Category: Environment

MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Keeping tabs on native woodland vegetation in times of flood and drought – Flinders

Source: Flinders University

Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding, so future management decisions need more sophisticated systems to monitor and manage their water needs.

A new study led by Flinders University aims to provide a good estimate of water used by trees and plants and bushes under the treetops (or the forest understorey) to help improve management of native woodlands.

Researchers tested an advanced way to measure evapo-transpiration (ET) patterns in understorey (compared to canopy) vegetation at two different rainfall locations in South Australia to help develop better water and woodland management decision-making in future.

ET returns water from the soil and plants into the atmosphere and is the major component of terrestrial water balance, explains Professor of Environmental Science and Hydrology Huade Guan, from the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training at Flinders University.

“Woodland understorey ET is difficult to monitor using conventional methods. Our latest study tested a new method of measuring understorey evapotranspiration in floodplains and catchment areas,” he says.

This is important to understand because understorey ET can contribute between 10% (in cooler seasons) and up to 50% (during hot weather) of ecosystem water use, researchers say.

The latest study, published in the Journal of Hydrology with collaborators around Australia, China and the US, retrieved understorey temperature from airborne thermal imagery and used it in a ‘maximum entropy production’ model (called the ‘MEP model’) to map understorey ET.

Researchers hope to improve ecosystem water evaluations to create more effective management strategies for increasingly scarce river and freshwater resources.

The research was based on investigations in a River Red Gum woodland of a Murray floodplain near Bookpurnong in the Riverland and a hilly woodland catchment near Mount Wilson in the Willunga Basin. The locations reflected different topographical, hydrological and climate conditions.

Both locations showed understorey ET was a key component of ecosystem water balance, so working out the best way to support River Red Gum and other woodland environmental water requirements could incorporate broadscale monitoring and mapping with high-resolution thermal data from satellites in future.

The study found that flooding modified water availability and vegetation response, influencing understorey ET dynamics over time, says Flinders University Professor Guan, who leads the Eco-hydrology and Hydro-meteorology Research Group (EcoH2OMe) at the College of Science and Engineering.

For example, after major flooding in 2022-23, the fraction of understorey ET to the total ecosystem ET declined, likely due to increased overstorey transpiration.

In the hilly environment, slope orientation plays a key role in regulating ET by controlling solar radiation exposure and soil moisture retention.

North-facing slopes generally have higher understorey ET than south-facing slopes, particularly in a wet winter, where understorey ET on the north-facing slopes accounts for up to 50% of total surface ET.

This high understorey ET on north-facing slopes consumes soil moisture a lot quicker, resulting in less water for vegetation use in dry summer than south-facing slopes.

The study highlights the advantages of integrating new methods and technologies in addressing environmental problems.

Meanwhile, South Australia is currently experiencing particularly dry weather, which is most likely the result of climate change, according to the SA Water for Good plan. This means less rain and a reduction of flows into traditional water sources such as our reservoirs, rivers and groundwater. The CSIRO has forecast an overall decline in rainfall of between 15% to 30% by 2050.

The SA Government plan emphasises the need for proactive management of non-prescribed water resources to ensure water security to 2050, including a deeper understanding of overall water resource capacity to prevent over-exploitation and enhance sustainability.

The article, ‘Integrating the Maximum Entropy Production model and airborne imagery for understorey evapotranspiration mapping’ (2025) by Wenjie Liu, Okke Batelaan, David Bruce, Jingfeng Wang, Hugo Gutierrez, Hailong Wang, Robin Keegan-Treloar, Jianfeng Gou, Robert Keane, Jessica Thompson and Huade Guan has been published in the Journal of Hydrology (Elsevier) DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133076

Acknowledgements: Field data were obtained in the projects funded by Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MD005764) and National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (SR08000001). Researchers acknowledge fieldwork by Karina Gutierrez, Lawrence Burk, Zhongli Liu, Zhechen Zhang, Xiang Xu and Rose Deng and landowners Langdon Badger and Steve Clark for access. Wenjie Liu received support from the China Scholarship Council (201906370006) and Jingfeng Wang’s research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Hydrological Sciences and Physical and Dynamic Meteorology Program Grant EAR‐2006281.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How Pope Francis became a climate change influencer

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Will de Freitas, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

“The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” These aren’t the words of a radical sociologist or rogue climate scientist. They aren’t the words of a Conversation editor either. Nor are these:

“A selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged.”

These are in fact quotes from Pope Francis, who died last weekend.

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 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

I never thought this job would have me writing newsletters in praise of a papal climate influencer, but here we are. You can read various obits and interesting takes on Pope Francis and what’s next for the Catholic church elsewhere on The Conversation. But here I want to focus on his thoughts on climate change and the impact he had.

Our common home

In 2015, two years after becoming pope, Francis published Laudato Si (Praise Be to You), a 183-page papal letter sent to all Catholic bishops on “care for our common home”. It was a significant intervention made just a few months before the climate summit that led to the Paris agreement.

Writing at the time, sustainability professor Steffen Böhm said that what made it so radical “isn’t just [Pope Francis’s] call to urgently tackle climate change. It’s the fact he openly and unashamedly goes against the grain of dominant social, economic and environment policies.”

For Böhm, who was then at the University of Essex but now works at Exeter, this radical message “puts him on a confrontation course with global powerbrokers and leaders of national governments, international institutions and multinational corporations”.

He quotes a section where the Pope says “those who possess more resources [and] power seem seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change”. The Pope warns that “such effects will continue to worsen if we continue with current models of production and consumption”.

Böhm points out the Pope “might be the only person with both the clout and the desire to meaningfully deliver a message like this”.

Read more:
Pope’s climate letter is a radical attack on the logic of the market

Bernard Laurent of EM Business School in Lyon, says that in France the Pope’s message “managed to bring together both conservative currents – such as the Courant pour une Écologie Humaine (Movement for a Human Ecology), created in 2013 – and more open-minded Catholic intellectuals such as Gaël Giraud, a Jesuit and author of Produire Plus, Polluer Moins : l’Impossible Découplage? (Produce more, Pollute Less: the Impossible Decoupling?)”

Read more:
Pope Francis and Laudato Si’: an ecological turning point for the Catholic Church

Clearly, this was a unique figure able to reach people who might not listen to a Greta Thunberg or an Al Gore.

But, while it’s great the Paris agreement was signed, it was still filled with the exact sort of market logic and buck-passing – carbon credits, “emit now, clean up later”, and so on – the Pope had criticised a few months previously. And climate change itself only got worse. In the years following, Pope Francis spoke at the UN and published a series of other “exhortations” related to climate change.

Did any of this make any difference?

Celia Deane-Drummond is a theology professor at the University of Oxford and director of a research institute named after the 2015 papal letter. In a piece published the same day Pope Francis’s death was announced, she looked at his influence on the global climate movement.

Deane-Drummond notes Pope Francis’s emphasis on listening to Indigenous people for instance in his lesser-known exhortation Querida Amazonia, which means “beloved Amazonia”, from February 2020.

“This exhortation resulted from his conversations with Amazonian communities and helped put Indigenous perspectives on the map. Those perspectives helped shape Catholic social teaching in the [papal letter] Fratelli Tutti, which means ‘all brothers and sisters’, published on October 3 2020.”

A key influencer

Perhaps the Pope’s biggest influence was on activists rather than policymakers. Deane-Drummond says he was often mentioned by participants in a research project on religion, theology and climate change she was part of.

“When we asked more than 300 [religious] activists representing six different activist groups who most influenced them to get involved in climate action, 61% named Pope Francis as a key influencer.”

The 2015 papal letter also gave rise to the Laudato Si movement which Deane-Drummond points out “coordinates climate activism across the globe. It has 900 Catholic organisations as well as 10,000 of what are known as Laudato Si ‘animators’, who are all ambassadors and leaders in their respective communities.”

Read more:
Three ways Pope Francis influenced the global climate movement

There are specific religious arguments he was able to make to appeal to these groups, note Joel Hodge and Antonia Pizzy of Australian Catholic University.

They write that: “Francis argued combating climate change relied on the ‘ecological conversion’ of the human heart, so that people may recognise the God-given nature of our planet and the fundamental call to care for it. Without this conversion, pragmatic and political measures wouldn’t be able to counter the forces of consumerism, exploitation and selfishness.”

Read more:
Pope Francis has died, aged 88. These were his greatest reforms – and controversies

It’s not an argument that will particularly work on me. But then addressing the climate crisis will require all sorts of people to be persuaded of the need for serious action, including policy wonks, tech bros, radical activists, worried parents and, yes, people motivated by their religion.

The last pope didn’t have to say anything about the climate crisis. It’s not necessarily in the job description. But it’s a good thing that Pope Francis did speak about it and, as Deane-Drummond says: “We can only hope [the next pope] will build on his legacy and influence political change for the good, from the grassroots frontline right up to the highest global ambitions.”

– ref. How Pope Francis became a climate change influencer – https://theconversation.com/how-pope-francis-became-a-climate-change-influencer-255086

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison

New laws in force today mark the toughest sentencing powers against law-breaking water executives in history.
Powers introduced could see water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills sent to prison for two years.

New measures will force water companies to end their disgraceful behaviour and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Water company bosses could face up to two years in prison due to new powers in force today (Friday 25 April 2025).

The new powers, delivered by the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be locked up.

No prison sentences have been handed to water executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and seas. These new, tougher penalties are essential because some water companies have obstructed investigations, failing to hand over vital evidence related to illegal sewage discharges. This has prevented crackdowns against law-breaking water companies.

The new measures deliver on the Government’s promise to bring tougher criminal charges against lawbreakers in the water industry. As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the threat of imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent as water companies invest in upgrading broken water infrastructure and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability.

From today, there will be no more hiding places.

As part of the Plan for Change, water companies must now focus on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

In addition, new powers will mean that the polluters will pay for the cost of criminal investigations into wrongdoing. Authorities will now recover the costs of their enforcement activity, with the Environment Agency currently consulting on how they will use the powers.

The payment of bonuses to water bosses will also be banned if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.

Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said:

The Water (Special Measures) Act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.

The tougher powers we have gained though this legislation will allow us, as the regulator, to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.

Alongside this, we’re modernising and expanding our approach to water company inspections – and it’s working. More people, powers, better data and inspections are yielding vital evidence so that we can reduce sewage pollution, hold water companies to account and protect the environment.

The Government will continue to reform the water sector in order to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas once and for all.

Alongside this, £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to upgrade and build new water infrastructure across the country, supporting the building of 1.5 million new homes, creating thousands of jobs and powering new industries such as gigafactories and data centres as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Notes to editors:

Criminal Liability

Until now, water regulators have faced significant challenges gathering evidence for prosecutions due to obstruction of their investigations.

This is a criminal offence, but since privatisation, only three water company officials have been criminally prosecuted for obstruction by the EA without appeal and the maximum punishment was merely a fine – though no fines were issued.

From now on, offences will be triable in both the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts and imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent, bringing water regulation powers in line with other sectors, such as those covering fraud or health and safety investigations.

 The new provisions enable:

courts to include imprisonment as a sanction when investigations by water regulators (the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Drinking Water Inspectorate) have been obstructed;

obstruction offences to be heard in the Crown Court;

directors and executives to be prosecuted where obstruction occurs with their consent, connivance or neglect.

Previously:

obstructing regulators’ investigations was not always punishable by imprisonment;

cases could not always be heard in the Crown Court;

there were no straightforward routes for prosecuting directors or executives where obstruction was committed with their consent or connivance, or was attributable to their neglect.   

The Water Special Measures Act received Royal Assent in February – see press release here: New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses – GOV.UK

Further detail on the measures in the Act can be found in the Policy Statement here: Water (Special Measures) Act: policy statement – GOV.UK

Action on water

The government has taken immediate action to reset the water sector. Change is being delivered three stages: 

In his first week in office, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps. This included immediately ringfencing funding for vital water infrastructure so that it can only be spent on upgrades benefiting the environment – not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases. Where money is not spent, we will force water companies to return it to customers. 

Second, the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has been signed into law, marking the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade. The Act will: 

Strengthen regulation to ensure water bosses face personal criminal liability for lawbreaking. 

Give the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met. 

Boost accountability for water executives through a new ‘code of conduct’ for water companies, so customers can summon board members and hold executives to account. 

Introduce new powers to bring automatic and severe fines. 

Require water companies to install real-time monitors at every emergency sewage outlet with data independently scrutinised by the water regulators. 

Third, the Independent Commission into the water sector, launched by the UK and Welsh governments, is carrying out the largest review of the industry since privatisation. Its recommendations, due later this summer, will shape further laws to attract the investment needed to clean up our waterways, accelerate infrastructure delivery and restore public confidence in the sector.  

The next five years will see £104 billion in private sector investment into the water industry—the largest since privatisation. This will drive forward 150 major infrastructure projects, creating over 30,000 jobs across the country, and support the building of 1.5 million new homes and powering new industries such as gigafactories and data centres. 

The Secretary of State and Water Minister recently completed a ‘Things Can Only Get Cleaner’ tour to see where this investment will underpin the building of new homes, create jobs and turbocharge local economies around the country – a cornerstone of the government’s Plan for Change. This included a pledge to end sewage discharges into the iconic lake Windermere.

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Published 24 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 167

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL7

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 167
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
335 PM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Oklahoma Panhandle
Texas Panhandle and South Plains

* Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 335 PM until
1100 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 4
inches in diameter likely
Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY…Widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast to rapidly
develop this afternoon into the early evening. Environmental shear
and buoyancy combinations strongly favor intense, discrete
supercells. Large to giant hail will be probable with any
supercell. The tornado risk will likely focus for a few hours
during the early evening near a residual outflow boundary draped
over parts of the Watch area.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
east and west of a line from 30 miles northeast of Guymon OK to 60
miles southeast of Lubbock TX. For a complete depiction of the watch
see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 166…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
storm motion vector 29015.

…Smith

SEL7

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 167
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
335 PM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Oklahoma Panhandle
Texas Panhandle and South Plains

* Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 335 PM until
1100 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 4
inches in diameter likely
Isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY…Widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast to rapidly
develop this afternoon into the early evening. Environmental shear
and buoyancy combinations strongly favor intense, discrete
supercells. Large to giant hail will be probable with any
supercell. The tornado risk will likely focus for a few hours
during the early evening near a residual outflow boundary draped
over parts of the Watch area.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
east and west of a line from 30 miles northeast of Guymon OK to 60
miles southeast of Lubbock TX. For a complete depiction of the watch
see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 166…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
storm motion vector 29015.

…Smith

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW7
WW 167 TORNADO OK TX 242035Z – 250400Z
AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
30NE GUY/GUYMON OK/ – 60SE LBB/LUBBOCK TX/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /8WSW LBL – 57SE LBB/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29015.

LAT…LON 36980003 33050005 33050212 36980220

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU7.

Watch 167 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

Low (20%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (30%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Low (20%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

High (70%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

High (70%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (>95%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Joins Federal and State Emergency Officials to Survey Pacific Palisades Fire Recovery Area; Highlights Bipartisan Legislation to Address Wildfire Risks

US Senate News:

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

Padilla Joins Federal and State Emergency Officials to Survey Pacific Palisades Fire Recovery Area; Highlights Bipartisan Legislation to Address Wildfire Risks

WATCH: Padilla discusses importance of bipartisan solutions like the Senate Fix Our Forests Act to combat wildfire crisisLOS ANGELES, CA — Just over 100 days after the Los Angeles fires first ignited, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot joined federal and state emergency officials for a tour today of the Pacific Palisades fire recovery area led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The tour consisted of a visit to businesses and residences impacted by the Pacific Palisades fire — with officials from FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), CAL FIRE, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) — followed by a press conference at a cleared debris site where Padilla discussed his new bipartisan legislation to address wildfire risks.
In the aftermath of the devastating Southern California fires, Padilla’s Fix Our Forests Act would help combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. The comprehensive Senate bill reflects months of bipartisan Senate negotiations to find consensus on how to best improve forest management practices, accelerate processes to protect communities, advance watershed restoration, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private stakeholders. The Senate version of the bill would also bolster coordination efforts across agencies through a new Wildfire Intelligence Center, which would streamline the federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combating wildfires.
A list of Senate Fix Our Forests Act provisions particularly impactful for California is available here. A one-pager on the bill is available here.
“As thousands of Los Angeles families look at a long road to recovery ahead, we need to do everything in our power not just to rebuild, but to prevent devastation from future wildfires,” said Senator Padilla. “That’s why with these LA communities in mind, I convened a bipartisan group of Western Senators to reassess how we prevent and respond to wildfires. Our Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act would increase the speed and scale of our wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts by expediting the removal of hazardous fuels, building ‘fuel breaks’ to stop mega wildfires, and creating a National Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response. We’re breaking through this harsh political climate with bipartisan solutions to both fight deadly wildfires and prevent even more greenhouse gas emissions — we can’t take this opportunity for granted.”
“The bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act removes barriers and builds on California’s progress to accelerate more work on federal lands, faster,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “As an all-lands, all-hands approach, it is one more tool in the arsenal against the threat of wildfires. As we enter peak fire season, reducing catastrophic wildfire risk requires everyone to do their part.”
“Across California, we are working year-round to reduce wildfire risk and enhance prevention efforts, and we are seeing results,” said Josh Nettles, CAL FIRE Assistant Region Chief. “Now by enhancing interagency coordination and promoting fire-resistant building methods and defensible space practices, the Fix Our Forests Act will help protect communities in the wildland-urban interface and elsewhere.”
The American West has long been prone to wildfires, but climate change, prolonged drought, and the buildup of dry fuels have increasingly intensified these fires and extended fire seasons. Wildfires today are more catastrophic — growing larger, spreading faster, and burning more land than ever before. Nationwide, total acres burned rose from 2.7 million in 2023 to nearly 9 million in 2024, a 231 percent increase.
California averages more than 7,500 wildfires a year. Not including the recent Los Angeles fires, six of the top 10 most destructive fires, three of the top five deadliest fires, and all of the state’s nine largest fires have burned since 2017. The status quo is simply unsustainable, and responding to the scale and magnitude of the crisis on the ground is essential to keeping California communities safe.
Additionally, wildfires release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate climate change. California’s 2020 fire season, the worst on record, emitted enough greenhouse gases to erase nearly two decades of progress on emissions reductions in California. Addressing this wildfire emergency is critical to ensuring that our climate progress is not undermined by the devastating impacts of these fires.
In the aftermath of the devastating Southern California fires, Senator Padilla has introduced more than 10 bills to help prevent and respond to future disasters. In February, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, the Wildfire Emergency Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, and the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act. Additionally, earlier this month, he introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts.
Senator Padilla also visited Altadena last month, joining Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), FEMA, local leaders, and representatives from the Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and USACE for a tour and briefing on cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.
Video of today’s press conference is available here, and can be downloaded here.
Additional photos from today’s tour are available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Marked Earth Day at Santa Cruz Watershed Collaboration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

TUCSON, AZ – On Earth Day, U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani joined Audubon Southwest, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Business for Water Stewardship, and other key local water stakeholders while visiting a desert riparian area in Pima County.

Ciscomani, a consistent champion of the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), a unique federal resource administered through the Bureau of Reclamation that provides critical funding to local stakeholders for the development, planning and design of watershed management programs, has worked to secure and increase critical federal funding for the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative’s conservation projects.

“Water is our most precious resource, especially living here in the Sonoran Desert,” said Ciscomani. “In Congress, water has been a top priority for me, and I have led in several areas to secure our region and our state’s water security. Projects, like the ones the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative are working on to mitigate the effects of drought, are a prime example of the importance of supporting locally driven conservation efforts. I am proud to have fought for increased funding for the CWMP after several years of the program not receiving any increases.”

The Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative is funded by the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), a grant program administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The CWMP is a unique federal resource that provides critical funding to local stakeholders for the development, planning, and design of watershed management programs.

Congressman Ciscomani advocated for an increase in the CWMP in the Appropriations Committee, which partially funds the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative. On April 10th, 2023, Ciscomani testified to the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee on the importance of the CWMP and the need to increase its funding. Prior to Ciscomani’s advocacy, the program was flat-funded at $5 million, and since FY24, it has received $8 million in funding from the E&W subcommittee. 

Congressman Ciscomani is the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus with Rep Joe Neguse (D-CO-2) and was recently named the Vice-Chair of Conservative Climate Caucus.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine is an indispensable guide to good health in the workplace for physicians, nurses, and researchers alike.

In-depth, clinically oriented research articles and technical reports keep occupational and environmental medicine specialists up-to-date on new medical developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of environmentally induced conditions and work-related injuries and illnesses.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests Key Spacesuit Parts Inside This Icy Chamber

Source: NASA

A JPL facility built to support potential robotic spacecraft missions to frozen ocean worlds helps engineers develop safety tests for next-generation spacesuits.
When NASA astronauts return to the Moon under the Artemis campaign and eventually venture farther into the solar system, they will encounter conditions harsher than any humans have experienced before. Ensuring next-generation spacesuits protect astronauts requires new varieties of tests, and a one-of-a-kind chamber called CITADEL (Cryogenic Ice Testing, Acquisition Development, and Excavation Laboratory) at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California is helping.
Built to prepare potential robotic explorers for the frosty, low-pressure conditions on ocean worlds like Jupiter’s frozen moon Europa, CITADEL also can evaluate how spacesuit gloves and boots hold up in extraordinary cold. Spearheaded by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, a glove testing campaign in CITADEL ran from October 2023 to March 2024. Boot testing, initiated by the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, took place from October 2024 to January 2025.

In coming months, the team will adapt CITADEL to test spacesuit elbow joints to evaluate suit fabrics for longevity on the Moon. They’ll incorporate abrasion testing and introduce a simulant for lunar regolith, the loose material that makes up the Moon’s surface, into the chamber for the first time.
“We’ve built space robots at JPL that have gone across the solar system and beyond,” said Danny Green, a mechanical engineer who led the boot testing for JPL. “It’s pretty special to also use our facilities in support of returning astronauts to the Moon.”
Astronauts on the Artemis III mission will explore the Moon’s South Pole, a region of much greater extremes than the equatorial landing sites visited by Apollo-era missions. They’ll spend up to two hours at a time inside craters that may contain ice deposits potentially important to sustaining long-term human presence on the Moon. Called permanently shadowed regions, these intriguing features rank among the coldest locations in the solar system, reaching as low as minus 414 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 248 degrees Celsius). The CITADEL chamber gets close to those temperatures.

“We want to understand what the risk is to astronauts going into permanently shadowed regions, and gloves and boots are key because they make prolonged contact with cold surfaces and tools,” said Zach Fester, an engineer with the Advanced Suit Team at NASA Johnson and the technical lead for the boot testing.
Keeping Cool
Housed in the same building as JPL’s historic 10-Foot Space Simulator, the CITADEL chamber uses compressed helium to get as low as minus 370 F (minus 223 C) — lower than most cryogenic facilities, which largely rely on liquid nitrogen. At 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in diameter, the chamber is big enough for a person to climb inside.

More important, it features four load locks, drawer-like chambers through which test materials are inserted into the main chamber while maintaining a chilled vacuum state. The chamber can take several days to reach test conditions, and opening it to insert new test materials starts the process all over again. The load locks allowed engineers to make quick adjustments during boot and glove tests.
Cryocoolers chill the chamber, and aluminum blocks inside can simulate tools astronauts might grab or the cold lunar surface on which they’d walk. The chamber also features a robotic arm to interact with test materials, plus multiple visible-light and infrared cameras to record operations.
Testing Extremities
The gloves tested in the chamber are the sixth version of a glove NASA began using in the 1980s, part of a spacesuit design called the Extravehicular Mobility Unit. Optimized for spacewalks at the International Space Station, the suit is so intricate it’s essentially a personal spacecraft. Testing in CITADEL at minus 352 F (minus 213 C) showed the legacy glove would not meet thermal requirements in the more challenging environment of the lunar South Pole. Results haven’t yet been fully analyzed from boot testing, which used a lunar surface suit prototype called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit. NASA’s reference design of an advanced suit architecture, this spacesuit features enhanced fit, mobility, and safety.
In addition to spotting vulnerabilities with existing suits, the CITADEL experiments will help NASA prepare criteria for standardized, repeatable, and inexpensive test methods for the next-generation lunar suit being built by Axiom Space — the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, which NASA astronauts will wear during the Artemis III mission.
“This test is looking to identify what the limits are: How long can that glove or boot be in that lunar environment?” said Shane McFarland, technology development lead for the Advanced Suit Team at NASA Johnson. “We want to quantify what our capability gap is for the current hardware so we can give that information to the Artemis suit vendor, and we also want to develop this unique test capability to assess future hardware designs.”
In the past, astronauts themselves have been part of thermal testing. For gloves, an astronaut inserted a gloved hand into a chilled “glove box,” grabbed a frigid object, and held it until their skin temperature dropped as low as 50 F (10 C). McFarland stressed that such human-in-the-loop testing remains essential to ensuring future spacesuit safety but doesn’t produce the consistent data the team is looking for with the CITADEL testing.
To obtain objective feedback, the CITADEL testing team used a custom-built manikin hand and foot. A system of fluid loops mimicked the flow of warm blood through the appendages, while dozens of temperature and heat flux sensors provided data from inside gloves and boots.
“By using CITADEL and modern manikin technology, we can test design iterations faster and at much lower cost than traditional human-in-the-loop testing,” said Morgan Abney, NASA technical fellow for Environmental Control and Life Support, who conceived the glove testing effort. “Now we can really push the envelope on next-generation suit designs and have confidence we understand the risks. We’re one step closer to landing astronauts back on the Moon.”
Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

News Media Contact
Melissa PamerJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-314-4928melissa.pamer@jpl.nasa.gov
2025-060

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential threats to the Tagliamento River’s ecosystem – E-000543/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission does not undertake impact assessments of plans and projects on the environment, as Member States are primarily responsible to ensure implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law. According to information provided by the Italian authorities, the construction of a weir-bridge in Pinzano for the creation of a detention basin is a measure aimed at mitigating flood risk in Italy’s Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). Following technical assessments and studies carried out by competent authorities and discussions with stakeholders , a set of interventions was identified to achieve the mitigation effect proposed by this measure[1]. The possible environmental impacts resulting from the measure are reported in the first FRMP, which underwent a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)[2]. The measure is also included in the current FRMP. Having been the subject of an SEA already, the assessment of actual impacts requires a more defined project design of the interventions, to be evaluated through an Environmental Impact Assessment[3] and the appropriate assessment required under Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[4]. It must also be assessed whether these interventions would have an adverse effect on the status of the body of water concerned, and, if so, whether they would be covered by a derogation under Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive[5].

2. Based on the information above, the Commission has no evidence that the measure infringes EU law. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

[1] The set of interventions includes: i) a weir with an in-line detention basin in the river reach crossed by the Dignano bridge; ii) a weir with an off-line detention basin, close to the Madrisio bridge, and iii) adjustments to enhance and/or retrofit levees, overflow channels, and the drainage network. The residual risk would be managed through the two non-structural measures: i) the Citizen Observatory (Osservatorio dei Cittadini) and ii) the update of Civil Protection Plans.

[2] Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30-37.

[3] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 026 28.1.2012, p. 1.

[4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206 22.7.1992, p. 7.

[5] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Commission opinion on the amendment of Law 5/2018 on the Horta of Valencia in the Valencian Country – E-000780/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
There is no EU legislation on the conservation of traditional landscapes or requiring climate resilience in vulnerable areas. However, the ‘Horta de Valencia’ is partially included in the Natura 2000 network[1], protected under the Habitats[2] and the Birds[3] Directives.

Natura 2000 sites or parts of them can only be de-designated under very strict conditions[4], and are protected under the regime set out in Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. The Commission has issued guidance documents to support Member States in the management of Natura 2000 sites[5].

Furthermore, the Nature Restoration Regulation[6] sets out a number of country-wide binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species including in urban and agricultural ecosystems. Member States must submit National Restoration Plans to the Commission by mid-2026, showing how they deliver on the targets.

In addition to the above-mentioned provisions of EU law on nature protection and restoration, any project, plan or programme likely to have significant effects on the environment will have to comply with the relevant requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment[7] or the Strategic Environmental Assessment[8] Directives.

In any case, it should be borne in mind that Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU law. In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action[9], which focuses on cases of systemic non-compliance, the Commission considers that the means of redress available under national legislation would be the most appropriate mechanism to address individual cases of possible non-compliance.

However, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

[1] L’Albufera (SiteCode: ES0000023), l’Albufera (ZEPA) (SiteCode: ES0000471).

[2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.

[3] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version), OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.

[4] https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/fcb355ee-7434-4448-a53d-5dc5d1dac678/library/8555aa28-9fb6-411f-8228-f8c99b296564/details

[5] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9a406f60-be3c-11e9-9d01-01aa75ed71a1

[6] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869 (Text with EEA relevance) — OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024.

[7] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 — OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.

[8] Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30-37.

[9] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference held in Hangzhou (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, leading the delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Zhejiang respectively, held the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference (the meeting-cum-plenary) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, today (April 24). Both sides witnessed the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of all-round exchanges and co-operation between the two places. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting-cum-plenary.

Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting-cum-plenary included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

Hong Kong and Zhejiang reached a consensus on the following 13 co-operation areas at the meeting-cum-plenary:

Joint pursuit of the Belt and Road development and business investment
———————————————————————-

Strengthen co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative between the two places. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in relevant exchange and interface sessions organised by relevant authorities in Hong Kong.

Promote the co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in the field of professional services. Support the introduction of Hong Kong management consulting, accounting, design, legal and dispute resolution service agencies.

Continue to actively promote collaboration and exchanges on intellectual property between the two places through publicity initiatives and seminars.

Finance
———-

Support Zhejiang Province in collaborating with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and relevant securities institutions to organise and conduct business training to address enterprises’ inquiries regarding listing in Hong Kong.

Encourage enterprises in Zhejiang Province and financial institutions in Hong Kong to engage in exchanges and co-operation.

Innovation and technology
——————————

Jointly promote co-operation in technology research and development between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Support higher education institutions, research institutes and enterprises in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to jointly launch research initiatives to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, develop strategic emerging industries, and foster the development of future industries.

Actively establish a two-way sci-tech financial investment and financing channel, and actively support Zhejiang’s high-tech enterprises in listing and raising funds, issuing local and foreign currency bonds in Hong Kong, etc.

Encourage and support technology entities in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to take the lead in the establishment of technology co-operation platforms, and set up research and development centres, etc.

Aviation
———-

Increase the frequency of flights between Hong Kong and the three airports in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou in accordance with the market situation.

Enhance the exchange of advanced airport management experience between airport personnel in Hong Kong and Zhejiang.

Legal and dispute resolution
——————————

Continue to proactively support law firms of the two places to establish partnership associations and set up branches in each other’s places.

Promote co-operation between the arbitral institutions of the two places in the arbitration of civil and commercial disputes in the areas of international trade, investment, maritime commerce, etc.

Support and promote the expansion of exchange platforms for legal, arbitration, mediation, and other professional services between the two places.

Cultural exchange and tourism
——————————

Strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between the two places.

Strengthen the exchanges and collaboration between the museums and arts and cultural institutions of Hong Kong and Zhejiang, and jointly organise international exhibitions.

Education
———-

Promote the development of the Zhejiang-Hong Kong Vocational Education Alliance. Effectively carry out visits to Zhejiang for Mainland study tours of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development and Mainland study tours for teachers.

Facilitate more schools in the two places in forming sister school pairs for conducting exchange activities in diverse forms.

Encourage higher education institutions in Zhejiang Province to further deepen co-operation with higher education institutions in Hong Kong and carry out various forms of collaborative projects, such as joint scientific research, academic seminars, and teacher-student exchanges.

Youth development
——————–

Actively explore the introduction of a quality internship programme in Zhejiang under the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland.

Support Hong Kong youths to participate in short-term experiential programmes at innovation and entrepreneurial bases in Zhejiang.

Encourage and support Hong Kong youth entrepreneurial teams funded under the Youth Development Fund of the Government of the HKSAR to expand their businesses to Zhejiang.

Health and Chinese medicine
——————————

Strengthen exchanges and co-operation between the two sides in areas such as clinical talents, primary healthcare and hospital management.

Support Hong Kong service providers to develop Hong Kong-Zhejiang joint ventures, co-operative medical institutions and wholly owned medical institutions in accordance with the law.

Expedite academic and talent exchanges in Chinese medicine between the two places, and strengthen co-operation in the area of international standardisation of Chinese medicine.

Environmental protection
——————————

Promote the implementation of the co-operation agreement signed between the Radiation Monitoring Technical Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Hong Kong Observatory. Support technical staff of both sides in conducting regular technical discussions.

Strengthen technical exchanges and co-operation in the field of carbon monitoring.

Strengthen exchanges and discussions between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in areas such as environmental protection-related industry and technological innovation.

Housing
———-

The two parties will engage in collaborative exchanges encompassing innovative housing technologies, intelligent construction, resource conservation, as well as low-carbon and emission-reduction initiatives.

The two parties will strengthen collaboration in innovative housing technologies, smart estate management, and the development of harmonious communities through reciprocal visits and professional training exchanges.

Talent and civil service exchange
——————————

Strengthen communication and connections with renowned schools in Hong Kong.

Continue to promote and deepen exchanges between civil servants from both sides, and launch a new round of the exchange programme under the guidance of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Facilitation measures for Hong Kong people on the Mainland
————————————————————

Fully implement the policies and measures introduced by the relevant Central Government departments to facilitate the development of Hong Kong and Macao residents on the Mainland, and facilitate Hong Kong people studying, working and living in Zhejiang.

Explore the expansion of the scope of application of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in various government and public services in Zhejiang.

Co-operation memorandum signing ceremony
—————————————-

At the meeting-cum-plenary, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government Mr Lu Shan, signed the “Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism” and the “Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference”. The documents (Chinese only) are in Annex 1 and Annex 2.

In addition, four co-operation agreements were signed by government departments and statutory bodies of the two places:

(i) Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Zhejiang/Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation;
(ii) Letter of Intent on Strengthening Exchanges and Co-operation in Innovative Housing Technologies, Smart Estate Management and Well-being Community;
(iii) Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting High-Quality Economic and Trade Co-operation; and
(iv) Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promoting Youth Development Co-operation.

The co-operation agreements (i), (ii) and (iv) signed by the government departments of the two places (Chinese only) are in Annexes 3 to 5.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Launching the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan to establish a statewide framework to align ongoing State climate adaptation planning and implementation efforts throughout New York communities. Over the course of the next year, this initiative will equip State and local partners with shared direction and foster collaboration across every region of the State, ensuring New Yorkers are better equipped and prepared for the devastating storms that cause more than $1 billion in damages for New York annually.

“As Governor, I have made major investments to prepare local leaders and protect communities across New York from the increasingly severe weather events that have cost us billions of dollars in damages and routinely threaten our safety,” Governor Hochul said. “By developing this statewide initiative to guide our ongoing climate resiliency efforts, we are solidifying a commitment to a safe, affordable and sustainable future that all New Yorkers need and deserve.”

The plan will create a collective vision, principles, planning resources and a gap analysis of existing State agency initiatives, which include a wide array of project types, such as: shoreline restoration, the relocation of critical infrastructure to reduce flood risk, the relocation and raising of flood-prone roadways, and right-sizing dams, bridges and culverts. The coordination initiative for this plan is being led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of State (DOS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with other State agencies.

As part of the first phase of the plan, the State will host a series of webinars in summer 2025. This initial outreach will be followed by more comprehensive engagement opportunities throughout the development of the plan, including additional in-person and virtual events and direct engagement with local governments and key stakeholders such as community-based organizations. Additional information, as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved, will be shared on the plan’s website.

Recognizing the need for innovative and cross-sector partnerships, the plan will create a unified adaptation and resilience strategy that builds upon and strengthens existing efforts while identifying new options for taking action. New York State will continue to advance investments and initiatives to support local planning and implementation of climate adaptation and resilience actions. Resources immediately available include:
- Funding through the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Green Resiliency Grant Program, Resilient Watershed Grants and other Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act-supported programs;
- Targeted climate research through the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment;
- Supporting local and regional planning through programs such as the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning program, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency programs;
- Hazard-focused statewide planning such as the implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan.
Additional resources and funding opportunities to support state and local adaptation and resilience are available here and through the Environmental Bond Act Funding Finder.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New Yorkers know all too well how flooding and severe weather driven by climate change can wreak havoc on our communities and the environment. At Governor Hochul’s direction, we are taking action to make sure our communities and natural resources are resilient now and in the future. DEC is proud to lead this multi-agency effort to build, collaborate, and streamline New York State’s collective efforts on adaptation and resilience to ensure our state, communities, and partners are armed with the tools and resources needed to adapt to and prepare for the many impacts of climate change.”

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “This comprehensive resiliency plan is yet another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, businesses and infrastructure from the ravages of climate change. The Department of State stands ready and eager to contribute to this statewide effort to ensure that all corners of the State are prepared for and resilient against a rapidly changing climate.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Over the last year alone, we’ve seen the toll that weather events like flooding and tornadoes can take on communities. By bringing together multiple State agencies to collaborate on methods to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we are taking a proactive approach to address Governor Hochul’s focus on prevention and resiliency. Investing in this work now will help the residents of New York respond and recover quickly and efficiently from storms.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership on protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme weather events is evident through this multi-agency planning process that will advance statewide efforts. NYSERDA looks forward to engaging in this highly collaborative undertaking, which provides for the most efficient and coordinated use of State resources to meet future challenges in a strategic, sustainable way.”

As part of the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a historic $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, a critical investment designed to rapidly generate thousands of jobs, slash energy bills for households and cut harmful pollution.

New York State’s Climate Agenda 
New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EIB criticises green reporting rules under Taxonomy Regulation – E-000151/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
It is a key priority for the Commission to simplify rules and reduce the reporting burdens for undertakings, including financial institutions financial institutions.

On 26 February 2025, the Commission presented an omnibus package[1] aiming at simplification in relation to sustainability reporting.

The omnibus proposals delay by two years the reporting for companies that should have done so in 2026 or later and introduce a reduction in the scope of reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)[2] to large companies[3] with more than 1000 employees.

This entails a change of scope of reporting under Taxonomy regulation[4], which is aligned with the CSRD. In addition, the proposal will make Taxonomy reporting voluntary for companies in scope with a turnover below EUR 450 million.

In parallel, the Commission also published for public feedback proposed changes to the Taxonomy Disclosures Delegated Act[5] significantly simplifying reporting requirements and introducing materiality thresholds, and changes to Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts[6].

As regards the green asset ratio, it is proposed to allow financial institutions to exclude from the indicators’ denominators the exposures that relate to undertakings with less than 1000 employees, which will not be obliged to report on EU Taxonomy information as per the Omnibus proposal.

In addition, the Omnibus package will protect companies out of the scope of the requirements, including SMEs, from excessive sustainability information requests that they receive when they are included in the value chains of larger companies or from financial institutions ( trickle-down effect ).

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/omnibus-i_en

[2] Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting, OJ L 322, 16.12.2022, p. 15.

[3] Large companies are defined in the Accounting Directive as companies that exceed at least two of the three following criteria: balance sheet of EUR 25 million, turnover of EUR 50 million and 250 employees.

[4] Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) .2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13.

[5] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 of 6 July 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the content and presentation of information to be disclosed by undertakings subject to Articles 19a or 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU concerning environmentally sustainable economic activities, and specifying the methodology to comply with that disclosure obligation, OJ L 443 10.12.2021, p. 9.

[6] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of 4 June 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives (OJ L 442, 9.12.2021, p. 1) and 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, to the transition to a circular economy, to pollution prevention and control, or to the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives and amending Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 as regards specific public disclosures for those economic activities (OJ L 2023/2486, 21.11.2023).
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Leading the Nation in Environmental Protection
Source: US State of New York

n celebration of Earth Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that, since 2020, New York has dedicated nearly $125 million to on-farm projects that conserve natural resources, combat climate change, and protect soil and water quality. The projects have been awarded to more than 6,500 farms in every corner of New York through the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, Agricultural NonPoint Source Abatement and Control (Ag NonPoint) program, and Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program. Together, through the implementation of the best practices that these projects support, they have reduced 661,633 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 154,000 cars off the road for one year.

“New York State has long been a trailblazer in combating climate change, and we continue to lead the nation in environmental protection,” Governor Hochul said. “Protecting our state’s farms and ensuring our farmers have the resources they need to mitigate the effects of climate change is critical to not only protecting our environment, but also maintaining the economic viability of the state’s agricultural industry for generations to come. This milestone is a terrific testament to the progress we’ve made to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient New York.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State continues to lead the nation in the work that we as a state are doing to protect our natural resources and combat climate change. Agriculture is proud to be at the table in these discussions and implementing critical best management practices on the farm that are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture and sequester carbon, and protect our soil and water quality. It is amazing all that can be accomplished when we work together, and under the leadership of our governor and in partnership with our SWCD, our farmers have made tangible progress in our fight against climate change.”

New York Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Supporting New York’s farmers helps improve water and air quality for the benefit of all. We applaud the farmers who implement these important projects and thank the Department of Agriculture and Markets for funding these environmentally sustainable programs. This milestone investment signifies Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to the agriculture industry and our environment to advance a greener future for all New Yorkers.”

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Matt Brower said, “These numbers are really impressive. We are fortunate that the State is able to provide the financial resources to help fund these practices and we are also fortunate to have the valuable staff at the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help the landowners install these practices. It is amazing what this partnership has accomplished over the years in terms of environmental protection and improvement.”

Over the last five years, this investment in on-farm best management practices, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, conservation cover crops, water management, and more, through the State’s programs, has resulted in the following accomplishments statewide:
- 445 acres of wetland restoration to protect wildlife habitat, floodplains, and ecosystem services that directly benefit downstream water quality.
- 169 waste storage facilities to support manure management and implement sustainable nutrient application plans to farm fields.
- 380 acres of riparian herbaceous and forest buffer established to protect waterways from erosion, filter water quality pollutants, and lower temperatures of surface water bodies.
- 10,000 acres of residue and tillage management via mulch till, no till, strip till or direct seeding to control soil erosion, reduce run-off, and enhance soil health
- 87,930 acres of cover crop planted to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon.
- 9,734 feet of streambank and shoreline protection and 80 stream crossings to stabilize and revegetate areas prone to flood damage and reduce livestock access to water resources.
- 29,080 feet of irrigation pipeline to support irrigation water management systems that control the rate, amount, placement, and timing of irrigation water to ensure efficient use of water and control runoff.
These projects were completed by the State’s County SWCD (SWCD) with participating farmers and landowners. County SWCD will use the AEM framework to assist farmers through planning and implementation to make science-based and cost-effective decisions and to apply for funding through the State’s agricultural environmental programming. As a result, farmers can meet business goals while conserving the State’s natural resources.

New York Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Blanche Hurlbutt said, “Earth Day is an important reminder to us all to take care of our Mother Earth. SWCD through-out New York hosts tree sales and will encourage folks to plant a tree during this time of year. It is also important to protect New York’s soil and water by learning about ways to keep and protect them. This is another way of education that is provided by the SWCD.”

New York Association of Conservation Districts President Sam Casella said, “As we celebrate Earth Week, it is an excellent opportunity to thank the Governor for her steadfast and continuing support of New York State’s Soil and Water Districts in so many ways; both financially and legislatively. Both are crucial for our States Districts and our dedicated District employees to continue their vitally important work to protect and preserve the New York State’s invaluable natural resources, now and for future generations. As I travel the country on behalf of New York Association of Conservation Districts, I have seen firsthand the collective efforts under the leadership of the Governor, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and other key agencies that have made New York State a true leader in Conservation work. Now more than ever, New York’s residents are fortunate to have that commitment, dedication and vision. We should thank them all as we celebrate Earth Week.”

Conservation District Employees Association President Caitlin Stewart said, “New York State’s SWCD are the boots on the ground for natural resource management. From projects that protect farmland, forests, and watersheds to place-based education, and from climate resiliency to invasive species prevention, SWCD programs and services benefit students, producers, landowners, and municipalities. Our expert employees truly make Earth Day every day!”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York farmers are an example for the country, showing how vital good environmental stewardship is to growing our food, keeping our land and water healthy, and making measurable progress in fighting the climate crisis through agriculture. Despite federal rollbacks in farmer support, we will continue to fight for New York’s small family farmers by investing in the support they need to make their operations resilient and protect our food supply for future generations.”

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “New York’s agricultural sector and family farms have withstood countless climate crisis related challenges over the years, but to maintain the vitality and capacity of this crucial part of the state’s economy we must continue to offer as much support as possible. The success of the climate resilient farming grants program has benefited the statewide farm community and our environment significantly while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions—a real win-win. In this time of reduced federal support across the board, it makes sense for the governor and state legislature to remain committed to this grant program.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Earth Week is the perfect time to highlight New York’s efforts to address climate change through our many agricultural initiatives. 6,500 New York farms have already received support for soil health practices, climate resiliency, nutrient management, and other vital conservation measures. This work is more important now than ever due to changing attitudes about climate coming from the nation’s capital. I’d like to thank the Governor, the Department, and my colleagues from across the state, for their ongoing commitment to these critically important investments.”

Throughout the year, SWCD will also host and participate in public education and outreach events to celebrate the environment, bring awareness to important natural resource issues and highlight the techniques and technologies used to implement conservation practices. To find a County District and learn more about their unique programs, visit the Soil and Water Conservation District Office page on the Department of Agriculture website.

Administered by the Department and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program is a cost-share grant program that provides funding to address and prevent potential water quality issues that stem from farming activities. Financial and technical assistance supports the planning and implementation of on-farm projects with the goal of improving water quality in New York’s waterways. The program seeks to support New York’s diverse agricultural businesses in their efforts to implement best management practice systems that improve water quality and environmental stewardship.

The goal of the CRF Program is to reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change (mitigation) and to increase the resiliency of New York State farms in the face of a changing climate (adaptation). Program grant funds are available for projects that reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, in addition to enhancing the on-farm adaptation and resilience to projected climate conditions due to heavy storm events, rainfall, and drought.

To learn more about the State’s funding opportunities in this area, visit the Soil and Water Conservation Committee page on the Department of Agriculture website.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Jane Fonda stands with Greenpeace to defend the oceans at United Nations global oceans talks
Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Jane Fonda talks with reporters in the Millennium Hotel outside the United Nations on the United States no-show at major multilateral negotiations to protect the environment. This comes amidst the ongoing lawsuit against Greenpeace US. © Stephanie Keiith / Greenpeace

New York, United States, 24 April 2025 – Actor and activist Jane Fonda joined Greenpeace’s delegation to the United Nations for a crucial Global Ocean Treaty meeting yesterday. She delivered a rousing address to country delegates, thanking them for their work to protect the global oceans.

Agreement on the Global Ocean Treaty is one of the few multilateral processes on protecting nature that has made significant progress in recent years. This progress has continued at the United Nations in recent weeks, despite the United States not sending a delegation for the first time.

Jane Fonda said in her address to delegates at the United Nations: “The Global Ocean Treaty is a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. It shows that when we focus on our common humanity and our dependence on a healthy planet, we can push back against the tide of extraction and corporate greed.”

Delegates have made strong progress in the last two weeks on setting up the first Ocean Conference of Parties (COP), which will be the UN body that brings the Global Ocean Treaty to life at sea. [1]

In a separate press event, outside the UN, Jane Fonda also highlighted attempts by the current US administration to undermine multilateralism from outside the United Nations: “Hope for the future of our planet is still possible even as President Trump is trying to tear down multilateralism, undermine international processes to protect nature and stop environmental groups like Greenpeace from working to protect our planet.”

“Trump’s administration is trying to silence this movement — and the truth. They know protest works — that’s why they’re trying to make the stakes so high no one will be willing to take the risk. That’s why Greenpeace in the US and Greenpeace International have been sued by Big Oil company Energy Transfer for hundreds of millions of dollars.” [2]

Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA’s Oceans Are Life campaign lead, said: “While the Trump Administration has retreated from global efforts to protect life on our planet, such as the climate COP, and has waged a desperately short-sighted war on the environment that only benefits a few billionaires, these two weeks have been a glimmer of hope. Other nations have risen to the occasion, demonstrating the leadership needed to ensure we’re making significant headway on protecting our oceans. There is still much to accomplish to bring the Treaty into effect, and we encourage these countries to maintain their momentum towards building something that will last long beyond the turmoil of this moment, beyond a single administration, something that will last for generations. We must use this Treaty to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, and to keep this target alive, governments must ratify it as soon as possible in 2025.”

The Trump administration recently issued an Executive Order that opens vast swaths of protected ocean to commercial exploitation, including areas within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. It allows commercial fishing in areas long considered off-limits due to their ecological significance—despite overwhelming scientific consensus that marine sanctuaries are essential for rebuilding fish stocks and maintaining ocean health. These actions threaten some of the most sensitive and pristine marine ecosystems in the world.

Greenpeace USA activists displayed a vast banner earlier this week, outside the United Nations headquarters, reading “Protect the Oceans.” The team also wore t-shirts with the message “We Will Not Be Silenced,” reiterating the organization’s commitment to continue advocating for environmental protection in the wake of the recent $660M jury verdict against Greenpeace entities in a lawsuit brought by pipeline company Energy Transfer.

Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

Notes

-Full transcripts of Jane Fonda’s speeches are available on request.

-Jane Fonda is a longtime Greenpeace supporter. She was at the UN during the final negotiations on the global Ocean treaty in February 2023 to meet with delegates and hand over more than 5.5 million signatures petition to the President of the negotiations Rena Lee

[1] The Global Ocean Treaty will only enter into force 120 days after 60 countries have ratified. The UN Secretary-General is required to convene the first meeting of the ocean COP to the Agreement no later than one year after its entry into force.

[2] https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/energy-transfer-lawsuit-verdict/

Contacts in New York:

Other contacts:
- Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected] +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
- Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, [email protected]
MIL OSI NGO –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The hidden history of Philadelphia’s window-box gardens and their role in urban reform

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sonja Dümpelmann, Professor of Environmental Humanities, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Window-box gardening has been a Philly tradition since the 1800s. Sonja Dümpelmann, CC BY-SA

It’s that time of year when Philadelphia row home owners with a green thumb fastidiously attend to their window boxes – selecting new plants to design an artful blend of colors, shapes and textures.

Sonja Dümpelmann is a historian of landscapes and the built environment who lived in Philly from 2019 to 2023. During this time, she researched how female reformers and activists in Philadelphia in the 19th and 20th centuries tended to window-box gardens both for charity and to spur urban renewal in rundown neighborhoods.

Dümpelmann recently published an article on this history in the architectural journal Buildings & Landscapes. She spoke with The Conversation U.S. about what she learned.

Some homeowners change out their plants throughout the year.
Sonja Dümpelmann, CC BY-SA

How did you become interested in window boxes?

When I first moved to Philadelphia from Cambridge, Massachusetts, in August 2019, I was immediately struck by the window boxes. The lushness and freshness of the plants in many of the boxes, and sometimes in sidewalk planters, made walking more pleasant and interesting. This was especially the case in the hot summer months when I would often see plants from subtropical and tropical climates in the Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods.

I noticed that there were three categories of window boxes. Many were visibly cared for, often freshly planted and decorated several times a year in accordance with the changing seasons. Some were derelict and had spontaneous growth of saplings and different grasses. And a third category were boxes outfitted with plastic plants, perhaps signaling absentee owners or landlords who seek to simulate care.

What makes them landscape architecture?

Window boxes – especially the planted boxes, but also painted boxes that are empty – change outdoor space and building exteriors. They make them more colorful and interesting, and they break up plain vertical walls by protruding from the facade.

You could say that the window boxes “greet” passersby. They connect private indoor space with the public realm of the street. As one early window-box promoter observed in 1903, “The man in the street gets as much enjoyment out of them as its owner.”

“Gardens in a box,” as they were also referred to by early promoters, can make homes and entire neighborhoods look and feel different. They forge distinct identities with their plant selection and the style and color of the boxes.

Window gardens are a way to greet passersby on the street.
Sonja Dümpelmann, CC BY-SA

How did window gardening begin?

Window gardening became popular in Victorian England and continental Europe in the 19th century. It began as an indoor activity and was practiced especially by women, but it soon also moved outdoors. There it became part of what American women in the late 19th century called “municipal housekeeping.” It extended their conventional female roles as housekeepers and mothers into the larger “household” of the community.

Window gardening became a means of female social reform during the Progressive Era. During this period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when industries and cities were growing fast, women sought to improve education, public health and living conditions, especially for poor and immigrant communities. By offering plants, flowers and entire window boxes, the women supported homemakers of lesser means.

However, these boxes were also a way to make sure that order in and outside of homes was maintained. Window gardens became cultural symbols of cleanliness and good housekeeping. Furthermore, reformers considered window gardening as a practice that could help immigrants assimilate into American society.

When did they become political?

In Philadelphia there were two big window-gardening movements. The first occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and I describe it as window-box charity. The second, which I call window-box activism, began in the 1950s.

Window-box charity was carried out primarily by white philanthropists and social workers who would distribute plants and goods sent from outside the city to the urban poor and sick, especially immigrants and Black Americans. Sometimes the window boxes were ready to be installed outside the windows. Other times recipients built and planted boxes themselves.

The Neighborhood Garden Association, the organization that pioneered window-box activism, at work near the now-closed Alexander Wilson School in West Philadelphia in 1955.
Courtesy of the McLean Library and Archives, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Several decades later, in the mid-20th-century, plants became a vehicle for white suburban garden club ladies and Black inner-city residents to counter urban decay resulting from racism and public disinvestment. On annual planting days, the garden club ladies brought plants into the city and joined residents in planting and installing window boxes to brighten up their neighborhood blocks.

Plants were key in both window-box charity and window-box activism. People came together to care for plants, creating friendships among neighbors and ties between low-income and wealthy neighborhoods. The women used plants and window boxes to protect private space and increase the safety of public space. In the 1960s, the Philadelphia police reported less crime on streets with window boxes.

Of course, window boxes and plants alone could not solve larger urban social problems such as poor housing conditions and racial discrimination. So while they could be catalysts of neighborhood change, they also helped to camouflage and quite literally naturalize larger social problems that required political responses.

Are they still linked to urban renewal?

Like a smaller version of public parks, community gardens and street trees, window gardens can contribute to green gentrification. This occurs when the construction of parks or the planting of trees contributes to an increase in property values that leads to the displacement of long-term residents in low-income neighborhoods.

Window gardening did help save some of Philly’s old row house neighborhoods from demolition during urban renewal beginning in the 1950s. However, quite a few of these neighborhoods – such as Washington Square West and Graduate Hospital – have since been gentrified, and families who once window gardened to turn their neighborhoods into more beautiful and safer places could no longer afford to live there.

The 20th century window-box activism drew the attention of sociologists and other national and international observers, especially because it brought white and Black residents together during the tensions of the Civil Rights Movement. It also raised public awareness about unequal access to urban green spaces.

Window boxes on Delancey Street in Philadelphia.
Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia, CC BY-SA

Yet despite the movement’s good intentions and positive effects, racial segregation remains a persistent problem in Philadelphia.

In gentrified parts of Center City today, new and restored row houses often include fixtures and built-in irrigation pipes for window boxes. Many owners outsource window-box planting and maintenance to paid service providers.

But for lower-income residents, the costs in both time and money to install and maintain window gardens can be prohibitive.

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

– ref. The hidden history of Philadelphia’s window-box gardens and their role in urban reform – https://theconversation.com/the-hidden-history-of-philadelphias-window-box-gardens-and-their-role-in-urban-reform-254361

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Scottish Government urged to halt controversial industrial salmon farm at Loch Long

Source: Scottish Greens

24 Apr 2025 Nature

The Loch Long industrial development will scar the landscape.

More in Nature

The First Minister has been urged to ensure local people are listened to in their campaign against destructive proposals for an industrial salmon farm development at Loch Long.

Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess has led a campaign that has seen over 4300 people lodging objections via a web portal created by the Scottish Greens.

The controversial proposal was rejected by the National Park Authority in 2022. It was appealed by the developers almost 12 months ago, with the Scottish Government taking the rare decision to “call” it in.

In her first question to the First Minister, Ms Burgess said:

“To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on when the Scottish Government expects to respond to the Loch Long salmon farm planning application.”

In his response the First Minister did not provide a timeframe for the decision.

In her second question, Ms Burgess said:

“The industrial salmon farm development proposed for Loch Long will scar the loch’s coastline and harm its wildlife.

“It has been opposed by the community, the local planning authority, and even the industry. But we have now been waiting over a year for the Government’s response after the application was called in.

“First Minister – more than 4,000 people have written to the Government asking it to protect Loch Long from this damaging development. Will the First Minister personally ensure that my constituents voices will be listened to?”

Only 2 miles from Loch Lomond, at the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Loch Long is an iconic landscape. It’s home to seals, otters and seabirds, as well as linking with the Endrick Water Special Area of Conservation, which hosts a fragile population of endangered Atlantic Salmon.

The final decision now lies with the Scottish Government and Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic and BRU strengthen the technological sovereignty of the Union State

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

The visit of the Polytechnic University delegation to the Republic of Belarus continues. At the site of the strategic partner of SPbPU, the Belarusian-Russian University (Mogilev), several events related to the joint activities of our universities are currently taking place. The leaders of the Polytechnic University, which coordinates the activities of Slavic universities within the framework of the national project, were met at BRU with traditional hospitality – a loaf of bread and salt.

BRU Rector Mikhail Lustenkov welcomed his Russian colleagues: “Our cooperation with the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has long been truly warm and productive. I can say with confidence that we do not have such a multifaceted and strategically important partnership with any other university. Today we have a wonderful opportunity to personally show you what results we have achieved thanks to our joint work. The Comprehensive Program for the Development of Slavic Universities plays a special role in our development, within the framework of which your support is invaluable to us. Polytechnic is not just a partner, but a reliable ally in the pursuit of development and improvement.”

The official meeting of SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev and Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Anatoly Popovich with BRU Rector Mikhail Lustenkov and key vice-rectors was devoted to the prospects for expanding cooperation in the main areas of partnership, including the creation of innovative joint educational programs, the development of research infrastructure and the training of professional personnel for high-tech sectors of the Union State economy.

“We have found the right interaction and the basis for Slavic unity in the field of education. Unique laboratories have been created in Belarus, students study together, and are distributed to enterprises in both countries. This is a very correct and important symbiosis, reflecting the most important role of Slavic universities. Our partnership in welding technologies is of particular importance. You have strong developments, and we have exclusive methods, for example, electron beam and vacuum welding. For Russia, as a powerful shipbuilding center, training welders is an urgent task. We are ready to share high-tech solutions and adopt your practical experience. In addition, we are united by intelligent control systems, digital technologies, supercomputer centers and modeling. Without this, modern science and industry are impossible. I am sure that together we can strengthen both sides,” Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

A landmark event was the signing of an agreement to launch a unique joint network bachelor’s degree program “Artificial Intelligence in Technical Systems”. This four-year program was developed by joint efforts of specialists from the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management of SPbPU and the Department of Software of BRU. It should become a flagship project in training new generation specialists. Already at the development stage, the program aroused significant interest not only among Russian and Belarusian applicants, but also among students from China, which indicates its international demand.

“This visit is the next stage of our strategic partnership. Within the walls of the Belarusian-Russian University, we see not only modern laboratories, but also a special atmosphere of joint creativity. We were particularly impressed by the achievements of our Belarusian colleagues in training engineering personnel and organizing the educational process. We see significant potential for expanding joint educational programs and scientific research,” said Dmitry Arsenyev.

This is not the first network program launched by the two universities. Since 2022, SPbPU and BRU have been implementing a network bachelor’s degree program in the field of “Foreign Regional Studies”. From April 21 to 25, five students of the Higher School of International Relations of the Humanitarian Institute of SPbPU are undergoing an internship at BRU. The students were selected based on the results of the essay competition “25 years of the Union State: history, achievements and future goals of Russia and Belarus”. The educational program at BRU includes lectures (“Culture of Belarus: traditions and modernity”, “The main stages of the development of philosophical thought in Belarus”, “Society in Belarus: features and development”, etc.) and a cultural program. In parallel with the student internship, Associate Professor of the Polytechnic University Alexey Vovenda held master classes for BRU students on organizing research activities within the framework of the field of “Foreign Regional Studies”. Since 2022, a total of 19 SPbPU students and 29 BRU students have been trained within the network program.

Getting acquainted with the university infrastructure allowed the SPbPU delegation to evaluate the achievements of the joint laboratory of intelligent robotics and cyber-physical systems. In it, students and teachers of the two universities successfully implement projects in the field of digital twins of industrial facilities and predictive analytics systems. The delegation was especially interested in practical solutions for remote monitoring of critical facilities using artificial intelligence technologies. In the robotics laboratory, guests were shown how to remotely connect to production lines and control robots located at different points.

No less productive was the visit to the Department of Technosphere Safety, where the industrial internship program for master’s students of the “Environmental Safety in Industry” program of SPbPU has been successfully implemented for the third year. A unique methodology for studying the impact of radionuclides on the environment, developed by Belarusian colleagues, complements the educational programs of the St. Petersburg university with an important practical component. The internship has been held since 2022. During this time, 15 Polytechnic students have completed it. And just this week, another internship program for three more students of the Civil Engineering Institute is ending at the experimental sites and in the laboratories of the Department of Technosphere Safety.

At the Department of Welding Equipment and Technologies, guests were presented with advanced developments in the field of additive and welding technologies. In this area, BRU is rightfully considered a unique platform in the Republic of Belarus. The only Certification and Testing Center in the Republic operates on the basis of the university, which carries out certification of welding equipment and materials, testing of welded samples and structures, training, certification and certification of welders, and develops and qualifies welding processes.

Director of IMMiT Anatoly Popovich supported the rector of SPbPU, noting that the key area of cooperation between the universities should be interaction in the field of advanced production technologies, in particular powder metallurgy and welding processes. He emphasized that BRU has unique practical experience in the field of high-tech welding, including automatic, thick-plate and argon-arc welding, and is ready to actively share these developments with colleagues from the Polytechnic University.

The Higher School of Materials Physics and Technology of SPbPU (Professor Sergey Parshin) has been collaborating with this BRU department since 2021. The partners jointly conduct scientific research, supervise postgraduate students and give lectures. The center discussed the possibilities of developing cooperation. In particular, organizing network interaction between the Polytechnic University, BRU, institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, and creating a Competence Center for Welding Technologies on the basis of BRU.

As part of the activities to coordinate the activities of Slavic universities, this week SPbPU experts are holding a project-analytical session to prepare a development program for the Belarusian-Russian University for 2026-2030. The session focused on developing a common understanding among the BRU team of the university’s target model, strategic development goals, and ways to achieve them.

SPbPU experts — Vice-Rector for Personnel Policy Maria Vrublevskaya, Head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities” Nikita Golovin and expert of the Department of Strategic Planning and Development Tatyana Morina. They shared their experience in implementing the Priority-2030 program, proposing innovative approaches to transforming the university into an educational hub. The main vector of BRU development is maintaining the model of an engineering university with an emphasis on close cooperation with industry. This is necessary for sustainable regional development, as well as in the interests of Belarus, Russia and the Union State as a whole.

Maria Vrublevskaya shared the results of the project-analytical session: “Despite serious restrictions related to state frameworks, as well as difficulties in developing human capital, the university demonstrated impressive results. Investments were implemented effectively: growth points are fully equipped, strong teams were formed, and best practices reached the level of sustainable development. Now the team is at the peak of intellectual potential, and although the strategy for further development until 2030 is yet to be determined, it is already obvious that the invested resources have produced a significant effect.”

The results of the visit confirmed that the cooperation between SPbPU and BRU has reached a qualitatively new level, combining fundamental academic traditions with advanced educational technologies. Joint projects in the field of artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems and technosphere safety not only strengthen the scientific and technical potential of the two countries, but also create the basis for the formation of a single educational space and increasing the technological sovereignty of the Union State.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Toxic threat: New Greenpeace report outlines unacceptable risk of nuclear waste in Australia

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

SYDNEY, Thursday 24 April 2025 — A new report from Greenpeace Australia Pacific has shown the Coalition’s nuclear plan could produce 14 billion Coke cans’ worth of radioactive waste a year, warning it is a matter of when, not if, a nuclear waste accident could occur in Australia.

Released in the lead-up to the 39th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the report, ‘Toxic threat: The danger of nuclear waste in Australia’ shows that the Coalition has grossly understated the volume of dangerous waste its nuclear plan will produce — 14 billion times more than the ‘single coke can’ for a small modular reactor touted by Peter Dutton.

The report also outlines the unacceptable risk this waste poses to Australian communities, and warns Australia’s long history of nuclear waste management failures point to a very high likelihood of future nuclear disaster.

Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan is a dangerous and expensive disaster waiting to happen. From Chernobyl to Fukushima, the devastation of nuclear disasters is a risk that Australia cannot afford to, and doesn’t need to, take.

“Australians don’t need the equivalent of 14 billion Coke cans of radioactive nuclear waste every year. The Coalition has not offered a credible plan for how it will manage nuclear waste safely, nor how it will fund this multibillion dollar effort.

“Australia’s unenviable track record of mismanaging even low-level nuclear waste, as well as a history of radioactive incidents in the US, UK and EU, reveals how complex it is to manage nuclear waste safely. Multiplying that challenge many times over by building a fleet of nuclear reactors could have devastating consequences for communities and ecosystems.

“International examples show that accidents, natural disasters, and other waste management failures occur with alarming regularity. A nuclear waste accident could lead to mass casualties, long-term health impacts, and the contamination of groundwater, farmland, and ecosystems for millennia. The clean-up bill from an incident would be astronomical, costing billions of dollars.

“Australia doesn’t need nuclear energy, which is just a smokescreen to prolong the use of climate-wrecking coal and gas for decades. We are almost halfway to powering the nation with clean, affordable wind and solar, and should be supercharging efforts to get to 100% renewables backed by storage.

“The Coalition has not asked communities like Collie, Latrobe Valley and the Hunter Valley for their consent to build nuclear reactors and waste dumps in their backyards, but the upcoming Federal Election is a chance for voters to have a say in Australia’s energy future. Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan is too dangerous to proceed, and Australians should strongly reject the idea of nuclear energy here.”

—ENDS—

Note to editors: Images of a recent Greenpeace anti-nuclear protest at the Coalition’s election campaign launch party are available here.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / [email protected].

MIL OSI NGO –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Development Plan 3 Update: Call for Sites underway

Source: Scotland – City of Perth

At the end of March 2025 the LDP3 Evidence Report was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) for the required ‘Gate Check’ process after its approval by Councillors on 5 March   The document will now be assessed to determine if it contains sufficient information to allow Perth and Kinross Council to prepare LDP3.   The Gate Check process is expected to take approximately 3 months, depending on the complexity of the issues within the Evidence Report. Progress on the Report’s Gate Check and all associated documents can be viewed on the DPEA’s website, https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/, under Case Reference GATE-340-1.

Another key stage in the progress of LDP3 has also begun with the Call for Sites. This provides an opportunity for communities, developers, landowners and other interested parties to suggest development sites to be considered for inclusion in the new plan. It can also help outline locations with good potential to be delivered – by asking stakeholders to propose sites that have already had preliminary investigations, the LDP can access proposals that are viable from a technical and commercial perspective.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of Economy and Infrastructure said: “Although it is not a legal requirement to include a Call for Sites in the development of a Local Development Plan, we have used this approach during the preparation of previous versions of our LDP, and it has proven to be an effective method of identifying more development opportunities with good potential to be delivered, whilst also empowering stakeholders in their role in the plan preparation process.”

An online questionnaire is now open to help gather the necessary information to help assess the suitability of sites and proposals. This covers a series of questions regarding the location of a site, existing and proposed uses, current site conditions, and any potential impacts and constraints related to its development.

Further information regarding the LDP3 Call for Sites stage, including the online questionnaire, is available on the Council’s Consultation Hub. The closing date for submissions is Friday 20 June 2025.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Flow Traders 1Q 2025 Trading Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Flow Traders 1Q 2025 Trading Update

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) announces its unaudited 1Q 2025 trading update.

Highlights

Flow Traders recorded Net Trading Income of €140.2m and Total Income of €135.1m in 1Q25, an increase of 10% and 4% when compared to €127.1m and €129.6m in 1Q24, respectively.
Flow Traders’ ETP Value Traded increased by 24% in 1Q25 to €507bn from €409bn in 1Q24.
Fixed Operating Expenses were €50.8m in the quarter, an increase of 15% when compared to the €44.1m in 1Q24, due mostly to increased employee and technology expenses.
Total Operating Expenses were €72.7m in 1Q25, an increase of 7% when compared to the €67.9m in 1Q24, due to higher Fixed Operating Expenses.
EBITDA was €62.3m in the quarter, an increase of 1% when compared to €61.6m in 1Q24. EBITDA margin was 46% in 1Q25 vs. 48% in 1Q24.
Net Profit came in at €36.3m in 1Q25, yielding a basic EPS of €0.84 and diluted EPS of €0.82, a 21% decrease compared to a Net Profit of €45.9m, basic EPS of €1.05, and diluted EPS of €1.04 in 1Q24.
Trading Capital stood at €803m at the end of 1Q25, a 32% and 4% increase from €609m and €775m at the end of 1Q24 and 4Q24, respectively, and generated a 68% return on average trading capital¹.
Shareholders’ equity was €787m at the end of 1Q25, compared to €631m at the end of 1Q24 and €767m at the end of 4Q24.
Flow Traders employed 619 FTEs at the end of 1Q25, compared to 601 at the end of 1Q24 and 609 at the end of 4Q24.

Leadership Update

In a separate release today, Flow Traders announced that Mike Kuehnel has conveyed to the Board his intention not to seek re-election as CEO for another full term at the 2025 AGM. He will leave Flow Traders at the end of August of this year, to pursue a new opportunity. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Mike has agreed to be nominated for re-election as CEO at the upcoming AGM on 13 June 2025, his renewed term extending until 31 August 2025. The Board has initiated a search for his successor.

Furthermore, Marc Jansen will be nominated for election as Executive Director of Flow Traders Ltd. and in addition, Marc Jansen and Alex Kieft will be appointed as Co-Chief Trading Officers, effective immediately.

Financial Overview

€million	1Q25	1Q24	Change	YTD25	YTD24	Change
Net trading income	140.2	127.1	10%	140.2	127.1	10%
Other income	(5.1)	2.5	NM	(5.1)	2.5	NM
Total income	135.1	129.6	4%	135.1	129.6	4%
Revenue by region²
Europe	79.9	68.5	17%	79.9	68.5	17%
Americas	11.4	41.3	(72%)	11.4	41.3	(72%)
Asia	43.7	19.9	120%	43.7	19.9	120%
Fixed employee expenses	24.3	20.7	18%	24.3	20.7	18%
Technology expenses	17.4	15.8	10%	17.4	15.8	10%
Other expenses	9.1	7.7	19%	9.1	7.7	19%
Fixed operating expenses	50.8	44.1	15%	50.8	44.1	15%
Variable employee expenses	22.0	23.8	(8%)	22.0	23.8	(8%)
Total operating expenses	72.7	67.9	7%	72.7	67.9	7%
EBITDA	62.3	61.6	1%	62.3	61.6	1%
Interest expenses	0.4	–	NM	0.4	–	NM
Lease expenses	0.5	0.6	(8%)	0.5	0.6	(8%)
Depreciation & amortisation	4.7	4.3	11%	4.7	4.3	11%
Impairment of intangible assets	10.5	–	NM	10.5	–	NM
Profit/(loss) on equity-accounted investments	(1.8)	(0.4)	375%	(1.8)	(0.4)	375%
Profit before tax	44.3	56.4	(21%)	44.3	56.4	(21%)
Tax expense	8.0	10.6	(24%)	8.0	10.6	(24%)
Net profit	36.3	45.9	(21%)	36.3	45.9	(21%)
Basic EPS³ (€)	0.84	1.05	(21%)	0.84	1.05	(21%)
Fully diluted EPS⁴ (€)	0.82	1.04	(21%)	0.82	1.04	(21%)
EBITDA margin	46%	48%		46%	48%

Revenue by Region

€million	1Q23	2Q23	3Q23	4Q23	1Q24	2Q24	3Q24	4Q24	1Q25
Europe	58.5	33.1	33.6	42.6	68.4	48.6	70.2	86.9	79.9
Americas	32.8	9.3	22.0	18.1	41.3	13.4	20.8	18.2	11.4
Asia	19.2	9.0	12.1	13.6	19.9	14.2	23.6	53.8	43.7

Value Traded Overview

€billion	1Q25	1Q24	Change	YTD25	YTD24	Change
Flow Traders ETP Value Traded	507	409	24%	507	409	24%
Europe	245	152	61%	245	152	61%
Americas	213	229	(7%)	213	229	(7%)
Asia	49	27	81%	49	27	81%
Flow Traders non-ETP Value Traded	1,217	1,146	6%	1,217	1,146	6%
Flow Traders Value Traded	1,724	1,555	11%	1,724	1,555	11%
Equity	861	819	5%	861	819	5%
FICC	774	691	12%	774	691	12%
Other	89	45	100%	89	45	100%
Market ETP Value Traded⁵	14,425	11,981	20%	14,425	11,981	20%
Europe	882	597	48%	882	597	48%
Americas	11,065	9,965	11%	11,065	9,965	11%
Asia	2,478	1,419	75%	2,478	1,419	75%
Asia ex China	645	439	47%	645	439	47%

Trading Capital

	1Q23	2Q23	3Q23	4Q23	1Q24	2Q24	3Q24	4Q24	1Q25
Trading Capital (€m)	647	574	585	584	609	624	668	775	803
Return on Avg Trading Capital¹	67%	65%	56%	49%	50%	58%	62%	69%	68%
Average VIX⁷	21.0	16.7	15.1	15.4	13.9	14.2	17.1	17.3	18.5

Market Environment

Europe

Equity trading volumes in the quarter across major exchanges saw meaningful increases when compared to the same period a year ago, while market volatility also increased . Fixed Income trading volumes on MTFs increased slightly compared to the same period a year ago.

Americas

Equity trading volumes in the U.S. increased compared to the same period a year ago, but at a much lower level when compared to the other regions, while market volatility increased. Fixed Income trading volumes in the U.S. also increased slightly when compared to the same period a year ago, while volatility declined.

Asia

Equity trading volumes in Asia were mixed as Hong Kong and China saw significant increases while Japan experienced declines when compared to the same period a year ago. Market volatility increased across the board in Hong Kong, China and Japan when compared to the same period a year ago.

Digital Assets

Within Digital Assets, which trades across regions on a 24/7 basis, trading volumes in cryptocurrencies increased when compared to the same period a year ago. However, net fund flows into cryptocurrency ETFs declined significantly compared to a year ago given the spot Bitcoin ETF launches in the U.S. in January 2024.

Outlook

Fixed operating expenses guidance for the year remains unchanged and is expected to be in the range of €190-210m given additional technology investments and targeted additions of subject matter experts in growth areas, partially offset by expected operational efficiency gains.

CEO Statement

Mike Kuehnel, CEO
“Flow Traders posted a strong set of results in the first quarter, with the strength in the Equity segment in Europe and Asia in the quarter offsetting the lower contribution from Digital Assets when compared to the first quarter of 2024. The results serve as further confirmation of our diversification strategy and our ability to capture opportunities as they arise. The 68% return on average trading capital in the quarter also further validates our strategic decision to retain more profits to reinvest back into the company under the Trading Capital Expansion Plan, announced in July last year.

During the quarter, market trading volumes increased meaningfully across Europe and Asia given the macroeconomic uncertainty raised by the prospect of tariffs from the U.S. and the potential impact to the global economy. Volumes were particularly elevated in Hong Kong and China given the continued investor interest in China following the stimulus unveiled by the government in the fourth quarter of last year. Similarly, volumes increased meaningfully in Europe given the market outperformance, as investors looked to rotate their investments given the seismic geopolitical shift in the U.S. and its ramifications on Europe. The Americas had a more muted quarter when compared with the other regions as we allocated more of our capital to regions with greater dislocations. Regardless of where the activities were in the quarter, Flow Traders continued to provide liquidity to our counterparty base and was able to leverage trading opportunities given the breadth of our global trading operation.

In Digital Assets, while the value of cryptocurrencies pulled back post the U.S. presidential inauguration, we continue to see positive sentiment shifts by regulators in not only the U.S. but also in places like Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. The first Consensus conference in Asia, held in Hong Kong in February, demonstrated the increasing institutional interest and adoption of digital assets and the underlying technology in the region. As one of the earliest adopters, Flow Traders remains instrumental in providing liquidity to this asset class on a 24/7 basis and bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets ecosystems.

Looking forward to the rest of 2025, we remain committed to enhancing our trading capabilities by strategically investing in cutting-edge technology and talent. This approach aligns seamlessly with our growth and diversification strategy. We anticipate that these investments, coupled with our Trading Capital Expansion Plan, will drive top-line growth for the firm over time.”

Preliminary Financial Calendar

13 June 2025 AGM
31 July 2025 1H25 Results

Analyst Conference Call and Webcast

The 1Q25 trading update analyst conference call will be held at 10:00 am CEST on Thursday 24 April 2025. The presentation can be downloaded at https://www.flowtraders.com/investors/results-centre and the conference call can be followed via a listen-only audio webcast. A replay of the conference call will be available on the company website for at least 90 days.

Contact Details

Flow Traders Ltd.

Investors
Eric Pan
Phone: +31 20 7996799
Email: investor.relations@flowtraders.com

Media
Laura Peijs
Phone: +31 20 7996799
Email: press@flowtraders.com

About Flow Traders

Flow Traders is a leading trading firm providing liquidity in multiple asset classes, covering all major exchanges. Founded in 2004, Flow Traders is a leading global ETP market marker and has leveraged its expertise in trading European equity ETPs to expand into fixed income, commodities, digital assets and FX globally. Flow Traders’ role in financial markets is to ensure the availability of liquidity and enabling investors to continue to buy or sell financial instruments under all market circumstances, thereby ensuring markets remain resilient and continue to function in an orderly manner. In addition to its trading activities, Flow Traders has established a strategic investment unit focused on fostering market innovation and aligned with our mission to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the financial ecosystem. With over two decades of experience, we have built a team of over 600 talented professionals, located globally, contributing to the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and delivering the company’s mission.

Notes

Return on average trading capital defined as LTM NTI divided by the average of the prior and current end of period trading capital.
Revenue by region includes NTI, Other Income, and inter-company revenue.
Weighted average shares outstanding: 1Q25 – 43,394,080; 4Q24 – 43,066,302; 1Q24 – 43,515,359.
Determined by adjusting the basic EPS for the effects of all dilutive share-based payments to employees.
Source – Flow Traders analysis.
Starting in 3Q24, average VIX is calculated as the average of VIX daily closing prices.

Important Legal Information

This press release is prepared by Flow Traders Ltd. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this document does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.

The information and materials contained in this press release are provided ‘as is’ and Flow Traders Ltd. or any of its affiliates (“Flow Traders”) do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.

This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on Flow Traders’ current expectations and projections about future events, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “project”, “believe”, “could”, “hope”, “seek”, “plan”, “foresee”, “aim”, “objective”, “potential”, “goal” “strategy”, “target”, “continue” and similar expressions or their negatives are used to identify these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not outside the control of Flow Traders. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made. Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law.

Financial objectives are internal objectives of Flow Traders to measure its operational performance and should not be read as indicating that Flow Traders is targeting such metrics for any particular fiscal year. Flow Traders’ ability to achieve these financial objectives is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Flow Traders’ control, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, Flow Traders’ actual results may vary from these financial objectives, and those variations may be material.

Efficiencies are net, before tax and on a run-rate basis, i.e. taking into account the full-year impact of any measure to be undertaken before the end of the period mentioned. The expected operating efficiencies and cost savings were prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions, projections and estimates, many of which depend on factors that are beyond Flow Traders’ control. These assumptions, projections and estimates are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and actual results may differ, perhaps materially, from those projected. Flow Traders cannot provide any assurance that these assumptions are correct and that these projections and estimates will reflect Flow Traders’ actual results of operations.

By accepting this document you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this document.

All results published in this release are unaudited.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachment

1Q25 Press Release

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes: Solid start to the year with strong subscription growth, EPS at the high end of guidance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release

VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — April 24, 2025

Dassault Systèmes: Solid start to the year with strong subscription growth, EPS at the high end of guidance

Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today reports its IFRS unaudited estimated financial results for the first quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025. The Group’s Board of Directors approved these estimated results on April 23, 2025. This press release also includes financial information on a non-IFRS basis and reconciliations with IFRS figures in the Appendix.

Summary Highlights¹

(unaudited, non-IFRS unless otherwise noted,
all growth rates in constant currencies)

1Q25: Software revenue increased by 5% driven by recurring revenue up 7%;
1Q25: Strong subscription growth of 14%, bringing New business up 7%;
1Q25: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue growth of 17%;
1Q25: Diluted EPS up 5% (6% as reported) to €0.32;
1Q25: Cash flow from operations grew 21%, as reported, to €813 million (IFRS);
FY25: Full year objectives unchanged, total revenue growth of 6-8% and diluted EPS of €1.36-€1.39.

Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer Commentary

Pascal Daloz, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“In February this year we announced Gen 7, the new generation of representation of our customers’ virtual universes – we call it 3D UNIV+RSES. This seventh generation of MODSIM data, powered by AI and spatial computing, makes the 3DEXPERIENCE the next-generation platform for knowledge and know-how, establishing it as a global IP management platform. Early customer feedback confirms that platform-based AI leveraging virtual twins creates competitive advantage.

We’ve had a solid start to the year. In the first quarter, the Manufacturing Industries sector performed well led by Aerospace & Defense and High Tech, along with Transportation & Mobility in China, Japan and US. At the same time, we’re accelerating in Sovereign Infrastructure, where energy, security, and AI capabilities – through high-performance data centers – are becoming strategic imperatives for nations and territories.

We are committed to being the trusted partner for our customers – helping them stay ahead, while strengthening our leadership position for the long term and raising barriers to entry.”

Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer Commentary

(revenue, operating margin and diluted EPS (‘EPS’) growth rates in constant currencies,
data on a non-IFRS basis)

Rouven Bergmann, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer, commented:

“In the first quarter, our revenue is driven by strong subscription growth of 14%. As a result, recurring revenue now represents 86% of software revenue, highlighting the resilience of our business model. Regarding operational efficiency, we reached the upper end of our EPS guidance and saw strong growth in operating cash flow, increasing by 21% as reported.

Entering 2025, our approach was to provide a risk-adjusted financial outlook. Since then, the introduction of new tariffs has created a more volatile market environment, which could lead to longer decision-making cycles. That said, our pipeline remains solid, and our current visibility aligns with the midpoint of our full year guidance.

Therefore, we keep our 2025 outlook of 6-8% total revenue growth and 7-10% EPS growth unchanged. In addition, we are slightly adjusting our operating margin target, expecting a year-over-year expansion of 50-70 basis points, versus 70-100 basis points prior, to gain additional flexibility and invest in Gen 7 to support our long-term growth.”

Financial Summary

In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages	IFRS				Non-IFRS
In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Change	Change in constant currencies	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Change	Change in constant currencies
Total Revenue	1,573.0	1,499.7	5%	4%	1,573.0	1,499.7	5%	4%
Software Revenue	1,432.7	1,352.8	6%	5%	1,432.7	1,352.8	6%	5%
Operating Margin	19.4%	21.6%	(2.3)pts		30.9%	31.1%	(0.2)pt
Diluted EPS	0.20	0.21	(9)%		0.32	0.30	6%	5%

First Quarter 2025 Versus 2024 Financial Comparisons

(unaudited, IFRS and non-IFRS unless otherwise noted,
all revenue growth rates in constant currencies)

Total Revenue: Total revenue in the first quarter grew by 4% to €1.57 billion, and software revenue increased by 5% to €1.43 billion. Subscription & support revenue rose by 7%; recurring revenue represented 86% of software revenue, up 2 basis points versus last year. Licenses and other software revenue declined by 10% to €198 million. Services revenue was down 6% to €140 million, during the quarter.
Software Revenue by Geography: Revenue in the Americas increased by 7% to represent 43% of software revenue. This growth acceleration is driven by Aerospace & Defense, Transport & Mobility and High-Tech. Despite tariff uncertainty, Europe increased by 1%, led by good growth in Aerospace & Defense. Europe represented 36% of software revenue. In Asia, revenue increased by 5%, driven by India, Southeast Asia and Korea. Asia represented 22% of software revenue.
Software Revenue by Product Line:
- Industrial Innovation software revenue increased by 8% to €793 million. This strong broad-based performance was led by CATIA, ENOVIA, DELMIA and NETVIBES. Industrial Innovation software represented 55% of software revenue.

Life Sciences software revenue was stable at €293 million, accounting for 20% of software revenue. MEDIDATA was impacted by continued CRO² headwinds, while benefiting from the steady dynamic with Large Pharma and Mid-Market.
Mainstream Innovation software revenue increased by 2% to €347 million. SOLIDWORKS had a slow start to the year, but saw solid bookings and good momentum in 3DEXPERIENCE adoption. CENTRIC PLM was impacted by timing of renewals, after an exceptional year of growth in 2024. Mainstream Innovation represented 24% of software revenue, during the period.

Software Revenue by Industry: Aerospace & Defense, High Tech and Industrial Equipment were among the best performers during the quarter.
Key Strategic Drivers: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue increased by 17%, driven by Aerospace & Defense, High Tech and Transportation & Mobility, along with opportunities in the sovereign infrastructure domain. 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue represented 39% of 3DEXPERIENCE eligible software revenue. Cloud software revenue grew by 7% and represented 25% of software revenue during the period. 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud software revenue increased by 41%.
Operating Income and Margin: IFRS operating income declined by 6% to €304 million, as reported. Non-IFRS operating income increased by 3% in constant currencies to €486 million (up 4% as reported). The IFRS operating margin stood at 19.4% compared to 21.6% in the first quarter of 2024. The non-IFRS operating margin totaled 30.9% versus 31.1% during the same period last year.
Earnings per Share: IFRS diluted EPS was €0.20, down 9% as reported. Non-IFRS diluted EPS grew to €0.32, up 6% as reported, or 5% in constant currencies.
Cash Flow from Operations (IFRS): Cash flow from operations totaled €813 million, an increase of 21% relative to the same period last year with strong cash collection. Cash flow from operations was principally used for the acquisition of ContentServ for €191 million (net of €11 million of cash acquired), repurchase of Treasury Shares for €80 million, repayment of debt for €59 million and €56 million for investments in CAPEX.
Balance Sheet (IFRS): Dassault Systèmes had a net cash position of €1.79 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of €0.33 billion, compared to €1.46 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents totaled €4.24 billion at the end of March 2025.

Financial Objectives for 2025

Dassault Systèmes’ second quarter and 2025 financial objectives presented below are given on a non-IFRS basis and reflect the principal 2025 currency exchange rate assumptions for the US dollar and Japanese yen as well as the potential impact from additional non-Euro currencies:


		Q2 2025	FY 2025
Total Revenue (billion)		€1.520 – €1.580	€6.567 – €6.667
Growth		2 – 6%	6 – 7%
Growth ex FX		3 – 7%	6 – 8%

Software revenue growth *		3 – 7%	6 – 8%
	Of which licenses and other software revenue growth *	(6) – 1%	2 – 6%
	Of which recurring revenue growth *	5 – 8%	7 – 8%
Services revenue growth *		3 – 7%	4 – 6%

Operating Margin		29.8% – 29.9%	32.3% – 32.6%

EPS Diluted		€0.30 – €0.31	€1.36 – €1.39
Growth		(1) – 3%	7 – 9%
Growth ex FX		1 – 5%	7 – 10%

US dollar		$1.10 per Euro	$1.09 per Euro
Japanese yen (before hedging)		JPY 155.0 per Euro	JPY 156.4 per Euro
* Growth in Constant Currencies

These objectives are prepared and communicated only on a non-IFRS basis and are subject to the cautionary statement set forth below.

The 2025 non-IFRS financial objectives set forth above do not take into account the following accounting elements below and are estimated based upon the 2025 principal currency exchange rates above: no significant contract liabilities write-downs; share-based compensation expenses, including related social charges, estimated at approximately €213 million (these estimates do not include any new stock option or share grants issued after March 31, 2025); amortization of acquired intangibles and of tangibles reevaluation, estimated at approximately €353 million, largely impacted by the acquisition of MEDIDATA and lease incentives of acquired companies at approximately €1 million.

The above objectives also do not include any impact from other operating income and expenses, a net principally comprised of acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; from one-time items included in financial revenue; from one-time tax effects; and from the income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments. Finally, these estimates do not include any new acquisitions or restructuring completed after March 31, 2025.

Corporate Announcements

Today’s Webcast and Conference Call Information

Today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, Dassault Systèmes will host, from Paris, a webcasted presentation at 9:00 AM London Time / 10:00 AM Paris time, and will then host a conference call at 8:30 AM New York time / 1:30 PM London time / 2:30 PM Paris time. The webcasted presentation and conference calls will be available online by accessing investor.3ds.com.

Additional investor information is available at investor.3ds.com or by calling Dassault Systèmes’ Investor Relations at +33.1.61.62.69.24.

Investor Relations Events

Capital Markets Day: June 6, 2025
Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: July 24, 2025
Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: October 23, 2025
Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: February 11, 2026

Forward-looking Information

Statements herein that are not historical facts but express expectations or objectives for the future, including but not limited to statements regarding the Group’s non-IFRS financial performance objectives are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on Dassault Systèmes management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such statements due to a range of factors.

The Group’s actual results or performance may be materially negatively affected by numerous risks and uncertainties, as described in the “Risk Factors” section 1.9 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document (‘Document d’enregistrement universel’) filed with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) on March 18, 2025, available on the Group’s website www.3ds.com.

In particular, please refer to the risk factor “Uncertain Global Environment” in section 1.9.1.1 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document set out below for ease of reference:

“In light of the uncertainties regarding economic, business, social, health and geopolitical conditions at the global level, Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, net earnings and cash flows may grow more slowly, whether on an annual or quarterly basis, mainly due to the following factors:

the deployment of Dassault Systèmes’ solutions may represent a large portion of a customer’s investments in software technology. Decisions to make such an investment are impacted by the economic environment in which the customers operate. Uncertain global geopolitical, economic and health conditions and the lack of visibility or the lack of financial resources may cause some customers, e.g. within the automotive, aerospace, energy or natural resources industries, to reduce, postpone or cancel their investments, or to reduce or not renew ongoing paid maintenance for their installed base, which impact larger customers’ revenue with their respective sub-contractors;
the political, economic and monetary situation in certain geographic regions where Dassault Systèmes operates could become more volatile and negatively affect Dassault Systèmes’ business, and in particular its revenue, for example, due to stricter export compliance rules or the introduction of new customs barriers or controls on the exchange of goods and services;
continued pressure or volatility on raw materials and energy prices could also slow down Dassault Systèmes’ diversification efforts in new industries;
uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of costs inflation could adversely affect the financial position of Dassault Systèmes; and
the sales cycle of the Dassault Systèmes’ products – already relatively long due to the strategic nature of such investments for customers – could further lengthen.

The occurrence of crises – health and political crises in particular – could have consequences both for the health and safety of Dassault Systèmes’ employees and for the Company. It could also adversely impact the financial situation or financing and supply capabilities of Dassault Systèmes’ existing and potential customers, commercial and technology partners, some of whom may be forced to temporarily close sites or to cease operations. A deteriorating economic environment could generate increased price pressure and affect the collection of receivables, which would negatively affect Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, financial performance and market position.

Dassault Systèmes makes every effort to take into consideration this uncertain outlook. Dassault Systèmes’ business results, however, may not develop as anticipated. Furthermore, due to factors affecting sales of Dassault Systèmes’ products and services, there may be a substantial time lag between an improvement in global economic and business conditions and an upswing in the Company’s business results.

In preparing such forward-looking statements, the Group has in particular assumed an average US dollar to euro exchange rate of US$1.10 per €1.00 as well as an average Japanese yen to euro exchange rate of JPY155.0 to €1.00, before hedging for the second quarter 2025. The Group has assumed an average US dollar to euro exchange rate of US$1.09 per €1.00 as well as an average Japanese yen to euro exchange rate of JPY156.4 to €1.00, before hedging for the full year 2025. However, currency values fluctuate, and the Group’s results may be significantly affected by changes in exchange rates.

Non-IFRS Financial Information

Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS financial information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for IFRS measurements. The supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Furthermore, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures are set forth in the Company’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on March 18, 2025.

In the tables accompanying this press release the Group sets forth its supplemental non-IFRS figures for revenue, operating income, operating margin, net income and diluted earnings per share, which exclude the effect of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ deferred revenue, share-based compensation expense and related social charges, the amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangibles reevaluation, certain other operating income and expense, net, including impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, the effect of adjusting lease incentives of acquired companies, certain one-time items included in financial revenue and other, net, and the income tax effect of the non-IFRS adjustments and certain one-time tax effects. The tables also set forth the most comparable IFRS financial measure and reconciliations of this information with non-IFRS information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens.
With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 370 000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact.
For more information, visit www.3ds.com

Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team FTI Consulting

Beatrix Martinez: +33 1 61 62 40 73 Arnaud de Cheffontaines: +33 1 47 03 69 48

Jamie Ricketts : +44 20 3727 1600

investors@3ds.com

Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts

Corporate / France Arnaud MALHERBE

arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com

+33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

© Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

Glossary of Definitions

Non-IFRS Financial Information

Acquisitions and Foreign Exchange Impact

Condensed consolidated statements of income

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

IFRS – non-IFRS reconciliation

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES – Glossary of Definitions

Information in Constant Currencies

Dassault Systèmes has followed a long-standing policy of measuring its revenue performance and setting its revenue objectives exclusive of currency in order to measure in a transparent manner the underlying level of improvement in its total revenue and software revenue by activity, industry, geography and product lines. The Group believes it is helpful to evaluate its growth exclusive of currency impacts, particularly to help understand revenue trends in its business. Therefore, the Group provides percentage increases or decreases in its revenue and expenses (in both IFRS as well as non-IFRS) to eliminate the effect of changes in currency values, particularly the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, relative to the euro. When trend information is expressed “in constant currencies”, the results of the “prior” period have first been recalculated using the average exchange rates of the comparable period in the current year, and then compared with the results of the comparable period in the current year.

While constant currency calculations are not considered to be an IFRS measure, the Group believes these measures are critical to understanding its global revenue results and to compare with many of its competitors who report their financial results in U.S. dollars. Therefore, Dassault Systèmes includes this calculation for comparing IFRS revenue figures as well non-IFRS revenue figures for comparable periods. All information at constant currencies is expressed as a rounded percentage and therefore may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

Information on Growth excluding acquisitions (“organic growth”)

In addition to financial indicators on the entire Group’s scope, Dassault Systèmes provides growth excluding acquisitions effect, also named organic growth. In order to do so, the data relating to the scope is restated excluding acquisitions, from the date of the transaction, over a period of 12 months.

Information on Industrial Sectors

The Group provides broad end-to-end software solutions and services: its platform-based virtual twin experiences combine modeling, simulation, data science and collaborative innovation to support companies in the three sectors it serves, namely Manufacturing Industries, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Infrastructure & Cities.

These three sectors comprise twelve industries:

Manufacturing Industries: Transportation & Mobility; Aerospace & Defense; Marine & Offshore; Industrial Equipment; High-Tech; Home & Lifestyle; Consumer Packaged Goods – Retail. In Manufacturing Industries, Dassault Systèmes helps customers virtualize their operations, improve data sharing and collaboration across their organization, reduce costs and time-to-market, and become more sustainable;
Life Sciences & Healthcare: Life Sciences & Healthcare. In this sector, the Group aims to address the entire cycle of the patient journey to lead the way toward precision medicine. To reach the broader healthcare ecosystem from research to commercial, the Group’s solutions connect all elements from molecule development to prevention to care, and combine new therapeutics, medical practices, and Medtech;
Infrastructure & Cities: Infrastructure, Energy & Materials; Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Business Services; Cities & Public Services. In Infrastructure & Cities, the Group supports the virtualization of the sector in making its industries more efficient and sustainable, and creating desirable living environments.

Information on Product Lines

The Group’s product lines financial reporting include the following financial information:

Industrial Innovation software revenue, which includes CATIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, DELMIA, GEOVIA, NETVIBES, and 3DEXCITE brands;
Life Sciences software revenue, which includes MEDIDATA and BIOVIA brands;
Mainstream Innovation software revenue which includes SOLIDWORKS, as well as its CENTRIC PLM and 3DVIA brands.

Starting from 2022, OUTSCALE became a brand of the Group, extending the portfolio of software applications. As the first sovereign and sustainable operator on the cloud, OUTSCALE enables governments and corporations from all sectors to achieve digital autonomy through a Cloud experience and with a world-class cyber governance.

GEOs

Eleven GEOs are responsible for driving the development of the Company’s business and implementing its customer‑centric engagement model. Teams leverage strong networks of local customers, users, partners, and influencers.

These GEOs are structured into three groups:

the “Americas” group, made of two GEOs;
the “Europe” group, comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and made of four GEOs;
the “Asia” group, comprising Asia and Oceania and made of five GEOs.

3DEXPERIENCE Software Contribution

To measure the relative share of 3DEXPERIENCE software in its revenues, Dassault Systèmes calculates the percentage contribution by comparing total 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue to software revenue for all product lines except SOLIDWORKS, MEDIDATA, CENTRIC PLM and other acquisitions (defined as “3DEXPERIENCE Eligible software revenue”).

Cloud revenue

Cloud revenue is generated from contracts that provide access to cloud-based solutions (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), cloud solution development and cloud managed services. These offerings are delivered by Dassault Systèmes through its own cloud infrastructure or by third-party cloud providers. They are available through different deployment methods: Dedicated cloud, Sovereign cloud and International cloud. Cloud solutions are generally offered through subscription-based models or perpetual licenses with support and hosting services.

New business

New business is the combination of subscription revenue and licenses & other software revenue.

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data, percentages, headcount and exchange rates)

Non-IFRS key figures exclude the effects of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ contract liabilities (deferred revenue), share-based compensation expense, including related social charges, amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation, lease incentives of acquired companies, other operating income and expense, net, including the acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets, certain one-time items included in financial loss, net, certain one-time tax effects and the income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments.

Comparable IFRS financial information and a reconciliation of the IFRS and non-IFRS measures are set forth in the separate tables within this Attachment.

In millions of Euros, except per share data, percentages, headcount and exchange rates	Non-IFRS reported
	Three months ended
	March 31, 2025	March 31, 2024	Change	Change in constant currencies
Total Revenue	€ 1,573.0	€ 1,499.7	5%	4%

Revenue breakdown by activity
Software revenue	1,432.7	1,352.8	6%	5%
Of which licenses and other software revenue	198.1	218.5	(9)%	(10)%
Of which subscription and support revenue	1,234.6	1,134.3	9%	7%
Services revenue	140.2	146.8	(4)%	(6)%

Software revenue breakdown by product line
Industrial Innovation	793.1	731.4	8%	8%
Life Sciences	292.6	284.7	3%	0%
Mainstream Innovation	347.1	336.7	3%	2%

Software Revenue breakdown by geography
Americas	611.1	553.6	10%	7%
Europe	513.2	503.2	2%	1%
Asia	308.4	296.0	4%	5%

Operating income	€ 486.1	€ 466.5	4%
Operating margin	30.9%	31.1%

Net income attributable to shareholders	€ 420.1	€ 397.2	6%
Diluted earnings per share	€ 0.32	€ 0.30	6%	5%

Closing headcount	26,225	25,780	2%

Average Rate USD per Euro	1.05	1.09	(3)%
Average Rate JPY per Euro	160.45	161.15	(0)%

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

ACQUISITIONS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE IMPACT

(unaudited; in millions of Euros)

In millions of Euros

Non-IFRS reported

o/w growth at constant rate and scope

o/w change of scope impact at current year rate

o/w FX impact on previous year figures

March 31,

2025

March 31,

2024

Change

Revenue QTD

1,573.0

1,499.7

73.3

52.6

0.9

19.8

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages)

In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages	IFRS reported
	Three months ended
	March 31,	March 31,
	2025	2024
Licenses and other software revenue	198.1	218.5
Subscription and Support revenue	1,234.6	1,134.3
Software revenue	1,432.7	1,352.8
Services revenue	140.2	146.8
Total Revenue	€ 1,573.0	€ 1,499.7
Cost of software revenue ⁽¹⁾	(129.2)	(111.9)
Cost of services revenue	(131.1)	(131.8)
Research and development expenses	(348.6)	(311.4)
Marketing and sales expenses	(446.5)	(420.3)
General and administrative expenses	(120.4)	(105.1)
Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation	(88.3)	(93.3)
Other operating income and expense, net	(4.4)	(1.8)
Total Operating Expenses	(1,268.5)	(1,175.6)
Operating Income	€ 304.5	€ 324.1
Financial income (loss), net	30.3	30.2
Income before income taxes	€ 334.8	€ 354.2
Income tax expense	(75.5)	(68.3)
Net Income	€ 259.4	€ 286.0
Non-controlling interest	1.2	(0.3)
Net Income attributable to equity holders of the parent	€ 260.5	€ 285.7
Basic earnings per share	0.20	0.22
Diluted earnings per share	€ 0.20	€ 0.21
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)	1,312.3	1,313.6
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions)	1,332.2	1,331.1

⁽¹⁾ Excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation.

IFRS reported	Three months ended March 31, 2025
IFRS reported	Change ⁽²⁾	Change in constant currencies
Total Revenue	5%	4%
Revenue by activity
Software revenue	6%	5%
Services revenue	(4)%	(6)%
Software Revenue by product line
Industrial Innovation	8%	8%
Life Sciences	3%	0%
Mainstream Innovation	3%	2%
Software Revenue by geography
Americas	10%	7%
Europe	2%	1%
Asia	4%	5%

⁽²⁾ Variation compared to the same period in the prior year.

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(unaudited; in millions of Euros)

In millions of Euros	IFRS reported
	March 31,	December 31,
	2025	2024
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	4,242.9	3,952.6
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,709.5	2,120.9
Contract assets	34.3	30.1
Other current assets	464.8	464.0
Total current assets	6,451.5	6,567.6
Property and equipment, net	928.7	945.8
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	7,597.6	7,687.1
Other non-current assets	358.9	345.5
Total non-current assets	8,885.2	8,978.3
Total Assets	€ 15,336.7	€ 15,545.9
LIABILITIES
Trade accounts payable	199.5	259.9
Contract liabilities	1,716.0	1,663.4
Borrowings, current	411.4	450.8
Other current liabilities	1,109.7	1,147.4
Total current liabilities	3,436.6	3,521.5
Borrowings, non-current	2,043.3	2,042.8
Other non-current liabilities	887.9	900.9
Total non-current liabilities	2,931.3	2,943.7
Non-controlling interests	14.3	14.1
Parent shareholders’ equity	8,954.5	9,066.6
Total Liabilities	€ 15,336.7	€ 15,545.9

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(unaudited; in millions of Euros)

In millions of Euros	IFRS reported
	Three months ended
	March 31,	March 31,	Change
	2025	2024	Change
Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent	260.5	285.7	(25.2)
Non-controlling interest	(1.2)	0.3	(1.4)
Net income	259.4	286.0	(26.6)
Depreciation of property and equipment	50.5	47.6	2.8
Amortization of intangible assets	89.6	95.2	(5.6)
Adjustments for other non-cash items	16.1	37.7	(21.6)
Changes in working capital	397.4	204.4	193.0
Net Cash From Operating Activities	€ 813.0	€ 670.9	€ 142.1

Additions to property, equipment and intangibles assets	(55.9)	(57.2)	1.2
Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(193.8)	(4.5)	(189.2)
Other	(37.8)	22.3	(60.1)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	€ (287.5)	€ (39.4)	€ (248.1)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options	22.2	21.3	0.8
Repurchase and sale of treasury stock	(80.1)	(131.1)	51.0
Acquisition of non-controlling interests	(0.2)	(2.6)	2.5
Repayment of borrowings	(58.9)	(0.1)	(58.8)
Repayment of lease liabilities	(22.6)	(24.0)	1.4
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	€ (139.6)	€ (136.5)	€ (3.0)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(95.7)	32.7	(128.4)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	€ 290.3	€ 527.7	€ (237.4)


Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	€ 3,952.6	€ 3,568.3
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	€ 4,242.9	€ 4,095.9

DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION
IFRS – NON-IFRS RECONCILIATION
(unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages)

Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for IFRS measurements. Also, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Further specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures, and the reasons for presenting non-IFRS financial information, are set forth in the Group’s Document d’Enregistrement Universel for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the AMF on March 18, 2025. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read not in isolation, but only in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages	Three months ended March 31,						Change
	2025	Adjustment⁽¹⁾	2025	2024	Adjustment⁽¹⁾	2024	IFRS	Non-IFRS⁽²⁾
	IFRS	Adjustment⁽¹⁾	Non-IFRS	IFRS	Adjustment⁽¹⁾	Non-IFRS	IFRS	Non-IFRS⁽²⁾
Total Revenue	€ 1,573.0	–	€ 1,573.0	€ 1,499.7	–	€ 1,499.7	5%	5%
Revenue breakdown by activity
Software revenue	1,432.7	–	1,432.7	1,352.8	–	1,352.8	6%	6%
Licenses and other software revenue	198.1	–	198.1	218.5	–	218.5	(9)%	(9)%
Subscription and Support revenue	1,234.6	–	1,234.6	1,134.3	–	1,134.3	9%	9%
Recurring portion of Software revenue	86%		86%	84%		84%
Services revenue	140.2	–	140.2	146.8	–	146.8	(4)%	(4)%
Software Revenue breakdown by product line
Industrial Innovation	793.1	–	793.1	731.4	–	731.4	8%	8%
Life Sciences	292.6	–	292.6	284.7	–	284.7	3%	3%
Mainstream Innovation	347.1	–	347.1	336.7	–	336.7	3%	3%
Software Revenue breakdown by geography
Americas	611.1	–	611.1	553.6	–	553.6	10%	10%
Europe	513.2	–	513.2	503.2	–	503.2	2%	2%
Asia	308.4	–	308.4	296.0	–	296.0	4%	4%
Total Operating Expenses	€ (1,268.5)	€ 181.6	€ (1,086.9)	€ (1,175.6)	€ 142.4	€ (1,033.2)	8%	5%
Share-based compensation expense and related social charges	(88.5)	88.5	–	(46.7)	46.7	–
Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation	(88.3)	88.3	–	(93.3)	93.3	–
Lease incentives of acquired companies	(0.4)	0.4	–	(0.7)	0.7	–
Other operating income and expense, net	(4.4)	4.4	–	(1.8)	1.8	–
Operating Income	€ 304.5	€ 181.6	€ 486.1	€ 324.1	€ 142.4	€ 466.5	(6)%	4%
Operating Margin	19.4%		30.9%	21.6%		31.1%
Financial income (loss), net	30.3	0.6	30.9	30.2	1.0	31.2	1%	(1)%
Income tax expense	(75.5)	(21.6)	(97.1)	(68.3)	(31.6)	(99.9)	11%	(3)%
Non-controlling interest	1.2	(0.9)	0.2	(0.3)	(0.3)	(0.5)	N/A	(141)%
Net Income attributable to shareholders	€ 260.5	€ 159.6	€ 420.1	€ 285.7	€ 111.5	€ 397.2	(9)%	6%
Diluted Earnings Per Share ⁽³⁾	€ 0.20	€ 0.12	€ 0.32	€ 0.21	€ 0.08	€ 0.30	(9)%	6%

⁽¹⁾ In the reconciliation schedule above, (i) all adjustments to IFRS revenue data reflect the exclusion of the effect of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ contract liabilities (deferred revenue); (ii) adjustments to IFRS operating expense data reflect the exclusion of the amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation, share-based compensation expense, including related social charges, lease incentives of acquired companies, as detailed below, and other operating income and expense, net including acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; (iii) adjustments to IFRS financial loss, net reflect the exclusion of certain one-time items included in financial loss, net, and; (iv) all adjustments to IFRS income data reflect the combined effect of these adjustments, plus with respect to net income and diluted earnings per share, certain one-time tax effects and the income tax effect of the non-IFRS adjustments.

In millions of Euros, except percentages	Three months ended March 31,								Change
In millions of Euros, except percentages	2025 IFRS	Share-based compensation expense and related social charges	Lease incentives of acquired companies	2025 Non-IFRS	2024 IFRS	Share-based compensation expense and related social charges	Lease incentives of acquired companies	2024 Non-IFRS	IFRS	Non- IFRS
Cost of revenue	(260.3)	4.9	0.1	(255.2)	(243.8)	2.9	0.2	(240.6)	7%	6%
Research and development expenses	(348.6)	32.5	0.1	(316.0)	(311.4)	17.9	0.3	(293.2)	12%	8%
Marketing and sales expenses	(446.5)	24.5	0.1	(421.9)	(420.3)	13.7	0.1	(406.5)	6%	4%
General and administrative expenses	(120.4)	26.6	0.0	(93.8)	(105.1)	12.3	0.0	(92.7)	15%	1%
Total		€ 88.5	€ 0.4			€ 46.7	€ 0.7

⁽²⁾ The non-IFRS percentage increase (decrease) compares non-IFRS measures for the two different periods. In the event there is non-IFRS adjustment to the relevant measure for only one of the periods under comparison, the non-IFRS increase (decrease) compares the non-IFRS measure to the relevant IFRS measure.
⁽³⁾ Based on a weighted average 1,332.2 million diluted shares for Q1 2025 and 1,331.1 million diluted shares for Q1 2024, and, for IFRS only, a diluted net income attributable to the sharehorlders of € 260.5 million for Q1 2025 (€ 285.7 million for Q1 2024). The Diluted net income attributable to equity holders of the Group corresponds to the Net Income attributable to equity holders of the Group adjusted by the impact of the share-based compensation plans to be settled either in cash or in shares at the option of the Group.

1 IFRS figures for 1Q25: total revenue at €1.57 billion, operating margin of 19.4% and diluted EPS at €0.20.

2 Contract Research Organizations

Attachment

Dassault Systèmes: Solid start to the year with strong subscription growth, EPS at the high end of guidance

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Environmentalists warn city residents against planting box elder maple in their summer cottages

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

In anticipation of the summer season, specialists Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection reminds that box elder is an invasive (alien) tree species. It actively spreads and grows quickly.

Box elder is a dominant tree species that poses a threat to biodiversity by disrupting the ecological balance. This tree was brought from North America in the 17th century. A few decades ago, it was used for landscaping Moscow. However, over time, it became clear that box elder is displacing local tree species such as birch, alder and other plants that cannot fully develop in conditions of insufficient light. Only a few survive in its shade. Thus, the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted and biological diversity is reduced.

Moreover, the fast-growing plant poses a threat to human life and property. The fact is that due to its shallow root system, it is unstable in soft and wet soil. It is the box elder that most often falls during heavy rains, hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions.

Environmentalists advise avoiding buying box elder seedlings for summer cottages. Although the box elder has a large crown that provides shelter from the heat, you should choose seedlings that are compatible with the local flora and less aggressive in development. The planting material market offers a huge selection of beautiful plants for garden plots that can be both beautiful and useful.

To create a comfortable recreation area or a hedge on a summer cottage or house plot, specialists from the capital’s Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection recommend considering alternative options, such as ginnal and Norway maple, hawthorn, ornamental apple trees, thuja and other trees, and from shrubs – elderberry, cotoneaster, as well as dogwood and mock orange.

In addition, it is advisable to promptly remove self-seeding and shoots of box elder in the first year of their appearance. This will avoid dense plantings with an asymmetrical crown in the future, which, together with the superficial root system, reduces the stability of the tree.

Quickly find out the main news of the capital in official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153044073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Applications are now being accepted for two internships in the Moscow Government

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Applications are now being accepted for two internships in the Moscow Government for young professionals. Graduates and students of specialized educational institutions are invited to join the program.

The internship will last six months. Students will be able to combine it with their studies, because they themselves choose a convenient schedule – full-time or part-time. Official employment and salary are also provided.

Moscow transport

Graduating students will be able to become part of a large Moscow transport team and work on projects in one of seven areas: Information Technologies, Transport Environment, Transport Management, HR City, Media City, Legal Space, and Urban Economics and Finance.

80 young specialists have already joined the first internship stream in Moscow transport. Since February, they have been gaining unique experience and helping to develop the most significant city projects, including driverless trams, a high-speed railway, the Big Circle Line of the metro, Moscow Parking, and river transport.

The new stream, which will begin on August 1, promises to be no less informative. Beginning specialists will be able to learn all the intricacies of working in one of the best transport systems in the world and apply their knowledge, skills and talents to solve difficult but interesting problems.

During the internship, each participant in the program will be supported by an experienced mentor who will help them adapt to the new place and teach them how to effectively handle all assignments.

Applicants can apply for an internship on the Moscow Government career portalThen they will have to take a test, record a video business card and meet with the manager.

Veterinary Internship

Students and graduates of specialized colleges and universities will be able to gain their first experience in one of the 26 clinics of the State Budgetary Institution “Moscow Veterinary Association”. The organization is part of the State Veterinary Service of the capital and ensures the protection of citizens from the spread of diseases common to humans and animals, as well as the veterinary safety of food products.

Beginning specialists will be able to choose one of four areas: medical and preventive, surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic. Under the guidance of experienced doctors, young people will learn how to conduct outpatient appointments, collect anamnesis, give injections, make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. In addition, interns will learn how to work with documents and electronic databases in the field of veterinary medicine. The most goal-oriented and responsible guys can become permanent employees of state veterinary clinics.

Thus, Olga Kozyreva, a graduate of the veterinary faculty of the International Veterinary Academy named after K.I. Skryabin, was hired as an outpatient doctor after just one month of internship at the Station for the Control of Animal Diseases of the Eastern and South-Eastern Districts.

“I always dreamed of treating animals and helping them. The decision to come to this internship was connected with the desire to gain practical experience, which is impossible to master only at a desk at the institute. I wanted to immerse myself in the real work of the clinic, learn to make decisions in stressful situations and understand how the process is organized from the inside,” said Olga Kozyreva.

To take part in a veterinary internship, you need to fill out a questionnaire on the career portal Moscow Government and take several online tests on logic and motivation. The best candidates will advance to the second stage of the competition, during which they will spend a test day in one of the capital’s clinics.

The Personnel Services Department has been running an internship program in the Moscow Government since 2011. During this time, more than 2.5 thousand young specialists have joined the work on capital projects and helped make our city even more convenient and comfortable to live in.

Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153104073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Leaf your mark for a greener City
Source: South Australia Police

Join the City and your neighbours in planting for a greener future as part of our annual winter planting program this June and July.
The tree planting program encourages our community to care for their local bushland, with the goal of increasing urban canopy coverage and working towards a greener, more sustainable City for us all.

This year, the winter tree planting program includes a series of family-friendly events throughout June and July, where residents can help plant shrubs and trees to rejuvenate bushland and coastal dunes.

To register, please contact the City’s Conservation Team on 9405 5000 or conservationmaint@wanneroo.wa.gov.au

2025 winter planting events

Quinns Rocks foreshore, Quinns Rocks
- Sunday 8 June 2025, 8.30am to 11am
- In conjunction with Perth NRM and the Quinns Rocks Environmental Group
Koondoola Bushland, Koondoola
- Thursday 12 June 2025, 11am to 1pm
- In conjunction with the Friends of Koondoola Bushland
Mary Street Reserve, Wanneroo
- Wednesday 9 July 2025, 1pm to 3pm
- In conjunction with Friends of Mary Park
Da Vinci Park, Tapping
- Thursday 10 July 2025, 9am to 11am
The events include a morning tea. Participants need a water bottle and enclosed shoes.
MIL OSI News –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ill-prepared trip leads to Mount Taranaki rescue

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Gerhard Jacobs, SAR Incident Controller:

A family walking on Mt Taranaki who were underprepared for the conditions is prompting a reminder from Police to those heading out this long weekend.

Police received a call about 6:30pm last night reporting that a man and two children were overdue returning from the Pouakai Range.

Police Search and Rescue were engaged, as were Land Search and Rescue volunteers, and a Department of Conservation volunteer.

The family were unfamiliar with the area, and underprepared for the cold conditions.

LandSAR volunteers walked four hours through near-freezing temperatures and 50km/h winds, to then escort the family out and to safety.

The trio were all eventually out by around midnight.

Police would like to remind people walking in the outdoors – particularly on the unforgiving Mt Taranaki – that preparation is key, and to know your limits.

In this instance last night, the family had changed their plans without informing anyone, and the man had just 5 per cent battery on his phone as emergency services were attempting to gain their location by it via GPS.

Fortunately, the group made it out safely, however the outcome could have been very different.

This is a reminder to please always take two forms of communication with you when in and around Mt Taranaki, and be prepared to stay out overnight should you be caught out.

If you get into trouble, please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.

Police would like to thank Taranaki LandSAR, and the Department of Conservation, for their dedication and response last night in tough conditions.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Team

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Giant panda pair arrives in Austria for 10-year stay

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

A giant panda from China arrives at the Vienna Airport in Austria on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

VIENNA, April 23 — Two giant pandas from southwest China’s Sichuan Province arrived at Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Zoo on Wednesday, marking the start of a decade-long stay as symbols of friendship between China and Austria.

The pandas – male He Feng and female Lan Yun – were both born in 2020. According to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, He Feng is energetic, while Lan Yun is known for her gentle nature. Their names refer to the freshness of lotus flowers and the fragrance of orchids, reflecting traditional Chinese symbolism.

The pandas will be introduced to the public after completing a period of quarantine and acclimatization. Their arrival will be celebrated in an official ceremony, and the zoo’s newly designed panda enclosure will be reopened.

A giant panda from China arrives at the Vienna Airport in Austria on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

“We are very proud to be committed to the protection and preservation of the giant panda and its habitat,” said zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. “We are delighted that the new pair will now act as ambassadors for their endangered wild counterparts.”

Ahead of the transfer, two Austrian keepers traveled to China to study the pandas’ behavior and dietary needs. A Chinese keeper and veterinarian have also accompanied the animals to Austria and will remain on-site to assist with their adjustment to the new environment.

This latest exchange builds on more than two decades of cooperation between China and Austria. Since 2003, the two nations have collaborated on panda conservation, achieving progress in breeding, disease control, staff training, and public education.

Giant pandas enjoy food at China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Ya’an, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Markey, Baldwin Introduce Resolution to Designate April as Earth Month

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

April 22, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—founding co-chair of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus—along with U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Earth Month resolution to recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and climate action.

“Donald Trump’s decision to gut EPA and shutter environmental justice offices across the country threatens the Earth we all call home and endangers our public health—it’s the opposite of what our government should be doing to secure a cleaner, healthier future for our children and our planet,” said Senator Duckworth. “We can’t afford to ignore the climate crisis and how it’s harming our planet and the American people. During this Earth Month and always, I pledge to keep doing everything in my power to push back against the Trump Administration’s misguided campaign to make our environment and the millions of Americans who are dealing with the effects of legacy pollution—like higher cancer, asthma and death rates—unhealthier by rolling back environmental protections.”

“Planet Earth is our home. Now more than ever, we need stewardship of our home. As the Trump administration is targeting environmental safeguards that ensure we have a livable future, I am doubling down on my commitment to fight back and uplift efforts that promote environmental stewardship and spur even more climate action. Earth Day is our moment to recommit and expand our movement for a just and livable future – a future with clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and clean land on which to live,” said Senator Markey. “We know environmental pollution and the climate crisis do not affect us all equally. That is why environmental stewardship and climate action must center the most marginalized communities, particularly Black and Indigenous communities who have been overburdened with pollution and the harms of climate change. Using the tenets of a Green New Deal – fighting for environmental justice and climate action while creating good-paying union jobs – we can work together toward a livable future every day, but especially during Earth Month.”

“From the Great Lakes and the rolling hills of the Driftless Region, to the Great Northwoods and Mighty Mississippi, Wisconsin is rich with natural resources that have defined our state and way of life,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to carry on Wisconsin’s tradition of environmental stewardship and recognize Earth Month as we all do our part to protect and preserve Wisconsin’s wilderness and resources for the next generation.”

Full text of the resolution is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

As co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Duckworth has long pushed to strengthen and defend environmental justice efforts across the country. Last month, Duckworth and—along with Senate Environmental Justice Caucus Co-Chair Corey Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)—urged EPA Administrator Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create.

Duckworth recently helped introduce legislation that would permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in response to Attorney General Bondi’s order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ.

For years, Duckworth has led the charge pushing for her A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act—the most comprehensive environmental justice legislation in history—which would help achieve health equity and climate justice for all, particularly in underserved communities and communities of color that have long been disproportionately harmed by environmental injustices and toxic pollutants.

Duckworth worked to help pass the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included her Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA)—the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in history that includes $15 billion for national lead pipe replacement. DWWIA, which focuses on disadvantaged communities, is helping rebuild our nation’s crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure and enable communities to repair and modernize their failing wastewater systems, with many of the provisions to help low-income communities designed specifically for communities like Chicago, Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Animal welfare – Animal Groups Condemn Massacre of Hundreds of Koalas by Australian Government

Source: Animal Wellness Action

Center for a Humane Economy, others call killings reckless and inhumane, and typical of an Australian state government with little regard for the welfare of animals.

Budj Bim National Park, Victoria, Australia — Already concerned about mismanagement and inhumane commercial killing of kangaroos, the Center for a Humane Economy is now intensely condemning government authorities in the state of Victoria for conducting aerial gunning of koalas that is a prescription for orphaning and inhumane killing of the beloved marsupials.

Officials with the state government are killing animals in Budj Bim National Park under the assumption that the recent fires consumed the eucalyptus leaves that the animals need to survive.

“The state and national governments promote koalas and kangaroos as wildlife icons in their marketing campaigns to draw tourists, but they treat the lives of these animals as expendable and as unworthy of the most basic methods of humane care and management,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy. “The decision-makers in Victoria simply do not understand the value of animal welfare, and their aerial gunning assault against the arboreal and slow-moving koalas is a disgrace.”

Pacelle tied the atrocity to the mass slaying of kangaroos, killed mainly for their skins for export for athletic shoes and some other products. Kangaroos and koalas are native species that evolved on the Australian landscape over many millions of years, while humans have been on the continent for just 65,000 years.

“Whether they shoot kangaroos from trucks or koalas from aircraft, it’s ruthless treatment,” he said. “If I’m a koala or a kangaroo, let me take my chances even in the wake of fires or drought rather than deal with the henchmen sent out to slaughter the adults and orphan the young. These animals evolved in the presence of major perturbations in their environment.”

“This tragedy didn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of decades of mismanagement by DEECA,” said a statement by the Koala Alliance. “Accepting these killings as ‘necessary’ sets a dangerous precedent — one that normalizes cruelty under the guise of welfare, carried out by a government with a long history of secrecy around koala management.”

Advocates say the government’s explanation doesn’t hold up, especially since koalas in parts of Australia are listed as endangered. They point to existing koala hospitals and rehabilitation centers that could have taken in the injured animals.

Conservationist Peter Hylands of Creative Cowboy Films emphasized the lack of precision in such aerial operations. “It is not possible to assess the health and condition of a koala, particularly a koala with a joey, from a helicopter,” he said. “Yet they were shot down — uninjured animals included — under the false pretense of mercy.”

Some critics argue the killings may be linked to efforts to keep koalas away from nearby commercial eucalyptus plantations, where they risk being labeled as pests by private landowners.

“The Budj Bim koala massacre is the latest disgrace from a government that simply does not value wildlife,” said Alyssa Wormald, president of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance. “They are already overseeing the systematic slaughter of kangaroos — this is part of a broader ecocidal agenda.”

“Hundreds of koalas were shot from helicopters — their joeys fallen from trees and left clinging to their dead or dying mothers,” said Jennifer Skiff, director of international programs for the Center for a Humane Economy and a long-time resident of Perth. “After the fires of 2019-20, wildlife hospitals were built, and emergency response protocols were put in place. And yet here we are — not failing due to lack of resources or knowledge, but due to a lack of moral compass by those charged with managing wildlife. This is bureaucratic apathy and a betrayal of the global goodwill that helped Australia build the systems meant to protect wildlife after fires.”

Despite widespread outcry and the availability of rescue resources, government officials have indicated more koala aerial gunning may be conducted.

ABOUT

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News

The Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help animals by helping forge a more humane economic order. The first organization of its kind in the animal protection movement, the Center encourages businesses to honor their social responsibilities in a culture where consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders abhor cruelty and the degradation of the environment and embrace innovation as a means of eliminating both. The Center believes helping animals helps us all. X: @TheHumaneCenter

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Urges USDA, HHS, EPA to Safeguard MAHA Work From Environmental Activists

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin calling for the use of sound science and risk-based analysis as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission finalizes its work, particularly on crop protection tools and food-grade ingredients:

The lawmakers wrote: “We write to express our strong appreciation for your leadership and interest in working with each of you to ensure America has the healthiest people in the world. In recent decades, chronic illness rates have risen. This warrants our careful scrutiny to support better health outcomes. It is essential that policies supported by sound science and risk-based analyses are used to accomplish this goal.”

“We have concerns that environmentalists are advancing harmful health, economic, or food security policies under the guise of human health. Despite insinuations to the contrary, regular testing by FDA and USDA finds that more than 99% of all pesticide residues meet extremely conservative limits established by EPA according to the best available science.”

Other signatories include Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Todd Young (R-IN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Rollins, and Administrator Zeldin:

We write to express our strong appreciation for your leadership and interest in working with each of you to ensure America has the healthiest people in the world. In recent decades, chronic illness rates have risen. This warrants our careful scrutiny and to support better health outcomes. It is essential that policies supported by sound science and risk-based analyses are used to accomplish this goal.

We also urge you to safeguard the work of the Make America Healthy Again Commission (Commission) from activist groups promoting misguided and sometimes even malicious policies masquerading as health solutions. The influence of these groups in the Commission would result in shoddy science; a less abundant, less affordable food supply; greater reliance on foreign adversaries for our food; diminished U.S. agricultural production and manufacturing; and, ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

President Trump recently stated environmental activists were holding the economic prosperity of our country hostage. We now have concerns that they are seeking to influence the work of the Commission to advance their agenda. For decades activist groups have tried to ban safe, well-regulated agricultural inputs by any means necessary. Without these products, yields and quality are negatively impacted by otherwise avoidable insects, fungus, weeds, and other pest pressures. This drives up food prices for American consumers and forces reliance of food imports.

The same groups have seized upon the Commission’s work as an opportunity to misrepresent the science on common food and feed categories or ingredients, such as plant-based oils. These inputs are subject to a robust, risk-based regulatory system which focuses on protecting human health. Unfounded accusations harm the U.S. farmers who grow our food, upend food and feed supply chains, and significantly increase grocery food prices – all without public health benefit.

We have concerns that environmentalists are advancing harmful health, economic, or food security policies under the guise of human health. Despite insinuations to the contrary, regular testing by FDA and USDA finds that more than 99% of all pesticide residues meet extremely conservative limits established by EPA according to the best available science.

We applaud the Commission’s desire to improve the health and well-being of Americans. We implore you to ensure policy decisions are grounded in sound science and risk-based analyses. With unity, we can protect American agricultural producers from environmental activists’ attacks on proven-safe inputs critical to their profitability and long-term viability while promoting positive health outcomes.

Sincerely,

/s/

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025

Category: Environment

Our common home

A key influencer

Polluting water bosses face up to two years in prison

Notes to editors:

Criminal Liability

The new provisions enable:

Previously:

Action on water

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