders’ equity during the period
    (4)Annualized adjusted ROTE is adjusted operating income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending tangible stockholders’ equity during the period

    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Adjusted operating income – We define adjusted operating income as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. We use adjusted operating income as an internal performance measure in the management of our operations because we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Adjusted operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define adjusted operating income differently.        

    ($ in thousands) Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
      Pre-tax   After-tax   Pre-tax   After-tax   Pre-tax   After-tax   Pre-tax   After-tax
    Income as reported $ 46,853     $ 36,668     $ 27,795     $ 21,711     $ 134,185     $ 104,422     $ 72,533     $ 56,719  
    Less (add):                              
    Net investment gains (losses)   10,187       8,048       (2,984 )     (2,357 )     16,665       13,165       3,328       2,629  
    Net impact of loss portfolio transfer   318       251       266       210       800       632       970       766  
    Other loss   (195 )     (154 )     —       —       (202 )     (160 )     —       —  
    Other expenses   (1,117 )     (882 )     (1,482 )     (1,171 )     (3,350 )     (2,647 )     (4,061 )     (3,208 )
    Adjusted operating income $ 37,660     $ 29,405     $ 31,995     $ 25,029     $ 120,272     $ 93,432     $ 72,296     $ 56,532  
                                   


    Quota Share Reinsurance Cancellation     Reconciliation – to exclude the impact of the cancellation of a quota share reinsurance contract on ceded written premiums, net retention, net written premiums and net earned premiums for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:

      Three months ended September 30,
        2024       2023     %
    (unaudited) As Reported   As Reported   Adjustment   Adjusted   Change
    Ceded written premiums $ (131,692 )   $ (75,036 )   $ (50,462 )   $ (125,498 )   4.9 %
    Net retention   67.1 %     78.9 %         64.7 %   NM (1)
    Net written premiums $ 268,322     $ 280,696     $ (50,462 )   $ 230,234     16.5 %
    Net earned premiums $ 269,557     $ 227,033     $ (13,145 )   $ 213,888     26.0 %
                       
      Nine months ended September 30,
        2024       2023     %
      As Reported   As Reported   Adjustment   Adjusted   Change
    Ceded written premiums $ (502,326 )   $ (441,650 )   $ (50,462 )   $ (492,112 )   2.1 %
    Net retention   62.9 %             56.8 %   NM (1)
    Net written premiums $ 852,551     $ 696,574     $ (50,462 )   $ 646,112     32.0 %
    Net earned premiums $ 763,482     $ 604,211     $ (13,145 )   $ 591,066     29.2 %
                       
    (1)Not meaningful                  
                       


    Underwriting income     – We define underwriting income as net income before income taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, impairment charges, interest expense, amortization expense and other income and expenses. Underwriting income represents the pre-tax profitability of our underwriting operations and allows us to evaluate our underwriting performance without regard to investment income. We use this metric as we believe it gives our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our underlying business performance. Underwriting income should not be viewed as a substitute for pre-tax income calculated in accordance with GAAP, and other companies may define underwriting income differently.

    ($ in thousands)   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)     2024       2023       2024     2023
    Income before federal income tax expense   $ 46,853     $ 27,795     $ 134,185     $ 72,533
    Add:                
    Interest expense     2,229       2,632       7,405       7,250
    Amortization expense     351       463       1,099       1,336
    Other expenses     1,117       1,482       3,350       4,061
    Less:                
    Net investment income     19,521       13,089       59,956       26,318
    Net investment gains (losses)     10,187       (2,984 )     16,665       3,328
    Other loss     (195 )     —       (202 )     —
    Underwriting income   $ 21,037     $ 22,267     $ 69,620     $ 55,534
                     


    Adjusted Loss Ratio / Adjusted Combined Ratio     – We define adjusted loss ratio and adjusted combined ratio as the corresponding ratio (calculated in accordance with GAAP), excluding losses and LAE related to the LPT and all development on reserves fully or partially covered by the LPT and amortization of deferred gains associated with recoveries of prior LPT reserve strengthening. We use these adjusted ratios as internal performance measures in the management of our operations because we believe they give our management and other users of our financial information useful insight into our results of operations and our underlying business performance. Our adjusted loss ratio and adjusted combined ratio should not be viewed as substitutes for our loss ratio and combined ratio, respectively.

    ($ in thousands)   Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    (unaudited)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net earned premiums   $ 269,557     $ 227,033     $ 763,482     $ 604,211  
                     
    Losses and LAE     170,521       138,536       473,489       377,841  
    Less: Pre-tax net impact of LPT     (318 )     (266 )     (800 )     (970 )
    Adjusted losses and LAE   $ 170,839     $ 138,802     $ 474,289     $ 378,811  
                     
    Loss ratio     63.3 %     61.0 %     62.0 %     62.5 %
    Less: net impact of LPT   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.2 )%
    Adjusted loss ratio     63.4 %     61.1 %     62.1 %     62.7 %
                     
    Combined ratio     92.2 %     90.2 %     90.9 %     90.8 %
    Less: net impact of LPT   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   (0.2 )%
    Adjusted combined ratio     92.3 %     90.3 %     91.0 %     91.0 %
                     

    Tangible Stockholders’ Equity – We define tangible stockholders’ equity as stockholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets. Our definition of tangible stockholders’ equity may not be comparable to that of other companies and should not be viewed as a substitute for stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use tangible stockholders’ equity internally to evaluate the strength of our balance sheet and to compare returns relative to this measure.

    ($ in thousands)   September 30,   December 31,
    (unaudited)   2024   2023   2023
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 797,507   $ 535,397   $ 661,031
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets     87,607     88,808     88,435
    Tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 709,900   $ 446,589   $ 572,596
                 

    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.
    Gross Written Premiums by Underwriting Division (Unaudited)

        Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
    ($ in thousands)   2024   2023   % Change   2024   2023   % Change
    Global Property & Agriculture   $ 54,360   $ 48,775   11.5 %   $ 279,721   $ 247,195   13.2 %
    Industry Solutions     74,089     79,798   (7.2 )%     236,460     226,680   4.3 %
    Captives     53,630     41,886   28.0 %     184,137     127,249   44.7 %
    Programs     54,434     41,735   30.4 %     166,256     143,032   16.2 %
    Transactional E&S     44,885     30,699   46.2 %     132,791     90,948   46.0 %
    Accident & Health     43,490     39,554   10.0 %     128,479     112,819   13.9 %
    Professional Lines     40,310     48,259   (16.5 )%     120,655     114,420   5.4 %
    Surety     34,816     24,977   39.4 %     106,395     75,899   40.2 %
    Total gross written premiums(1)   $ 400,014   $ 355,683   12.5 %   $ 1,354,894   $ 1,138,242   19.0 %
    (1)Excludes exited business                        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ‘Y’all Aboard!’: The return of Amtrak to the Gulf Coast

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined local leaders in Mobile, Alabama, for the groundbreaking of the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project, which was awarded a $178 million CRISI grant in a previous round of funding from the Biden-Harris Administration. Once completed, the project will restore passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005.

    In this “Investing in America” video, we highlight the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project and the impact the restored rail route will have in the region.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc5ut75YNUs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Help Survivors in North Carolina

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    A Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) agent talks about her experience with helping Hurricane Helene Survivors in Swannanoa, North Carolina. DSA agents help connect survivors with essential resources, guidance, and support throughout the recovery process.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyEK1dqxB5s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New insights from Shakespeare’s England reveal striking parallels to contemporary climate change

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Madeline Bassnett, Professor of Early Modern English Literature, Western University

    Unprecedented storms and devastating drought. Flash floods and wildfires ignited by the air’s dry heat. This is the experience for many in our modern world. But it was also the experience for those living amid England’s Little Ice Age.

    The Little Ice Age is a period from around 1300 to 1850, when global temperatures dropped significantly. While the exact cause of this phenonemon is unknown, theories range from volcanic eruptions to European colonization of the Americas.

    Our research into England’s Little Ice Age during the 16th and 17th centuries has unearthed more than 1,800 unique pieces of weather observations, hidden in documents like diaries and letters. Local and national chronicles embedded reports of extreme weather among accounts of war and monarchs. Extreme weather pamphlets publicized tragic effects of earthquakes, floods and storms, much like our media today.

    Our team has created an open access database called the Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700. This database visually maps both extreme and temperate weather in the age of Shakespeare and can help to advance modern climate science.

    More fundamentally, these experiential accounts provide a fascinating window into a world not too different from our own. While the causes of the climate change of today are well known, and likely different from that of the Little Ice Age, the experiences of living through both events are at times eerily similar. Understanding these past experiences can help us to better understand our present day and to develop more robust policies in the here and now.



    Read more:
    The Canadian Arctic shows how understanding the effects of climate change requires long-term vision

    Frosts and freezes

    Frost fairs on the River Thames have become a familiar cultural reference point for England’s Little Ice Age. Our data shows that the river froze over a mere four times in the 16th century — in 1516, 1537, 1564 and 1590 — and there were only intermittent observations of unusual cold or snow.

    The 17th century was markedly different. Reports of cold came thick and fast, with the exception of a few years between 1620 and 1643.

    Title page from The Great Frost: ‘Cold doings in London, except it be at the lotterie. With newes out of the country. A familiar talk betwene a country-man and a citizen touching this terrible frost and the great lotterie, and the effects of them.’ Printed at London: For Henry Gosson, 1608. Attributed to Thomas Dekker.
    (Houghton Library, Harvard University)

    This was the century of frost fairs on the Thames. With the first 17th century fair in 1608, these events were celebrated by English playwright Thomas Dekker in his pamphlet The Great Frost.

    Drinking, barbering and games were on display as London’s citizens marvelled at the novelty of entertainment on the ice. The freezes were frequent enough to become an institution.

    By the winter of 1683-1684, the frost fair had become a city within a city, expanding across the ice with avenues of booths, bear and bull-baiting rings and boats-turned-chariots pulled by enterprising watermen across the now solid river.

    But these iconic events were just one aspect of Little Ice Age weather in England.

    Storms and floods

    In the 16th century, severe rain storms were far more common than cold snaps.

    On Oct. 5, 1570, “a terrible tempest of wind and raine” caused flooding from Lincolnshire to London as rivers overflowed their banks, drowning towns, fields, crops and cattle. Storm surges inundated the coastline.

    Four years later, towns from Newport to St. Ives suffered “raging floods,” and a “giant sea fish” (whale) washed up in the Thames from a massive surge up river. In May 1594, “soddane showres of haile [and] raine” destroyed houses, iron mills, crops and cattle in Sussex and Surrey. September of that year saw another deluge, with bridges taken down in Cambridge and Ware.

    This all changed in the 17th century, following the Great Flood that struck Bristol and surrounding areas in 1607. Extreme cold spells then became more frequent, and major storm events were less common. The winter of 1612-1613 saw a number of violent storms recorded in the pamphlet Wonders of this Windie Winter, with livestock lost from Newcastle to Dover and bodies from shipwrecks washing aground in the Thames.

    In the next 40 years, though, only the years of 1626 and 1637 contain reports of significant storm events causing loss of life or livestock. Instead of extreme storms, this century was marked more by regular but moderate rainfall, consistent with colder, wetter conditions normally associated with the Little Ice Age.

    Fire and heat

    If colder, wetter weather was a new normal for 17th century Britons, the hot, dry spring of 1666 caught Londoners unprepared. The Great Fire of London was one of the worst disasters of the age, and diarist John Evelyn recounts that “the heate … had even ignited the aire,” a comment reminiscent of descriptions of wildfire spread today.

    Yet periods of extreme heat were surprisingly frequent during the previous century, especially in the England that Shakespeare knew. More than a dozen droughts were recorded across England in the 16th century, usually broken by extreme storms or floods. It never rained, it seems, but it poured. The Thames dried up completely in 1592.

    As Thomas Short wrote in his Chronological History of English Weather, “an excessive drought, great death of cattle from want of water; springs and brooks were dried up; horsemen could ride the Thames.” Locals went into the mud to retrieve items long lost to the river.

    Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon was nearly destroyed by fire twice, in 1594 and 1595, due to severe drought and heat. The warning signs were there for Londoners to beware of hot spells in the next century, but frost fairs and wet weather may have bred complacency.

    Lessons for today

    The Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700 database is revealing a picture of the world of Shakespeare and early modern England that upends a simplified picture of the Little Ice Age. More than just a world of frosts and freezes, the English Little Ice Age could be known as well as an age of fire and rain.



    Read more:
    The B.C. election could decide the future of the province’s species at risk laws

    The documents in our database are the reports of people who lived in a climatically changing world and saw its shifts firsthand. It shows how important weather crowd-sourcing can be, even centuries later. Contemporary projects like the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or the Northern Tornadoes Project, continue in the spirit of this work.

    But our data could also provide insight into today’s extreme weather. Historical flooding patterns might provide reference points to better manage and understand the unstable weather experienced in the British Isles today.

    Madeline Bassnett has received funding from SSHRC for the Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700 project.

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

    – ref. New insights from Shakespeare’s England reveal striking parallels to contemporary climate change – https://theconversation.com/new-insights-from-shakespeares-england-reveal-striking-parallels-to-contemporary-climate-change-240755

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Good news for the Páramos at COP16

    Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

    CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the support of Cumbres Blancas, positioned itself at the COP16 in Cali as the first multilateral institution to address the protection of the páramos with a comprehensive vision that seeks not only environmental conservation, but also the improvement of the quality of life of local communities that depend on these ecosystems.

    High mountain ecosystems, especially páramos, play a fundamental role in environmental sustainability and the well-being of millions of people. However, climate change, unsustainable land use and other human activities are seriously threatening these strategic ecosystems.

    In this context, the páramos, which are found exclusively in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, are recognized as the most biodiverse high mountain ecosystems in the world. They are home to more than 35,000 species of plants and vertebrates, ranking first in diversity of birds, mammals and amphibians, and second in reptiles. In addition, these ecosystems provide critical services to more than 60 million people who depend directly on their resources, including water and energy supply for cities such as Bogotá, Quito, and Cuenca.

    The alliance with Cumbres Blancas reflects the institution’s commitment to promote concrete actions for the restoration and protection of the páramos, and aims to develop initiatives such as the construction of community nurseries, the creation of green employment capacities, and the restoration of watersheds, which are vital to guarantee access to drinking water and energy in these regions.

    CAF’s strategic actions in the páramos are aimed not only at mitigating the impacts of climate change, but also at fostering the resilience of the communities living in these territories. Community nurseries, for example, will be a fundamental tool for restoring native flora and reforesting degraded areas. In addition, the creation of green jobs in sectors such as sustainable agriculture and natural resource management will directly contribute to improving the socioeconomic conditions of local populations.

    Alicia Montalvo, CAF’s Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity Manager, said, “The challenge we face is not only to protect the biodiversity of the páramos, but to translate our knowledge and efforts into concrete actions to ensure their preservation. Our collaboration with ACTO and other institutions is key to obtaining accurate data and coordinating regional efforts, ensuring that resources are optimally invested where they are most needed.

    CAF has already launched several initiatives in the region, ranging from ecological restoration to the promotion of sustainable bio-businesses. One of the most outstanding examples is the work being carried out with the 56 Puruhá indigenous communities of the Cotopaxi páramo, in Ecuador, through a bio-business project promoted together with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Ministry of the Environment and the Heifer Foundation. This project aims to strengthen the organic quinoa production chain and improve the socioeconomic conditions of more than 600 families.

    In addition, CAF is promoting, in collaboration with the GEF, a project that seeks to reduce the climate risk affecting paramo populations in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This initiative will directly benefit more than 360,000 people, improving the capacity to adapt to climate change in these vulnerable areas. The goal is to ensure that these strategic ecosystems can continue to provide vital services to local populations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Francine, Helene, Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Rick Scott (R-FL) announced plans to introduce the Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act that would replenish the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. The senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session.
    “Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.”
    “The SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,” said Senator Tillis. “That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again. ”
    “The citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,” said Senator Budd. “As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.”
    “Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven’t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Communities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.”
    “We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won’t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.”
    The Relief Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Schumer Announce Port Authority Of NY/NJ To Receive Over $347 Million From Program Gillibrand Helped Create, Including $344 Million To Deploy Zero-Emission Equipment And Upgrade Green Energy Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to receive an anticipated $344,138,135 through EPA’s Clean Ports Program for its proposed project, Catalyzing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future. This project will support the installation of zero-emission equipment and promote good-paying and union jobs at the Port of New York and New Jersey. The grant is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the most substantial climate change and clean energy legislation in history. Senator Gillibrand was an original cosponsor and champion of the standalone legislation (the Climate Smart Ports Act) to create the Clean Ports Program, and she helped secure its enactment as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
    According to the EPA, PANYNJ’s proposed project “includes the deployment of electric cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks with supporting charging infrastructure, including through a ZE Equipment for Ports (ZEEP) Voucher Incentive Program and Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) program. PANYNJ commits to reducing the number of polluting vehicles at the port by scrapping a portion of the existing fleet. The project also includes the installation of vessel shore power infrastructure. As part of this project, PANYNJ will implement a comprehensive community engagement plan and train workers to operate and maintain new equipment and infrastructure.”
    In addition to the over $344 million grant for the zero-emission technology deployment project, EPA selected PANYNJ to receive $3,000,000 to support a proposed climate and air quality project, which is also through EPA’s Clean Ports Program.  
    “I fought hard to secure $3 billion via the Inflation Reduction Act for the EPA to fund a new program for zero-emission port equipment and to modernize infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at ports across the country,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce more than $344 million—the second largest award in the country—for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to deploy zero-emission equipment, install charging equipment, and train workers for new green jobs. This substantial federal investment will help transform Port Liberty NY on Staten Island by replacing harmful diesel-powered equipment with zero-emission electric infrastructure.”
    “This over $347 million investment in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will lay the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will promote the use of zero-emission equipment and clean power, as well as train workers for the green energy jobs of the future. I am proud to have helped secure the creation of the transformative Clean Ports Program in the Inflation Reduction Act and am thrilled about today’s historic investment. Not only are we improving air quality and combating climate change, but we’re creating good-paying jobs and putting New York and the United States in position to lead in global clean energy.”
    The selection of the PANYNJ projects was announced as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, which today announced nearly $3 billion of investments in Clean Ports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over $1.2 Billion in Direct Assistance to Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over $1.2 Billion in Direct Assistance to Survivors

    FEMA Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over $1.2 Billion in Direct Assistance to Survivors

    Federal, state and local partners remain throughout the Southeast to help survivors affected by recent stormsWASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $1.2 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property.Today, Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks is in North Carolina meeting with state and local officials and supporting federal response efforts. FEMA personnel remain on the ground in communities across the Southeast conducting damage assessments, coordinating with local officials, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.Applying for assistance is a critical first step towards recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Applicants may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which provides survivors with a safe, temporary place to stay, like a hotel or motel, until they can find a short or longer-term housing solution. To date, more than 23,000 households have checked into FEMA provided hotels.Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800-621-3362 or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center. Disaster Recovery Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications. FEMA now has 75 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process. Support for North CarolinaFEMA has approved over $185 million for over 116,000 households and other types of assistance. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $189 million for debris removal and reimbursement of emergency protective measures for the state.More than 6,300 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. There are 411 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 21 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Asheville (Mobile), Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Bryson City, Burnsville, Charlotte, Conover, Fairview, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lake Lure, Lenoir, Marion, Marshall, Morganton, Newland, Old Fort, Sparta, Sylva, and Waynesville where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.Support for Florida  In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $413 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 125,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $335 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work. In response to Milton, FEMA has approved over $252 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 174,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $631 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work.More than 13,200 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.  There are 486 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities to provide support. There are also 20 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Bartow, Branford, Brooksville, Carrabelle (Mobile), Dale City (Mobile), Fort Pierce, Homosassa, Lake City, Largo, Live Oak, Madison, Old Town, Orlando, Palmetto (Mobile), Perry (2), Punta Gorda (Mobile), Sarasota, Stuart and Vero Beach supporting survivors from Debby, Helene and Milton where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  Support for South CarolinaFEMA has approved over $196 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 198,000 households. More than 3,400 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.There are 155 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also nine Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Abbeville, Anderson, Columbia, Edgefield, Graniteville, Greenville, Greenwood, Spartanburg and Winnsboro where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. Support for GeorgiaFEMA has approved over $190 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 160,000 households.There are 267 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 12 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Augusta, Baxley, Douglas, Lyons, McRae–Helena (Mobile), Midway, Ocilla (Mobile), Sandersville, Savannah, Thompson, Valdosta and Waycross (Mobile) where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. Support for Virginia  To date, FEMA has approved over $8 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 2,700 households.There are about 79 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also eight Disaster Recovery Centers open in Christiansburg, Damascus, Dublin, Independence, Marion, Pembroke, Tazewell and Wytheville where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov).Support for Tennessee FEMA has approved more than $15.9 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 4,700 households. There are more than 58 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are now five Disaster Recovery Center open in Elizabeth, Erwin, Greenville, Morristown and Newport where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.
    amy.ashbridge
    Tue, 10/29/2024 – 21:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: South Sudan

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 30 October 2024, 14:28 NZDT
    • Still current at: 30 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Do not travel to South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, inter-ethnic violence and violent crime (level 4 of 4).

    New Zealanders currently in South Sudan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

    South Sudan

    Armed Conflict/Civil Unrest
    Pockets of armed conflict between government and various opposition forces remain and the security situation in Juba has the potential to deteriorate with little or no warning. Land routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked and flights may be cancelled at short notice. The political and security situation throughout South Sudan remains volatile.

    Inter-ethnic violence and cattle raiding continues to occur throughout the country, with significant loss of life. There is a complete absence of rule of law outside of the capital Juba and even in Juba, the capacity of the authorities to uphold law and order is very limited.

    Areas within 40 kilometres of South Sudan’s northern border with Sudan are also particularly dangerous and vulnerable to armed incursions and violence.  Parts of the border remain disputed and military forces are deployed in these areas.

    The border areas with South Sudan’s other neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, the Central African Republic, and Uganda are extremely dangerous due to armed conflict, military activity and other violence. There are regular reports of attacks by armed groups on vehicles travelling on the main road connecting Juba to Uganda (Jiba-Niomule road).

    We recommend you avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings in South Sudan as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings.

    Violent Crime
    Violent crime, including kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, home invasions, car-jacking, and sexual assault is a significant problem throughout South Sudan, both in urban and rural areas. The economic situation has led to a significant increase in both petty and violent crime. Criminals are often armed as weapons are readily accessible.

    The government has limited capacity to deter crime and maintain law and order throughout South Sudan. Banditry and lawlessness is an issue in rural areas. Humanitarian workers have been the targets of killings and violence in the past.

    New Zealanders in South Sudan should exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness at all times. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. For security reasons we recommend against travelling alone, at night, or to isolated areas.

    Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, also occurs and is often accompanied by violence. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. 

    Road Travel
    We strongly advise against using public transport due to safety concerns.

    If travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up.

    Official checkpoints are frequently set up by security forces and have been known to become hostile or violent. Individuals staffing checkpoints have been known to solicit bribes. Criminals who pose as police officers have also set up roadblocks. At checkpoints, remain in your vehicle and produce requested documents through a raised window. We recommend carrying colour photocopies of your passport and identity documents and producing these when requested, not the originals.

    Landmines
    There is a risk from landmines, which are reportedly present throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. We advise you not to stray off well-used public roads and paths.

    General Travel Advice
    As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in South Sudan, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to South Sudan should consider.

    We advise New Zealanders in South Sudan to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety, including by seeking professional security advice. You should have a contingency plan in place for departure, monitor developments closely through the media and other local information sources. As a precautionary measure, we recommend ensuring adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, cash and essential medications are always on hand and travel documents are kept up to date.

    New Zealanders travelling or living in South Sudan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to South Sudan – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in South Sudan. 

    The rainy season typically runs from April to November, during which flooding often occurs. Flooding impacts transport and communications infrastructure, as well as lead to shortages of drinking water and food. Severe flooding has led to displacement, property damage and loss of life.

    Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in South Sudan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion is recommended for both dress and behaviour.

    Photography, including from a mobile phone, without a permit from the Ministry of Information in South Sudan is illegal. Taking photographs without a permit will immediately attract suspicion, and could lead to detention. Even with a permit, it is illegal to take photos of airfields, military installations or personal, government buildings and infrastructure.

    New Zealanders who decide to live or travel in South Sudan against our advice are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    See our regional advice for Africa

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: School suspended due to rainstorms in Chinese island province

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Classes have been suspended and roads waterlogged in some cities and counties in south China’s island province of Hainan due to heavy rainfall starting Monday, which was induced by a combination of the remnants of Typhoon Trami and cold air, local authorities said.
    In the city of Sanya, many roads in the urban area were waterlogged, while some sections experienced a power outage. Primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens in Sanya suspended classes at noon on Monday, and continued to suspend classes on Tuesday morning. Classes were resumed on Tuesday afternoon as the rainfall weakens. The city of Qionghai and the Tunchang and Chengmai counties also issued class suspension notices on Tuesday.
    The provincial disaster prevention, reduction and relief commission has upgraded its emergency response for flood control and typhoon prevention from Level III to Level II on Tuesday.
    At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the provincial government issued a Level-II rainstorm warning, saying heavy rain in excess of 250 mm is expected to fall in the cities of Wanning and Danzhou and the Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County during the next 24 hours.
    The province on Tuesday morning also issued a meteorological risk warning for geological disasters.
    From Saturday to Monday, Typhoon Trami rotated over the waters off the southern coast of Hainan and the Xisha Islands.
    China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response, and a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe level, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $500 Million Loan to Support Climate and Disaster Resilience in Pakistan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (29 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support climate change and disaster risk reduction and resilience in Pakistan.

    The Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Program (CDREP) will strengthen Pakistan’s institutional capacity for planning, preparedness, and response; increase inclusive investment in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience; and support the scale up of disaster risk financing using a risk-layered approach.

    Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and disasters triggered by natural hazards in Asia and the Pacific. Average losses from disaster events exceed $2 billion per year. Women and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by climate change and disaster events.

    “This program builds on ADB’s longstanding work in Pakistan to understand and reduce climate and disaster risks and support effective disaster response,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “We are proud to support an integrated and comprehensive approach to climate and disaster risk management, including a portfolio of disaster risk financing instruments for timely and adequate funding for disaster response.”

    The program supports enhanced capacity for disaster risk mapping and modeling for investment and development decisions. It enhances coordination for disaster monitoring and response. It supports enhanced planning and prioritization of gender-sensitive and resilient public investments, including integrated flood risk management and nature-based solutions. 

    The program supports mobilization of climate finance from public and private sources. This includes issuance of a domestic green sukuk (Islamic bond). A key innovation of the program is the use of ADB’s Contingent Disaster Financing option for the first time in the Central and West Asia region. This will provide quick disbursing budget support in the event of a disaster.

    The program will support the establishment of a solidarity fund to facilitate the uptake of risk transfer solutions such as agriculture insurance. The program also supports shock-responsive social protection to deliver cash assistance in the event of a disaster.

    ADB has also approved a technical assistance grant of $1 million to support implementation of the program.

    Pakistan was a founding member of ADB. Since 1966, ADB has committed over $52 billion in public and private sector loans, grants, and other forms of financing to promote inclusive economic growth in Pakistan and improve the country’s infrastructure, energy and food security, transport networks, and social services.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB to Improve Rural Livehoods, Ecosystems and Climate Resilience in Qixia City, Shandong, PRC

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (30 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $150 million loan to enhance the ecological and climate resilience, as well as rural livelihoods in Qixia City in Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  

    “The Shandong Qixia Ecological Function Conservation Demonstration Project will provide a model of integrated city ecosystem management,” said ADB Country Director for the PRC Safdar Parvez. “The project will benefit more than 429,000 residents through enhanced natural resources, environmental living conditions, and livelihood opportunities. The practices and experiences in this ecologically sensitive area could be replicated in other parts of the PRC, as well as in other countries.”

    Qixia City serves as the primary water source for coastal Yantai municipality in northeast Shandong Province, a major apple-growing area. However, intensive use of agricultural chemicals and plastic has damaged soil and water quality in the vicinity. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and magnitude of weather-related disasters. The degradation of natural capital in the city is disrupting agriculture and food security.

    To improve sustainability practices for agriculture and rural livelihoods, the project will conduct soil testing and apply organic fertilizers and soil conditioners to improve soil quality, as well as promote ecotourism to provide a sustainable source of income for local communities, while also raising awareness about the importance of conserving the ecosystem.

    The project will pilot a smart orchard system that will have modern and environment-friendly practices, such as sensors, data analytics, automation, optimized fertigation, and pest control. It will also strengthen rural solid waste collection management. All contribute to more sustainable production systems with reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.

    To protect natural capital, the project will rehabilitate degraded river courses through bank protection, flood control, and excavation of river blockages. It will also construct forest fire prevention pathways and implement sustainable forest pest control. Institutional capacity and coordination on integrated ecosystem management will also be strengthened.

    As part of ADB’s Yellow River Ecological Corridor Program, aligned with the PRC’s Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and High-quality Development Plan, the project aims to adopt a model of integrated ecosystem management and building climate resilience. It has significant regional benefits, as it addresses the complex ecological and environmental challenges in the Yellow River region.

    The total project cost is estimated to be $362 million, with $212 million counterpart financing from the government, which includes $85 million cofinancing from the Agricultural Development Bank of China. More than $99 million of the ADB financing is earmarked for climate adaptation and mitigation. It is expected to be completed in 2030.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Reminds Louisiana Residents to Maintain Flood Insurance Coverage

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA is reminding flood survivors who received a temporary Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) of the need to purchase an individual flood insurance policy. The three-year GFIP expired Monday, October 28, so policyholders must plan now to switch to a standard flood insurance policy to ensure continuous flood insurance coverage.
    It’s important that GFIP holders purchase a new flood insurance policy when the GFIP expires, to not only be covered in the event of flood damage, but to remain compliant with the obligation to get and keep flood insurance as a condition of past FEMA disaster assistance. To learn more about the requirement, visit https://agents.floodsmart.gov/disaster-assistance-flood-insurance-requirement.
    Following Hurricane Ida, FEMA purchased over 500 GFIPs for eligible disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. This helped those survivors meet the obtain and maintain flood insurance requirement for households that receive FEMA flood disaster assistance when their home is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). 
    Part of the eligibility requirement for receiving future federal financial assistance after a flood is that household get and keep flood insurance. For homeowners: Even if the property is transferred or sold, the requirement stays with the address, so the new owners are required to have flood insurance as well. For renters: They need to get and keep flood insurance as long as they remain at the rental address. Those that don’t buy a flood insurance policy will likely not receive federal disaster assistance for home repairs or personal property replacement if they experience another federally declared flood event.
    Steps to Take Now
    Purchase an individual flood insurance policy through a local insurance agent or from the NFIP Direct at NFIP Direct – Sign In before your GFIP expires. GFIPs are not renewable. However, policyholders have a 30-day renewal grace period offered through standard NFIP flood insurance policies. This means that even though a GFIP expires on October 28, 2024, policyholders have 30 days to pay in full for a standard NFIP policy without experiencing a lapse in coverage. For example, if they purchase a standard NFIP policy before the 30-day window ends on November 26, 2024, the effective date for their new policy would be October 28, 2024. They would not have to wait the typical 30 days for a new policy to go into effect and could be covered for any flood losses during that time. Don’t delay.

    For more information regarding GFIPs and purchasing a Standard Flood Insurance Policy, call the NFIP Direct at 800-638-6620 and select option number 2.
    Call the FEMA Disaster Assistance line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to verify how much assistance you previously received. By law, you must purchase at least as much flood insurance coverage as the amount of federal home repair and personal property assistance you received for flood damages. Consider purchasing more coverage than required, as flood insurance claims can be made at any time.

    FEMA sends GFIP certificate holders a welcome packet when they first receive the policy, annual reminders, a reminder letter 45 days before the GFIP expires, as well as a final expiration notice.
    Flooding is the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster.  Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more.
    Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oregon Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Microwave Tower Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by the Microwave Tower Fire that occurred July 22-Aug. 11, SBA’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Tina Kotek on Oct. 28.

    The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties in Oregon; and Klickitat County in Washington.

    “Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration.

    “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Sánchez continued.

    “When disasters strike, our virtual Business Recovery Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” Sánchez added. “At these virtual centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

    “Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 30, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the following virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application,” Sánchez said. The virtual center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

    VIRTUAL BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1712

    Opens at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30

    Closed on Monday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day

    Closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving Holiday

    Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for small businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

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

    The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 29, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –