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Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-OSI USA: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with state, federal and local partners to help North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene access needed health care. Temporary changes to NC Medicaid will allow people to more easily refill prescriptions early, get medically necessary services, be admitted to a nursing home and more.

    “This storm has been catastrophic for so many people in our state. We are committed to using every tool we have to help people and communities survive and recover,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

    Flexibilities are active from Sept. 26, 2024, through Oct. 15, 2024, and are intended to:

    • Ensure people can get their medicine. People covered by NC Medicaid will be able to fill their prescriptions early, including people who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency. 
    • Ensure children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities or serious health conditions are safe. Case managers are implementing required disaster plans for Community Alternatives Program for Children and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. 
    • Make it easier for health care providers to participate in Medicaid as part of disaster relief. To ensure there are medical professionals on the ground, health care providers can apply to be a NC Medicaid provider through a temporary, expedited process.
    • Ensure people get medically necessary services. NC Medicaid providers will not need to get prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment and supplies provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency. People covered by NC Medicaid who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency will be reimbursed for medically necessary services.
    • Maintain support for people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When direct support is not available due to the emergency, relatives may provide Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living. People who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency may receive Innovations Waiver services without prior authorization, including respite. And NC Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of homes or vehicle modifications damaged by Hurricane Helene.
    • Help hospitalized patients have continuity of care. Hospitals in affected counties that participate in Medicare and are approved to provide post-hospital skilled nursing facility care can do so for patients who no longer need acute care. They can provide this care for patients that are unable to find placement in skilled nursing facility.
    • Expedite the process for someone to be admitted to a nursing home. People covered by NC Medicaid who have been displaced due to the emergency will not need to have a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.
    • Access private duty nursing. People covered by NC Medicaid will not need prior authorization for private duty nursing that is medically necessary. 

    Additional detail, including documentation requirements, is available in the NC Medicaid Bulletin issued on Oct. 1, 2024.

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you would like general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene and ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está trabajando con socios estatales, federales y locales para ayudar a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte afectados por el huracán Helene a acceder a la atención médica necesaria. Los cambios temporales en NC Medicaid permitirán que las personas vuelvan a surtir las recetas con mayor facilidad, obtengan los servicios médicos necesarios, sean ingresados en un hogar de ancianos y más.

    “Esta tormenta ha sido catastrófica para muchas personas en nuestro estado. Estamos comprometidos a utilizar todas las herramientas que tenemos para ayudar a las personas y las comunidades a sobrevivir y recuperarse”, dijo el Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley.

    Las medidas de flexibilidad están activas a partir del 26 de septiembre de 2024, hasta el 15 de octubre de 2024, y están destinados a:

    • Garantizar que las personas puedan obtener sus medicamentos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid podrán surtir sus recetas antes de tiempo, incluidas las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia. 
    • Garantizar que los niños con necesidades médicas complejas y los adultos con discapacidades o problemas de salud graves estén seguros. Los administradores de casos están implementando los planes de desastres requeridos para el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Niños y el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Adultos Discapacitados.
    • Facilitar la participación de los proveedores de atención médica en Medicaid como parte del alivio de desastres. Para garantizar que haya profesionales médicos en el sitio, los proveedores de atención médica pueden solicitar ser proveedores de NC Medicaid a través de un proceso temporal y acelerado.
    • Garantizar que las personas reciban los servicios médicos necesarios. Los proveedores de Medicaid de Carolina del Norte no necesitarán obtener autorización previa para los medicamentos, equipos y suministros médicamente necesarios proporcionados durante la emergencia del huracán Helene.Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que se hayan reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia recibirán un reembolso por los servicios médicamente necesarios.
    • Mantener el apoyo a las personas con lesión cerebral traumática o discapacidades intelectuales y/o del desarrollo. Cuando el apoyo directo no está disponible debido a la emergencia, los familiares pueden proporcionar Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living (apoyos comunitarios, apoyo en empleo y vivencia). Las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia pueden recibir servicios de Exención de Innovaciones (Innovations Waiver) sin autorización previa, incluso relevo. Y NC Medicaid cubrirá el reemplazo o la reparación de viviendas o modificaciones de vehículos dañados por el huracán Helene.
    • Ayudar a los pacientes ingresados en hospitales a tener continuidad de atención médica. Los hospitales en los condados afectados que participan en Medicare y están aprobados para brindar atención poshospitalaria en un centro de enfermería especializada pueden hacerlo para pacientes que ya no necesitan cuidados intensivos/agudos. Pueden proporcionar esta atención a pacientes que no pueden ser colocados en un centro de enfermería especializada.
    • Acelerar el proceso para que alguien sea ingresado en un asilo de ancianos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que hayan sido desplazadas debido a la emergencia no necesitarán someterse a una evaluación previa a la admisión ni a una revisión de residentes.
    • Acceder a enfermería de servicio privado. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid no necesitarán autorización previa para la enfermería de servicio privado que sea médicamente necesaria. 

    Los detalles adicionales, incluso los requisitos de documentación, están disponibles en el Boletín de NC Medicaid emitido el 1 de octubre de 2024.

    No hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de sentirse en respuesta al trauma de un huracán. Si la tormenta le ha afectado y necesita a alguien con quien hablar, llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a la Línea de Ayuda en Caso de Catástrofe al 1-800-985-5990. La ayuda también está disponible para cualquier persona, en cualquier momento en inglés o español a través de una llamada, mensaje de texto o chat al 988. Más información en linea988.org

    Si desea información general, acceso a recursos o respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visite el sitio web: ncdps.gov/helene y ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Si necesita información sobre recursos de ayuda para la recuperación para un residente afectado por la tormenta, envíe un correo electrónico a IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    Oct 3, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Biden-Harris Administration Provides More Than $20 Million to Hurricane Helene Survivors, Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations Continue in North Carolina

    Today, President Biden will travel to Georgia and Florida to survey damage, meet with local officials, community leaders and first responders

    WASHINGTON — As search and rescue, power restoration and communication capabilities remain top priorities throughout the Southeast, FEMA has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries with more than $20 million in flexible, upfront funding.  

    More than 5,000 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed, including more than 1,500 from FEMA. To date, FEMA has shipped over 9.3 million meals, more than 11.2 million liters of water, 150 generators and more than 260,000 tarps to the region. 

    President Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration for eight counties in Tennessee. This declaration comes in addition to areas in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Yesterday, the President announced an increase in federal cost share for each state to help state, tribal and local governments and non-profit organizations cover the cost of recovery.

    Disaster survivors in declared areas can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula 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.

    There are three ways apply for FEMA assistance:

    Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Hurricane Helene.

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has more than 850 trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page, where you can enter pertinent information about the person you’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through October 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.

    Connectivity is crucial for disaster response and lifesaving operations. With areas still experiencing mass communications outages, it’s critical that local, state and federal first responders can communicate with each other to conduct lifesaving operations like search and rescue. Fortunately, FEMA has resources that can ensure communications support in even the most remote areas affected by Helene.

    One of FEMA’s tools for emergency communications is Starlink, a mobile unit that allows customers high-speed internet by connecting to satellites. FEMA has successfully deployed Starlink in previous disasters including Guam, Hawaii and Alaska. Because the unit is portable and weighs less than 15 pounds, FEMA can deliver it to the areas that need it most, bringing connectivity to over 100 users.

    Over 60 Starlink units have been sent to multiple states in support of Hurricane Helene response efforts, including 40 units to North Carolina with more on the way. FEMA is in the process of purchasing additional units for use in other areas affected by the storm.

    North Carolina

    In North Carolina, more than 500 FEMA staff are on the ground in North Carolina, with more arriving daily.  over 30 Disaster Survivor Assistance staff are on the ground in affected areas to help survivors to apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    Over 38 state and federal Urban Search and Rescue teams are in North Carolina helping people. As of today, these have rescued or supported over 2,100 survivors. Additional federal search and rescue teams have arrived to support the mission. 

    Wednesday, President Biden visited the state to survey damage and meet with community leaders and state officials. Administrator Criswell remains in North Carolina and will be on the ground until the situation has stabilized. 

    FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. Residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    As of today, more than 70% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Nearly 8,000 crews continue to assist with remaining power restoration efforts.

    To date, over 40,000 people have applied for disaster assistance and FEMA has paid out more than $6.2 million in Individual Assistance directly to survivors. 

    Cellular restoration continues to improve, with less than 38% of cellular sites down as of today. Ten counties have 50% or more cell sites down. Two Federal Communications Commission surveillance teams are conducting inspection operations on equipment in targeted counties.  FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing 40 Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other. 

    The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has full mobile cellular service. 

    Commodity distribution, mass feeding and hydration operations are underway in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA commodity shipments are enroute to support operations. 

    Voluntary organizations are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. 

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. 

    Twenty-six shelters are housing over 1,000 occupants. Mobile feeding operations continue to help survivors in heavily impacted areas, including 3 mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell and Watauga counties. 

    The North Carolina National Guard has delivered 12 aircraft pallets, totaling more than 100,000lbs of food and over 38,000lbs of water to Asheville.

    Information for Residents

    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents should not travel to western North Carolina to keep the roadways clear for search and rescue teams and utility crews.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.   

    Florida

    Today, President Biden will visit the state to survey damage and meet with state and local leaders.

    On Wednesday, five counties were added to the disaster declaration, bringing the total eligible for Individual Assistance to 22 counties. Survivors in Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Leon and Suwannee counties may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors have begun visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    FEMA has received over 85,000 applications for assistance and has provided more than $7.5 million to survivors.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting either debris assessments or water/wastewater assessments across seven counties.

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. More than 450 volunteers continue conducting direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. Sixteen shelters remain open with less than 475 occupants.

    The Salvation Army has active mobile feeding units serving meals and distributing supplies in 13 counties.

    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.

    Georgia

    Today, President Biden will visit to survey damage in various affected areas of Georgia. On Wednesday, Vice President Harris visited Richmond County to meet with community leaders. On Wednesday, Vice President Harris was in Augusta to survey damage and meet with local officials. 

    FEMA has received nearly 100,000 applications for assistance. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.  

    The Salvation Army has 26 active mobile feeding units providing meals and support to 10 counties in the affected areas.  

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. The organization continues to conduct direct emergency feeding and working with feeding partners to provide distribution in support of partner production. Two new shelters opened yesterday, totaling 10 shelters with over 500 occupants.  

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene.

    South Carolina

    Today, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.  

    Region 10 Regional Administrator Willie Nunn is on the ground to help oversee response and recovery operations in the state.

    In South Carolina, FEMA has received over 88,000 applications and distributed more than $4.4 million to survivors.  

    The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage. One shelter closed yesterday. Nine shelters remain open with less than 175 occupants. 

    Team Rubicon is continuing to route clearance operations in Spartanburg County and continues planning for clearing other areas. 

    The state has established a Mass Feeding Task Force to include multiple voluntary agencies. Three Salvation Army mobile feeding units are in hard hit areas. FEMA is supporting the state’s feeding mission with Meals Ready to Eat and drinking water.  

     Information for Residents

    • Residents with questions on Hurricane 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. 

    Virginia  

    Several federal agencies, including FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, are already in Virginia and working hard with their counterparts with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies. Priorities include coordinating the removal of debris and restoration of critical infrastructure.

    Today, the first Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will start working on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties. These teams help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    Residents of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties, as well as residents of the city of Galax, are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses due to Tropical Storm Helene.

    Tennessee

    On Wednesday, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state. This includes individual assistance for Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.

    Individual Assistance provides money to survivors for serious needs, including food, gas and medication. It also provides money for the repair and/or replacement of personal property and repairs to a disaster-damaged home.

    Shelter and mass feeding operations have expanded with support from National Guard, delivering food to Unicoi, Washington and Carter counties via aircraft.

    Ten shelters remain open with decreasing populations, as people are able to safely return home.

    Power and cellular restoration continues to improve. Power has been restored to nearly all customers and less than 13% of cellular sites are down across the affected area.

    Information for Residents

    • Residents can call 1-800-824-3463 to report a missing person. Callers should be prepared to provide as much information as possible including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known whereabouts.  
    • Counties have started establishing donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Specialists in Georgia Communities After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Specialists in Georgia Communities After Hurricane Helene

    FEMA Specialists in Georgia Communities After Hurricane Helene

    ATLANTA — FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews are in Georgia neighborhoods helping people apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene.

    DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. The teams go door to door in impacted neighborhoods to help people apply for federal assistance, check the status of an application, identify potential needs and make connections with organizations that can provide resources. DSA crews never ask for, or accept, money.

    How to Apply 

    Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington and Wheeler counties can apply in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App, or call 800-621-3362 any day of the week. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance – YouTube. 

    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    sandra.habib

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Advances Small Modular Reactor Research and Development With $13.6-Million Investment

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 3, 2024                                    Ottawa, Ontario                                                Natural Resources Canada

    As Canada continues to move toward a low-carbon economy, many forms of clean energy are needed to power the growing demand for affordable and reliable electricity. These include nuclear energy, which is non-emitting, consistent and safe.

    Today, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced funding of $13.6 million from National Resources Canada’s Enabling Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Program for nine research projects to promote the safe, commercial development of SMRs to contribute to our low-carbon economy and help fight climate change. The projects are:

    • $935,542 to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, to study fuel dry storage and to conduct a techno-gap / life-cycle assessment to enable the effective deployment of SMRs.
    • $2,131,000 to Chemetics in Pickering, Ontario, to support the research and development of SMR fabrication. This project will enable Chemetics to develop, test and qualify new fabrication technologies for SMR components.
    • $2,750,000 to Prodigy Clean Energy Ltd in Montreal, Quebec, to support research and development to enable transportable nuclear power plants as part of the SMR supply chain.
    • $3,750,000 to the Nuclear Waste Management Organization in Toronto, Ontario, to enhance the compatibility of the NWMO’s current Adaptive Phased Management program with the upcoming deployment of SMRs.
    • $261,535 to Calian Ltd. in Ottawa, Ontario, to provide a guidance document to SMR vendors and planned owners or operators in Canada that outlines the characterization of radiological elements in building materials for the construction of new SMR facilities.
    • $543,000 to the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries in Pickering, Ontario, to develop a National Ready4SMR program to identify procurement risks due to technological gaps in Canada’s SMR projects and subsequently develop supply strategies for at-risk parts and components.
    • $126,475 to Kinectrics in Etobicoke, Ontario, to investigate the feasibility of disposing the isotope carbon-14 by recovering it from radioactive wastes and to engage with stakeholders to identify a route to divert waste streams from disposal.
    • $2,070,336 to North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council in Eel Ground, New Brunswick, to study and develop robust supply chains in Canada for SMR manufacturing while anchoring elements in New Brunswick with First Nations ownership.
    • $1,094,850 to Opportunities New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to provide a research and development life-cycle framework and roadmap for the manufacturing of cost-effective modularized SMR technology to enhance the development and deployment of SMRs within Canada.

    As Canada advances toward a net-zero future, investments like these are key to reducing emissions, maximizing energy performance and industry competitiveness. These investments support workers and industry in building a more prosperous and sustainable future. With over 70,000 hard-working Canadians employed across its supply chain, Canada’s nuclear industry is well positioned to leverage its science and technology innovation to become a leader in the development and deployment of small modular reactor technology.

    Quotes

    “Developing next-generation nuclear technologies, like small modular reactors, will be essential as Canada faces growing energy demands and is called upon to export our clean technologies to partners around the world. Our nuclear sector is poised to be a leader in an emerging global SMR market that some estimate to be worth up to $150 billion a year by 2040.”

    Julie Dabrusin
    Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2022 allocated $29.6 million to NRCan over four years for research and development to support the conditions and frameworks necessary for SMRs to displace fossil fuels and contribute to climate change mitigation.

    • NRCan introduced the Enabling Small Modular Reactors Program in 2023 to support the development of supply chains for SMR manufacturing and fuel and to fund research on SMR waste management solutions to ensure that SMRs and the waste they generate can be safely managed, now and into the future.

    • The Enabling SMR Program has announced $3.5 million to date for projects being led by the Canadian Standards Association, the University of Alberta and the University of Regina.

    Related products

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6100
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Sets Coverage for Europa Clipper Launch to Jupiter Moon

    Source: NASA

    Lee esta nota de prensa en español aquí.
    NASA will provide live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities for Europa Clipper, the agency’s mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. NASA is targeting launch at 12:31 p.m. EDT Thursday, Oct. 10, on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    Beyond Earth, Jupiter’s moon Europa is considered one of the solar system’s most promising potentially habitable environments. After an approximately 1.8-billion-mile journey, Europa Clipper will enter orbit around Jupiter in April 2030, where the spacecraft will conduct a detailed survey of Europa to determine whether the icy world could have conditions suitable for life. Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission. It carries a suite of nine instruments along with a gravity experiment that will investigate an ocean beneath Europa’s surface, which scientists believe contains twice as much liquid water as Earth’s oceans.
    For a schedule of live events and the platforms they’ll stream on, visit:
    https://go.nasa.gov/europaclipperlive
    The deadline for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch has passed. NASA’s media credentialing policy is available online. For questions about media accreditation, please email: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.
    NASA’s mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):
    Tuesday, Oct. 8
    1 p.m. – In-person, one-on-one interviews, open to media credentialed for this launch.
    3:30 p.m. – NASA’s Europa Clipper science briefing with the following participants:

    Gina DiBraccio, acting director, Planetary Science Division, NASA Headquarters
    Robert Pappalardo, project scientist, Europa Clipper, NASA JPL
    Haje Korth, deputy project scientist, Europa Clipper, Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
    Cynthia Phillips, project staff scientist, Europa Clipper, NASA JPL

    Coverage of the science news conference will stream live on NASA+ and the agency’s website, Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    Media may ask questions in person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, media should contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom no later than one hour before the start of the event at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.
    Wednesday, Oct. 9
    2 p.m. – NASA Social panel at NASA Kennedy with the following participants:

    Kate Calvin, chief scientist and senior climate advisor, NASA Headquarters
    Caley Burke, Flight Design Analyst, NASA’s Launch Services Program
    Erin Leonard, project staff scientist, Europa Clipper, NASA JPL
    Juan Pablo León, systems testbed engineer, Europa Clipper, NASA JPL
    Elizabeth Turtle, principal investigator, Europa Imaging System instrument, Europa Clipper, APL

    The panel will stream live on NASA Kennedy’s YouTube, X, and Facebook accounts. Members of the public may ask questions online by posting to the YouTube, X, and Facebook live streams or using #AskNASA.
    3:30 p.m. – NASA’s Europa Clipper prelaunch news conference (following completion of the Launch Readiness Review), with the following participants:

    NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free
    Sandra Connelly, deputy associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
    Tim Dunn, launch director, NASA’s Launch Services Program
    Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science Missions, SpaceX
    Jordan Evans, project manager, Europa Clipper, NASA JPL
    Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force

    Coverage of the prelaunch news conference will stream live on NASA+, the agency’s website, the NASA app, and YouTube.
    Media may ask questions in person and via phone. Limited auditorium space will be available for in-person participation. For the dial-in number and passcode, media should contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom no later than one hour before the start of the event at ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.
    5:30 p.m. – NASA’s Europa Clipper rollout show. Coverage will stream live on NASA+, the agency’s website, the NASA app, and YouTube.
    Thursday, Oct. 10
    11:30 a.m. – NASA launch coverage in English begins on NASA+ and the agency’s website.
    11:30 a.m. – NASA launch coverage in Spanish begins on NASA+, the agency’s website and NASA’s Spanish YouTube channel.
    12:31 p.m. – Launch
    Audio Only Coverage
    Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240 or -7135. On launch day, “mission audio,” countdown activities without NASA+ media launch commentary, is carried on 321-867-7135.
    Live Video Coverage Prior to Launch
    NASA will provide a live video feed of Launch Complex 39A approximately 18 hours prior to the planned liftoff of the mission on the NASA Kennedy newsroom YouTube channel. The feed will be uninterrupted until the launch broadcast begins on NASA+.
    NASA Website Launch Coverage
    Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the agency’s website. Coverage will include links to live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 10 a.m., Oct. 10, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff.
    Follow countdown coverage on the Europa Clipper blog. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468.
    Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o Messod Bendayan: messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov
    Attend the Launch Virtually
    Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for this mission also includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following launch.
    Watch, Engage on Social Media
    Let people know you’re following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtags #EuropaClipper and #NASASocial. You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:
    X: @NASA, @EuropaClipper, @NASASolarSystem, @NASAJPL, @NASAKennedy, @NASA_LSP 
    Facebook: NASA, NASA’s Europa Clipper, NASA’s JPL, NASA’s Launch Services Program
    Instagram: @NASA, @nasasolarsystem, @NASAKennedy, @NASAJPL
    For more information about the mission, visit:
    https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper
    -end-
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser.nasa.gov  
    Leejay LockhartKennedy Space Center, Florida321-747-8310leejay.lockhart@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The company Avjet Holding inc. fined $200,000 for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 1, 2024, Avjet Holding inc., a company specializing in aviation fuel distribution, was fined $200,000 by the Court of Québec.

    October 3, 2024 – Sept-Îles, Quebec

    Canadians know the value of a healthy and safe environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers strive to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with laws and regulations that protect Canada’s natural environment.

    On October 1, 2024, Avjet Holding inc., a company specializing in aviation fuel distribution, was fined $200,000 by the Court of Québec. The company pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The conviction is the result of a petroleum product spill that occurred between January 17 and 18, 2023. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund to support projects that have a positive impact on Canada’s natural environment.

    Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers launched an investigation after being informed of a petroleum product spill at the Natashquan Airport in Quebec. The investigation proved that while delivering fuel, a quantity of approximately 4,900 litres of the product was spilled into the environment. Two valves left open by an Avjet Holding inc. employee, as well as another defective valve in the storage system’s filling cabinet, were the cause of the release.

    Releasing a petroleum product into the environment as a result of a leak in, or spill from, a tank is an offence under the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

    As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under federal environmental laws.

    Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting clean tech innovation in First Nations communities

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Federal investment helps develop cleaner energy systems in Atlantic Canada  

    October 3, 2024 · Lennox Island, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Every day, Indigenous communities and their members across Atlantic Canada are forging a path of sustainability and opportunity. In Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island), a collaborative approach between business, academia, and community is helping to fuel innovation in the renewable energy space. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous communities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to maximize their assets, capitalize on economic opportunities, and contribute to the prosperity of Indigenous Peoples across Atlantic Canada.

    Supporting Indigenous business leadership

    Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to L’nu Energy Inc. to support the purchase of equipment to expand its services to Indigenous communities. The investment will help the company better serve its clients, from concept to completion, with the development, management, and optimization of renewable energy microgrid systems.

    The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    Climate change has challenged all communities to rethink their design and approach to long term growth. Today’s announcement demonstrates how the Government of Canada continues to leverage its programs to advance the transition to net zero through support for Indigenous business leaders, and the development of collaborative ecosystems to scale-up more clean technology companies. ​ 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State highway update Dunedin, Otago as rain continues, State of Emergency declared Dunedin

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    With heavy rain continuing today across greater Dunedin, Otago and Southland, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urges drivers to stay home unless travel is absolutely essential and they know their route is passable and safe.

    • Rivers and streams can rise fast and catch people out.
    • Surface flooding can occur quickly making it hard to judge the road surface, with potholes forming fast.
    • A second rain peak is expected midafternoon, continuing well into the evening, says Otago Emergency Management.

    “While NZTA crews will be getting out warning signage as fast as they can or closing roads as needed for significant flooding, drivers need to slow down and avoid creating bow waves for nearby properties if they strike patches of surface water,” says NZTA Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.

    “Our crews are inspecting the network, including bridges and ensuring any urgent potholes will be managed as water recedes.”

    Three state highways currently closed Otago

    SH88 between Forsyth Barr Stadium and Port Chalmers: Closed due to a serious slip at Maia affecting properties and the highway, as well as several smaller slips along SH88 and around Parry St.

    Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482713(external link)

    Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.

    One of the slips on SH88 today closer to Parry St ie not the biggest slip.

    SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde (north of Middlemarch): closed due to flooding. Updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482674(external link)

    SH90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui: closed due to flooding. Updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482705(external link)

    • Elsewhere in Otago and Southland people can expect to see slips near highways, debris washed up in places with flooding and surface water.
    • Speeds will be reduced in many places where there is flood water up to the road shoulders.
    • There may be lane closures on Dunedin’s Southern Motorway (SH1) from Lookout Point to Green Island due to surface flooding.

    “Driving will be treacherous in many places,” says Ms Forrester. “Please stay home unless you urgently need to get somewhere. Our crews are hard at work today, getting geotechnical assessments in some places and working with council staff to reopen access as soon as it is safe to do so.”

    Please obey any signage and advice on the road: Slow down in flood waters as this causes bow waves into properties and other vehicles.

    • Anyone facing an emergency situation should call 111, while people needing flood-related assistance should contact their local council.

    State Highway updates

    Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

    Local road closures Dunedin and Portobello peninsula

    https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/public-notices/road-conditions-and-closures(external link)

    River levels from Otago Regional Council

    https://www.orc.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/news/2024/october/otago-river-level-and-flow-updates/(external link)

    MetService  

    MetService updates: National Severe Weather Information – MetService is New Zealand’s only authorised provider of Severe Weather Alerts(external link)

    Otago Emergency Management

    https://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor reminds employers of responsibility to pay clean-up, recovery workers proper wages in Helene’s aftermath

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ATLANTA – As states across the Southeast address Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers in disaster recovery and their workers that even when disaster strikes, worker protections apply.

    The department’s Wage and Hour Division has resources available to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities, including its natural disaster compliance assistance toolkit. The toolkit highlights how to avoid Fair Labor Standards Act violations, focusing on commonly found compliance failures when the department investigates employers engaged in disaster recovery, clean-up and rebuilding efforts.

    Concerns highlighted in the toolkit include minimum and overtime wages, misclassification of employees as independent contractors, recordkeeping requirements, prevailing wages and the employment of children in violation of federal child labor laws. The complete toolkit, including many fact sheets available in English and Spanish, is available for download.

    In the wake of natural disasters, employers must ensure they protect and maintain accurate records and pay workers when wages are due. Workers are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis, and employers that failed to comply with federal labor laws cause them and their families additional harm.

    “Like the communities stricken by hurricanes and other disasters, workers are especially vulnerable after the fact. The U.S. Department of Labor responds quickly to protect workers and ensure they are paid all of their legally earned wages and benefits,” explained Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Juan Coria in Atlanta. “At the same time, we stand ready to provide employers with the information and guidance they need to stay in compliance.”

    The division is committed to strong enforcement of workplace protections for disaster recovery workers nationwide, including the states affected by Hurricane Helene. 

    Workers and employers with questions or concerns can call the agency’s toll-free helpline confidentially at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243), regardless of where they are from. The division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. 

    Download the agency’s new Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices – available in English and Spanish –to ensure hours and pay are accurate. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HomeTrust Bank Committed to Serving Local Communities Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While the full impact of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, including catastrophic rain and flooding, is still unknown, relief efforts continue, and HomeTrust Bank is committed and prepared to serve its employees and customers who were affected.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families and businesses impacted by the devastating flooding,” said C. Hunter Westbrook, President & Chief Executive Officer. “We want to assure everyone affected of our firm commitment to work with you to provide the banking support needed for your home, your business and our great communities. In addition, the teamwork and dedication of our employees has been tremendous as they restored bank operations while tending to their personal and familial responsibilities. We are also humbled by the support, supplies and outreach from other banks throughout the Southeast.”

    As we emerge from the devastation our communities have suffered, our top priority is the safety of our customers and our team members. We have now communicated with and confirmed the safety of all our employees, as well as assessed all our banking locations noting only minimal damage from the storm. We remained functionally operational throughout the storm, including electronic banking services and online operations, and currently all but three of our 36 locations have at least drive-thru banking available. With utilities and communications still impaired and unstable, particularly in our home base of Western North Carolina, please refer to our website at http://www.htb.com/hurricane-helene for the most recent updates and service availabilities.

    About HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.
    HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTBI) is the holding company for HomeTrust Bank. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had assets of $4.7 billion. The Bank, founded in 1926, is a North Carolina state chartered, community-focused financial institution committed to providing value added relationship banking with over 30 locations as well as online/mobile channels. Locations include: North Carolina (the Asheville metropolitan area, the “Piedmont” region, Charlotte and Raleigh/Cary), South Carolina (Greenville and Charleston), East Tennessee (Kingsport/Johnson City, Knoxville and Morristown), Southwest Virginia (the Roanoke Valley) and Georgia (Greater Atlanta).

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

    http://www.htb.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to promote sustainable agriculture and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to achieve food security for self sufficiency

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Cabinet approves the PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to promote sustainable agriculture and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to achieve food security for self sufficiency

    States given flexibility to reallocate funds from one component to another based on their specific requirement

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

     The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the proposal of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) for rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) operating under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s into two-umbrella Schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), a cafeteria scheme and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).  PM-RKVY will promote sustainable agriculture, while KY will address food security & agricultural self-sufficiency. All components shall leverage technology to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the various components.

    The PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) will be implemented with total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore. These Schemes are implemented through the State Governments.

    This exercise ensures that all the existing schemes are being continued.   Wherever it was considered necessary to give fillip to any area for farmer’s welfare, the scheme has been taken up in Mission mode, for example National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm [NMEO-OP], Clean Plant Program, Digital Agriculture & National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds [NMEO-OS].

    The scheme Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), a component under the KY, is being modified by adding an additional component namely MOVCDNER- Detailed Project Report (MOVCDNER-DPR), which will provide flexibility to the North Eastern  states  to address critical challenges.

    By rationalization of the schemes, the States are given an opportunity to prepare a Comprehensive Strategic Document on Agriculture Sector of the State in a holistic manner. The Strategic Document focuses not only the production and productivity of the crops but also tackles the emerging issues of Climate Resilient Agriculture and development of Value Chain approach for agricultural commodities. These plans are envisaged to articulate the overall strategy and the schemes/programs, linked with the objectives flowing from the strategic framework.

    The rationalisation of Various Schemes has been undertaken to:

    •      To avoid duplication, ensure convergence and provide flexibility to States.

    •      Focus on emergent challenges of Agriculture – Nutrition security, Sustainability, Climate resilience, value chain development & private sector participation.

    •      State governments will be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting their requirements for agriculture sector.

    •      Annual Action Plan (AAP) of States can be approved in one go rather approving individual scheme-wise AAPs.

     

    One important change is to provide, in PM-RKVY, the state governments be given flexibility to re-allocate funds from one component to other based on their state specific requirements.

    Out of the total proposed expenditure of Rs.1,01,321.61 crore the projected expenditure towards central share of DA&FW is Rs.69,088.98 crore and states share is Rs.32,232.63 crore. This includes Rs.57,074.72 crore for RKVY and Rs.44,246.89 crore for KY.

    The PM-RKVY comprises of the following schemes:

                    i.        Soil Health Management

                  ii.        Rainfed Area Development 

                 iii.        Agro Forestry

                 iv.        Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

                  v.        Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management

                 vi.        Per Drop More Crop

               vii.        Crop Diversification Programme

              viii.        RKVY DPR component

                 ix.        Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups

     

     *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2061649) Visitor Counter : 191

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Stephen Roe Lewis Pictures a Brighter Future | The Future Thanks You | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Join Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, as he shares his vision for 2045.

    What does a thriving indigenous future look like? Visit https://thefuturethanksyou.com to share your own vision and see how our choices today can make it a reality.

    The Future Thanks You – a campaign from the Verified initiative by the United Nations and Purpose – aims to build support for a future powered by renewable energy.

    #TheFutureThanksYou #ClimateAction

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpJBsaoq3Oo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Buttigieg on road impacts in North Carolina.

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

    At the President’s direction, the entire federal government is doing all it can to get support to residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

    For more information on road closures and driving conditions in North Carolina visit: http://ncdot.gov/helene-detours

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKsw50yhmyM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Web Portal from Senator Reverend Warnock Provides One-Stop Shop Resources to Help Georgians Recover from Hurricane Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    New Web Portal from Senator Reverend Warnock Provides One-Stop Shop Resources to Help Georgians Recover from Hurricane Helene

    Senator Reverend Warnock debuted a new web resource page to with clearinghouse of Federal and state programs providing hurricane recovery assistance throughout Georgia, from food to health care to relief for farmers
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Georgians need urgent help, and I’m thankful my staff was able to put together this important list of resources to get Georgians the assistance needed to recover from Hurricane Helene”

    Click HERE for Senator Reverend Warnock’s Hurricane Helene Resource Page
    Washington, D.C. – As Georgians across the state continue working to recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastating landfall, today U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) announced a new comprehensive web resource to help Georgians navigate federal and state programs that are providing assistance to people and communities impacted by the storm. The Senator’s new Hurricane Helene Resource Page, located on the Senator’s official website, is updated regularly with new information and designed to help Georgians get the help they need—from securing immediate necessities like food, water, health care, and shelter, to the latest guidance on how to report damages to their homes, businesses, or farms, and spotting frauds and scams.
    “My office and I have been on the ground and in frequent contact with communities in every corner of the state as recovery efforts continue, and this new web resource is one more step in our unending work to deliver all of the federal assistance needed to help Georgians come out stronger on the other side of this crisis,” said Senator Warnock. “Our work is just beginning to help families and communities rebuild, and while I’m pushing to make sure Washington is doing everything it can for our state, we’ll keep updating this web resource with the latest information to help connect Georgians with the assistance and support they need following Hurricane Helene’s devastation.” 
    Senator Warnock has been active in Georgia’s Hurricane Helene response efforts. Earlier this week, Senator Warnock traveled to Augusta to deliver needed supplies and survey the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, participating in a roundtable with community leaders and members at Golden Harvest Food Bank, touring storm damage around Augusta, and handing off cases of bottled water to local volunteers and residents at Tabernacle Baptist Church. 
    Additionally, ahead of Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Georgia, Senator Warnock and his office had been in touch with state and local leaders to offer support, and in the storm’s devastating aftermath have stayed in frequent contact with elected officials, hospital leaders, and other community leaders across the state to address the needs and provide support, including delivering water, power, and other necessary supplies. Since the storm’s landfall, the Senator has worked urgently to use the tools of the federal government to provide swift and robust support to impacted Georgia families and communities, including successfully pushing President Biden to approve an emergency disaster declaration and most recently joining his Georgia congressional delegation colleagues to urge the President to “promptly” make a major disaster declaration that will unlock additional aid and support for Georgians in need; at their request the Administration has approved several Georgia counties for individual and public disaster assistance, and are actively working to approve assistance for all of Georgia’s counties impacted by the storm. Additionally, as a member of the Senate Agriculture committee, Senator Warnock has been a vocal advocate for additional disaster aid to support Georgia’s farmers, and has called for the Senate to take up and pass legislation to provide additional relief as soon as possible.
    Access Senator Warnock’s Hurricane Helene Resource Page HERE, which will be updated accordingly as new information is made available. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Joint Pledges on Climate, Peace and Security – Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations (AU) by members of the Joint Pledges on Climate, Peace and Security (France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTVqUIBf8G8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California set to provide financial aid to community college students who don’t have a high school diploma

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    What you need to know: Four million Californians without a high school diploma will be able to access federal financial aid to attend college classes thanks to the Ability to Benefit program – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom announced today that California Community Colleges were successfully approved by the U.S. Department of Education to enable students without a high school diploma – or the equivalent – to access Title IV financial aid. California Community College’s successful application to participate in the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program means that the four million Californians without a high school diploma will now qualify to access federal financial aid to attend college classes – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs across the state.

    Students participating in the ATB process will also have support for their education goals, and access to counseling and academic support, including math and writing workshops, tutoring services, accessibility services, and more.

    It’s a duty and a privilege for our state to help students and workers access higher education and pursue fulfilling careers — even without a highschool diploma. In California, we’re working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    In California, 19 percent of adults over 25 do not have a high school degree, as compared to 14 percent for the rest of the country. Education is statistically tied to earning potential, and today’s announcement will help ensure that more Californians are able to access higher-paying jobs by taking community college classes without massive debt. Previously, students without a high school diploma seeking to qualify for an ATB exception had to complete six credits of college classes or pass a qualifying exam to access federal financial aid. The new state process allows these students to meet a streamlined set of criteria instead, simplifying the process to get more aid to more students. 

    California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian: “Our thanks go to Gov. Newsom for partnering on this effort, which represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to higher education for all Californians. Our collective efforts aim to create a streamlined and inclusive pathway for individuals seeking to pursue their academic aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

    Bigger picture

     In August 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Freedom to Succeed executive order to improve access to high-paying and fulfilling careers for students and workers. The Governor’s executive order launched the development of a new Master Plan for Career Education that will help prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow, including high-paying and fulfilling career paths that don’t require college degrees. Additionally, the executive order directed the state to take further steps to reduce barriers to state employment — including eliminating requirements for college degrees unnecessary to job duties.

    Leaders from California’s education and workforce systems and the California Department of Rehabilitation met last week to discuss the Master Plan framework and are on track to deliver the Master Plan by the end of the year.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to…

    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know:  The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and…

    Oct 2, 2024

    News What you need to know: The Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project breaking ground today will provide 100-year flood risk reduction in the area – up from the existing eight-year level of protection. The Governor has advanced funding and key legislation to move…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cammack & Dunn, Speaker Johnson Visit North Florida Communities Devastated By Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    GAINESVILLE, FL — This afternoon, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) joined Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) for a visit to the areas in North Central Florida devastated by Hurricane Helene. 

    The group took an aerial tour of the damage, viewing Cedar Key, Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach, and Steinhatchee from above. Hurricane Helene made landfall last Thursday evening, dumping heavy rain that generated 18 feet of storm surge along the coastal areas in Florida’s Big Bend region.  

    The congressional leaders stopped in Steinhatchee to view the damage on the ground and to visit with local leaders who have been working around the clock to aid in initial cleanup efforts. The lawmakers also spoke with members of local, state, and national media, sharing important updates about recovery efforts and what more Congress can and should do to help the communities devastated by the storm. 

    “I’m grateful to Speaker Johnson for visiting some of Florida’s hardest-hit communities today. Seeing the damage and destruction from Hurricane Helene firsthand and hearing directly from the folks who continue to struggle with relief from the federal government was critical, especially because these same communities also endured Hurricane Idalia and Debby in the last 13 months. Some of those very same folks have yet to receive the disaster assistance they applied for,” said Rep. Cammack. “We’re going to continue our efforts to get our region back up and running and I’m grateful for the Speaker’s commitment to this work.” 

    Speaker Johnson, Rep. Cammack, and Rep. Dunn speak to members of the local, state, and national media about their visit.

    Speaker Mike Johnson told members of local, state, and national press during a stop in Steinhatchee: “I think this has been an extraordinary effort by Florida, the state and local officials. It’s just really inspiring to see how well it’s been covered and how much the community is rolling up its sleeves and working together. Here in this community, it would inspire the entire country to see how they’re really banded together. They’re undeterred. This is a very resilient community of people. That’s the best of America. We have this disaster now that’s around the country. We have people in North Carolina still stranded in their homes in the mountains, and people in Georgia and a number of other states that have been terribly affected by this storm. So, Congress is on the ground, the representatives who represent all those districts are there with their constituents, with their people trying to help, and we will do what’s necessary to make sure that Americans are taken care of.”

    “North Florida is tough, and the resilience of our communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene continues to inspire. Local leaders, residents, and federal officials have come together with strength and determination, showing the grit and dedication needed to rebuild,” Congressman Neal Dunn said. “I am honored to host Speaker Johnson as we work together, and I am committed to advocating for aid and providing the support our communities need through every step of the recovery process.” 

    Initial damage estimates from the storm could total over $160B.  

    For assistance with recovery resources from Hurricane Helene, visit cammack.house.gov or call (352) 505-0838. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene Stirs Up Gulf Coast Waters

    Source: NASA

    Hurricane Helene charged into Florida’s Big Bend area on September 26, 2024, and pushed north with devastating consequences across several states. The heavy rains, high winds, and storm surge that affected land areas also left a mark on the ocean.
    This image (right) shows the Gulf of Mexico on September 29, several days after Helene made landfall. For comparison, the left image shows the same area on September 22 during more typical conditions. Both images were acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite.
    Helene’s winds and waves churned up sediment from the seafloor along shallow coastal areas. Light reflects from these fine particles and makes the water appear bright blue. Storm surge, flooded rivers, and flash floods produced runoff that eroded land surfaces and carried even more particles into the ocean, adding to the color. NOAA had called for the storm surge to reach as high as 20 feet above ground level along parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
    Notice that prior to the storm, coastal waters already displayed faint light-blue and dark-green colors. Some of this color is likely from suspended sediment, but much of it is due to the reflection of light off sea grass beds, the sandy seafloor, and coral reefs (especially around the Bahamas). Some of the darkest areas near rivers might be colored by dissolved organic material. The region’s blackwater rivers, for example, are rich with decaying vegetation and other organic matter, and their stained water can become flushed into the ocean during heavy rains.

    Suspended sediment colored the water across an even larger area on September 28. Clouds were abundant that day, but parts of the ocean surface were still visible when the OCI (Ocean Color Instrument) on NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite acquired this image.
    The effect can be visible long after the passing of a storm. One week after Helene made landfall over Florida, swirls of sediment were still widespread on October 3.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    North Carolinians May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    ATLANTA – FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for North Carolinians displaced by Tropical Storm Helene in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    Individuals and households may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.

    Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental. 

    Eligible survivors may stay in participating TSA hotels in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. To locate participating hotels, visit femaemergencyhotels.com/ and enter your FEMA registration number, obtained when you applied for FEMA assistance.  

    An initial eligibility review will be conducted 60-days after the check-in date. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

    TSA participants may also be eligible for other federal financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.

    To apply for assistance, homeowners and renters can:

    • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
    • Download the FEMA App for mobile devices 
    • Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

    For the latest information on North Carolina’s’ recovery from Hurricane Helene visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For North Carolinians seeking general information, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom takes action against Norwalk for its unlawful shelter ban

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    What you need to know:  The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and homelessness funding and means the city can no longer deny “builder’s remedy” affordable housing projects.

    SACRAMENTO — Today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has revoked the city’s compliance with housing element law. The Governor’s announcement follows through on his warning to Norwalk, taking swift action to hold the city accountable for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters and other housing.

    Without a compliant housing element, the city can no longer deny certain affordable housing projects and is no longer eligible to receive key state housing and homelessness funds. Governor Newsom has also announced that the state may sue the city if they refuse to change course.

    “After the state has provided cities and counties with unprecedented funding to address the homelessness crisis, it’s beyond cruel that Norwalk would ban the building of shelters while people are living on the city’s streets. This crisis is urgent, and we can’t afford to stand by as communities turn their backs on those in need. No more excuses—every city, including Norwalk, must do its part and follow state housing laws.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Norwalk’s failure to build housing 

    Creating more housing is key to addressing affordability and homelessness in California. All cities are required by state law to develop a housing plan to ensure that they are planning for enough affordable housing for their community. Norwalk has failed to meet its housing goals, and now has violated state law by banning shelter and other housing for those experiencing and at risk of homelessness despite its failure to build enough housing. The city has only issued permits for 175 units during this housing element cycle, a mere 3.5% of its 5,034 assigned Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), or the number of units required to ensure its community has enough housing. 

    The action by HCD to revoke Norwalk’s housing element compliance will speed up development in the community and incentivize the city to end its unlawful ban on housing so that residents have the housing they need.

    “The City of Norwalk’s actions have placed them in violation of state housing law, and therefore their housing element is no longer in compliance,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Our Housing Accountability Unit provided the city clear guidance—with full transparency on what our next steps would be if they did not repeal this egregious ordinance. Instead of working to correct their missteps, they dug in their heels and are now ineligible for key funding and subject to the builder’s remedy.”

    Norwalk’s failure to address homelessness

    Norwalk has taken overt actions to block access to homeless support, shelter, and housing – despite having accepted nearly $29 million in state housing and homelessness funds.  On August 6, the city adopted a 45-day urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing.

    The state issued a Notice of Violation on September 16. On September 17, the council voted to extend the ordinance another 10 months and 15 days. Even after the state granted the city an extension to respond to its Notice of Violation, Norwalk failed to repeal the ordinance or put into place any action that would set the repeal in motion. Although city council members expressed an intent not to immediately enforce the moratorium, there is no formal stay or anything that would prevent the city from enforcing the moratorium as soon as it wishes, and the city has refused to commit to repealing it in the near future.

    The moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and the Housing Element Law. 

    More housing. More accountability.

    Since taking office, Governor Newsom has provided local communities with unprecedented funding, investing over $40 billion to boost housing and more than $27 billion to address homelessness. Norwalk issued the ordinance only weeks after Governor Newsom issued an executive order that, among other things, urges local governments to use this funding provided by the state to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care, housing, and supportive services they need.

    The notice was issued by HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit, which was launched by Governor Newsom in 2021 to ensure that cities and counties fulfill legal responsibilities to plan for and permit their fair share of housing, and to hold accountable those that fail to do so. This focus on accountability has in part led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the unit has supported the development of more than 7,500 housing units, including more than 2,700 affordable housing units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. In 2024, the unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues – including compliance with state laws as they relate to homeless housing. The action against Norwalk is its first homelessness accountability action since its expansion.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: An outdated San Francisco DMV will soon become a site for over 370 new homes

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 3, 2024

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced a new project in San Francisco that will transform a dated Department of Motor Vehicles building into a mixed use building with a modern DMV office paired with 372 new homes, including homes dedicated to low-income families. The site was identified as part of the Governor’s executive order directing agencies to identify state properties that could be used to create affordable housing for Californians.  

    SAN FRANCISCO – Continuing California’s commitment to build more affordable housing across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the redevelopment of an existing San Francisco DMV Field Office site into a multi-use transit-friendly complex with affordable housing and a new DMV Field Office. The current DMV site was constructed in 1960 and does not comply with updated health and safety code specifications, nor does it meet DMV requirements.

    After this transformation, the complex is expected to include approximately 372 homes with a range of affordability levels located in the city center near amenities and transportation.

    “We will continue to use all our tools to create more affordable housing throughout California — including by converting underutilized state property into homes. I’m particularly proud of this site for bringing affordable housing to the heart of San Francisco in a diverse and thriving neighborhood.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Located at the DMV’s San Francisco Field Office located on 1377 Fell Street, this project will serve as a model for future conversions across the state.

    The state-owned property is centrally located between the Lower Haight, NoPa, Buena Vista, and Alamo Square neighborhoods, and in proximity to a mixture of residential, entertainment, and visitor-serving amenities including the Haight-Ashbury and Divisadero retail districts. The site is in an EPA-designated Highly Walkable area and within half a mile of a Major Transit Stop. 

    “This first of its kind project, combining housing with a new DMV Field Office, represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to reimagine spaces for affordable housing,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. “DGS is pleased to take part in this mixed-use development project that will deliver a modern new DMV office while providing hundreds of affordable housing units to support San Franciscans.”

    The Department of General Services (DGS), Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have selected The Related Companies of California and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation to lead redevelopment.

    “This is a unique opportunity to transform and modernize a public-facing government facility while adding new, permanent affordable housing in a region with critical need,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “I am hopeful this project can inform similar out-of-the-box thinking for communities statewide on how we can maximize use of public land for the benefit of the people.”

    How we got here

    In 2019, Governor Newsom issued an executive order calling on HCD and DGS to address the state’s affordable housing crisis by identifying underutilized state-owned sites for the development of affordable housing, taking into account factors such as proximity to job centers, amenities, and public transit.

     Creating affordable housing for all Californians 

    • Since taking office, Governor Newsom has invested $40 billion in housing production and enacted dozens of CEQA reforms into law. The state has also invested more than $27 billion to help communities address homelessness.
    • In July 2024, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to support efforts to transform undeveloped and underutilized infill sites and buildings into housing. This order helps communities build thriving downtown cores and new housing near transportation hubs and job centers — creating more housing options for Californians while further aligning the state’s housing and climate goals.

    In addition, Governor Newsom championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing.

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    Oct 3, 2024

    News What you need to know:  The state is decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element following the city’s action breaking state housing law and implementing an illegal shelter ban. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and…

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Helene death toll tops 200 in US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Death toll exceeded 200 on Thursday in hurricane-stricken southeastern U.S. states, according to NBC News.

    At least 204 people are known to have died across six states as a result of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene since it made landfall in Florida a week ago, reported the news outlet, adding that hundreds are still missing and nearly a million customers remain without power.

    Helene has become the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

    More than half of the fatalities were confirmed in storm-ravaged North Carolina, with at least 98 deaths. In particular, Buncombe County, which located in western North Carolina, reported 61 deaths.

    U.S. President Joe Biden decided Wednesday to immediately deploy “up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water and other critical commodities to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”

    The active-duty military personnel are in addition to more than 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers currently deployed, who are surging food, water, supplies and conducting search and rescue operations, according to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

    The governor noted on Thursday that “around-the-clock efforts continue to provide resources and assistance” to communities in western part of the state.

    Biden toured the Carolinas to survey damage on Wednesday and is scheduled to visit Florida and Georgia on Thursday. The White House said in a news release that Biden will further survey damage caused by Helene and meet with state and local leaders regarding ongoing response efforts.

    “The president and his entire administration will continue to do everything in our power to help the people of Florida, Georgia, and every community affected by this storm,” said the White House.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A wet and unseasonably hot September

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A wet and unseasonably hot September
    A wet and unseasonably hot September
    ************************************

         Mainly attributing to weaker than normal northeast monsoon over southern China, September 2024 was much hotter than usual in Hong Kong. The mean temperature of 29.2 degrees, mean maximum temperature of 32.0 degrees and mean minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees were 1.3 degrees, 1.5 degrees and 0.7 degrees above the respective normals and were respectively the third, one of the fourth and one of the seventh highest for September on record. With stronger than normal troughing flow in the lower atmosphere over the coast of southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea, the month was also cloudier and wetter than usual. The mean amount of cloud in the month was 74 per cent, 8 per cent above the normal of 66 per cent and one of the ninth highest on record for September. The monthly total rainfall was 520.9 millimetres, about 62 per cent above the normal figure of 321.4 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall this year up to September was 2104.3 millimetres, about 6 per cent lower than the normal figure of 2242.8 millimetres for the same period.      Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, the weather of Hong Kong was very hot with sunny periods during the day on the first four days of the month. High temperatures also triggered thundery showers over the territory from September 2 to 4. The showers were particularly heavy on September 3 and more than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places of Hong Kong.       After a quiet period of tropical cyclone activities over the South China Sea in August, an area of low pressure over the seas east of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression on September 1 and was named Yagi. Yagi moved across Luzon the next day and entered the northern part of the South China Sea on September 3. Moving generally westward across the northern part of the South China Sea, Yagi rapidly intensified from a severe tropical storm to a super typhoon in just 24 hours. Yagi attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 230 kilometres per hour near its centre on September 6, making it the second strongest tropical cyclone in the South China Sea since the Observatory’s records began in 1950. After moving across Hainan Island and Beibu Wan, Yagi made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam later on September 7 and progressively weakened into an area of low pressure over the inland areas on September 8.      In Hong Kong, it was still very hot with sunny intervals during the day on September 5. With the approach of Yagi, the weather of Hong Kong deteriorated later on that day and the Observatory issued the first No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal in the year. Strong to gale force winds generally affected the territory with occasional storm force winds on high ground later on September 5 and at first on September 6. With Yagi departing from Hong Kong, local winds moderated later on September 6. The outer rainbands of Yagi brought heavy showers, violent gusts and thunderstorms to Hong Kong on the night of September 5 and the next two days. Violent gusts of around 139 kilometres per hour were once recorded at Central Pier on the night of September 5. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of Hong Kong from September 5 to 7 and rainfall even exceeded 200 millimetres over the northeastern part of the New Territories.      Under the influence of an upper-air disturbance, it was mainly cloudy with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms on September 8 and 9. The showers were particularly heavy over parts of Sha Tin, Wong Tai Sin and Eastern Districts with more than 80 millimetres of rainfall recorded on these two days. Under light wind conditions, apart from isolated showers and thunderstorms, the weather was generally fine and very hot from September 10 to 13 and the morning of September 14. Thundery showers associated with upper-air disturbances affected the territory on the afternoon of September 14 and more than 50 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Kowloon. Affected by an upper-air disturbance, the weather was a mixture of sunny periods and showers on September 15 and 16.      The weather was generally fine and very hot during the day from September 17 to 19. With plenty of sunshine, it was extremely hot on September 17, with temperatures at the Observatory rising to a maximum of 35.7 degrees, the highest of the month and also the hottest Mid-Autumn Festival on record. However, thundery showers triggered by high temperatures developed over the coast of eastern Guangdong and moved towards Hong Kong at night, bringing around 30 millimetres of rainfall to many places of the territory.      A broad trough of low pressure lingered over the northern part of the South China Sea and the coast of Guangdong from September 20 to 24, causing local weather to turn cloudy with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. The showers were particularly heavy during the day on September 21 when an area of low pressure over the trough moved across Hong Kong, necessitating the issuance of the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal. More than 50 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places of the territory and rainfall even exceeded 70 millimetres over Hong Kong Island on that day. The weather remained unsettled in the next few days. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory and rainfall even exceeded 250 millimetres over most parts of Hong Kong Island from September 20 to 24. Furthermore, a northeast monsoon reached the coast of southern China on September 22 and brought slightly cooler weather to Hong Kong on September 22 and 23. Under the rain and affected by the northeast monsoon, the temperatures at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 23.4 degrees on the morning of September 23, the lowest of the month.      With the weakening of the trough of low pressure, the showers eased off with sunny periods during the day on September 25. An anticyclone aloft brought generally fine weather on September 26 and 27. Affected by an upper-air disturbance, the weather turned cloudier with more showers on September 28 with severe squally thunderstorms in the afternoon. Waterspout was also reported over the sea area off Hung Hom, the first occurrence in Victoria Harbour according to reports received by the Observatory since 1959. Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of Super Typhoon Krathon, apart from isolated showers, it was generally fine in Hong Kong on the last two days of the month.      Eleven tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in September 2024.      Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for September are tabulated in Table 2.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 4, 2024Issued at HKT 12:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Strengthening Stability: EU support improves community resilience through WFP in Pakistan

    Source: World Food Programme

    Islamabad: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has completed its ‘Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security for Vulnerable People in Flood-affected Areas of Pakistan’ project, funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI). For eighteen months, WFP supported the most vulnerable households in Pakistan’s worst flood-hit districts to facilitate early recovery, rehabilitation, and stabilisation.

    The EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) enabled a transition from emergency relief to early recovery and community stabilisation efforts. This project used a community-based approach to reduce tensions and promote social cohesion by forming village committees, ensuring fair resource distribution, and improving infrastructure. It also strengthened livelihoods and resilience by restoring assets like water systems and promoting income-generating activities, leading to lasting stability.

    Through this EU-funded project, WFP provided direct assistance to more than 97,000 people and indirect support to 700,000 people across seven vulnerable districts in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. More than USD 3.6 million in cash assistance was distributed, enabling participants to access nutritious food in exchange for their involvement in community asset creation and skills development activities.

    The EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka reaffirmed the EU’s dedication: “Community resilience is at the core of our efforts in Pakistan. The EU is proud to have contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities in the face of adversity by strengthening local capacities and fostering solidarity.”

    As part of the project, vulnerable communities benefited from rehabilitation activities that restored physical and natural assets and created infrastructure to protect them from future climate shocks. This includes the construction of 550 water management structures and rehabilitation or construction of 650 flood protection walls, safeguarding 76,000 acres of habitable/agricultural land and 40,000 houses. Additionally, the distribution of 1,700 fuel-efficient stoves and 10,000 tree planting will contribute to reducing harmful climate activities and mitigate impacts of future weather events on these vulnerable communities.

    This project also delivered over 400 training sessions in marketable skills such as sewing, embroidery, dressmaking, and beautician services, as well as business management, digital marketing. Women constituted 80 per cent of the participants, whose income increased threefold from PKR 5,000 to PKR 15,000 (approximately USD 18 to 54), empowering them economically.

    “In the aftermath of large-scale disasters such as the devastating 2022 floods, lifesaving food security assistance combined with recovery and resilience building support is so critical. With EU’s generous support, this project adopted a community-based approach working together towards a more food secure and resilient future,” said Coco Ushiyama, the Country Director and Representative of WFP Pakistan.

    Additionally, WFP, in collaboration with Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence experts successfully established and trained 114 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). Equipped with essential rescue tool kits, these teams are better prepared to support local disaster response efforts, bolstering community readiness for future emergencies.

    In 2023, Pakistan continued to grapple with the compounding impact of the devastating 2022 floods that affected more than one-third of the country. WFP played a pivotal role in supporting nearly 4.4 million people, following the flood crisis through a variety of complementary interventions to address both critical and immediate humanitarian needs through unconditional cash support to approximately 1.7 million people in 2023 and longer-term needs to build resilience, enhance livelihoods opportunities, and address malnutrition. 

    #       #        #

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

    Follow us on X and Facebook: @WFPPakistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Nuclear Issues- Pacific STATEMENT ON THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    Source: Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)

    SOLIDARITY STATEMENT BY CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION TO THE 57th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY-BUILDING TO ADDRESS THE HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS OF THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    We are Pacific activists in national, regional and international CSOs which support longstanding campaigns for nuclear justice by governments and peoples of Pacific Island countries which were subjected to unconscionable nuclear weapons testing by imperialist powers. We wholeheartedly support the Resolution to be submitted by the President of the Republic of Marshall Islands, H.E. Dr Hilda Heine, to the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council on 4 October 2024 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands.

    We are aware that this Resolution builds on the sustained efforts by the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) over many years to attain nuclear justice through the United Nations and the UN Human Rights system, seeing this as offering a supportive pathway to nuclear justice. We also remember and cherish the strong roles played by Marshallese anti-nuclear activists like Darlene Keju Johnson in challenging the injustice and racism of occupying colonial powers conducting dangerous nuclear weapons testing programmes in the Pacific region, and in raising global awareness and helping to build the regional anti-nuclear movement.

    We note the earliest international appeal by the people of the RMI to stop the deadly nuclear weapons tests being carried out by the United States in their islands was made on 6 May 1954, when they filed a petition with an urgent plea to the United Nations Trusteeship Council on the nuclear weapons testing, saying they were ‘not only fearful of the danger to their persons from these deadly weapons, but also

    concerned about the increasing number of people removed from their land’, and ‘requesting that all experiments with lethal weapons in the area be immediately ceased.’1 Although the Trusteeship Council (comprising the

    1 Recorded in A/HRC/RES/51/35 Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 7 October 2022 at the Fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council.

    1

    We note that since 2012, the RMI has submitted reports to Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and reported on the impacts of nuclear testing, especially on women’s health and lives, to the CEDAW Committee, a UN Human Rights treaty body.3 The Reports of two Special Rapporteurs Confirm recognition of the serious intergenerational health problems, continuing environmental contamination and loss of land and livelihoods resulting from the US nuclear weapons testing programme as impacting the enjoyment of human rights by the Marshallese people.

    Despite the best efforts of successive RMI governments to seek support for the implementation of the comprehensive Recommendations submitted 12 years ago by the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the Recommendations have not been implemented.

    On 7 October 2022, by HRC Resolution 51/35 on “Technical assistance and capacity-building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands,” the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was requested to prepare a report on the RMI’s nuclear legacy.

    The resulting report, submitted by the OHCHR on 4 September 2024 at the Fifty-seventh session of the HRC and titled Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realisation and enjoyment of the human rights of the Marshallese people stemming from the state’s

    permanent members of the UN Security Council) heard the petition on 20 August 1954, the nuclear testing programme continued until 1958.2

    2Ibid.
    3 CEDAW/C/MHL/CO/1-3, Concluding observations on the combined initial to third periodic reports of the Marshall

    Islands*, 14 March 2018 https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n18/070/31/pdf/n1807031.pdf 4 A/HRC/21/48/Add.1 Annex – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes on his mission to the Marshall Islands (27-30 March 2012) and the United States of America (24-27 April 2012)https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g12/163/76/pdf/g1216376.pdf

    A/HRC/49/53. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in a non-toxic environment, 12 January 2022 https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc4953-right-clean-healthy-and-sustainable-environment -non toxic

    2

    nuclear legacy (A/HRC/57/77),5 details plainly the nuclear history of their Islands and its legacy, noting amongst other things:

    • that ‘sixty-seven known nuclear tests were conducted by the United States from 1946 to 1958 in the Marshall Islands.4 These tests had a total yield equivalent to 108,490,500 tons of dynamite – approximately 7,232 times the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and equivalent to dropping said atomic bomb daily for nearly twenty years’;

    • that the Marshallese filed multiple actions in US courts claiming property losses resulting from nuclear testing, without success;

    • that the RMI established a Nuclear Claims Tribunal and provided some compensation to claimants from a $150 million Trust Fund established by the US, but claims assessed by the Tribunal for personal injury and damages caused on Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrōk atolls totalled more than $2.3 billion;

    • that the Marshallese government in 2017 established a National Nuclear Commission, which developed a national justice strategy centred on 5 pillars: Compensation, Health Care, the Environment, National Capacity and Education and Awareness;

    • that as part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative, the RMI has pledged to pursue transitional justice for the human rights violations and challenges stemming

    from the nuclear legacy; and

    • that ‘the nuclear legacy is not just a chapter in history, but a continuing reality for the Marshallese people’.

    The report recommended:

    • that the United Nations, through the HRC, continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to the Marshall Islands; and

    5 A/HRC/57/77: Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realization and enjoyment of the human rights of the people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 4 September 2024 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session57/advance-versi ons/ A-HRC-57-77-AUV.pdf

    3

    • that it prepares subsequent reports on transitional justice measures to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy through a cross-jurisdictional, inter-disciplinary, and gender-responsive approach.

    The RMI Resolution on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands seeks to operationalise the recommendations of the OHCHR.

    It makes four specific requests: one to all States, relevant UN agencies and other stakeholders to support the efforts of the RMI Government to improve the health of its people and its environment; and three renewed requests to the OHCHR:

    • to work with the Government of the RMI and provide technical assistance and capacity building to the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands in advancing its national strategy for nuclear justice;

    • to prepare a further report for submission to the HRC, followed by ‘an enhanced interactive dialogue’ which includes participation by the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands; and

    • in preparing the requested report, to widely seek views – of the RMI Government, the National Nuclear Commission, States, UN agencies, funds and programs, NGOs, Indigenous peoples, youth representatives, the Marshallese diaspora and affected communities.

    We stand this week with H.E. President Dr Hilda Heine, Ambassador Doreen de Brum and staff at the RMI Embassy in Geneva, National Nuclear Commissioners, and with all Marshallese people in their determined and dignified national struggle for nuclear justice.

    We strongly support the Resolution the Marshall Islands Government is submitting to the Human Rights Council on October 4 to address the adverse impacts of the nuclear legacy on the realisation and enjoyment of human rights by the people of the Marshall Islands. We extend our solidarity and best wishes in securing all the resources needed to achieve nuclear justice for present and future generations of Marshallese.

    ENDORSED BY:: 1. Aid/Watch

    2. Alliance for Future Generations
    3. Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders (APNED)
    4. Association for Promotion of Sustainable Development
    5. Banaba Human Rights Defenders Network
    6. Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO-Palau) 7. Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT)
    8. Conservation International – Palau Office
    9. Council of Pacific Education (COPE)
    10. DAWN (Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era) 11. Diverse Voiced and Actions for Equality (DIVA FIJI)
    12. Environmentalists Against War
    13. femLINKpacific
    14. Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS)
    15. Fiji Nuclear Veterans Association
    16. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC)
    17. Fiji Womens Rights Movement (FWRM)
    18. Fiji Youth SRHR Alliance
    19. Hawai’i Institute for Human Rights
    20. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross – Member of the French Polynesian Assembly 21. ICAN Aotearoa New Zealand
    22. ICAN Australia
    23. International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific 24. International Youth Training Centre-IYTC
    25. Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organizations
    (KANGO) 26. Moruroa e Tātou
    27. Nagasaki Appeal for Peace
    28. Nauru Island Association of Non‐Government Organisations (NIANGO) 29. Ngaratumetum Traditional Womens Organization
    30. Nuclear Truth Project
    31. Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC)
    32. Pacific Disability Forum (PDF)
    33. Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) 34. Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN)
    35. Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)
    36. Pacific Womens Mediators Network (PWNM)
    37. PacificwinPacific

    38. Palau Resource Institute (PRI)
    39. Pax Christi Korea (PCK)
    40. Peace Movement Aotearoa
    41. Peoples Development Community (PDC)
    42. Samoa Umbrella for Non-Government Organisations (SUNGO) 43. Social Watch – Tamilnadu

    44. South Lakeland and Lancaster District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
    45. Think Tank
    46. Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition (VHRC)

    47. Vanuatu Indigenous Land Defense Desk (VILDD) 48. Washington Butterfly for Hope
    49. Women Empowerment Nauru Association (WENA)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Flooding closures, last update for Friday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A number of key Otago highways will remain closed overnight and into Saturday morning, if not longer in some cases, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    People should delay their journeys and avoid these areas and check the NZTA Journey Planner for details or additional closures overnight and tomorrow morning after 8.30 am: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions(external link)

    Current closures – all for flooding, bar SH88 Port Chalmers, significant slips

    SH1 Evansdale to Hampden – extended from earlier closure Evansdale to Palmerston. Updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482794(external link)

    SH85 Kyeburn to Palmerston https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482760(external link)

    SH88 between Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, and Port Chalmers: Closed due to a serious slip at Maia/Burkes affecting properties and the highway, as well as several smaller slips along SH88 and near Parry St. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482713(external link)

    Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.

    SH1  south of Dunedin, between Waihola and Milton https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482765(external link) Freight traffic in particular may need to take the Lindis Pass (Tarras to Omarama) to get to Canterbury or Central Otago/Southland.

    SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde (north of Middlemarch): closed due to flooding, delay your travel. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482674(external link)

    SH90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui: closed due to flooding.  Detour in place. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482705(external link)

    Multiple areas of surface flooding and potholes

    • Elsewhere in Otago and Southland people can expect to see slips near highways, debris washed up in places with flooding and surface water.
    • Speeds will be reduced in many places where there is flood water up to the road shoulders.
    • There may be lane closures on Dunedin’s Southern Motorway from Lookout Point to Green Island due to surface flooding.

    Please obey any signage and advice on the road: Slow down in flood waters as this causes bow waves into properties and other vehicles.

    • Anyone facing an emergency situation should call 111, while people needing flood-related assistance should contact their local council.

    State Highway updates

    Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

    Local road closures Dunedin and Portobello peninsula

    https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/public-notices/road-conditions-and-closures(external link)

    River levels from Otago Regional Council

    https://www.orc.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/news/2024/october/otago-river-level-and-flow-updates/(external link)

    MetService  

    MetService updates: National Severe Weather Information – MetService is New Zealand’s only authorised provider of Severe Weather Alerts(external link)

    Otago Emergency Management

    https://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiatve

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiatve

    Ecomark Scheme to Promote Sustainable Consumption and Eco-Friendly Production with Strict Environmental Standards

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

    In alignment with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission announced by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules on 26thSeptember 2024. It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.

    The scheme will encourage the demand for environment-friendly products aligning with the principles of ‘LIFE’, promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.

    Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable consumption. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production.

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

    The scheme marks a significant step in promoting sustainable lifestyles and, through individual and collective decision making, encourages sustainable consumption in India. It aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects the government’s commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.

    The gazette notification can be accessed through the following link: –

    https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/1727787383.pdf

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2061878) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiative

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiative

    Ecomark Scheme to Promote Sustainable Consumption and Eco-Friendly Production with Strict Environmental Standards

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

    In alignment with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission announced by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules on 26thSeptember 2024. It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.

    The scheme will encourage the demand for environment-friendly products aligning with the principles of ‘LIFE’, promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.

    Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable consumption. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production.

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

    The scheme marks a significant step in promoting sustainable lifestyles and, through individual and collective decision making, encourages sustainable consumption in India. It aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects the government’s commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.

    The gazette notification can be accessed through the following link: –

    https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/1727787383.pdf

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2061878) Visitor Counter : 208

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 10 October – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on Thursday 10 October in Strasbourg to vote on two different drafts:

    Votes:

    • Draft text of DEVE’s contribution to the ENVI motion for a resolution on the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29);
    • Draft DEVE opinion on the general budget for 2025, in letter form.

    The next DEVE meeting will take place on Monday 14 October from 15.00 to 19.00 in Spinelli 1E2

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA calls for financing model to fund climate change

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for a comprehensive, outcomes-based financial model to effectively fund the global response to climate change.

    “For South Africa and many other developing countries, this is vitally important, given that financing available for adaptation is lagging behind,” George said on Thursday. 

    The Minister was speaking at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers meeting in Brazil.

    He said Brazil, through the G20, has seen the need to prioritise scaling-up and expediting adaptation financing and strengthening institutional capacity, through measures such as increasing the volume of adaptation finance; and strengthening capacities to access financing promptly and to implement effective adaptation programmes and initiatives.

    “The impacts of climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and pollution are severe and far-reaching and require innovative global solutions.

    “We must acknowledge the centrality of the United Nations system and must continue to adhere to agreed multilateral processes, including the negotiating of outcome documents.

    “We must continue to strive towards a balance of ambition and action on all three aspects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] and its Paris Agreement, namely mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation,” George said.

    According to the United Nations, the UNFCCC is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system”.

    “Since entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC has provided the basis for international climate negotiations, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015),” it said.

    The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financing to developing countries to mitigate climate change, among others.

    The Minister said a collaborative and comprehensive approach to maintaining the integrity of biodiversity assets and ecological infrastructure will play a fundamental role in achieving various social and economic development objectives.

    “We are committed to increase economic incentives for nature conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biological resources, with a focus on Payment for Ecosystem Services as a market-based instrument.

    “With regards to our oceans, South Africa with over 3 000 kilometres of coastline, has jurisdiction over one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones, spanning the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. This represents a significant Oceans Economy asset for current and future generations,” the Minister said.

    South Africa has adopted the Marine Spatial Planning legislation and remains committed to the sustainable regulated use of our fishing resources and the active prevention of illegal fishing activity.

    The legislation intends to provide a framework for marine spatial planning in South Africa and to provide for institutional arrangements for the implementation of marine spatial plans and governance of the use of the ocean by multiple sectors, among others.

    South Africa also remains committed to the Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee process to develop an international agreement of a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

    “We are supportive of the work done by the G20 on Waste and Circular economy and are keen to take forward the outcomes to further develop an inclusive Circular Economy.

    “South Africa will continue to contribute its best effort to find solutions for these global environmental complexities,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –