NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the agenda: the results of a working trip to the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts, writing off debt on budget loans to regions, and increasing the grace period for mortgage payments upon the birth of a second child.

    Opening remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:

    Good afternoon, dear colleagues!

    Before we move on to the agenda of today’s Government meeting, I would like to talk about the results of the trip to Omsk Oblast, which became the final point of our major working trip to the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts.

    The region is developing. Significant infrastructure is being actively built, including transport infrastructure, which is part of the high-speed automobile route “Russia” – from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. It is necessary to complete all planned work within the established deadlines.

    We visited several healthcare and educational facilities. We made a number of decisions on the hospital and clinic for war veterans so that participants in the special military operation could undergo treatment and recovery in comfortable conditions. Comprehensive support for our heroes is one of the key priorities of the Government.

    Agenda of the meeting

    Materials for the Government meeting on July 31, 2025

    We got acquainted with the course of the admission campaign at Omsk University. We will help with equipping its main building with educational equipment. We will allocate additional funds for major repairs of dormitories.

    The region presented its initiative to create an inter-university campus. The modern educational space will become a point of attraction for talented young people. This will be decided within the framework of the competition of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

    Participants of the meeting

    List of participants of the Government meeting, July 31, 2025

    In September, the first branch of a foreign university in our country, the Kazakh National University, will begin teaching students in Omsk. Almost everything is ready for its opening. We will continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of higher education and scientific research.

    In the Amur Region, we inspected how the reconstruction of the airport complex is being carried out, the expansion of the road that leads to the airport – the most important objects for the region and residents. Here I would ask, Vitaly Gennadyevich (addressing V. Savelyev), you, the Ministry of Transport to monitor the timing and progress of the work.

    We also visited the customs and logistics terminal and the checkpoint on the border with China – Kani-Kurgan. I know how Vitaly Gennadyevich was actively involved in this. This will be a model checkpoint, to which we distribute, among other things, technological solutions built on domestic software products.

    Completion of its construction will increase the volume of transportation on the new bridge crossing over the Amur River. This is only part, I will say again, of the large work on developing cross-border logistics. Almost 180 billion rubles have been allocated for the modernization of points in the next three years, taking into account the prospective trade turnover and priority areas for the country.

    The most important thing now is that plans for launching such facilities in the region and throughout the country as a whole are implemented clearly and on time.

    In the Trans-Baikal Territory, in Chita, a separate meeting was held on issues of grain export development.

    Our own production covers our domestic needs. Let me remind you that Russia is a world leader in wheat and barley supplies abroad. The potential is even higher. It is important to fully realize it. We will continue to support our farmers, expand port capacities, and create the necessary infrastructure for both storage and transportation of products.

    Oksana Nikolaevna (addressing O. Lut), I would like to ask you to create additional opportunities for domestic agricultural producers to enter foreign markets.

    I know there are a number of questions. I also want to tell the members of the Government that we need to help our exporters in this regard.

    This is also necessary to increase the competitiveness of our economy and to fulfill the task approved by the President to increase exports of the Russian agricultural sector.

    We also inspected the perinatal center in Chita. The national project “Family” provides for its re-equipment already this year. Equipment is being received so that both mothers and babies receive modern treatment.

    This work continues throughout the country. In just six years, advanced equipment will be delivered to 142 perinatal centers, including nine federal ones.

    In Transbaikalia, major repairs are also being carried out at medical institutions, and a number of new ones are being created.

    Mikhail Albertovich (addressing M. Murashko), as we agreed, we need to monitor the construction deadlines to ensure their timely opening. This is very important for people. We need to interact more actively with colleagues from the region in this area.

    Issues of improving healthcare infrastructure were also given attention during a working visit to the Altai Republic. There, under the national project “Long and Active Life”, a hospital admissions department was built using federal funds. High-tech medical care will become even more accessible to local residents. It is in demand there.

    With the head of this Russian subject, Andrey Anatolyevich Turchak, we discussed in detail the progress of the implementation of the individual program of socio-economic development, which, by decision of the President, was formed until 2030.

    We also looked separately at how projects that are important for people are being implemented, including those to strengthen transport connectivity. Roads, bridges, and crossings are being repaired. The airport is being modernized. This is also important given the significant growth in tourist flow to this region. Travelers come there from all over Russia and from abroad. In early July, a separate domestic terminal opened in Gorno-Altaisk, and last week, a new international one, in line with all standards. Its first visitors were guests of the International Environmental Conference, in which we took part.

    Together with our colleagues – heads of government of a number of countries, during the plenary session we exchanged a vision of joint work to protect the environment in the interests of the present and future generations. We will strengthen cooperation in this important area.

    In our country, environmental well-being has been approved by the President as one of the national goals. We will continue to do everything necessary to achieve it. First of all, if we list the priorities, this is the conservation of forests, water bodies, rare species of animals and plants, the development of protected areas. We will also continue to form a closed-loop economy.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources needs to expand cooperation with foreign partners in all these areas. Establish an exchange of best practices, create conditions for ecotourism – all the colleagues who spoke spoke about this – so that more people could see pristine nature.

    And I would also like to say that the topic of ecology and environmental protection is very important for our colleagues from the CIS countries.

    This topic is also relevant for the Altai Territory. We discussed this in detail with Governor Viktor Petrovich Tomenko. In the region, with the support of the federal budget, transport accessibility is being improved, and the infrastructure needed for travelers is being formed. Without a doubt, this work should be continued.

    Colleagues, I ask all area curators to constantly monitor how the implementation of projects is proceeding locally.

    I would like to separately mention one important issue that I discussed with the governors of the Amur Region and the Zabaikalsky Krai – emergency situations caused by forest fires.

    The situation has now stabilized. But the fight against the fire required the involvement of additional forces – specialists, heavy equipment, aviation. In connection with which, of course, the costs of the necessary measures have increased. An order has been prepared to provide almost 1.4 billion rubles to these regions, as well as to Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Republic of Buryatia. These funds will be used to compensate for the costs of extinguishing the fires.

    It is difficult to predict fire situations and their intensity accurately, but I ask the leadership of regions where such cases are not uncommon to pay special attention to prevention. There should be no threats to people’s health and safety. And at the same time, of course, it is necessary to monitor the efficiency of spending budget funds.

    On to another topic.

    Document

    The government has written off debt on budget loans to eight regions that have implemented infrastructure projects

    The government continues to stimulate economic development in Russian regions. To do this, we are reducing the financial burden, primarily for those who actively attract investment and build infrastructure. For them, on the instructions of the President, we have provided the opportunity to write off two-thirds of the debt on budget loans. The corresponding rules were adopted in February.

    Today, we will write off such loans for eight more regions in the amount of over 47.27 billion rubles. These are the republics of Kalmykia and Karelia, as well as the Voronezh, Kirov, Kemerovo, Moscow, Smolensk and Tver regions. They previously allocated funds for the implementation of national projects, improvement of housing and utilities, resettlement of citizens from dilapidated housing, support for industry and other purposes.

    Such a decision on debts should have a positive impact on the budget system of these territories, on the dynamics of their development, which will contribute to the fulfillment of many tasks, including social issues.

    And also – about supporting families with children. This is one of the key priorities of the Government’s work, which the head of state has repeatedly drawn attention to. A number of measures have been taken on his instructions. Today we will supplement them with another one.

    A bill has been prepared that is intended to reduce the burden on parents paying off a mortgage. Currently, when a child is born, the borrower is entitled to a six-month credit holiday if his or her income has decreased by more than 20%, and the costs of servicing the loan exceed 40% of average monthly income.

    Now, for those who have given birth to or adopted a second or subsequent child, the grace period will be increased to one and a half years. At the same time, interest on the principal debt will be charged only from the 7th to the 18th month. And they can be paid not immediately, but after the obligations under the current agreement are paid off. In equal parts and with the same frequency as before.

    This will support families during the most difficult period, when one of the parents is caring for a child and is unable to go to work. And of course, we expect that together with other current measures, this will affect the demographic situation in the country as a whole.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hunters and landowners called to action: National Wild Goat Hunting Competition returns

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 August 2025

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the environmental and agricultural damage caused by wild goats.

    Running from 1 August to 26 November 2025, the competition encourages hunters and landowners across Aotearoa New Zealand to tackle the growing wild goat population.

    Wild goats are prolific breeders and pose a serious threat to native biodiversity and farmland. This competition is a practical and rewarding way for communities to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the outdoors.

    Already, ten landowners have registered their interest with the competition to get help reducing wild goat numbers on their land. Many are motivated not just by wild goat control, but by the opportunity to support conservation.

    Doug Jacobs, an NZDA member, took part in the 2024 competition with a focus on hunting responsibly on private land.

    “I put up a light-hearted post on our local rural community Facebook page,” Doug says. “I mentioned the DOC/NZDA National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, my NZDA membership, and the protections that come with it. I also talked about the Landowner Assist process, which helps set clear ground rules between hunters and landowners.”

    The Landowner Assist process, developed by NZDA, with input from DOC, Federated Farmers, and Forestry Owners Association, provides a clear framework for safe and respectful hunting on private property. It covers access boundaries, carcass disposal, and meat handling ensuring transparency and trust. Landowners can view the Landowner Assist document online via the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition website to see how it works and what to expect.

    Doug’s post caught the attention of a landowner dealing with wild goats crossing over from a neighbouring property. “We met up and went through the Landowner Assist document together,” Doug explains. “We covered where I could hunt, what to do with the carcasses, and how we’d handle the meat. It was all very straightforward.”

    The landowner later told Doug that without the professional framework provided by NZDA and the Landowner Assist documentation, they wouldn’t have responded at all. That trust and clarity made all the difference.

    Just a week later, Doug had four goat tails to submit for the competition, nine kilograms of salami on the way, and plans for a few hearty curries. “It was a rewarding experience,” he says. “Not just for the meat, but for the connection it built and the contribution to managing a local wild goat problem.”

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is about more than just hunting. It’s about protecting native ecosystems, supporting farmers, and encouraging responsible community involvement.

    This year, the competition has the private landowner category open again. Landowners who register can be paired with vetted NZDA hunters and go in the draw to win over $3,200 worth of prizes from Bushnell and Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd.

    The hunter categories also have great prizes up for grabs, including gear from Hunting & Fishing NZ, thermal monoculars from Nocpix, a tent from M.I.A, binoculars from Bushnell, freeze dried meals from Real Meals, a wild goat hunt with the NZ Hunter crew, and more. There’s over $70,000 worth of prizes, it’s a great time to get involved.

    “We want to see wild goat hunting become a regular feature in the hunting calendar,” says Mike Perry, Wild Animals Manager at DOC.

    Thinking of entering this year’s comp? Entries are open from 1 August to 26 November. Whether you’re hunting on public land or teaming up with a local landowner, you never know where it might take you.

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is brought to you by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. It is supported by Federated Farmers of NZ, Hunting & Fishing NZ, and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority.

    Contact

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
    jawerner

    As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

    “We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”

    Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.

    To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts. 

    NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
    • Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
    • Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
    • Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:

    • Providing 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers across the state and to partners in the sandhills region;
    • Creating training for doctors and care teams to treat and prevent heat-related illnesses in farmworkers in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health;
    • Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies; and
    • Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.

    A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.

    “Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.

    Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.

    Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor. 

    NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:

    • Manténgase hidratado: beba mucha agua durante todo el día y no espere hasta que tenga sed para beber. Evite o reduzca el consumo de alcohol y cafeína.
    • Limite el tiempo al aire libre: evite la actividad al aire libre durante el tiempo más caluroso del día si es posible. Use ropa ligera y suelta y tome descansos frecuentes en la sombra o en el aire acondicionado.
    • Busque aire acondicionado: si no tiene aire acondicionado y la temperatura está más elevada que 95 grados, vaya a un edificio público donde hace más fresco.
    • Manténgase informado: suscríbase a las alertas de calor de NCDHHS y manténgase actualizado sobre los pronósticos meteorológicos locales para que pueda planificar actividades al aire libre de manera segura.

    La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:

    • Proporcionando 1,300 ventiladores de alta velocidad a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el estado y a los colaboradores en la región de Sandhills;
    • Creando capacitación para médicos y equipos de atención para tratar y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en trabajadores agrícolas en colaboración con la Oficina de Salud Rural de NCDHHS;
    • Distribuyendo materiales educativos a las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición al calor extremo que incluyen orientación sobre estrategias de prevención para el calor, además botellas de agua, toallas refrescantes y sombreros; y
    • Apoyando al Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte en la planificación y dirección del Programa cohorte de calor extremo para que los gobiernos locales y los colaboradores desarrollen un plan de acción contra el calor.
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ann Dale, Professor Emerita, Environment & Sustainability, Royal Roads University

    Simple things like avoiding chemical pesticides and leaving leaves where they fall can help make your garden a more welcoming environment for wildlife and support biodiversity. (Jeffrey Hamilton/Unsplash)

    Biodiversity is essential to mitigating and adapting to climate change, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and safeguarding the ecological functions that all living beings depend on for survival.

    There is little doubt that we are at a critical point in the loss of biodiversity in Canada with thousands of species currently in danger of disappearing, while global experts continue to warn about Earth’s ongoing sixth mass extinction.

    As a response to the cascading climate crisis, wildlife habitat gardens have grown in popularity. These are spaces designed to attract and sustain local wildlife, and include efforts such as rewilded meadows, pollinator patches, rain gardens, naturalized lawns and others.

    Cultivating a garden for biodiversity is not an all-in or nothing task. In fact, there is a wide range of simple actions anyone can take to regenerate and conserve biodiversity right at home.

    We are currently organizing a biodiversity public literacy campaign at the National Environmental Treasure, a people’s trust fund devoted to funding Canadian environmental organizations.

    Last year, we partnered with Prof. Nina-Marie Lister and the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University on their Bylaws for Biodiversity research, along with Nature Canada and FLAP Canada, to develop Gardening for Biodiversity resources.

    Supporting biodiversity in your garden

    Educational, ecologically informed signage can help interpret the garden for visitors. These signs serve as a practical tool to share gardening practices and highlight the garden’s environmental benefits with the community.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Together, we’ve created a series of free, fact-based guides to help people learn how to cultivate biodiversity and support for wildlife habitat in private gardens.

    This series currently includes four comprehensive booklets, each focusing on key aspects of biodiversity gardening:

    While there are plenty of great garden practices out there, these are five easy and impactful ways to boost biodiversity and cultivate a garden safe for urban wildlife, taken directly from our booklets.

    Use alternatives to pesticides

    Pesticides in your garden can harm beneficial insects and can be detrimental to the environment, wildlife and human health. Instead of using chemical-based pesticides, try natural alternatives like biopesticides, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps that can be just as effective.

    Likewise, attracting predatory insects and wildlife into your garden who will actively feed on the harmful pest is also an effective starting point as this is a process of pest-control that occurs naturally in healthy ecosystems.

    There are also DIY pesticides, such as sea salt spray, water-vinegar mixtures and coffee grounds.

    A rewilded habitat meadow featuring a selection of native wildflowers and habitat logs left to enrich the soil, support pollinators and offer seating for visitors.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Leave the leaves

    Decomposing plant litter, like fallen dead leaves, tree bark, needles and twigs, is an important component of maintaining soil health, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

    By choosing to leave the leaves in your garden, you will support the variety of species who overwinter in them, from bees and caterpillars, to butterflies, spiders and more.

    Prioritize pollinator-attractive plants

    In addition to pollination, insects are beneficial for a variety of other reasons including for pest control, seed dispersal and decomposition.

    The best way to attract insects largely depends on which insect you are trying to attract. But as a general rule, it is always a good practice to source plants locally and prioritize native species.

    Next best to native plants are benign ornamentals and non-natives. Cultivating a diverse range of flowers, especially native plants and herbs, promotes a resilient ecosystem. It also helps natives out-compete invasive species and to reverse the downward trends of mass species decline.



    Read more:
    How to fight Insectageddon with a garden of native plants

    Make your garden safe for birds

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects. Unfortunately, North American bird populations are experiencing a rapid decline due to habitat loss, degradation and other global pressures.

    Aadopting bird-safe gardening practices offers a powerful way to combat these threats and support biodiversity conservation on a local scale. Beyond core habitat elements, additional practices can enhance the garden’s appeal to birds.

    Organic gardening without pesticides or herbicides, keeping cats indoors, removing potential entanglement hazards and using bird-collision prevention markers on reflective surfaces can not only attract birds, but also ensure their safety as well.

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects.
    (Unsplash/Richard Bell)

    Advocate for biodiversity

    Although there’s been a growing movement toward more biodiversity-supporting practices, outdated municipal bylaws and enforcement policies continue to limit the potential of habitat gardens.

    These disputes over the scope and application of bylaws have brought attention to various legal contradictions and outcomes that negatively impact progress on biodiversity recovery, all the while undermining and negating related environmental objectives on private land.

    By advocating and encouraging your municipal leaders to adopt science-based biodiversity-supportive bylaws, you help to establish the legal frameworks and political agendas that directly impact long-term ecological health and promote sustainable development and the regeneration of biodiversity.

    Ann Dale receives funding from the CRC Secretariat, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Hewlett Foundation.

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

    – ref. Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-you-can-make-your-garden-a-safe-and-biodiverse-space-for-urban-wildlife-261151

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Georgiaville Pond

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are recommending people avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally present in bodies of water, but under certain environmental conditions will form harmful algae blooms?(HABs). All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

    Use caution in all areas of Georgiaville Pond as cyanobacteria HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies.?Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. ? Skin contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with cyanobacteria HABs because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.?

    If you or your pet come into contact with a cyanobacteria HAB:

    – Rinse your skin with clean water right away.

    – Shower and wash your clothes when you get home.

    – If your pet was exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur.

    – Call a vet if your pet shows signs of illness like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms within a day.

    – If you feel sick after contact, call a healthcare provider.

    Affected waters might look bright to dark green, with thick algae floating on the surface. It may resemble green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water.

    To report suspected cyanobacteria blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or?DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov?and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit:?www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Secures Over $70.3 Million for Louisiana in Latest FY 2026 Appropriations Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced he secured $70,286,000.00 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the latest Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations bills advanced by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects, included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Interior & Environment bills, fund critical infrastructure improvements across Louisiana.
    “To make Louisiana even better, we must fix outdated sewer systems, congested roadways, and aging infrastructure,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I worked to return our federal tax dollars, supporting communities in 14 different parishes with better roads, better sewer systems, and stronger infrastructure.”
    Since taking office, Cassidy has been one of the most effective U.S. Senators at directing federal dollars home to Louisiana, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee. In FY2024, Roll Call reported Cassidy was one of the top 20 senators in total funding secured for his state—and one of only five in that group who does not sit on the committee. That year, he secured a record $1.3 billion for Louisiana, the highest of any member of the state’s congressional delegation.
    This latest round of $70 million builds on the $49 million Cassidy announced earlier this month, bringing the total secured so far in FY2026 to over $115 million with more expected in the coming weeks.See below for a list of the funding secured by Senator Cassidy.

    Funding Amount
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $8,000,000.00
    Jefferson Parish
    This funding will support the West Bank Rail Alignment Project.

    $7,500,000.00
    City of Lafayette
    This funding will support Johnston Street Safety Mitigation and Enhancements.

    $7,000,000.00
    City of Kenner
    This funding will support stabilization and improvements to the city’s sewer and wastewater treatment plant.

    $6,500,000.00
    Nicholls State University
    This funding will support the Engineering Workforce Development Center in Thibodaux.

    $5,000,000.00
    Tangipahoa Parish
    This funding will support the Airport Road and Highway 3158 Roundabout Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Livingston Parish
    This funding will support the Browns Road Improvement Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    City of Covington
    This funding will support the US 190 Widening Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Baton Rouge
    This funding will support the McKinley Diversion Canal Retrofit Project.

    $5,000,000.00
    Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District
    This funding will support harbor and terminal district improvements.

    $5,000,000.00
    Ascension Parish
    This funding will support the Airline Highway Raising Project.

    $4,500,000.00
    City of Monroe
    This funding will support improvements to the Benoit Community Center.

    $2,000,000.00
    City of St. George
    This funding will support safety improvements along Burbank Drive.

    $1,700,000.00
    Chennault International Airport
    This funding will support their Hangar and Apron Development Project.

    $1,500,000.00
    University of New Orleans
    This funding will support upgrades to the Shea Penland Coastal Research Educational Facility.

    $1,500,000.00
    City of Lake Charles
    This funding will support the North Lake Charles Water Rehabilitation Project.

    $86,000.00
    Kisatchie National Forest
    This funding will support cooperative law enforcement in adjacent parishes (Grant, Vernon, Winn).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Emergency Ahead of Heavy Rainfall

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today will declare a State of Emergency for several New York counties and urges New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding, as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain today into Friday. Beginning this afternoon, torrential rain is forecast to impact downstate New York, primarily in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions. With the forecast enhanced to moderate risk, flash flooding becomes more likely with significant flooding possible. Flood Watches in Place for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon. Significant rainfall is also expected in the Southern Tier and Capital Regions. Roadway and rail travel will be impacted during the Thursday evening commute, and employers in the affected areas are recommended to release employers early to avoid long delays and ensure safe travel home.

    The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties. The State released non-essential employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties at 1:00 p.m.

    “I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

    A widespread one to three inches of rain is expected with locally higher totals up to five inches possible. Average rainfall rates of a half inch per hour are expected with rates of one to two inches likely. Isolated rates over two inches per hour are possible, most likely Thursday afternoon or evening. Most of the rain will fall in as little as three to six hours from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Up to two inches of rain may impact the Southern Tier, Capital Region, and Upper Mid-Hudson Regions.

    The Thursday evening commute will be impacted with areas of flash flooding possible and minor to moderate water level rises could occur on some waterways. Some roads may become impassable from flooding, most likely around underpasses and roads with little or no drainage. The heaviest rainfall rates may be capable of producing subway flooding and overwhelming NYC sewers. Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.

    Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

    New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM is in enhanced monitoring status and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated the State Fire Operations Center.

    Water rescue teams from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation are staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties.

    State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation

    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,428 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,430 large dump trucks
    • 337 large loaders
    • 92 chippers
    • 87 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 28 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority

    The Thruway Authority has 669 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. VMS and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 337 Large and Small Dump Trucks
    • 63 Loaders
    • 31 Trailers
    • 5 Vac Trucks
    • 14 Excavators
    • 8 Brush Chippers
    • 99 Chainsaws
    • 24 Aerial Trucks
    • 22 Skid Steers
    • 86 Portable Generators
    • 65 Portable Light Units

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

    Department of Public Service

    New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. The utilities will work with the local, county, and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police

    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation

    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    DEC swift water teams are activated and pre-staged in the Hudson Valley.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.

    Customers are encouraged to check mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time. Motorists who use the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.

    Before and During the Storm

    • Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground
    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
    • Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
    • Do not touch downed power lines
    • Keep your phone charged
    • Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

    After Flood Waters Have Receded

    • Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
    • If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
    • Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
    • Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
    • Do not touch downed power lines.

    For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Questions Senior USDA Official on Reorganization Proposal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, submitted questions for the record to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden following a committee hearing on USDA’s reorganization proposal Wednesday.

    In his questions, Grassley asked Vaden to explain why Congress was not notified or consulted about the plan ahead of the announcement. He requested the agency share its view on the role of Congress in the reorganization process, including possible consultation on decisions like USDA hub locations.

    Grassley highlighted the impact of USDA’s presence in Ames, including the Agriculture Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center, which is a world leader in animal health research, and the National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment, which leads cutting edge research on watershed management and soil health. Grassley asked if the agency plans to move any positions or projects to Ames.

    Senators submit Questions For the Record (QFRs) to hearing witnesses to receive detailed, written responses.

    The following are Grassley’s questions:

    1. Why was Congress not notified or consulted of plans for the reorganization despite so many in Congress supporting these plans?
    2. Will there be any flexibility for Congress to weigh in on the hubs that have been designated, the movement of positions to certain locations, or the vacating of certain properties such as the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?
    3. Ames, Iowa is home to the Agriculture Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center and the National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment among others. Will USDA move any positions or projects to Ames, Iowa?
    4. What do you see as Congress’s role in this process? Will there be closer consultation with Congress moving forward?

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Flow Traders 2Q 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Flow Traders 2Q 2025 Results

    Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) announces its unaudited 2Q 2025 results.

    Highlights

    • Flow Traders recorded Net Trading Income of €143.4m and Total Income of €143.9m in 2Q25, an increase of 80% and 89% when compared to €79.5m and €76.2m in 2Q24, respectively.
    • Flow Traders’ ETP Value Traded increased by 42% in 2Q25 to €492bn from €347bn in 2Q24.
    • Fixed Operating Expenses were €49.8m in the quarter, an increase of 15% when compared to the €43.1m in 2Q24, due mostly to increased Employee and Other expenses.
    • Total Operating Expenses were €76.0m in 2Q25, an increase of 40% when compared to the €54.3m in 2Q24, due mostly to higher variable employee expenses.
    • EBITDA was €68.0m in the quarter, an increase of 210% when compared to €21.9m in 2Q24. EBITDA margin was 47% in 2Q25 vs. 29% in 2Q24.
    • Net Profit came in at €51.3m in 2Q25, yielding a basic EPS of €1.18 and diluted EPS of €1.16, a 295% increase compared to a Net Profit of €13.0m, basic EPS of €0.30, and diluted EPS of €0.29 in 2Q24.
    • Trading Capital stood at €831m at the end of 2Q25, a 33% and 4% increase from €624m and €803m at the end of 2Q24 and 1Q25, respectively, and generated a 75% return on average trading capital1.
    • Shareholders’ equity was €821m at the end of 2Q25, compared to €638m at the end of 2Q24 and €787m at the end of 1Q25.
    • Flow Traders employed 607 FTEs at the end of 2Q25, compared to 594 at the end of 2Q24 and 619 at the end of 1Q25.

    Leadership Update

    In a separate release today, Flow Traders announced that Thomas Spitz will join Flow Traders on 1 September 2025 and be nominated as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Flow Traders Board, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. In his role as Chief Executive Officer, Thomas will be responsible for executing Flow Traders’ strategic agenda, which includes the Company’s growth and diversification strategy and Trading Capital Expansion Plan.

    Financial Overview

    €million 2Q25 2Q24 Change 1H25 1H24 Change
    Net trading income 143.4 79.5 80% 283.6 206.6 37%
    Other income 0.5 (3.3) – (4.6) (0.8) –
    Total income 143.9 76.2 89% 279.0 205.8 36%
    Revenue by region2            
    Europe 78.7 48.6 62% 158.6 117.0 35%
    Americas 30.2 13.4 125% 41.7 54.7 (24%)
    Asia 35.1 14.2 147% 78.8 34.1 131%
    Fixed employee expenses 23.4 20.4 15% 47.7 41.1 16%
    Technology expenses 16.8 16.8 0% 34.2 32.6 5%
    Other expenses 9.5 5.9 61% 18.6 13.6 37%
    Fixed operating expenses 49.8 43.1 15% 100.5 87.2 15%
    Variable employee expenses 26.2 11.2 134% 48.2 35.0 38%
    Total operating expenses 76.0 54.3 40% 148.7 122.2 22%
    EBITDA 68.0 21.9 210% 130.3 83.6 56%
    Interest expenses 0.4 0.1 321% 0.9 0.1 738%
    Lease expenses 0.5 0.6 (21%) 1.0 1.1 (15%)
    Depreciation & amortisation 5.0 4.4 13% 9.7 8.7 12%
    (Reversal of) Impairment of intangible assets3 (2.5) – N/A 8.0 – N/A
    Profit/(loss) on equity-accounted investments (1.1) (0.2) 359% (2.9) (0.6) 369%
    Profit before tax 63.5 16.6 283% 107.8 73.0 48%
    Tax expense 12.3 3.6 238% 20.3 14.2 43%
    Net profit 51.3 13.0 295% 87.5 58.8 49%
    Basic EPS4 (€) 1.18 0.30 293% 2.01 1.36 49%
    Fully diluted EPS4 (€) 1.16 0.29 294% 1.98 1.33 49%
    EBITDA margin 47% 29%   47% 41%  

    Revenue by Region

    €million 2Q23 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24 1Q25 2Q25
    Europe 33.1 33.6 42.6 68.4 48.6 70.2 86.9 79.9 78.7
    Americas 9.3 22.0 18.1 41.3 13.4 20.8 18.2 11.4 30.2
    Asia 9.0 12.1 13.6 19.9 14.2 23.6 53.8 43.7 35.1

    Value Traded Overview

    €billion 2Q25 2Q24 Change 1H25 1H24 Change
    Flow Traders ETP Value Traded 492 347 42% 999 755 32%
    Europe 220 147 49% 465 300 55%
    Americas 233 177 32% 446 406 10%
    Asia 39 23 71% 88 50 76%
    Flow Traders non-ETP Value Traded 1200 1,132 6% 2,418 2,278 6%
    Flow Traders Value Traded 1,692 1,479 14% 3,417 3,034 13%
    Equity 918 754 22% 1,928 1,573 23%
    FICC 680 677 0% 1,305 1369 (5%)
    Other 94 48 98% 184 92 99%
    Market ETP Value Traded5 16,509 11,014 50% 30,934 22,993 35%
    Europe 835 583 43% 1,717 1,178 45%
    Americas 13,214 9,090 45% 24,278 19,054 27%
    Asia 2,460 1,341 83% 4,938 2,761 79%
    Asia ex China 632 444 42% 1,277 883 45%

    Trading Capital

      2Q23 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24 1Q25 2Q25
    Trading Capital (€m) 574 585 584 609 624 668 775 803 831
    Return on Avg Trading Capital1 65% 56% 49% 50% 58% 62% 69% 68% 75%
    Average VIX7 16.7 15.1 15.4 13.9 14.2 17.1 17.3 18.5 23.6

    Market Environment

    Europe

    Equity trading volumes in the quarter across major exchanges saw low double-digit percentage point increases when compared to the same period a year ago, but declined slightly compared to the first quarter. Market volatility increased by mid double-digit percentage points when compared to both the same period a year ago and low double-digits compared to the first quarter. However, a substantial portion of the increase in market activity, in terms of both volume and volatility, was seen in the first half of April, with activity returning to more normal levels in May and June.

    Within Fixed Income, market trading volumes increased compared to the same period a year ago but declined when compared to the first quarter.

    Americas

    Equity trading volumes in the U.S. increased by low double-digit percentage points when compared to the same period a year ago, and high single-digits to low double-digits when compared to the first quarter. Market volatility increased by high double-digit percentage points year-on-year and low double-digits quarter-on-quarter.

    Within Fixed Income, market trading volumes increased slightly when compared to the same period a year ago, but declined slightly when compared to the first quarter. Market volatility was relatively flat both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

    Asia

    Equity trading volumes in Asia were mixed as Hong Kong and China saw significant increases when compared to the same period a year ago, but slight declines when compared to the first quarter, while Japan saw slight increases both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. Market volatility increased in Hong Kong and China when compared to the same period a year ago and was relatively flat when compared to the first quarter. Japan saw an increase in volatility both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

    Digital Assets

    Within Digital Assets, which trades across regions on a 24/7 basis, trading volumes in cryptocurrencies saw a slight increase when compared to the same period a year ago but a meaningful decline when compared to the first quarter. Volatility decreased meaningfully both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

    Outlook

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

    CEO Statement

    Mike Kuehnel, CEO
    “Flow Traders posted another strong set of results in the second quarter, delivering the fourth straight quarter of triple-digit NTI for the first time in the Company’s history. In addition, the fifth triple-digit NTI quarter in the last six quarters serves as strong validation of our growth and diversification strategy. The Company was able to deliver solid results through periods of mostly below average market volatility throughout most of 2024 with strong contributions from Digital Assets. We then had strong contributions from Asia in the second half of 2024, and now from Europe and the Americas in the first half of 2025. We continue to reap the rewards of our eight-year investment into Digital Assets as it has proven to be a dependable countercyclical offset to the traditional asset classes.

    The second quarter saw a sharp increase in volatility in traditional asset classes, particularly in Equity, after nearly two years of relatively muted activity. While the rebound in volumes and volatility we saw in early April was not nearly as extreme and was relatively short-lived when compared to COVID, we were able to leverage the additional profits retained as part of the Trading Capital Expansion Plan. We were able to capture the opportunities that arose and record one of the best months ever in the Company’s history. The return of market activity on the back of continued record ETP fund inflows around the world drove improved performance across all regions, particularly in the Americas and Asia. We are especially excited about the significant opportunity in China, where trading volumes have doubled vs. a year ago and is now two-to-three times the volumes seen in Europe.

    In Digital Assets, trading volumes declined quarter-on-quarter as traditional asset classes garnered more attention given the tariff news headlines. Nevertheless, we continue to see positive sentiment shifts as institutional interests grow amidst a more conducive regulatory environment. The ecosystem around digital assets continues to expand, as evidenced by a raft of digital asset-related IPOs. We are particularly excited about the regulatory approval of AllUnity, our partnership with DWS and Galaxy Digital, which will launch a MiCAR-compliant Euro-denominated stablecoin later this year. As one of the earliest adopters of digital assets, Flow Traders remains instrumental in providing liquidity to this asset class and helping to expand the ecosystem.

    Looking forward, I am proud of what we have achieved at Flow Traders over my tenure. The Company remains committed to enhancing its trading capabilities by strategically investing in cutting-edge technology and talent. The strong return on trading capital over the last 12 months validates the strategic decision taken last July to retain more profits to reinvest back into the business. I’m certain that the combination of improving and expanding the Company’s trading capabilities and growing the trading capital base will undoubtedly accelerate the growth of Flow Traders in the years to come.”

    Preliminary Financial Calendar

    30 October 2025                3Q25 Trading Update

    Analyst Conference Call and Webcast

    The 2Q25 trading update analyst conference call will be held at 10:00 am CEST on Thursday 31 July 2025. The presentation can be downloaded at https://www.flowtraders.com/investors/results-centre and the conference call can be followed via a listen-only audio webcast. A replay of the conference call will be available on the company website for at least 90 days.

    Contact Details

    Flow Traders Ltd.

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

    About Flow Traders

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

    Notes

    1. Return on average trading capital defined as LTM NTI divided by the average of the prior and current end of period trading capital.
    2. Revenue by region includes NTI, Other Income, and inter-company revenue.
    3. There was a €2.5m reversal in 2Q25 of the €10.5m impairment of intangible assets in 1Q25.
    4. Weighted average shares outstanding: 2Q25 – 43,565,347; 1Q25 – 43,394,080; 2Q24 – 43,270,311.
    5. Determined by adjusting the basic EPS for the effects of all dilutive share-based payments to employees.
    6. Source – Flow Traders analysis.
    7. Starting in 3Q24, average VIX is calculated as the average of VIX daily closing prices.

    Important Legal Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

    All results published in this release are unaudited.

    Market Abuse Regulation

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Government’s participation in UN Climate Change Conference COP28

    Source: Government of Sweden

    From 30 November to 12 December, the world is gathering in Dubai for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28). The Swedish Government is being be represented there by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari and Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces test results of targeted surveillance on nutrition labelling of prepackaged sauce

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 31) released the test results of a targeted food surveillance project on the nutrition labelling of prepackaged sauce. Among 40 samples tested, including food items purchased online, one sample was found with protein content inconsistent with the declared value on its nutrition label, while the remaining 39 samples passed the test. 

    “The CFS collected samples from different retail outlets for the targeted food surveillance project. Tests were conducted to check if the energy content and specified nutrient content (total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugars, sodium, protein, carbohydrates, and more) are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels. The food labels were also checked to see if they comply with relevant requirements under the laws,” a spokesman for the CFS said.

    The CFS has announced the irregularity in the actual nutrient content earlier. The vendor concerned has also stopped selling the relevant batches of the affected product. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence. 

    The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require all applicable prepackaged foods to list the ingredients and the content of energy plus seven core nutrients, namely carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugars, and regulate any associated nutrition claims. 

    Nutrition labelling can assist consumers in making informed food choices, encourage food manufacturers to apply sound nutrition principles in the formulation of foods, and regulate misleading or deceptive labels and claims. According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), if any person falsely describes food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him or her, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

    The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on other food samples to check if their energy content and specified nutrient content are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, and the results will be released in due course. The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law, and urged members of the public to pay attention to the information on nutrition labels when purchasing food to make informed food choices to achieve a balanced diet and stay healthy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Yorkshire Water fined for polluting watercourse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Yorkshire Water fined for polluting watercourse

    Yorkshire Water has been fined £865,000 after a South Yorkshire water treatment works pumped out millions of litres of chlorinated water for almost a month.

    The water company appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 30 July for sentence after previously pleading guilty in February to one charge of polluting Ingbirchworth Dike near Barnsley.

    The court heard that Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works illegally discharged chlorinated water into the watercourse, which connects Ingbirchworth and Scout Dike reservoirs.

    Approximately 1 million litres per day of chlorinated water was discharged – which even at low levels of chlorine is toxic to fish and other aquatic life – resulting in over 430 dead fish being found in one day.

    Yorkshire Water was fined £865,000, ordered to pay costs of £34,979.79 and a victim surcharge of £170.

    Systems ‘were simply not robust enough’

    Jacqui Tootill, Water Industry Regulation Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:

    This pollution was not caused by an unforeseen event or extreme weather. The systems were simply not robust enough and this wouldn’t have happened if proper checks had taken place.

    We expect full compliance from water companies and are committed to taking robust enforcement action where we see serious breaches.

    We’re pleased Yorkshire Water has now been dealt with by the courts following our investigation.

    Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works provides 90,000 people in Barnsley and South Yorkshire with drinking water every day and is fed by Ingbirchworth and Royd Moor reservoirs.

    Water from the reservoirs passes through the works for treatment. It includes an underground ‘clean water wash tank’, containing chlorine.

    When operating normally the level in this tank fluctuates. At 87% capacity an inlet valve automatically opens allowing the tank to refill and when it reaches 91% capacity it should close.

    As a back-up, if it reached 96% capacity it would discharge via an overflow pipe into Ingbirchworth Dike. The works has an environmental permit which allows, in emergency situations, the discharge of the chlorinated water into the Dike.

    However, both before and during this incident, a capacity alarm was set at 97% meaning the overflow pipe would be discharging before the alarm was activated.

    Inlet valve had failed

    On 1 November 2017 an alarm was received in the Yorkshire Water control room that indicated the inlet valve to the tank had failed. The valve was then manually opened to allow the tank to fill and maintain the water supply.

    But due to a series of failures by the water company, maintenance operatives were unaware that the capacity alarm was set above the overflow pipe level. This led to intermittent but regular discharges for 27 days.

    On 26 November Barnsley Trout Club reported dead fish at Scout Dike Reservoir. Officers attended and counted 434 dead fish in a 1.5km stretch of water between the treatment works and the reservoir.

    At this stage the discharge had been ongoing for almost four weeks and in passing sentence District Judge Tim Spruce agreed with the Environment Agency’s assertion that the fish death total is likely to have been substantially higher.

    The Environment Agency alerted Yorkshire Water about the incident and the inlet valve of the clean water wash tank was returned to automatic operation.

    The court agreed that the series of failures by Yorkshire Water showed a high degree of negligence, resulting in ‘a prolonged and catastrophic loss of aquatic life’.

    Judge Spruce said that the company’s previous convictions, including several since this incident, suggested that despite higher fines available to courts being an incentive for Yorkshire Water to improve regulatory compliance, that incentive has had ‘a lukewarm reception’.

    A Yorkshire Water-commissioned ecology report concluded that there was mortality in aquatic insect population but that the impact had a ‘significant but reversible impact to aquatic or groundwater dependent nature conservation’.

    Since the incident Yorkshire Water has made a number of improvements to the tank. It has amended the alarm trigger so that it is activated before the overflow point is reached, and the inlet valve has been replaced.

    It has also introduced a new regime of weekly proactive checks and has improved internal communication with operatives.

    The discharge pipes from the tank have also been moved so that it discharges into on site lagoons rather than the watercourse.

    After substantially reducing the fine due to Yorkshire Water’s guilty plea, District Judge Spruce said the subsequent measures illuminated the inadequacies of the pre-incident systems.

    Background

    Full charge

    Between 01 November 2017 and 29 November 2017 Yorkshire Water Services Ltd caused a water discharge activity, namely the discharge of chlorinated potable water into inland freshwaters, namely Ingbirchworth Dike, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit

    Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to air traffic control issue

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a UK air traffic control issue which led to flight delays and cancellations.

    Dr Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment, Cranfield University, said:

    “National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have said there was a fault with their radar system, and this caused a stop on departing and arriving airline traffic on Wednesday afternoon for about an hour.  They control the upper airways of the UK from two sites – Swannick near Southampton, and Prestwick near Glasgow.  It’s very integrated, and any interruption, as occurred, can only be solved in the short term by reducing the volume of traffic so as to make absolutely sure that in Britain’s very busy airways system, they achieve safe separation of all aircraft.  As the systems come back up, they have to maintain that safe separation whilst introducing new traffic back into the airways system, so even a short delay will cause disruption for some time.

    “It looks to me that NATS handled this very well, with departures and arrivals only stopped for about an hour.  There’s no sign that safety was compromised, and hopefully the overnight reduction in air traffic will give them a chance to clear the disruption and recommence flying on Thursday morning with only minimal residual delays.  It’s inevitable that people directly affected are frustrated, but safety has to be the primary concern.”

    Junade Ali, a Fellow at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said:

    “The cause of this significant grounding of aircraft appears to be a technical issue at National Air Traffic Services (NATS).  As of 16:25, NATS report a fix is being rolled out, meaning the issue was addressed promptly.

    “In late 2023, there was a similar incident related to the IT systems that NATS uses.  Given the short duration of the outage, it seems likely this is also an IT or software outage.

    “NATS has previously thoroughly investigated such incidents and implemented suitable measures.  From prior incident reports, the software is understood to not compromise safety at the expense of keeping airspace open.  This is the right approach as, whilst keeping airspace open is important, the public risk appetite demands a high standard of safety when it comes to air travel.  Incidents like this remind us of the need for robust IT systems that are resilient.” 

    Statement from the National Air Traffic Control Services: https://www.nats.aero/statement/statement-technical-issue-at-swanwick/

    Declared interests

    Junade Ali: “No conflicts of interest.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen parks retain world-wide accolade

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Parks, gardens, and allotments all over Aberdeen have retained accolades in a world-wide awards which rewards well managed spaces – just before the city is judged in Britain in Bloom.

    Hazlehead Park, Seaton Park, Westfield Park, Victoria Park, Johnstone Gardens, Garthdee Field Allotments, and Slopefield Allotments have been given the Green Flag Award which sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world. Duthie Park has been awarded Green Heritage Site from the awards which celebrates its historical and cultural significance alongside environmental beauty.  

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Aberdeen is famous for its parks and green spaces. They offer a splendid array of beautiful and peaceful environments for all to enjoy. The Green Flag award is welcome recognition of the high quality of these open places. It is important to maintain them to high standards because of the recreational and health benefits that they offer to residents and to the environment.”

    Aberdeen City Council Net Zero, Environment and Transport vice convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “The Green Flag and Green Heritage Site accolades are thanks to the great work carried out by our enthusiastic gardeners and greenkeepers as well as all the amazing community organisations, groups and individuals who help to continue make Aberdeen’s green spaces beautiful.”

    The purpose and aim of The Green Flag Award is:

    • To ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live;
    • To ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve;
    • To establish standards of good management;
    • To promote and share good practice amongst the green space sector;
    • To recognise and reward the hard work of managers, staff, and volunteers.

    The Green Heritage Site accreditation acknowledges parks which excel as guardians of history, bring history to life, a place for exploration, preserving authenticity, and understanding the past while inspiring the future.

    Aberdeen is in the 2025 finals of the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition after winning the overall best in Scotland award – the Rosebowl – along with the City Trophy, the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Award, the VisitScotland Award for Tourism and a Gold Medal Certificate, at the Beautiful Scotland Awards. Britain in Bloom judges will be in Aberdeen next month.

    Aberdeen has won a medal in either Britain in Bloom or Beautiful Scotland every year since 2008 and has been award-winning in the competitions since 1964. Aberdeen City Council this year is also celebrating 61 years competing in Britain in Bloom and Beautiful Scotland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More chewing gum tackled on Union Street

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    An additional thousands of pieces of chewing gum have been removed from Union Street thanks to a grant administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

    The £27,500 grant, from the Chewing Gum Task Force, contributed towards additional cleaning and signage aimed at preventing people from littering again – estimates suggest the annual clean-up cost of chewing gum for councils in the UK is about £7million.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “This additional action to remove chewing gum really helps with the shared aim of improving the city centre. The area should be pleasant and attractive for the benefit of all businesses, visitors and residents.

    “The £27,500 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force is a welcome boost to enable more cleaning and to introduce signage aimed at preventing the unacceptable practice of discarding chewing gum. The collective work is important and will hopefully be able to make a lasting difference.”

    Aberdeen City Council Net Zero, Environment and Transport vice convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “The Council’s cleansing team work hard keeping Union Street free of litter.

    “We’d ask people as always not to drop litter, including chewing gum, as it is unsightly and its removal takes time and money.”

    Aberdeen City Council was one of 52 local authorities across the country which successfully applied to the Chewing Gum Task Force, now in its fourth year and funded by major gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle with an investment of up to £10million spread over five years.

    Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Chewing gum continues to be an unsightly form of litter in our public spaces – though thankfully the scheme is leading to significant reductions.

    People need to remember that disposing irresponsibly of their gum causes harm to our environment as it takes years to decompose naturally – and, ultimately, costs the public purse to clean it up.”

    Established by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the Chewing Gum Task Force Grant Scheme is open to councils across the UK who wish to clean up gum in their local areas and invest in long-term behaviour change to prevent gum from being dropped in the first place.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The text of Xi Jinping’s speech at the All-China Conference on Ecology and Environment Protection will be published in the journal “Qiushi”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — The text of the speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, at the National Conference on Ecology and Environment Protection on July 17, 2023, will be published in the 15th issue of Qiushi, a leading journal of the CPC Central Committee, on Friday.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HD implements multipronged mosquito control measures against chikungunya fever (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         In response to the recent surge in chikungunya fever cases reported in neighbouring regions, the Housing Department (HD) announced today (July 31) that the HD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control efforts through a multipronged approach in all public rental housing estates under the HD’s management, and appeals to residents to strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures.

         “To prevent mosquito-borne diseases effectively, all estate offices under the HD have strengthened anti-mosquito measures and prevention work jointly with different stakeholders and other government departments. They are strengthening inspections in public areas and flower beds; upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, immediate actions will be taken, including conducting fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes, removal of stagnant water and water-holding containers, application of larvicides (e.g. temephos sand granules), and installation of mosquito traps,” said an HD spokesman.

         “We have taken measures to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent water accumulation. We have also continuously enhanced public education and publicity through posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures. We also invited the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to conduct educational talks to disseminate the latest information on chikungunya fever and mosquito prevention to the residents,” the spokesman added.

         Public participation is crucial in addition to the efforts of government departments. The HD urged residents to join hands to implement mosquito prevention and control measures at home and other places promptly. The measures include:
     

    • Keep the environment clean by disposing of rubbish properly. Refuse like empty cans and food containers where water can accumulate easily should be disposed of in covered litter containers;
    • Clean the saucers under potted plants weekly to prevent water accumulation;
    • Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surfaces every week;
    • Keep water storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered; and
    • Check air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.

         Please visit the Centre for Health Protection’s thematic webpage for more information on chikungunya fever: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – How many degrees Celsius of global warming will actually be prevented by the EU’s intermediate target to decrease emissions by 90 % by 2040? – P-003042/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-003042/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE)

    On 14 July 2025, Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety held an exchange of views with the Commission, during which MEP Sander Smit raised questions regarding the proposed target to reduce emissions by 90 % by 2040 and the broader implications of this. Specifically, he inquired to what extent the 90 % intermediate reduction target would contribute to limiting the rise in global temperatures. He also asked how the proposed target aligns with Article 2(1)(b) of the Paris Agreement, which requires that climate action be pursued in a manner that does not threaten food production. These oral questions remained unanswered by the Commission.

    • 1.According to the Commission, exactly how many degrees Celsius of global warming will be prevented by the EU’s intermediate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % by 2040?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that relevant implementing and emission reduction measures comply with Article 2 (1)(b) of the Paris Agreement, i.e. that these measures are pursued ‘in a manner that does not threaten food production’?

    Submitted: 23.7.2025

    Last updated: 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Exemption for temporary construction emissions and depositions for sustainable projects – P-003051/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-003051/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tom Berendsen (PPE)

    In its resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal (2025/2656 (RSP)), Parliament expressly called on the Commission to introduce a temporary exemption for construction emissions and depositions for clean and net-zero projects and storage and grid infrastructure. The Draghi report also makes reference to the need for this.[1]

    In several Member States, including the Netherlands, sustainable projects for CCS infrastructure, green hydrogen production or grid reinforcement, for instance, are being delayed or blocked because of permit requirements in connection with construction emissions or deposition (nitrogen-related for the most part).[2] This stems from European legislation and needs to be resolved urgently.[3]

    Emissions and deposition during construction are temporary and, in most instances, are no more than ‘negligible’[4] while, over time, the sustainable projects themselves actually lead to substantial reductions in CO₂ and nitrogen emissions. Current European legislation in this area is therefore hampering the necessary speeding up of the energy transition for industry and of the process of making industry sustainable.

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that there should be exemptions for temporary construction emissions and depositions for sustainable projects?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering making specific proposals along those lines, for example in the prospective European Grids Package and/or the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act?
    • 3.If so, on what timescale is a proposal to be expected?

    Submitted: 23.7.2025

    • [1] The Draghi report (Part A), p. 50; the Draghi report (Part B), p. 33.
    • [2] See inter alia ‘Volkskrant’, ‘Groen licht voor CO2-opslag onder Noordzee, milieuactivisten verliezen strijd tegen Porthos-project’ (16.8.2023); ‘L1 Nieuws’, ‘Provincie zet vergunning waterstoffabriek door, ondanks negatief advies’ (7.5.2025); De Telegraaf, ‘Netbeheerder: zeker 317 uitbreidingsprojecten in gevaar door stikstofregels, tekort stroom dreigt’ (21.4.2025).
    • [3] Such as the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.
    • [4] See, for example, Council of State, Ruling 202107079/2/R4, para. 15-15.11.
    Last updated: 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Somerset District of Somerset County in UK suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 31) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Somerset District of Somerset County in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

    A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 390 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 830 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first six months of this year.

    “The CFS has contacted the British authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mine water heat lab insights could supercharge clean heat

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mine water heat lab insights could supercharge clean heat

    New data from the UK’s mine water heat lab shows warm water flows better than expected, boosting the case for clean, low-cost heat from coalfields.

    Dr Fiona Todd and colleague, Dr Rebecca Chambers, collecting data at the Gateshead Mine Water Heat Living Lab

    Six months after launch, the UK’s first mine water heat Living Laboratory is revealing exciting insights into what lies beneath our feet, helping to accelerate the safe and sustainable use of mine water as a clean heat source.

    Geophysical data released this month shows, for the first time, how much space there is to store water within the rocks underground and how easily this can flow through historical mine workings.

    These 2 factors, known in science as porosity and permeability, are crucial for understanding how much warm water is available, how quickly it can be used and how reliably it can provide heat.

    Dr Fiona Todd, geoscientist and lead of the Mining Remediation Authority project, said:

    This is the first time we’ve been able to collect this kind of information inside real mine workings.

    It’s a huge step forward in understanding mine water heat resources. These properties help us determine how much heat is available, how quickly we can extract it and how sustainable it could be over time.

    As part of the new data release, researchers are also sharing remarkable CCTV footage from inside the boreholes, offering the first glimpse into old workings that haven’t been seen since they were last mined decades ago, while also showing water movement and structural features that bring scientific findings to life.

    Living lab six-month anniversary

    Dr Todd added:

    It’s like opening a time capsule, but instead of coal what we’re now extracting is knowledge and possibly clean heat for generations.

    These insights were made possible by using specialised tools which were carefully deployed through monitoring boreholes at the Living Laboratory, located between three operational heat schemes in a shared mining block in Gateshead.

    Using this equipment, researchers can:

    • see how water flows underground
    • measure how much heat can be stored and extracted
    • understand how mine workings interact across a shared network

    Many of the tools used, such as caliper, gamma, density, temperature, electrical conductivity, heat pulse flow meter and CCTV, are commonly used in water wells. However, the team also used a cutting-edge technique called Borehole Magnetic Resonance (BMR), described as “an MRI scan for rocks.” This marks the first known use of BMR in mine water heat research, providing new insight into how water is stored and flows through underground rocks, crucial for understanding the heat resource.

    As well as routine temperature and chemistry monitoring results, which have also been released, this new geophysics dataset adds a new layer of understanding to the Living Laboratory’s mission to inform the future of sustainable mine water heat across Britain’s former coalfields.

    It provides open-access data to help government, industry and academia work together to broaden the adoption of mine water heat as a viable, long-term renewable resource.

    Senior Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency in the North East, Sally Gallagher, said:

    As the environmental regulator for England our role is to ensure renewable heat technologies are sustainable and do not adversely impact the environment. It’s great to see the first findings of this innovative research study and understand more how mine water can be used for heating.

    Launched by the Mining Remediation Authority in January 2025, the Gateshead mine water heat Living Laboratory is the only facility in the world designed to monitor how heat, water and geology behave between multiple operational mine water heat schemes in a shared underground system.

    Further information:

    Access the open geophysical dataset for the Living Lab

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation 7.30.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 30, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:

    • AB 17 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Elections: precinct maps.
    • AB 377 by Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis) – High-Speed Rail Authority: business plan: Merced to Bakersfield segment. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 379 by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) – Crimes: prostitution.
    • AB 642 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – Emergencies proclaimed by the Governor: school employee catastrophic leave.
    • AB 951 by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) – Health care coverage: behavioral diagnoses.
    • AB 1029 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – Statements of financial interest: digital financial assets.
    • AB 1051 by Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) – Route 76: Payómkawish Highway.
    • AB 1114 by Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) – Emergency vehicles: fee and toll exemptions.
    • AB 1216 by the Committee on Education – Elementary and secondary education: omnibus.
    • AB 1459 by the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials – Hazardous waste: underground storage tanks.
    • SB 251 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Claims against the state: appropriation.
    • SB 428 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) – State Auditor: permanent office.
    • SB 521 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Public employment: disqualification.
    • SB 648 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – Employment: gratitudes: enforcement.
    • SB 652 by Senator Laura Richardson (D-South Bay) – Private security services: security guards: training.
    • SB 693 by Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) – Employees: meal periods.

    For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is standing up for all Americans by challenging Trump’s unlawful tariff policy, which is slowing the national economy and raising prices for consumers.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today filed an amicus brief in support of…

    Jul 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is taking targeted action to address the mental health crisis among young men and boys today with a new executive order focused on suicide prevention, behavioral health, and helping find purpose through education, family, and…

    Jul 29, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Gerald Tolbert, of La Jolla, has been appointed to the Medical Board of California. Tolbert has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Membership of Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Membership of Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance

    The government has appointed six members to the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel today.

    Today (31 July), the government has announced the appointment of six members to the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel.  

    The panel is being appointed to support work to deliver on the recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry Phase 2 report, accepted by the government, to review the statutory guidance which accompany the Building Regulations known as Approved Documents.

    In December 2024, we announced that the Building Safety Regulator would be leading a fundamental review of the building regulations guidance, to centre on how they are produced, structured and presented. The Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel members will support and inform the review and the members each come with extensive experience across a range of sectors. 

    The panel will provide an interim update in early 2026 and a final report in Summer 2026.

    Minister for Building Safety, Alex Norris said:

    “The appointment of this panel is an important step in our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Guidance which supports compliance with Building Regulations must be clear, accurate, and practical, and subject to regular updates to ensure it remains effective.  

    “The work of the panel will support our delivery of 1.5 million new homes, by making compliance easier, improving safety and quality in construction, and ensuring greater confidence in the building safety system. I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations.”

    Background on the Approved Documents and Building Regulations system

    • The Building Regulations set the minimum required standards for building work, referred to as the ‘functional requirements’.  
    • The Approved Documents contain general guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work, including practical examples of how to achieve compliance in common building situations. 
    • The Grenfell Tower Inquiry raised concerns about the way that the statutory guidance is expressed. In April 2023, the responsibility for updating and keeping Approved Documents under review was transferred to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act 2022 to keep under review the safety and standards of buildings.  
    • In December 2024, the BSR was commissioned by the government to conduct a fundamental review of the statutory guidance, and the new panel has been appointed to inform this work.

    Further information

    The establishment of the panel was announced on 31 July 2025.

    The Grenfell Tower Phase 2 Inquiry recommended that the statutory guidance be urgently reviewed. On 2 December 2024 the Deputy Prime Minister announced a fundamental review of the statutory guidance to the Building Regulations. This panel will inform that review.   The panel’s role is advisory.  The aim is to produce an interim report in early 2026 and a final report by Summer 2026.   

    Further updates, including the panel’s Terms of Reference, will be published shortly.

    Panel members

    Dinah Bornat, Architect 

    Dinah is a renowned advocate for people-centred development. She is the Director & Co-founder of ZCD, a research-led practice based in London who work on residential, community and commercial projects. She has served as a design advocate for the Mayor of London and an adviser to local authorities and developers. 

    Dan Rossiter, Digital Expert

    Dan is the Built Environment Sector Lead at the British Standards Institute, and Vice-President Technical at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. He has previously provided his expertise to several national committees relating to information management and technical documentation in the built environment. 

    Danielle Michalska-Morris, Housebuilder 

    Danielle is the Director of Research and Technical Innovation at Taylor Wimpey. She brings to the panel her expert knowledge and experience in low carbon building design and building services.

    Rachel Ferguson, Planner 

    Rachel is Senior Development Manager at Pocket Living. She has extensive expertise in affordable housing, and brings her broad experience in planning including strategic masterplans, estate regeneration projects and new build residentials to this panel. 

    Professor Luke Bisby, Technical Expert

    Luke is the Chair of Fire and Structures and Director of Discipline at the University of Edinburgh. He served as an expert witness to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and will bring particular expertise on fire safety to this panel. 

    Dr Hywel Davies, Technical Expert    

    Hywel is the former technical Director for the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). He served as the previous chair of DLUHC’s statutory committee, and the Building Regulations Advisory Committee. He brings to this panel his broad expertise on a range of technical areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nuclear Science and Nuclear Security Infrastructure to Protect Rare Rhinos: IAEA-Supported Project Marks a Milestone

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    In a pioneering effort to combat wildlife trafficking of the threatened rhinoceros, a South African University today began implementing a project supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project combines the safe insertion of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns and available nuclear security infrastructure to deter and detect illegal poaching.

    With over 10,000 rhinos lost to poaching in the past decade, South Africa – home to the world’s largest population of rhinos – remains a target for criminals driven by the illegal trade of rhino horn. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the South African Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reported 103 rhinos poached. In response, this project run by the University of the Witwatersrand is using radiation to support conservation and enforcement efforts.

    After two years of initial tests, the Rhisotope Project was created in 2021 with the idea to tag rhino horns with radioactive material. This makes the horns detectable by radiation portal monitors (RPMs) already deployed at borders, ports and airports worldwide. These RPMs, commonly used to detect nuclear and other radioactive material, can now be harnessed against wildlife crime.

    The IAEA’s support to the Rhisotope Project leverages its central role in strengthening the global nuclear security framework. With millions of vehicles and people crossing borders every day, the use of an estimated 10,000 RPMs worldwide has become a critical tool for detecting unauthorized transboundary movements of nuclear and other radioactive material.

    “The Rhisotope Project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security infrastructure can be used in new ways to address global challenges,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The IAEA is supporting countries to maximize the benefits of nuclear. By using already installed nuclear security infrastructure in novel ways, we can help protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species.”

    At an event today in the Waterberg, Limpopo, about 250 kilometres north of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand announced the results of the rigorous safety assessments conducted during the pilot phase of the project. In June last year, radioisotopes were inserted into 20 rhinos. Health monitoring and cytological examinations of 15 treated animals and a comparison of five animals not treated were conducted by Ghent University in Belgium. The test results proved that the method is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the rhinos’ health.

    “This has been an international collaboration of likeminded individuals who are trying to make a real difference to this poaching crisis,” said James Larkin, Director, Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. “We started with the question – what if radiation could protect rather than harm, by turning rhino horns into traceable markers that stop poachers before they trade? After two years of digital modelling, safety testing and detection simulations, we’re ready to roll out a solution that could truly reduce rhino poaching.”

    The success of project also opens the door for future applications to other endangered species.

    “The methodology could be adapted to protect other endangered species like elephants or pangolins,” said Larkin.

    The IAEA is providing both technical and financial support to the project under its Coordinated Research Project titled Facilitation of Safe and Secure Trade Using Nuclear Detection Technology – Detection of RN and Other Contraband. As part of the project, the Agency also supports countries in their efforts to optimize the detection of radiation by the use of its Minimum Detectable Quantity and Alarm Threshold Estimation Tool, thereby allowing detection of the tagged with radiation rhino horns.

    “The Rhisotope Project brings the entire global nuclear security network into play,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “The nuclear security infrastructure that exists in many countries around the world to detect smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material can be used to pick up the trafficking of rhino horn, and any other contraband that might be carried alongside it. Committing to nuclear security pays off in multiple ways.”

    B-roll and photos will be made available here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nuclear Science and Nuclear Security Infrastructure to Protect Rare Rhinos: IAEA-Supported Project Marks a Milestone

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The Rhisotope Project team inserting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. (Martin Klinenboeck/IAEA)

    In a pioneering effort to combat wildlife trafficking of the threatened rhinoceros, a South African University today began implementing a project supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project combines the safe insertion of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns and available nuclear security infrastructure to deter and detect illegal poaching.

    With over 10,000 rhinos lost to poaching in the past decade, South Africa – home to the world’s largest population of rhinos – remains a target for criminals driven by the illegal trade of rhino horn. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the South African Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reported 103 rhinos poached. In response, this project run by the University of the Witwatersrand is using radiation to support conservation and enforcement efforts.

    After two years of initial tests, the Rhisotope Project was created in 2021 with the idea to tag rhino horns with radioactive material. This makes the horns detectable by radiation portal monitors (RPMs) already deployed at borders, ports and airports worldwide. These RPMs, commonly used to detect nuclear and other radioactive material, can now be harnessed against wildlife crime.

    The IAEA’s support to the Rhisotope Project leverages its central role in strengthening the global nuclear security framework. With millions of vehicles and people crossing borders every day, the use of an estimated 10,000 RPMs worldwide has become a critical tool for detecting unauthorized transboundary movements of nuclear and other radioactive material.

    “The Rhisotope Project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security infrastructure can be used in new ways to address global challenges,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The IAEA is supporting countries to maximize the benefits of nuclear. By using already installed nuclear security infrastructure in novel ways, we can help protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species.”

    At an event today in the Waterberg, Limpopo, about 250 kilometres north of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand announced the results of the rigorous safety assessments conducted during the pilot phase of the project. In June last year, radioisotopes were inserted into 20 rhinos. Health monitoring and cytological examinations of 15 treated animals and a comparison of five animals not treated were conducted by Ghent University in Belgium. The test results proved that the method is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the rhinos’ health.

    “This has been an international collaboration of likeminded individuals who are trying to make a real difference to this poaching crisis,” said James Larkin, Director, Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. “We started with the question – what if radiation could protect rather than harm, by turning rhino horns into traceable markers that stop poachers before they trade? After two years of digital modelling, safety testing and detection simulations, we’re ready to roll out a solution that could truly reduce rhino poaching.”

    The success of project also opens the door for future applications to other endangered species.

    “The methodology could be adapted to protect other endangered species like elephants or pangolins,” said Larkin.

    The IAEA is providing both technical and financial support to the project under its Coordinated Research Project titled Facilitation of Safe and Secure Trade Using Nuclear Detection Technology – Detection of RN and Other Contraband. As part of the project, the Agency also supports countries in their efforts to optimize the detection of radiation by the use of its Minimum Detectable Quantity and Alarm Threshold Estimation Tool, thereby allowing detection of the tagged with radiation rhino horns.

    “The Rhisotope Project brings the entire global nuclear security network into play,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “The nuclear security infrastructure that exists in many countries around the world to detect smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material can be used to pick up the trafficking of rhino horn, and any other contraband that might be carried alongside it. Committing to nuclear security pays off in multiple ways.”

    B-roll and photos will be made available here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CleanCounts Announces former EPA lead James Critchfield as Head of Registry and Market Integrity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ASPEN, Colo., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspen Energy Forum – CleanCounts, a nonprofit with the industry leading environmental attribute certificate (EAC) tracking platform for voluntary and compliance claims of renewable energy projects across North America, today announced James Critchfield as the Head of Registry & Market Integrity. In his role, Critchfield will lead the development and governance of high-fidelity registries that safeguard transparency and trust across clean-energy and carbon markets. CleanCounts shared the news on Critchfield joining the team from Aspen Energy Forum, where the nonprofit is taking part in discussions on decarbonization and renewable energy strategies.

    Critchfield joins CleanCounts after spending two decades at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he was an authority on energy-attribute certificates, registry architecture, and greenhouse-gas accounting, advising Fortune 500 companies, state regulators, and international bodies. Most recently, Critchfield scaled the EPA’s Green Power Partnership from its infancy to hundreds of organizations, pushing annual voluntary green-power procurement to more than 100 billion KWh annually and catalyzing nearly 19 GW of new renewable capacity nationwide.

    “CleanCounts has advocated for standards in the renewable energy market and the environmental attribute tracking industry to drive better decision making by corporate buyers and provide transparency for regulators,” said James Critchfield, CleanCount’s Head of Registry & Market Integrity. “I look forward to stepping into this new role to bring my experience to support CleanCounts’ continued reputation as the true validator for environmental markets.”

    CleanCounts, formerly known as M-RETS, tracks generated energy outputs across North America, enabling market participants to place a dollar value on the environmental benefits of renewable energy and renewable thermal outputs. Through rigorous validation of the environmental benefits, verifiable data, and unbiased third-party verification, CleanCounts is now North America’s leading platform to obtain, transfer, or retire renewable energy certificates (RECs), renewable thermal certificates (RTCs), and alternative energy certificates (AECs).

    “James Critchfield’s work in the federal government to support tracking system infrastructure for clean energy in the United States has led to the development of next generation tracking capabilities that feature the granularity needed for market transparency,” said Benjamin Gerber, CEO of CleanCounts. “With James joining our executive team, we look forward to engaging stakeholders throughout North America for conversations about how a continuity-first, climate-aligned, and tech-forward clean energy registry can create benefits for, and strengthen trust in, both the voluntary and compliance markets.”

    Prior to joining CleanCounts full time on August 21, Critchfield will join an upcoming webinar with senior leaders from Singularity Energy and EnergyTag titled, How Western States Can Achieve Grid Decarbonization, on August 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET. The energy industry leaders will discuss how granular energy data and verified certificates can enable the hourly electricity accounting needed to drive investment and deployment of decarbonization technologies for an around-the-clock clean grid. Those interested in attending can register here.

    To learn more about CleanCounts, please visit www.cleancounts.org

    About CleanCounts
    CleanCounts, formerly known as Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M‑RETS) Inc., is North America’s most expansive clean energy registry and a trusted gateway to environmental markets. As a nonprofit organization, CleanCounts empowers participants across the energy ecosystem to track, trade, and validate clean energy production and consumption with confidence and transparency.

    Media Contact:
    FischTank PR
    cleancounts@fischtankpr.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd918d85-5f5a-493e-9a32-31974fc5a615

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nuclear Science and Nuclear Security Infrastructure to Protect Rare Rhinos: IAEA-Supported Project Marks a Milestone

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The Rhisotope Project team inserting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. (Martin Klinenboeck/IAEA)

    In a pioneering effort to combat wildlife trafficking of the threatened rhinoceros, a South African University today began implementing a project supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project combines the safe insertion of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns and available nuclear security infrastructure to deter and detect illegal poaching.

    With over 10,000 rhinos lost to poaching in the past decade, South Africa – home to the world’s largest population of rhinos – remains a target for criminals driven by the illegal trade of rhino horn. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the South African Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reported 103 rhinos poached. In response, this project run by the University of the Witwatersrand is using radiation to support conservation and enforcement efforts.

    After two years of initial tests, the Rhisotope Project was created in 2021 with the idea to tag rhino horns with radioactive material. This makes the horns detectable by radiation portal monitors (RPMs) already deployed at borders, ports and airports worldwide. These RPMs, commonly used to detect nuclear and other radioactive material, can now be harnessed against wildlife crime.

    The IAEA’s support to the Rhisotope Project leverages its central role in strengthening the global nuclear security framework. With millions of vehicles and people crossing borders every day, the use of an estimated 10,000 RPMs worldwide has become a critical tool for detecting unauthorized transboundary movements of nuclear and other radioactive material.

    “The Rhisotope Project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security infrastructure can be used in new ways to address global challenges,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The IAEA is supporting countries to maximize the benefits of nuclear. By using already installed nuclear security infrastructure in novel ways, we can help protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species.”

    At an event today in the Waterberg, Limpopo, about 250 kilometres north of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand announced the results of the rigorous safety assessments conducted during the pilot phase of the project. In June last year, radioisotopes were inserted into 20 rhinos. Health monitoring and cytological examinations of 15 treated animals and a comparison of five animals not treated were conducted by Ghent University in Belgium. The test results proved that the method is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the rhinos’ health.

    “This has been an international collaboration of likeminded individuals who are trying to make a real difference to this poaching crisis,” said James Larkin, Director, Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. “We started with the question – what if radiation could protect rather than harm, by turning rhino horns into traceable markers that stop poachers before they trade? After two years of digital modelling, safety testing and detection simulations, we’re ready to roll out a solution that could truly reduce rhino poaching.”

    The success of project also opens the door for future applications to other endangered species.

    “The methodology could be adapted to protect other endangered species like elephants or pangolins,” said Larkin.

    The IAEA is providing both technical and financial support to the project under its Coordinated Research Project titled Facilitation of Safe and Secure Trade Using Nuclear Detection Technology – Detection of RN and Other Contraband. As part of the project, the Agency also supports countries in their efforts to optimize the detection of radiation by the use of its Minimum Detectable Quantity and Alarm Threshold Estimation Tool, thereby allowing detection of the tagged with radiation rhino horns.

    “The Rhisotope Project brings the entire global nuclear security network into play,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “The nuclear security infrastructure that exists in many countries around the world to detect smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material can be used to pick up the trafficking of rhino horn, and any other contraband that might be carried alongside it. Committing to nuclear security pays off in multiple ways.”

    B-roll and photos will be made available here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Yosemite embodies the long war over US national park privatization

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Michael Childers, Associate Professor of History, Colorado State University

    The Ahwahnee is a privately run hotel inside Yosemite National Park. George Rose/Getty Images

    The Trump administration’s cuts to the National Park Service’s budget and staffing have raised concerns among park advocates and the public that the administration is aiming to further privatize the national parks.

    The nation has a long history of similar efforts, including a wildly unpopular 1980 attempt by Reagan administration Interior Secretary James Watt to promote development and expand private concessions in the parks. But debate over using public national park land for private profit dates back more than a century before that.

    As I explain in my forthcoming book, no park has played a more central role in that debate than Yosemite, in California.

    Early concerns

    In early 1864, Central American Steamship Transit Company representative Israel Ward Raymond wrote a letter to John Conness, a U.S. senator from California, urging the government to move swiftly to preserve the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees to prevent them from falling into private hands. Five months later, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, ceding the valley and the grove to the state of California, “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” This was years before Yellowstone became the first federal land designated a national park in 1872.

    For centuries, the natural beauty of the Yosemite Valley has impressed visitors.
    Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Controversy arose quickly at Yosemite. Two men – James Lamon and James Hutchings – had claimed land in the valley before the federal government gave it to California. Both began commercial operations, Lamon growing cash crops and Hutchings operating a hotel.

    California said their businesses threatened the state’s ability to develop roads and trails in Yosemite by competing for tourist dollars. A legal battle ensued and was not resolved until an 1872 U.S. Supreme Court ruling found that the men’s land claims had not been fully validated according to the procedures of the time. The California legislature paid both men compensation for their land, and both left the park.

    In 1890, neighboring parts of the Yosemite area became America’s third national park – and in 1906, the federal government again took possession of the Yosemite Valley itself and the Mariposa Grove, specifically to incorporate them into an expansion of the national park.

    Development rights

    Yet, as my research has found, the role of private interests in the park remained unsolved. Private companies under contract to the National Park Service have long provided needed amenities such as lodging and food within the national parks. But questions over what is acceptable in national parks in the pursuit of profit have shaped Yosemite’s history for generations.

    In 1925, I found, the question centered on the right to build the first gas station inside the park, in Yosemite Valley. Two private businesses, the Curry Camping Company and the Yosemite National Park Company, had long competed for tourist dollars within the park. Each wanted to build a gas station to boost profits.

    Frustrated over the need to decide, National Park Service Director Horace Albright ordered the rival firms to simplify management of the park’s concessions. The companies merged, and the newly formed Yosemite Park and Curry Company was granted the exclusive rights to run lodges, restaurants and other facilities within the park, including the new gas station.

    But as I found in my research, the park service and the concessions company did not always see eye to eye on the purpose of the park. The conflict between profit and preservation is perhaps most clearly illustrated by the construction of a ski area within the park in the early 1930s. The park service initially opposed the development of Badger Pass Ski Area as not conducive to the national park ideal, but the Yosemite Park and Curry Company insisted it was key to boosting winter use of the park.

    In 1973, the Music Corporation of America, an entertainment conglomerate, bought the Yosemite Park and Curry Company. The company already had a tourist attraction operating near Hollywood, where visitors could pay to tour movie sets, but had not yet changed its name to Universal Studios or launched major theme parks in Florida and California. Its purchase of the park’s concessions set off a firestorm of controversy over fears of turning Yosemite into a theme park.

    That didn’t happen, but annual park visitor numbers climbed from 2.5 million to 3.8 million over the 20 years MCA ran the concessions, which sparked concerns about development and overcrowding in the park. Conservationists argued the park service had allowed the corporate giant to promote and develop the park in ways that threatened the very aspects of the park most people came to enjoy.

    With three restaurants, two service stations with a total of 15 gas pumps, two cafeterias, two grocery stores, seven souvenir shops, a delicatessen, a bank, a skating rink, three swimming pools, a golf course, two tennis courts, kennels, a barbershop, a beauty shop, Badger Pass Ski Area and three lodges, the Yosemite Valley was a busy commercial district. Critics argued that such development contradicted the park service’s mandate to leave national parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

    Crowds gather at some of Yosemite’s most popular sites, such as the California Tunnel Tree.
    David McNew/AFP via Getty Images

    Who owns the names?

    Falling profits and consolidation within the music industry led MCA to sell its concessions rights in Yosemite in 1993. The Delaware North Companies, a global hospitality corporation, took over and ran the park’s concessions until 2016, when it sold the rights to Aramark.

    But in that sale, the question of public resources and private profits arose again. Delaware North demanded $51 million in compensation for Aramark continuing to use the names of several historic properties within the park, such as the Ahwahnee, a hotel, and Curry Village, another group of visitor accommodations. The company claimed those names were a part of its assets under its contract with the park service.

    The park service rejected the claim, saying the names, which dated back more than a century, belonged to the American people. But to avoid legal problems during the transition, the agency temporarily renamed several sites, including calling the Ahwahnee the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and changing Curry Village to Half Dome Village. Public outrage erupted, denouncing the claim by Delaware North as commercial overreach that threatened to distort Yosemite’s heritage. In 2019, the park service and Aramark agreed to pay Delaware North a total of $12 million to settle the dispute, and the original names were restored.

    Protesters unfurl an upside-down U.S. flag from the top of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in February 2025, protesting Trump administration changes to the National Park Service.

    Renewed interest in commercial efforts

    In June 2025, Yosemite again took center stage in the dispute over the role of federal funding versus private interests at the start of the second Trump administration when a group of climbers unfurled an American flag upside down off El Capitan in protest of the administration’s cuts in personnel and slashing of the park service’s budget.

    Conservationists, including former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis, argued that by defunding the park service and laying off as much as a quarter of its workforce, the Trump administration was “laying the groundwork to privatize” the national parks by allowing corporate interests more access to public lands. Those concerns echo ones raised during the first Trump administration, when the White House argued privatization would better serve the American public by improving visitor experiences and saving federal dollars.

    Whichever side prevails in the short term, the debate over the role of private interests within national parks like Yosemite will undoubtedly continue.

    Michael Childers 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. Yosemite embodies the long war over US national park privatization – https://theconversation.com/yosemite-embodies-the-long-war-over-us-national-park-privatization-261133

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    The survey will take place in the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to track changes and inform conservation action.

    Marine senior officer Angela Gall of Natural England surveying kelp. Photo: Ian Saunders, Natural England

    Natural England is returning to the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to carry out a new dive survey of the region’s kelp forests to check on their health and the area they cover.

    Last carried out in 2012, this survey will assess kelp forest communities, which play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems

    Kelp forests are a key feature of this protected marine area, cloaking the shallow reefs that fringe the bay and estuaries. They provide shelter, food and nursery grounds for a wide range of marine species including fish, crustaceans and molluscs. As one of the ocean’s most productive habitats, kelp also helps to store carbon, improves water quality and supports coastal resilience.

    Underwater forests

    Corkwing wrasse in a kelp forest. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    The Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is one of England’s designated Marine Protected Areas, chosen for its rich marine life and unique underwater habitats. Regular monitoring of kelp forests is essential to track changes, inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems which may be threatened by poor water quality, displacement by invasive non-native species, damage through human activities and climate change.

    Lucy May, Natural England’s deputy dive officer, said:

    As part of our national marine monitoring programme, Natural England’s dive team will survey underwater sites to collect data on kelp cover, species diversity and overall habitat condition.

    This evidence will be used to assess the condition of this habitat within the site and guide management of the SAC.

    Other ways you can kelp

    Kelp forests are a key feature of the region’s protected marine area. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    To support public engagement around kelp forests, Natural England has developed a range of outreach resources including a children’s book and a virtual reality experience that brings the hidden world of kelp forests to life.

    Captivating Kelp Forests, by Emma Rosen is a beautifully illustrated story highlighting the role of these ecosystems.

    The virtual reality experience, created by Natural England’s Jasmine Rix, lets you experience immersion within the habitat whilst staying completely dry.

    The book and VR experience are designed to help young people and communities explore the value of healthy seas and learn more about the marine life on their doorstep and have already been used in schools in Cornwall.

    Angela Gall, marine senior officer at Natural England, said:

    Kelp forests are one of our most valuable marine habitats, yet they are often overlooked. Beautiful, three-dimensional and bursting with colourful life, they provide food and shelter for so many of our most loved marine species like seals and brown crabs.

    As a diver, it is a pleasure to explore these underwater forests, to have an opportunity to check in on how these key ecosystems are doing and ensure we are doing all we can to protect them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    The survey will take place in the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to track changes and inform conservation action.

    Marine senior officer Angela Gall of Natural England surveying kelp. Photo: Ian Saunders, Natural England

    Natural England is returning to the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to carry out a new dive survey of the region’s kelp forests to check on their health and the area they cover.

    Last carried out in 2012, this survey will assess kelp forest communities, which play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems

    Kelp forests are a key feature of this protected marine area, cloaking the shallow reefs that fringe the bay and estuaries. They provide shelter, food and nursery grounds for a wide range of marine species including fish, crustaceans and molluscs. As one of the ocean’s most productive habitats, kelp also helps to store carbon, improves water quality and supports coastal resilience.

    Underwater forests

    Corkwing wrasse in a kelp forest. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    The Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is one of England’s designated Marine Protected Areas, chosen for its rich marine life and unique underwater habitats. Regular monitoring of kelp forests is essential to track changes, inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems which may be threatened by poor water quality, displacement by invasive non-native species, damage through human activities and climate change.

    Lucy May, Natural England’s deputy dive officer, said:

    As part of our national marine monitoring programme, Natural England’s dive team will survey underwater sites to collect data on kelp cover, species diversity and overall habitat condition.

    This evidence will be used to assess the condition of this habitat within the site and guide management of the SAC.

    Other ways you can kelp

    Kelp forests are a key feature of the region’s protected marine area. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    To support public engagement around kelp forests, Natural England has developed a range of outreach resources including a children’s book and a virtual reality experience that brings the hidden world of kelp forests to life.

    Captivating Kelp Forests, by Emma Rosen is a beautifully illustrated story highlighting the role of these ecosystems.

    The virtual reality experience, created by Natural England’s Jasmine Rix, lets you experience immersion within the habitat whilst staying completely dry.

    The book and VR experience are designed to help young people and communities explore the value of healthy seas and learn more about the marine life on their doorstep and have already been used in schools in Cornwall.

    Angela Gall, marine senior officer at Natural England, said:

    Kelp forests are one of our most valuable marine habitats, yet they are often overlooked. Beautiful, three-dimensional and bursting with colourful life, they provide food and shelter for so many of our most loved marine species like seals and brown crabs.

    As a diver, it is a pleasure to explore these underwater forests, to have an opportunity to check in on how these key ecosystems are doing and ensure we are doing all we can to protect them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –