NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Statement – Freeing the great outdoors from health and safety scope creep – van Velden

    Source: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is announcing further changes to health and safety, as part of the ACT-National Coalition commitment to reform health and safety law and regulations.  

    “This reform refocuses the work health and safety system by getting rid of over compliance, making sure there’s less paperwork and giving businesses, employers and workers clarity on their health and safety responsibilities. We want all New Zealanders to return home safely after every working day,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill. I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners, managers and iwi to be prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt or injured during the course of a recreational activity just because they are responsible for the land.

    “Today I am announcing a change to the Health and Safety at Work Act that clarifies the law for landowners and will free up private and public land for recreational use.  

    “Landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities,” says Ms van Velden.

    “For example, a farmer might worry they are responsible for the risks of a horse trekking business on their land. I am making it clear in the law that in this case the health and safety duties sit with the horse trekking business. The farmer would only need to consider the risks from their work where that work is happening in the immediate vicinity of the horse trekking. They are not responsible for risks of the recreational activity itself.

    “We all know that recreational activities aren’t without some risk, and sometimes it’s the risk that makes it fun. I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape,” says Ms van Velden.  

    The change will apply to both public and private land, from farms and forestry to school grounds, local council land and regional and national parks.

    This change will not impact private property rights, and it will still be up to the landowner to grant access to their land if they wish.

    Notes: 

    • Managers of land mostly refers to Department of Conservation who doesn’t own land but manages it.  Councils also manage land e.g. reserves 
    • The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety will announce further changes over the course of this week that were agreed as part of the first tranche of changes.  
    • These legislative changes are expected to be introduced before the end of the year and passed in early 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ditch single-use vapes as ban deadline looms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ditch single-use vapes as ban deadline looms

    Shops encouraged to sell all remaining stock before 1 June 2025 deadline

    Single-use vapes in a green field

    High street shops and convenience stores are today (Tuesday 1 April) being urged to deplete their stocks of single-use vapes ahead of new legislation coming into force banning their sale.

    The deadline for selling any remaining single-use vapes was confirmed as 1 June 2025 when legislation was laid in parliament last year, with a government consultation showing overwhelming support for restricting their sale and supply.

    Analysis by Material Focus found an estimated 8.2 million vapes are now thrown away or littered every week in the UK, which is the equivalent of 13 each second. However, recycling single-use vapes is notoriously arduous, with waste industry workers needing to take them apart by hand which can be a slow and costly process. Their contents also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.

    With under two months until the ban comes into force, businesses must take action now to ensure they are prepared for its implementation. This includes ensuring all remaining stocks of single-use vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the new regulations.

    If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession after 1 June 2025, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and must ensure they are disposed of safely.

    Waste Minister Mary Creagh said:

    For too long, single-use vapes have littered our streets, wasted valuable resources and harmed wildlife. 

    Our ban comes into force in just a few weeks so businesses must play their part by running down stocks and ensuring the remainder are collected for recycling. 

    The Government is committed to moving towards a more circular economy, where we use, repair and refill things for longer, to reduce waste.

    Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said:

    The upcoming ban will take some of the most environmentally wasteful vape models off the market. But it is important now and going forwards that vape producers and retailers meet their long-standing obligations to provide and pay for the takeback and recycling of all types of vapes sold historically and in the future.

    This means offering in store takeback wherever they are sold and financing the costs of recycling and recovering the materials from them to support a more sustainable and circular economy.

    Material Focus has produced a vapes briefing paper that explains how vape retailers and producers can do this and also provides guidance for local authorities.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

    Single-use vapes are one of the most wasteful products on our high streets, with 13 being thrown away every second across the UK.

    But this isn’t just an environmental crisis – it’s a public health one too. Single-use vapes, often sweet in flavour, are the product of choice for many young people, drawing a new generation into nicotine addiction.

    The ban will complement the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will tackle youth vaping and safeguard our children’s health. I urge retailers to plan accordingly, as we work together to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier Britain for future generations.

    In England, any businesses which fail to comply with the ban could face a stop notice or a fine of £200 in the first instance, with all products seized by Trading Standards. If any further infractions occur, they could be hit with an unlimited fine or be prosecuted.

    The ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the avalanche of rubbish filling our high streets, countryside, and oceans. The government’s action to clean up Britain doesn’t end there – with further moves to ensure the throwaway society is ended for good. 

    Last week, Environment Secretary Steve Reed set out his vision for delivering the revolutionary drive to create a truly circular economy, changing the relationship with the goods we use.

    British businesses are leading the charge in showing what is possible when this forward-thinking approach is adopted. Working with the Circular Economy Taskforce, the Government will work with the first five priority sectors to make the greatest difference – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food and chemicals & plastics.

    The Government has also taken action against stagnating recycling rates and the reliance on the burning of household waste by announcing that new waste incinerators will only receive planning approval if they meet strict new local and environmental conditions.  

    The Government has also announced that a £15 million government fund will help deliver thousands of tonnes of food from farms which would otherwise go to waste to those who need it most.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025 Prescribed Burn program commences

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 01/04/2025

    The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) 2025 prescribed burn program commences today and will run until the beginning of winter.

    The ACT Government undertakes an annual prescribed burn program each year which enhances the ecological and cultural values our local environment, while reducing the risk of bushfires and helping keep Canberrans safe.

    Cultural burns also take place during this period, which provides the opportunity for traditional owners to lead, share, and pass on cultural fire knowledge while achieving the program’s ecological or hazard reduction goals.

    Extensive planning and on-ground fire management occurs to protect sensitive ecological values within burn areas and contain operations.

    The following locations have been identified as part of this year’s program, noting that burns are only undertaken in suitable weather conditions:

    • Hardy Range
    • Bullen Range
    • Googong
    • Black Mountain
    • Uriarra
    • Pinnacle Reserve
    • O’Connor Ridge
    • Kowen
    • Mt Taylor
    • Mcquoids Hill Nature Reserve
    • Denman Prospect
    • Gungahlin
    • Old Mill Road
    • Molonglo
    • Jerrabomberra Grasslands Reserve
    • Jerrabomberra Wetland Reserve
    • Urambi Hills
    • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
    • Crace Grassland Reserve
    • Gubur Dhaura
    • Mount Pleasant
    • Pialligo

    Additional burns may also be conducted during the season as appropriate. All burns are notified on the ACT Parks website.

    All safety precautions will be in place throughout the duration of the program. This includes buffer zones, signage and sweeps of the area prior to all operations.

    Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling each of the prescribed burns to its conclusion, so the public do not need to be alarmed of any additional emergency vehicles or aircraft operating in these impacted areas.

    Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at these sites, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.

    Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe. Read more about bushfire management including the Bushfire Operations Plan on the ACT Government website.

    For more information on the locations of the prescribed burns this year and to stay up to date on the upcoming prescribed burns in your location, visit the ACT Parks website.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Record whio duckling count on Taranaki Maunga

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 April 2025

    Recent monitoring of eight rivers on Taranaki Maunga saw 106 whio ducklings counted, up from 89 in the survey completed last year. Further fledglings were sighted on rivers outside the survey area.

    For the last nine years surveys have been conducted along eight rivers with specially trained conservation dogs. A dog and its handler seek whio along each river twice each breeding season, with each river taking an average of 6 hours to survey.

    DOC biodiversity ranger Joe Carson conducts the annual surveys with her conservation dog, Pip. Joe says she’s thrilled with the great result.

    “Ongoing trapping and last year’s application of aerial 1080 have helped protect female whio during their critical nesting period.

    “It’s been a huge collective effort from volunteers, Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC staff to reduce stoats and other predators across the maunga. The work of our partners across the wider maunga also supports whio. Together, we’re bringing nature back.”

    Settled weather last spring kept rivers stable and low, providing an extra boost to help the young birds survive to fledging.

    Whio are a unique duck species found nowhere else in the world and are known as an icon of New Zealand’s backcountry rivers.

    The whio population on Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is thriving with regular sightings by trampers on many of the hikes.

    “It’s such a privilege to witness this ancient species in the wild,” says Joe.

    “So, look out for whio and be sure to give them space so they aren’t stressed, they’re part of what makes New Zealand special.”

    Background information

    • Whio/blue duck are a unique species found nowhere else in the world.
    • Whio are river specialists living on fast-flowing rivers.
    • Healthy whio populations indicate healthy rivers and streams. The more breeding pairs of whio, the healthier the river.
    • The survival of whio largely depends on the protection of secure source populations throughout mainland New Zealand.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2025

    Source: NASA

    The highly competitive NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) recently named 24 new fellows to its 2025 class. The NHFP fosters excellence and leadership in astrophysics by supporting exceptionally promising and innovative early-career astrophysicists. Over 650 applicants vied for the 2025 fellowships. Each fellowship provides the awardee up to three years of support at a U.S. institution.
    Once selected, fellows are named to one of three sub-categories corresponding to three broad scientific questions that NASA seeks to answer about the universe:
    How does the universe work? – Einstein Fellows
    How did we get here? – Hubble Fellows
    Are we alone? – Sagan Fellows
    “The 2025 class of the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program is comprised of outstanding NASA Astrophysics researchers,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “This class of competitively-selected fellows will inspire future generations through the products of their research, and by sharing the results of that work with the public. Their efforts will help NASA continue its worldwide leadership in space-based astrophysics research.”

    The list below provides the names of the 2025 awardees, their fellowship host institutions, and their proposed research topics.
    The 2025 NHFP Einstein Fellows are:

    Shi-Fan Chen, Columbia University, Galaxies, Shapes and Weak Lensing in the Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure
    Nicolas Garavito Camargo, University of Maryland, College Park, Local Group Galaxies in Disequilibrium; Building New Frameworks to Constrain the Nature of Dark Matter
    Jason Hinkle, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Nuclear Transients in the Golden Era of Time-Domain Astronomy
    Itai Linial, New York University, Repeating Nuclear Transients – Probes of Supermassive Black Holes and Their Environments
    Kenzie Nimmo, Northwestern University, From Glimmering Jewels to Cosmic Ubiquity: Unraveling the Origins of FRBs
    Massimo Pascale, University of California, Los Angeles, The Universe Seen Through Strong Gravitational Lensing
    Elia Pizzati, Harvard University, The Missing Link: Connecting Black Hole Growth and Quasar Light Curves in the Young Universe
    Jillian Rastinejad, University of Maryland, College Park, Illuminating the Explosive Origins of the Heavy Elements
    Aaron Tohuvavohu, California Institute of Technology, Ultraviolet Space Telescopes for the new era of Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astronomy

    The 2025 NHFP Hubble Fellows are:

    Aliza Beverage, Carnegie Observatories, Revealing Massive Galaxies Formation Using Chemical Abundances
    Anna de Graaff, Harvard University, Early giants in context: How could galaxies in the first billion years grow so rapidly?
    Karia Dibert, California Institute of Technology, Superconducting on-chip spectrometers for high-redshift astrophysics and cosmology
    Emily Griffith, University of Colorado, Boulder, Beyond Mg and Fe: Exploring Detailed Nucleosynthetic Patterns
    Viraj Karambelkar, Columbia University, The Anthropology of Merging Stars
    Lindsey Kwok, Northwestern University, Determining the Astrophysical Origins of White-Dwarf Supernovae with JWST Infrared Spectroscopy
    Abigail Lee, University of California, Berkeley, AGB Stars in the Era of NIR Astronomy: New Probes of Cosmology and Galaxy Evolution
    Aaron Pearlman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pinpointing the Origins of Fast Radio Bursts and Tracing Baryons in the Cosmic Web
    Dominick Rowan, University of California, Berkeley, Fundamental Stellar Parameters Across the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
    Nicholas Rui, Princeton University, A seismic atlas of the stellar merger sky
    Nadine Soliman, Institute for Advanced Study, Micro Foundations, Macro Realities: Modeling the Multi-scale Physics Shaping Planets, Stars and Galaxies
    Bingjie Wang, Princeton University, Inference at the Edge of the Universe

    The 2025 NHFP Sagan Fellows are:

    Kyle Franson, University of California, Santa Cruz, Mapping the Formation, Migration, and Thermal Evolution of Giant Planets with Direct Imaging and Astrometry
    Caprice Phillips, University of California, Santa Cruz, Aging in the Cosmos: JWST Insights into the Evolution of Brown Dwarf Atmospheres and Clouds
    Keming Zhang, Institute for Advanced Study, Understanding the Origin and Abundance of Free-Floating Planets via Microlensing and Machine Learning

    The class of 2025 NHFP Fellows are shown in this photo montage (left to right, top to bottom): The Einstein Fellows (seen in the blue hexagons) are: Shi-Fan Chen, Nicolas Garavito Camargo, Jason Hinkle, Itai Linial, Kenzie Nimmo, Massimo Pascale, Elia Pizzati, Jillian Rastinejad and Aaron Tohuvavohu.
    The Hubble Fellows (seen in the red hexagons) are: Aliza Beverage, Anna de Graaff, Karia Dilbert, Emily Griffith, Viraj Karambelkar, Lindsey Kwok, Abigail Lee, Aaron Pearlman, Dominick Rowan, Nicholas Rui, Nadine Soliman, Bingjie Wang.
    The Sagan Fellows (seen in green hexagons) are: Kyle Franson, Caprice Phillips, and Keming Zhang.
    For short bios and photos, please visit the link at the end of the article.
    An important part of the NHFP is the annual Symposium, which allows Fellows the opportunity to present results of their research, and to meet each other and the scientific and administrative staff who manage the program. The 2024 symposium was held at the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) in Pasadena, California. Science topics ranged through exoplanets, gravitational waves, fast radio bursts, cosmology and more. Non-science sessions included discussions about career paths and developing mentorship skills, as well as an open mic highlighting an array of talents other than astrophysics.
    The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, administers the NHFP on behalf of NASA, in collaboration with the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, California.
    Short bios and photos of the 2025 NHFP Fellows can be found at:https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/nasa-hubble-fellowship-program/2025-nhfp-fellows

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces food safety report for February

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 31) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 4 200 food samples tested (including food items purchased online) were found to be satisfactory except for three unsatisfactory samples that were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

    A CFS spokesman said about 1 000 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 3 200 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

    The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

    The samples comprised about 1 500 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 300 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 500 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 600 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 500 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 800 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

    The three unsatisfactory samples comprised a Kudzu sample and a frozen snake meat sample detected with metallic contaminants exceeding the legal limit, and a fresh beef sample found to contain sulphur dioxide. 

    The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items, and tracing the sources of the food items in question.

    The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

    Separately, in response to the Japanese Government’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CFS will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FEHD launches multifunctional portal to assist public with after-death arrangements

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 31) launched the Platform for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services (service platform) (app.fehd.gov.hk/ccsp). This one-stop portal provides online services for all cemeteries and crematoria facilities under the FEHD’s management, streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services to further facilitate the handling of after-death arrangements for members of the public.

    Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the FEHD via the service platform, including cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version). The service platform features a key function that allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures. Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.

    The service platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods, saving time for the public by eliminating the need to visit cemetery and crematorium offices in person for applications and fee payments.

    Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The FEHD encourages the use of the “iAM Smart” electronic identity verification, which automatically fills in parts of the online forms to expedite the application process.

    To facilitate the public in registering as users of the service platform and understanding how to handle after-death arrangements through the new system, the FEHD has produced a series of demonstration videos and pamphlets. For details, please visit the following website: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/platform_for_cemeteries_and_crematoria_services.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From trading nutrients to storing carbon: 5 things you didn’t know about our underground fungi

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Frew, Lecturer in Mycorrhizal Ecology, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University

    marian galicia/Shutterstock

    If you’re walking outdoors, chances are something remarkable is happening under your feet. Vast fungal networks are silently working to keep ecosystems alive.

    These fungi aren’t what you might picture. They are not mushrooms, or brightly coloured growths on tree trunks. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi look like spools of thread wrapped around plant roots.

    What makes these fungi remarkable is the deal they struck almost half a billion years ago with another kingdom of life – plants.

    AM fungi make threads of hyphae thinner than spider silk and weave them through plant roots. Then, they begin to trade, offering plants water and phosphorus, a vital plant nutrient in soils. In return, plants offer carbon-rich sugars and fats from photosynthesis. Fungi can’t photosynthesise, but plants can.

    This symbiotic relationship can help plants survive periods of drought and live in nutrient poor soils. More than 80% of all plant families rely on these fungi, while AM fungi cannot live without plants.

    Without these fungi, many of Australia’s plants — and the soil they grow in — would be in real trouble. Our continent is ancient, dry, and nutrient-poor. But while we monitor the fate of plants and animals in response to human impact and climate change, we haven’t been tracking the fungi who support it all. We don’t even know how many species there are, let alone if we’re losing them.

    To help fill this gap, I have developed the first dedicated database recording species and distributions of AM fungi in Australia – AusAMF.

    The underground economy of roots and filaments

    AM fungi deserve to be better known. These essential companions to most of the world’s plants maintain plant diversity, suppress invasive species, store carbon, cycle nutrients and prevent soil erosion.

    Here are five remarkable things about AM fungi:

    1. They’re older than roots

    Incredibly, this fungus-plant symbiosis emerged before plants evolved roots some 360–420 million years ago.

    AM fungi have been around for 475 million years, partnering with very early land plants such as the ancestors of today’s liverworts – which have no roots. This ancient alliance actually helped plants colonise land.

    2. They can boost native plants and reject invasives

    AM fungi do more than transport nutrients, carbon and water. They shape entire plant communities. Some plants benefit more than others, influencing competition and species co-existence. By giving some species a competitive edge, AM fungi allow some plants to survive which might otherwise be lost.

    When AM fungal diversity declines, it can lead to a loss of native plants and open the door to invasive plant species.

    But with the right management — such as reducing pesticides or reintroducing locally adapted fungi — AM fungi can boost plant nutrition and ecosystem restoration. They can help native vegetation recover and stop invasive species from gaining a foothold.

    3. They run an invisible underground economy

    The fungi-plant trade is more organised than you might think.

    In some instances, plants reward the fungi giving them the most phosphorus with more carbon, while the fungi prioritise plants offering them the most carbon – a bit like a marketplace. Some plants have figured out how to cheat the fungi, taking resources without giving anything in return.

    This high-magnification video shows water and nutrients flowing inside the hyphae of the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Source: Oyarte Galvez et al. (2025) Nature

    4. They boost plant defences against pests and disease

    Fungi don’t just help plants grow, they help them fight. As AM fungi colonise a plant’s roots, they boost its defences against threats such as diseases and plant-eating insects by strengthening and speeding up chemical responses. My research shows the size of this fungal-defence boost for plants can depend on what AM fungi are present.

    And if one plant is attacked, it puts out chemical signals which can move through the fungal network and let other plants know to ready their defences.

    5. They take in vast amounts of carbon

    Plants take carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their leaves, roots and wood. But AM fungi store carbon from plants too.

    Because mycorrhizal fungi are found wherever there are plants, their underground networks are vast – and so is their carbon impact. Recent research estimates the annual figure is more than a third of global fossil fuel carbon emissions.

    Vitally important, all but unknown

    If AM fungi vanished, many plant species would likely follow suit. Others would become more vulnerable to drought, disease, and pests. Soil would erode more easily, and nutrient and carbon flows would shift dramatically.

    Are they in trouble? We don’t know. AM fungi are out of sight, out of mind. No federal or state government agency seem to be tracking them. Our current National Soil Action Plan doesn’t mention fungi at all, despite their importance to soil health.

    Other than Antarctica, Australia is the least sampled continent for soil AM fungi, with just 32 sites in global databases. Europe, by comparison, has data from more than 1,200 sites.

    AM fungi help plants grow better. On the left is grass in symbiosis with AM fungi with visible white hyphae. On the right is grass without the fungi.
    Soil Ecology Wiki, CC BY

    That’s where I hope the AusAMF database will help. I partnered with landholders and research networks to gather soil samples. So far, the database has data from 610 locations, with about 400 more on the way.

    But this is still scratching the surface. AM fungal communities can differ between neighbouring fields or habitats, depending on land management methods and types of vegetation. Virtually all current records are a single snapshot in time — we lack the long-term monitoring needed to track seasonal or annual changes.

    It would be a mistake to remain in the dark about AM fungi. The more we learn, the more we see their importance, not only in supporting biodiversity, but in helping our crops and ecosystems cope with a changing world. If they are in decline, we need to know – and set about protecting them.

    Adam Frew receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the British Ecological Society.

    – ref. From trading nutrients to storing carbon: 5 things you didn’t know about our underground fungi – https://theconversation.com/from-trading-nutrients-to-storing-carbon-5-things-you-didnt-know-about-our-underground-fungi-252184

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Working to Get Maine Farmers Expected Federal Investments to Sustain Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined his colleagues to introduce legislation that will direct much-needed funding to farmers in Maine. The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would release federal funding — currently being withheld by the White House — for all contracts and agreements previously agreed to by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    Farmers, and the organizations that serve them, operate on tight margins, and right now are waiting for funding they rightfully deserve and need for essential operations. This legislation would require the USDA to pay farmers all past due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down. If not quickly made whole, these organizations will be forced to make difficult and unnecessary financial decisions, destroying years of progress in advancing local food systems.
    “Farmers are an original building block of our state economy, providing jobs and a secure food source for thousands of people in Maine and across the northeast,” said Senator King. “The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would ensure that Maine’s farmers receive the federal funding from all signed agreements and contracts as quickly as possible to prevent any operations from having to shut down. This is a critical step to protect the Maine agricultural economy and food supply that everyone in our state rely on for their essential nutrition needs.”
    “Maine farmers produce milk, apples, beef, seafood, wild blueberries, vegetables, and more. These nutritious foods sustain the health of Americans in Maine, New England, and throughout the country, and are the lifeblood and the economy of rural communities across the state,” said Eric Venturini, President of the Agricultural Council of Maine. “Increasingly, Maine’s farmers are forced to compete within our own domestic market with cheaper imported foods. The economic sustainability of the Maine agricultural community requires constant change and innovation to remain competitive in this global marketplace. USDA staffing and funding are all essential programs that support Maine farms. We thank Senator King and others for their ongoing support to maintain these important programs for Maine farms.”
    “Farmers are struggling with a perfect storm of stressors from escalating costs of production to labor shortages to low pay prices to extreme weather events,” said Heather Spalding, the Deputy Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. “The last thing that farmers need right now is for USDA to abandon the farmers they have pledged to support. Honoring the farmer contracts is all about putting American farmers first. It’s about building self-reliance, a strong economy, a clean environment and healthy people.”
    The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would:
    Require USDA to unfreeze all signed agreements and contracts;
    Require USDA to make all past due payments as quickly as possible;
    Prohibit USDA from cancelling agreements or contracts with farmers or organizations providing assistance to farmers unless there has been a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.
    Prohibit USDA from closing any Farm Service Agency county office, Natural Resources Conservation Service field office or Rural Development Service Center without providing 60 days prior notice and justification to Congress.
    The Honors Farmers Contracts is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-Ill), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). 
    To read the full text of the bill, click here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Connecticut Delegation Reintroduce Legislation To Improve Safety Net For Small Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-Conn.-01),  Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02),  Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.-03), Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05) in reintroducing the Save Our Small (SOS) Farms Act of 2025. This legislation improves the farm safety net and expands federal crop insurance by allowing small farms to better access crop insurance policies often limited to large commercial farms to protect their business. 
    Extreme weather and other disasters can cause severe losses for farms lacking crop insurance, forcing them to depend on disaster relief. This disproportionately affects small farms, which often cannot access insurance. A recent survey by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture revealed that Connecticut farmers have lost over $50 million due to weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. The SOS Farms Act aims to provide a stronger safety net by expanding the number of farms eligible to purchase crop insurance, lower coverage costs for small farms, and directing the USDA to develop more responsive coverage options for farmers during extreme weather.
    According to the nationwide 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture, only 5% of Connecticut farms are enrolled in crop insurance, compared to 19% of farms nationally.
    “Small farmers in Connecticut work hard to keep their businesses running, but don’t have adequate insurance programs to protect them when extreme storms and droughts wipe out their crops. This legislation would make disaster assistance and insurance more affordable and effective, so local farmers aren’t left behind when disaster hits,” said Murphy.
    “Climate change has made it abundantly clear that we need a stronger safety net for farmers when floods, drought or other natural disasters strike. Our measure makes necessary reforms to programs that simply do not work for farmers by making coverage and assistance more accessible and affordable than before. Small farms are an essential part of Connecticut’s culture, environment, and economy—they deserve the best protection and support to recover from devastating storms,” said Blumenthal.
    “After the Connecticut River Valley was devastated by severe flooding during the summer of 2023, many small farms throughout the region lost hundreds of acres of crops,” said Larson. “The Save our Small Farms Act will better tailor our nation’s crop insurance programs to the unique needs of small to midsized farmers. Our bill will make crop insurance more affordable and accessible and reduce the paperwork burdens our farmers face to access support when disaster strikes. The entire Connecticut delegation will continue to stand together with our farmers, so they get the support they deserve and are not left on their own to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster.”
    “More and more farmers across Connecticut are facing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events. Unfortunately, the broken federal crop insurance system has let smaller farms fall through gaps in coverage and left them on the hook with major losses. The Save Our Small Farms Act reforms the crop insurance system and provides small farmers with the safety net they need to access assistance programs and recover from damages that come at no fault of their own. I look forward to once again working with my colleagues from Connecticut to ensure this issue receives the attention it deserves in Congress,” said Courtney.
    “As the backbone of our food system, small farms deserve fair access to the resources they need to thrive,” said DeLauro. “Each year, as the climate crisis intensifies, unforeseen and catastrophic weather events are becoming more and more common. This makes our efforts to protect our farmers crucial, which is why I am a strong supporter of The Save Our Small Farms Act, which will guarantee that federal programs serve all farmers, not just the largest operations. This legislation is necessary to address the gaps in our current farm safety net. I am proud to support this legislation aimed at bolstering our agricultural economy, safeguarding local producers, and creating a more resilient food supply.”
    “Each year seems to bring worse storms than the last, with Connecticut’s small farmers incurring ever-steeper crop losses because of increasingly common severe weather. The Save our Small Farms Act expands crop insurance options for small farmers and improves how the federal government provides disaster aid in times of crisis. This is a commonsense bill that brings federal agricultural policy in line with the realities of climate change and the hardships our nation’s small farmers face,” said Himes.
    “In the Fifth District, small farms help feed our communities and drive our economy. Although these farmers need assistance, our crop insurance and disaster programs too often leave them behind. And as we continue to see extreme weather patterns becoming more frequent, we must find new solutions to ensure small farm operators are protected before disasters strikes,” said Hayes. “The SOS Farms Act would expand coverage and assistance, lower costs for small farmers, and direct the USDA to develop more responsive coverage options. Small farms are an essential part of our culture, environment, and economy.”
    Specifically, the SOS Farms Act:
    Creates a streamlined application process to the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), which offers farmers the opportunity to purchase coverage for losses due to natural disasters in areas where crop insurance is unavailable. The bill provides new authority to USDA to launch pilot projects to address emerging needs and to improve data collection to support the development of new crop insurance policies.
    Producers may not be able to find an insurance policy that covers any or all of their crops, or insurance premiums may be prohibitively expensive.
    Paperwork requirements, premiums, and service fees have often kept small farms from accessing NAP coverage.
    2. Directs the Farm Service Agency to create an on-ramp from NAP coverage to a true insurance policy under the Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program (WFRP), the most comprehensive crop insurance program for small and mid-sized farms. 
    3. Expands WFRP to allow smaller farms to better access crop insurance policies by:
    Reducing paperwork requirements for applicants.
    Allowing policies for farms that use crop-rotation.
    Modifies insurance plans to improve effectiveness for specialty crop and diversified farms.
    Increases response timeliness of insurance applications.
    Requires providers and the Risk Management Agency to account for different cultivation cycles for different crops when calculating premium discounts.
    Authorizing the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to study WFRP participation by small farms that sell to local or regional markets.
    Expanding the network of insurance agents selling crop insurance policies to small farms through increased compensation
    4. Directs USDA to develop an index-based insurance policy that is responsive to crop and income losses due to extreme weather events.
    A weather index-based insurance policy uses extreme weather events as a proxy for agricultural income losses.
    This approach reduces paperwork while making the policy more responsive to losses from adverse weather conditions.
    Insurance would also be based on a farm’s income instead of the price of its crops, better aligning payouts with income losses associated with crop losses.
    Since payouts are automatically triggered by a weather event, producers would not have to fill out paperwork or wait months to receive support following a natural disaster.
    The SOS Farms Act is endorsed by the California Climate and Agriculture Network, California FarmLink, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Community Farm Alliance, Dakota Rural Action, Environmental Working Group, Farm Action, Farm Aid, Farm to Table – New Mexico, Farmshare Austin, Friends of Family Farmers, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Kiss the Ground, Land for Good, Land Stewardship Project, Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Marbleseed, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), National Young Farmers Coalition, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH), Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Organic Farming Association, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network, Regenerate America, Renewing the Countryside, Rogue Farm Corps, Rural Advancement Foundation International, Rural Coalition, Sierra Club, Sustainable Food Center, and World Farmers.
    A one-pager of the legislation is available HERE, and the full bill text is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reduced packaging charter launched

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today launched the Packaging Reduction Charter to encourage businesses to reduce their packaging usage and foster a waste reduction culture in commercial activities.

    Speaking at the charter’s launch ceremony, Mr Tse said that most packaging materials are discarded after single or limited use, placing a significant burden on the environment.

    “The launch of the Packaging Reduction Charter aims to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices, including reviewing packaging designs to minimise unnecessary material usage, enhancing the recyclability and reusability of packaging as well as exploring innovative solutions.

    “These efforts not only alleviate the pressure on landfills, but also help businesses fulfil their social responsibilities, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term goals of ‘zero landfill’ and carbon neutrality.”

    The signatory companies undertake to submit to the Environmental Protection Department their annual total packaging material usage, implement measures to reduce packaging or adopt sustainable packaging solutions as well as encourage upstream and downstream suppliers, business partners and customers to reduce packaging materials and enhance packaging management.

    So far, 102 local and multinational companies have undertaken the initiative. The department has published practical guides for specific sectors, covering supermarkets and grocery stores, logistics, e-commerce, hotel and hospitality, electronics and electrical appliances, beverage manufacturing, food manufacturing, and importers.

    For enquiries, contact the charter’s secretariat at 5279 1936 or by email.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: After-death services portal launched

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today launched a one-stop online portal to assist the public in handling after-death arrangements by streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services.

    Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the department via the Platform for Cemeteries & Crematoria Services.

    The applications include cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version).

    The service platform allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures.

    Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.

    The platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods.

    Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The department encourages the use of the iAM Smart electronic identity verification.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Protecting biological diversity is one of the most important tasks in the environmental protection sphere

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev took part in the first meeting of the Coordination Committee for the support of environmental and nature conservation projects. It was chaired by First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko.

    “The activities of the Presidential Fund for Ecological and Nature Conservation Projects will be aimed, among other things, at preserving rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Our country has unique biological diversity, and its protection is one of the most important tasks in the environmental sphere. However, we cannot do without consolidating the efforts of the authorities and the public. We need educational projects in the field of protecting wild animals, plants and unique ecosystems. We have many areas in which to prove ourselves and contribute to the environmental well-being of our country,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister cited the example of the Arctic zone, where work on ecological improvement of territories, preservation of biodiversity has been underway for several years, with the active involvement of businesses, public organizations and volunteers. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that these activities must be continued, including in dialogue with the presidential foundation.

    The Russian Nature Reserve Fund is one of the largest in the world. It is about 12 thousand specially protected natural areas. The Deputy Prime Minister added that one of the grant areas chosen is to promote the development of human resources in specially protected natural areas, as well as charitable and volunteer activities on their basis.

    The Presidential Fund for Ecological and Nature Conservation Projects was registered on March 3, 2025. It was created in accordance with the decree of the President of Russia. The main grant areas include the protection of rare and endangered animal species, as well as their habitats, the study and monitoring of biodiversity, information and educational projects in the field of protecting wild animals, unique and relict ecosystems, as well as plant species listed in the Red Books.

    The First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko has been appointed Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the Support of Environmental and Nature Protection Projects. His deputies are the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saving money and improving recycling

    Alberta is entering a new era of recycling and waste management to keep more waste out of landfills. Starting April 1, Alberta’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) will begin reducing waste, improving recycling programs and saving communities and taxpayers money. The provincewide shift to EPR includes programs, services and communities transforming throughout 2025 and 2026, which will ultimately keep thousands of kilograms of waste out of Alberta landfills.

    “This new system will keep more waste out of landfills while saving communities and taxpayers money. And we’re doing it without creating more work or costs for Albertans or making them change their recycling habits.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    “By working with industry, municipalities and provincial partners, we’ve created a made-in-Alberta EPR solution that helps advance our priority of responsible waste management. We’re grateful for the strong support of the Government of Alberta as we work together to grow our province’s circular economy through EPR.”

    Ed Gugenheimer, chief executive officer, Alberta Recycling Management Authority

    “The province made a wise decision with EPR. It is a big win for the economy, the environment, and a splendid example of how we achieve great things when municipalities and the province work together. Calgarians will see the benefits immediately in their blue cart fees, but all over Alberta people will get clearer recycling rules and less waste in their landfills. This is only the beginning of the good it will do.”

    Peter Demong, councillor, Ward 14, City of Calgary

    Reducing waste and improving recycling

    EPR shifts the financial burden of recycling single-use products away from municipalities and onto the companies that produce those packages and products. By making producers responsible, EPR encourages them to find new ways to reduce waste and design products that are more recyclable and reusable.

    Alberta’s EPR programs include thousands of different single-use products, packaging and paper, along with hazardous and special products like batteries and pesticides. Starting April 1, most municipalities, including all major Alberta cities, will operate under the new EPR programs, representing more than 90 per cent of Alberta’s population.

    Some municipalities need more time to transition and will join EPR in July, while a small number of communities will join in 2026 – some getting recycling service for the first time in their history.

    Saving money

    These new systems will centralize, standardize and streamline recycling among Alberta municipalities, which will help reduce costs in many cases.

    While each community is unique, many communities have already indicated that taxpayers will save money. For example, Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge have all recently publicly indicated that recycling fees can likely be lowered thanks to the new system.

    Alberta’s government and the Alberta Recycling Management Authority will continue working closely with producers and municipalities to help them implement the EPR programs.

    Quick facts

    • Albertans send 1,034 kilograms per person of waste to landfills annually – more than any other Canadian jurisdiction. The national average is 710 kilograms per year.
    • EPR has two programs that focus on two main types of waste materials:
      • Single-use products, packaging and printed paper.
      • Hazardous and special products like batteries or flammable materials.
    • As of March 17, 99 per cent of all curbside recycling contracts are in-place for the April 1 start date.
      • All First Nations and Métis communities have also been contacted and most have registered to participate in the October 2026 intake date.
    • The Alberta Recycling Management Authority, which has managed regulated recycling programs for used oil, paint, tires and electronics for more than 30 years, is overseeing the new EPR systems.

    Related information

    • Extended Producer Responsibility
    • Alberta Recycling Management Authority

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ryan M. Katz-Rosene, Associate Professor, School of Political Studies, with Cross-Appointment to Geography, Environment and Geomatics, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    In his very first act as prime minister, Mark Carney did what critics had long demanded — he axed the federal carbon tax. Yet while Carney was the one who dealt the final blow, there were many who aided and abetted in its death.

    Since it was first proposed nearly a decade ago, the Liberal government’s keystone climate policy, the consumer carbon tax, became the target of both legal and political attacks. Nevertheless, these attacks were held at bay thanks in part to the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of carbon pricing and the Liberals’ success in maintaining power.

    The axing of the consumer carbon tax marks a major turning point in Canadian climate policy. It shifts the discussion from the effects of the fuel charge on household budgets to how to best compel large industrial emitters to reduce their climate impact in a swiftly evolving global trade context.



    Read more:
    The carbon tax needs fixing, not axing — Canada needs a progressive carbon tax

    The Liberals now propose instead a system of financial incentives for household-level purchases, while expanding the existing industrial pricing mechanism and potentially applying a carbon adjustment levy on imports from countries with lax environmental standards.

    The Conservatives, on the other hand, are vowing to do away with the industrial carbon pricing system, promoting clean tech innovation and manufacturing through financial incentives at the producer level, and offering greater autonomy to the provinces to set their own climate policies.

    Cost-effective, regressive

    The death of the consumer carbon tax serves as a predictable political tragedy in the Shakespearean sense of the word: widely regarded by scholars and other experts as a cost-effective and non-regressive tool to further reduce the carbon emissions, the tax ultimately fell to relentless populist attacks when its original proponents and supporters caved to this pressure.

    It’s useful to break down the various layers of support for — and opposition to — the tax to examine the role each played in its death.



    Read more:
    What the Supreme Court ruling on national carbon pricing means for the fight against climate change

    The most obvious contributors involved the political opponents of the Liberal Party and critics of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. This included not only the federal Conservative Party and provincial Conservative premiers, but also the rising anti-Trudeau populism that manifested early on, even before the tax’s introduction.

    These sentiments were seen in the Canadian Yellow Vests movement; “Wexit” and subsequently the so-called Freedom Convoy, which started as an anti-COVID-19 vaccine, anti-lockdown movement but morphed into a “carbon tax convoy” in the post-lockdown years.

    The role of inflation

    These populist movements were in part nourished by the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre after he became leader in 2022, and helped drive further support for the party in the years to follow.

    Circumstantial factors — such as the global inflation crisis — played a key role too. By 2023, Poilievre capitalized on the first annual carbon tax rate increase to associate it with ongoing inflation, launching the widely popular “Axe the Tax” campaign.

    This campaign, bolstered by a significant amount of misinformation, played a significant role in driving popular discontent with the policy.



    Read more:
    The Canada Carbon Rebate is still widely misunderstood — here’s why

    Former allies

    In responding to this rising popular discontent, some of the federal Liberals’ allies and original supporters of carbon pricing also played a role in further weakening the policy.

    For instance, sympathetic provincial premiers who in principle supported federal climate policy began to distance themselves from the carbon tax. In 2024, Manitoba’s NDP Premier Wab Kinew, British Columbia’s NDP Premier David Eby, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Liberal Premier Andrew Furey and New Brunswick’s Liberal Premier Susan Holt all made public comments seeking an end (or an alternative) to the carbon levy.

    Yet the most significant loss of support from a former ally came when NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh withdrew the federal NDP from the supply-and-confidence agreement it made with the Liberals, citing concerns that the carbon tax was placing a burden on everyday working Canadians.

    This withdrawal of support put the government on track for either a non-confidence vote or prorogation, which in turn fuelled an even further slide in voter support for the carbon tax.



    Read more:
    What does the end of the Liberal-NDP agreement mean for Canadians?

    Party leadership

    It was the Liberal Party’s own inside leadership circle that dealt the final blows to the tax.

    Chrystia Freeland’s surprise resignation late in 2024 hastened Trudeau’s political downfall earlier this year. Both leading candidates to replace Trudeau — including Freeland herself and the eventual winner, Carney — centred their campaigns around bringing an end to the tax, noting how the policy was too divisive.

    Yet the Liberal leadership also made several strategic missteps in recent years that contributed to the demise of the tax.

    For one, the party’s 2023 exemption for heating oil undermined the credibility of the policy and gave rise to charges of regional favouritism. Similarly, the party’s consistently poor communications around the carbon tax rebate — including difficulties in properly labelling the reimbursement cheques sent to Canadians — was yet another self-inflicted wound.

    Policy death

    Six years after its introduction, the federal consumer carbon tax was scrapped — ironically by the very party that had championed it for years.

    Yet the list of those who aided and abetted includes a secondary group of previous allies and other entities who in recent years publicly turned their backs on the carbon tax. That eroded public support for a policy that was already facing concerted attacks from Conservative political opponents and growing anti-Trudeau populism.

    While the tax could conceivably be replaced by an equally effective tool, its repeal increases uncertainty about Canada’s ability to meet its already faltering international commitments to support climate change mitigation.

    Ryan M. Katz-Rosene receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike – https://theconversation.com/who-really-killed-canadas-carbon-tax-friends-and-foes-alike-252364

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA DEVELOP Spring 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    Last year, NCEI was proud to celebrate a decade of collaboration with the NASA DEVELOP program. NCEI looks forward to continuing the partnership this year, by offering eight early career scientists the unique opportunity to work with the combined data and resources of both organizations. 

    Both NCEI and NASA DEVELOP are proud to partner with NIDIS (National Integrated Drought Information System) since 2018 for assistance and guidance in drought-related projects. 

    NASA DEVELOP welcomed eight young scientists this spring, who worked with NCEI-based scientists and data on two different projects based in North Carolina and Puerto Rico. Since the program’s inception in 2014, each team has contributed to efforts such as monitoring wildfire risk in Vermont, and contributing locally in Asheville, North Carolina through efforts like establishing weather resilience.

    Currently, four individuals are working in-person at the NCEI office in Asheville on a 10-week NASA DEVELOP project titled “Upper Missouri River Basin Water Resources: Enhancing Flood and Drought Monitoring through Fractional Available Water Analysis in the Upper Missouri River Basin.” Additionally, four remote individuals are participating in the 10-week NASA DEVELOP project titled “Puerto Rico Ecological Conservation: Mapping Land Cover to Inform Endangered Frog and Bird Species Distribution and Conservation Planning in Puerto Rico.”

    NCEI is proud to support NASA DEVELOP’s mission of “Cultivating Tomorrow’s Earth Observation Users” and we look forward to continuing to work alongside each other to provide aspiring scientists the chance to engage with real-world data and materials. 

    Spring 2025 Project Collaborations

    Upper Missouri River Basin Water Resources: Enhancing Flood and Drought Monitoring through Fractional Available Water Analysis in the Upper Missouri River Basin

    The Upper Missouri River Basin (UMRB) experiences rapid shifts between wet and dry conditions, with projections indicating increased drought and flooding events.. In partnership with NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Bismark, Grand Forks, and Rapid City, this project aims to evaluate NASA’s SMAP satellite data to estimate fractional available water (FAW) in the UMRB, and compare SMAP-derived FAW with in-situ North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) Mesonet data. The team is also analyzing the relationship between FAW, streamflow, drought, and vegetation health in the region. Results from this project will assist partners in flood forecasting, drought monitoring, and support for emergency preparedness, agricultural resilience, and the further development of state hydrological models. 

    Puerto Rico Ecological Conservation: Mapping Land Cover to Inform Endangered Frog and Bird Species Distribution and Conservation Planning in Puerto Rico

    Changes in temperature  and land use are reshaping avian and amphibian ecosystems and biodiversity patterns in Puerto Rico. The project work is in collaboration with non-profits WildMon and Para Naturaleza, the USFWS Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The team aims to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating NASA Landsat Earth observations and ancillary datasets to monitor land cover as it relates to biodiversity. The methods will highlight critical areas for frog and bird populations, guiding decisions on land acquisition and management, and species conservation.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SEER LAUNCHES CARBON FOCUSED DIVISION TO PRODUCE LICENSED BIOCHAR, MONETIZE AND TOKENIZE ASSETS AND CARBON CREDITS AND DEVELOP TURBINE BLADE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEER Engages First Block AI to Assist in its Carbon Division Launch and Funding as well as Develop and Create SEER Security and Utility Tokens Backed by Assets and Fully-Insured Biochar Carbon Credits

    Broomfield, CO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (SEER) (OTCQB: SENR), forms SEER Carbon Corp. as the entity to spearhead efforts to produce in-house biochar utilizing a patented technology under license from Biochar Now (www.biocharnnow.com) and create high-integrity, fully-insured carbon credits. SEER will transfer certain assets to SEER Carbon Corp. and then raise equity and growth capital through the sale of SEER Carbon security tokens. Additionally, SEER will offer for sale utility tokens backed by the carbon credits generated from the production of its biochar. Biochar carbon credits are among the most valuable credits worldwide and the Company will utilize these credits to back a specialized utility token, which will be sold internationally to targeted industries, including the golf and airline sectors.

    Biochar Market Generally    www.gosupercritical.com

    • Biochar has emerged as the most accessible and scalable permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution currently available, with one of the highest valued concomitant carbon credits presently valued at ~US$176 per credit (3/27/25) and recently traded above US$200 (www.ecoengineers.us)
    • It accounts for nearly 50% of engineered CDR solutions listed on most global marketplaces.

    Market Growth and Quality Concerns

    • The biochar market is expected to experience rapid growth, with a projected 30x increase in credits produced by 2028.
    • By 2026, only 42% (1.2 MT) of the projected 2.86 MT biochar capacity is expected to meet industry vetting criteria, with the remaining 58% failing due to issues like lack of additionality, poor monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), and permanence concerns.
    • The concentration of low-quality growth raises concerns about the future quality of biochar credits, highlighting the need for a market-wide shift toward producing high-quality credits.

    SEER’s High-Quality Biochar, Insured Smart Carbon Credits & Utility Token with Unquestionable Environmental Benefits

    SEER, along with its partners, has addressed and resolved concerns in the biochar market. A significant benefit of SEER’s initiative is the production of the highest-quality biochar available globally, as well as the generation of audited, fully-insured carbon credits that can be traded using smart contracts with blockchain verification. This will result in verifiable carbon offsets that ensure recognition and rewards for the environmental benefits of SEER’s various biochar applications. The manufacture of this carbon-rich biochar will generate high-value carbon credits, as well as significant revenue and value for both SEER and its project partners. The Company’s decarbonization and monetization initiatives reflect both government and private sector commitment to reducing carbon emissions while providing significant financial incentives for continued environmental stewardship.

    “At the core of this launch will be the production of high-quality biochar at a 60-kiln facility we will build in Texas,” said John Combs, CEO of SEER. “We have selected real estate in the heart of Texas lumber country and have already received an air permit from the TCEQ, which will be transferred to the designated location. The launch of this new division is perfectly in line with SEER’s original corporate mission: to make environmental stewardship and compliance profitable. We will create high-value carbon credits and incorporate a utility token and a 45Q tax program to better achieve our corporate objectives. This new strategy will create additional revenue streams for SEER while adding incremental value for our customers,” Combs continued. “By leveraging the expertise of our existing partners, such as DevvStream (www.devvstream.com ), and bringing on new industry leaders and innovators like First Block AI (www.firstblock.ai), SEER can develop one-of-a-kind environmental solution offerings and enter into the emerging global markets of carbon credits and tokens. We have already commenced initial marketing efforts to possible offtake companies operating in the golf and airline industries,” Combs added.

    “First Block is extremely excited to join forces with SEER and Biochar Now,” said Daniel Cannon, CEO of First Block. “The timing for this collaboration is perfect. With increasing international and domestic financial and political tailwinds, the opportunity couldn’t be better to tokenize and monetize SEER’s existing technologies and its new biochar production. First Block will create an entire program to maximize the value of SEER’s product offerings and the creation of its high-value, insured carbon credits,” said Cannon. “There will also be real-time, smart contract verification through SEER’s blockchain-enabled system developed by First Block. This system will be decentralized, immutable, and tamper-proof; meaning once SEER issues a carbon credit, it cannot be altered or falsified. This creates a permanent record of each credit that all stakeholders can trust. Every SEER carbon credit will be permanently recorded on blockchain, providing any customer with an undisputed record of their carbon offsets and environmental compliance,” explained Cannon.

    “We have been producing the highest-quality biochar available for over ten years and we have now developed the most secure and valuable carbon credit to go along with it,” said James Gaspard, CEO of Biochar Now. “A Carbon Credit is a tradable certificate representing the right to emit, or offset, one metric ton of carbon dioxide. SEER will generate several carbon credits for every metric ton of our biochar produced under our license, utilizing our patented biochar production technology. SEER will also benefit from Biochar Now’s success in creating a fully insured carbon credit, backed by major financial institutions. Our insurance program ensures the authenticity, permanence, and exclusivity of the verified carbon credits. The insurance program also provides coverage against devaluation, degradation, or invalidation of our verified biochar carbon credit for the life of the carbon credit. Our patented process and insurance essentially eliminate risk and assure the buyer of the authenticity and value of each carbon credit SEER will produce while utilizing our patented biochar production technology at their Texas facility,” said Gaspard.

    “It has taken time, but we feel that we have assembled a remarkable team of synergistic companies and highly experienced executives to accomplish our near and mid-term objectives of increasing and diversifying SEER’s revenue with new product lines, expanding our market reach and adding demonstrable value to our technologies for the benefit of our customers and shareholders,” concluded Combs.

    ________________________________

    About Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc.
    Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (SEER) (OTCQB: SENR), identifies, secures, and commercializes patented and proprietary environmental clean technologies in several multibillion-dollar sectors (including oil & gas, renewable fuels, and all types of waste management, both solid and gaseous) for the purpose of either destroying/minimizing hazardous waste streams more safely and at lower cost than any competitive alternative, and/or processing the waste for use as a renewable fuel for the benefit of the customers and the environment. SEER has two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: MV Technologies, LLC and SEER Environmental Materials, LLC; and two majority-owned subsidiaries: Paragon Waste Solutions, LLC; and PelleChar, LLC. For more information about the Company visit: www.seer-corp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as “believes,” “looking ahead,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and other terms with similar meaning. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. Statements in this press release regarding future performance or fiscal projections, the cost effectiveness, impact and ability of the Company’s products to handle the future needs of customers are forward-looking statements. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

    Contact Information:

    ir@seer-corp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Interview with Foreign Law Intern at the Law Library of Congress, Yuri Rattanaboonsen

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s blog post is an interview with a foreign law intern at the Law Library of Congress, Panicha Rattanaboonsen. She works with foreign law specialist Sayuri Umeda in the Global Legal Research Directorate. 

    Describe your background.

    My name is Panicha Rattanaboonsen, also known as Yuri. I am originally from Thailand and come from an overseas Chinese family. I moved to Bangkok during high school, where I attended Triam Udom Suksa School. I am fluent in Thai and English and have basic proficiency in Mandarin and Lao.

    What is your academic/professional history?

    Currently, I am an LL.M. candidate in the Environmental and Energy Law program at Georgetown University Law Center. Before pursuing my graduate studies, I had experience in the public sector at the national level in Thailand, contributing to policies and measures addressing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy innovation. I also worked as a legal analyst and adviser, focusing on renewable energy projects and energy policy.

    My professional background includes my role as a business tax associate, where I provided strategic tax advisory services to international clients, and my internship in the legal department of a big consulting firm, as well as my experience in arbitration and mediation at the Thai Arbitration Center, where I gained expertise in resolving complex domestic and international disputes.

    How do you describe your job to other people?

    I am a foreign law intern at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. I conduct legal research and analysis on Thailand’s legal framework, including monitoring global legal articles and assessing Thai laws and regulations updates. Additionally, I have contributed to legal reports that will be published by the Law Library, such as Thailand: Civic Space Legal Framework, which examines legal policies affecting civic engagement and is set to be published at a later date.

    Why did you want to work at the Library of Congress?

    The Library of Congress houses one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of legal resources. Contributing to the development of reports and articles that serve organizations, scholars, and policymakers is a unique and meaningful opportunity. Moreover, working on the legislative research for Congress provides me with invaluable life experience.

    What is the most interesting fact that you’ve learned about the Library?

    I was fascinated to learn that the Law Library of Congress holds one of the world’s largest collections of legal materials. I was particularly intrigued to discover that Thai legal books and collections are also preserved there.

    What’s something that most of your co-workers don’t know about you?

    Beyond my work in law and policy, I am also interested in finance and investment. I am currently pursuing a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN) and Green Rain Solar Inc. Partner with Chronical Electric to Bring High-Speed EV Charging and Battery Storage to Rochester, NY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Highlights:

    • Transforming Urban EV Infrastructure with Smart Charging Solutions
      The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN) and Green Rain Solar Inc. have partnered with Chronical Electric to launch a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging station at 1600 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY. Backed by a completed utility feasibility study and supported by Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), the project will feature Level 3 fast chargers, ensuring efficient and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging for the community.
    • Advancing Sustainability with Battery Storage Technology
      Incorporating cutting-edge battery storage solutions, this initiative aims to optimize energy usage, reduce operational costs, and prevent grid overloads. By storing renewable energy during periods of low demand and supplying it during peak hours, the project enhances grid resilience while supporting clean transportation. This innovation aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), unlocking tax credits and expanding EV access in underserved areas.
    • Promoting Environmental Equity and Clean Transportation
      Committed to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, The Now Corporation’s project directly addresses pollution-related health concerns in underserved communities. By introducing sustainable energy infrastructure, the initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also serves as a replicable model for clean energy adoption across the U.S.

    PASADENA, Calif., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN), through its renewable energy subsidiary, Green Rain Solar Inc., is making groundbreaking progress in expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in underserved communities. The company is pleased to announce that it has completed a utility feasibility study for its flagship electric vehicle (EV) charging project at 1600 West Ridge Road in Rochester, New York, confirming the site’s ability to support Level 3 fast chargers.

    This milestone was achieved through a strategic collaboration with Chronical Electric and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) Utility, ensuring the necessary power capacity for the high-speed chargers. In a major leap forward, the project will also feature battery storage technology, designed to optimize energy usage, stabilize the grid, and enhance charging reliability.

    DCFC EV Charging Stations – Chronical Electric

    Pioneering a New Era of Smart EV Charging

    This initiative aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which prioritizes clean energy investments in underserved areas by offering substantial tax credits. By leveraging the RG&E Make-Ready Program, The Now Corporation is significantly lowering infrastructure costs, making it easier and more cost-effective to deploy EV charging stations in communities that need them most.

    Load Management Technologies Incentive program (LMTIP) for electric vehicle charging

    “This is a transformative moment for Green Rain Solar and The Now Corporation,” said Alfredo Papadakis, CEO of The Now Corporation. “We are not just building EV charging stations—we are creating a sustainable energy ecosystem. By integrating battery storage, we’re ensuring that these chargers operate efficiently, reduce grid strain, and maximize renewable energy utilization. This is the future of clean transportation.”

    Battery Storage: The Key to Sustainable EV Infrastructure

    The integration of battery storage technology at the 1600 West Ridge Road project marks a major advancement in grid-friendly EV charging solutions. This innovative system will:

    • Reduce demand charges, lowering operational costs for both businesses and consumers
    • Enhance grid stability, preventing overloads and blackouts
    • Maximize renewable energy usage, storing excess solar and wind power for peak times

    By storing energy during low-demand periods and releasing it when needed, the site will ensure that EV drivers have access to reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly charging options—without overburdening the local power grid.

    A Cleaner, Healthier Future for Rochester and Beyond

    This project is about more than just technology—it’s about community impact. Rochester’s underserved neighborhoods, like many across the U.S., face higher levels of air pollution, contributing to asthma and other respiratory diseases. By expanding clean transportation options, The Now Corporation is actively working to reduce emissions, improve public health, and promote environmental equity.

    The 1600 West Ridge Road site will serve as a national model for the future of smart, grid-optimized EV infrastructure. Moving forward, The Now Corporation and Green Rain Solar Inc. are exploring additional locations to replicate this success and further drive the clean energy revolution.

    Leading the Charge Toward a Greener Future

    The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN) remains committed to leveraging state and federal incentives to accelerate EV adoption, create economic opportunities, and support a nationwide transition to sustainable energy. With its innovative approach, strategic partnerships, and a focus on community-driven impact, this initiative represents a major step toward a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient future.

    Stay tuned—The Now Corporation is powering the next generation of EV charging!

    About The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN):
    The Now Corporation is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring and developing innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. Through its subsidiaries, the company is committed to driving positive change in industries such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing.

    About Green Rain Solar Inc.:
    Green Rain Solar Inc., a subsidiary of The Now Corporation, specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems and EV charging infrastructure. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Green Rain Solar is dedicated to helping businesses and communities transition to clean energy.

    For more information, visit: https://greenrainenergy.com/
    FB: Green Rain Energy
    YouTube: Green Rain Energy

    Forward-Looking Statements:
    This press release contains forward-looking statements under the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may include expectations for future events, financial results, and growth prospects, subject to risks and uncertainties. The Now Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws.

    Press Contact:
    Michael Cimino
    Email: Michael@pubcopr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Panama Canal’s other conflict: Water security for the population and the global economy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Karina Garcia, Researcher and Lecturer in Climate, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá

    The Panama Canal carries cargo ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, cutting weeks off shipping time. Danny Lehman/The Image Bank via Getty Images

    The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, with about 7% of global trade passing through. It also relies heavily on rainfall. Without enough freshwater flowing in, the canal’s locks can’t raise and lower ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Droughts mean fewer ships per day, and that can quickly affect Panama’s finances and economies around the world.

    But the same freshwater is also essential for Panama’s many other needs, including drinking water for about 2 million Panamanians, use by Indigenous people and farmers in the watershed, as well as hydropower.

    When the region experiences droughts, as it did in 2023-2024, the resulting water shortages can lead to increasing water conflicts.

    One of those conflicts involves a new dam the Panama Canal Authority plans to begin building in 2027. It would be designed to secure enough water to keep the canal, which contributes about 4.2% to the country’s gross domestic product,, operating into the future, but it would also submerge farming communities and displace over 2,000 people from their homes.

    The Panama Canal Authority plans to build a new dam and reservoir that would submerge the village of Limon and hundreds of homes in the region.
    AP Photo/Matias Delacroix

    This recent drought wasn’t an anomaly. As an academic who studies the effects of rising temperatures on water availability and sea level rise, I’m aware that as the climate warms, Panama will likely face more extremes, both long dry spells and also periods of too much rain. That will force more trade-offs between residential needs and the canal over water use.

    Complex engineering remade the landscape

    The Panama Canal was built over a century ago at the narrowest point of the country and in the heart of its population center. The route was historically used by the Spanish colonies and later for a rail line between the oceans.

    The idea of a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans began as a French endeavor, led by architect Ferdinand D. Lesseps, designer of the Suez Canal in Egypt. After the French effort failed, the U.S. government signed a treaty with newly independent Panama in 1903 to take over the project.

    The U.S. acquired the rights to build and operate the Panama Canal in exchange for US$10 million and annual payments of $250,000. Later, the Torrijos-Carter Treaty in 1977 committed the U.S. to transfer the control of operations to Panama at the end of 1999.

    One week of shipping on the Panama Canal. Source: Maps.com using World Economic Forum data.

    The canal project was designed to take advantage of the region’s tropical climate and abundant average rainfall.

    It harnessed the water of the Chagres River basin to run three sets of locks – chambers that, filled with fresh water, act like elevators, lifting or lowering ships to compensate for the difference in water levels between the two oceans.

    To ensure enough water would be available for the locks, the canal’s designers changed the shapes of the region’s mountains and rivers to create a large watershed – over 1,325 square miles (3,435 square kilometers) – that drains toward the canal’s human-made lakes, Gatun and Alajuela.

    About 65% of the water that flows from the watershed today goes to operate the locks. The majority of that water is quickly lost to the oceans.

    Even the two newest locks, built in 2016, only reuse about 60% of water on each transit – 40% is flushed to avoid saltwater from the oceans intruding into the watershed.

    Threats to water security

    Panama’s wet tropical weather is predominantly influenced by its location near the equator, the trade winds and the oceans. Most of its rain falls during the wet season, from May to November. However, weather records show a drop in average precipitation starting around 1950.

    The driest years resulted in dangerously low water levels in Gatun Lake that made canal operations difficult, including in 1998, 2016 and most recently 2023-2024. El Niño weather patterns can mean particularly low rainfall.

    Water levels at Gatun Lake since 1965 show how low 2023 and 2024 were.
    EIA

    In December 2023, the Panama Canal Authority was forced to limit the number of daily transits to 22, compared with 36 to 38 usual crossings, because too little freshwater was available.

    To avoid steep financial losses, the Panama Canal Authority raised prices and auctioned transit opportunities to the highest bidders. Without those measures, the authority estimated it would lose $100 million a month from reduced ship traffic because of the water shortage.

    Ecosystems also need enough water, and changes in forest tree composition have become evident on Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake in response to rising temperatures and more frequent droughts.

    Climate change is also creating greater variability in rainfall. Too much rain can also be a problem for canal operations. In December 2010, the biggest storm on record caused landslides and $150 million in damage that interrupted transits on the canal.

    Sustaining Panama’s canal and its people

    Temporary measures for saving water have been already implemented. The Panama Canal Authority shortened the chamber size in some of its locks to use less water for smaller vessels and minimized direction changes.

    In January 2025, the authority approved plans to build the new dam on the Indio River to increase water available for the canal. The dam could solve some water concerns during drier periods for the canal.

    However, it also illustrates the country’s water conflicts. Once filled, the dam’s reservoir will submerge over 1,200 homes by some counts, and more people in the region will lose access to land and travel routes. The Panama Canal Authority promises that residents will be relocated, but some of those living in the region fear they will lose their livelihoods, along with the communities their families have lived in for generations.

    Panama Canal representatives explain to community members in El Jobo in 2024 how a planned dam on the Indio River would affect the future of their community.
    AP Photo/Matias Delacroix

    Residents across Panama, meanwhile, regularly hear media campaigns that encourage them to save water. An Environmental Economic Incentives Program promotes forest conservation and sustainable family agriculture to conserve water resources.

    The Panama Canal is a crucial part of international trade, and it will face more periods of water stress. I believe responding to those future changes, as well as market and societal demands, will require innovative solutions that respect ecosystem limits and the needs of the population.

    Karina Garcia 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 Panama Canal’s other conflict: Water security for the population and the global economy – https://theconversation.com/the-panama-canals-other-conflict-water-security-for-the-population-and-the-global-economy-253100

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sowing the Seeds of a New Community Resource

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A senior at UConn is making strides to combat food insecurity in Storrs with a free seed library.

    “Food insecurity is kind of crazy high in all college student populations,” says Iris Armstrong ’25 (CAHNR), who goes by Iris. “At UConn, as well as in our surrounding community, it’s pretty significant. My first goal was to combat food insecurity through connecting people with the resources they need to grow their own food.”

    Iris, a landscape architecture major, started the seed library during the fall 2024 semester thanks to an Environmental and Social Sustainability Grant (ESSG) from the Office of Sustainability. It is located in the lobby of the Floriculture Building.

    The seed library is open to anyone in the UConn community whenever the building is open, typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It remains open during the summer months.

    There are a variety of seeds available, primarily for edible plants, mostly vegetables. “We also have some flowers. I’m trying to get a good selection of native flowers because that’s really important as far as the role of seed libraries in promoting biodiversity,” says Iris. She secured donations from seed companies and is working with local farms to source more.

    Along with seeds, Iris collected supplemental resources. There is literature with information on seed saving, food justice, gardening, agricultural policy and food assistance programs including UConn Swipes and The Husky Harvest Food Pantries. “I used some of the grant funding to buy some great books,” says Iris. “They’re kind of like the Bibles of seed saving.”

    Seed saving is the practice of saving seeds from plants you grow, so you can grow a new plant the following year. “It saves you money, it keeps you from becoming dependent on seed corporations and it helps you grow better plants,” Iris says.

    (George Velky / UConn Photo)

    She is hoping that the seed library can continue to grow after graduation. “I really want to see it grow as an educational space,” says Iris. “I’d like to tie it more into the food justice and food sovereignty side of things, I want it to be more political.” She says she also wants to make the space multi-lingual to increase accessibility.

    Iris has been working on setting up workshops at the Spring Valley Student Farm so people can learn how to save seeds with a hands-on approach. Another idea is to implement seed saving walks around campus. “I’ve taken a lot of seeds from perennial plants around campus. It’s like an infinite plant hack,” says Iris.

    When it comes to information on how to start a garden, Iris says, “Don’t come to me for advice, go to the UConn Home and Garden Center, and UConn Extension. They’re amazing, everyone should go talk to them.” These programs can help community members with any questions once they get started at the seed library. “They’ll get you connected with soil testing, guides to growing and tons of cool information,” she said.

    “I’m hoping that having a place on campus where you’re able to get the seeds you need, the pots you need, and also connect with the other resources you need to grow your own food will help people become more familiar with the process of growing food, and raise awareness for food insecurity on campus,” says Iris.

    Keep up with the work of the seed library on Instagram: @UConnSeedLibrary

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight Announces the Financial Close for Project Country Acres

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The debt financing package includes $773 million of construction loans

    Country Acres consists of 403 MW of solar generation and 688 MWh of energy storage capacity, and is expected to reach full COD during the second half of 2026

    TEL AVIV, Israel, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading global renewable energy platform, announced today that the Company has received debt financing (the “Debt Financing”) for project Country Acres (“Country Acres” or “the Project”), located near Sacramento, California, USA.

    As part of the Debt Financing, Enlight, through its subsidiary Clenera Holdings LLC, has secured construction financing commitments with a consortium of four leading global banks including BNP Paribas Securities Corp, Crédit Agricole, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB), totaling $773 million.Upon the Project’s COD, the construction loan is expected to convert into a $376 million term loan.

    The Project has a 30-year solar generation busbar PPAand 20-year energy storage busbar purchase agreement with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (“SMUD”).The Company expects to conclude a tax equity transaction during the construction period, noting that the Project has met the terms required to achieve safe harbor status for beginning of construction.

    Country Acres consists of 403 MW solar generation and 688 MWh of energy storage capacity, and is expected to reach full COD during the second half of 2026. Construction at the 966-acre site has already begun, and all procurement contracts have been signed. The Project is expected to provide clean electricity equivalent to the average annual consumption of approximately 80,000 California households.

    “We are grateful to once again be partnering with leading banks on one of our largest projects,” said Adam Pishl, President and CEO of Clenera. “The American-generated, reliable energy produced at Country Acres will fueling the homes and businesses in central California for decades to come.”

    After the completion of Apex in Montana and Atrisco in New Mexico, Country Acres is one of several major solar and energy storage projects that Enlight and Clenera are now constructing in the U.S. These include Quail Ranch (128 MW and 400 MWh) and Roadrunner (290 MW and 940 MWh). Along with additional projects planned to be built in the years to come, these projects are driving Enlight’s massive expansion into the U.S. renewable energy market. This is best illustrated by the growing run rate of Enlight’s U.S. revenue base, which is expected to reach $195-207 million annually after the completion of the projects now under construction.

    The Company’s next projects in the western Unites States are Snowflake (600 MW and 1,900 MWh) and CO Bar (1,211 MW and 824 MWh). The two mega projects have almost completed their development phase, and are scheduled to begin construction in the coming months. Each of the two projects employs a grid connection of 1.0 GW, one of the largest in the US. These grid connections generate potential additional development opportunities in the future through the Company’s “Connect and Expand” strategy, which seeks to leverage existing interconnect infrastructure with additional generation capacity.

    “Country Acres is the second financial closing that we have accomplished with the same group of lenders in the past three months, illustrating the extent of our partnership and cooperation,” said Ilan Goren, GM of Enlight USA. “We look forward to further deepening this relationship as Enlight and Clenera continue the build out of our large US project portfolio.”

    “After the successful closing of Roadrunner, BNP Paribas is proud to once again support Clenera and Enlight as Coordinating Lead Arranger on their new landmark project financing of Country Acres,” said Aashish Mohan, Co-Head of Energy, Resources & Infrastructure Americas, at BNP Paribas. “Supporting premier platforms like Clenera squarely fits our energy infrastructure ambitions, and we look forward to growing our partnership with Clenera as they continue to execute on their high-quality U.S. renewables pipeline.”

    Nasir Khan, Managing Director & Head of Real Assets and Global Trade Americas at Natixis Corporate & Investment Bankng said, “Natixis is thrilled to close our second transaction with Clenera on another robust renewable energy project financing, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to the energy transition. As Clenera continues to expand its pipeline of large-scale energy projects, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership and providing innovative capital solutions to meet its long-term financial needs.”

    “CACIB is proud to partner with Clenera and Enlight once again on a landmark project which will deliver reliable, clean power to SMUD, underscoring our collective objective to provide long term sustainable and affordable power,” said Julien Tizorin – Head of Power and New Energy at CACIB

    Sondra Martinez, Managing Director and Head of Originations Nord/LB’s said “Nord/LB is extremely excited to support Clenera and Enlight on the Country Acres financing. This deal demonstrates our commitment to supporting recurring clients as they advance the energy transition and provide affordable power to local communities.” 

    About Enlight Renewable Energy

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, win energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.

    Investor Contact

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il 

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Solves: Tips To Recover From The Clocks Going Forward

    Source: Samsung

    Do you find yourself feeling more tired once the clocks spring forward for British Summer Time? Well, you’re not alone. Although losing an hour the night of Daylight Saving Time (DST) may seem insignificant, a study of the sleep patterns of Samsung Health users[1] across the world including 40 European countries reveals disruptions to sleep patterns can be felt weeks later, hitting younger age groups the hardest.
     
     
    Clock Changes Takes a Toll on Sleep, With Younger Generations Most Disrupted
     
    When looking into how much of an impact the clock change has on people the morning after, one thing is clear: everyone’s sleep patterns are affected. In fact, people fall asleep on average 37 minutes later than the previous night, and wake up 34 minutes earlier. While losing sleep isn’t easy at any age, those in their twenties likely felt it the most, losing half-an-hour more than everyone else thanks to an extremely late bedtime and a seeming inability to sleep in.
     

     
    Sleep patterns remained inconsistent in the days following the time change as people struggled to return to their regular bedtimes and wake times, and those in their twenties again seemed to be affected the most. Unable to get their sleep patterns under control, this cohort continued to fall sleep more than 20 minutes later than normal, yet woke up only 5 minutes later – missing critical rest. By the third week, sleep patterns for all age groups were still not back to normal, with bedtimes 3 minutes later and wake up times still 14 minutes earlier than average.
     

     
    Sleep Score – calculated based on an evaluation of a user’s total sleep time, time awake, sleep cycle, plus physical and mental recovery – was at the worst level for weeks after – and again, people in their twenties appeared to be most affected. When looking at the seven-day Sleep Score average, the twenties age group demonstrated the slowest score recovery rate, while older age groups adapted much quicker.
     
     
    Useful Tips to Help You Recover for a Good Night’s Sleep
     
    The time transition clearly affects the sleep patterns of all age groups long after the clocks change, but for younger generations, prioritising sleep management during this time couldn’t be more important. Sleep is essential for rest and repair of our body, as well as good physical and mental health[2].
     
    In recognition of the clock changes, Sleep scientist and Samsung Wellness Council member, Vanessa Hill, shares useful tips in collaboration with Samsung Health on how to harness technology to understand your sleep patterns and habits for a better night’s rest as the clocks change.
     
     

     
    Creating an ideal sleep environment is critical to a good night’s sleep.
    Later this month, a Samsung Health app update[3] will make this possible by receiving insights into the key factors that influence sleep quality, including temperature, humidity, air quality and light intensity via a Sleep environment report[4] – leveraging Samsung’s home-based technology and the power of its extensive device ecosystem. With a better understanding of how your environment affects sleep, you can easily optimise your room conditions for an improved night’s rest.
     
     
    In addition to perfecting your sleep environment, understanding how activity levels can impact sleep quality is key.
    Samsung Health updates also bring enhancements to Energy Score, which provides an indicator of how much energy users can expend throughout the day. In addition to sleep and heart rate, a new detailed factor about activity – Activity Balance – will help you understand overall conditions in greater detail by evaluating the consistency of activity levels based on recent data from the past 2 weeks.
     
     
    It can be helpful to understand how you’re sleeping and then make necessary adjustments through sleep coaching.
    Sleep Coaching[5] makes this simple by seamlessly tracking your sleep patterns over 7 days and assigning a sleep animal based on the results. With a personally tailored coaching program, develop healthy habits and routines that set you on a positive path to achieving your sleep goals.
     
     

     
     
    [1] Findings analysed sleep data of Samsung Health users via Galaxy Watch series and Galaxy Ring during DST in the spring of 2024.
    [2] https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/
    [3] Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition. Certain features may vary by market, carrier or paired device.
    [4] Sleep Environment report feature will be available on smartphone with One UI 7 and Samsung Health app version 6.29.5 or later.
    [5] Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FOCUS ON: Cultivating resilience through strong governance in Colombia

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In a world where climate change and food insecurity loom large, national governments across the Americas and the Caribbean are rallying to localize DRR efforts. Colombia stands out as a dynamic example, leveraging the Sendai Framework to build resilience from the ground up. With 178 cities already engaged in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative, Colombia is inspiring neighbouring nations to accelerate local DRR actions.

    At the heart of Colombia’s approach is its National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). One of 10 national DRR departments in the region and a core partner of MCR2030, UNGRD has been instrumental in forging strong national–local linkages since the initiative’s launch in 2020. Working hand in hand with local governments, UNGRD has equipped communities with the tools and expertise needed to understand disaster risks and implement effective solutions. “Colombia is advancing local DRR to overcome the three main challenges of the Amazon region in terms of State presence, infrastructure, and the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to disaster risks,” explains Nelson Hernández of UNGRD, underscoring the critical role of local action in regions where government reach has historically been limited.

    Nowhere is this more evident than in the small Amazonian town of Puerto Nariño, home to nearly 7,000 inhabitants – and highlighted as a “Green Getaway” by the BBC for its locally driven conservation efforts. Recently, an extreme drought dramatically lowered river levels, disrupting fishing and subsistence agriculture, a stark reminder of how climate change can upend traditional food systems. In response, UNGRD, alongside the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Environment Programme, conducted an integrated assessment of the town’s food systems and disaster resilience.

    This equipped Puerto Nariño to craft a comprehensive local DRR strategy, weaving together climate change adaptation and robust food security measures. “WFP and UNDRR embrace an integrated vision for cross-border challenges in the Amazon region in the face of historic floods and droughts. Short supply chains that rely on forest products are being prioritized to foster environmental preservation, resilience and social benefits,” noted Raphael Leão, Programme Officer at WFP.

    Colombia’s strategy of strengthening national–local linkages is more than a policy framework – it is a lifeline for communities.

    As nations prepare for COP30 in Brazil, the lessons from Colombia offer a road map for resilience. By aligning local actions with national priorities and tailored United Nations methodologies, Colombia’s efforts pave the way for communities to better withstand climate shocks, secure food supplies and protect their way of life. The journey ahead is challenging, but with regional collaboration and innovative strategies, a sustainable future for the Amazon is within reach.

    Back to the UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR 2024 Annual Report

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    02

    Strategies, governance and capacity-building

    Target E of the Sendai Framework calls for a substantial increase in the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies by 2020.

    Though a strategy is not the end goal, UNDRR has found that countries with national DRR strategies tend to have more robust DRR governance and a higher prevalence of EWS, demonstrating the value of investment in this fundamental DRR pillar.

    The Government of Jordan has developed its National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2023–2030) in a participatory manner involving different governmental entities, ministries and municipalities, and the Public Security Directorate (Civil Defense), with support from UNDRR and the United Nations Development Programme country office. The strategy also integrates biological hazard risk reduction with the aim of building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Within the framework of Jordan’s efforts to deal with increasing threats and risks, the National Centre for Security and Crises Management has played a major role in developing two integrated risk registers; the national risk register and the local register for governorates. Both registers aim to improve the kingdom’s capacity to respond to disasters through accurate identification of risks, and enhanced coordination between the local and national levels for improved risk governance.

    Through this effective coordination between the national and local risk registers, Jordan has made great strides in reducing risks and enhancing community resilience, making the kingdom a role model for disaster management and risk reduction at the regional level.

    Morocco, too, has taken concrete steps to strengthen its risk governance. It established the Directorate of Natural Risk Management under the Ministry of Interior as its national DRR coordination mechanism. Morocco also established the National Risk Observatory to collect, analyse and share data on natural hazard risk. Furthermore, Morocco established a National Risk Forecasting Centre for monitoring and alerting, and an Operational Risk Anticipation Centre for forecasting, alerting and risk management assistance systems. Another successful project comprised the generalization of coverage of the entire national territory using multiscale and multi-hazard risk maps (for natural hazards).

    Albania’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy demonstrates widespread integration of concerns related to climate change and triggers the engagement of new sectors, particularly tourism.

    The vision statement explicitly brings together DRR, climate change and sustainable development using the language of resilience, while the document includes a detailed plan of action for DRR implementation that integrates institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

    In particular, it articulates the implementation of the ALBAdapt project Climate Services for a Resilient Albania. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is identified as the lead institution for implementation of a set of activities that offer compounding co-benefits for both DRR and climate change adaptation, including the development of a people-centred MHEWS, the creation of a fully functional and well-resourced National Meteorological and Hydrological Service.

    This integration is supported by articulations elsewhere in the country’s strategic profile, with the National Adaptation Plan 2019 including a priority area entitled “upgrading civil defence preparedness and DRR”. Elsewhere, the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Albania (2023–2028) addresses risks ranging from national security threats to climate change impacts, emphasizing resilience to disasters, while the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2022–2030 includes the integration of DRR and climate change adaptation planning among its priorities.

    National DRR strategies are the bedrock for multi-hazard risk governance and the achievement of Sendai Framework targets. These strategies help transform risk knowledge into actions and programmes that save lives and livelihoods. In addition, they serve as guides for mobilizing resources, delegating roles and responsibilities within government, and identifying entry points for non-governmental stakeholder engagement, all leading to more inclusive, sustainable development.

    With 131 countries now reporting having national DRR strategies, and 30 receiving technical support from UNDRR to develop them, this is just a snapshot of the progress being made globally in this important area.

    Under Brazil’s presidency, the Group of 20 (G20) recognized DRR as a critical component of economic resilience. Collaborating closely with UNDRR, Brazil facilitated the adoption of the first-ever G20 Ministerial Declaration on DRR. This landmark declaration emphasized the necessity of accelerating the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’s implementation, aiming to reduce disaster losses by 2030, and called for the development of high-level principles for DRR financing. The work of the G20 DRR Working Group, with UNDRR as the lead knowledge partner, further reflected a comprehensive approach to integrating DRR into economic and social policies.

    UNDRR’s capacity-building continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 10,000 DRR practitioners being trained in 2024, 77 per cent of whom reported having a better understanding of DRR as a result. At one such workshop in the Global Education and Training Institute in Incheon, Republic of Korea, a remarkable collaboration unfolded – a pioneering workshop uniting experts from UNDRR and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to empower government stakeholders from Mongolia and Bhutan to mobilize relevant partners and stakeholders and obtain funding for their DRR measures. This joint training begins a process of transforming the daunting challenges of climate change into opportunities for proactive DRR.

    Delegates were empowered by not only technical insights, but also the forging of lasting partnerships. The workshop’s training modules, co-designed by UNDRR and GCF specialists, delved deep into practical tools such as the EW4All Checklist for Gap Analysis, equipping participants to critically assess their national capacities and pinpoint vulnerabilities. “Early warning systems are important components for our national climate change adaptation strategy,” noted Ms. Tserendulam Shagdarsuren, Director General of the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia, emphasizing how the training illuminated the next steps for their evolving EWS.

    This pilot UNDRR–GCF initiative is part of a broader strategy to replicate capacity-building endeavours in developing countries. Future workshops are planned for countries that are in very different geographic contexts yet face similar challenges (particularly those resulting from climate change), such as Somalia, Togo and the SIDS. These workshops aim to accelerate access to climate finance and enhance DRR measures worldwide.

    In a continuation of the Media Saving Lives programme, UNDRR and partners trained 520 journalists and media practitioners in DRR and risk communications, bringing the total to over 2,500 from 80 countries. Media are an integral part of the EWS delivery chain, and engaging them to build trust between government and communities can be the difference between life and death when disaster hits.

    The rise in global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events are rapidly becoming central challenges for nations worldwide. Yet many Member States, cities and societies remain ill-prepared to address this escalating threat. The imperative for enhanced extreme heat risk reduction, governance and management is clear. Without urgent and coordinated action, extreme heat will continue to endanger billions of lives, amplify health risks and threaten the ecosystems upon which we depend.

    In response, the UNDRR/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience – together with the Global Heat Health Information Network, Duke University and WMO Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience partners – has developed an extreme heat decision-support package for countries tackling this global threat. The package includes: international organization resource and ecosystem mapping, readiness reviews and profiles; national best practice analytics; evaluations of heat action plans; and materials for development of an extreme heat maturity index for self-assessment. These materials can enhance collaboration, integrated heat risk governance and policy responses to extreme heat.

    UNDRR’s work and that of United Nations system partners, coupled with increasing demands for assistance from Member States, prompted and informed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, issued in July 2024, in which he emphasized the need for urgent action if a future characterized by even more devastating heat impacts on lives, economies and ecosystems is to be avoided.

    This work is in turn informing the development of a Common Framework for Heat Risk Governance, led by UNDRR with the Global Heat Health Information Network, and Member States, international organizations and stakeholders. The Framework will receive inputs from (and is designed to bring together) multiple sectors, domains and scales – from agriculture and food systems, to energy systems, transportation, construction materials and design, and urban cooling. It is expected to assist national and subnational decision makers in designing and resourcing integrated actions to reduce extreme heat risk to people, urban and rural ecosystems, and the environment, preventing the loss of lives and livelihoods.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR Annual Report 2024

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    02

    Strategies, governance and capacity-building

    Target E of the Sendai Framework calls for a substantial increase in the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies by 2020.

    Though a strategy is not the end goal, UNDRR has found that countries with national DRR strategies tend to have more robust DRR governance and a higher prevalence of EWS, demonstrating the value of investment in this fundamental DRR pillar.

    The Government of Jordan has developed its National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2023–2030) in a participatory manner involving different governmental entities, ministries and municipalities, and the Public Security Directorate (Civil Defense), with support from UNDRR and the United Nations Development Programme country office. The strategy also integrates biological hazard risk reduction with the aim of building back better after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Within the framework of Jordan’s efforts to deal with increasing threats and risks, the National Centre for Security and Crises Management has played a major role in developing two integrated risk registers; the national risk register and the local register for governorates. Both registers aim to improve the kingdom’s capacity to respond to disasters through accurate identification of risks, and enhanced coordination between the local and national levels for improved risk governance.

    Through this effective coordination between the national and local risk registers, Jordan has made great strides in reducing risks and enhancing community resilience, making the kingdom a role model for disaster management and risk reduction at the regional level.

    Morocco, too, has taken concrete steps to strengthen its risk governance. It established the Directorate of Natural Risk Management under the Ministry of Interior as its national DRR coordination mechanism. Morocco also established the National Risk Observatory to collect, analyse and share data on natural hazard risk. Furthermore, Morocco established a National Risk Forecasting Centre for monitoring and alerting, and an Operational Risk Anticipation Centre for forecasting, alerting and risk management assistance systems. Another successful project comprised the generalization of coverage of the entire national territory using multiscale and multi-hazard risk maps (for natural hazards).

    Albania’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy demonstrates widespread integration of concerns related to climate change and triggers the engagement of new sectors, particularly tourism.

    The vision statement explicitly brings together DRR, climate change and sustainable development using the language of resilience, while the document includes a detailed plan of action for DRR implementation that integrates institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

    In particular, it articulates the implementation of the ALBAdapt project Climate Services for a Resilient Albania. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is identified as the lead institution for implementation of a set of activities that offer compounding co-benefits for both DRR and climate change adaptation, including the development of a people-centred MHEWS, the creation of a fully functional and well-resourced National Meteorological and Hydrological Service.

    This integration is supported by articulations elsewhere in the country’s strategic profile, with the National Adaptation Plan 2019 including a priority area entitled “upgrading civil defence preparedness and DRR”. Elsewhere, the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Albania (2023–2028) addresses risks ranging from national security threats to climate change impacts, emphasizing resilience to disasters, while the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2022–2030 includes the integration of DRR and climate change adaptation planning among its priorities.

    National DRR strategies are the bedrock for multi-hazard risk governance and the achievement of Sendai Framework targets. These strategies help transform risk knowledge into actions and programmes that save lives and livelihoods. In addition, they serve as guides for mobilizing resources, delegating roles and responsibilities within government, and identifying entry points for non-governmental stakeholder engagement, all leading to more inclusive, sustainable development.

    With 131 countries now reporting having national DRR strategies, and 30 receiving technical support from UNDRR to develop them, this is just a snapshot of the progress being made globally in this important area.

    Under Brazil’s presidency, the Group of 20 (G20) recognized DRR as a critical component of economic resilience. Collaborating closely with UNDRR, Brazil facilitated the adoption of the first-ever G20 Ministerial Declaration on DRR. This landmark declaration emphasized the necessity of accelerating the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’s implementation, aiming to reduce disaster losses by 2030, and called for the development of high-level principles for DRR financing. The work of the G20 DRR Working Group, with UNDRR as the lead knowledge partner, further reflected a comprehensive approach to integrating DRR into economic and social policies.

    UNDRR’s capacity-building continues to go from strength to strength, with nearly 10,000 DRR practitioners being trained in 2024, 77 per cent of whom reported having a better understanding of DRR as a result. At one such workshop in the Global Education and Training Institute in Incheon, Republic of Korea, a remarkable collaboration unfolded – a pioneering workshop uniting experts from UNDRR and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to empower government stakeholders from Mongolia and Bhutan to mobilize relevant partners and stakeholders and obtain funding for their DRR measures. This joint training begins a process of transforming the daunting challenges of climate change into opportunities for proactive DRR.

    Delegates were empowered by not only technical insights, but also the forging of lasting partnerships. The workshop’s training modules, co-designed by UNDRR and GCF specialists, delved deep into practical tools such as the EW4All Checklist for Gap Analysis, equipping participants to critically assess their national capacities and pinpoint vulnerabilities. “Early warning systems are important components for our national climate change adaptation strategy,” noted Ms. Tserendulam Shagdarsuren, Director General of the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia, emphasizing how the training illuminated the next steps for their evolving EWS.

    This pilot UNDRR–GCF initiative is part of a broader strategy to replicate capacity-building endeavours in developing countries. Future workshops are planned for countries that are in very different geographic contexts yet face similar challenges (particularly those resulting from climate change), such as Somalia, Togo and the SIDS. These workshops aim to accelerate access to climate finance and enhance DRR measures worldwide.

    In a continuation of the Media Saving Lives programme, UNDRR and partners trained 520 journalists and media practitioners in DRR and risk communications, bringing the total to over 2,500 from 80 countries. Media are an integral part of the EWS delivery chain, and engaging them to build trust between government and communities can be the difference between life and death when disaster hits.

    The rise in global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events are rapidly becoming central challenges for nations worldwide. Yet many Member States, cities and societies remain ill-prepared to address this escalating threat. The imperative for enhanced extreme heat risk reduction, governance and management is clear. Without urgent and coordinated action, extreme heat will continue to endanger billions of lives, amplify health risks and threaten the ecosystems upon which we depend.

    In response, the UNDRR/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience – together with the Global Heat Health Information Network, Duke University and WMO Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience partners – has developed an extreme heat decision-support package for countries tackling this global threat. The package includes: international organization resource and ecosystem mapping, readiness reviews and profiles; national best practice analytics; evaluations of heat action plans; and materials for development of an extreme heat maturity index for self-assessment. These materials can enhance collaboration, integrated heat risk governance and policy responses to extreme heat.

    UNDRR’s work and that of United Nations system partners, coupled with increasing demands for assistance from Member States, prompted and informed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, issued in July 2024, in which he emphasized the need for urgent action if a future characterized by even more devastating heat impacts on lives, economies and ecosystems is to be avoided.

    This work is in turn informing the development of a Common Framework for Heat Risk Governance, led by UNDRR with the Global Heat Health Information Network, and Member States, international organizations and stakeholders. The Framework will receive inputs from (and is designed to bring together) multiple sectors, domains and scales – from agriculture and food systems, to energy systems, transportation, construction materials and design, and urban cooling. It is expected to assist national and subnational decision makers in designing and resourcing integrated actions to reduce extreme heat risk to people, urban and rural ecosystems, and the environment, preventing the loss of lives and livelihoods.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Studland Bay Marine Partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Studland Bay Marine Partnership

    Delivering innovative conservation projects to protect Studland Bay’s vital seagrass habitat while working closely with the local community and water users.

    Vessel using ecomooring at Studland in Dorset courtesy of Boatfolk.

    Key facts 

    • Applicant name: Studland Bay Marine Partnership and Dorset Council. 

    • Location:  Studland Bay, Dorset. 

    • Type of project: Marine conservation, community engagement and sustainable mooring solutions. 

    • Project value: £262,000 

    • Grant value: £196,000 

    • Date awarded:  November 2023  

    Project details 

    Studland Bay is home to Dorset’s most extensive seagrass beds which serve as an important habitat for rare or endangered species of seahorse, pipefish and rays, as well as nursery grounds for commercially important fish species. It was formally designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in the 2019 and in 2021 MMO introduced a voluntary no anchor zone (VNAZ) to help protect the seagrass habitats.  

    During 2021 The Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) was established, bringing together the local community, to protect the area’s seagrass habitat while balancing the needs of recreational boaters, visitors and businesses. This included awareness raising campaigns and the installation of eco-moorings, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional moorings. 

    To further these efforts, £186,000 was awarded through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme to support the installation of an additional 57 new eco-moorings, bringing the total number available in the bay to 87 during the main boating season. Funding also supported ongoing research and monitoring, and an expanded community engagement programme. 

    David Brown, Chair of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP), said:  

    “The funding from FaSS has enabled us to implement practical solutions that have made a positive impact towards the conservation of Studland Bays’s special marine ecosystem. It is also enabling us to continue the important work of conserving and preserving the seagrass habitats for future generations to enjoy. ‘’ 

    Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: 

    “We are delighted that we successfully secured funding to aid conservation initiatives in Studland Bay, as safeguarding our remarkable coastline and the habitats it nurtures is of huge importance. Studland Bay holds immense value — not only for the diverse wildlife of our county but also for the local community, businesses, and water enthusiasts who treasure it. This funding will play a pivotal role in supporting the Studland Bay Marine Partnership’s collaborative and sustainable approach to managing the area effectively.” 

    Project outcomes 

    • Installation of 57 new eco-moorings, expanding the environmentally friendly anchoring options for recreational boaters in Studland Bay.  

    • Ongoing research and monitoring to track seagrass recovery. 

    • Delivery of community engagement activities to raise awareness of Studland’s seagrass habitat and the importance of the voluntary no anchor zone.  

    • Provision of new information, signage and resources for boat users at local marinas and harbours to promote responsible anchoring and conservation-friendly practices.  

    • Formalisation of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership, ensuring its long-term role as a collaborative, community-led group balancing environmental protection with recreational use.  

    Supported outcomes 

    • Enhanced visibility for eco-moorings and their benefits through public engagement events, resulting in the eco-moorings featured on BBC Springwatch and Crown Estate project showcase. 

    • Annual MMO led VNAZ reviews indicating number of recreational boaters anchoring in areas of seagrass is continuing to decrease over time. 

    • A 2024 University of Southampton research and monitoring dive which has observed seagrass regrowth in the bay. 

    Learn more 

    Find out more about the Studland Bay Marine Partnership.) 

    View more case studies here: Fisheries and Seafood Scheme: Selected case studies

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Its Smart Laundry Offerings With Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo

    Source: Samsung

    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Dark Steel
     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo1 — an All-in-One Washer and Electric Dryer with a 7-inch AI Home touchscreen – to its lineup of Bespoke AI Laundry appliances. The combined unit eliminates the need to transfer laundry between washing and drying, while also bringing fast drying performance and intelligent functionality that makes laundry remarkably convenient.
     
    Samsung has continued to innovate in the laundry room to offer consumers a wide array of washer and dryer models for spaces of all sizes and layouts. The Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Combo was a standout in 2024, as it raised the bar for all-in-one washer-dryers by eliminating the common performance sacrifices associated with the format. The new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo builds on its innovation and success, giving consumers another stylish and convenient space-saving option.
     
    “At Samsung, our mission is to create smart home solutions that make life easier, more efficient and more sustainable, elevating home space to the next level in both performance and style,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo brings exceptional time-saving efficiency to the laundry room in a compact all-in-one solution.”
     
     
    Convenient, Time Saving Functionality
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_SuperSpeed
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is a powerful model that washes and dries clothes completely in a single machine in just 68 minutes2 when using the Super Speed cycle. Its roomy 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra Capacity drum lets users do more laundry in a single load, and its vented design uses the internal heater and fan to move hot air through clothes and vent out moisture, ensuring clothes are always dried quickly and thoroughly. For even more convenience, the Vented Combo can simply swap out the currently installed washer and electric vented dryer.
     
    And with Samsung’s AI Bubble technology, users can enjoy clean clothes, cycle after cycle. Water, air and detergent combine to create a cleansing foam that seeps into fabrics for an effective wash. To tackle tough stains without spending time pretreating them, the Steam Wash cycle comes into action. The drum releases steam to thoroughly saturate every item in the load and ensure an effective deep clean.
     
     
    Effortless Operation
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Lifestyle
     
    Like the other products in Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry lineup, the Vented Combo automates the process of washing and drying clothes, streamlining laundry routine and making it faster, easier experiences. Its intuitive 7-inch AI Home display is simple to use and gives a quick access to the Combo’s settings for effortless operation. And for those busy moments when the user is multi-tasking or has their hands full, convenient Voice Control capabilities let them give commands to turn the Combo on or off, access settings and more.3
     

    Samsung’s AI Opti Wash & Dry technology uses powerful AI sensors to detect soil levels and fabrics, automatically adjusting settings as needed during the cycle to deliver a better wash and dry.4 For added convenience, the Flex Auto Dispense System automatically dispenses up to 47 loads5 of detergent — or users can choose to split the compartment, so it dispenses up to 34 loads of fabric softener and 25 loads of detergent. And when the clothes are finished drying, the Auto Open Door pops open, allowing leftover moisture to evaporate, preventing unpleasant, musty odor so clothes are fresh and dry when taken out.

     
    And with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, users can also get end-of-cycle alerts and remotely start, stop or delay the Combo from their mobile phone, using the SmartThings app.6
     

    Innovations To Improve Energy Efficiency
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Lifestyle1
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is engineered for seamless sustainable living. As an ENERGY STAR® Certified washer-dryer, it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for delivering energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation.7
     
    SmartThings Energy allows them to monitor power consumption and estimate their monthly electricity bill for improved control over their energy usage.8 They can also turn on AI Energy Mode9 to have the Vented Combo automatically optimize its energy consumption and reduce usage by up to 30%.10 The Vented Combo is also equipped with Samsung’s Less Microfiber cycle setting, which allows users to gently clean synthetic textiles while reducing 39% of microfibers released into the ocean.11

     

    Availability and Pre-Orders
    Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo comes in two premium colors — Dark Steel and Brushed Black for the U.S. consumers. Only the Brushed Black is available in Canada and the Dark Steel in Mexico. For those who prefer the ventless version, the Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Combo with Heat Pump is available in Dark Steel.
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is now available for pre-order in the U.S. and will be available in Canada and Mexico in 2Q of 2025.
     
     
    1 Among 27″ combo washer/dryers. Sold only in USA, Canada and Mexico.2 Based on using a Super Speed cycle only with a 10 lb. DOE load (cotton 50% + polyester 50%). Individual results may vary based on actual load content.3 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil).4 Fabric sensing operates for 8 lbs (3.6kg) and under. Based on AI algorithm using IEC 8 lbs (3.6kg) load. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together. Results may vary.5 Expected number of loads: Detergent compartment can hold general detergent for up to 25 loads. Flex compartment can hold one of the following: softener for up to 34 loads, general detergent for up to 22 loads or specialty detergent for up to 29 loads. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.6 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.7 Visit www.energystar.gov for more information on ENERGY STAR® guidelines.8 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.9 Can be applied on Towels, AI Opti Wash & Dry , Heavy Duty, Super Speed, Small Load cycle only when the selected washing temperature is ‘hot.’ Applicable to wash only.10 Based on internal testing with IEC 8lbs. (3.6kg) load except for Small Load cycle [IEC 4lbs. (1.8kg) load]. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.11 Based on testing by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab using a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing the Synthetics cycle on a Samsung conventional model 27″ washing machine with US design and the Less Microfiber cycle. Results may vary depending on the actual clothes and usage conditions. Applicable to wash only.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Solves: Tips To Recover From The Clocks Going Forward

    Source: Samsung

    Do you find yourself feeling more tired once the clocks spring forward for British Summer Time? Well, you’re not alone. Although losing an hour the night of Daylight Saving Time (DST) may seem insignificant, a study of the sleep patterns of Samsung Health users[1] across the world including 40 European countries reveals disruptions to sleep patterns can be felt weeks later, hitting younger age groups the hardest.
     
     
    Clock Changes Takes a Toll on Sleep, With Younger Generations Most Disrupted
     
    When looking into how much of an impact the clock change has on people the morning after, one thing is clear: everyone’s sleep patterns are affected. In fact, people fall asleep on average 37 minutes later than the previous night, and wake up 34 minutes earlier. While losing sleep isn’t easy at any age, those in their twenties likely felt it the most, losing half-an-hour more than everyone else thanks to an extremely late bedtime and a seeming inability to sleep in.
     

     
    Sleep patterns remained inconsistent in the days following the time change as people struggled to return to their regular bedtimes and wake times, and those in their twenties again seemed to be affected the most. Unable to get their sleep patterns under control, this cohort continued to fall sleep more than 20 minutes later than normal, yet woke up only 5 minutes later – missing critical rest. By the third week, sleep patterns for all age groups were still not back to normal, with bedtimes 3 minutes later and wake up times still 14 minutes earlier than average.
     

     
    Sleep Score – calculated based on an evaluation of a user’s total sleep time, time awake, sleep cycle, plus physical and mental recovery – was at the worst level for weeks after – and again, people in their twenties appeared to be most affected. When looking at the seven-day Sleep Score average, the twenties age group demonstrated the slowest score recovery rate, while older age groups adapted much quicker.
     
     
    Useful Tips to Help You Recover for a Good Night’s Sleep
     
    The time transition clearly affects the sleep patterns of all age groups long after the clocks change, but for younger generations, prioritising sleep management during this time couldn’t be more important. Sleep is essential for rest and repair of our body, as well as good physical and mental health[2].
     
    In recognition of the clock changes, Sleep scientist and Samsung Wellness Council member, Vanessa Hill, shares useful tips in collaboration with Samsung Health on how to harness technology to understand your sleep patterns and habits for a better night’s rest as the clocks change.
     
     

     
    Creating an ideal sleep environment is critical to a good night’s sleep.
    Later this month, a Samsung Health app update[3] will make this possible by receiving insights into the key factors that influence sleep quality, including temperature, humidity, air quality and light intensity via a Sleep environment report[4] – leveraging Samsung’s home-based technology and the power of its extensive device ecosystem. With a better understanding of how your environment affects sleep, you can easily optimise your room conditions for an improved night’s rest.
     
     
    In addition to perfecting your sleep environment, understanding how activity levels can impact sleep quality is key.
    Samsung Health updates also bring enhancements to Energy Score, which provides an indicator of how much energy users can expend throughout the day. In addition to sleep and heart rate, a new detailed factor about activity – Activity Balance – will help you understand overall conditions in greater detail by evaluating the consistency of activity levels based on recent data from the past 2 weeks.
     
     
    It can be helpful to understand how you’re sleeping and then make necessary adjustments through sleep coaching.
    Sleep Coaching[5] makes this simple by seamlessly tracking your sleep patterns over 7 days and assigning a sleep animal based on the results. With a personally tailored coaching program, develop healthy habits and routines that set you on a positive path to achieving your sleep goals.
     
     

     
     
    [1] Findings analysed sleep data of Samsung Health users via Galaxy Watch series and Galaxy Ring during DST in the spring of 2024.
    [2] https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/
    [3] Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition. Certain features may vary by market, carrier or paired device.
    [4] Sleep Environment report feature will be available on smartphone with One UI 7 and Samsung Health app version 6.29.5 or later.
    [5] Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government removes 630 hygiene black spots from list

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government today (March 31) updated a list of hygiene black spots (listed on a website: www.hygieneblackspots.gov.hk). A significant number of 630 hygiene black spots have been removed from the list, accounting for 85 per cent of the total number. The overall number of black spots has been reduced from over 730 to about 100. As more than 60 hygienic black spots, where conditions have been improved for no more than two years, are also included on this list, the overall conditions of 94 per cent of the black spots in total have been improved.
     
         The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, thanked various departments for their concerted efforts and co-operation over the past two years. With continuous cleanups and inspections, the Government Programme on Tackling Hygiene Black Spots has achieved good results. The cityscape and hygiene have been effectively improved, enhancing the well-being of society.
     
         Mr Cheuk said, “At the meeting of the Task Force on District Governance held in February this year, I instructed various departments to critically review the situation of all 738 hygiene black spots, to assess which ones are suitable for removal from the black spot list and continue to follow up on those still requiring improvement. Based on subsequent reviews by the departments, the hygiene conditions at 94 per cent (696) of the hygiene black spots on the list have been markedly improved and could be considered for removal from the black spot list. However, eight per cent (64) of the black spots have not yet met the standard of continual improvement for two years, so they have to remain on the black spot list for now.
     
         “The Government’s work on tackling hygiene black spots is ongoing. The departments concerned will continue to sustain their efforts and closely monitor the hygiene conditions of these spots. Prompt actions will be taken in case of any change of circumstances.”
     
         When the Government Programme on Tackling Hygiene Black Spots was launched in August 2022, the total number of hygiene black spots was 663. After the launch of the website in January 2023, which enabled members of the public to provide feedback on hygiene black spots, the number of black spots increased to 738 in July 2023.
     
         Under the co-ordination of the District Matters Co-ordination Task Force (later renamed as the Working Group on Environmental Hygiene and Cityscape) and with the efforts of various departments, the hygiene conditions of more than 90 per cent of the 738 black spots have considerably improved in early 2024, achieving the key performance indicator set by the Chief Executive for the Programme in the 2022 Policy Address, i.e. eliminating at least 75 per cent of the hygiene black spots by the end of 2023.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –