NewzIntel.com

Category: Climate Change

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-supported peacebuilding and mediation capabilities event a success

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-supported peacebuilding and mediation capabilities event a success

    A four-day colloquium on Peacebuilding and Mediation Capabilities successfully concludes in Honiara, Solomon Islands on Friday 30 May 2025.

    A group photo of all the women participants with British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner.

    Supported by the UK International Development and Australian Aid and organised by the Pacific Women Mediators Network (PWMN), the inaugural colloquium aims to commemorate and uplift the legacy of the Pacific Islands Women-led peacebuilding initiatives, reaffirming the role of women in peace and security efforts.

    It also aims to demonstrate the intersectionality of feminist perspectives and the Gender, Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in the Pacific Islands region. Additionally, the meeting also aims to reaffirm gender equality, women’s rights, and the inclusion of women’s voices and experiences in all aspects of peace and security work.

    Enhancing visibility of Pacific Islands women-led and civil society led mediation and peacebuilding initiatives responding to priority issues including Climate Security and Climate Justice, Self Determination and Gender Equality are also part of the meeting.

    The regional meeting that began on Tuesday 27 May 2025 also aims to connect national conversations with regional inter-governmental and global processes including the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR).

    It is a cross – regional learning opportunity that will enable the founding members of PWMN and youth leaders, civil society allies, including faith and traditional leaders to identify ways to move beyond surface-level calls to implement WPS and towards realising the full vision of the Gender and WPS agenda in practice.

    Speaking at the inaugural colloquium on Tuesday 27 May, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said:

    Women have been at the forefront of peace movements across the world. I saw this first hand when I was working on Northern Ireland and Bosnia in the 1990s. It was women who reached out across communities in these places, who refused to let walls of blood divide people and keep them in conflict. The UK Government remains steadfast in its support for this initiative as we strengthen the global network of women in peace building.

    Held ahead of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security), and the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that will convene in Honiara in September 2025, it is expected Pacific Forum Leaders will adopt their Guidance Note on Women, Peace and Security and the Ocean of Peace Declaration.

    The UK has a global commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. We are proud to support the ambitions of the Pacific Islands Forum in promoting this agenda and supporting its members to embed its ideals across the region, as well as grassroots networks and organisations working to protect and uplift women in the Pacific.

    The UK has five Strategic Objectives for Women Peace and Security in its National Action Plan, which are as relevant in the Pacific as elsewhere in the world. They include:

    • increasing women’s meaningful participation, leadership and representation in decision-making processes
    • preventing gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and supporting survivors to cope, recover and seek justice
    • supporting the needs of women and girls in crises and ensuring they can participate and lead in responses
    • increasing the accountability of security and justice actors to women and girls and ensuring they are responsive to their rights and needs
    • ensuring we respond to the needs of women and girls as part of our approach to transnational threats

    The colloquium concluded on Friday 30 May 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China battles drought to ensure stable summer harvest

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    With a persistent drought gripping vast regions of the country, Chinese authorities are making multi-faceted efforts to mitigate its impact on agriculture as grain crops have entered a critical growth stage.

    Since the start of 2025, China has generally experienced a warm and dry climate, characterized by higher temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall.

    According to the national observatory, the average temperature nationwide reached 5.7 degrees Celsius by May 25 this year, 0.8 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm, with provinces like Henan, Anhui and Hubei recording their highest temperatures for this period since 1961.

    Meanwhile, the average precipitation fell to just 143.7 millimeters, 10.6 percent below the long-term average and marking the lowest level since 2012. In some areas, rainfall plunged by as much as 80 percent.

    “Precipitation in the Yellow River basin, a key agricultural region, was down by nearly 30 percent. In the middle reaches, the deficit was 30 to 40 percent,” said Wang Weilu, an official with the Yellow River Conservancy Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources.

    High temperatures and low rainfall have triggered rapid drought development from the northwest regions to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and southwestern provinces including Sichuan, said Zhai Jianqing, a meteorological disaster specialist at the National Climate Center.

    As of April 18, drought classified as moderate or worse had affected nearly 2.02 million square km, including 477,000 square km of extreme drought, official data showed.

    The timing of the drought is concerning. China’s summer grains, including wheat, are in a crucial growth period. Last year, the summer grain harvest totaled nearly 150 million tonnes, accounting for over 21 percent of the country’s annual grain production.

    Zhang Gaomin, head of a farmers’ cooperative in Jingyang County, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, said inadequate rainfall has visibly stunted wheat growth.

    “Due to persistent water shortages, wheat plants are about 10 cm shorter than usual, impacting growth during this critical stage,” Zhang said. His cooperative manages 7,600 mu (507 hectares) of winter wheat.

    In many grain-producing regions, the drought has strained irrigation systems, dried up fishponds, limited water for livestock, and heightened risks of pests, crop diseases and wildfires.

    In response, China has taken multi-pronged efforts to address the challenges. The Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, has allocated disaster relief funds to support measures from irrigating to crop replanting.

    Water conservancy authorities have improved national water allocation for agricultural purposes. Meteorological departments have intensified weather modification efforts, conducting over 500 cloud-seeding flights and nearly 17,000 ground-based operations since the start of the year.

    At the local level, grassroots efforts are also making a difference. In Mashan County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, water pumps and generators were a common sight on farmland, delivering vital irrigation to parched crops. Local authorities have deployed 130 water pumps and over 30 gasoline generators, and have dispatched 11 anti-drought teams comprising more than 400 personnel to support villages.

    “Firefighters have been delivering water to our village for three days, solving the water shortage for over 400 people,” said Huang Honghua, an official in a village of Wuxuan County, Guangxi.

    Meteorologists predict rainfall across much of central and northern China in early to mid-June will ease drought conditions, while parts of southern China may still face drought risks.

    Despite the lingering challenges, with timely intervention and increased rainfall expected, the drought is unlikely to have significant impact on the country’s overall grain output, according to experts.

    China’s 2024 grain output hit a record high of 706.5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.6 percent from 2023, official data showed. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NAB backs farmers and Victorian Drought taskforce

    Source: Premier of Victoria

    NAB today announced its support for a new Victorian Drought Response Taskforce.

    NAB Group CEO Andrew Irvine said: “NAB is ready to play our role in helping farmers, their families and regional Victorian businesses and communities as they deal with the devastating impacts of the drought.

    “Multi-generational farmers who have been on the same land for over a century are telling us it is one of the worst droughts on record. Some of them are making the heart-breaking decision to reduce their stock because they can’t afford to feed them or provide enough water.  Businesses that service farms are hurting too.

    “It’s also vital we consider the mental health impacts for the farmers, their families, and those businesses and communities that support them.”

    NAB does a third of all lending to farmers and many NAB bankers live and farm in areas impacted by the drought. NAB’s Regional and Agribusiness Executive Khan Horne will represent NAB on the taskforce to provide the perspectives of customers.

    Mr Irvine said NAB was here to help any customer who needed financial support.

    “For any farmer or business, please call your bank.  The sooner you call the sooner we can help,” he said.

    Help may range from payment pauses, changes to your repayments and temporary relief from existing financial commitments. NAB can also provide access to mental health support for any customer who needs it.

    Environment

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    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Wildfire Season Begins, Cantwell Demands Trump Administration Stop Putting Lives & Property at Risk & Immediately Lift National Weather Service Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.29.25
    As Wildfire Season Begins, Cantwell Demands Trump Administration Stop Putting Lives & Property at Risk & Immediately Lift National Weather Service Hiring Freeze
    Senator warned Lutnick in Feb. that gutting NOAA & NWS would cripple weather forecasting, threaten public safety; Jackson, KY, NWS office lost overnight staffing & meteorologist-in-charge as severe storms moved across the region May 16, leaving 18 dead; Pendleton, OR, NWS office covering Central WA does not have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts
    EDMONDS, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, demanded that the Trump Administration immediately exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from its current federal hiring freeze so that citizens and communities will not be left to fend for themselves without adequate warnings as both hurricane season and wildfire season rapidly approach.  
    “On February 19, 2025, I wrote to Secretary Lutnick to urge protection of NOAA’s workforce and exempt the NWS and other safety related jobs from the hiring freeze due to the crucial role they play in protecting lives, property, and our national economy,” wrote Sen. Cantwell in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell.  “Now that we have seen the fallout from these ill-advised cuts, I once again demand the Administration immediately provide NOAA with a public safety exemption to the federal hiring freeze so the agency can take immediate steps to fill critical positions and prevent a further breakdown in life-saving forecasts and warnings.”
    Multiple recent reports have documented the impacts of the hiring freeze. The Washington Post reports that “Some…forecasting teams are so critically understaffed that the agency is offering to pay moving expenses for any staff willing to transfer to those offices, according to notices recently sent to employees…” And the New York Times found that “The National Weather Service is preparing for the probability that fewer forecast updates will be fine-tuned by specialists, among other cutbacks, because of ‘severe shortages’ of meteorologists and other employees, according to an internal agency document.” These reports make clear that action must be taken immediately to avoid a catastrophic gap in capacity in the face of a future storm or wildfire.
    “For at least half a century, NWS has provided weather forecasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but with the Administration’s cuts, at least eight weather forecasting offices no longer have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts,” the Senator wrote. “The Pendleton, Oregon office that covers central Washington will stop staffing overnight shifts, and we’ll lose the consistent local knowledge about weather hazards that impacts the accuracy of forecasts and warnings needed to inform transportation agencies, farmers, schools, firefighters, emergency responders, and other public officials that rely on accurate and timely forecasts and warnings.”
    Months before the current crisis, Sen. Cantwell called for an exemption and accurately predicted exactly the situation we are in now.
    The full text of Sen. Cantwell’s letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Lutnick and Mr. Ezell,
    The Administration’s dismantling of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) workforce has crippled the National Weather Service (“NWS”). The firing of probationary employees, early retirements, and other Administration efforts have led to more than 560 departures from NWS, a 33% reduction from historic levels, leaving many locations critically understaffed and the agency scrambling to fill the gaps.
    NOAA initiated an agency-wide effort on May 13, 2025, to relocate existing personnel to temporarily fill 155 positions in “critically understaffed” locations across NWS. This proposed solution may serve as a stopgap, but it is not a viable long-term strategy.
    On February 19, 2025, I wrote to Secretary Lutnick to urge protection of NOAA’s workforce and exempt the NWS and other safety related jobs from the hiring freeze due to the crucial role they play in protecting lives, property, and our national economy. Now that we have seen the fallout from these ill-advised cuts, I once again demand the Administration immediately provide NOAA with a public safety exemption to the federal hiring freeze so the agency can take immediate steps to fill critical positions and prevent a further breakdown in life-saving forecasts and warnings.
    For at least half a century, NWS has provided weather forecasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but with the Administration’s cuts, at least eight weather forecasting offices no longer have enough meteorologists to cover overnight shifts. The Pendleton, Oregon office that covers central Washington will stop staffing overnight shifts, and we’ll lose the consistent local knowledge about weather hazards that impacts the accuracy of forecasts and warnings needed to inform transportation agencies, farmers, schools, firefighters, emergency responders, and other public officials that rely on accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. Additionally, 30 of the 122 weather forecast offices are currently lacking their highest-ranking official, known as the meteorologist-in-charge, including at offices that cover major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Cleveland, Houston, and Tampa. The office in Jackson, Kentucky lost both overnight staffing and their meteorologist-in-charge and was left scrambling to find adequate staffing on May 16, 2025, as severe storms moved across the region, ultimately killing 18 people in Kentucky.
    The staffing shortages are also impacting NWS’s ability to collect and disseminate the weather data that underpins NOAA’s own forecasts and warnings as well as serves as the foundation for the entire U.S. weather enterprise. There are over 90 vacancies among the specialized staff who maintain and repair the NWS’s Doppler radar and Automated Surface Observing Systems greatly increasing the chances of equipment outages. These systems are the cornerstone of NWS’s severe weather warning operations and provide pilots and air traffic controllers with the data they need to safely manage air traffic and minimize delays. Additionally, at least 10 weather forecast offices have suspended or limited their weather balloon launches, which for decades have occurred twice daily to gather data on a steady cadence. Carrying instruments called radiosondes, the balloons rise to 115,000 feet and gather vital atmospheric data that cannot easily be replicated by satellites or other instruments. Without this information forecasts become less accurate and less reliable.
    June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and many parts of the country are already contending with wildfires and violent storms. Every living former Director of the NWS, from both Republican and Democratic administrations, wrote and released an open letter to the American people warning about the impact of staffing and program cuts. The Directors “stand united against the loss of staff and resources at NWS and are deeply concerned about NOAA as a whole…[Their] worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life.”?
    Granting a public safety exemption to the hiring freeze is essential to prevent further degradation of our nation’s weather readiness. Please provide the Committee with a response by June 1, 2025, explaining how you will resume hiring at the NWS to ensure consistent weather forecasting coverage. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Decimates FEMA Ahead of Hurricane Season, Reed Sounds the Alarm & Urges Administration to Rehire FEMA Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    PROVIDENCE, RI — Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and forecasters are predicting an active Atlantic hurricane season.  Meanwhile, state emergency response agencies are preparing for the possibility that the Trump Administration will leave them in the lurch – as President Trump attempts to shift a heavier financial burden onto states and dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides timely, coordinated support to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.   

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, warns the Trump Administration’s chaotic leadership changes, budget reductions, and FEMA staff cuts are unnecessarily making it harder for coastal states to prep for hurricane season and respond to and recover from a major natural disaster. 

    Senator Reed sent a letter to the head of FEMA urging the agency to “rehire key staff and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will operate during what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be an “above normal” hurricane season.”

    Since the start of President Trump’s term, FEMA has lost at least one-third of its staff: At least 2,000 of the agency’s roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave due to waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by the so-called Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).  President Trump’s preliminary 2026 budget proposal calls for slashing $646 million from FEMA. 

    FEMA provides direct financial relief to states, localities, and individuals after a disaster, but it also provides technical expertise and funding to help state and local governments prepare for and manage large scale disasters. 

    Senator Reed wrote: “Regrettably, because of the Trump Administration’s actions over the last several months, FEMA seems ill-prepared to carry out these responsibilities.”

    The letter also noted: “On May 21, Reuters reported that the Administration’s abrupt firing of Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton and the departure of 16 senior FEMA executives have “disrupted the agency’s planning for hurricane season.”  CNN reported on May 15 that a recent FEMA internal review found that the agency “is not ready” for the start of hurricane season.  According to a May 9 NPR report, the Administration has fired more than 200 FEMA employees and that hundreds more have indicated they are accepting the Administration’s resignation offers.  And a May 23 Washington Post article notes that FEMA faces a backlog of unprocessed emergency declaration requests from prior storms.  These reports inspire little confidence that FEMA is focused on its mission.”

    Noting the obvious connection between a major reduction in FEMA staff, budget, and resources and a potential reduction in federal involvement, Reed called on the Trump Administration to reverse its mass staff reductions and implement a plan to ensure the timeliness and adequacy of FEMA’s response to future disasters.

    “With hurricane season just days away, it is essential that FEMA shows that it is properly staffed and that key leadership positions are held by individuals who have had previous experience as emergency managers during major disasters.  To that end, I urge you to reinstate the professional staff who have left the agency in recent months and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will assist states during major disasters.  Additionally, I would caution against adopting any significant changes in FEMA’s processes for approving requests for disasters declarations and disaster assistance without consultation with states, stakeholders, and Congress.  Any changes should be the result of a deliberative process, rather than impromptu actions,” the letter concluded.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Mr. Richardson:

    With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season due to start on June 1, there is increasing doubt that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be able to meet the challenge due to the chaotic leadership of the agency during the first few months of the Trump Administration.  To assure stakeholders and the public that FEMA is ready, I urge you to rehire key staff and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will operate during what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be an “above normal” hurricane season.

    As you know, the American people rely on FEMA for timely, coordinated support to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.  The agency provides direct financial relief to states, localities, and individuals after a disaster, but it also provides technical expertise and funding to help state and local governments prepare for and manage large scale disasters.  Regrettably, because of the Trump Administration’s actions over the last several months, FEMA seems ill-prepared to carry out these responsibilities.

    On May 21, Reuters reported that the Administration’s abrupt firing of Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton and the departure of 16 senior FEMA executives have “disrupted the agency’s planning for hurricane season.”  CNN reported on May 15 that a recent FEMA internal review found that the agency “is not ready” for the start of hurricane season.  According to a May 9 NPR report, the Administration has fired more than 200 FEMA employees and that hundreds more have indicated they are accepting the Administration’s resignation offers.  And a May 23 Washington Post article notes that FEMA faces a backlog of unprocessed emergency declaration requests from prior storms.  These reports inspire little confidence that FEMA is focused on its mission. 

    With hurricane season just days away, it is essential that FEMA shows that it is properly staffed and that key leadership positions are held by individuals who have had previous experience as emergency managers during major disasters.  To that end, I urge you to reinstate the professional staff who have left the agency in recent months and provide a detailed plan showing how FEMA will assist states during major disasters.  Additionally, I would caution against adopting any significant changes in FEMA’s processes for approving requests for disasters declarations and disaster assistance without consultation with states, stakeholders, and Congress.  Any changes should be the result of a deliberative process, rather than impromptu actions.

    Thank you for your attention in this matter, and I look forward to your prompt reply.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Most of Australia’s conservation efforts ignore climate risks – here are 3 fixes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yi Fei Chung, PhD Candidate in Environmental Policy, The University of Queensland

    Imagine replanting various native species only to have them die because the area is too hot or too dry. Or reconnecting woodland habitat only to lose large tracts to bushfire.

    Well, our new research suggests those scenarios are entirely possible.

    We analysed the two most common ways to prevent overall biodiversity loss on private land in Australia. We found these efforts largely ignore climate risks such as fire, heat, drought and floods.

    Climate change is already threatening the survival of species. Unless conservation efforts are made more resilient to climate change, Australia’s aim to to reverse biodiversity loss could fail.

    What we found

    We examined two types of biodiversity measures in Australia. One is “biodiversity offsets”, which aim to compensate for damage caused by development. The other is voluntary conservation programs, including “conservation covenants”.

    We analysed 77 policy documents underpinning nine biodiversity offset policies and 11 voluntary conservation programs.

    Of the 77 documents, 84% did not consider the impact of climate change. What’s more, only 44% of biodiversity offset policies and 27% of voluntary conservation programs considered climate risk. Even then, they often lacked detail or tools to translate policy into real action on the ground.

    The most common climate adaptation strategies were:

    • safeguarding climate refuges
    • connecting habitat so wildlife can escape extreme heat, fires or droughts
    • targeting funding
    • avoiding offset sites vulnerable to threats such as sea-level rise.

    But most documents lacked details on implementing these strategies.

    We suggest three practical steps to ensure conservation efforts deliver lasting results in a changing climate.

    Few private land conservation programs or biodiversity offset policies took climate change into account.
    Chung, Y. F., et al, (2025) Biological Conservation

    1. Identify and protect climate refuges

    Climate refuges are areas somewhat shielded from the effects of climate change. Gullies, sheltered slopes and forests with good water supplies can help species survive during heatwaves and droughts.

    These places can provide a lifeline for endangered species and prevent local extinctions. Species may shelter in these areas during climate extremes and recolonise well-connected habitats when conditions improve.

    Protecting climate refuges by restricting land clearing or other damaging activities is a common climate adaptation strategy. We found it featured in six policy documents supporting voluntary conservation programs and biodiversity offsets across Australia. But few policy documents explain where these places are or how to protect them.

    For example, the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy lists climate refuges as high-priority assets under threat. The strategy says future investment should target these areas.

    But we found no explanation of how investments would be prioritised, or where to find that information. Without this detail, mentioning climate refuges in policy documents is little more than having good intentions.

    To be effective, refuges need to be mapped, prioritised and supported with appropriate protections and incentives. Nature law reform must strengthen protection of climate refuges to prevent further loss.

    Conservation programs could also specifically incentivise landholders to protect or restore refuges on their properties.

    Here’s how to protect Australia’s native species from climate change (The Climate Council)

    2. Promote the actions that build resilience

    On the ground, conservation actions must adapt to climate change. That could mean doing things differently. For example, planting species more likely to survive future climates, or connecting habitat so wildlife can move to new areas.

    While these strategies are well established, we only found three policy documents that mention them. One is the Heritage Agreement policy in South Australia. This offers guidance and potential funding to help landholders implement these actions.

    As Australia’s nature laws are reformed, funding commitments and conservation guidelines need to follow suit.

    Financial incentives or technical support could be offered to landholders for activities that build resilience. Biodiversity offset policies could also mandate conservation actions that improve climate resilience at offset sites.

    3. Adapting to climate change needs to link policy to on-ground action

    Our research found a clear gap between high-level intent and guidelines for on-ground actions. If they don’t line up, then conservation efforts risk falling short. Field programs may lack legal backing, or legislation may not translate into action where it matters most.

    Climate change should be considered at all levels of conservation policies – from high-level legislation to guidelines for implementing individual programs.

    Policies should include clear and consistent targets informed by climate risk. This should be supported by regulations ensuring compliance and practical guidelines for on-ground action.

    Voluntary conservation programs in New South Wales show how it can be done. State biodiversity conservation legislation includes conserving biodiversity under climate change as a key objective. This can then shape real-world programs. For example, the NSW Conservation Management plan echoes this climate commitment. It makes addressing climate change impacts one of the main targets.

    A chance to get it right

    National nature law reform and state reviews present an opportunity to future-proof Australia’s conservation policies.

    These policies must consider the accelerating pace of change and ensure adaptation is embedded through to action. Such actions must be clear, well-resourced, and equipped with practical tools government agencies and landholders can use.

    Otherwise, we risk making conservation policies unfit for the future – missing a golden opportunity to safeguard biodiversity.



    Read more:
    Want genuine progress towards restoring nature? Follow these 4 steps

    Yi Fei Chung receives funding from a UQ Research Training Scholarship. He is also involving in an Australian Research Council Linkage Project that receives financial and in-kind support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Tweed Shire Council, and the NSW Koala Strategy.

    Jonathan Rhodes receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the NSW Government, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Tweed Shire Council, the NSW Koala Strategy, and the Queensland Government.

    – ref. Most of Australia’s conservation efforts ignore climate risks – here are 3 fixes – https://theconversation.com/most-of-australias-conservation-efforts-ignore-climate-risks-here-are-3-fixes-257131

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Bureau of Meteorology issues winter long-range forecast

    Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

    29/05/2025

    The Bureau of Meteorology has issued its long-range forecast for winter 2025.

    While winter is a time for cooler weather, the winter long-range forecast shows day and night temperatures are likely to be above average across Australia for this time of the year.

    Winter rainfall is likely to be above average for interior and central parts of the country. For parts of Australia’s tropical north, the south-east and the south-west, rainfall is expected to be in the typical winter range. Typical rainfall means there’s a roughly equal possibility for these areas to receive above, below or near-average rainfall.

    This includes parts of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania that have been affected by prolonged dry conditions as well as parts of New South Wales recently impacted by severe flooding.

    This winter forecast follows an autumn which was much wetter than average in the north and east of Australia, and much drier than average in many southern parts.

    Australia’s fire agencies advise there is an unseasonal increased risk of fire this winter across parts of South Australia and Victoria.

    The Bureau updates the long-range forecast each Thursday and you can search the latest details for your location on the Bureau’s website.

    2025 winter long-range forecast (states and territories)

    New South Wales and the ACT

    Winter rainfall is expected to be above average for much of the state and the ACT.

    However, parts of the state’s east are likely to have rainfall in the typical range.

    Average winter rainfall in recent decades has been between 100 and 300 mm along most of eastern New South Wales, with higher falls in the alpine regions, while in western and central New South Wales winter averages are between 25 and 100 mm.

    Warmer than usual winter maximum temperatures are likely across the state, and warmer than usual winter minimum temperatures are very likely.

    Victoria

    Rainfall is expected to be within the typical winter range for much of the state.

    Average winter rainfall in recent decades ranges between 100 and 300 mm throughout much of the state, while the state’s north-west has 50 to 100 mm and parts of the far south and alpine areas have up to 600 mm on average

    Warmer than usual winter maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely across the state.

    Queensland

    Winter rainfall is expected to be in the typical range for much of the state, with parts of the south and west likely to have above average rainfall.

    Warmer than usual winter maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely across the state.

    Western Australia

    Winter rainfall is expected to be above average for much of the state, except for the south-west where rainfall is likely to be in the typical winter range.

    Average winter rainfall in recent decades has been between 100 and 400 mm for most of the South West Land Division with up to 600 mm in the far south-west, 50 to 100 mm in parts of the west, central and south-east, between 25 and 50 mm mid-state, and less than 10 mm in the north.

    Warmer than usual maximum and minimum winter temperatures are very likely across the state.

    South Australia

    Winter rainfall is likely to be above average for much of the state, except for the far south-east where rainfall is expected to be within the typical range for winter.

    Average winter rainfall in recent decades has been between 50 and 300 mm across the south with some coastal parts up to 400 mm, and 10 to 50 mm for the central and northern parts.

    Warmer than usual winter maximum and minimum temperatures are likely across the state.

    Tasmania

    Winter rainfall is expected to be in the typical range for much of the state.

    Warmer than usual winter maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely across the state.

    Northern Territory

    Winter rainfall is likely to be above average across the southern two-thirds of the Territory.

    Warmer than usual June to August maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely across most of the Territory.

    Autumn Preliminary Summary

    Autumn has been warmer than usual for most of Australia. Throughout much of the south and west, daytime temperatures were very much above average.

    Victoria had its warmest autumn on record, New South Wales had its second warmest, and South Australia and Western Australia had their third warmest autumn on record. Autumn has been drier than average across much of the country’s south and west.

    Slow-moving high pressure systems to the south of the continent are contributing to drier conditions in the south. This pattern has also enhanced coastal troughs off New South Wales and southern Queensland, contributing to the recent above average coastal rainfall in these states.

    Conditions have been wetter than usual for much of the east and north, with rainfall very much above average in large parts of Queensland.

    Tropical activity, including Tropical Cyclone Alfred and a low pressure trough over western Queensland, brought widespread rainfall and flooding during March and April.

    Autumn rainfall was very much below average in large parts of the south-east and the west coast. In Tasmania, autumn rainfall was the second lowest on record.

    The national summary for autumn and May will be on the Bureau’s website from 2 June. Detailed summaries for autumn and May conditions for each state, territory and capital city will be published on 4 June.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Requests Nearly $37 Million for 15 Local Projects in Fiscal Year 2026 Spending Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $36,773,695 for 15 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill. Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government.

    “My priority in shaping spending bills is to invest in Northwest Washington communities,” said Larsen. “I will continue to work closely with community leaders and stakeholders to secure critical funding to create more jobs, build better infrastructure and improve vital services residents rely on.”

    The spending bill will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $19.3 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending package, which was signed into law in March 2024.

    Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests

    Larsen requested the following earmarks to invest in Northwest Washington communities:

    Investing in a Cleaner, Greener, Safer and More Accessible Transportation System

    • Community Transit’s Bus Replacement Project: This project will enable Community Transit to purchase two battery electric buses with chargers to replace diesel buses that are beyond their expected useful life. ($3,000,000)
    • City of Lynden’s Pepin Flood, Agriculture, Salmon and Safety Transportation (FASST): This project will complete design and support construction of a new channel for Pepin Creek, and complete design and construction of the Pepin Parkway Bridge. ($2,448,000)
    • Snohomish County’s Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements: The project will improve rail shipping capability, safety, and reliability for freight and intercity passenger service at the Everett Intermodal Yard. These improvements will benefit both BNSF freight trains and Amtrak Cascades service. ($2,000,000)

    Investing in Community Services

    • City of Anacortes’ Community Event Center: The project will support final design and construction for a central event space to host large-scale tourist-oriented events, local nonprofit events and private rentals located near the Anacortes waterfront and downtown. ($3,000,000)
    • Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Food Center: This project will construct a mixed-use food center, including a community kitchen, shared farm stand, rental spaces, and gathering areas for pop-up shops, in addition to a home base for the San Juan Food Hub and local food bank. ($2,500,000)
    • City of Edmonds’ Food Bank and Community Engagement Space: This project will support an expanded facility for Edmonds Food Bank, including increased food bank space, a commercial kitchen, an urban garden and community meeting spaces. ($2,000,000)
    • City of Bellingham’s Bellingham Central Library Renovation: This project will support exterior renovation of the Bellingham Central Library, including updated windows, upgraded main and children’s entrances, and a refreshed plaza. ($2,000,000)
    • Whatcom County and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County’s (DVSAS) Douglas Building Preservation: This project will support the renovation of a building used by DVSAS to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ($1,510,295)
    • Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s Portable Radio Replacement Project: This project will support the purchase of new portable radios to replace outdated radios that are failing, allowing deputies to communicate clearly with dispatch and each other. ($600,000)
    • Orcas Senior Center’s Roof Replacement: This project will repair the failing roof of the facility, ensuring seniors can continue to access services. ($175,000)

    Investing in Education and Workforce Development

    • Edmonds College and Latino Educational Training Institute’s (LETI) Incubator for Family Success: This project will establish a comprehensive community center that includes a cultural retention and arts center, vocational school, commercial kitchen, deli-specialty store and child care circles. ($4,250,000)
    • Western Washington University’s (WWU) Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel: This project will support acquisition of a new research vessel for WWU marine and coastal science educational and research activities. ($1,490,400)

    Investing in Critical Infrastructure

    • Port of Everett’s South Marina Terminal Replacement Project: The project will replace the existing Dock 1 in the South Marina that has exceeded its useful life with a new structure that will provide greater utility capacity to serve potential small cruise and passenger ferry service. ($5,000,000)
    • Port of Edmonds’ North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction: This project will repair the Port’s seawall, which is urgently needed to protect the Port and surrounding community from flooding and extreme weather. The project will also create new public use spaces for recreational activity and replace the boardwalk to improve public access and increase economic development for the businesses on and surrounding the port. ($4,000,000)
    • Island County’s Recycling and Reuse Station: This project will build a new solid waste transfer station that will significantly enhance the efficiency of the county’s waste management processes, reducing costs for local rate payers and mitigating associated impacts to public health, safety and the environment. ($2,800,000)


    What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying

    Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz on the Bus Replacement Project: “Community Transit ensures that people of all walks of life can easily and reliably get from where they are to where they want to be. In order to live up to this mission, it’s critical that buses are maintained and replaced according to schedule. We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the Bus Replacement Project, enabling us to serve customers with lower pollution buses that benefit everyone in Snohomish County.”

    Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis on the Pepin Flood, Agriculture, Salmon and Safety Transportation (FASST) Project: “The Lynden FASST project (Flood, Agriculture, Salmon, Safety and Transportation) is a significant investment in infrastructure for the city to provide housing opportunities in what is a difficult area of the city to develop.  With the support of Representative Larsen on this project, we will continue to develop the needed infrastructure in this area of the city and provide a variety of housing types.  We greatly appreciate Representative Larsen moving this project forward and investing in Lynden.”

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers on the Everett Intermodal Yard and Curve Improvements Project: “We are grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support for this vital rail project. If we receive the funding, the renovated intermodal yard will allow us and our rail partners to continue a sustainable and low impact operation for our residents, ensuring public health and safety are prioritized.”

    Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller on the Anacortes Community Event Center project: “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Larsen for championing the Anacortes Community Event Center project. His support for this waterfront facility—developed in partnership with the Port of Anacortes—reflects a strong commitment to strengthening our community, our economy, and our shared public spaces. This proposed investment will help create a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike, and we appreciate the Congressman’s leadership in moving this vision forward.”

    Lopez Island Family Resource Center Executive Director Barbara Schultheiss on the Lopez Food Center Project: “The Lopez Food Center believes that a thriving local food system and strong economy are essential to a healthy, sustainable life here on Lopez. The construction of the food center will create a vital central gathering place—that will provide a much needed new space for the food bank; increase sales of local farm products with space for a communal farm stand and the San Juan Food Hub; creates opportunities for food businesses to grow/expand with storage, commercial kitchen and event space; and, provide critical trainings and supports for food businesses.  This shared facility will increase efficient food production and distribution and support the health and well-being of Lopez Island residents by increasing access to nutritious food and hands-on opportunities in the local food economy.”

    Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen on the Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space Project: “We greatly appreciate the leadership of Rep. Larsen to support the Edmonds Food Bank. We know that many people in our community are struggling with food insecurity, and sadly the numbers are increasing, so this funding request is vitally important.”

    Edmonds Food Bank Executive Director Casey Davis on the Edmonds Food Bank and Community Engagement Space Project: “We are incredibly grateful to Representative Larsen for continuing to advocate for our community. As the need for food assistance continues to rise and other critical funding sources are eliminated, this $2 million request is vital to help us build a new facility that meets the growing needs of the individuals we serve in a respectful and efficient way. A new food bank and community engagement space will allow us to provide not only nutritious and culturally relevant food, but also deeper connection, dignity, and resources for long-term stability for our entire community. We cannot do this alone, we need the strength of continued partnerships to make this vision a reality.”

    Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund on the Bellingham Central Library Renovation Project: “Our library is a well-loved institution that gives community members opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. We are grateful for Rep. Larsen’s request for funding, which would help us make the library more accessible, comfortable, and welcoming, especially for families and children.”

    Whatcom County Health and Community Services Co-Health Officer Dr. Amy Harley on the DVSAS Douglas Building Preservation Project: “Whatcom County Health and Community Services is pleased to support the rehabilitation of the Douglas Building, the home of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) in Bellingham. Washington. The Douglas building is used to provide critical counseling, legal support, and children’s programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation, and is an essential part of the continuum of care for this vulnerable population. The Douglas Building, however, is more than a building – it’s a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Whatcom County. Investing in its rehabilitation will ensure that DVSAS staff can continue to provide high-quality, trauma-informed care in a safe and trusted location, where individuals and families can begin the process of healing with dignity and respect.”

    Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County on the DVSAS Douglas Building Preservation Project: “Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) extends its deepest gratitude to Congressman Larsen and his team for their efforts in prioritizing funding to preserve our downtown support center. Securing this vital funding guarantees continued access to essential services for individuals experiencing domestic or sexual violence, ensuring survivors have a lifeline to safety and immediate access to crisis services. Congressman Larsen’s commitment to preserving our downtown support center ensures everyone in our community has access to safety and support, now and for years to come.”

    Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley on the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department Portable Radio Replacement Project: “Great training and bullet-proof vests aren’t all that keep our Patrol Deputies safe. Portable radios ensure deputies can communicate hazards, status and needs in the field. During the upcoming World Cup – with matches in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. – increasing traffic through Whatcom County, it is vital that radios are interoperable with international agencies. Our current portables are not. We are grateful to Congressman Rick Larsen for his support of this essential need.”

    Orcas Senior Center Board Member John Ehrmantraut on the Orcas Senior Center Roof Replacement Project: “As Chair of Orcas Senior Center, I can’t stress enough how critical it is to replace our aging roof —not just to protect the building, but to safeguard the essential services and sense of community this space provides to Orcas Island residents. This center is a cornerstone of our island community, and protecting it means protecting the people who rely on it every day.”

    Edmonds College President Dr. Amit Singh on the LETI Incubator for Family Success Project: “Edmonds College is committed to our partnership with LETI in supporting first generation immigrants and their success. This resource center will empower individuals and families by providing assistance with everything from navigating social services to pursuing higher education. I am very thankful to Representative Larsen for his ongoing support of LETI and Edmonds College.”

    Founder & CEO of Latino Educational Training Institute Rosario Reyes on the LETI Incubator for Family Success Project: “We deeply appreciate Representative Larsen’s support for LETI’s Incubator for Family Success and are grateful to Edmonds College for joining us as a vital partner in this initiative. This new center will serve as a lasting community hub for Latino and low-income families in Snohomish County—a place to celebrate culture, host life events, and access essential services. With dedicated offices and classrooms, LETI will continue advancing its mission to empower Latino families through education, business development, family health, and support for financial advancement.”

    Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa on the Shannon Point Marine Center Research Vessel Project: “Western Washington University appreciates Representative Larsen’s efforts to include funding for a new research vessel at Shannon Point Marine Center as part of the FY26 budget. If funded, this investment will significantly enhance our ability to study the Salish Sea and surrounding coastal ecosystems while expanding hands-on research opportunities for Washington’s next generation of scientists.”

    Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber on the South Marina Terminal Replacement Project: “The reconstruction of Dock 1 will bring new commercial opportunities to the Everett waterfront, including possible passenger-only ferry service and small regional cruise visits for the first time to the area. This investment in transportation infrastructure will benefit jobs and recreation, therefore investing in our economy. The Port of Everett appreciates Congressman Larsen’s support of this infrastructure investment.”

    Port of Edmonds Commission President David Preston on the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project: “We are grateful to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued support of the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project. The Port will utilize funds to advance our project into its third and final phase. Vital repairs to the marina seawall will protect the Port and the surrounding area from flooding, erosion, and storm surges. At the same time, the improvements to the Port’s boardwalk will enhance the public’s use and experience on the waterfront.”

    Chair of the Board of Island County Commissioners Jill Johnson on the Island County Recycling and Reuse Station Project: “We are incredibly grateful for Representative Larsen’s leadership and support for Island County. Federal funding for the Island County Recycling and Reuse Station will improve upon and expand the county’s waste removal and recycling capacity, directly enabling growth and increasing environmental resiliency.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces $9.6 million in Hurricane Ida, wildfire aid for Louisiana

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $9,623,017 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for the Jefferson Parish Public School System, the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

    “It’s impossible to keep Louisianians down, and our people’s response to storms like Hurricane Ida and deadly wildfires proves that. This $9.6 million will help cover Louisiana’s response to the Tiger Island and Highway 113 fires, and help with school restoration costs in Jefferson Parish,” said Kennedy.

    The FEMA aid will fund the following:

    • $3,589,728 to the Jefferson Parish Public School System for repairs to the J.D. Meisler Middle School campus due to Hurricane Ida damage.
    • $3,156,954 to the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness for emergency management costs sustained due to the Tiger Island Fire.
    • $2,876,335 to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for emergency response costs sustained due to the Highway 113 Fire.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NSW is again cleaning up after major floods. Are we veering towards the collapse of insurability?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Booth, Associate Professor of Human Geography, University of Tasmania

    Once again, large parts of New South Wales have been devastated by floods. It’s estimated 10,000 homes and businesses may have been damaged or destroyed and the Insurance Council of Australia reports more than 6,000 insurance claims have been received for the Mid North Coast and Hunter region.

    Hundreds of families are displaced. With many homes now uninhabitable, they face a uncertain future.

    As the mop-up begins, stories are emerging of households and businesses not covered by insurance, with some residents saying insurance companies were asking up to A$30,000 annually for cover.

    There are many others who are underinsured, with insurance payouts not meeting the full costs of rebuild, repair and replacement. The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the event an “insurance catastrophe”.

    The impacts of these floods reflect global trends. In 2024, there were around 60 natural disaster events that each exceeded A$1.5 billion in economic losses. Total losses worldwide reached A$650 billion.

    As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the Western world, is Australia the canary in the coalmine for a global collapse of insurance? With these types of disasters escalating in a changing climate, it is reasonable to feel – and fear – this is the case.

    An uninsurable future?

    In 1992, sociologist Ulrich Beck argued unpredictable global risks, such as climate change, would bring an end to the private insurance market, with profound effects on the modern world.

    The idea of an uninsurable future stirs up imaginings of apocalyptic landscapes – crumbling buildings, streets strewn with refuse and people eking out a living amid the rubble and ruins.

    But the reality is, as we are seeing in central NSW, it is not a future event that demands attention. Many individuals and communities are already living with an unfolding collapse of insurance affordability and availability.

    The consequences can be dire, especially for those already struggling to make ends meet.

    How are governments responding?

    Speaking on ABC radio on Thursday morning, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he would be “putting the heat” on insurance companies:

    Everyone’s going to have to do their part […] and that means insurance companies will have to step up and pay out claims quickly.

    In the lead-up to the federal election, both major parties made clear they believed insurers were “ripping off” Australians. The Coalition even proposed new emergency divestiture powers that would allow the government to break up major insurers in the case of market failure.

    But this is no solution at all, given insurance pricing and coverage is largely set by global “reinsurers”. Reinsurance is a kind of insurance coverage for insurance companies themselves – that is, policies to cover the cost of paying out claims after major disasters.

    Just ten multi-billion dollar companies control 70% of the reinsurance market.

    Who should bear rising costs?

    Insurers, led by the Insurance Council of Australia, are pushing for a Flood Defence Fund and retrofitting homes for disaster resilience, paid for by governments and households.

    These ideas might seem logical. But they draw attention away from a thriving industry and regulations and policies aimed at making insurance more affordable and effective for ordinary people.

    In places like Australia, the increasing cost of insurance cuts across all types, with the largest rises coming in home, vehicle, and employers’ liability insurance.

    Many insurers are reporting healthy profits. Globally, the sector is experiencing “exceptionally strong growth”.

    Over the three years to 2024, revenue from premiums in the insurance sector increased by over 21% globally – a “whopping” rise, according to the finance corporation Allianz.

    Where to from here?

    The insurance sector will continue to grow – and profit – until it no longer can due to climate change and other pressures.

    But it is not a future crash of insurers that should be of primary concern. It is the real-time collapse of insurance for households, businesses and communities.

    As this collapse of insurance unfolds, it is largely left to households and communities to take action and build resilience.

    Examples include squatters taking possession of flood-damaged vacant homes in Lismore and, when combined with the housing crisis, the growth in informal housing and settlements on the fringes of major population centres.

    These are desperate responses. But they are also realistic, given governments and insurers are failing to reverse this trending collapse.

    What else we could do

    After each major disaster event comes a rise in insurance costs and a withdrawal of insurance coverage. To avoid being a canary in the coalmine, Australia urgently needs government intervention in the insurance industry – an industry very resistant to such intervention.

    To ensure everyone is adequately covered when disaster strikes, this could come in the form of an equitable and affordable public insurance scheme.

    As more Australians lose the ability to insure themselves, governments must also address growing structural inequality that is undermining social cohesion and our capacity for collective resilience.



    Read more:
    Underinsurance is entrenching poverty as the vulnerable are hit hardest by disasters

    Kate Booth receives funding from the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet – Grant-Disaster Ready Fund. She is affiliated with Just Collapse – an activist platform dedicated to socio-ecological justice in unfolding, irreversible global collapse.

    – ref. NSW is again cleaning up after major floods. Are we veering towards the collapse of insurability? – https://theconversation.com/nsw-is-again-cleaning-up-after-major-floods-are-we-veering-towards-the-collapse-of-insurability-257715

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Statement on Revised State Revenue Forecast

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Statement on Revised State Revenue Forecast

    Governor Stein Statement on Revised State Revenue Forecast
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on the Consensus Forecasting Group’s revised consensus general fund revenue forecast:

    “This nonpartisan report confirms our concerns about the fiscal cliff the state faces if we do not take action to address future revenue shortfalls. State revenues for the two fiscal years ahead are predicted to be lower than what was expected in February: $218 million for FY 2025-26 and $222 million for the fiscal year after that. Slower revenue growth means fewer state dollars to invest in keeping people safe, educating our young people, and providing other important public services.

    “This news comes in the midst of an uncertain economy and federal budget pressures that may put funding for critical resources including Medicaid and SNAP in jeopardy. It also comes as we find ourselves on the hook for even more Hurricane Helene recovery expenses. That’s why I proposed freezing tax rates where they are. While the House rejects my proposal and keeps the tax cuts in law, it did create more fiscally prudent triggers that must be satisfied before the cuts go into effect. I call upon the Senate budget writers to follow suit. We need to balance our books, not bury our heads in the sand.” 

    May 29, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Hurricane Season, Welch Leads 14 Colleagues in Urging Trump Administration to Reinstate Terminated Employees at NWS, NOAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 14 of his colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to swiftly reinstate terminated employees at the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. In their letter, the Senators emphasized that staff reductions at both agencies pose a threat to public safety and emergency preparedness by undercutting essential forecasting and weather monitoring systems. The Senators requested information on how the administration plans to address staffing at both agencies. 
    NWS maintains 122 weather forecast offices across the United States which are responsible for providing 24/7 weather monitoring and forecasts. The NWS Forecast Office in Burlington, Vermont, is vital to providing Vermonters with information on how to prepare for and protect their families from flooding and extreme weather events. The Department of Commerce is reportedly planning to eliminate an additional 1,000 staff from NOAA, including at NWS, in the coming weeks. These cuts, combined with current staffing constraints, could reduce the NWS workforce by 15% just months into 2025. 
    “NWS would be unable to provide accurate and timely forecasts without sufficient staffing levels at weather forecast offices nationwide. In addition to daily forecasting operations, weather forecast offices are responsible for issuing emergency weather warnings ahead of events such as major floods, wildfire hazards, hurricanes, and blizzard conditions,” wrote the Senators. “As the frequency and severity of such disasters increase, maintaining NWS’s real-time forecasting operations is essential to saving lives and reducing the cost of recovery for disaster-affected communities.” 
    The Senators continued: “NWS employees and the programs they support are essential to the safety of the millions of Americans impacted by storms and disasters each year. On February 27, 2025, 108 probationary NWS employees were terminated, adding to the 170 staff who accepted the Administration’s ‘deferred resignation’ plan earlier that month. These staffing cuts are already impacting NWS services, forcing NWS to halt weather balloon launches in New York, Maine, and Alaska that provide daily weather data to meteorologists at weather forecast offices across the country.”  
    “As we head into hurricane season, 30 weather forecast offices are without a meteorologist-in-charge, one is completely without any managers at all, and nearly a dozen are preparing to shut down 24/7 services without immediate action to address shortages,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to reassess the staffing needs at NOAA and NWS and reinstate terminated probationary employees swiftly.” 
    The Senators requested answers to the following questions: 

    How many of the NWS regional weather forecast offices were impacted by terminations or deferred resignations since January 20, 2025? Please provide a list of affected offices, including how many staff departed and how many remain.  
    With reports of at least one weather forecast office in Goodland, Kansas stopping 24/7 operations due to staffing shortages, how do the Department of Commerce and NOAA plan to maintain continued 24/7 operation of forecasting offices without requiring excessive overtime hours from staff?  
    With a requested budget cut of $1.311 billion for NOAA’s overall budget, and a $209 million cut for NWS procurement of weather satellites and infrastructure9, how does the Department of Commerce and NOAA plan to ensure adequate staffing and preparedness in the midst of worsening storm seasons, increasing heat waves, and changing weather patterns? 
    As NWS employees are critical to public safety, especially heading into hurricane season, will the Department of Commerce grant an exemption to the hiring freeze to fill these crucial positions? 

    In addition to Senator Welch, the letter was cosigned by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). 
    Read the full text of the letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Acting Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Laura Grimm. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Budd Applauds Trump Administration for Postponing Closure of Blue Ridge Parkway to Prioritize WNC Recovery

    US Senate News:

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

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced postponing full closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Blowing Rock and Beacon Heights, until 2026 to accommodate for community recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.

    “Communities in Western North Carolina were hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and as we begin to rebuild, closing the Blue Ridge Parkway at this juncture would only set us back. The Parkway serves as a lifeline to small businesses and recreation access across the Appalachian Region — bringing tourists, supporting local businesses, and keeping our economy moving. I’m grateful the Trump administration recognized our state’s needs following a letter I sent last month. This is the right decision to prioritize the near-term recovery of our region while still ensuring the resurfacing project is completed in the future,” said Senator Budd.

    Read the full text of the letter from the Trump administration HERE.

    Background

    In April 2025, Senator Budd was joined by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, requesting DOI to consider options to delay the resurfacing of the Blue Ridge Parkway until after the peak 2025 recreation season. Read the full text of the letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $9.6 Million for Hurricane Ida Repairs, Fire Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $9,623,017.01 from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in reimbursement for permanent school repairs and fire suppression efforts following Hurricane Ida and recent wildfires.
    “When disaster strikes, whether it’s a hurricane or a wildfire, Louisianans stand together. This funding supports the schools and first responders that anchor our communities,” said Dr. Cassidy.

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $3,589,727.97
    Jefferson Parish Public School System
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to J.D. Meisler Middle School as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $3,156,954.41
    Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness
    This grant will provide federal funding for fire suppression measures during the Tiger Island Fire.

    $2,876,334.63
    Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
    This grant will provide federal funding for fire suppression efforts during the Highway 113 Fire.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB Global and Kazakhstan Housing Company sign accord to promote energy-efficient homes in country.
    • Agreement comes in wake of first EU-Central Asia summit. 
    • The company will also benefit from technical assistance provided under the joint EIB and GIZ initiative, FELICITY II. 

    The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and state-owned Kazakhstan Housing Company JSC are teaming up to increase the number of energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Kazakhstan.

    EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris and Altay Kuzdibayev, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan Housing Company, signed a memorandum of understanding today in the Kazakh capital Astana for financing to build energy-efficient homes.    

    “We will work closely with Kazakhstan Housing Company to explore financing opportunities for housing projects that meet high energy-efficiency standards,” said EIB Vice-President Kakouris. “The agreement reflects a commitment by the European Union and the bank to deepening our strategic partnership with central Asia. Contributing to the sustainable future of the region through initiatives like this one is a high priority for us.”

    This new accord is part of an initiative – FELICITY II Cities Advisory Facility – undertaken jointly by the EIB and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany to support low-carbon investments in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia.  

    “Improving people’s quality of life and developing a modern, comfortable urban environment are the key priorities of Kazakhstan Housing Company. Signing a memorandum with EIB Global is an important step in the implementation of long-term international cooperation initiatives that are in line with both national priorities and global climate challenges. We are confident that this partnership will contribute to the formation of a new standard of housing and the development of sustainable and energy efficient housing projects in Kazakhstan,” said Kazakhstan Housing Company Management Board Chairman Kuzdibayev.

    The memorandum of understanding builds on the first EU-Central Asia summit held in April 2025, when government leaders pledged to strengthen ties between the two regions. During the summit, EIB Global announced plans to expand its strategic investments in sustainable development across central Asia.

    GIZ, which was represented at today’s signing event in Astana, , in cooperation with the German Energy Agency (dena) will offer technical assistance to Kazakhstan Housing Company under FELICITY II.

    Cooperation between the EIB and Kazakhstan Housing Company creates a real opportunity to accelerate the low-carbon transformation of Kazakhstan’s building sector, which accounts for a third of the country’s energy use,” said GIZ Project Director André Fabian. “It will also stimulate the market for energy-efficient construction and foster the uptake of innovative technologies and services.” The signing took place during the Astana International Forum, an annual conference that promotes global dialogue and attracts leaders of governments, international organisations, businesses and academic institutions. At the Forum, EIB Vice-President Kakouris participated in panel discussions on water security, global trade and climate action.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

    Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here

    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
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    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
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    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The path to resilience: Alfred Nzo municipality’s journey

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, characterized by its rural landscapes and environmental vulnerability, is quietly undergoing a transformation. With rising threats from floods, wildfires, droughts, and even snowstorms, the district’s leadership has embarked on a journey to equip its local institutions with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to prevent hazards from becoming disasters.

    From 6 to 8 May 2025, over 50 local government officials and stakeholders participated in the Urban Risk-Informed Development Planning and Making Cities Resilient workshop. Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with Alfred Nzo District Municipality and funded through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Resilience Initiative Africa, the workshop advanced the efforts towards achieving the Sendai Framework target E: substantially increasing the number of local DRR strategies by 2030.

    From Global Framework to Local Action

    Alfred Nzo has made notable strides. “We’ve developed a Climate Change Response Plan, Environmental Management Framework, and ecosystem-based projects focused on water conservation, invasive species control, and rangeland restoration,” said Zola Mbuyana, Assistant Manager for Environmental Management and Water Quality. 

    Learning by Doing: From Theory to Action 

    Local government officials explored how to align local planning with national policy and the Sendai Framework. The Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative provides specific tools, such as the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and the Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient, designed specifically to support local governments in aligning strategies with global DRR commitments. The preliminary assessments revealed key strengths, such as the existence of a Disaster Management Centre and a climate change strategy. However, gaps remain, such as the lack of dedicated disaster risk management units in the four local municipalities, poor coordination among stakeholders, and limited budget allocations.

      Prioritizing What Matters

    “This workshop marks a step toward ensuring local governments like Alfred Nzo lead from the front in risk-informed development,” said Ms. Isabel Njihia, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR. “The Scorecard is not a performance audit but a practical guide for identifying priority actions and aligning local efforts with global resilience targets.” Understanding local risk in Alfred Nzo, including flood patterns, wildfire zones, and snowstorm vulnerabilities, was emphasized as critical to developing relevant solutions. Emphasis was placed on community engagement, indigenous knowledge, and local leadership as pillars of sustainable DRR strategies.

    “We cannot stop the floods or droughts from coming, but we can ensure our communities are prepared, our infrastructure is resilient, and our response systems are ready before disaster strikes,” Mduduzi Mkhalane, Deputy Director Health Programmes

    Building a Blueprint for Resilience

    By the final day, the officials moved from diagnosis to creating a draft DRR Action Plan rooted in local risks and realities. This plan promotes a phased, multi-sectoral approach, with clear indicators for progress and defined roles across departments. Some key priorities for action include establishing dedicated DRM units in all local municipalities, conducting multi-hazard infrastructure audits and mainstreaming DRM into urban design and development and developing a Post-Disaster Recovery Framework.

    Toward a Resilient Future

    What emerged from the Alfred Nzo workshop was more than a plan – it was a shared commitment. Local leaders recognized that resilience is a continuous process, requiring learning, investment, and inclusive governance. The plan calls for the engagement of NGOs, private sector actors, traditional leaders, and marginalized groups, affirming the principle of leaving no one behind, embedded in both the Sendai Framework and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Alfred Nzo District Municipality now has a draft roadmap, built on evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. With the guidance of UNDRR and the support of GIZ’s Resilience Initiative Africa, the next phase will be crucial: finalizing, endorsing, and implementing the DRR Action Plan with appropriate institutional backing and funding. Continued intersectoral cooperation, community awareness, and adequate funding will be vital. This journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: in Alfred Nzo, the principles of the Sendai Framework are not just ideals – they are being translated into action.

    Explore the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative at mcr2030.undrr.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Drought declared in north-west of England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Drought declared in north-west of England

    Many reservoirs in the region are at historic low levels for the time of year

    The Environment Agency has declared drought status for the north-west of England following the driest start to spring in 69 years.

    River flows have been declining along with groundwater levels due to the dry March, April and start of May.

    Reservoir storage levels in the region are also receding and are currently lower than they were at this time during the 1984, 1995 and 2022 drought years.

    The recent rain, while welcome, is not enough to reverse the dry start to the year and expected hotter weather in the coming weeks is set to exacerbate the situation.

    The decision by the EA to move into drought status sees the regulator increase their operational response while ensuring water companies step up the actions agreed in their drought plans.

    This includes fixing leaks, communicating with customers and supporting them to reduce demand, and submitting drought permits to take more water, as needed. These actions if taken in a timely manner will help preserve supplies for people and the environment.

    In the North West, the EA continues to work to ensure United Utilities acts in accordance with their drought plan.

    Although the North-west has experienced a dry start to the year, it is a mixed picture in other parts of England. The Environment Agency and Defra ministers will convene a meeting of the National Drought Group on 5 June to assess the situation across the country and ensure that water companies are enacting their drought plans to conserve water supplies.

    Andy Brown, Water Regulation Manager at the Environment Agency said:

    Drought is a naturally occurring phenomenon. As we see more impacts from climate change heavier rainfall and drier summers will become more frequent. This poses an enormous challenge over the next few decades.

    Despite the rain over the weekend levels remain low and we are encouraging people to be aware of the impacts of drought as we enter the summer period.

    With further unsettled periods and rainfall over the coming weeks we will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement our Drought Plan.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency.

    I’m doing everything in my power to hold United Utilities to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region.

    The government is taking decisive action to secure our water supply for the decades to come. That’s why we are building 9 new reservoirs and upgrading pipes to cut leakage by 17%.

    Periods of dry weather and low rivers can have several environmental consequences such as deoxygenating water. This can lead to fish kills, as well as more algal blooms and diminished river flow that prevents wildlife from moving up or downstream. 

    The Environment Agency is encouraging the public to report environmental incidents to their 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

    Defra announced today that the Environment Secretary was stepping in to speed up delivery for the first two major reservoirs since the 1990s as part of government action to secure our water supply for future generations.

    Further information

    A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows and moisture in the soil along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts.  Droughts are often long-term events, starting as far back as the previous Autumn with effects felt throughout the following seasons. Declaring drought status enables the Environment Agency to plan, deliver and manage actions in drought plans.

    However, there is no single definition for drought, so while it’s caused by a period of low rainfall, the nature, timing and impacts on people, the environment, agriculture or business will vary. Some droughts are short and intense like a hot, dry summer, while others are long and take time to develop over multiple seasons.

    Read more here: Drought explained – Creating a better place

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft reaches key milestones of its 2030 sustainability goals

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft reaches key milestones of its 2030 sustainability goals

    Today, Microsoft published its 2025 Environmental Sustainability Report. This report covers our fiscal year 2024, and measures progress against our 2020 baseline. You can read the foreword below and explore the report in its entirety here.

    As Microsoft continues to grow and innovate, our commitment to environmental sustainability remains a core value. This year, we reflect on our progress towards our ambitious 2030 goals: to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste, while protecting ecosystems. As we enter the second half of the decade, Microsoft remains steadfast in our dedication to achieving the company’s 2030 environmental sustainability commitments.

    Since we announced our goals in 2020, we have made meaningful progress while seeing major changes in both the technology sector and in our understanding of what it will take to meet our goals. We are learning as we go, and we are proactively working to address sustainability challenges and accelerate solutions. We remain resolute in our commitment not only to meeting our climate goals but also to empowering others with the technology they need to build a more sustainable future.

    At the heart of our approach is an understanding that sustainability is not simply a set of isolated initiatives, but a fundamental principle that must be integrated into every aspect of our business. Our cross-company Climate Council brings together leaders from across Microsoft to drive innovation, accelerate progress, and identify ways to build sustainability into our operations, products, and partnerships.

    We remain pragmatically optimistic because of the promise of new sustainability technologies, innovations in AI, and market solutions that are emerging which can accelerate progress across challenging sectors like steel, concrete, and energy transitions. This annual report is our opportunity to share our learnings to help accelerate these markets, be transparent about our progress, and explore how we can ultimately scale solutions across our value chain.

    We are sharing details about the progress made in each of our core commitment areas: carbon negative, water positive, zero waste, and protecting ecosystems. Our report also highlights a number of our breakthrough innovations, drawing insights from the leading edge of climate innovation.

    Our progress

    In 2020, Microsoft made bold sustainability commitments. At this halfway point to our 2030 goals, we are reaching key milestones and making progress that includes:

    • Ecosystems. In 2022, we met our target of protecting more land than we use by 2025, a target we’ve since exceeded by more than 30%. AI innovation is now driving biodiversity conservation through research efforts led by the AI for Good Lab and tools like the Microsoft Planetary Computer.
    • Zero waste. We exceeded our annual target to divert 75% of construction and demolition waste six years early by diverting 85% of this waste in FY24. We have also surpassed our target for our reuse and recycling rate for servers and components, reaching 90.9%. The Surface Copilot+ PCs now feature our most sustainable packaging design yet. Packaging from over 30,000 server racks was processed through recycling programs in FY24—diverting over 2,500 metric tons of waste from landfills.
    • Water positive. We met our target to provide more than 1.5 million people with clean water and sanitation solutions. We are also on track to replenish more water than we consume across global operations and improve datacenter water use efficiency, including through a new innovative datacenter design that optimizes AI workloads and consumes zero water for cooling to avoid the use of an estimated 125,000 cubic meters annually per facility.
    • Carbon negative. To date, we have contracted 34 gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free electricity (CFE) across 24 countries, about an eighteenfold increase since 2020. We have also entered long-term agreements to procure nearly 30 million metric tons of carbon removal since the start of this program.

    Carbon negative: a marathon, not a sprint

    As we remain focused on sustained progress towards our 2030 goals, it has become clear that our journey towards being carbon negative is a marathon, not a sprint. While our total emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) have increased by 23.4% compared to our 2020 baseline due to growth-related factors such as AI and cloud expansion, we are encouraged by the fact that this increase has been modest compared to the 168% increase in energy use and 71% revenue growth that has taken place over the same period.

    For Microsoft to be carbon negative by 2030, we will need to reduce our value chain emissions. Starting with our direct operational emissions, as we shared earlier this year, since 2012 our carbon strategy has included a combination of procuring environmental attributes leveraging our corporate carbon fee and overall carbon emissions reduction efforts. This enabled us to decrease our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 29.9% from our 2020 baseline in FY24. At the same time, as we shift away from procuring non-additional environmental attribute certificates, we recognize that we must also bring more carbon-free electricity onto the grids where we operate.

    We are also implementing strategies to reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 2030, which increased in FY24 by 26% from our 2020 baseline. We are prioritizing addressing these emissions through supplier engagement programs including establishing standards via our Supplier Code of Conduct. Through the latter, select large-scale Microsoft suppliers are required to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity for their delivered goods and services as well as forthcoming guidance, launching in July, to target usage of sustainable aviation fuel, where possible, for Microsoft business-related air travel by 2030. We also remain committed to developing and supporting innovative solutions to reduce emissions from key datacenter and operational inputs including building materials, chips, and fuels, focusing on long-term solutions over short-term stopgaps. To do this, we have been adapting our strategies to use new sustainability technologies and address the challenges of expanding energy demand.

    We see significant progress in several key areas, demonstrating potential for global impact:

    Powering operations with carbon-free electricity (CFE):

    In 2024, Microsoft contracted 19 GW of new renewable energy across 16 countries through power purchase agreements (PPAs), which are central to our carbon reduction strategy, driving down our Scope 2 emissions. Microsoft has taken a first-mover approach to making long-term investments to bring more CFE online.

    We continue to advocate for expanding clean energy solutions globally to support not only our power needs but also those of our supply chain. We are addressing challenges with permitting, interconnection delays, and fluctuating interest rates by innovating through circularity and contracting. For example, we signed groundbreaking PPAs with Engie requiring that 100% of photovoltaic modules will be reused or recycled.

    Transforming datacenters and campuses:

    In FY24, we launched our first datacenters constructed with mass timber, a strong, ultra-lightweight wood in a hybrid construction model. This approach is projected to reduce the embodied carbon footprint of these new datacenters by up to 65% compared to typical precast concrete. We also doubled our rate of power savings and are transitioning from traditional air-cooled datacenters to chip-level liquid cooling designs at all owned datacenters. As the World Economic Forum highlighted in Innovation and Adaptation in the Climate Crisis, “Data-driven and digital technologies are uniquely suited to build adaptive capacity.”

    We believe technology can be a powerful tool to address some of society’s toughest challenges, including environmental sustainability. As demand for AI and cloud services grows, we are advancing how we design, build, and operate our datacenters and campuses. Decarbonizing the built environment is a crucial element in this process.

    Accelerating carbon removal initiatives:

    In FY24, Microsoft signed long-term agreements to procure more carbon removal than all previous years combined, achieving nearly 22 million metric tons in contracts for carbon removal. We are committed to helping build the markets we buy from, translating leading science into commercial innovation and regularly updating our Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal. We also know we cannot accelerate this market alone, which is why we co-founded the Symbiosis Coalition with industry partners. The Symbiosis Coalition is targeting up to 20 million metric tons of high-quality, nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030.

    Improving operational efficiency and logistics:

    In FY24, among facilities that manufacture devices for Microsoft, we saw a tenfold increase over the previous year in transitions to 100% CFE. This was accomplished, in part, by partnering with 3Degrees to launch the Supplier REach portal to support suppliers making their CFE transition. Our drive to reduce datacenter emissions extends to transforming the logistics operations of these facilities.

    Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, Microsoft continues to reduce emissions across transportation, warehousing, and the broader logistics supply chain, setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and environmental impact. We adopted alternative fuels and electric vehicles to reduce emissions, collaborating with several leading logistics service providers (LSPs).

    Renewable diesel is now in use in our road freight operations in Europe and California, cutting emissions by 50% for these shipments while keeping existing equipment in use. We also have partnered with airlines and shipping lines to expand the use of sustainable aviation and marine fuels. These efforts have reduced emissions by over 17,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, comparable to avoiding the combustion of nearly 40,000 barrels of oil.[1]

    Accelerating global solutions

    At Microsoft, we understand that driving meaningful sustainability progress goes beyond our own practices and requires global collaboration, investment, and innovation. Across our operations, we are working to empower customers, build impactful partnerships, and invest in breakthrough solutions that drive progress worldwide.

    • Investing in innovation: A hallmark of this effort has been our Climate Innovation Fund (CIF)—our $1 billion commitment set in 2020 to advance innovation beyond Microsoft’s four walls. To date, CIF has made significant investments in innovative climate technologies including commercial direct air capture technologies, sustainable aviation fuel, industrial decarbonization, and more. CIF has invested over $793 million in capital in new climate technologies, expanding to 63 investments across CFE, sustainable fuels, carbon removal, and advanced building materials.
    • Empowering customers: We help customers and organizations centralize, analyze, and act on their data with AI-powered platforms for advanced analytics and reporting insights. For example, the Howden Resilience Laboratory supported by Microsoft and our Planetary Computer uses technology and data platforms to help investors understand climate risks to critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and contribute to better-informed investment decisions.
    • Partnering for impact: Partnering to scale our impact is a critical component of our sustainability efforts. Today GitHub fosters a thriving community that is home to over 150 million developers and 60,000 climate-focused open-source projects, advancing climate technology, greener software, and device sustainability. Xbox has made significant investments not only to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production of our devices, accessories, and console packaging, but also to reduce the energy usage of the console itself. For example, Xbox became the first console to release a dedicated energy consumption and carbon emissions measurement tool designed for game creators.
    • Accelerating AI for sustainability: Our AI for Good Lab, sustainability science, and research teams collaborate globally to accelerate solutions and develop climate resilience with AI. For example, we have partnered with the United Nations to apply AI to climate challenges through programs like the Early Warnings for All initiative, which seeks to better understand which populations may be at risk of extreme weather events and other threats. By sharing our progress, tools, and learnings with the world, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation, improve overall operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and find new solutions with long-term results.

    Sustained momentum and future impact

    There is no issue today that connects everyone on the planet more than climate change. As we strive to build a more sustainable future, we remain inspired by the dedication of our employees and partners and committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

    While the road to a sustainable future is challenging and not linear, we are encouraged by the progress we have made in FY24. By strategically focusing on CFE, carbon removal, water stewardship, waste reduction, and ecosystem protection, we are building an efficient, sustainable engine that drives us closer to our commitments.

    We encourage you to read further to learn more about our progress and learnings across all of these areas, and we look forward to engaging in continued dialogue as we learn and develop new ways to help us meet our goals. We will continue to adapt our strategies, utilize emerging sustainability markets, and scale innovative technologies for even greater impact.

    We recognize that achieving our ambitious goals requires sustained momentum, and we are dedicated to driving that momentum forward.

    [1] This estimate is calculated based on the EPA estimate of the typical passenger vehicle emitting 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

    Tags: Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability Report, Microsoft Sustainability Manager, sustainability

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Washington, May 29, 2025

    ATLANTA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today secured a 24-month extension for the state of Georgia to use funds allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to rebuild following the destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Matthew.


    The extension period will be used to complete five open projects related to Hurricane Matthew and eight open projects related to Hurricane Irma.


    “The state of Georgia has faced extreme natural disasters, causing damage statewide that cannot be rebuilt overnight. I’m proud to have secured additional time for Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency to continue rebuilding our state so that it is better prepared for future storms. The progress that’s already been made has been tremendous, and there is more work to be done to ensure that we are ready the next time a Hurricane strikes,”     said Rep. Carter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    This report highlights notable trends in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States in 2024, based on preliminary data.

    U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions declined overall by less than 1%, or 23 million metric tons (MMmt), in 2024. Among end-use sectors, the most notable decreases occurred in the residential and industrial sectors. Lower residential sector emissions were mostly due to decreases in consumption of natural gas and petroleum products primarily associated with space heating—mainly propane and distillate fuel oil. Decreases in industrial-sector emissions were associated with reduced manufacturing.

    Emissions from the commercial, transportation, and electric power sectors remained relatively unchanged but are discussed in greater detail in later sections.

    Table 1. Total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by sector, 2020–2024
    million metric tons of carbon dioxide
    Sector 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
    Residential 303 313 340 325 319
    Commercial 247 249 260 245 233
    Industrial 947 962 960 977 953
    Transportation 1,848 1,851 1,842 1,807 1,630
    Electric power 1,427 1,421 1,539 1,553 1,450
    Total 4,772 4,795 4,940 4,906 4,585
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, March 2025, Tables 11.1–11.6
    Note: Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

    Figure data

    Electric power emissions remained flat as decreasing CO2 from coal generation offset increasing CO2 from natural gas

    CO2 emissions from the electric power sector remained mostly flat in 2024, increasing by less than 1% (6 MMmt). Although overall electricity generation increased by 3%, or 122 terawatthours (TWh), in 2024, changes in generation sources resulted in sectoral CO2 emissions remaining near 2023 levels. Specifically:

    • CO2 emissions from coal-fired generation decreased by 3% (24 MMmt), but:
      • CO2 emissions from natural gas-fired generation increased by 4% (31 MMmt)
    • Coal-fired electricity generation fell by 3% (22 TWh), but:
      • Natural gas generation increased by 3% (59 TWh)
      • Solar generation increased by 32% (53 TWh)
      • Wind generation increased by 8% (32 TWh)

    Although growth in natural gas-fired generation exceeded reductions in coal-fired generation, CO2 emissions did not increase as much because natural gas emits less CO2 per kilowatthour than coal when combusted.

    Figure data

    Warmer late-winter and early-spring weather led to lower residential sector emissions

    Residential sector CO2 emissions declined 3% (10 MMmt) in 2024, as demand for heating decreased with relatively warm weather during late-winter and early-spring months. U.S. population-weighted heating degree days (HDDs), a measure of how cold a location is, decreased by 3% last year. Consequently, consumption of natural gas, propane, and distillate fuel oil declined, which are all key fuels in residential space heating.

    Warmer weather also led to increased demand for space cooling during warmer months. Cooling degree days (CDDs), a measure of how hot a location is, increased by 10% in 2024. However, unlike space heating, space cooling relies on electricity rather than direct use of fuels. As summer temperatures increased relative to 2023, residential sector electricity use rose. Annual purchases of electricity increased by 3%, and emissions associated with residential electricity consumption increased by 1% (5 MMmt). Overall, total residential sector emissions were lower because the decline in CO2 emissions from lower heating fuel consumption outweighed increases associated with cooling demand.

    Weather-related impacts on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the commercial sector mirrored the residential sector but to a lesser extent. Commercial sector emissions remained effectively flat in 2024, decreasing by only 2 MMmt, as a result of lower natural gas and petroleum consumption.

    Figure data

    Industrial CO2 emissions decreased in 2024 as industrial production growth slowed

    CO2 emissions from the U.S. industrial sector decreased by 1% (14 MMmt) in 2024. Decreased emissions were mostly related to a 15% (7 MMmt) decrease in petroleum coke consumption and a 6% (5 MMmt) decrease in coal consumption. Declining emissions from these fuels is associated with minor declines in industrial activity, such as manufacturing of primary metals.

    Figure data

    Transportation sector emissions remain unchanged as increased consumption of some petroleum products offset decreases in others

    U.S. transportation sector emissions remained virtually unchanged in 2024. CO2 emissions from motor gasoline and jet fuel increased slightly, following the trend from 2023, but were more than offset by decreases in CO2 emissions from distillate fuel oil.

    CO2 emissions from motor gasoline increased by less than 1% (3 MMmt) in 2024. Despite steady increases in vehicle miles traveled, motor gasoline emissions have generally declined modestly over the last 20 years (Figure 5). These decreases in motor gasoline emissions are mostly due to higher vehicle fuel economy standards and, to a lesser extent, increased deployment of electric vehicles. Jet fuel emissions increased by 3% (7 MMmt) in 2024, mostly associated with increased air travel.

    Higher motor gasoline and jet fuel emissions were more than offset by declining emissions from distillate fuel oil, which fell by 3% (15 MMmt) in 2024. Distillate consumption declined because on-road diesel vehicles consumed less and, to a lesser extent, conventional diesel fuel was substituted for renewable diesel.

    Figure data

    We based our analysis of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in this report on data published in our Monthly Energy Review (MER). This initial analysis is based on preliminary 2024 data first published in the March 2025 edition of the MER. These values are subject to change as final data are published from underlying sources, according to source data revision policies and publication schedules. We expect relatively minor differences between the preliminary and revised estimates based on past years (Table 2). Supplemental analysis, figures from past reports, and a discussion of the methodology and terminology used in this report are available in the Appendix.

    Table 2. Preliminary and revised U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions estimates, 2018–2023
    Year Preliminary CO2 estimates
    (million metric tons)    		 Revised CO2 estimates
    (million metric tons)    		 Difference
    (million metric tons)    		 Percentage difference
    2018 5,274 5,269 -5 -0.1%
    2019 5,138 5,149 11 0.2%
    2020 4,571 4,575 4 0.1%
    2021 4,870 4,904 34 0.7%
    2022 4,970 4,941 -29 -0.6%
    2023 4,807 4,791 -16 -0.3%
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, Tables 11.1–11.6, March and September editions, 2019–2024

    Emissions values and analysis presented in this report pertain only to U.S. CO2 emissions associated with fossil-fuel combustion and non-combustion applications of energy products (for example, as industrial feedstocks). We do not include estimates of CO2 emissions outside this scope or other greenhouse gas emissions burned or released in production, extraction, or distribution of energy products. Our approach may result in discrepancies between our emissions estimates and those of other organizations, including other U.S. government agencies.

    In addition to historical estimates, we also offer short-term forecasts and long-term projections of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in several other data products. You can find a short-term forecast of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions and key drivers in our monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook, which includes monthly forecasts by fuel source currently through the end of 2026 and the latest estimates of the effects of recent events on energy markets and energy-related CO2 emissions. We publish long-term U.S. emissions projections in our Annual Energy Outlook, which provides annual projections of energy-related CO2 emissions by fuel source, sector, and end use through 2050. Projections of international energy-related CO2 emissions through 2050 are available in our International Energy Outlook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Climate change: no reprieve from heat this decade as globally agreed 1.5°C limit looms

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Temperature limits the world agreed to avoid are looming into view.

    The global temperature has been 1.5°C hotter than the pre-industrial average for almost two years now. The reason, overwhelmingly, is that greenhouse gas emissions are at record highs from the burning of fossil fuels and forests.

    In a new analysis, the World Meteorological Organization has predicted that global average warming will remain above 1.5°C for the rest of this decade. By some measure, this would place the world nearly halfway to the lower limit of the Paris agreement, which urged countries to avoid warming of 1.5°C as a 20-year average.

    Exceeding a globally agreed temperature limit is scary. Perhaps scarier is the speed at which we appear to be breaking our promises.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Half a year of record heat

    After 2024 was confirmed as the hottest in 175 years of temperature-keeping, some climate scientists expected 2025 to be cooler. El Niño, the warm phase in a natural cycle of Earth’s climate, was subsiding and the cooler La Niña was set to kick in.

    This climate fluctuation, centred on the Pacific Ocean, slowly sloshes water and heat between ocean basins every few years and disrupts weather patterns worldwide.

    “Typically, La Niña will lower the global temperature by a couple of tenths of a degree Celsius,” explains Richard P Allan, a professor of climate science at the University of Reading. “However, this time around, it’s apparently not enough to stop the world warming – even temporarily.”



    Read more:
    Record January heat suggests La Niña may be losing its ability to keep global warming in check

    January 2025 was the hottest on record – a whole 1.7°C hotter than an average January before the mass burning of coal, oil and gas. Allan argues that “human-driven ocean warming is increasingly overwhelming these natural climate patterns”.

    The ocean has absorbed most of the excess heat generated by our emissions, but this blue buffer between us and a hotter atmosphere shows signs of fraying. A research station that has been taking the temperature of the western English Channel for more than 120 years now reports “almost continuous marine heatwave” conditions according to oceanographer Tim Smyth of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.



    Read more:
    What a 120-year-old research station is telling us about the warming of the sea around the UK

    A record-hot Atlantic Ocean is bad news for people living in the Caribbean and the south-east of North America. In its latest forecast for the 2025 hurricane season, which begins on June 1, the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an “above average” number of cyclonic storms.

    Much of this elevated risk is due to warmer seawater at the ocean surface fuelling stronger storms. But there’s only so much that meteorologists can do to stay ahead of the warming climate, as the rapid rate of global heating stretches long-range forecasting to its breaking point.



    Read more:
    The climate is changing so fast that we haven’t seen how bad extreme weather could get

    “The rapidly changing climate means we have not necessarily experienced the extremes that modern-day atmospheric and oceanic warmth can produce,” say atmospheric scientist Simon H Lee (University of St Andrews), climate scientist Hayley J Fowler and meteorologist Paul Davies (both of Newcastle University).

    “In a stable climate, scientists would have multiple decades for the atmosphere to get into its various configurations and drive extreme events, such as heatwaves, floods or droughts,” they say. Scientists typically use weather observations gathered over 30-year periods to characterise the climate.

    “But in our rapidly changing climate, we effectively have only a few years – not enough to experience everything the climate has to offer.”

    How hot will it get?

    Compared with its average temperature in the latter half of the 19th century, which is what scientists typically refer to as the climate’s pre-industrial baseline, Earth is on track to be 2.7°C hotter by 2100, according to an annual report by leading experts of Earth system science, published in October 2024.

    This conclusion is based on governments meeting their emissions goals (a big if) and it may already be out of date, given the unexpectedly hot first half of 2025.

    Fossil fuel emissions have yet to reach a plateau.
    Sunshine Seeds/Shutterstock

    On its own, this charitable estimate projects nearly double the level of warming attained so far. It’s unclear if civilisation could survive climate conditions like these, which are radically more hostile than anything our ancestors have experienced.

    What’s behind the accelerating rate of global warming? Here are two of the report authors, ecologists Thomas Newsome of the University of Sydney and William Ripple of Oregon State University.

    “Each year, we track 35 of the Earth’s vital signs, from sea ice extent to forests. [In 2024], 25 are now at record levels, all trending in the wrong directions,” they say.



    Read more:
    Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century

    While renewable energy sources like wind and solar have grown rapidly, fossil fuel use remains 14 times greater. What’s more, aerosols that are effective at reflecting the Sun’s energy back into space and cooling the Earth (soot is one example) are thought to be falling in the atmosphere.

    “Other environmental issues are now feeding into climate change,” Newsome and Ripple continue. Deforestation is shrinking the amount of carbon stored on land while rising temperatures and extreme weather are drying out and burning other carbon-rich habitats, like marshes and peatlands.

    Sea ice is melting too, ensuring the ocean absorbs yet more of the heat being trapped by an increasingly thick blanket of greenhouse gas.

    Bleak. But how much the planet warms this century is a moving target: everything we do today, and in coming years, will lower it. On this front, Sven Teske has, if not good news, then less bad news to share.



    Read more:
    Earth is heading for 2.7°C warming this century. We may avoid the worst climate scenarios – but the outlook is still dire

    “Humanity has shifted track enough to avert the worst climate future,” he says.

    “Renewables, energy efficiency and other measures have shifted the dial. The worst case scenario of expanded coal use, soaring emissions and a much hotter world is vanishingly unlikely.”

    – ref. Climate change: no reprieve from heat this decade as globally agreed 1.5°C limit looms – https://theconversation.com/climate-change-no-reprieve-from-heat-this-decade-as-globally-agreed-1-5-c-limit-looms-257263

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period May 20 to May 26, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 29, 2025

    Producers made significant progress again this week, with seeding now 88 per cent complete in Saskatchewan. This is ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent and the 10-year average of 85 per cent. Topsoil moisture is showing some slight decline due to warm windy conditions.

    The southwest is the furthest advanced in seeding progress at 95 per cent complete. This is followed closely by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest region at 93 per cent and the northeast region at 92 per cent. The east-central and southeast regions are the furthest behind at 81 per cent and 80 per cent respectively. 

    Provincially, seeding progress is the furthest ahead for field peas and lentils at 98 per cent and 95 per cent complete, respectively. Chickpeas are reported at 91 per cent, while soybeans are only at 48 per cent. For cereal crops, triticale is the furthest ahead at 94 per cent. Durum and spring wheat are both 93 per cent. Barley is at 89 per cent followed by oats at 79 per cent and canary seed is at 75 per cent. For oilseeds, mustard is 92 per cent followed by canola at 83 per cent and flax at 73 per cent. Perennial forages are at 55 per cent complete.

    Rainfall was variable across the province with some producers in the southeast regions experiencing increased amounts. The highest reported rainfall was in the Weyburn area at 66 millimetres (mm). The Griffin and Indian Head areas received 20 mm, and the Browning area received 18 mm.

    Overall, topsoil moisture is showing some slight reductions over the past week due to dry and windy conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is very similar with one per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short.

    Most producers are reporting normal crop development across the province. Fall cereals are currently rated at 89 per cent normal crop development for this time of year with seven per cent ahead and four per cent behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated to be 73 per cent normal with 13 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Pulse crops are rated at 76 per cent normal crop development with 10 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Oilseeds are at 73 per cent normal with seven per cent ahead and 20 per cent behind normal development. Perennial forage is 79 per cent normal crop development with six per cent ahead and 15 per cent behind. Annual forage is indicated at 77 per cent normal crop development while 10 per cent is ahead and 13 per cent is behind.

    Crop damage was minor with a few producers reporting some damage due to heat, wind and dry conditions. Flooding and frost were also noted as causing minor damage in some areas of the province. Flea beetle, wireworm and cutworm activity has been noted, with some producers taking control measures. Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching but current reports of crop damage are few.

    Most producers anticipate that seeding will wrap up within the next week if weather permits. Producers are also busy moving cattle to pasture, spraying and land rolling.

    As producers continue with seeding and field work operations, they are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work that they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online – Download Crop Report.

    Follow the 2025 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

    For more information, contact:

    Kim Stonehouse
    Agriculture
    Tisdale
    Phone: 306-878-8807
    Email: kim.stonehouse@gov.sk.ca

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Galloway National Park rejection a betrayal of people and planet

    Source: Scottish Greens

    29 May 2025 Climate Nature

    Scotland’s third National Park was a core pledge of the 2021 power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.

    More in Climate

    Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has hit out at the Scottish Government and vested interests for blocking plans for a new National Park in Galloway. 

    The news comes following a statement in the Scottish Parliament from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon in which she announced the SNP planned to shelve the designation of the area as a protected landscape.     

    The proposals were a core pledge of the 2021 SNP/Green power-sharing deal. The new National Park in Galloway had wider political backing, although the Scottish Conservatives have rowed back on their previous support. 

    Speaking in the Chamber, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon revealed that support was greatest amongst environment, recreation and tourism sectors – whilst landowners and land managers were amongst those with the strongest reservations. 

    Mr Ruskell said: 

    “This decision to scrap the promised National Park for Galloway is the culmination of lack of confident political leadership and the dangerous influence of powerful vested interests.

    “Scotland’s two current National Parks have shown just how valuable the status can be. Communities have benefited from better management of tourism and forestry, and new investment in transport and housing. 

    “By scrapping plans for the third National Park in Galloway, the Scottish Government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring. This is devastating news for the local community and nature. 

    “Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new National Park. But now, thanks to a campaign led by vested interests and misinformation, the Scottish Government is denying all of Scotland the opportunity to benefit from a new National Park. 

    “Many of the Park’s biggest opponents here in Holyrood once were vocal supporters of a new National Park in Scotland. The Tories backed the designation of a new National Park in both the 2016 and 2021 manifestos, even demanding the next park be in Galloway. But once again, they have sided with wealthy landowners who oppose change and lobby for their comfy status quo. 

    “Ultimately, it is the people of Galloway who will pay the price for this decision to scrap the National Park, and I’m sure this wasted opportunity will not be quickly forgotten by communities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: OPEC Secretary General Announced as Keynote Speaker at Global Energy Show Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — dmg events is announcing that OPEC Secretary General, His Excellency Haitham Al Ghais, will make an official visit to Canada this June and appear as a Keynote Speaker at the Global Energy Show Canada (GESC) taking place June 10-12.

    Speaking as part of the Executive Conference ‘The Conversation’ hosted by Peter Mansbridge, His Excellency joins a who’s who of energy industry CEOs, policy leaders from the private sector, and ministerial and elected officials from across Canada and around the world. The convention gets set to tackle big questions and issues about what Canada’s energy mandate can look like over the next five years.

    “We are thrilled to welcome His Excellency Haitham Al Ghais to the Global Energy Show Canada this June in Calgary, for what is shaping up to be the most influential and important edition of the event in decades,” says Nick Samain, Senior Vice President of dmg events. “With pre-registration already trending close to double compared to the last edition in 2024, we expect to reach capacity attendance for this year’s conference program in the next few days.”

    This announcement comes alongside a roster of more than 150 distinguished private sector energy leaders from Canada and around the world, including: Hon. Rona Ambrose, Deputy Chairwoman, TD Securities; Stastia West, President & Country Chair and Vice President, Canada Integrated Gas, Shell Canada; Mark Maki, CEO, Trans Mountain; Mark Fitzgerald, President and CEO, PETRONAS Canada; Jon McKenzie, President and CEO, Cenovus Energy; Darlene Gates, President and CEO, MEG Energy; Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO, The Bouchier Group; Clay Sell, CEO, X-energy; Luke Schauerte, CEO, Woodfibre LNG; Chris Doornbos, President and CEO, E3 Lithium; Kim Lauritsen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth, Ontario Power Generation; and Carl Marcotte, Senior Vice President Marketing and Business Development, Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis Company.

    Joining this roster of private sector energy leaders is strong representation from government, Indigenous, and policy leaders, including: Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith; Hon. Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Government of Alberta; Hon. Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Resources, Government of Saskatchewan; Crystal Smith, Chief, Haisla First Nation; Dr. Orlando Velandia Sepúlveda, President, National Hydrocarbons Agency of Colombia (ANH); Chana Martineau, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation; Kenneth Wagner, Former Trump Administration Senior Executive at the US Environmental Protection Agency; Jason Lanclos, Director of State Energy Development and Planning, Louisiana Economic Development; Dale Hansen, Dean, McPhail School of Energy, SAIT; Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta; Lisa Baiton, President and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP); Sonya Savage, Senior Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP; Marg McCuaig-Boyd, Senior Advisor, Counsel Public Affairs Inc.; Shannon Joseph, Chair, Energy for a Secure Future; Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment, MacDonald-Laurier Institute; James Rajotte, Alberta’s Senior Representative to the United States, Government of Alberta; Hon. René Legacy, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for Energy, Government of New Brunswick; Hon. Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Government of Alberta; Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank; Gurpreet Lail, President and CEO, Enserva and Karen Ogen, CEO, First Nations Natural Gas Alliance.

    Delegates can expect a range of premium networking events throughout the three-day conference and exhibition including daily receptions, industry dinners, the Global Energy Show Awards, all on the backdrop of a robust exhibition featuring 500 exhibiting companies across five expansive exhibition halls.

    Exhibition hours are: Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check the website for full conference program and hours.

    Media are required to pre-register to attend the show. In order to obtain a show badge for the event, media will need to provide accreditation (a piece of photo identification and an official business card) upon arrival. The Media Room is located on Level 2, BMO Centre.

    For more information on GESC, to pre-register or to inquire about attendance, please visit https://www.globalenergyshow.com.

    For media inquiries, please contact: 
    Shauna MacDonald
    403-585-4570
    Brookline Public Relations
    smacdonald@brooklinepr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: University Pension Plan reports 10.3% return and sustained growth in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) today announced a 10.3% annual net rate of return in 2024, growing net assets to $12.8 billion. The Plan remained fully funded at 102% with a surplus, staying well-equipped to pay members’ pensions today and over the long term.

    These results were published in UPP’s 2024 Annual Report, which outlines the Plan’s performance and progress during its third full operating year.

    “UPP was created to protect and grow the pension security of our members, and that responsibility guides every decision we make. This past year marked an important step forward—strengthening the foundation that supports our members through strong investment performance, disciplined risk management, and the continued rollout of dedicated member services,” said Barbara Zvan, President and Chief Executive Officer, UPP. “As we build on this momentum, we remain firmly focused on delivering the stability, value, and long-term peace of mind our members count on in a rapidly changing world.”

    UPP’s investment program aims to achieve long-term returns that deliver secure and stable pension benefits at a reasonable and predictable cost to members. By balancing the need for strong returns and contribution and benefit stability, UPP’s portfolio is built to navigate short-term market turbulence while continuing to derive long-term value and dependable retirement income.

    “Our 2024 investment performance highlights the continued progress we’re making in establishing a strong, well-diversified portfolio aligned with our long-term objectives. By strengthening internal capabilities and refining our asset mix, we are unlocking the benefits of scale—efficiency, diversification, and control. Looking ahead, we will continue to actively manage the portfolio, pursue high-quality opportunities, and maintain a balanced, strategic approach to long-term value creation,” said Aaron Bennett, Chief Investment Officer, UPP.

    As a defined benefit pension plan, UPP was designed to serve the university sector in Ontario, providing faculty and staff with secure pension income for life. UPP’s 2024 highlights include:

    • Held a 102% funded status with a $0.2 billion surplus1
    • Achieved a 10.3% annual net rate of return
    • Grew net assets by $1.1 billion to $12.8 billion
    • Reached $1 billion committed or invested in private assets since 2022
    • Added over $250 million in commitments to climate solutions across several asset classes2
    • Published UPP’s Inequality Stewardship Plan, which seeks to manage the financial impacts of this systemic risk
    • Reduced portfolio greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity3 by 59% from its 2021 baseline, exceeding the 2025 target 
    • Began a phased launch of a full suite of pension administration services, including a new member and employer service experience and digital resources
    • Welcomed new members from two university sector organizations and two universities4
    • Provided UPP pensioners, survivors, and dependents in pay with an inflation protection increase of 2.03% to the UPP portion of their pensions, effective January 1, 20255
    • Recognized by Institutional Connect with its Institutional Investor of the Year and Investment Innovation of the Year awards.

    More information about UPP’s 2024 results, including financial statements, can be found in the 2024 Annual Report, available on myupp.ca.

    About UPP

    University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) is a jointly sponsored defined benefit pension open to all Ontario university sector employers and employees. UPP manages $12.8 billion in pension assets and proudly serves over 41,000 members across five universities and 14 sector organizations. The plan invests to deliver secure, stable pension benefits for members today and for generations to come. For more information, please visit myupp.ca and follow UPP on LinkedIn.

    Media

    For media inquiries, please contact media@universitypensionplan.ca

    1 On a smoothed and market value basis.
    2 Climate solutions include assets or entities that are expected to contribute to climate change mitigation and/or facilitate adaptation to its impacts. For more information about how UPP defines climate solutions, please refer to UPP’s Climate Transition Investment Framework.
    3 Measured as tonnes CO2 e/$M invested.
    4 As of January 1, 2025.
    5 Effective January 1, 2025. Pre-conversion inflation protection is based on the prior plan’s indexing formula, which varies by each plan joining UPP.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: A.I. Drone Operations Flourishing as Global Quantum Computing Market Expected to Reach $5.3 Billion By 2029

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global quantum computing market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. A report from MarketsAndMarkets projected that the global quantum computing market size will be valued at USD 5.3 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 32.7% during the forecast period through 2029. The report said: “Quantum computing is a growing technology that has the opportunity to make computing faster. These devices can perform valuable tasks but have a high rate of error. In short-term quantum computing, use cases will have a hybrid quantum operating model, a mix of traditional and quantum computers. In the short term, also known as the NISQ era, the revenue for quantum computing will be entirely generated from end-user industries and quantum computing research investments. Mid-term quantum computing is expected to witness many advantages over conventional computers. To achieve this stage, quantum algorithms with a high error correction ability are required. Long term quantum computing requires a high tolerance for error correction and scalability. At this stage, the value will be added by the quantum hardware, quantum software, and service providers. Systems segment to account for highest CAGR of the quantum computing market during the forecast period Quantum computer systems are designed to solve complex problems that traditional computers find difficult. Constant investments and development in quantum computing systems are driving the market during the forecast period. Quantum computing hardware launches are becoming increasingly common. The shipment of quantum computing systems is increasing daily. The cloud segment is projected to account for a larger share of the quantum computing industry than the on-premises segment from 2024 to 2029.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Quantum Corporation (NASDAQ: QMCO), Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI), D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI).

    MarketsAndMarkets concluded: The demand for the quantum computing market share is expected to have the largest share in the Asia Pacific region. Companies working in the area’s quantum computing market and the government are spending money on research in quantum computing. The race to build powerful quantum computers is heating up with big money bets. The race to build powerful quantum computers is heating up with big money bets. Tech giant IBM is throwing down a cool USD 100 million to help universities in Japan and the US develop whopper machines with 10,000 qubits.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Developing Quantum Computing and AI Drone Fleets to Prevent Wildfires in the Western US – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its strategic initiative to utilize quantum computing and AI-powered drones to revolutionize wildfire detection, forecasting, and response in the US Western and Coastal states. This innovative solution is part of ZenaTech’s expanding Clear Sky project, an initiative which aims to mitigate the increasing threat of billion-dollar weather events using high-precision environmental monitoring powered by AI drones, drone swarms and quantum-enhanced analytics.

    “We want to harness next-generation drone technology for frontline defence against one of America’s more dangerous natural threats” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “By integrating quantum computing with our AI drone systems, we can process massive volumes of atmospheric and terrain data to provide near real-time wildfire predictions and response strategies with unmatched speed and accuracy.”

    The integration of quantum computing allows ZenaTech to process complex datasets far faster than traditional methods—turning raw drone telemetry into actionable intelligence for emergency response teams, forestry services, and environmental protection agencies.

    Using the ZenaDrone 1000 drone and fleets of drones equipped with thermal sensors, multispectral imaging, and 360-degree LiDAR, autonomous flight missions over 300 square miles can be performed. These drone swarms gather environmental data which is then processed using quantum computing platforms to build predictive models that simulate wildfire spread based on terrain, vegetation density, humidity, and wind patterns.

    ZenaTech’s recently acquired Portland, Oregon-based land survey engineering company and now a Drone as a Service office, will be part of this initiative surveying large tracks of land for wildfires and fire management testing incorporating drone swarm technology in the Northwest in the Pacific Coast areas. The company will also utilize its Wyoming Native American partnership for testing fire mitigation, and autonomous monitoring of tribal lands. The Clear Sky project initial team will be expanded to 20 engineers dedicated to the company’s R&D initiatives including wildfire modelling, geospatial optimization, and AI-augmented forecasting.

    Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers of today, to process massively complicated mathematical problems and data at orders of magnitude faster speeds. Quantum computers can analyse vast and complex drone data much faster and more accurately, improving weather predictions and enhancing the ability to forecast extreme events.

    Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US caused by extreme weather including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe storms— according to Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Provides Quantum Computing Update on ‘Clear Sky’ Weather Forecasting Project?AI Drone Swarms to Combat Steep Rise in Billion Dollar Extreme Weather Events – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) provided an update on its “Clear Sky” project, an R&D initiative soon to be released in a beta application version, that uses multiple AI drones in a drone swarm, and quantum computing for weather forecasting. The goal is to better predict localized weather including extreme weather events for business and government users, saving lives and billions of dollars.

    In the coming months, ZenaTech plans to expand its quantum computing project team to 20 by adding at least ten additional specialized engineers. This will accelerate the development and upcoming beta release of Clear Sky in addition to furthering other internal quantum computing projects currently underway.

    “Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US. Through the Clear Sky project, we will use AI-powered drone swarms and quantum computing to better predict these disasters and fill the critical atmospheric observation gaps of traditional weather data collection and satellite methods,” said CEO of ZenaTech Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “Drones with sensors flying at high altitudes can collect data in real time enabling greater spatial and temporal resolution resulting in more precise, up-to-the-minute weather insights to better anticipate the onset of extreme weather like tornadoes.” Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Quantum Corporation (NASDAQ: QMCO) recently announced an update to its Professional Services portfolio, redefining its offerings to meet customers’ needs across the data lifecycle and provide greater flexibility in how services are consumed. Quantum uniquely delivers comprehensive data lifecycle management spanning high-speed ingest to data protection to long-term archiving. As organizations increasingly depend on data to drive AI initiatives, fuel innovation, and streamline operations, customers require tailored, efficient, and scalable services that evolve with their infrastructure and business goals.

    Structured around three core offerings—new subscription-based Value Packages, Deployment Services, and On-Demand Services—Quantum’s Professional Services are built to meet customers where they are in their data journey. Whether accelerating a new deployment, optimizing a legacy environment, or planning for future growth, these services offer scalable, expert-led support that aligns with both immediate needs and long-term strategies.

    Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, recently announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 and Recent Financial Highlights Were:

    Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $1.5 million

    Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $22.1 million

    Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $21.6 million

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $42.6 million

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $62.1 million of non-cash gains from the change in fair value of derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities

    As of March 31, 2025 cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments totaled $209.1 million

    As of April 30, 2025, following the previously announced closing of the share purchase by Quanta Computer, Inc., cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments totaled $237.7 million

    “Rigetti is proud to be awarded important government-funded projects in the U.S. and U.K. to advance our technology, which demonstrates our continued leadership in superconducting quantum computing,” says Rigetti CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni. “We also are making great strides in developing innovative approaches to scaling to higher qubit count systems, which is possible due to our open and modular system architecture, in-house full-stack expertise, and world-class partners.”

    D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) recently announced the general availability of its Advantage2TM quantum computing system, a powerful and energy-efficient annealing quantum computer capable of solving computationally complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Featuring D-Wave’s most advanced quantum processor to date, the Advantage2 system is commercial-grade, and built to address real-world use cases in areas such as optimization, materials simulation and artificial intelligence (AI).

    “Today marks a significant milestone not just for D-Wave, but for the quantum computing industry as a whole, as we bring to market our sixth-generation quantum computer, a system so powerful that it can solve hard problems outside the reach of one of the world’s largest exascale GPU-based classical supercomputers,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “It’s an engineering marvel, with substantial technical advancements that highlight D-Wave’s progress in scaling quantum technology to meet industry demands for growing computational processing power while maintaining energy efficiency.

    Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) recently announced that it is now taking orders for enterprise AI systems with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs. Supermicro’s broad portfolio of optimized servers enables AI and visual computing to be deployed in virtually any industry or environment. Supermicro’s suite of over 20 systems with RTX PRO Blackwell GPUs will significantly enhance performance for enterprise AI factory workloads. This includes AI inference, AI development and model fine-tuning, generative AI, AI-driven graphics & rendering, video content and streaming, and game development.

    Supermicro NVIDIA-Certified Systems with RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs will serve as building blocks for NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated designs, integrating with NVIDIA Spectrum-X networking, NVIDIA-Certified Storage, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software to create full-stack solutions, accelerating the deployment of on-premises AI.

    “Supermicro continues to lead the development of enterprise AI infrastructure, empowering the deployment of AI across industries at ever-greater scale,” said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. “Supermicro’s Data Center Building Block Solutions® is the ideal platform for collaboration with NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated designs based on the Blackwell architecture. Together, we will help enterprises ramp up AI adoption by building their own Enterprise AI Factories, accelerating AI inference, AI development, simulation, and graphics workloads for faster time-to-revenue.”

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quantum Computing Technology Evolving as Larger Scale of Applications & Uses Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Recent industry article by MarketsAndMarkets reports that the cloud segment of Quantum AI Computing is projected to account for a larger share of the quantum computing industry than the on-premises segment through 2029. Cloud based quantum computing services provide access to quantum processors and other quantum computing resources. Over the past decade, the enterprises that carry out data processing within their facilities have shifted a significant portion of their IT load to specialized cloud services such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. A few enterprises are using the hybrid cloud that uses private computer resources belonging to enterprises and public cloud-based services. The quantum machine learning segment will have the highest CAGR in the quantum computing market during the forecast period. The market for machine learning technology is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Machine learning in quantum computing is used to optimize its operations by solving complex problems faster than traditional computers. The reports said that: “The enterprise quantum computing market is witnessing rapid growth as businesses across various industries recognize the transformative potential of quantum technologies. Quantum computing offers the ability to solve complex problems at speeds far beyond the capabilities of classical computers, making it highly attractive for sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and cybersecurity. Enterprises are particularly focused on leveraging quantum computing for optimization, simulation, data analysis, and cryptography. With the increasing availability of quantum-as-a-service platforms, more companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, are gaining access to quantum computing capabilities without needing to invest heavily in infrastructure. As a result, the enterprise quantum computing market is expected to experience significant expansion, with projections indicating rapid adoption as the technology matures and becomes more commercially viable. The growing investment in research, development, and partnerships between tech giants and startups is further accelerating the pace of innovation in this market.”   Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “The quantum technology market is experiencing significant advancements, particularly with respect to the development of quantum chips, which are central to the progress of quantum computing and other quantum-based applications. Quantum chips are the hardware that enable quantum computers to perform complex calculations by harnessing quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. These chips are crucial for increasing the computational power and efficiency of quantum systems. As demand for faster and more powerful quantum processors grows, companies are investing heavily in research and development to create more stable, scalable, and reliable quantum chips. Innovations in quantum chip fabrication, such as using superconducting qubits, trapped ions, or topological qubits, are driving the market forward.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Developing Quantum Computing and AI Drone Fleets to Prevent Wildfires in the Western US – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its strategic initiative to utilize quantum computing and AI-powered drones to revolutionize wildfire detection, forecasting, and response in the US Western and Coastal states. This innovative solution is part of ZenaTech’s expanding Clear Sky project, an initiative which aims to mitigate the increasing threat of billion-dollar weather events using high-precision environmental monitoring powered by AI drones, drone swarms and quantum-enhanced analytics.

    “We want to harness next-generation drone technology for frontline defence against one of America’s more dangerous natural threats” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “By integrating quantum computing with our AI drone systems, we can process massive volumes of atmospheric and terrain data to provide near real-time wildfire predictions and response strategies with unmatched speed and accuracy.”

    The integration of quantum computing allows ZenaTech to process complex datasets far faster than traditional methods—turning raw drone telemetry into actionable intelligence for emergency response teams, forestry services, and environmental protection agencies.

    Using the ZenaDrone 1000 drone and fleets of drones equipped with thermal sensors, multispectral imaging, and 360-degree LiDAR, autonomous flight missions over 300 square miles can be performed. These drone swarms gather environmental data which is then processed using quantum computing platforms to build predictive models that simulate wildfire spread based on terrain, vegetation density, humidity, and wind patterns.

    ZenaTech’s recently acquired Portland, Oregon-based land survey engineering company and now a Drone as a Service office, will be part of this initiative surveying large tracks of land for wildfires and fire management testing incorporating drone swarm technology in the Northwest in the Pacific Coast areas. The company will also utilize its Wyoming Native American partnership for testing fire mitigation, and autonomous monitoring of tribal lands. The Clear Sky project initial team will be expanded to 20 engineers dedicated to the company’s R&D initiatives including wildfire modelling, geospatial optimization, and AI-augmented forecasting.

    Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers of today, to process massively complicated mathematical problems and data at orders of magnitude faster speeds. Quantum computers can analyse vast and complex drone data much faster and more accurately, improving weather predictions and enhancing the ability to forecast extreme events.

    Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US caused by extreme weather including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe storms— according to Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Provides Quantum Computing Update on ‘Clear Sky’ Weather Forecasting Project?AI Drone Swarms to Combat Steep Rise in Billion Dollar Extreme Weather Events – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) provided an update on its “Clear Sky” project, an R&D initiative soon to be released in a beta application version, that uses multiple AI drones in a drone swarm, and quantum computing for weather forecasting. The goal is to better predict localized weather including extreme weather events for business and government users, saving lives and billions of dollars.

    In the coming months, ZenaTech plans to expand its quantum computing project team to 20 by adding at least ten additional specialized engineers. This will accelerate the development and upcoming beta release of Clear Sky in addition to furthering other internal quantum computing projects currently underway.

    “Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US. Through the Clear Sky project, we will use AI-powered drone swarms and quantum computing to better predict these disasters and fill the critical atmospheric observation gaps of traditional weather data collection and satellite methods,” said CEO of ZenaTech Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “Drones with sensors flying at high altitudes can collect data in real time enabling greater spatial and temporal resolution resulting in more precise, up-to-the-minute weather insights to better anticipate the onset of extreme weather like tornadoes.”   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), a leading national science and technology research institute and supercomputing center. The memorandum marks a significant expansion of IonQ’s long standing relationship with South Korea’s government, academic and industry sectors, aligning efforts intended to accelerate the national development of quantum science and industry.

    Under the terms of the MoU, IonQ and KISTI will collaborate in four key areas: advanced infrastructure access, education, talent and knowledge exchange as well as collaboration to expand market opportunities. The two organizations will work together with the intent to introduce quantum systems into KISTI and plan to integrate these systems with KISTI’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) recently announced a partnership with ESAero to provide critical AS9100 manufacturing capacity for the Black Widow sUAS and its subsystems. The AS9100 standard ensures a manufacturer has a quality management system in place to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.

    Teal Drones is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings. The company’s Black Widow drone is a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments.

    Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT), an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, recently released financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025.

    Dr. Yuping Huang, Interim Chief Executive Officer of QCi, commented, “QCi delivered solid operational and financial progress in the first quarter, strengthening our balance sheet and advancing key strategic initiatives. We completed construction during the quarter of our Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, a major milestone that positions us to meet growing demand for thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips, underscored by the announcement of a fifth purchase during the period. We’re encouraged by our early traction, which is the first step in what we believe is a significant, multi-year opportunity to serve the expanding markets in datacom, telecom, and quantum-enabled applications. In parallel, we continued to deepen engagement with both government and commercial partners, reinforcing the growing interest in our quantum and photonic machines and positioning QCi to capitalize on emerging opportunities ahead.”

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and sensors for military, public safety, and commercial use, recently said it is entering into a strategic alliance with Vyom Drones of India. Under this strategic alliance, AgEagle Aerial Systems intends to license Vyom Drones to manufacture and sell AgEagle eBee X drones to customers in India. AgEagle will also provide service and maintenance training to Vyom as part of the agreement.

    “Working with Vyom Drones through this agreement helps unlock the potential of India’s immense agricultural, civil, and commercial sectors in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets,” said Bill Irby, AgEagle CEO. “With more than 345 million acres of arable land and a rapidly growing demand for precision agriculture, India represents a critical opportunity for AgEagle to deploy our advanced eBee drones and multispectral sensors, empowering farmers with a surveying capability that provides real-time, actionable insights. This collaboration aligns with our mission to deliver innovative, high-value UAS solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability, while supporting India’s vision to become a global drone hub by 2030. Together with Vyom Drones, we aim to transform Indian agriculture by driving efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable growth and sound water management for farmers across the nation.”

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Meteorological Organisation & Met Office: Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update is issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It provides a synthesis of the global annual to decadal predictions produced by the Met Office and other designated centres around the world for the period 2025-2029. 

    This report makes a number of probabilistic predictions about global mean near-surface temperatures, including:

    • Forecast chance of one of the next five years being warmest on record
    • Forecast chance of one of next five years, and entire five-year period, being above 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average
    • Arctic warming
    • Regional precipitation patterns

    Journalists came to this online briefing to hear authors of the report brief the journalists on their conclusions and what they mean for climate change.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Chris Hewitt, Director of Climate Services, WMO

    Prof Adam Scaife, Head of Monthly to Decadal Prediction, Met Office Hadley Centre

    Dr Leon Hermanson, Senior Scientist in Monthly to Decadal Prediction, Met Office Hadley Centre

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Deep depression over Bay of Bengal to bring heavy rainfall; monsoon advances further into eastern India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is set to cross the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by Thursday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Under its influence, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across the Northeastern states, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim until May 31.

    The IMD has also warned of isolated exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 30 cm over parts of Meghalaya on May 29 and 30, as the system moves inland.

    In southern India, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and the ghat areas of Tamil Nadu on May 29 and 30, with a gradual reduction expected thereafter.

    Meanwhile, rainfall activity accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is also expected over northwest India over the next four to five days, driven by the influence of multiple western disturbances currently affecting the region.

    Monsoon Advances Further

    The southwest monsoon made significant progress on Thursday, advancing into more parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, the North Bay of Bengal, the remaining Northeastern states, and parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, the IMD confirmed.

    Conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to further advance into additional parts of West Bengal and Bihar over the next 1–2 days.

    Rainfall and Weather Observed in Last 24 Hours

    During the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall was reported at isolated places over Konkan & Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka.

    Heavy rainfall was also recorded over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Telangana, and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.

    Thunderstorms accompanied by squally to gusty winds (ranging between 40–80 kmph) were observed in parts of Tamil Nadu, Assam, Meghalaya, East Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Jharkhand, Punjab, and other adjoining regions.

    In addition, hailstorms were reported from isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh, while dust storms occurred in parts of West Rajasthan.

    The IMD has advised citizens, especially in vulnerable regions, to stay alert and follow local advisories as intense rainfall and gusty winds may lead to localised flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to drought declared in North-west England by the Environment Agency

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a drought being declared in North-West England. 

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

    “The lack of rainfall across the UK in spring 2025 constituted a meteorological drought and this quickly depleted the soil’s moisture leading to concerns over agricultural drought. Lowering river and reservoir levels are a concern for the northwest of the UK as further dry spells could threaten the supply of water as part of a hydrological drought. Of less concern are regions of copious ground water like the chalky catchments in the southeast of England which enter but also leave drought conditions more slowly than other regions of the UK.

    “Droughts are expected to onset more rapidly and become more intense as the planet warms since the atmosphere’s thirst for water grows. A warming climate means moisture is more readily sapped from one region and blown into storm systems elsewhere, intensifying both wet and dry weather extremes with wilder swings between them. The only way to limit the increasing severity of wet and dry extremes is to rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions across all de tors of society.”

    Mr Alastair Chisholm, Director of Policy & External Affairs, CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management), said:

    “The drought in the north-west is not surprising given the dry weather seen across the spring. Drought can come on particularly quickly in areas which rely on water supplies fed by surface water storage reservoirs as are common in this area, rather than large rivers or groundwater sources. Prolonged dry weather is more unusual in such parts of the country, but when it does happen the effects are more pronounced. Conversely, with some rain, given more mountainous topography and higher average annual rainfall in these areas, reservoirs can quickly recover.

    “Official declarations of drought signal that water companies and the Environment Agency will progress to more advanced stages in their drought plans, such as temporary use bans (colloquially known as hosepipe bans).”

    References:

    https://www.ciwem.org/policy-reports/drought-management

    https://www.ciwem.org/news/managing-drought-ciwems-position

    Declared interests

    Mr Alastair Chisholm “None”

    Prof Richard Allan “None”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –