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Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI USA: $32.6M to Attract High-Tech Manufacturing Businesses

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $32.6 million has been awarded to improve seven locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program, administered by Empire State Development. First announced by the Governor in February 2022, FAST NY is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to further New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. To date, FAST NY has awarded nearly $233 million to 32 sites, with locations in every region across Upstate New York, and Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million for this proven program in her 2026 Executive Budget.

    “FAST NY is a valuable tool that attracts strategic industries that invest in our communities and bring good paying jobs to New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “We have experienced first hand that shovel ready sites are an important factor when businesses are looking to expand and companies like Micron, Wolfspeed, Edwards Vacuum, and fairlife have chosen New York State because of our investments in site readiness. FAST NY is helping New York be a competitor on a global stage for the world’s best companies.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “FAST NY is a forward-thinking initiative that enhances the state’s appeal to major employers in high-growth industries by helping communities prepare and develop sites to accelerate New York’s shovel-readiness. Each site selected for a FAST NY investment has tremendous potential to ignite projects that generate jobs and stimulate regional economic development across New York.”

    The latest awardees are:

    • Albany Port District Commission (Capital Region) – $18.79 million: This project at the Port of Albany’s 85-acre Beacon Island expansion site will allow for utility infrastructure work, including installation of a high-voltage substation, a sanitary wastewater treatment plant, and the intake lines and pump station package for fire protection system. Additionally, it will support the remaining earthwork at the site. This fully graded 85-acre site with access to 115Kv power lines and the navigable Hudson River presents a unique asset to manufacturers of a variety of large-scale components.
    • Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Corporation (Western New York) – $11.5 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the former Evans-Angola airport will support the establishment of the Erie County Agribusiness Park. The grant will support utility infrastructure work, including roadway and sewer improvements, and power and gas transmission extensions, plus a substation. The former airport has been defunct for over 25 years and the new agribusiness park will focus on attracting food and agricultural processing businesses to the region, and expanding available markets for local farms.
    • Town of Clifton Park (Capital Region) – $1 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the Synergy Technology Park will extend the site’s water infrastructure by providing a secondary water line. This will increase capacity to the park and support future site development and expansion for industrial, manufacturing and distribution operations.
    • Orange County Industrial Development Agency (Mid-Hudson) – $500,000: This pre-development project at the Roseton Development site will induce advancement of environmental studies including a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and State Environmental Quality Review, plus engineering and site design. The site provides unique assets, including direct access to existing power transmission, rail, heavy infrastructure, and existing maritime infrastructure with direct access to the Hudson River, and will focus on targeting offshore wind supply chain companies.
    • Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (Mohawk Valley) – $434,700: This pre-development project will induce the advancement of engineering fees and studies that will determine costs for the development of infrastructure at Johnstown Commerce Park, including roads, utilities, site analysis, and environmental investigation. This site is located directly across from the current Johnstown Industrial Park, which is currently at capacity. The site, which was previously awarded a FAST NY grant, expects to produce five major industrial development projects, resulting in the creation of approximately 200 jobs.
    • Hamburg Development Corporation (Western New York) – $250,000: This pre-development project will allow for shovel-ready advancement of the Crossroads site, including environmental impact and traffic studies. The site is adjacent to the former Ford stamping plant and is zoned industrial, with direct proximity to significant water, sewer, natural gas and power lines. Pre-permitting this site will expedite development and improve speed to market for advanced manufacturing projects in the region.
    • Wayne County Industrial Development Agency (Finger Lakes) – $100,000: This pre-development project will enable studies to evaluate water and sewer treatment and delivery infrastructure, with a focus on Lyons Industrial Park and additional industrial parks located along the Route 31 corridor spanning east to west through the southern end of the county. These parks were recently identified via a feasibility study, conducted to evaluate potential areas for future industrial development.

    This year, Governor Hochul proposed $100 million for additional rounds of FAST NY in her FY26 Executive Budget. The program helps to diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. Last year, Governor Hochul secured an additional $100 million in funding through the FY25 State Budget for the FAST NY program.

    FAST NY grants are awarded for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN environment agency calls for urgent action on ‘triple planetary crisis’

    Source: United Nations 2

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Climate and Environment

    The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) called on Tuesday for urgent action to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, warning that progress on all fronts remains slow and uneven.

    “Last year brought both successes and disappointments in global efforts to tackle the triple planetary crisis,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, introducing the agency’s latest Annual Report.

    She also pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions that are hindering environmental cooperation.

    “Environmental multilateralism is sometimes messy and arduous. But even in complex geopolitical times, collaboration across borders and across our differences is the only option to protect the foundation of humanity’s existence – Planet Earth.”

    Ambitious climate targets vital

    UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2024 warned that countries must cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target agreed in the landmark Paris Agreement.

    Without drastic action, temperatures could rise between 2.6°C and 3.1°C this century, climate models warn, with catastrophic consequences.

    UNEP is actively working with over 60 low and middle-income countries to accelerate their transition to electric vehicles, part of a larger push to cut emissions from the transport sector.

    UN scientists highlight the kind of national projects making a difference, including Antigua and Barbuda procuring fleets of electric buses, and Kenya introducing legislation for major investments in electric motorcycles and public transit.

    Ending plastic pollution

    Plastic pollution, one of the most pressing global environmental threats, is another major focus, as international efforts continue to negotiate a legally binding ban.

    In Busan last year, 29 out of 32 articles of a new global plastic treaty were agreed. However, negotiations are continuing on a final text.

    UNEP is calling on countries to bridge their differences before the next round of negotiations.

    “Nations must work towards agreeing on a strong instrument to end plastic pollution before the seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December,” Ms. Andersen said.

    A call for greater action

    The UNEP head called for bolder commitments, particularly as countries prepare to submit their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming later in February.

    “Humanity is not out of the woods,” Ms. Andersen warned.

    “Temperatures are rising, ecosystems are disappearing, and pollution remains a deadly threat. These are global problems that require global solutions. The world must pull together to build a fairer, more sustainable planet.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Meet the Council drop-in for business support

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    A Meet the Council event will be held on Tuesday 11 March at the Assembly Rooms on George Street between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

    Local businesses are encouraged to register in advance to secure a space to the drop-in, with opportunities throughout the day to meet with key Council teams and hear about opportunities for business growth.

    Offering a single point of access for business support, the event will bring together Council officers from:
    • Building standards
    • Business Gateway
    • Commercial property
    • Cultural events
    • Economic development
    • Edinburgh Convention Bureau
    • Environmental health
    • Film Edinburgh
    • Forever Edinburgh
    • JET (Jobs, Education & Training)
    • Licensing
    • Non-Domestic Rates
    • Parental Employability Support
    • Planning
    • Procurement
    • The Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive
    • The Edinburgh Guarantee
    • Trading standards
    • Visitor Levy

    Throughout the day, external partners will also be on hand to present and share their expertise, including:
    • Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, an independent membership organisation which supports over 1,000 organisations who employ more than 120,000 staff in the Capital
    • British Business Bank, a government-owned economic bank specialised in helping businesses in the UK access financial support
    • Federation of Small Businesses, a non-profit organisation that helps small businesses and the self-employed
    • Capital City Partnership, the anchor delivery body for Edinburgh’s employability strategy, working together to tackle inequality and poverty
    • Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, which works to create opportunities for Edinburgh’s Social Enterprise community to develop and thrive
    • Forth Green Freeport, Scotland’s largest opportunity to deliver a just transition to net zero, to attract significant inward investment, to build international trade and export capability, and to create high quality and well paid jobs.

    Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: 

    Edinburgh continues to have the strongest local economy outside of London and the highest number of registered Living Wage employers in Scotland. The entrepreneurialism, success and resilience of Edinburgh business owners contributes hugely to what makes our City of Edinburgh a unique and special place to live and work.

    We would like to work much more closely with the business community in offering meaningful support, understand more fully the views, concerns and aspirations of business owners and work jointly in securing a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economic future for Edinburgh.

    We recognise that the current economic climate is challenging, and in working together with businesses and other partners, there is much we can do collectively to grow and sustain Edinburgh’s economy, promote the benefits of Fair Work, and become a fairer city for all. That’s why the Council is hosting this opportunity for businesses to meet us face-to-face and engage with our staff teams across a variety of services which support business.

    Whether you’re looking for advice on funding, navigating licensing, or exploring how we can support employers, this event is an ideal place to connect directly with the right people, who can provide the advice and support you need.

    The Meet the Council event is designed to support Edinburgh’s business community and help foster a thriving, greener, and fairer economy – as outlined in the Council’s Business Plan 2023-27.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmer confidence jumps to 10-year high

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years.
    Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have all played a major role in that improvement.
    “I’ve definitely noticed a significant shift in the mood of rural New Zealand. Farmers are feeling a lot more positive,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “The last few years have been bloody tough for a lot of our farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills starting to pile up on the kitchen bench.
    “At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair.
    “These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.”
    The January survey shows farmers’ confidence in current general economic conditions has surged from a deeply negative -66% in July 2024 to a net positive score of 2%.
    This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    Meanwhile, a net 23% of farmers now expect better economic conditions over the next year – the highest confidence level since January 2014.
    There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54% of farmers now reporting making a profit – double the number in the last survey six months ago.
    Langford says it’s important to note that, despite confidence being at its highest point in more than a decade, it’s still only just in the positive.
    “It’s been a remarkable recovery in farmer confidence over a short period of time, but I’m very conscious that we were coming off an extremely low base.
    “We’ve come a long way, but there’s a long way to go yet. Federated Farmers will keep pushing hard to cut costs out of farmers’ businesses and reduce some of that regulatory burden.”
    The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remains the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs.
    “When it comes to farmer confidence, a lot of it comes down to what’s coming into our bank account, and what’s going out the other side. It’s a simple equation,” Langford says.
    “A lot of that is market driven, and farmers are used to riding those highs and lows, but Government rules and regulations have a significant impact on farmers’ costs.
    “Those compliance costs really can make or break your season and have a significant impact on a farmer’s confidence to keep investing in their business.
    “The Government have made a great start cutting through red tape for farmers and repealing a lot of the most unworkable rules, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
    Interest rates and banking issues have consistently been a top concern for farmers, which is why Federated Farmers fought so hard for a banking inquiry, Langford says.
    “Interest payments are a huge cost for most farming businesses and farmers have been under massive pressure from their banks in recent years.
    “We want to see the Government take a much closer look at our banking system and whether farmers are getting a fair deal from their lenders.”
    The survey shows farmers’ highest priorities for the Government are the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory burdens.
    “If the Government are serious about their ambitious growth agenda and doubling exports over the next decade, this is where they need to be focusing their energy,” Langford says.
    “For farmers to have the confidence to invest in our businesses, employ more staff, and grow our economy, we need to have confidence in our direction of travel as a nation too.
    “As a country, we’re never going be able to regulate our way to prosperity, but with the right policy settings, we might just be able to farm our way there.”
    The report’s key findings include:
    – General economic conditions (current): Farmer confidence has surged by 68 points since July 2024, rebounding from a deeply negative -66% to a net positive score of 2%. This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.
    – General economic conditions (expectations): Optimism is rising, with net expectations increasing by 29 points since January 2024. A net 23% of farmers now anticipate better conditions over the next year-the highest confidence level seen since January 2014.
    – Farm profitability (current): The number of farmers making a profit has doubled since the last survey, with 54% of farmers now reporting a profit-up from just 27%. The net profitability score has surged by 60 points, the strongest turnaround since July 2022.
    – Farm profitability (expectations): Confidence in future profitability continues to climb, with a net 31% of farmers expecting improvement over the next 12 months-a 41-point increase since July 2024. This is the highest forward-looking profitability score since July 2017.
    – Farm production (expectations): A net 16% of farmers expect production to increase in the next year, extending a positive trend. This marks the first time since 2016/17 that there have been three consecutive periods of predicted growth.
    – Farm spending (expectations): Spending intentions have strengthened, with a net 23% of farmers planning to increase spending over the next 12 months-up 26 points from July 2024. This is the strongest expected rise since January 2023.
    – Farm debt (expectations): 41% of farmers plan to reduce their debt in the next year, up from 23% in July 2024. Lower interest rates, improved confidence, and stronger production forecasts are driving this shift.
    – Ability to recruit (experienced): Hiring challenges persist, with a net 16% of respondents reporting difficulty recruiting skilled staff in the past six months, largely unchanged from July 2024. However, this is the least difficult period for recruitment since July 2012.
    – Greatest concerns (current): The top concerns for farmers remain Regulation & Compliance Costs, Debt, Interest & Banks, and Input Costs.
    – Highest government priorities: Farmers want the Government to prioritise the Economy & Business Environment, Fiscal Policy, and reducing Regulatory Burdens.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Town improvements and Blue Badge Parking enhancements18 February 2025 Infrastructure and Environment is continuing work on a project related to the Blue Badge holder database, with a newsletter that has been sent with further updates for Islanders. As a part of the Government’s… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    18 February 2025

    Infrastructure and Environment is continuing work on a project related to the Blue Badge holder database, with a newsletter that has been sent with further updates for Islanders.

    As a part of the Government’s Common Strategic Policy on Revitalising Town we are continuing to make ongoing improvements with changes being made to enhance accessibility and transport provisions. 

    Key Updates 

    New Esplanade taxi rank and adjustments to Library Place 

    A new taxi rank is being introduced on the Esplanade to better serve the public and the International Financial Centre. Following data collection on existing taxi ranks at Library Place, two spaces will be removed, while one will remain in place to meet demand.

    Additional disabled parking at Library Place 

    Three new disabled parking bays will be introduced at Library Place, with a maximum stay of two hours. This timeframe balances the need for accessibility with ensuring turnover for greater availability. 

    Loading and cycle parking enhancements 

    A slight extension of a loading/unloading bay will assist deliveries in the area. Additional cycle parking will also be introduced and reviewed once construction at New Cut is completed. 

    Connétable Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said: “These improvements aim to make St Helier more accessible and better connected. Increasing disabled parking, refining taxi rank locations, and enhancing cycling provisions will support both residents and visitors in navigating the town more easily. The new disabled spaces will be identified with Blue Paint, and the markings have been very successful in raising greater awareness of the bays.’​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU student teams are recruiting new fighters

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Student Team Day at SPbGASU

    On the Day of Russian Student Teams on February 17, student teams of SPbGASU held an event to attract new candidates to their ranks. The guys talked about team life, handed out leaflets, sang and even boxed.

    Students were offered to test their knowledge of the history of the university and the detachment movement in a quiz format. Prizes were raffled off among the participants.

    “We need new, energized people to grow and develop,” explained Georgy Galayev, commander of the Hermes student agricultural team and a third-year student in the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy. This is Georgy’s first year in the team, but he already holds a responsible position. Georgy said that before this he worked in the Kusto team, but realized that he still needed the sun and vitamin D.

    Sofia Sidorova (commissioner) and Daria Gorbunova (commander) of the SPO “Svoboda”

    You can also get a lot of sun and vitamin D by joining the pedagogical team “Freedom”. “We go only to places where there is a sea. This is our rule,” said team leader Darya Gorbunova, a second-year student at the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy. “Every summer, the team works two shifts. And before work, they rest – to gain strength, get a good tan and start teaching children happy and full of energy.”

    Vadim Fedotov, a fifth-year student at the Automobile and Road Engineering Department, represented the Kusto team. Kusto spends its working seasons mostly in the North. Vadim was invited to join the movement in his second year. Deciding that student teams were similar to school practice, Vadim initially refused. But in his third year, he decided to give it a try. He liked it and stayed.

    Sergey Voronin, a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Faculty of Architecture, a fighter, and former commissar of the Lin student archaeological squad, shared his story: “For three years I have been spinning in a whirlpool of youth and fun – in squads! I have gone from a candidate to a fighter and leader of cultural and mass activities, a commissar. In the summer, I always had a backpack on my back, and ahead were endless natural spaces that leave memories for a lifetime. The rest of the year, there are many cool university, city, and all-Russian events of various types: entertaining, educational, creative, and sincere. And the list of informal friendly meetings is endless, with an incredible story for each one! Spontaneity, energy, and adventurism accompany us on adventures every time. The only thing missing is you!”

    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 Economics: Major League Soccer kicks off 30th season this weekend on MLS Season Pass

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Major League Soccer kicks off 30th season this weekend on MLS Season Pass

    February 18, 2025

    UPDATE

    Major League Soccer kicks off 30th season this weekend on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Major League Soccer kicks off its 30th season this Saturday on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with all 30 teams taking the pitch for MLS is Back weekend.

    Fans in more than 100 countries and regions can sign up for MLS Season Pass to access every MLS game with no blackouts, along with in-depth coverage and analysis, exclusive content, and more — including the annual Leagues Cup tournament, Campeones Cup, MLS All-Star Game, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs games, and select MLS NEXT Pro matches. The full regular-season schedule can be found at mlssoccer.com.

    “With new ways to watch, expansive programming, and incredible exclusive content, this will be Major League Soccer’s biggest season yet,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. “We’re excited to bring fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.”

    30th Season Sleeve Patches

    To celebrate the league’s 30th season, the left sleeve of every club’s first-team player kit will feature a bespoke Apple TV sleeve patch. Inspired by each club’s distinctive crest, color palette, and visual identity, the patches will be worn by players for the duration of the 2025 season.

    An Exclusive Lionel Messi Interview with Zane Lowe

    On Friday, February 28, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and reigning MLS MVP Lionel Messi joins Apple Music’s Zane Lowe for an exclusive in-depth interview exploring the global superstar’s past, present, and future. In the rare sit-down conversation, Messi opens up about coming to Inter Miami, the growth and momentum of MLS, the evolution of his playing style, the role of music in his life, fatherhood, and more. Fans can enjoy a preview of the interview below, and tune in to the full interview next week on Apple Music, YouTube, and MLS Season Pass.

    MLS Season Pass Now Available on Android

    The Apple TV app — home of MLS Season Pass — is now available to download from Google Play on Android mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and foldables. Available around the world,1 the app was built from the ground up to deliver Android users a familiar and intuitive interface. Android users can subscribe to MLS Season Pass using their Google Play account on Android mobile and Google TV devices.

    The Launch of Sunday Night Soccer

    MLS Season Pass will broadcast a featured game of the week on Sunday evenings under the banner Sunday Night Soccer, with enhanced production and dedicated studio programming. Sunday Night Soccer matches will be available to stream for Apple TV+ subscribers and will be preceded by new preview shows, MLS Countdown and MLS La Previa. MLS Wrap Up and MLS El Resumen will move to Sunday evenings following the Sunday match to highlight and recap the full week of matches, giving fans a more comprehensive view of all the week’s action, with first-rate commentary and analysis, along with can’t-miss highlights. The inaugural Sunday Night Soccer matchup will showcase the league’s newest franchise, San Diego FC, as it makes its debut against reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on February 23 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will also broadcast live in Times Square.

    More Ways to Watch

    T-Mobile is giving qualified T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers — including businesses — a promotional offer for complimentary access to MLS Season Pass all season long, with no blackout dates. Starting today, T-Mobile customers can redeem the offer for a limited time via T-Mobile Tuesdays in the T-Life app.

    MLS Season Pass subscriptions are also available via DIRECTV, with live matches available in the DIRECTV satellite guide on channels 480 through 495, similar to the viewing experience for other league packages. Customers who subscribe through DIRECTV will also be able to access MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. DIRECTV customers can access a free preview on DIRECTV channels from February 22 to March 1, after which they will be able to subscribe to MLS Season Pass through DIRECTV channels. This offering expands upon DIRECTV’s exclusive rights to provide MLS Season Pass to commercial establishments, which has been available to DIRECTV for BUSINESS’s vast network of more than 300,000 sports bars, restaurants, and more since the 2023 season.

    Xfinity customers can enjoy an integrated MLS Season Pass viewing experience, with the ability to sign up directly through Xfinity and watch live matches seamlessly within the channel guide on X1 and the Xfinity Stream app, and the Apple TV app. Comcast and Apple are also providing free access to MLS 360 for all Xfinity customers throughout the season via separate MLS 360 channels. Xfinity customers can access a free preview of MLS Season Pass from February 22 to March 2, after which they’ll be able to subscribe directly through Xfinity.

    Onside: Major League Soccer on Apple TV+

    On Friday, February 21, Apple TV+ will premiere the highly anticipated eight-part panoramic documentary event Onside: Major League Soccer. Produced for Apple by the dynamic sports storytellers Box to Box Films, in partnership with Major League Soccer, the docuseries provides unprecedented access to players, coaches, and clubs, and explores the electrifying moments and captivating stories that made the 2024 season unforgettable. The first episode will be available for all MLS Season Pass subscribers from February 21 to March 3. Watch the official trailer.

    Follow MLS on the Apple Sports App

    Fans can stay up to date on scores, stats, standings, and their favorite clubs throughout the MLS season on the free Apple Sports app for iPhone.2 Users can easily navigate between scores and upcoming games; explore play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds; and tap to watch matches on MLS Season Pass in the Apple TV app.3 Apple Sports also seamlessly syncs with favorites selected within the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Sports app now offers Live Activities for all MLS matches, delivering live scores and play-by-play info at a quick glance to a user’s iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.4

    Subscribing to MLS Season Pass

    MLS Season Pass is available through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, Android devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, as well as on the web at tv.apple.com. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience.

    Fans can sign up for MLS Season Pass for $14.99 per month during the season, or $99 for the full season, and Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up at a special price of $12.99 per month, or $79 per season. A subscription to MLS Season Pass for this season will be included with each full-season MLS club ticket account. Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share the subscription using their own Apple ID and password. For more information, and to subscribe to MLS Season Pass, visit apple.co/_MLS_.

    1. Availability may vary by region.
    2. Available in the U.S., the UK, and Canada.
    3. A subscription is required.
    4. Live Activities require iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.

    Press Contacts

    Sam Citron

    Apple

    citron@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Woodland and Forest Change

    Source: US Geological Survey

    References

    Balch, J. K., Abatzoglou, J. T., Joseph, M. B., Koontz, M. J., Mahood, A. L., McGlinchy, J., … Williams, A. P. (2022). Warming weakens the night-time barrier to global fire. Nature, 602(7897), 442-448. doi:10.1038/s41586-021-04325-1

    Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., Barber, C. P., Zhou, Q., Dwyer, J. L., Vogelmann, J. E., and others (2020). Lessons learned implementing an operational continuous United States national land change monitoring capability: The Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) approach. Remote Sens. Environ. 238:111356. doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2019.111356

    Cartwright, J. (2019). Ecological islands: conserving biodiversity hotspots in a changing climate. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 17(6), 331-339. doi:10.1002/fee.2058

    Dwomoh, F. K., Auch, R. F., Brown, J. F., & Tollerud, H. J. (2023). Trends in tree cover change over three decades related to interannual climate variability and wildfire in California. Environmental Research Letters, 18(2), 024007. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/acad15

    Dwomoh, F. K., Brown, J. F., Tollerud, H. J., & Auch, R. F. (2021). Hotter drought escalates tree cover declines in Blue oak woodlands of California. Frontiers in Climate, 3(67). doi:10.3389/fclim.2021.689945

    Eidenshink, J., Schwind, B., Brewer, K., Zhu, Z.-L., Quayle, B., & Howard, S. (2007). A project for monitoring trends in burn severity. Fire Ecology, 3(1), 3-21. doi:10.4996/fireecology.0301003

    Higuera P.E. and Abatzoglou J.T. (2021). Record-setting climate enabled the extraordinary 2020 fire season in the western United States Glob. Change Biol. 27 1–2

    Juang, C. S., Williams, A. P., Abatzoglou, J. T., Balch, J. K., Hurteau, M. D., & Moritz, M. A. (2022). Rapid growth of large forest fires drives the exponential response of annual forest-fire area to aridity in the western United States. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(5), e2021GL097131. doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097131 

    Lund, J., Medellin-Azuara, J., Durand, J., & Stone, K. (2018). Lessons from California’s 2012–2016 drought. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 144(10), 04018067. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000984

    Madakumbura, G. D., Goulden, M. L., Hall, A., Fu, R., Moritz, M. A., Koven, C. D., . . . Randerson, J. T. (2020). Recent California tree mortality portends future increase in drought-driven forest die-off. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 124040. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/abc719

    McDonald, P. M. (1990). “Quercus douglasii Hook & Arn. Blue oak,” in Silvics of North America, eds R. M. Burns, and B. H. Honkala (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service), 631–639.

    Morueta-Holme, N., Fløjgaard, C., & Svenning, J.-C. (2010). Climate change risks and conservation implications for a threatened small-range mammal species. PLoS ONE, 5(4), e10360. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010360

    Reiner, R., and Craig, A. (2011). Conservation easements in California blue oak woodlands: testing the assumption of livestock grazing as a compatible use. Nat. Areas J. 31, 408–413. doi: 10.3375/043.031.0411

    Restaino, C., Young, D. J. N., Estes, B., Gross, S., Wuenschel, A., Meyer, M., & Safford, H. (2019). Forest structure and climate mediate drought-induced tree mortality in forests of the Sierra Nevada, USA. Ecological Applications, 29(4), e01902. doi:10.1002/eap.1902

    Stahle, D. W., Therrell, M. D., Cleaveland, M. K., Cayan, D. R., Dettinger, M. D., and Knowles, N. (2001). Ancient blue oak reveal human impact on San Francisco Bay salinity. Eos. Trans. Am. Geophys. Union 82, 141–145. doi: 10.1029/EO082i012p00141

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2013). Level III ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, US EPA–National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1: 7,500,000. 

    Waddell, K. L., and Barrett, T. M. (2005). Oak Woodlands and Other Hardwood Forests of California, 1990s. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 245. doi: 10.2737/PNW-RB-245

    Westerling, A. L. (2016). Increasing western US forest wildfire activity: sensitivity to changes in the timing of spring. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., B, Biol. Sci. 371:20150178. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0178

    Zhu, Z., & Woodcock, C. E. (2014). Continuous change detection and classification of land cover using all available Landsat data. Remote Sensing of Environment, 144(0), 152-171. doi:10.1016/j.rse.2014.01.011

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Philly’s Chinatown has a rich tradition of activism – the Sixers arena fight was just one of many to preserve the neighborhood

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Vivian Truong, Assistant Professor of History, Swarthmore College

    Save Chinatown protesters take to the streets on Sept. 7, 2024. Zachary Kreines, CC BY-NC-ND

    Visitors commonly view Philadelphia’s Chinatown as a place to eat Chinese food and appreciate Chinese culture. But for longtime members of the Chinatown community, the neighborhood – home to over over 5,000 residents – is also defined by its tenacity and survival.

    Chinatown’s rich tradition of activism was on full display for the past two and half years, as residents and allies fiercely opposed the Philadelphia 76ers’ plans to build a basketball arena in the Market East neighborhood at the southern edge of Chinatown.

    A city-sponsored community impact study found that the arena could have resulted in the “loss of Chinatown’s core identity and regional significance.” It estimated that half of the neighborhood’s small businesses would have suffered due to increased congestion, potential rent increases and a new demographic less likely to patronize the area’s ethnic businesses.

    While the reason for the Sixers’ sudden decision to scrap the Market East arena plan remains unclear, the announcement in January 2025 came as a relief to Chinatown community members who felt they had averted yet another threat to their neighborhood’s existence.

    I’m a historian whose research focuses on Asian Americans, cities and social movements, and I’ve seen how urban residents take the existence of Chinatowns in major cities across the country – and even globally, from London to Havana, Cuba, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – for granted. Chinatowns continue to exist and thrive thanks to the residents and allies who fight for them.

    The fight over the Sixers arena was only the latest struggle in over 50 years of community organizing in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

    Friendship Gate, erected in the 1980s, serves as a symbolic entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown.
    Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    A refuge from xenophobia

    Like other American Chinatowns, Philadelphia’s formed during an era of virulent anti-Chinese racism. The neighborhood was established in the 1870s as a refuge for immigrants fleeing the American West, where white railroad workers and miners declared “The Chinese must go!”.

    Among the earliest businesses were a handful of laundries and a restaurant on the 900 block of Race Street, just north of Philadelphia’s main commercial district.

    In the era of anti-Chinese immigration laws from 1875 to 1943, Chinatowns were associated with opium-smoking, gambling and prostitution. Law enforcement targeted and stigmatized the Philadelphia neighborhood as a center of vice and danger. Meanwhile, city and private developers had their eyes on Chinatown as early as the 1920s.

    In 1923, the Bell Telephone Company purchased additional real estate along the corridor for its new high-rise building and parking lot, displacing Chinese residents. In the same decade, the city used eminent domain to demolish blocks of housing to make way for the Broad-Ridge Spur connecting the Eighth Street and Vine Street subway stations. A Philadelphia Evening Bulletin article in 1934 declared Chinatown to be “a thing of the past.”

    As the city began to accommodate more car owners, Race Street was remade as a major thoroughfare to the Delaware Valley Bridge, now called the Ben Franklin Bridge. In 1926, the year the bridge was completed, the Bulletin declared that “The Delaware River Bridge has come and Chinatown must go,” echoing the xenophobic slogans that drove Chinese workers out of western states half a century earlier.

    But Chinatown persisted.

    As restrictions on immigration from China loosened after World War II, more Chinese women immigrated to the U.S. The neighborhood transformed from a bachelor society of aging workers to a growing intergenerational community of families.

    ‘Save Chinatown’ movement forms

    During the social upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s, Philadelphia’s Chinatown youth took inspiration from the Black Power and anti-war movements to fight for their community.

    In 1966, the city proposed the expansion of Vine Street into an expressway that would have demolished large swaths of Chinatown, including the beloved Holy Redeemer church and school. Established for Chinese American Catholics in 1941, Holy Redeemer hosted neighborhood meetings and recreational events as well as religious services. The Vine Street Expressway project was one instance of the national phenomenon of urban renewal, which aimed to clear and redevelop areas designated as blighted.

    The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation nonprofit worked with Yellow Seeds, a group of radical Asian American youth who opposed U.S. racism and imperialism, and other Chinatown community members to fight construction of the expressway.

    These groups comprised the 1970s Save Chinatown movement. They held numerous protests, made frequent media appearances and used the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act to craft their strategy. They demanded an environmental impact statement, which, when issued in 1983, recommended a much smaller expressway than originally designed. Holy Redeemer was saved. The final plans also scrapped two off-ramps that would have cut through the neighborhood. Construction on the expressway was completed in 1991.

    Resisting a prison, baseball stadium and casino

    The Save Chinatown movement continued through the decades as community members successfully fought the construction of a federal prison in 1993, a baseball stadium in 2000 and a casino in 2008 – all proposed for sites in or bordering Chinatown.

    “The future of Chinatown is going to be a huge battle,” activist Debbie Wei stated in a 2002 documentary released after the conclusion of the baseball stadium fight a few years earlier. “We’re going to fight it, and my children are probably going to have to fight it as well.”

    ‘Look Forward and Carry on the Past: Stories from Philadelphia’s Chinatown’ (2002). Debbie Wei’s reflections on the future of Chinatown begin at 25:28.

    Her words were prescient. Her daughter Kaia Chau emerged as a key leader of the campaign against the Sixers arena 20 years later.

    Chau co-founded Students for the Preservation of Chinatown with fellow student leader Taryn Flaherty. The group organized teach-ins, galvanized Philadelphia-area students to join protests, and highlighted arena developers’ ties to local universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. By focusing on the developers, students made connections between the arena proposal and the gentrification of West Philadelphia, including the demolition of the University City Townhomes, an affordable housing complex whose residents were mostly Black.

    The movement against the Sixers arena became part of a multiracial, citywide fight against displacement. As Rev. Gregory Holston of Black Philly 4 Chinatown, part of the Save Chinatown coalition, put it: “In North Philadelphia, in West Philadelphia, in South Philadelphia, the same process is happening over and over and over again, where people are pushing and displacing people of color out of this city.”

    Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood celebrates the Lunar New Year in 2024, the Year of the Dragon.
    Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Thriving intergenerational community

    Activists have also created new housing, educational and arts institutions to keep Chinatown a family-friendly neighborhood.

    The location where the prison was planned in 1993 is now Hing Wah Yuen, a 51-unit mixed-income affordable housing complex developed by the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation – the same organization that led the fight against the Vine Street Expressway in the 1970s.

    After the plans for the baseball stadium were scrapped in 2000, the grassroots Chinatown-based organization Asian Americans United partnered with the arts and culture organization Philadelphia Folklore Project to found the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures School in 2005.

    The K-8 school, located in the footprint of the proposed stadium, teaches Mandarin and emphasizes art and music classes that reflect students’ cultural background.

    More recently, recognizing the need for more “third places” for youth beyond home and school, student leaders Chau and Flaherty launched the Ginger Arts Center in 2024. The organization provides a recreational space and arts programs for young people in Chinatown.

    The community institutions that have sprung up in the wake of defeated development projects illustrate how Chinatown is not a thing of the past, nor is it solely a food and culture destination to be consumed.

    Rather, Chinatown is a thriving community that has long fought to survive, reinvent itself and determine its own future – one that carries the legacy of previous generations of resistance.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

    Vivian Truong 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. Philly’s Chinatown has a rich tradition of activism – the Sixers arena fight was just one of many to preserve the neighborhood – https://theconversation.com/phillys-chinatown-has-a-rich-tradition-of-activism-the-sixers-arena-fight-was-just-one-of-many-to-preserve-the-neighborhood-247549

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Locus Technologies Scores in Top 3 out of 200+ Software Companies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Technologies, the sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance software leader, today announced that its CSRD and ESG reporting software was a top performer in the “Smart Innovators: ESG & Sustainability Reporting and Data Management Software (2025)” report published by Verdantix. The companies featured in the analysis were evaluated for their maturity in 10 key functional categories. Locus CSRD and ESG software was acknowledged for its “market-leading functionality, with differentiated offering” or “strong functionality” in all categories, resulting in the third highest performance overall.

    Of the 200+ software companies originally considered for the report, only 38 met the baseline criteria, including the ability to deliver across E, S and G metrics and to support large enterprises with at least $1 billion in revenue.

    “As a small company doing big things under the radar every day, we are pleased to be acknowledged by Verdantix for our accomplishments in the ESG software space,” said Neno Duplan, founder and CEO of Locus Technologies. “Drawing upon nearly 30 years of smart innovation, Locus has become the only rated company that also leads in the adjacent markets for EHS compliance, water quality and mass balance, radionuclides compliance, clean construction, and refrigerant management – which enables us to deliver a single, integrated platform for all types of environmental data and compliance activities: from sampling to sustainability.”

    This recognition highlights Locus’s critical role in helping organizations navigate an ever-evolving global regulatory landscape. The unified Locus Platform has been adopted by large and diverse organizations like Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Chevron to seamlessly manage, report on, and succeed in their global EHS compliance, ESG, and sustainability initiatives.

    The Verdantix report informs enterprise software purchasing decisions for ESG and evaluates vendors on product maturity in key areas like data collection and verification, double materiality, reporting, and workflows.

    To learn more about Locus CSRD and ESG software and recent implementations in the US and abroad, please visit www.locustec.com.

    About Locus Technologies
    Locus Technologies, the global environmental, social, governance (ESG), sustainability, and EHS compliance software leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to be credible with ESG reporting. From 1997, Locus pioneered enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) for EHS compliance, water management, and ESG credible reporting. Locus apps and software solutions improve business performance by strengthening risk management and EHS for organizations across industries and government agencies. Organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises, such as Sempra, Corteva, Chevron, DuPont, Chemours, San Jose Water Company, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Port of Seattle, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, have selected Locus. Locus is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For further information regarding Locus and its commitment to excellence in SaaS solutions, please visit https://www.locustec.com or email info@locustec.com.

    Media Contact:
    Brenda Mahedy
    Locus Technologies
    media@locustechnologies.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Consumption of renewable diesel continues general growth trend on the U.S. West Coast

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 18, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly
    Note: Renewable diesel consumption, which is defined as renewable diesel product supplied plus refinery and blender net inputs, is inflated because we do not collect renewable diesel export data. The difference between consumption and the sum of production, imports, and receipts reflects inventory changes.

    Renewable diesel is increasingly replacing petroleum diesel on the U.S. West Coast, where state-level policies are attracting new production capacity and shipments to the region. The fuel continues to mostly be consumed in California but is also making up a substantial share of Oregon’s and Washington’s smaller distillate pools, according to quarterly data published by California, Oregon, and Washington.

    Renewable diesel is a transportation and heating fuel that is chemically equivalent to petroleum-based distillate and is produced using fats, oils, or greases rather than petroleum. Although some renewable diesel is consumed in other regions, such as the U.S. East Coast, the fuel is primarily consumed on the West Coast because California, Oregon, and Washington have active clean fuel programs that incentivize its consumption.

    West Coast renewable diesel consumption has approximately doubled since the first quarter of 2023 (1Q23), with increased domestic production supplying most of the growth. Much of that production growth has come from California, where Marathon’s Martinez plant and Phillips 66’s Rodeo plant have added new capacity. Most of the remaining growth has come from increasing production in other parts of the United States, where renewable diesel plants are commonly producing fuel to ship to the West Coast via rail, tanker, or barge.

    In November, the most recent month for which we have historical data, renewable diesel production on the West Coast totaled more than 90,000 barrels per day (b/d)—almost four times the volume from 1Q23 and making up about 45% of the region’s consumption of renewable diesel. Interregional rail shipments supplied about 20% of West Coast consumption, tanker or barge shipments contributed almost 25%, and the remaining demand was met through imports and inventory draws.

    Our analysis of data published by California, Oregon, and Washington suggests most renewable diesel is consumed in California, although consumption is generally increasing in all three states.

    Data source: California Air Resources Board, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Washington Department of Ecology
    Note: Washington publishes its quarterly data later than California and Oregon. 1Q23=first quarter of 2023

    More renewable diesel is also consumed in California as a share of all distillate used for transportation. In 3Q24, renewable diesel made up nearly 65% of distillate fuel consumed in California for transportation, a decrease from nearly 70% in 2Q24, and biodiesel made up more than 5%.

    Data source: California Air Resources Board, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Washington Department of Ecology
    Note: Washington publishes its quarterly data later than California and Oregon. 1Q23=first quarter of 2023

    In Oregon, biofuels made up about one-quarter of the transportation distillate fuel consumed in 3Q24, with renewable diesel making up about twice the share of biodiesel. Like in California, the share of biofuels in Oregon was down from 2Q24, when biofuels made up one-third of the state’s transportation distillate fuel supply. In Washington, during 2Q24, about 20% of the transportation distillate fuel consumed in the state was biofuels, with more than 15% coming from renewable diesel.

    Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on plans to reduce Guildford flood-risk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Public drop-in on Saturday 22 February, 12pm to 5pm at the Electric Theatre, Guildford with an online presentation on Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

    Environment Agency Guildford flood scheme drop-in event.

    The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting local people to share their views and feedback on plans to reduce flood-risk in Guildford town centre. 

    Long history of flooding

    Guildford has a long history of flooding from the River Wey, and the Environment Agency continues working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council on a long-term sustainable strategy to reduce the high level of flood-risk to the town centre. 

    The partners are now in the appraisal stage of the project, where further detailed assessments, surveys and engagement will be carried out to help develop the preferred option for the scheme. This stage is expected to last until 2026.

    To showcase the scheme’s progress, the Environment Agency is hosting an information afternoon on Saturday 22 February, 12pm to 5pm at the Electric Theatre, Guildford.

    There will also be an online Teams presentation on Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm to 8.30pm that anyone can register for at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/

    Public feedback “invaluable”

    Jon Mansbridge, Guildford flood alleviation scheme project director at the Environment Agency, said:

    We encourage local communities and interested groups to have their say, as their feedback is invaluable in shaping our long-term strategy to manage flood risk to Guildford.

    To hear all views, we will be holding a drop-in event where you can find out more and discuss the scheme with our project team, who will be there to answer questions.

    For those that cannot attend, we will also be hosting an online presentation following the public exhibition. It will be another great opportunity to find out about our progress finding  a sustainable flood-risk management scheme and talk face-to-face with our experts.

    The project partners shared early updated scheme proposals with the public in April 2024. Since then, they have further developed the scheme alignment in consultation with landowners and identified areas that will be lowered to create more space for water and habitat creation.

    The flood defences will be visually integrated into existing and regenerated areas of the river corridor, reducing flood-risk to the town centre. The scheme will also enhance the riverside environment, and build better connections between Guildford town centre and the River Wey.

    Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/  to find out more and follow @guildfordfs on X, formerly Twitter.

    People can also e-mail guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk with feedback or questions, and to request to be added to the newsletter mailing list.

    Check flood-risk and sign up for flood warnings by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visiting gov.uk/flood.

    Well-tested flood-protection plans remain in place for Guildford, and the Environment Agency continues to work closely with other professional partners, including Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey County Council, to help those at greatest risk.

    The Environment Agency regularly maintains the River Wey to help reduce flooding, including cutting back vegetation and removing blockages.

    There is also a temporary defence management plan for Guildford, covering Mary Road and William Road, which sets out how the Environment Agency can deploy temporary flood barriers in these areas if a flood warning is issued.

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Follow us on X @envagencyse.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Design School to Take Part in ARTDOM 2025 International Exhibition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Environmental design shapes the reality around a modern person. It is the appearance of spaces and objects that surround us: architects and environmental designers design interiors and furniture, buildings and landscapes.

    This sphere, like no other, combines conceptuality and utility. At the HSE School of Design they teach both: students simultaneously create a comfortable environment and express complex thoughts through graphic communication.

    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: CECO Environmental To Release Fourth Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on February 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its fourth quarter 2024 financial results on February 25, 2025, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, February 25 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wr6yr8ri

    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:   https://register.vevent.com/register/BI2af3a0a59cc347e5a9441f654aff6aed

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets globally through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications in power generation, petrochemical processing, refining, midstream gas transport and treatment, electric vehicle and battery production, metals and mineral processing, polysilicon production, battery recycling, beverage can production, and produced and oily water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other industrial applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
            
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Establishing a nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission control area in the Mediterranean – E-000548/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000548/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carola Rackete (The Left)

    As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission promised to act on its zero-pollution, biodiversity and climate neutrality visions for port cities and maritime transport. This includes creating emission control areas (ECAs) for sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in all EU waters, including in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2022, the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization adopted amendments to designate the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an ECA for SOx and particulate matter, under Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. NOx emissions from shipping are a significant threat to human health, the environment and the climate. The Commission estimates that they cause 50 000 premature deaths in Europe annually.

    • 1.Can the Commission please provide the latest update on its work in relation to the establishment of an NOx emission control area (NECA) in the Mediterranean in the light of the fact that the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP24) to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and its Protocols will take place in Egypt in December 2025?
    • 2.Can the Commission outline the next steps needed to establish a NECA covering the whole Mediterranean Sea, and specifically what its role in this process is?

    Submitted: 6.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurates a day-long conclave – ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurates a day-long conclave – ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’

    Industry-wide adoption of Circular Approaches is critical to driving Sustainable Growth and Resource Efficiency: Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Four Key Strategies for a Successful Circular Economy highlighted – Redesigning Products for Circularity; Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies; Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration; Consumer Awareness and Behavioral Change

    Posted On: 18 FEB 2025 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today inaugurated a day-long conclave organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI), on ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025’.

     

    Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister stated, “India generates around 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste growing rapidly. The traditional linear economic model of take, make, and dispose is no longer sustainable. The increasing pressure on landfills, depletion of natural resources, and environmental damage from unchecked waste disposal require urgent action. The circular economy is not just an alternative; it is essential. It marks a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume, and manage materials”. A well-functioning circular economy not only conserves natural resources but also fosters industrial innovation, economic competitiveness, and job creation, he stated.

    Shri Yadav said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is shifting from waste management to harnessing the economic potential of recycling through waste to wealth initiative. “The circular economy has a major role in the future including reducing, reusing, and recycling at every stage, from product design to end-of-life management. Waste should not be treated as a burden but as a resource. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial for achieving economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social security”, he added.

     

    The Minister further stated that by the year 2050 India’s circular economy is expected to have a market value of $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs. It a big opportunity for start-ups and new recycled product developers. It is important to align this growth with environmental sustainability, drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient recycling systems as nobody recycles like Nature, he added.

    Shri Yadav urged the recycling industry in the country to develop and adopt newer innovative technologies for reducing dependence on natural resources as well as cutting down imports of critical minerals needed for economic growth. “Adopting circular economy principles can bring tremendous economic benefits. This shift towards resource efficiency aligns seamlessly with our national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industries in global markets”, the Minister added.

     

    The Minister informed that the Ministry has been instrumental in formulating policies and regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, that incentivize recyclers and integrate the informal sector into formal recycling systems. These initiatives aim to streamline waste management and promote eco-friendly production across industries. The Ministry has notified a number of market-based Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, including those on e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, used oil. The revenue earned by registered recyclers from sale of EPR certificates is additional profit earned over and above the profit generated from the sale of recycled product, he added.

    Shri Yadav said that the government has laid down the policies but Industry-wide adoption of circular approaches is critical to driving sustainable growth and resource efficiency. The Minister highlighted 4 key strategies in this direction:

    1. Redesigning Products for Circularity: Companies must move beyond single-use models and design products for recyclability. The integration of biodegradable, reusable, and modular components will help extend product life cycles and reduce waste.
    2. Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies: Adoption of emerging technologies can transform waste management systems, thereby improving recovery rates.
    3. Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration: Businesses need to collaborate across the value chain to optimize resource utilization, create closed-loop production systems, and build markets for secondary raw materials.
    4. Consumer Awareness and Behavioural Change: Circularity requires active consumer participation. Industries must invest in campaigns to engage consumers, incentivize recycling, and promote sustainable consumption behaviours.

     

    Dr Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said, “There is a huge gap and huge potential to work towards waste recycling system, as the role of recycling industry is important cut imports of various critical products needed for economic growth”. Corporate houses should lead the transition to a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness, he added.

    The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Ashok Kumar, President, Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India and subject experts from the industry and about 200 delegates environmental scientists, waste management professionals and policymakers.

    Link to Union Minister’s Address: https://x.com/byadavbjp/status/1891738588506882540?t=DJBoZWZnfkxUliS4sdOkLw&s=08

     

    *****

     

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2104349) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool City Council to use AI and automation to transform the way it deals with customer enquiries

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has announced the implementation of a new system which will vastly improve the way in which it handles enquiries from residents.

    It will see the introduction of a new case management platform, seamlessly integrating front-office customer experiences with back-office systems, as well as delivering enhanced self-service capabilities, using AI and automation to free up staff from carrying out time-consuming administrative tasks.

    The aim is to provide residents with a platform to access services online, over the phone, or in-person, along with real-time updates and easy access to information.

    It forms part of the Council’s ‘Customer Experience Improvement Plan’, designed to address resident feedback that has called for more integrated, responsive and user-friendly services.

    The first services to be included in the roll out are Environmental Services.

    One benefit of the new customer software is that residents will receive regular notifications on their council inquiry. They will also be able to check the status of their case by logging in to their Council account, which will also have useful information such as their bin collection day or Council Tax account details.

    The platform will deliver cost savings of an estimated £1.8 million per year, while increasing operational efficiencies across the Council’s services by reducing pressures caused by residents requesting progress updates.

    The Council is partnering with Jadu, which works with around 100 local authorities in the UK, to implement the system.

    Councillor Ruth Bennett, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Transformation, said: “As part of our improvement journey, we are committed to delivering lower cost, value-for-money services, which are efficient and good quality.

    “We know from feedback from our residents that they just want an easy way to contact the Council, and to be kept up-to-date on where their request is up to.

    “This is part of our drive to deliver high quality services which reflect the needs of our residents and communities and which are not only efficient, but also truly accessible to everyone in our community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Milestone at Shoreham flood defence project

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Work at one section of the Adur Tidal Walls Scheme now complete, with roads and paths re-opened

    A major flood defence scheme that will significantly reduce flood risk to over 2,300 properties in Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing has taken a step towards completion.

    Work at Reach E3 of the Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls Scheme is now complete, and the northern section of the Downs Links and Lower Beach Road re-opened on Friday 8 December. Also, as a result of updated modelling for the project, part of the initial plan has been adapted and removed the need for major road works on the A283.

    The scheme is made up of 10 individual reaches, and work has now started on 8. Construction on Reach E3, which includes raised walls and embankments, started in 2016. Steel piling has been installed along the landward side of the path, and has been clad with brick. The Downs Link path was diverted while the work was completed.

    Before the advanced modelling took place, the A283 in Shoreham-by-Sea would have been closed for 12 weeks during construction in spring 2018. As a result of the work that has already taken place, only a very small number of properties would benefit from the road raising work. Instead, these properties will be protected with an alternative solution to ensure they also receive a high level of protection, and the road closures will not take place.

    Elsewhere in the scheme, work on the slipway at Emerald Quay and Sussex Wharf is advancing and the first panes of glass of the riverside flood defence have been installed. The majority of the new wall at Ferry Bridge is complete, and vegetation clearance at Riverbank in preparation for construction to start in the new year is finished. Work at Emerald Quay, Shoreham Harbour Club and Shoreham Fort is progressing well. Much of the work behind the High Street in Shoreham has been completed and is open to the public.

    Phil Prydderch, Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    It’s great news for Shoreham-by-Sea residents that we will be able to enhance their flood protection without the planned road closures. We are committed to protecting all members of the community, and will continue to work with local residents to make them more resilient against flooding.

    When complete, the Shoreham scheme will reduce the tidal flood risk to thousands of homes and a significant number of commercial properties in the area, as well as protecting important local infrastructure such as the road network, railway line and Shoreham Airport. This is one part of the Environment Agency’s national effort to reduce the risk of flooding for at least 300,000 homes by 2020/21.

    The Shoreham scheme’s dedicated project visitor centre is at Beach Green Car Park, Shoreham-by-Sea, and is open between midday and 5:00pm on weekdays. Further information on the scheme is available on GOV.UK or by calling 03708 506506.

    You can also request information by emailing shorehamwestbank@environment-agency.gov.uk or by writing to

    SSD Enquiries, Environment Agency
    Teville Gate House
    25 Railway Approach
    Worthing
    West Sussex
    BN11 1UR

    Notes to editors

    The visitor centre may be closed during scheduled visits from schools and interest groups. Flood impact maps showing the detailed modelling outcomes are available upon request.

    All media enquiries: 0800 141 2743. Or email southeastpressoffice1@environment-agency.gov.uk

    Follow us on Twitter @EnvAgencySE

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Climate Friendly Households Programme Further Enhanced To Encourage Climate Action

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Eligible HDB households will receive additional $100 and programme expanded to include private households. 

    Singapore, 18 February 2025 – To encourage greater involvement in climate action and enable more households to be more efficient in their use of energy and water, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency will further enhance the Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP).

    2               From 15 April 2025, Singaporean and Permanent Resident HDB households will be able to claim an additional $100 in Climate Vouchers, on top of the existing $300. The enhanced CFHP will also be expanded to include Singapore Citizen households living in private residential properties. This means that eligible HDB and private households can claim a total of $400 worth of Climate Vouchers.

    3               To claim[1] the additional Climate Vouchers, eligible households can visit go.gov.sg/cv-claim from 15 April 2025 and log in with their Singpass account. For more information on Climate Vouchers, you can visit go.gov.sg/cv-guide.

    4               The Climate Vouchers are valid until 31 December 2027 and can be used at over 150 participating retailers with over 500 outlets to purchase energy- and water-efficient household products.

    5               With this latest expansion in 2025 to include private households, the CFHP will cover around 90 percent of households in Singapore.

    6               By switching to more resource efficient appliances and fittings, households can reduce their energy and/or water consumption, lower their utility bills and help to tackle climate change. 

    7               More information on the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme is available at go.gov.sg/climatevouchers.  

     

    [1] As eligible residents will receive the vouchers based on their registered address at the point of claim, those who have shifted houses recently should update their registered address with ICA before making the claim.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A polar bear cub was born in the Perm Zoo

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A pair of polar bears under the care of Rosneft have given birth to their first cub at the Perm Zoo.

    Preservation and protection of the polar bear population is one of the main areas of Rosneft’s environmental program. Since 2013, all polar bears in Russian zoos have been under the Company’s care.

    Rosneft currently patronizes 35 polar bears in 16 zoos across the country, providing them with care, feeding, veterinary support, as well as upgrading their enclosures, conducting scientific research and educational programs. With the Company’s support, special toys have been developed to increase the animals’ physical activity. In addition, Rosneft is implementing a program to rescue and rehabilitate young polar bears left in the wild without their mother’s care.

    Polar bears Milka and Seriku met at the Perm Zoo 11 years ago. Over time, the predators became almost inseparable: they eat, bathe and even sleep together in the same den. In November, the couple had their first cub. According to experts, he is healthy, active and inquisitive. Visitors will be able to see the cub in March, when he will have the courage to leave the den with Milka. At the same time, experts will determine the sex of the little predator and choose a name for him.

    The birth of a polar bear in a zoo is a significant event for Russia. The polar predator is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation as endangered, as well as in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has the status of a rare or endangered species. The total number of polar bears in Russia is about 4 thousand individuals.

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and nature conservation. In cooperation with the country’s key scientific institutes, geological, oceanographic, hydrometeorological and ecological research is carried out, and populations of bioindicator animals in the wild are studied – polar bears, wild reindeer, Atlantic walruses and ivory gulls.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 18, 2025

    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 China: Chinese delegation attends 156th session of WHO Executive Board

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    he 156th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Feb 3 to 11. Around 800 representatives from WHO member states, relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting.

    The Chinese delegation comprised representatives from relevant departments of the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the National Healthcare Security Administration, and the National Medical Products Administration, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva as well as relevant experts.

    In his report at the session, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reviewed the organization’s work in improving access to health services and responding to public health emergencies and financing in 2024, calling on the countries involved to increase their support for the WHO so as to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all at an early date.

    The session discussed over 40 topics, including primary healthcare, mental health, human resources for health and public health emergencies, and deliberated more than 20 draft resolutions on issues such as rare diseases, strengthening health financing and enhancing national capacity for evidence-based decision-making.

    The Chinese delegation played an active part in the discussions on various topics, commended the work done by the WHO, and expressed support for the organization in playing a leading and coordinating role in global health governance. The delegation also shared Chinese experience in relevant fields and called on the WHO to focus on its primary responsibilities and work to further improve efficiency and performance.

    They said China is ready to promote cooperation with all parties involved so as to jointly advance the building a global community of health for all.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Stopping Cloud Attacks at the Source: Check Point Software Leads the Charge in Cloud Security, Championing a Prevention-First Approach

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BANGKOK, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CPX APAC– Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced that its Check Point CloudGuard solution has been recognized as a Leader across three key GigaOm Radar reports: Application & API Security, Cloud Network Security, and Cloud Workload Security. The reports highlight Check Point’s platform unification, prevention-first approach, and AI-powered threat prevention as key differentiators in the rapidly evolving cloud security landscape.

    Check Point: Leading the Future of Cloud Security
    In our interconnected world, managing and securing multiple cloud environments is a daunting task. Check Point CloudGuard provides automated, AI-powered protection, making cloud management easier while ensuring the safety of workloads, applications, and data. Howard Holton, Chief Operating Officer at GigaOm, stresses, “Cloud and API security is crucial for every organization in 2025.” He further highlights that, “Check Point’s Infinity platform, along with its extensive range of cloud protections, is vital for any organization looking to protect its assets.”

    “We’re proud to be recognized for our holistic approach to cloud security, combining cloud network security, workload protection, and posture management into a truly unified framework,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “Our leadership across these categories validates our continued innovation as we drive forward one of the industry’s most comprehensive cloud security platforms.”

    AI-Enhanced WAF & API Security: Leading the Market in Advanced Threat Prevention
    GigaOm positioned Check Point as a Leader in Application & API Security, citing its innovative dual-layer AI approach that enhances detection and prevention capabilities. Key strengths include:

    • AI-driven vulnerability detection, delivering highly accurate threat identification with minimal false positives
    • Real-time threat detection and response, offering unmatched insight into security incidents by providing comprehensive logging and reporting
    • Data leak protection that automatically learns application schemas and enforces content rules while providing comprehensive DLP.

    Cloud Network Security: Real-Time, Dynamic Protection Across Multi-Cloud Environments
    Check Point CloudGuard earned recognition for its capability to gather and analyze data from all major cloud providers, enabling the implementation of adaptive security measures instantly. Other notable features include:

    • Extensive hybrid-cloud support, ensuring uniform security policies across both public and private clouds
    • Rapid innovation pipeline, with multiple major releases annually, ensuring the latest defenses against emerging cloud threats
    • Automated security policy adaptation, allowing security teams to respond to cloud environment changes without manual intervention

    Cloud Workload Security: Full-Stack Protection for Enterprise Cloud Environments
    In the Cloud Workload Security report, CloudGuard received recognition for its comprehensive security strategy. Check Point recently announced strategic partnership with Wiz, a top CNAPP (Cloud Native Application Protection Platform) provider, also highlighted as a Leader in this GigaOm report. This collaboration will allow Check Point and Wiz to leverage their combined strengths in the following areas:

    • Hybrid environment, support provides seamless security with a multilayered approach across physical, virtual, and cloud environments
    • Workload detection and response, to preemptively identify and mitigate attacks before they impact business operations
    • Automated configuration enforcement, ensuring security and compliance are embedded before workloads go live in cloud environments.

    For additional details about Check Point’s acknowledgment in GigaOm’s Radar reports and to obtain a free copy of the report, please visit the following links:

    GigaOm Radar for Web Application Firewall (WAF) & API Security
    GigaOm Radar for Cloud Network Security
    GigaOm Radar for Cloud Workload Security

    Follow Check Point via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Platform Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point’s industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: In the Siberian Federal District, about 123 thousand people moved from emergency housing

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Reducing the number of dilapidated housing stock is an important task set by the President for the Russian construction industry. Since 2019, when the program for resettling people from uninhabitable buildings became part of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, more than 2.2 million square meters of such housing have been resettled in the Siberian Federal District. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “All federal districts in the country are involved in the work on resettling emergency housing. The government has been actively working on the issue of resettling residents from outdated houses for many years. The implementation of this program is a serious and important step towards improving the quality of life of people who live in unsuitable conditions. Since 2019, about 123 thousand citizens have moved from emergency housing to new apartments in the Siberian Federal District. The deterioration of houses is a constant and, unfortunately, irreversible process. Therefore, we continue to work on solving this problem,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the largest volume of emergency housing in the Siberian Federal District was resettled in the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass – 664.3 thousand square meters, Irkutsk Region – 580.8 thousand square meters, Krasnoyarsk Territory – 360.9 thousand square meters, Novosibirsk Region – 188.6 thousand square meters, Altai Territory – 149.6 thousand square meters.

    The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.

    “Regions are taking a responsible approach to solving the problem of reducing the unsuitable housing stock and improving the quality of life of residents of such houses. In order to speed up the solution of this problem and provide people with modern housing, many regions are additionally resettling emergency houses using their budgets. In the Siberian Federal District, thanks to such work, more than 37 thousand people from the total number of program participants have improved their housing conditions,” said FRT General Director Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    Since 2025, the resettlement of houses recognized as unsafe in the regions will continue under the national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    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: Full-year 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
    victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    Investor relations:
    Vincent Biraud
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
    vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

    Full-year 2024 results

    • Revenues of €22,096 million in 2024, down -1.9%
    • Revenue growth at constant exchange rates* of -2.0% for the full year, and -1.1% in Q4
    • Bookings at €23.8 billion with a 1.08 book-to-bill
    • Stable operating margin*, at 13.3% of revenues
    • Net profit, Group share, up +0.5% and basic earnings per share up +1.2%
    • Organic free cash flow0F*of €1,961 million
    • Proposed dividend of €3.40 per share

    Paris, February 18, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Capgemini SE, chaired by Paul Hermelin, convened on February 17 in Paris to review and adopt the accounts1F1 of the Capgemini Group for the year-ended December 31, 2024.

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of the Capgemini Group, said: “Our performance in the fourth quarter is in line with expectations. As anticipated, Manufacturing and France experienced strong headwinds, whereas we saw an improvement in Financial Services and Consumer Goods & Retail, as well as a robust Public Sector.

    The Group demonstrated strong resilience in 2024, maintaining its operating margin and free cash flow generation, thanks to the growth of its high value-added offerings as well as its ecosystem of leading technology partners.

    Client demand continues to be driven by efficiency, operational agility and cost-optimization programs which are driving traction for our Cloud and Data & AI services. The Group is recognized as a global leader in AI by market analysts, reflecting our continued investments. Generative AI supported strong bookings and accounted for around 5% of bookings in Q4. The acquisition of Syniti strengthens the Group’s data-driven digital transformation capabilities.

    Our clients keep showing a strong appetite for technology and recognize the value we bring as their trusted business and technology transformation partner. However, we remain cautious in this uncertain environment, notably around Manufacturing and Europe, and expect H1 2025 constant currency revenue growth to remain in the same range as in Q4 2024. We will continue to demonstrate in 2025 the strength of our positioning and the resilience of our operating model, with growth as a priority.”

    KEY FIGURES

    (in millions of euros) 2023 2024 Change
    Revenues 22,522 22,096 -1.9%
    Operating margin* 2,991 2,934 -1.9%
    as a % of revenues 13.3% 13.3% 0pt
    Operating profit 2,346 2,356 +0.4%
    as a % of revenues 10.4% 10.7% +0.3pts
    Net profit (Group share) 1,663 1,671 +0.5%
    Basic earnings per share (€) 9.70 9.82 +1.2%
    Normalized earnings per share (€)* 12.44 12.23 -1.7%
    Organic free cash flow* 1,963 1,961 -€ 2m
    Net cash / (Net debt)* (2,047) (2,107)  

    In an environment that proved weaker than initially anticipated, Capgemini demonstrated in 2024 the resilience of its operating model and its leadership on AI and Generative AI. Clients focused on driving efficiency, prioritizing operational agility and cost optimization while discretionary spend remained soft. This environment has fueled a strong demand for transformation programs which translated into continued traction for Capgemini’s Cloud, Data & AI services as well as its innovative offerings, most notably in intelligent supply chain, digital core and generative AI projects. This is contributing to the continuous improvement of the portfolio mix toward innovation and enhanced client value creation.

    Capgemini reported revenues of €22,096 million in 2024, down -1.9% year-on-year. Constant currency growth* was -2.0%, at the top end of the outlook as revised in October 2024. Organic growth* (i.e., excluding the impact of currency fluctuations and changes in Group scope) was -2.4%. After bottoming out in Q1, revenue trends gradually improved through the year with a revenue decline limited to -1.1% at constant currency and -1.5% organically in Q4.

    With bookings of €23,821 million in 2024 and €6,806 million in Q4, the Group maintained a strong commercial momentum despite client decision cycles that remain long, achieving a solid book-to-bill of 1.08 for the year, and 1.22 in Q4. When compared to 2023 bookings, this represents, at constant exchange rates, a decrease of -0.5% for the year and an increase of +1.9% in Q4. Generative AI bookings amounted to close to 4% of Group bookings for the year and around 5% for Q4.

    The ongoing shift in Capgemini’s offerings portfolio towards higher value services, coupled with enhanced operational efficiency, generated a 50 basis points increase in gross margin to 27.4% of revenues, reflecting the resilience of its operating model. This enabled the Group to absorb the incremental investment in selling efforts aimed at driving future growth and offset the slight increase in G&A expenses.

    Consequently, the operating margin* was stable at 13.3% of revenues, or €2,934 million, in line with the operating margin target set for 2024.

    Other operating income and expenses was a net expense of €578 million, down €67 million year-on-year. This decrease is mainly attributable to lower restructuring charges, which decreased by €55 million.

    Capgemini’s operating profit was €2,356 million, or 10.7% of revenues, compared with €2,346 million, or 10.4% of revenues in 2023.

    Capgemini reported a net financial income of €13 million in 2024, compared to a net expense of €42 million in 2023, reflecting higher interest income.

    The income tax expense was €681 million, up from €626 million last year. This represents an increase in the effective tax rate from 27.2% in 2023 to 28.8% this year.

    Taking into account the share of profits of associates and non-controlling interests, the Group share in net profit rose by +0.5% year-on-year to €1,671 million. Basic earnings per share increased by +1.2% to €9.82. Normalized earnings per share* was €12.23, compared with €12.44 in 2023.

    Organic free cash flow* generation remained strong at €1,961 million, in line with the 2024 target and the previous year despite lower revenues.

    CAPITAL ALLOCATION & BALANCE SHEET

    In 2024, Capgemini actively redeployed close to €2.0 billion of capital, essentially funded by the organic free cash flow of the year. Capgemini invested €827 million in acquisitions. The Group also paid dividends of €580 million (€3.40 per share) to Capgemini SE shareholders and allocated €972 million to share buybacks: €498 million on its multiyear program and €474 million to neutralize the dilution of the 11th employee share ownership plan (ESOP). This ESOP plan, which proved highly successful and thus contributed to maintaining employee shareholding at around 8% of the share capital, led to a gross capital increase of €415 million.

    In October 2024, the Group also redeemed in full and at maturity its €600 million bond issued in April 2018.

    At December 31, 2024, the Group had cash, cash equivalents and cash management assets of €3.1 billion. After accounting for borrowings of €5.1 billion as well as for derivative instruments, Group net debt* is €2.1 billion, slightly up compared with €2.0 billion at December 31, 2023.

    The Board of Directors decided to recommend the payment of a dividend of €3.40 per share at the Shareholders’ Meeting of May 7, 2025. The corresponding payout ratio is 35% of net profit (Group share), in line with the Group’s historical distribution policy.

    OPERATIONS BY REGION

    At constant exchange rates, revenues in North America (28% of Group revenues) decreased by -4.1% with improving trends in H2. The Financial Services, Consumer Goods & Retail and Telco, Media & Technology (TMT) sectors were the main drivers of improvement. In contrast, the Manufacturing and Public sectors slowed down in H2. The operating margin increased to 16.5%, from 15.6% in 2023.

    The United Kingdom and Ireland region (12% of Group revenues) remained resilient, posting a -1.0% decline in revenue primarily driven by the contraction of the Consumer Goods & Retail sector. The region’s return to growth in H2 was driven by the recovery in Financial Services and the continued strength in the Energy & Utilities sector. The operating margin reached 19.7% compared with 18.6% in 2023.

    France (20% of Group revenues) revenues decreased by -3.5%, in an environment that led to a visible degradation in H2. This evolution was mostly driven by the contraction of the Manufacturing sector. However, as in most regions, Financial Services visibly improved through the year. The operating margin contracted from 12.6% to 10.2%.

    In the Rest of Europe region (31% of Group revenues), revenues stood at +0.1% with solid Public and Energy & Utilities sectors and Financial Services returning to growth. The Manufacturing sector also negatively weighed on activity in the region. The operating margin was 12.0%, slightly up from 11.7% a year earlier.

    Finally, revenues in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America region (9% of Group revenues) were slightly down
    -0.3% driven by a slower Financial Services sector in Asia-Pacific. However, the Public Sector in Asia-Pacific and the Consumer Goods & Retail sector in Latin America, both enjoyed double-digit growth rates. The operating margin slightly improved to 12.4% compared with 12.2% the year before.

    OPERATIONS BY BUSINESS

    At constant exchange rates, Strategy & Transformation consulting services (9% of Group revenues) reported +3.2% growth in total revenues* in 2024. This continued momentum illustrates the strength of the Group’s positioning as a strategic partner to its clients.

    Applications & Technology services (62% of Group revenues and Capgemini’s core business) reported
    a -2.1% decrease in total revenues.

    Finally, Operations & Engineering services total revenues (29% of Group revenues) decreased -2.1%.

    OPERATIONS IN Q4 2024

    Q4 was the third consecutive quarter of gradual improvement in growth rate. As expected, the Financial Services and Consumer Goods & Retail sectors saw an acceleration and TMT returned to growth. This was offset by the slowdown in Manufacturing.

    Geographically, growth rates improved substantially in North America, but also the United Kingdom and Ireland, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, but slowed down visibly in France.

    Group revenues totaled €5,581 million in Q4 2024, a decline of -1.1% year-on-year at constant exchanges rate and -1.5% organically. This decline in revenue can be solely attributable to -6.1% slowdown in Manufacturing.

    At constant exchange rates, the decline in revenues in the North America region was limited to -1.6%, with the growth in Financial Services, Consumer Good & Retail and TMT, more than offset by the weakness in the Manufacturing and Energy & Utilities sectors. Revenues in the United Kingdom and Ireland region grew +1.5%, supported by the good performance of the Energy & Utilities and Manufacturing sectors and to a lesser extent the growth in Financial Services. In France, the weakness in the Manufacturing, Consumer Goods & Retail and Energy & Utilities sectors led the revenue to decline -5.8%. Revenues in the Rest of Europe region were stable (+0.1%), driven by robust activity in the Public, Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors that offset the decline in the Manufacturing sector. Finally, revenues in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America region grew by +4.6% supported by the visible recovery in the Financial Services and Consumer Goods & Retail sectors, more than offsetting the weak Manufacturing and Energy & Utilities sectors.

    HEADCOUNT

    At December 31, 2024, the Group’s total headcount stood at 341,100, slightly up by +0.2% year-on-year and +0.7% compared to the end of September 2024.

    The onshore workforce decreased by -1.1% at 144,200 employees, while the offshore workforce was up by +1.2% to 196,900 employees, i.e., 58% of the total headcount.

    ESG PERFORMANCE

    In 2024, Capgemini demonstrated continued leadership in corporate responsibility by making significant advancements aligned with its ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) policy and commitments.

    From an environmental standpoint, Capgemini set ambitious near-term (2030) and long-term (2040) carbon reduction targets in 2022, including a 90% reduction in all emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2040 to reach its “net zero emissions” targets as validated by the SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative). At the end of 2024, the Group had reduced its absolute emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 35% compared to 2019. Reflecting the commitment to 100% renewable electricity (RE100) by 2025, Capgemini’s scope 1 and 2 emissions have decreased by 93% since 2019. The share of renewable energy in the Group’s electricity consumption reached 98% last year up from 96% in 2023.

    In human capital development, Capgemini continued to invest in its talent in 2024. The average number of learning hours per employee trained reached 77 hours last year, significantly up notably with the expansion of the generative AI training program.

    The Group also made notable progress in gender balance, nearing its global objective of 40% by 2025. By the end of 2024, women comprised 39.7% of the total workforce, up by almost 1 point year-on-year and almost 7 points since 2019. The proportion of women among executive leadership positions globally reached 29.0%, up by almost 3 points year-on-year and more than 12 points since 2019.

    The scale of impact through digital inclusion initiatives also extended greatly in 2024. Overall, the Group’s various programs and partnerships with leading non-profit organizations benefited almost 3.2 million individuals in 2024.

    In recognition of this continued progress, the Group was confirmed as a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Europe and maintained its position on the “A list” in the 2024 CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) assessment.

    OUTLOOK

    The Group’s financial targets for 2025 are:

    • Revenue growth of -2.0% to +2.0% at constant currency;
    • Operating margin of 13.3% to 13.5%;
    • Organic free cash flow of around €1.9 billion.

    CONFERENCE CALL

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Nive Bhagat, Chief Financial Officer, will comment on this publication during a conference call in English to be held today at 8.00 a.m. Paris time (CET). You can follow this conference call live via webcast at the following link. A replay will also be available for a period of one year.

    All documents relating to this publication will be posted on the Capgemini investor website at https://investors.capgemini.com/en/.

    PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

    April 29, 2025        Q1 2025 revenues
    May 7, 2025        Shareholders’ meeting
    July 30, 2025        H1 2025 results
    October 28, 2025        Q3 2025 revenues

    The dividend payment schedule to be submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting for approval would be:

    May 20, 2025        Ex-dividend date on Euronext Paris
    May 22, 2025        Payment of the dividend

    DISCLAIMER

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements may include projections, estimates, assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations and services and product development, as well as statements, regarding future performance or events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “should” or the negatives of these terms and similar expressions. Although Capgemini’s management currently believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, risks identified in Capgemini’s Universal Registration Document available on Capgemini’s website), because they relate to future events and depend on future circumstances that may or may not occur and may be different from those anticipated, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Capgemini. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed in, implied by or projected by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not intended to and do not give any assurances or comfort as to future events or results. Other than as required by applicable law, Capgemini does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

    This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    ABOUT CAPGEMINI

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    * *

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    APPENDIX3F2

    BUSINESS CLASSIFICATION

    • Strategy & Transformation includes all strategy, innovation and transformation consulting services.
    • Applications & Technology brings together “Application Services” and related activities and notably local technology services.
      • Operations & Engineering encompasses all other Group businesses. These comprise Business Services (including Business Process Outsourcing and transaction services), all Infrastructure and Cloud services, and R&D and Engineering services.

    DEFINITIONS

    Organic growth or like-for-like growth in revenues is the growth rate calculated at constant Group scope and exchange rates. The Group scope and exchange rates used are those for the reported period. Exchange rates for the reported period are also used to calculate growth at constant exchange rates.

    Reconciliation of growth rates Q1
    2024    		 Q2
    2024    		 Q3
    2024    		 Q4
    2024    		 FY
    2024
    Organic growth -3.6% -2.3% -2.1% -1.5% -2.4%
    Changes in Group scope +0.3 pts +0.4 pts +0.5 pts +0.4 pts +0.4 pts
    Growth at constant exchange rates -3.3% -1.9% -1.6% -1.1% -2.0%
    Exchange rate fluctuations -0.2 pts +0.4 pts -0.3 pts +0.5 pts +0.1 pts
    Reported growth -3.5% -1.5% -1.9% -0.6% -1.9%

    When determining activity trends by business and in accordance with internal operating performance measures, growth at constant exchange rates is calculated based on total revenues, i.e., before elimination of inter-business billing. The Group considers this to be more representative of activity levels by business. As its businesses change, an increasing number of contracts require a range of business expertise for delivery, leading to a rise in inter-business flows.

    Operating margin is one of the Group’s key performance indicators. It is defined as the difference between revenues and operating costs. It is calculated before “Other operating income and expenses” which include amortization of intangible assets recognized in business combinations, expenses relative to share-based compensation (including social security contributions and employer contributions) and employee share ownership plan, and non-recurring revenues and expenses, notably impairment of goodwill, negative goodwill, capital gains or losses on disposals of consolidated companies or businesses, restructuring costs incurred under a detailed formal plan approved by the Group’s management, the cost of acquiring and integrating companies acquired by the Group, including earn-outs comprising conditions of presence, and the effects of curtailments, settlements and transfers of defined benefit pension plans.

    Normalized net profit is equal to profit for the year (Group share) adjusted for the impact of items recognized in “Other operating income and expense”, net of tax calculated using the effective tax rate. Normalized earnings per share is computed like basic earnings per share, i.e., excluding dilution.

    Organic free cash flow is equal to cash flow from operations less acquisitions of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets (net of disposals) and repayments of lease liabilities, adjusted for cash out relating to the net interest cost.

    Net debt (or net cash) comprises (i) cash and cash equivalents, as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (consisting of short-term investments and cash at bank) less bank overdrafts, and also including (ii) cash management assets (assets presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position due to their characteristics), less (iii) short- and long-term borrowings. Account is also taken of (iv) the impact of hedging instruments when these relate to borrowings, intercompany loans, and own shares.

    RESULTS BY REGION

      Revenues   Year-on-year growth   Operating margin rate
      2024
    (in millions of euros)    		   reported at constant exchange rates   2023 2024
    North America 6,188   -4.2% -4.1%   15.6% 16.5%
    United Kingdom and Ireland 2,753   +1.6% -1.0%   18.6% 19.7%
    France 4,380   -3.5% -3.5%   12.6% 10.2%
    Rest of Europe 6,851   +0.2% +0.1%   11.7% 12.0%
    Asia-Pacific and Latin America 1,924   -2.6% -0.3%   12.2% 12.4%
    TOTAL 22,096   -1.9% -2.0%   13.3% 13.3%

    RESULTS BY BUSINESS

      Total revenues*   Year-on-year growth
      2024
    (% of Group revenues)    		   At constant exchange rates in Total revenues* of the business
    Strategy & Transformation 9%   +3.2%
    Applications & Technology 62%   -2.1%
    Operations & Engineering 29%   -2.1%

    SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT AND OPERATING MARGIN

    (in millions of euros) 2023 2024 Change
    Revenues 22,522 22,096 -1.9%
    Operating expenses (19,531) (19,162)  
    Operating margin 2,991 2,934 -1.9%
    as a % of revenues 13.3% 13.3% 0bp
    Other operating income and expenses (645) (578)  
    Operating profit 2,346 2,356 +0.4%
    as a % of revenues 10.4% 10.7% +30bp
    Net financial expenses (42) 13  
    Income tax income/(expense) (626) (681)  
    Share of profit of associates and joint-ventures (10) (11)  
    (-) Non-controlling interests (5) (6)  
    Profit for the period, Group share 1,663 1,671 +0.5%

    NORMALIZED AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

    (in millions of euros) 2023 2024 Change
    Average number of shares outstanding 171,350,138 170,201,409 -0.7%
    BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in euros) 9.70 9.82 +1.2%
    Diluted average number of shares outstanding 177,396,346 176,375,256  
    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in euros) 9.37 9.47 +1.1%
           
    (in millions of euros) 2023 2024 Change
    Profit for the period, Group share 1,663 1,671 +0.5%
    Effective tax rate 27.2% 28.8%  
    (-) Other operating income and expenses, net of tax 469 412  
    Normalized profit for the period 2,132 2,083 -2.3%
    Average number of shares outstanding 171,350,138 170,201,409 -0.7%
    NORMALIZED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in euros) 12.44 12.23 -1.7%

    CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND ORGANIC FREE CASH FLOW

    (in millions of euros) 2023 2024
    Net cash from operating activities 2,525 2,526
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net of disposals (254) (310)
    Net interest cost (11) 37
    Repayments of lease liabilities (297) (292)
    ORGANIC FREE CASH FLOW 1,963 1,961
    Other cash flows from (used in) investing and financing activities (2,126) (2,788)
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (163) (827)
    Effect of exchange rate fluctuations (115) 97
    Opening cash and cash equivalents 3,795 3,517
    Closing cash and cash equivalents 3,517 2,787

    NET DEBT

    (in millions of euros) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
    Cash and cash equivalents 3,536 2,789
    Bank overdrafts (19) (2)
    Cash and cash equivalents 3,517 2,787
    Cash management assets 161 268
    Long-term borrowings (5,071) (4,281)
    Short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts (675) (863)
    (-) Bank overdrafts 19 2
    Borrowings, excluding bank overdrafts (5,727) (5,142)
    Derivative instruments 2 (20)
    NET CASH / (NET DEBT) (2,047) (2,107)

    ESG PERFORMANCE

      Objectives Key Performance Indicators 2019
    (baseline)    		 2023 2024 Change vs. 2019 2025 Objective 2030 Objective (vs 2019)
    Environment Be carbon neutral for our own operations no later than 2025 and across our supply chain by 2030, and committed to becoming a net zero business by 2040 Scope 1 & 2 – Absolute emissions (ktCO₂e) 154.1 13.6 11.2 -93%   -80%
    Scope 3 – Employee commuting emissions per headcount (tCO₂e/head) 1.08 0.50 0.55 -49%   -55%
    Scope 3 – Business travel emissions per headcount (tCO₂e/head) 1.26 0.50 0.48 -62%   -55%
    Scope 3 – Purchased goods and services (ktCO₂e) 305.7 352.1 301.5 -1%   -50%
    Transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2025, and electric vehicles by 2030 % of electricity from renewables 28% 96% 98% +70pts 100%  
    Social Increase average learning hours per employee by 5% every year to ensure regular lifelong learning Average Completed Learning Hours per headcount trained during the reporting period 41.9 53.8 77.4 +85%    
    40% of women in our teams by 2025 % of women in the workforce 33.0% 38.8% 39.7% +6.7pts 40%  
    5m beneficiaries supported by our digital inclusion programs by 2030 Cumulated number of beneficiaries since 2018 29,012 4.4m 7.5m     5m
    Governance 30% of women in Group executive leadership positions in 2025 % of women in Group executive leadership positions 16.8% 26.2% 29.0% +12.2pts 30%  
    Maintain over 80% of the workforce with an Ethics score of 7-10 % of the headcount with an Ethics score of 7-10   86% 85%   >80% >80%
    Be recognized as a front leader in data protection and cybersecurity Cyber Rating agencies – CyberVadis score   958 977   940-950
    out of 1,000
    DPO certification   72% 76%   95%  

    Note: in the table above, 2024 data may include some estimates and some historical data points have been restated to ensure comparability.

    1 Audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed. The auditors are in the process of issuing their report.
    2 Note that in the appendix, certain totals may not equal the sum of amounts due to rounding adjustments.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Asia-Pacific falling behind on sustainable development and climate targets

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    SDGs

    The Asia-Pacific region is significantly off track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with most targets either stalled or off pace – despite ongoing efforts, according to a new UN report.

    The 2025 SDG Progress Report from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched on Tuesday, also revealed persistent data gaps which are limiting policymakers’ ability to address key challenges.

    “Without urgent action to accelerate progress, many of the Goals will remain out of reach,” Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, said in a foreword to the report.

    Challenges mounting

    The report found that responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), quality education (Goal 4) and decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) are severely off track.

    Key drivers of this stagnation include increases in fossil fuel subsidies, poor proficiency in reading and maths, and unsustainable production patterns, according to the report.

    Of most concern, climate action (Goal 13) witnessed an “alarming regression”, driven by the region’s vulnerability to disasters and continued greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which account for half of global pollution.

    Environmental sustainability remained a major roadblock, with land degradation and declining economic benefits from sustainable fisheries hampering progress on life below water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15).

    The report also highlighted persistent data gaps as a key challenge.

    While data availability has improved slightly, with some 54 per cent of indicators now having at least two data points – a slight increase from the previous year – there are still significant blind spots in measuring progress across different population groups, including by age, migratory status, disability, and gender.

    Some progress

    The region also recorded progress in some areas, such as in Goal 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 3 (health and well-being), with progress driven by expanded access to mobile networks and remarkable improvements in maternal, infant and child health.

    The report also highlighted promising examples of regional cooperation and innovation.

    “Shared commitment and collaboration can yield transformative results,” said Ms. Alisjahbana, emphasising the need for a whole-of-society approach to achieving the SDGs.

    However, with just five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, achieving the SDGs will require bold action, strengthened political leadership, and significant investments in sustainable development.

    “Nothing short of the most urgent acceleration of progress will close the gap,” Ms. Alisjahbana underscored.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: University Research – Pressure on Adelaide dolphins and other marine species across southern Australia – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    Marine scientists are calling for more focused management strategies and further interventions to secure the future of marine ecosystems and key fish species, as well as ‘near threatened’ dolphins and shellfish species around South Australia’s coastline.

    With ongoing pressure from human activities and climate change, three new research articles led by Flinders University experts have warned of the need for more research and regular monitoring to take into consideration rising pressure on marine ecosystems.

    Leading South Australian Whale & Dolphin Conservation scientist Dr Mike Bossley and his team have been tracking the local Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary for 34 years.

    Despite living in this highly urbanised estuary, these dolphins have shown remarkable resilience, say Flinders University researchers in a recent article in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

    The Flinders University Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) study of Dr Bossley’s long-term data highlighted a troubling population decline between 2012 and 2020.

    Fortunately recent dolphin sightings have stabilised in 2021-24, according to Dr Bossley’s observations.

    “Despite numerous environmental and anthropogenic disturbances, the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a shallow, protected area and it’s likely that the dolphins are continuing to use this area for its benefits,” says Kennadie Haigh, a PhD candidate at the Flinders College of Science and Engineering.

    “It’s important to focus conservation strategies on improving the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary ecosystem and  promoting connectivity to the surrounding waters to help secure the future of these dolphins.”

    The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is located in Port Adelaide and was established in 2005 with the intention to protect the dolphins and the habitat that sustains them.  

    The article, ‘Long-term demographic trends of near threatened coastal dolphins living in an urban estuary’ (2025) by Kennadie Haigh, Guido J Parra, Luciana Möller, Aude Steiner and Mike Bossley was published in Ecology and Evolution First published: 06 January 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70834

    Meanwhile, a second Flinders University study examined the historical exploitation of South Australian shellfish reefs – and calls for urgent interventions to restore native marine species for local ecosystem health.

    “Human and environmental stresses, as well as overfishing and dredge harvesting, have combined to significantly diminish our local multi-species shellfish reefs, which once covered more than 2600 square kilometres of the state’s coastline,” says PhD candidate Brad Martin.

    “Based on historical records, we documented 140 potential shellfish reef locations, and we estimate that over 43 million flat oysters were commercially harvested statewide between 1849 and 1915, prior to their functional extinction by the 1940s.

    “Shellfish reef decline was also influenced by environmental factors including drought and salinity issues, disease, heavy predation by marine species and sediment deposition from storms.”

    Researchers say the demise of these coastal features since colonisation should be reflected in future conservation and restoration efforts, to include these important native shellfish species in policy-setting and coastal management strategies

    See more, ‘Reviving shellfish reef socio-ecological histories for modern management and restoration’ (2025) by Brad Martin, Charlie Huveneers, Simon Reeves (The Nature Conservancy Australia) and Ryan Baring as published in Ocean and Coastal Management (Elsevier) DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107540.

    In a third article published in Environmental DNA , scientists at Flinders University and South Australia’s Department of Environment and Water conducted a study in collaboration with Parks Australia to assess the best method to detect fish communities in marine ecosystems, including remote regions of the Great Australian Bight.  

    Environmental DNA (eDNA) and Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) were assessed and compared across offshore seamounts and islands in SA’s Nuyts Archipelago marine park and the Commonwealth South West Marine Park Network.

    “Fish communities are critical indicators of ecosystem health, and comprehensive monitoring strategies are vital to effective management of marine fishes,” say Flinders University senior author Dr Michael Doane.

    The study found the two survey methods were effective and complementary in detecting different fish species.

    “By combining both methods, we gain a much fuller picture of fish communities,” says first author Ewan Burns. “eDNA excelled at detecting large pelagic species like white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), while BRUVS revealed more bottom-dwelling fish,” he says.

    This dual approach is particularly valuable in remote, challenging environments like the Great Australian Bight, where it enables monitoring of key species – both those of conservation concern with high economic value – while providing crucial insights into reef health, researchers add.

    The third article, ‘Complementary Non-invasive Fish Monitoring Distinguishes Depth-Dependent Fish Communities’ (2024) by Ewan Burns, Vijini Mallawaarachchi, Thomas M. Clarke, Belinda Martin, Joseph D DiBattista, Jamie Hicks, Danny Brock, Elizabeth A Dinsdale, Charlie Huveneers and Michael P Doane has been published in Environmental DNA (Wiley). DOI: 10.1002/edn3.70050 First published: 21 December 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70050

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, EPW Democrats Demand Answers After Trump Illegally Pulls Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, EPW Democrats Demand Answers After Trump Illegally Pulls Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

    California was set to receive $384 million from National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program over 5 years
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), joined all Democratic members of the Committee in demanding answers from Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy about the abrupt cutoff of funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation approved California’s five-year NEVI Deployment Plan on September 29, 2023, granting the state $384 million for critical zero-emission vehicle infrastructure along its highways, but the Trump Administration has illegally frozen the NEVI program.
    The NEVI program — included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — provides funding directly to states for installing public zero-emission vehicle charging stations, which would lower fuel costs for families, reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, and create construction jobs nationwide. In a memo to state departments of transportation, the Federal Highway Administration announced states will no longer have access to $3 billion in previously approved federal funds for future construction projects.
    “All 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico invested time and resources to prepare their plans, and all plans were approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape. It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation,” wrote the Senators. 
    “Unfortunately, your refusal to release NEVI funds to states is part of a larger, ongoing pattern by the Trump Administration of subverting the Constitution’s dedication to Congress of authority over federal spending,” continued the Senators. “As sweeping and vague as recent Executive Orders may be in expressing the administration’s policy preferences, they do not provide license under the Constitution to cut off funding for programs authorized and funded by Congress and enacted into law, and upon which our sovereign states have justifiably relied.”
    The NEVI program invests in states to accelerate the nationwide buildout of public zero-emission vehicle charging infrastructure. States have already awarded more than $510 million in NEVI funding to construct charging ports, with more contracts ready to move forward. By pulling this funding, the Trump Administration is jeopardizing planned construction that could establish charging stations every 50 miles along 70 percent of major travel corridors by the end of 2055. Canceling this funding would leave many families, particularly in rural communities, without access to affordable zero-emission vehicle chargers.
    Expanding access to reliable chargers will give Americans more choices in vehicles by making clean energy options more practical and by reducing dependence on expensive fossil-fueled cars. If implemented, NEVI investments will help curb the carbon pollution driving climate change, which poses an increasing threat to the U.S. economy and to American families through higher prices for groceries, insurance, and more.
    In addition to Senators Padilla and Schiff, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also signed the letter.
    The Senators requested documents and information by February 18, 2025, and an immediate reinstatement of NEVI funding.
    Senator Padilla has consistently fought to reduce emissions across the transportation and freight sectors. Last year, Padilla successfully pushed the Biden Administration to launch a National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy to guide the national deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty freight transportation vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and fueling infrastructure, which followed his efforts to call on the Joint Office to prioritize the deployment of ZE-MHDV as part of its core mission.
    Since 2024, Senator Padilla has announced over $440 million for zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program. In 2023, Padilla, Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Representative Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-Calif.-44) introduced the bicameral EVs for All Act, legislation that would increase access to zero-emission vehicles for residents of public housing across the nation.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Duffy,
    We write in strong opposition to your cutoff of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.  This action shows blatant disrespect for the law and for constitutional order.  
    Established in the bipartisan infrastructure law, the NEVI program provides funding for every state in the nation.  As a condition for using this funding, the Biden Administration required each state department of transportation to submit for approval an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan—a responsible step to encourage states to think carefully about how they spend their funds under this program.  All 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico invested time and resources to prepare their plans, and all plans were approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape.  It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation.
    Unfortunately, your refusal to release NEVI funds to states is part of a larger, ongoing pattern by the Trump Administration of subverting the Constitution’s delegation to Congress of authority over federal spending.  As sweeping and vague as recent Executive Orders may be in expressing the administration’s policy preferences, they do not provide license under the Constitution to cut off funding for programs authorized and funded by Congress and enacted into law, and upon which our sovereign states have justifiably relied.  
    For these reasons, we urge you to retract your February 6 letter and to implement the law according to your responsibilities.  In addition, in order to assist us in understanding how and why you reached this decision hastily and in blatant disregard of the law, please respond to the following questions and requests for production of documents by no later than February 18, 2025:
    1. On what legal grounds does the Department of Transportation (DOT) believe it has the authority to cancel all funding nationwide for the NEVI program?  Please cite to specific statutory or regulatory authority that permits DOT to cancel such a Congressionally-authorized appropriation.  We note that executive orders do not qualify as such statutory or regulatory authority, as they are neither statutes nor regulations.
    2. Did any individual or office within the White House, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” specifically instruct you to cancel funding for the NEVI program?  If so, who did?
    3. Please provide all emails dated November 5, 2024, through February 6, 2025, among and between you, DOT officials, the Trump-Vance Transition Team, the White House, Elon Musk, anyone working for or affiliated with the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” Russell Vought, and Office of Management and Budget officials—including but not limited to all “special government employees”—concerning the NEVI program.
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Love Our Lakes – How to be a happy camper around our lakes

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    “In some more remote places we’ve seen a few bits and pieces, but otherwise we haven’t seen much rubbish at all,” said Jack and Sarah, campervan tourists from Australia who’d parked up at Lake Takapō as part of a three-week South Island road trip.

    Caroline and David, from Germany, had their van parked up near Lake Ruataniwha at the southern side of Twizel.

    “In Germany, it’s super important to take care of the environment,” they said.

    “So, it’s cool to see the same thing happening here. The scenery here is crazy by the way.”

    Katrien and Femke, Dutch friends travelling near Lake Takapō, said their stay had been “super clean and nice to experience”.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lower Waihao community water supply – update

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Our compliance staff are active on the ground in Lower Waihao following elevated nitrate concentrations in a rural water scheme last year.

    The ‘do not drink’ notice for the Morven, Glenavy, and Ikawai water scheme, including Waikakahi East, was lifted on December 18 after nitrate levels were successfully reduced.

    On 2 December 2024 nitrate concentrations in the Lower Waihao rural community supply well exceeded the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 50mg/l.

    The MAV of 50mg/l for nitrate in drinking water in New Zealand is set by Taumata Arowai, the regulator of water services in New Zealand. This aligns with guidelines set by the World Health Organisations (WHO).

    The immediate issue was resolved when Waimate District Council facilitated a temporary alternative supply from the Waitaki River to mix with and dilute the water in the scheme.

    This reduced the nitrate concentration in the supply to be below the MAV. The ‘do not drink’ notice was lifted on 18 December. They have since stopped using the alternative supply.

    As of Friday 7 February, the scheme recorded a nitrate concentration of 33mg/l. A longer-term solution is currently being worked through.

    Our compliance mahi

    We conducted compliance visits at key properties in late 2024 and continue to work with landowners in the region to ensure there are no obvious point sources of nitrates and to check that landowners are following the conditions of their resource consent.

    We are focused on ongoing compliance and consents work to implement the Land and Water Regional Plan, as well as land management work to improve on the ground practices.

    Compliance officers conducted all priority site visits in late 2024. They continue to visit other relevant sites and complete compliance monitoring reports following these visits. Our land management advisors are also working directly with landowners in the region to ensure they are following the conditions of their resource consent.

    We are also working with the local irrigation scheme’s members to ensure the necessary consents are in place.

    In terms of the cause of the elevated nitrate concentrations, no single source was found for this specific event, and we don’t believe there would be a single source of nitrates that would account for the increased concentrations seen in December.

    Private well users should check their supply

    Private well users were advised that it remains their responsibility to test water quality to ensure it was safe to drink. We have information available about testing private wells and drinking water safety.

    Communication with the community

    Waimate District Council continues to update its ratepayers on the issue and we will provide updates through its website and to relevant authorities and community groups.

    Te Rūnanga o Waihao is being kept up-to-date directly by our compliance team.

    Factors affecting nitrate concentration

    In late 2024, several heavy rainfall events in the area caused nitrate in the soil to get flushed down to the groundwater flows causing increased nitrate concentration.
    The Lower Waihao supply well is very shallow at 4 metres, and shallow groundwater is prone to contamination from upgradient land use.

    Local land use consists of intensive farming and related rural discharges (both from animal and human origin), which are known nitrate sources.

    Previous updates

    Update: 18 December 2024

    The cease water consumption notice for the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (including Waikakahi East) has been lifted.

    Nitrate levels have been reduced and Waimate District Council have advised consumers on this scheme they can once again use water for drinking and cooking.

    This does not apply to private wells. If you source your drinking water from a private well, it remains your responsibility to test water quality to ensure it’s safe to drink.

    Private wells can still have high nitrate concentrations, despite the above-mentioned scheme now being declared safe to drink from.

    Update: 3 December 2024

    We have been advised by Waimate District Council that nitrate concentrations in the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (including Waikakahi East) have now exceeded drinking water standards.

    Waimate District Council is now providing alternative water for residents in this scheme.

    This increase follows three large rainfall events over October and November that have caused nitrate in the soil to get ‘flushed’ down to the groundwater flows.

    The Lower Waihao drinking water supply is a shallow groundwater well, located in an area of intensive farming. This means that heavy rainfall in the area can impact nitrate concentrations.

    Our monitoring has shown nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater in the area to be increasing over the past 20 to 30 years.

    We are supporting Waimate District Council with this issue. This includes encouraging private well owners outside the drinking water scheme to test their water if they use it for drinking.

    We are committed to taking further steps to improve water quality in this area. As the land use activity regulator, we have boosted our compliance monitoring in the region to ensure potential sources of nitrate are being well-managed.

    This includes on-farm visits to monitor dairy effluent consents in the catchment and checking on permitted activities to ensure they are being carried out within plan limits. We are also working with the local irrigation company on its consenting requirements.

    Find out more

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Action Plan funding helps children grow vegetables

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    The aim is for tamariki (children) to be able to grow vegetables and plants all year round and make food in classes, demonstrating ‘garden to plate’ learning. The native plants grown will be used for the school’s riparian planting projects. 

    The school would like to eventually provide produce to food banks, and to families within the school community who need support.

    This is one of several projects supported by the latest round of Selwyn Waihora ZCAP funding.

    Just under $1,300 will go towards equipment such as an irrigation pipe and attachments, the hiring of a trenching machine (to bury the pipes) and a garden shed to act as a pump house. 

    Principal Elizabeth Coyle says the school was set up with a vision to develop an environmental awareness amongst ākonga (students).

    “We’ve achieved great things already and wish to keep the momentum going to help tamariki reach their full potential in this space.

    “This project will certainly help with that, and we’re grateful to the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee for backing this important mahi.”

    Vegetables and plants growing inside the tunnel house

    Water zone committee Action Plan funding

    Each water zone committee was allocated $50,000 this financial year. The committees make funding recommendations on projects in their zone that benefit the environment or engage the community on environmental issues.   

    This support in turn helps the committees meet the goals in their Action Plans – which outline their tactics for delivering on the targets of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.  

    Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee’s Action Plan priorities are:   

    • enhancing mahinga kai, biodiversity and recreation opportunities 
    • raising awareness about the risks to private drinking water supplies  
    • supporting actions to restore Te Waihora to a healthy state  
    • facilitating actions to achieve catchment nutrient targets and water quality outcomes  
    • facilitating a community-wide approach to restore the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River back to a healthy state.

    Action Plan projects in Selwyn Waihora

    Rolleston Christian School’s project is one of six funded this year by the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee’s Action Plan.

    The other projects are:

    $10,000 in ZCAP funding will go towards controlling the willow and the other pest species before they become overly problematic. 

    Old Tai Tapu bush deer fence  

    Old Tai Tapu bush is a 6.5 hectare indigenous lowland forest, which is being devastated by fallow deer. 

    QEII National Trust is looking to fence 11,015 metres of bush to keep deer out, eliminate deer that are already in the bush, and undertake monitoring. The project will benefit from $12,762 in ZCAP funding. 

    Lincoln students discovery plant-out and monitoring days 

    This project is part of a greater effort to restore vegetation along the Huritini/Halswell Awa (river) in Ahuriri Reserve and other awa in Selwyn Waihora.

    A plant-out day for Te Kura o Tauhinu/Lincoln Primary students will be held, centred on a variety of activities to help the students learn about the positive effects of native species on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They’ll also look at the cultural uses of plants and certain species.

    A hands-on monitoring event for a school to check plant survival and measure biosecurity at a restoration site will also be organised. This will include a native bird count, a terrestrial invertebrate hunt, and aquatic and fish invertebrate investigations.

    $6,941 in funding will go towards the cost of running the two events. 

    The Fantail Trust native bird and plant sanctuary 

    This project will see the creation of a native bird and plant sanctuary in the Rakaia Gorge along the walkway.

    $2,500 in ZCAP funding will go towards the deployment of five AT220 traps in remote sites to help eliminate possums and rats. This is in addition to other traps already installed in the forest. The aim is to significantly improve the survival of native birds and invertebrates and enable the forest to regenerate and rejuvenate. 

    Committee delighted by high quality proposals

    Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee deputy chair Allanah Kidd says the projects will help improve freshwater and/or biodiversity outcomes. 

    “This was a highly competitive round which made allocations recommendations difficult” she said. 

    “As a committee we were delighted to see so many high-quality and worthy proposals put forward, and to be able to support a range of inspiring projects.”  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –