NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Brandon Marc Finn, Research Scientist at the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

    Lubumbashi is a city in the mineral-rich Katanga region in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Many people might not have heard of it, but Lubumbashi and its surrounding region have been at the centre of global geopolitics since the start of the 20th century. The area provided immense sources of copper, a metal that helped electrify the planet in the 1900s. It was also the source of all the uranium for the atom bombs used in the second world war.

    The global demand for these minerals came at a great price. Lubumbashi grew as a divided city where housing and labour were spatially and racially segregated. Congolese workers were exploited, abused and taxed as urban and mining strategies were used to reshape society.

    History is repeating itself. Neocolonialism now shapes the extraction of DRC resources.

    Read more: DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt – how control by local elites can shape the global battery industry

    Today, the southern DRC produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral essential to decarbonisation – a strategy to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Cobalt is present in batteries in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptop computers and renewable energy storage systems.

    Like copper and uranium before it, cobalt mining has been linked to widescale exploitation and child labour. Corruption and elite capture remain defining features of mining in the DRC.

    We are academics who research urbanisation, mining and sustainability as well as urban planning and environmental management. Our recent paper addresses the fact that African cities like Lubumbashi are at the heart of events that have shaped the modern world, yet they are woefully neglected in global urban theory (thinking about how cities form and develop) and urban geography.

    Focusing on the global north and neglecting the south leads to major data gaps and contributes to mismatched and outdated urban policy.

    Rock containing cobalt. © Brandon Marc Finn

    We also argue that the human rights abuses and perils of today’s cobalt mining are new forms of old colonial practices. They strip the land and people of resources without proper pay. They offer green minerals to the global north at the cost of lives in the global south.

    Sustainable cities and global decarbonisation are essential if we are to reduce cities’ carbon footprints and decarbonise economies in the face of the climate crisis.

    Lubumbashi’s history, therefore, can offer a fuller understanding of the human and historical costs of minerals that shape cities – and the world.

    A brief history of Lubumbashi

    Lubumbashi was originally called Elisabethville. It was established by colonial Belgium in 1910 precisely to extract copper for global markets. This was done through a company named Union Minière du Haut Katanga (UMHK).

    Concessionary companies made enormous profits in the Congo Free State between 1885 and 1908. The entire country stood under the private ownership of King Leopold II of Belgium. These companies were given the right to extract minerals and rubber through taxes imposed on local people.

    A road being built in the Belgian Free State in 1890. PHAS/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

    The Belgian Compagnie du Katanga (which later founded UMHK) had the task of establishing the physical and economic infrastructure of the region. In exchange for laying the groundwork for the extractive industries, soon to be headquartered in Elisabethville, the company was given a third of all unoccupied land in Katanga. The Belgians established a copper smelter and constructed roads. Temporary headquarters were established to supervise Elisabethville’s expansion.

    One initial method of controlling the local rural people was a “hut tax” that had to be paid to live in Lubumbashi. Later, a “head tax” was introduced to raise funds for colonial management. It forced people into labour as the only means to pay off their newly acquired debt to the colonial state.

    Elisabethville served as the device to assert effective occupation. It also staved off the possibility of British occupation of the territory. The Belgians planned Elisabethville by reproducing the urban forms and racial segregation of Bulawayo’s grid in Southern Rhodesia (part of today’s Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg in South Africa.

    Elisabethville’s early plan. F Grevisse/Institut Royal Colonial Belge

    UMHK dominated the colonial economy as demand for copper increased worldwide. UMHK also stipulated which seeds would be planted where for agriculture. It dissolved local markets and whipped labourers.

    Copper was in such high demand because it is a non-corrosive material that conducts electricity well. It lined telegraph and electrical transmission cables across the globe.

    Copper mining acted as a springboard from which UMHK could spread its influence. It developed railways, cities, labour camps and mining sites throughout Katanga.

    Spatial segregation in Elisabethville. P Vandenbak

    This allowed UMHK access to the extraction of another resource that would shape the global geopolitical landscape: uranium – extracted from the Shinkolobwe mine in Katanga.

    It was the Belgian colonial presence that allowed the US to have access to uranium deposits as they sought to beat Germany in the race to build atomic weapons. All the uranium used in the two nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki came from Katanga.

    This highlights the global significance of, but a neglected focus on, the impacts of mineral supply chains in the global south. Control over Lubumbashi’s minerals cannot be underplayed in this global historical event.

    Katanga seceded from the Congo for three years, 11 days after the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The fight to gain control over Katanga’s resources led to the US and Belgian-backed assassination of the first independence leader, Patrice Lumumba. He was intent on reunifying Congo.

    Mobutu Sese Seko became president of Zaire (today’s DRC) after a coup in 1965. He nationalised UMHK a year later. Mobutu served as president for almost 32 years, and his regime was characterised by autocratic corruption and economic exploitation.

    Cobalt and global decarbonisation

    The growth of modern technology relies, at least in part, on the extraction of cobalt in the DRC before it is shipped, mainly to China.

    Cobalt is extracted as a byproduct of copper mining. Artisanal and small-scale mining and child labour remain a salient feature of cobalt extraction in the DRC. These miners receive little to no support and reflect the historical structural marginalisation created in the region.

    Europeans settled in the city centre and locals in camps and informal areas. Junior Kannah/AFP/Getty Images

    Lubumbashi serves as the mining headquarters of the southern DRC, and other cities, like Kolwezi, have grown rapidly in response to the surge in cobalt demand. Spatial and labour-related inequalities from the past are being replicated and expanded on in the present.

    The DRC’s impoverishment continues apace as South African, Kazakh, Swiss and, with increasing influence, Chinese mining companies maintain their practice of exclusionary extraction, social displacement and political corruption.

    Why this matters

    Our research shows the importance of understanding the history of extraction and urban settlement in the region to shed light on new forms of old practices associated with decarbonisation. We see this as a continuing form of colonial power – as neocolonialism.

    Contemporary debates around global inequalities associated with decarbonisation highlight how African populations must endure poor living conditions while the global north transitions to low-carbon technologies. We must find ways to move away from carbon-based economies that do not reproduce colonial inequalities.

    Read more: Patrice Lumumba’s tooth represents plunder, resilience and reparation

    Lubumbashi demonstrates the importance of African cities and resources in understanding critical global developmental and geopolitical issues.

    For decarbonisation to be socially and environmentally just, it must contend with the people, places, and environments on which the future of low-carbon technology is based. Lubumbashi’s history shows how challenging this task will be.

    – DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green
    – https://theconversation.com/drc-history-is-repeating-itself-in-lubumbashi-as-the-world-scrambles-for-minerals-to-go-green-248571

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Brandon Marc Finn, Research Scientist at the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

    Lubumbashi is a city in the mineral-rich Katanga region in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Many people might not have heard of it, but Lubumbashi and its surrounding region have been at the centre of global geopolitics since the start of the 20th century. The area provided immense sources of copper, a metal that helped electrify the planet in the 1900s. It was also the source of all the uranium for the atom bombs used in the second world war.

    The global demand for these minerals came at a great price. Lubumbashi grew as a divided city where housing and labour were spatially and racially segregated. Congolese workers were exploited, abused and taxed as urban and mining strategies were used to reshape society.

    History is repeating itself. Neocolonialism now shapes the extraction of DRC resources.



    Read more:
    DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt – how control by local elites can shape the global battery industry

    Today, the southern DRC produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral essential to decarbonisation – a strategy to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Cobalt is present in batteries in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptop computers and renewable energy storage systems.

    Like copper and uranium before it, cobalt mining has been linked to widescale exploitation and child labour. Corruption and elite capture remain defining features of mining in the DRC.

    We are academics who research urbanisation, mining and sustainability as well as urban planning and environmental management. Our recent paper addresses the fact that African cities like Lubumbashi are at the heart of events that have shaped the modern world, yet they are woefully neglected in global urban theory (thinking about how cities form and develop) and urban geography.

    Focusing on the global north and neglecting the south leads to major data gaps and contributes to mismatched and outdated urban policy.

    We also argue that the human rights abuses and perils of today’s cobalt mining are new forms of old colonial practices. They strip the land and people of resources without proper pay. They offer green minerals to the global north at the cost of lives in the global south.

    Sustainable cities and global decarbonisation are essential if we are to reduce cities’ carbon footprints and decarbonise economies in the face of the climate crisis.

    Lubumbashi’s history, therefore, can offer a fuller understanding of the human and historical costs of minerals that shape cities – and the world.

    A brief history of Lubumbashi

    Lubumbashi was originally called Elisabethville. It was established by colonial Belgium in 1910 precisely to extract copper for global markets. This was done through a company named Union Minière du Haut Katanga (UMHK).

    Concessionary companies made enormous profits in the Congo Free State between 1885 and 1908. The entire country stood under the private ownership of King Leopold II of Belgium. These companies were given the right to extract minerals and rubber through taxes imposed on local people.

    The Belgian Compagnie du Katanga (which later founded UMHK) had the task of establishing the physical and economic infrastructure of the region. In exchange for laying the groundwork for the extractive industries, soon to be headquartered in Elisabethville, the company was given a third of all unoccupied land in Katanga. The Belgians established a copper smelter and constructed roads. Temporary headquarters were established to supervise Elisabethville’s expansion.

    One initial method of controlling the local rural people was a “hut tax” that had to be paid to live in Lubumbashi. Later, a “head tax” was introduced to raise funds for colonial management. It forced people into labour as the only means to pay off their newly acquired debt to the colonial state.

    Elisabethville served as the device to assert effective occupation. It also staved off the possibility of British occupation of the territory. The Belgians planned Elisabethville by reproducing the urban forms and racial segregation of Bulawayo’s grid in Southern Rhodesia (part of today’s Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg in South Africa.

    UMHK dominated the colonial economy as demand for copper increased worldwide. UMHK also stipulated which seeds would be planted where for agriculture. It dissolved local markets and whipped labourers.

    Copper was in such high demand because it is a non-corrosive material that conducts electricity well. It lined telegraph and electrical transmission cables across the globe.

    Copper mining acted as a springboard from which UMHK could spread its influence. It developed railways, cities, labour camps and mining sites throughout Katanga.

    This allowed UMHK access to the extraction of another resource that would shape the global geopolitical landscape: uranium – extracted from the Shinkolobwe mine in Katanga.

    It was the Belgian colonial presence that allowed the US to have access to uranium deposits as they sought to beat Germany in the race to build atomic weapons. All the uranium used in the two nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki came from Katanga.

    This highlights the global significance of, but a neglected focus on, the impacts of mineral supply chains in the global south. Control over Lubumbashi’s minerals cannot be underplayed in this global historical event.

    Katanga seceded from the Congo for three years, 11 days after the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The fight to gain control over Katanga’s resources led to the US and Belgian-backed assassination of the first independence leader, Patrice Lumumba. He was intent on reunifying Congo.

    Mobutu Sese Seko became president of Zaire (today’s DRC) after a coup in 1965. He nationalised UMHK a year later. Mobutu served as president for almost 32 years, and his regime was characterised by autocratic corruption and economic exploitation.

    Cobalt and global decarbonisation

    The growth of modern technology relies, at least in part, on the extraction of cobalt in the DRC before it is shipped, mainly to China.

    Cobalt is extracted as a byproduct of copper mining. Artisanal and small-scale mining and child labour remain a salient feature of cobalt extraction in the DRC. These miners receive little to no support and reflect the historical structural marginalisation created in the region.

    Lubumbashi serves as the mining headquarters of the southern DRC, and other cities, like Kolwezi, have grown rapidly in response to the surge in cobalt demand. Spatial and labour-related inequalities from the past are being replicated and expanded on in the present.

    The DRC’s impoverishment continues apace as South African, Kazakh, Swiss and, with increasing influence, Chinese mining companies maintain their practice of exclusionary extraction, social displacement and political corruption.

    Why this matters

    Our research shows the importance of understanding the history of extraction and urban settlement in the region to shed light on new forms of old practices associated with decarbonisation. We see this as a continuing form of colonial power – as neocolonialism.

    Contemporary debates around global inequalities associated with decarbonisation highlight how African populations must endure poor living conditions while the global north transitions to low-carbon technologies. We must find ways to move away from carbon-based economies that do not reproduce colonial inequalities.



    Read more:
    Patrice Lumumba’s tooth represents plunder, resilience and reparation

    Lubumbashi demonstrates the importance of African cities and resources in understanding critical global developmental and geopolitical issues.

    For decarbonisation to be socially and environmentally just, it must contend with the people, places, and environments on which the future of low-carbon technology is based. Lubumbashi’s history shows how challenging this task will be.

    Brandon Marc Finn has received funding from the University of Michigan and Harvard University to conduct this research.

    Patrick Brandful Cobbinah has received research funding from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia.

    – ref. DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green – https://theconversation.com/drc-history-is-repeating-itself-in-lubumbashi-as-the-world-scrambles-for-minerals-to-go-green-248571

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Grenada: 2024 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Grenada

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    Through end-June 2024, Grenada’s economy was experiencing sustained strong growth supported by buoyant tourism, moderating inflation, and a narrowing current account deficit. A surge in Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) revenue supported a strong improvement in budget balances, a build-up of government deposits, and a reduction in public debt. On July 1, Hurricane Beryl caused damage in excess of 16 percent of GDP on the Grenadian islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, as well as in the northern parishes of the main island, affecting around 15 percent of the population. In response, the authorities triggered the suspension of fiscal rules to permit temporary deficit spending in support of the recovery and reconstruction.

    Subject: Credit bureaus, Debt sustainability, Economic sectors, Environment, External debt, Financial institutions, Financial markets, Imports, Insurance, International trade, Labor, Labor markets, Natural disasters, Public debt, Tourism

    Keywords: Credit bureaus, Debt sustainability, Fiscal stance, Imports, Insurance, Insurance companies, Labor markets, Natural disasters, Tourism

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inskip crocodile sighting

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 3 Feb 2025

    Open larger image

    Crocodile sighting near Sarawak camping area at Inskip Point

    Wildlife officers are investigating after an estimated two-metre crocodile was seen on the beach in front of the Sarawak camping area at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach.

    On 3 February 2025, a ranger from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science observed the crocodile on the beach, and watched it flee into the ocean.

    The ranger took photos of the crocodile’s body imprint on the sand, it’s claw marks and marks made by its sliding tail.

    Senior wildlife officer, Joshua Morris said the animal is likely to be the same crocodile recently videoed on Coonarr Beach, near Bundaberg.

    “Rangers will be notifying people in camping areas in the Inskip Point region and wildlife officers will install recent crocodile sight warning signs,” Mr Morris said.

    “People in the area are urged to be vigilant around the water, keep their children close and use an esky or similar as a barrier while fishing.

    “As part of our investigation, we will conduct ground patrols, vessel-based searches and use drones to check the surrounding coastline.

    “We are asking people in the Rainbow Beach region, including boaties, to make a sighting report if they see what they believe to be a crocodile.

    “Each sighting report is important and provides us with information about the location and behaviour of crocodiles.

    “Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Rainbow Beach is atypical crocodile habitat, and we will target this crocodile for removal from the wild if it is located.

    “We can reassure the public that this crocodile is considered to be a vagrant animal that has moved into the area from up north, and this sighting does not mean the crocodile population is extending south.”

    In 2013 and 2014, two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River. They remain the last estuarine crocodiles confirmed outside of Croc Country near the southern end of their range.

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Solicits Impact of Trump Administration’s Federal Funding Freeze on Vermonters

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Friday convened Vermonters to discuss how the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze has impacted communities, families and workers across the state.  
    “This Administration is blocking the federal funding that Vermonters rely on—for their health care, child care, education, nutrition, community safety, disaster recovery, firefighting, and so much more. This is shocking, appalling, and it also happens to be illegal. When it comes to Congressional appropriations and the Article I powers of Congress, President Trump does not have the right to pick and choose what he’ll honor. It’s clear his main mission is to create incredible chaos and confusion for our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I am working with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate and with the Vermont Delegation to push back on this cruelty and do everything we can to stop this federal funding freeze.” 
    President Trump’s order to halt the disbursement of trillions of dollars in federal funding was issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The federal courts temporarily blocked the order, and on Monday extended the temporary restraining order. In addition, the court has required OMB to re-open funding currently held by the government and provide the court a compliance report by the end of the week. 
    Senator Welch heard directly from a variety of impacted Vermonters on Friday. Read the concerns of Vermonters below, and watch the full roundtable to hear from every participant here: 

    “Federal funding in Vermont supports emergency shelter and hotline services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and many of our programs also provide rapid rehousing, including paying rents for survivors who have had access to housing. And as with the other nonprofits on this call, our work is done on a reimbursement basis with the federal government. So many of our organizations were frozen out of payment systems earlier this week, and for those that have been able to access those portals, many of the payments still show us pending and not deposited. Despite this, these amazing organizations continue to provide 24-hour access to services to victims of domestic and sexual violence.” – Sarah Robinson, Vermont Network Against Sexual and Domestic Violence 
    ■■■
    “This has been a week like none other that threatened the continuation of our health center in operations and has dearly affected the feeling of safety for our staff and patients…This week when the Health and Human Services payment management system went down—and it really did, I have the screenshots of the different statuses it had had—it literally brought us to our knees. And we’re here standing strong…It rippled through all our staff, our board of directors, and threatened the care of about 10,000 Vermonters. We also have capital projects that have had long standing federal loans across Northern Borders, USDA, Health and Human Services. We had a pause, and the current next step for progression on those was approval by USDA, and they weren’t able to work with us…which puts a threat on our subcontractors, which then puts a threat on completing these projects…But we’re here. We have a lot of tenacity.” – Andy Barter, Little Rivers Health Care 
    ■■■
    “Our agencies are currently serving 78 youth, and any further delay in receiving our resources would be hugely detrimental to the 78 youth. And this is at a time when we’ve seen the number of Vermont’s youth experiencing housing instability or homelessness quadruple in the last five years. We meet a fraction of the need in the state. Right now, our programs are already underfunded due to years of level funding with the expectation that our agencies would continue to do the same level of work. There is inadequate support provided for grants administration and no possibility of using funds to maintain reserves, meaning that direct program work always takes precedent over capacity building and development work. So, things are tight.” – Vermont State Rep. Kate Logan, Elevate 
    ■■■
    “We have 79 families in temporary housing. This is very challenging for us. It’s a lot of funds—we don’t have the funds, and it’s a public safety issue because there’s homelessness, and we don’t have the funds to go on paying their rents.” – Sonali Samarasinghe, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants 
    ■■■
    “The Executive Order, and the memo, has thrown all of our funding that we have relied on into disarray. We had problems accessing our funding portals. On Tuesday, we had no idea whether we would receive any more funding. We suspended all of our planned activities. We talked about furloughing our employees…We have employees, we have operational expenses. Cash flow for a nonprofit like the [Family Network] is tight, we cannot sustain a prolonged non receipt of funding. Every day since Tuesday has been filled with anxiety and uncertainty.” – Karen Price, Vermont Family Network 
    ■■■
    “We administer federal funds that helped build housing and help to make farmland affordable to farmers, and this week we had to contemplate what it looks like to Vermonters to not have that support. We see that federal funds play a critical role in filling the gaps in projects to make sure they can go forward, and that they’re done through a reimbursement basis, which puts housing projects to fill Vermont’s great housing need at incredible risk…We have developers that want to meet the housing needs of our state, that would not be able to do so if this federal funding were to be pulled back, so we are highly concerned about the path the federal government is going down, and what it means to builders, to construction teams, to anyone who is on wait lists depending on these homes, to secure housing if these federal funds are pulled back.” – Pollaidh Major, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board 
    ■■■
    “We do things like weatherization, housing, our food insecurity programs, and our Head Start programs. So primarily, about 50% of each of our community action agencies’ budgets are federal funding, that we don’t have access to right now. Head Start, although it’s been rescinded, we do not have access to payments. So, we are able to get into the payment management system, but we are not able to draw down any funds…We have many leases on properties our Head Start sites that were unable to pay landlords, and we are, we are in a really tough situation.” – Jenna O’Farrell, Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NECKA) 
    ■■■
    “For Landmark College specifically, this funding represented the single greatest, largest grant in our 40-year history, and if granted in full, it will be transformational to our research endeavors, creating new opportunities for our faculty and students, as well as for innovative businesses, not for not-for-profits and local governments in our area. As a college that serves exclusively neurodivergent individuals and is proud to do so in rural Vermont, we are firmly committed to the success and wellbeing of our students, as well as the families of the more than 200 individuals who make our college run in both white and blue collar jobs. For all of these folks, students, parents, staff and faculty alike, Monday night’s Executive Order up ended daily life, introduced new and urgent questions and severely disrupted our ability to do our jobs…” – Jim Dlugos, Landmark College 
    ■■■
    “70 percent of our work is with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the State Department. Before Secretary of State’s and Secretary Marco Rubio’s foreign assistance stop work order, we had 88 full time staff here in the United States. With the stop work order, 62 of those have now been laid off, furloughed or put on reduced hours…We are currently owed in excess of $3 million in current and past due invoices from USAID and State. This is for work that has been completed to the full satisfaction of the government, and we are not receiving payment. USAID has switched off its payment systems, so no payments are being processed. We believe this is illegal. Best estimate right now this is happening across the foreign assistance field. This is a $40 billion field.” – Steve Schmida, Resonance 
    ■■■
    “When you’ve already got nine months out the door and you’re expecting money back, and suddenly that’s in question, you really have to think about laying off this staff immediately to stop the bleeding at that point, which is extremely painful. For the municipal and the nonprofit projects that are either ready to go or already have a shovel in the ground, it means they really have to stop and think about whether they want to continue at this point.” – Andy Julow, Regional Development Corporations of Vermont 
    If allowed to proceed, the order would cause chaos in Vermont. The funding freeze could: 

    Freeze funding for Head Start, which provides early childhood education for around 1,200 children in Vermont. The state received around $26.8 million last year for the program.  
    Freeze funding for Community Health Centers in Vermont, which supported the state with $25.1+ million in funding for health care in 2023 and served nearly 200,000 patients.  
    Freeze funding for more than 10,000 women, infants, and children in Vermont who use WIC to keep from going hungry, as well as stop funding for more than 12,000 Vermont seniors who rely on nutritious food from Meals on Wheels and at senior centers. 
    Freeze grant funding from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program, which provided $625,000 for our law enforcement in Vermont last year.  
    Freeze funding for home heating assistance for nearly 24,000 Vermonters who use the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to stay warm through the winter.  
    Freeze funding for 9,000 Vermonters who rely on Section 8 vouchers to keep a roof over their head, and risk shutting down housing and shelter services for unhoused youth. 
    Freeze funding for Vermont’s opioid response, which could lose around $5.9 million in funding to prevent, treat and support recovery services.   
    Freeze funding for Vermont’s small businesses impacted by disasters, which would lose $30.3 million on small business loans.  
    Freeze funding for Violence Against Women Act Grant Funding for Vermont. 
    Freeze funding for disaster recovery for Vermont. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The impact of Donald Trump’s anti-climate measures on our heating planet

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Bruce Campbell, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada

    Before assessing the impact of United States President Donald Trump’s climate and energy policies, some context about the current state of the planet is in order. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently called the world’s fossil fuel addiction “a Frankenstein’s monster sparing nothing and no one.”

    The year 2024 was the first in which the average temperature exceeded the Paris Agreement threshold of 1.5°C. Under a status quo scenario, Earth is on track to reach an approximate 2.7°C increase in planetary warming by 2100.

    The 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report found that climate-related global health threats are reaching new records, including heat-related deaths, food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases.

    Despite six reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 29 COP conferences and thousands of scientific papers, the world has made only minor headway on climate action.

    Main carbon polluters and their victims

    The 10 largest oil-producing and consuming countries account for 73 per cent of total oil production and consumption globally.

    The U.S. is the largest oil producer and oil consumer, accounting for almost one-quarter of global production and more than 20 per cent of consumption in 2022. Canada is the fourth-largest oil producer and the ninth-largest consumer, and also has the highest per-capita CO2 emission levels of any country.

    The world’s 60 largest banks, meanwhile, earmarked US$6.9 trillion over the last eight years to enable the fossil fuel industry.

    According to an Oxfam International report, the richest one per cent of the world’s population, most of whom live in developed countries, are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution each year as the poorest 50 per cent of humanity. Low-income countries that make up nearly 60 per cent of the world’s population, on the other hand, account for less than 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

    At COP 29 in Azerbaijan last year, developed countries, including Canada, pledged to triple their financial support for poor climate-vulnerable countries to $300 billion a year by 2035 to help them mitigate emissions, adapt to climate threats and help pay for loss and damage.

    But this is far from the $1.3 trillion demanded by Global South countries. Their pledges bear little resemblance to global fossil fuel subsidies that totalled an estimated $7 trillion in 2022.

    Trump’s climate-related actions

    Ahead of Trump’s recent inauguration, and under sustained pressure by Republicans, major American and Canadian banks withdrew from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) originally led by Canada’s Mark Carney as the United Nations’ Special Envoy for Climate Action.



    Read more:
    Mark Carney might have the edge as potential Liberal leader, but still faces major obstacles

    The oil and gas industry donated more than $75 million to Trump’s campaign, though donations provided by those with links to fossil fuels were estimated to be five times greater than that.

    Trump’s more than 200 executive orders included a so-called National Energy Emergency Declaration, in which he:

    · Withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, which he called one-sided, joining only three other petro-states — Iran, Libya and Yemen — that are not signatories to the Agreement.

    · Signed an order aimed at “unleashing American energy.”

    · Signed a declaration that would allow his administration to fast-track permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure.

    · Blocked all new offshore wind power development.

    · Revoked former president Joe Biden’s order that half of vehicles sold by 2030 be electric

    · Enabled new oil and gas development on federal lands, including reversing restrictions on petroleum extraction in Alaska and the Arctic Wildlife Reserve.

    Elon Musk, among Trump’s closest billionaire allies, has been silent on the president’s 2025 exit from the Paris Climate Accord.

    This is noteworthy because after Trump’s first withdrawal from the accord in 2017, Musk announced he was leaving presidential advisory councils, stating: “Climate change is real, leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”

    What’s ahead

    Notwithstanding the Trump fossil fuels embrace, there are some silver linings.

    Although the Trump snub of the COP climate conferences is generally seen as a setback, stronger climate action may now be possible without the U.S. at the table. Furthermore, many American states and municipalities will continue to push forward with aggressive emissions reduction measures. And thousands of climate lawsuits against U.S. governments and corporations are underway.



    Read more:
    Trump voters are not the obstacle to climate action many think they are

    Trump’s actions may also spur the migration of the U.S. renewables industry to Canada. Regardless, renewables will continue to replace fossil fuels worldwide.

    A global movement of governments, elected officials, organizations and individuals has endorsed the Canadian-founded Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation treaty initiative. Modelled on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it sets clear deadlines for the global phaseout of fossil fuels.

    At the 2025 World Economic Forum, Fortescue, a global metal mining giant, endorsed the treaty, the first major industrial company to do so.

    In his famous 2015 Lloyd’s of London speech, Carney, now the Liberal leadership frontrunner, called climate change “the tragedy of the horizon.”

    He warned that climate change will lead to financial crises and falling living standards unless the world’s biggest economies do more to ensure their companies come clean about their current and future carbon emissions.

    Payam Akhavan, an Iranian-born Canadian human rights lawyer, served as legal counsel to the Commission of Small Island States at the recent International Court of Justice climate hearings where these nations presented evidence about the devastating impact of climate change on their citizens.

    In an interview with CBC Ideas, Akhavan said: “What’s happening to the small island states today is going to happen to all of us tomorrow.”

    Ultimately, the writing is on the wall for fossil fuels. It’s not a matter of if the world moves away from them dramatically, but when.


    Bruce Campbell was awarded a Community Leadership in Justice fellowship from the Ontario Law Foundation in 2016. He is a voluntary member of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Rideau Institute for International Affairs, and the Group of 78.

    – ref. The impact of Donald Trump’s anti-climate measures on our heating planet – https://theconversation.com/the-impact-of-donald-trumps-anti-climate-measures-on-our-heating-planet-247887

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Italy partner with the Government of Iraq to boost climate resilience and agricultural livelihoods

    Source: World Food Programme

    BAGHDAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution from the Italian Government, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to help Iraqi communities strengthen their resilience to climate change while creating economic opportunities, especially for women.

    This initiative, in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, will introduce climate-smart farming techniques, irrigation improvements, and financial support to help farmers and entrepreneurs adapt to climate change.  Rising temperatures, worsening water scarcity, and land degradation have put Iraq’s agricultural sector under increasing strain. Asmuch as 40 percent of arable land in the south is feared to have been lost to desertification, with negative consequences for livelihoods and food security. 

    “Iraq’s farmers and rural communities are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing scalable and sustainable climate solutions,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq Mageed Yahia. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups have access to better water management, resilient crops, and climate financing. These efforts, alongside early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures, will help communities withstand environmental shocks and secure long-term food security.” 

    The project will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra; facing the harshest effects of climate change and will benefit vulnerable women-led households, crisis-affected people, and smallholder farmers. WFP will introduce efficient irrigation systems, helping farmers cut water use by 40% while boosting productivity as well as training sessions to help farmers transition to drought-resistant crops and better land management practices, ensuring long-term food security and soil preservation. 

    The initiative will also empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities by integrating them into climate adaptation programs, providing technical training, and facilitating access to financial resources to support entrepreneurial ventures. 

    WFP will partner with the Government of Iraq, academia and a number of Italian experts to provide technical solutions, equipment and expertise, to enable more efficient management of ecosystem resources. This can be done through community water ponds, nurseries and afforestation and revegetation initiatives. These approaches contribute to improved agricultural productivity and, subsequently, strengthened food systems. 

    “Climate change poses significant risks to Iraq’s agricultural sector, threatening livelihoods and food security all over the Country, and especially for women-led households” highlighted H.E. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq. “Various regions across Iraq face the harsh realities of water scarcity, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This project directly addresses these challenges by promoting green skills and expanding the private sector workforce, enhancing agricultural value chains, supporting women’s entrepreneurship in climate-resilient sectors. Italy is proud to commit to fostering a green transition that will benefit not only the environment, but also the population, empowering their communities and nurturing sustainability.” 

    WFP will continue working with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by aligning its project implementation with the Government’s priorities, particularly focusing on the addressing unemployment, improving water management in irrigation to drive up production and empower women to seek and maintain sustainable livelihoods.  

     

    #                 #                   # 

     

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

     

     

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Guilty pleas secured from illegal waste site owners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has attained guilty pleas from two men from Preston, in connection with illegal waste activities.

    Waste at the Skeffington Road site.

    At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 29 January, Jamil Hanif, 49 years old of Garstang Road, Preston, pleaded guilty to operating a regulated waste facility without the necessary environmental permit between 1 November 2021 and 6 December 2023.

    Richard Allen, 39 years old of Pope Lane, Preston, also pleaded guilty to illegally depositing controlled waste on the same site between 1 August 2022 and 31 January 2023, in violation of environmental regulations.

    Both defendants received 12-month Community Orders, requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. 

    • Richard Allen was ordered to pay a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    • Jamil Hanif was ordered to pay a £1,000 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    Work continues to tackle waste crime

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    This case highlights our commitment to tackling environmental crime. Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses.  

    We are pleased that the defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

    The case concerns a site owned by Preston City Council, which was initially leased to Finney Skeffington Ltd (FSL), a company directed by Hanif.

    Despite the company’s official dormant status, Hanif used the site for waste storage and sorting activities related to house clearances linked to his wife’s property rental business.

    Allen, acting under Hanif’s instructions, was responsible for tipping waste at the site. 

    Illegal waste activities at the site first came to light in November 2021, when a surveyor appointed by Preston City Council documented significant waste accumulation, including household and commercial waste, construction debris, and car parts.

    As a result, the council terminated FSL’s lease; however, Hanif continued to use the site under a temporary agreement with the council. 

    Further reports from local residents, including photographic and video evidence, showed waste being regularly delivered and dumped on the site, with Allen visibly involved in tipping waste.

    This evidence, along with Environment Agency investigations, led to the prosecution. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crimebusting Canines Foil Fake Tobacco Sales

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A canine crime busting duo has sniffed out illegal tobacco in Dundee shops and foiled the sale of fake cigarettes. 

    City council Trading Standards teams have been working with doggy detectives Rose and Boo in an intelligence-led operation,  

    A number of retailers were targeted, with five found to be in possession of illicit tobacco. 

    Nearly 9,000 cigarettes and 1750g of tobacco were seized, and officers also took away 42 non-compliant, oversized vapes. 

    The Dundee initiative was part of Operation Cece Scotland, where Trading Standards work with HMRC to tackle the illegal tobacco trade.  

    HMRC can impose financial sanctions for non-compliance with Tobacco Track and Trace regulations, while Trading Standards can report any criminal breaches to the Procurator Fiscal. 

    Illegal tobacco products are unregulated and can often contain harmful ingredients and bypass quality checks. Illicit tobacco can also pose a safety risk as they are unlikely to meet the self-extinguishing safety standards. 

    If anyone suspects any premises is selling illicit cigarettes or tobacco, they can report it to trading.standards@dundeecity.gov.uk or via Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000. 

    Council officer worked with the specially trained tobacco detection dogs from Consumer Protection Dogs UK and their handler. 

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Councillor Heather Anderson said: said: “I commend our Trading Standards team for all their work in this area which helps to protect our city’s communities from harm. 

    “Officers will continue to play a part in preventing illegal tobacco from being sold from local shops.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Cority Partners with Salus Technical, Bringing Advanced Bowtie Risk Analysis to CorityOne Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cority, the global leader in enterprise Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) software, today announced a strategic partnership with Salus Technical, a UK-based provider of bowtie risk analysis software. Through this partnership, Cority customers can access Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master solution, with its advanced Bowtie Risk diagramming and analysis features, enhancing their ability to manage complex risks within high-hazard settings.

    Managing risk is a growing demand for and one of the most critical challenges for organizations operating in high hazard environments. Traditional methods of risk assessment often struggle to adequately capture complexities common in high-reliability environments with intricate & highly coupled processes. Bowtie Risk Analysis, with its intuitive visual diagrams, enables organizations to proactively identify and assess compliance, or Bowtie Risk Analysis tools help organizations build a clear, actionable framework for advanced risk management.

    Through this partnership, Cority will integrate Bowtie Master with Cority’s Risk Management solution. As part of CorityOne, the company’s comprehensive EHS and sustainability SaaS-based ecosystem, customers will also be able to access other Safety-based Cority applications and, eventually, the full spectrum of environmental, health, quality, and sustainability programs. This holistic approach provides users with one place for better insights, collaboration, and decision making.

    Addressing Complex Risks with Cutting-Edge Tools

    “Process safety and risk management require tools that not only analyze risks but also make the insights actionable,” said David Jamieson, founder of Salus Technical. “This partnership allows organizations to streamline their risk assessment workflows, ensuring they can visualize complex scenarios, identify key dependencies, and prioritize resources to protect their workforce and operations.”

    Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master dynamically builds bowtie risk diagrams, simplifying the complexities of process safety. Unlike traditional tabular methods, Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master solution enables users to build bowtie risk diagrams dynamically with simple drag-and-drop features, providing a holistic view of risks and dependencies, and helping organizations prioritize required preventive and corrective actions. The integration with CorityOne will allow customers to connect insights from their bowtie risk analysis to other EHS workflows, helping them make informed decisions that increase resiliency, boost system reliability, and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic events.

    Benefits of the partnership Include:

    • Enhanced Risk Visibility: Intuitive, dynamic diagrams simplify complex risk scenarios, improving cross-team collaboration and understanding.
    • Proactive Risk Management: Organizations can prioritize and address risks before incidents occur, reducing downtime and improving operational safety.
    • Improved Efficiency: Seamless integration with CorityOne enables streamlined workflows, data visualization, and effective reporting.

    A Growing Demand for Bowtie Risk Analysis
    Bowtie risk analysis has become a preferred tool in industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining, and transportation, where the stakes of operational failures are high. Regulatory trends in specific regions, including Australia, are further driving demand for bowtie risk analysis capabilities integrated in enterprise-grade EHS software.

    A Unified Approach to Risk Management
    “Organizations in high-hazard industries are demanding for solutions that simplify complex risk management processes while delivering actionable insights to support intelligent action,” said Sean Baldry, senior director of product management at Cority. “With Bowtie Master, we are bringing our customers a powerful, integrated tool that enhances their ability to manage the most complex risk scenarios effectively and efficiently.”

    This partnership underscores Cority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its CorityOne ecosystem through organic development and strategic collaborations, delivering comprehensive solutions that help organizations drive safety, operational excellence, and sustainability.

    For more information, visit www.cority.com and www.bowtiemaster.com.

    About Cority
    Cority gives every employee from the field to the boardroom the power to make a difference, reducing risks and creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. For over 35 years, Cority’s people-first software solutions have been built by EHS and sustainability experts who know the pressures businesses face. Time-tested, scalable, and configurable, CorityOne is the responsible business platform that combines datasets from across the organization to enable improved efficiencies, actionable insights, data-driven decisions, and more accurate reporting on performance. Trusted by over 1,500 organizations worldwide and consistently recognized as a leader in the EHS industry by independent analyst firms, Cority deeply cares about helping people work toward a better future for everyone. To learn more, visit www.cority.com

    About Salus Technical
    Salus Technical, based in Aberdeen, Scotland, provides engineering, training, and software solutions to help organizations understand and manage risks from major accidents. Their flagship product, Bowtie Master, offers advanced process safety tools trusted by industries worldwide.

    Media Contact
    Natalie Rizk
    RiotMind
    natalier@theriotmind.agency

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Archaeological Discoveries on Display at York Explore

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A display at York Explore Library is showcasing artefacts uncovered during construction of the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme at Clifton Ings.

    Image of a fragment of pottery that was found at the site.

    York Explore Library located at Library Square, Museum Street, York (Y01 7DS) is showcasing remarkable artefacts uncovered during the construction of the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme at Clifton Ings.

    These 19th-century artefacts, originating from a former mental health institution, provide rare insights into the lives of past patients and staff. The display will be available until 27 February 2025. 

    Part of a £21 million investment to protect homes and businesses from flooding, the Clifton Ings Flood Alleviation Scheme not only enhances flood defences but has also led to the discovery of significant historical artefacts.

    The discoveries, made in 2021-2022 by York Archaeology, originate from a rubbish dump associated with Clifton Hospital, formerly the North Riding Lunatic Asylum (established 1847) and later known as North Riding Mental Hospital.

    The hospital was demolished in 1994, making these objects rare physical traces of its history.  

    Among the items on display are a fragment of a hot water bottle with its stopper still in place, an enamelled iron jug, and fragments of ceramic cups, saucers, plates, and dishes, some bearing the hospital’s initials.

    Also featured are a bone toothbrush and dominoes made from bone and wood. These objects provide a rare and valuable insight into the everyday lives of both patients and staff.  

    An image showing an overview of the finds.

    Mental health institutions have historically been overlooked in archaeological research, making these discoveries particularly significant.

    The display sheds light on the lived experiences within Clifton Hospital and highlights the evolving history of mental health care.  

    After the display period at York Explore, the finds will be deposited with the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield, ensuring their preservation and continued study.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on permit application for Fleetwood landfill opens

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has opened a consultation on a permit variation application from the operator of Jameson Road Landfill in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

    Transwaste Recycling & Aggregates has applied to the Environment Agency for permission to operate a dedicated tipping bay for waste brought on to the site.

    The tipped waste would be transferred to dump trucks that would take the waste to final disposal in the landfill.

    To be able to do this, the company needs to apply for a change to its existing environmental permit for the site.

    The Environment Agency is seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the application.

    The consultation runs from Monday 3 February until Monday 17 March, 2025.

    John Neville, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    We understand the ongoing public interest and concerns around this landfill site.

    I’d like to reassure people that we will carry out a detailed and rigorous assessment of Transwaste’s permit variation application

    Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment.

    We welcome comments from the public and interested groups on local environmental factors related to this permit consultation.

    In its application, the company proposes that the tipping bay would have sealed drainage and containment. It also proposes the bay would be surrounded by nets to minimise the potential for litter escaping.

    The application includes screening, which would act as a wind shield and visual screen for the tipping operation.

    The Environment Agency assesses applications for environmental permits, or to vary existing environmental permits, under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR).

    Its role is to assess the application and decide if it meets all requirements under relevant environmental legislation and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health.

    It will only vary the environmental permit for the site to allow the tipping bay if it is satisfied this would be the case.

    The consultation is live on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crackdown on illegal wildlife products at the border

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Thousands of unlicensed and illegal wildlife products have been seized by Border Force as part of Operation Thunder.

    Operation Thunder is an intensive international operation to target the criminal networks behind wildlife crime,

    From 11 November to 6 December 2024, Border Force officers taking part in Operation Thunder 24 made 217 seizures of wildlife products which are controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).

    Seizures included live plants, a range of beauty products containing caviar and cactus extracts, a quantity of bear bile, and clothes and accessories containing animal skins.

    Border Force officers also detected over 400 live birds as part of the operation, including rosella parakeets, king parrots, African grey parrots and blue-fronted Amazon parrots. Where possible, Border Force will rehome any live animals found.

    Operation Thunder is a global effort to target the illegal wildlife trade and is co-led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

    Wildlife crime is estimated to be worth up to £17 billion globally per year and is the fourth largest international crime according to Interpol, behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking. Strengthening border security and breaking the criminal networks that seek to abuse our borders is a key part of the government’s plan for change.

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra said:

    Detecting and seizing illegal wildlife products is not just a matter of enforcement, but a vital act of preservation for this planet’s biodiversity.  

    The work of Border Force in interrupting this serious organised crime is critical to the UK’s efforts to regulate the international trade in endangered species.

    Border Force Director for National Operations, Danny Hewitt said:

    Wildlife crime is a serious organised crime which fuels corruption, threatens species with extinction, deprives some of the world’s poorest communities of sustainable livelihoods, and degrades ecosystems.

    We take an intelligence-led approach to detecting illegal trade and work closely with our partners across the global community to share training, expertise and skills.

    Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

    Tackling wildlife crime is essential to protecting iconic biodiversity at home and abroad. Criminal gangs must face justice for the part they play in nature destruction for self-gain.

    These figures reflect the invaluable role of the Border Force in safeguarding wildlife, and are an example of international collaboration to combat global criminal networks.

    Border Force works closely with other enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and keep borders secure. This includes the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), London Heathrow Animal Reception Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, amongst others.

    This year’s Operation Thunder was also supported by the police, who executed 5 warrants in relation to bird egg smuggling. This has so far resulted in the confiscation of over 5,000 bird eggs.

    Operation Thunder 24 led to seizures in the UK which included:

    • over 400 live birds (51 CITES listed)
    • 7kg of ivory
    • 450 live plants
    • 315kg of beauty products containing caviar
    • over 2,500 pills and 21.5kg of powders containing endangered plant and animal species
    • live corals
    • snow leopard garments

    Border Force is responsible for frontline detection and seizure of items covered by the CITES convention, which tackles the illegal trade in endangered animals and plants. The Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who are recognised as world leaders in their field.

    Border Force’s work to prevent the trade of unregulated and illegal products made from endangered species is helping the government in its safer streets mission by smashing organised crime.

    Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online using the report smuggling service.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 20,000 live animals seized, 365 suspects arrested in largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    4 February 2025

    138 countries and regions join forces to target fauna and flora trafficking worldwide

    LYON, France – Nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, have been seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    Operation Thunder 2024 (11 November – 6 December) brought together police, customs, border control, forestry and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions, marking the widest participation since the first edition in 2017.

    Authorities arrested 365 suspects and identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Such species are illegally trafficked to meet specific market demands, whether for food, perceived medicinal benefits, “luxury” and collector items or as pets and competition animals.

    Globally, more than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were identified.

    The operation led to the rescue of 18 big cats, including these tiger cubs in the Czech Republic.

    The seized animals were sent to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation.

    Organized crime networks profit from the demand for rare plants and animals, like this bird seized in Mexico.

    More than 5,877 live turtles were seized during Operation Thunder, including these ones in Tanzania.

    Morocco conducted intelligence-led investigations and seized over 50 snakes of various species.

    12 live pangolins were seized during the action weeks, such as this one in Mozambique.

    These Oryx were seized in Iraq. The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions.

    1,731 other reptiles were seized live, like these blue-tongued lizards in Australia.

    Overall, nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, were rescued.

    33 protected primates were seized during the operation, this one was discovered in Chile.

    An example of a deer seized in North Macedonia during the operation that was jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

    This primate was rescued in Indonesia during Operation Thunder.

    The live animals, which included big cats, birds, pangolins, primates and reptiles were rescued in connection with 2,213 seizures made worldwide.

    Where possible, wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples before transferring the animals to conservation centres, where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation, in line with national frameworks and relevant protocols.

    The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions, as it helps confirm the type of species and its origin or distribution, shedding light on new trafficking routes and emerging trends.

    Large-scale trafficking of animal parts, plants and endangered species

    In addition to the live animals, participating countries seized hundreds of thousands of protected animal parts and derivatives, trees, plants, marine life and arthropods.

    Timber cases represent the most significant seizures, primarily occurring in sea cargo container shipments, while most other seizures took place at airports and mail processing hubs.

    Authorities also investigated online activities and found suspects using multiple profiles and linked accounts across social media platforms and marketplaces to expand their reach.

    More than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were also identified.

    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General said:

    “Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed. This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.

    “Environmental crimes are uniquely destructive, and INTERPOL, in cooperation with its partners, is committed to protecting our planet for future generations.”

    Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, said:

    “Operation Thunder continues to shed light on a crime that is often not a priority for enforcement actors. Through our joint efforts we have established cooperation mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence, and we have refined our enforcement strategies.

    “The illegal wildlife trade is still rapidly growing, highly lucrative and has devastating effects. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members and partners to effectively combat this serious crime.”

    This leopard hide was seized in Namibia, during the largest-ever global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking.

    As well as this leopard skin coat discovered in Poland, Polish authorities also seized 300 seahorse tablets.

    This Mariposa butterfly found in Peru was one of 5,991 pieces and 233kg of arthropods seized globally.

    This wood in Brazil was among 49,572 pieces, 214.9 tonnes and 1340 m3 of timber seized worldwide.

    These sea cucumbers and shark fins were seized in Mozambique.

    Nearly 4.5 tonnes of pangolin scales were seized in Nigeria.

    Mongolia reported the seizure of 40 m3 of timber.

    This skull, discovered by Mexican authorities, was among 53 pieces of big cats seized around the world, including claws, furs, and skulls.

    Python skin products, like this one seized in Italy, are perceived as high-end or luxurious items.

    This coral, found in Italy, was one of 493 pieces and 21.41kg of coral seized globally.

    Indonesia reported two instances of trafficking of African ivory.

    Significant seizures include:

    • Indonesia: 134 tonnes of timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Kenya: 41 tonnes of exotic timber headed to Asia via ocean freight.
    • Nigeria: 4,472 kg of pangolins scales
    • Türkiye: 6,500 live songbirds discovered during a vehicle inspection at the Syrian border.
    • India: 5,193 live red-eared ornamental slider turtles concealed in passenger suitcases arriving from Malaysia at Chennai Airport.
    • Peru: 3,700 protected plants intercepted en route from Ecuador.
    • Qatar: Eight rhino horns found in a suspect’s luggage while transiting from Mozambique to Thailand.
    • United States: One tonne of sea cucumbers, considered a seafood delicacy, smuggled from Nicaragua.
    • Hong Kong, China: 973 kg of dried shark fins originating from Morocco seized at the airport.
    • Czech Republic: Eight tigers, aged between two months and two years, discovered in a suspected illegal breeding facility.
    • Indonesia: 846 pieces of reticulated python skin, from the world’s longest snake species, concealed on board a ship.
    • More than 300 firearms, vehicles and poaching equipment.

    Building a global intelligence picture of wildlife and timber trafficking

    Regular operations such as Thunder enable investigators to build a comprehensive global intelligence picture and detailed offender profiles, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement efforts and resolution of cross-border cases.

    Cooperation between various stakeholders is essential for effectively combating transnational criminal networks, from seizure to arrest and prosecution, as the data collected enable customs administrations to refine their risk management and compliance strategies, and stay one step ahead of criminals, ensuring that their contribution to the fight against wildlife crime is dynamic and responsive.

    Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged actionable intelligence on ongoing cases and high-value targets, updating critical information on 21 INTERPOL Red Notices for suspected traffickers wanted internationally. This exchange continued throughout the operation, with officers using the secure channels provided by both INTERPOL and the WCO to communicate in real time.

    The Operation Thunder series is backed by the CITES Secretariat and carried out under the partnership framework of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC). The 2024 edition was co-funded by the European Union, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Time to subscribe online to Lancaster City Council’s garden waste collection service for 2025/26 Residents can avoid multiple trips to the tip this year by subscribing online to Lancaster City Council’s fortnightly garden waste collection service for 2025/26.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Residents can avoid multiple trips to the tip this year by subscribing online to Lancaster City Council’s fortnightly garden waste collection service for 2025/26.

    The opt-in service runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

    To help cover rising operational costs and ensure the service continues to run efficiently, this year’s subscription fee has increased by £1 to £46.

    Current subscribers will receive reminder letters and emails in the coming weeks with instructions on how to renew their subscriptions online.  However, residents can subscribe online at any time by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/garden-waste, where they will also find the terms and conditions of the service and a set of helpful FAQs.

    Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Raising fees and charges is never a decision we take lightly.  However, our garden waste collection service is a subsidised service and to maintain the high standard of it, a modest fee increase is necessary this year to address the rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, staffing and demand.”

    Current customers who do not wish to renew their subscriptions don’t need to take any action. Collections will automatically stop after March 31, 2025.

    Residents can request the removal of surplus garden waste bins by completing an online form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/contact-us.

    Last updated: 04 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ESG will remain core focus in tech during 2025, but fragmented by geography and company culture, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    ESG will remain core focus in tech during 2025, but fragmented by geography and company culture, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) remains an issue of strategic importance to the tech industry, despite ongoing fragmentation by geography and company culture, with the election of Donald Trump as the US president accelerating a period of short-term opportunistic push-back, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Robert Pritchard, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology & Services at GlobalData, says: “In 2024, GlobalData correctly forecast that tech companies would still see ESG as a core strategic issue. This has been underlined by improved observability, and increasingly aligned ESG and financial reporting.”

    GlobalData Tech-Enabled ESG analytical forecasts for 2024 highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the market both as a drain on natural resources, and as part of the solution to address sustainability challenges. This year, GlobalData has observed that the latest generation of network equipment is often 80% to 90% more energy efficient than legacy kit.

    Pritchard adds: “GlobalData also foresaw the twin trends of ESG being used as a differentiator by tech companies, and a closer alignment with financial reporting – driven both by regulation and commercial imperatives. This, as predicted, has meant a growing association of cost savings and improved productivity as a result of ESG initiatives.”

    Pritchard continues: “The Trump impact will see different speeds and priorities by geography when it comes to sustainability, but the overall direction of travel will outlast a four-year presidential period – enterprises think strategically, and while some may exploit short-term climate change denying opportunities, their customers, employees, and regulators will continue to recognize the importance of addressing the climate crisis.”

    Pritchard concludes: “The other major theme we see in enterprise ESG through 2025 is its extension into the small/medium-sized business (SMB) market. This reflects growing customer demand and the ongoing refocus of tech service providers on smaller businesses as the engine of economic – and therefore their own commercial – growth.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos ranked in the top 5% of the IT Services industry in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos ranked in the top 5% of the
    IT Services industry in the 2024
    S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Paris, France – February 4, 2025 – Atos Group today announces that it has been recognized by S&P Global as one of the most sustainable companies worldwide in its industry for the 11th consecutive year. Atos achieved a score of 74/100 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), placing Atos within the top 5% of the IT services industry among 166 companies assessed with an average industry score of 32/100. This high rating reflects Atos’ long-standing dedication to sustainability and its exemplary performance in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) practices.

    The assessment highlighted significant strengths in environmental management and the transparency of sustainable reporting, recognizing Atos’ ambitious environmental program, which started 14 years ago.

    Alexandra Knupe, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Atos comments “Atos is proud to rank within the top 5% of IT services companies globally. The S&P Global CSA recognizes our commitment and continuous development towards excellence in Environmental, Social & Governance practices. By continuously improving our practices, we aim to set a benchmark in the industry and contribute positively to global environmental and social challenges”.

    The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices. It covers over 10,000 companies globally. The CSA has been assessing sustainability criteria that are both general and industry-specific since 1999. More information about the CSA methodology can be found here.

    Atos has recently been awarded a “Platinum” EcoVadis Medal for its commitment to sustainability for the 5th consecutive year, following 8 years of receiving the EcoVadis Gold Medal. Find out more about Atos’ CSR program here.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Florence Vayleux | florence.vayleux@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 32 12 22 96

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes: Strong Q4 results driven by new business acceleration and expanded 3DEXPERIENCE footprint

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — February 4, 2025

    Dassault Systèmes: Strong Q4 results driven by new business acceleration and expanded 3DEXPERIENCE footprint

    Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today reports its IFRS unaudited estimated financial results for the fourth quarter 2024 and full year ended December 31, 2024. The Group’s Board of Directors approved these estimated results on February 3, 2025. This press release also includes financial information on a non-IFRS basis and reconciliations with IFRS figures in the Appendix.

    Summary Highlights1  

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

    • 4Q24: Software revenue accelerated to 9% growth;
    • 4Q24: Top line acceleration driven by new business growth of 13% and 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue up 22%;
    • 4Q24: Operating margin stood at 36.3%, an increase of 70 basis points, with diluted EPS of €0.40, up 11%;
    • FY24: Total revenue grew to €6.21 billion with software revenue up 6%, operating margin of 31.9% and diluted EPS of €1.28, up 9%;
    • Initiating guidance for FY25: total revenue growth expected between 6% and 8%, operating margin between 32.6% and 32.9%, up 70-100 basis points, and diluted EPS of €1.36-€1.39;
    • Revealing 3D UNIV+RSES and their AI-based services.

    Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer Commentary

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

    “2024 has been a year of competitive success, driven by the expansion of 3DEXPERIENCE across industries, domains and geographies, and redefining our strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Volkswagen, Lockheed Martin, Mahindra & Mahindra, Airbus, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

    Key to this success is the relevance of 3DEXPERIENCE combining deep industry knowledge and know-how to help customers enhance their value propositions and empower their teams. This will nurture our future growth and build the foundation for broad cloud adoption.

    Building on this strong foundation, we are excited to announce a new era for Dassault Systèmes. We are fully committed to creating UNIV+RSES, a combination of multiple virtual twins, integrating artificial intelligence to connect virtual and real, across all industry solutions. This will unlock new opportunities for our clients and position us as the trusted Global IP Generation and Management Company.”

    Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer Commentary

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

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

    “We delivered a strong Q4 in the context of a challenging year, with total revenue up 7%, driven by new business growth of 13% in the quarter. From a product line perspective, this performance was led by Industrial Innovation, up 8%, as a result of the wider adoption of 3DEXPERIENCE, with a focus on manufacturing. At the same time, we saw continued excellent performance in Mainstream Innovation while in Life Sciences, MEDIDATA returned to growth.

    Turning to the bottom line, profitability improved in the quarter with an operating margin of 36.3%, up 70 basis points driven by productivity gains, and EPS increased by a strong 11%.

    For 2024, software revenue growth was 6% and EPS grew by 9%. Operating cash flow came in at €1.66 billion resulting in a net cash position of €1.46 billion, highlighting our capacity for future investments.

    Looking ahead, we are confident in our growth outlook and competitive positioning.

    As such, for 2025 we anticipate total revenue growth between 6% and 8%, operating margin expansion of 70-100 basis points and EPS up 7% to 10%.

    Lastly, we are delighted to hold our Capital Markets Day this coming June, at our headquarters in Paris where it will be the opportunity to discuss our vision for the next horizon.”

    Financial Summary

    In millions of Euros,
    except per share data and percentages    		   IFRS   IFRS
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Change in constant currencies   YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue   1,754.2 1,643.4 7% 7%   6,213.6 5,951.4 4% 5%
    Software Revenue   1,601.5 1,476.1 8% 9%   5,613.3 5,360.0 5% 6%
    Operating Margin   27.6% 23.2% +4.3pts     21.9% 20.9% +1.0pt  
    Diluted EPS   0.30 0.25 20%     0.90 0.79 14%  
    In millions of Euros,
    except per share data and percentages    		   Non-IFRS   Non-IFRS
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Change in constant currencies   YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue   1,754.2 1,643.4 7% 7%   6,213.6 5,951.4 4% 5%
    Software Revenue   1,601.5 1,476.1 8% 9%   5,613.3 5,360.0 5% 6%
    Operating Margin   36.3% 35.9% +0.4pt     31.9% 32.4% (0.4)pt  
    Diluted EPS   0.40 0.36 9% 11%   1.28 1.20 7% 9%

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Versus 2023 Financial Comparisons

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

    • Total Revenue: Total revenue in the fourth quarter grew by 7% to €1.75 billion, and software revenue increased by 9% to €1.60 billion. Subscription & support revenue rose 7%; recurring revenue represented 75% of software revenue. Licenses and other software revenue increased by 15% to €405 million. Services revenue was down 9% to €153 million, during the quarter.
    • Software Revenue by Geography: Revenue in the Americas increased by 5% to represent 37% of software revenue, led by Aerospace & Defense. Europe (43% of software revenue) grew by 14%, thanks to large deals closed in Aerospace & Defense and Home & Lifestyle. In Asia, revenue increased by 7%, led by Japan and India, while China remained volatile. Asia represented 20% of software revenue at the end of the fourth quarter.
    • Software Revenue by Product Line:
      • Industrial Innovation software revenue increased by 8% to €902 million, driven by strong momentum with 3DEXPERIENCE wins and many strategic competitive displacements, led by DELMIA in manufacturing. Industrial Innovation software represented 56% of software revenue.
      • Life Sciences software revenue was flat, at €298 million, accounting for 19% of software revenue. MEDIDATA returned to growth, up 1% in the quarter, highlighting progressive improvement.
      • Mainstream Innovation software revenue increased by 17% to €402 million, with SOLIDWORKS achieving its best quarter since 2022 and CENTRIC PLM maintaining strong momentum. Mainstream Innovation represented 25% of software revenue, during the period.
    • Software Revenue by Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Home & Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment were among the best performers during the quarter.
    • Key Strategic Drivers: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue increased by 22% thanks to major deals signings in Aerospace & Defense and Transport & Mobility. 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue represented 46% of 3DEXPERIENCE eligible software revenue. Cloud software revenue grew by 6% and represented 22% of software revenue during the period. Excluding MEDIDATA, Cloud software revenue increased by 19%.
    • Operating Income and Margin: IFRS operating income rose by 27% at €483 million, as reported. Non-IFRS operating income increased by 9% in constant currencies at €637 million (up 8% as reported). The IFRS operating margin stood at 27.6% compared to 23.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023. The non-IFRS operating margin totaled 36.3% versus 35.9% during the same period last year, up 70 basis points in constant currencies.
    • Earnings per Share: IFRS diluted EPS was €0.30, up 20% as reported. Non-IFRS diluted EPS grew to €0.40, up 9% as reported, or 11% in constant currencies.

    Fiscal 2024 Versus 2023 Financial Comparisons

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

    • Total Revenue: Total revenue grew by 5% to €6.21 billion. Software revenue increased by 6% to €5.61 billion. Subscription and support revenue rose to €4.49 billion up 6%; recurring revenue represented 80% of total software revenue. Licenses and other software revenue grew by 4% to €1.13 billion. Services revenue came at €600 million, up 2%.
    • Software Revenue by Geography: The Americas increased by 4% and represented 39% of software revenue. Europe rose by 6% and represented 38% of software revenue. Asia grew by 9%, representing 22% of software revenue.
    • Software Revenue by Product Line:
      • Industrial Innovation software revenue was up 5% to €3.02 billion and represented 54% of software revenue. DELMIA, ENOVIA and SIMULIA exhibited the strongest performance.
    • Life Sciences software revenue decreased by 1% to €1.14 billion, representing 20% of software revenue.
    • Mainstream Innovation software revenue increased by 13% to €1.45 billion. Mainstream Innovation represented 26% of software revenue.
    • Software Revenue by Industry: Home & Lifestyle, Aerospace and Defense, High-Tech and Industrial equipment displayed some of the strongest performance.
    • Key Strategic Drivers: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue increased by 14%, representing 39% of 3DEXPERIENCE eligible software revenue. Cloud software revenue grew by 7% and represented 24% of software revenue. Excluding MEDIDATA, Cloud software revenue increased by more than 40% versus last year.
    • Operating Income and Margin: IFRS operating income increased by 9% to €1.36 billion, as reported. Non-IFRS operating income increased by 3% as reported, up 4% in constant currencies, to €1.98 billion. IFRS operating margin totaled 21.9% compared to 20.9% in 2023. The non-IFRS operating margin stood at 31.9% in 2024 compared to 32.4% last year.
    • Earnings per Share: IFRS diluted EPS was up 14% as reported, to €0.90. Non-IFRS diluted EPS grew by 7% to €1.28, as reported, up 9% in constant currencies.
    • Cash Flow from Operations (IFRS): Cash flow from operations totaled €1.66 billion, up 6% year over year at reported rate with strong cash conversion and good cash collection, offset by receivables up on higher business activity in the fourth quarter.
    • Balance Sheet (IFRS): Dassault Systèmes had a net cash position of €1.46 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of €0.88 billion, compared to €0.58 billion for the year ending December 31, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents totaled €3.95 billion at the end of December 2024. The movements of the year on cash and cash equivalents include the reimbursement for €700 million of the second tranche of the bond issued by the company in 2019.

    Financial Objectives for 2025

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

               
          Q1 2025 FY 2025  
      Total Revenue (billion) €1.535 – €1.601 €6.550 – €6.650  
      Growth 2 – 7% 5 – 7%  
      Growth ex FX 3 – 8% 6 – 8%  
               
      Software revenue growth * 3 – 8% 6 – 8%  
        Of which licenses and other software revenue growth * 0 – 9% 3 – 5%  
        Of which recurring revenue growth * 4 – 8% 7 – 9%  
     

    Services revenue growth *

    0 – 4%

    		 3 – 6%  
               
      Operating Margin 31.0% – 31.1% 32.6% – 32.9%  
               
      EPS Diluted €0.30 – €0.32 €1.36 – €1.39  
      Growth 2 – 6% 6 – 8%  
      Growth ex FX 3 – 7% 7 – 10%  
               
      US dollar $1.10 per Euro $1.10 per Euro  
      Japanese yen (before hedging) JPY 155.0 per Euro JPY 155.0 per Euro  
      * Growth in Constant Currencies      

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

    The 2025 non-IFRS financial objectives set forth above do not take into account the following accounting elements below and are estimated based upon the 2025 principal currency exchange rates above: no significant contract liabilities write-downs; share-based compensation expenses, including related social charges, estimated at approximately €161 million (these estimates do not include any new stock option or share grants issued after December 31, 2024); amortization of acquired intangibles and of tangibles reevaluation, estimated at approximately €336 million, largely impacted by the acquisition of MEDIDATA; and lease incentives of acquired companies at approximately €2 million.

    The above objectives also do not include any impact from other operating income and expenses, a net principally comprised of acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; from one-time items included in financial revenue; from one-time tax effects; and from the income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments. Finally, these estimates do not include any new acquisitions or restructuring completed after December 31, 2024.

    Corporate Announcements

    Today’s Webcast and Conference Call Information

    Today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Dassault Systèmes will host, from Paris, a webcasted presentation at 9:00 AM London Time / 10:00 AM Paris time, and will then host a conference call at 8:30 AM New York time / 1:30 PM London time / 2:30 PM Paris time. The webcasted presentation and conference calls will be available online by accessing investor.3ds.com.

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

    Investor Relations Events

    • First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: April 24, 2025
    • Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: July 24, 2025
    • Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: October 23, 2025

    Forward-looking Information

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

    The Group’s actual results or performance may be materially negatively affected by numerous risks and uncertainties, as described in the “Risk Factors” section 1.9 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document (‘Document d’enregistrement universel’) filed with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) on March 18, 2024, available on the Group’s website www.3ds.com.

    In particular, please refer to the risk factor “Uncertain Global Economic Environment” in section 1.9.1.1 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document set out below for ease of reference:

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

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

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

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

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

    Non-IFRS Financial Information

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

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

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

    ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact. For more information, visit www.3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team                        FTI Consulting

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

                                                                    Jamie Ricketts : +44 20 3727 1600

    investors@3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts

    Corporate / France        Arnaud MALHERBE        

    arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com        

    +33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

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

    APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

    Glossary of Definitions

    Non-IFRS Financial Information

    Acquisitions and Foreign Exchange Impact

    Condensed consolidated statements of income

    Condensed consolidated balance sheet

    Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

    IFRS – non-IFRS reconciliation

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES – Glossary of Definitions

    Information in Constant Currencies

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

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

    Information on Growth excluding acquisitions (“organic growth”)

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

    Information on Industrial Sectors

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

    These three sectors comprise twelve industries:

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

    Information on Product Lines

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

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

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

    GEOs

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

    These GEOs are structured into three groups:

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

    3DEXPERIENCE Software Contribution

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

    Cloud revenue

    Cloud revenues correspond to revenue generated through a catalog of cloud-based solutions, infrastructure as a service, cloud solution development and cloud managed services. They are delivered by Dassault Systèmes via a cloud infrastructure hosted by Dassault Systèmes, or by third party providers of cloud computing infrastructure services. These offerings are available through different deployment methods: Dedicated cloud, Sovereign cloud and International cloud. Cloud solutions are generally offered through subscriptions models or perpetual licenses with support and hosting services.

    New business

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

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

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

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

    In millions of Euros, except per share data, percentages, headcount and exchange rates Non-IFRS reported
    Three months ended Twelve months ended
    December 31,

    2024

    		 December 31,

    2023

    		 Change Change in constant currencies December 31,

    2024

    		 December 31,

    2023

    		 Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue € 1,754.2 € 1,643.4 7% 7% € 6,213.6 € 5,951.4 4% 5%
                     
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 1,601.5 1,476.1 8% 9% 5,613.3 5,360.0 5% 6%
    Of which licenses and other software revenue 405.4 351.9 15% 15% 1,125.2 1,087.6 3% 4%
    Of which subscription and support revenue 1,196.1 1,124.3 6% 7% 4,488.1 4,272.4 5% 6%
    Services revenue 152.8 167.3 (9)% (9)% 600.3 591.4 2% 2%
                     
    Software revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 901.8 837.3 8% 8% 3,019.6 2,908.0 4% 5%
    Life Sciences 297.7 295.1 1% 0% 1,144.2 1,158.9 (1)% (1)%
    Mainstream Innovation 402.0 343.7 17% 17% 1,449.4 1,293.2 12% 13%
                     
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 595.0 566.7 5% 5% 2,214.7 2,141.9 3% 4%
    Europe 685.0 601.1 14% 14% 2,150.4 2,027.3 6% 6%
    Asia 321.4 308.4 4% 7% 1,248.1 1,190.8 5% 9%
                     
    Operating income € 636.8 € 589.8 8%   € 1,983.7 € 1,925.6 3%  
    Operating margin 36.3% 35.9%     31.9% 32.4%    
                     
    Net income attributable to shareholders € 530.7 € 487.2 9%   € 1,705.1 € 1,597.9 7%  
    Diluted earnings per share € 0.40 € 0.36 9% 11% € 1.28 € 1.20 7% 9%
                     
    Closing headcount 26,026 25,573 2%   26,026 25,573 2%  
                     
    Average Rate USD per Euro 1.07 1.08 (1)%   1.08 1.08 0%  
    Average Rate JPY per Euro 162.55 159.12 2%   163.85 151.99 8%  

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    ACQUISITIONS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE IMPACT

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros Non-IFRS reported o/w growth at constant rate and scope o/w change of scope impact at current year rate o/w FX impact on previous year figures
    December 31,

    2024

    		 December 31,

    2023

    		 Change
    Revenue QTD 1,754.2 1,643.4 110.9 111.8 0.6 (1.6)
    Revenue YTD 6,213.6 5,951.4 262.2 302.0 2.2 (42.0)

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages IFRS reported
    Three months ended Twelve months ended
    December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
    2024 2023 2024 2023
    Licenses and other software revenue 405.4 351.9 1,125.2 1,087.6
    Subscription and Support revenue 1,196.1 1,124.3 4,488.1 4,272.4
    Software revenue 1,601.5 1,476.1 5,613.3 5,360.0
    Services revenue 152.8 167.3 600.3 591.4
    Total Revenue € 1,754.2 € 1,643.4 € 6,213.6 € 5,951.4
    Cost of software revenue (1) (134.1) (124.9) (498.5) (453.9)
    Cost of services revenue (132.7) (131.0) (517.8) (517.1)
    Research and development expenses (327.7) (317.5) (1,286.2) (1,228.3)
    Marketing and sales expenses (456.6) (429.3) (1,704.3) (1,624.5)
    General and administrative expenses (136.4) (124.8) (470.5) (450.6)
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (87.5) (94.9) (361.6) (378.9)
    Other operating income and expense, net 4.2 (39.5) (15.0) (56.2)
    Total Operating Expenses (1,270.9) (1,261.8) (4,854.0) (4,709.5)
    Operating Income € 483.4 € 381.6 € 1,359.6 € 1,241.9
    Financial income (loss), net 22.9 27.8 118.4 59.0
    Income before income taxes € 506.3 € 409.4 € 1,478.0 € 1,300.9
    Income tax expense (95.4) (79.1) (279.9) (250.7)
    Net Income € 410.9 € 330.3 € 1,198.1 € 1,050.2
    Non-controlling interest 1.1 (0.3) 2.1 0.7
    Net Income attributable to equity holders of the parent € 412.0 € 330.0 € 1,200.2 € 1,050.9
    Basic earnings per share 0.31 0.25 0.91 0.80
    Diluted earnings per share € 0.30 € 0.25 € 0.90 € 0.79
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 1,312.7 1,314.1 1,313.3 1,315.1
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 1,330.0 1,336.6 1,333.4 1,336.8

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

    IFRS reported

     

    		 Three months ended December 31, 2024 Twelve months ended December 31, 2024
    Change (2) Change in constant currencies Change (2) Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue 7% 7% 4% 5%
    Revenue by activity        
    Software revenue 8% 9% 5% 6%
    Services revenue (9)% (9)% 2% 2%
    Software Revenue by product line        
    Industrial Innovation 8% 8% 4% 5%
    Life Sciences 1% 0% (1)% (1)%
    Mainstream Innovation 17% 17% 12% 13%
    Software Revenue by geography        
    Americas 5% 5% 3% 4%
    Europe 14% 14% 6% 6%
    Asia 4% 7% 5% 9%

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

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros IFRS reported
    December 31, December 31,
    2024 2023
    ASSETS    
    Cash and cash equivalents 3,952.6 3,568.3
    Trade accounts receivable, net 2,120.9 1,707.9
    Contract assets 30.1 26.8
    Other current assets 464.0 477.1
    Total current assets 6,567.6 5,780.1
    Property and equipment, net 945.8 882.8
    Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 7,687.1 7,647.0
    Other non-current assets 345.5 312.5
    Total non-current assets 8,978.3 8,842.3
    Total Assets € 15,545.9 € 14,622.5
    LIABILITIES    
    Trade accounts payable 259.9 230.5
    Contract liabilities 1,663.4 1,479.3
    Borrowings, current 450.8 950.1
    Other current liabilities 1,147.4 901.0
    Total current liabilities 3,521.5 3,561.0
    Borrowings, non-current 2,042.8 2,040.6
    Other non-current liabilities 900.9 1,174.8
    Total non-current liabilities 2,943.7 3,215.4
    Non-controlling interests 14.1 11.9
    Parent shareholders’ equity 9,066.6 7,834.1
    Total Liabilities € 15,545.9 € 14,622.5

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros IFRS reported
    Three months ended Twelve months ended
    December 31, December 31, Change December 31, December 31, Change
    2024 2023 2024 2023
    Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent 412.0 330.0 82.0 1,200.2 1,050.9 149.3
    Non-controlling interest (1.1) 0.3 (1.4) (2.1) (0.7) (1.4)
    Net income 410.9 330.3 80.6 1,198.1 1,050.2 147.9
    Depreciation of property and equipment 49.7 44.0 5.7 191.9 182.4 9.4
    Amortization of intangible assets 89.4 96.8 (7.4) 369.1 387.1 (18.0)
    Adjustments for other non-cash items (75.9) (48.8) (27.0) 37.7 74.7 (37.0)
    Changes in working capital (162.1) (128.8) (33.3) (137.0) (129.2) (7.7)
    Net Cash From Operating Activities € 312.0 € 293.4 € 18.6 € 1,659.8 € 1,565.2 € 94.6
                 
    Additions to property, equipment and intangibles assets (49.1) (42.5) (6.6) (193.4) (145.3) (48.1)
    Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (4.2) (0.5) (3.8) (22.5) (16.1) (6.4)
    Other 0.3 0.1 0.1 24.1 (0.3) 24.4
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities € (53.1) € (42.9) € (10.2) € (191.7) € (161.6) € (30.1)
                 
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options 4.4 28.5 (24.1) 48.4 67.0 (18.6)
    Cash dividends paid – 0.0 (0.0) (302.7) (276.2) (26.4)
    Repurchase and sale of treasury stock (0.5) 10.6 (11.1) (374.0) (375.4) 1.4
    Capital increase – (0.0) 0.0 – 146.1 (146.1)
    Acquisition of non-controlling interests (0.0) (0.1) 0.1 (3.3) (0.9) (2.4)
    Proceeds from borrowings – 0.0 (0.0) 200.2 20.3 179.9
    Repayment of borrowings (100.0) 0.1 (100.0) (700.9) (28.1) (672.7)
    Repayment of lease liabilities (18.7) (26.3) 7.7 (79.7) (89.4) 9.7
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities € (114.8) € 12.7 € (127.5) € (1,211.9) € (536.7) € (675.2)
                 
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 150.8 (63.2) 213.9 128.2 (67.5) 195.7
                 
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents € 294.9 € 200.1 € 94.8 € 384.3 € 799.3 € (415.0)
                 
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period € 3,657.7 € 3,368.1   € 3,568.3 € 2,769.0  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period € 3,952.6 € 3,568.3   € 3,952.6 € 3,568.3  

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

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for IFRS measurements. Also, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Further specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures, and the reasons for presenting non-IFRS financial information, are set forth in the Group’s Document d’Enregistrement Universel for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the AMF on March 18, 2024. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read not in isolation, but only in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages Three months ended December 31, Change
    2024 Adjustment(1) 2024 2023 Adjustment(1) 2023 IFRS Non-IFRS(2)
    IFRS Non-IFRS IFRS Non-IFRS
    Total Revenue € 1,754.2 – € 1,754.2 € 1,643.4 – € 1,643.4 7% 7%
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 1,601.5 – 1,601.5 1,476.1 – 1,476.1 8% 8%
    Licenses and other software revenue 405.4 – 405.4 351.9 – 351.9 15% 15%
    Subscription and Support revenue 1,196.1 – 1,196.1 1,124.3 – 1,124.3 6% 6%
    Recurring portion of Software revenue 75%   75% 76%   76%    
    Services revenue 152.8 – 152.8 167.3 – 167.3 (9)% (9)%
    Software Revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 901.8 – 901.8 837.3 – 837.3 8% 8%
    Life Sciences 297.7 – 297.7 295.1 – 295.1 1% 1%
    Mainstream Innovation 402.0 – 402.0 343.7 – 343.7 17% 17%
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 595.0 – 595.0 566.7 – 566.7 5% 5%
    Europe 685.0 – 685.0 601.1 – 601.1 14% 14%
    Asia 321.4 – 321.4 308.4 – 308.4 4% 4%
    Total Operating Expenses € (1,270.9) € 153.4 € (1,117.5) € (1,261.8) € 208.2 € (1,053.6) 1% 6%
    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges (69.7) 69.7 – (73.2) 73.2 –    
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (87.5) 87.5 – (94.9) 94.9 –    
    Lease incentives of acquired companies (0.4) 0.4 – (0.7) 0.7 –    
    Other operating income and expense, net 4.2 (4.2) – (39.5) 39.5 –    
    Operating Income € 483.4 € 153.4 € 636.8 € 381.6 € 208.2 € 589.8 27% 8%
    Operating Margin 27.6%   36.3% 23.2%   35.9%    
    Financial income (loss), net 22.9 1.1 24.0 27.8 1.0 28.8 (18)% (17)%
    Income tax expense (95.4) (33.2) (128.6) (79.1) (51.3) (130.4) 21% (1)%
    Non-controlling interest 1.1 (2.6) (1.5) (0.3) (0.7) (1.0) N/A 53%
    Net Income attributable to shareholders € 412.0 € 118.7 € 530.7 € 330.0 € 157.2 € 487.2 25% 9%
    Diluted Earnings Per Share (3) € 0.30 € 0.10 € 0.40 € 0.25 € 0.12 € 0.36 20% 9%

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

    In millions of Euros, except percentages Three months ended December 31, Change
    2024

    IFRS

    		 Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2024

    Non-IFRS

    		 2023

    IFRS

    		 Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2023

    Non-IFRS

    		 IFRS Non-

    IFRS
    Cost of revenue (266.9) 5.0 0.1 (261.8) (255.9) 3.6 0.2 (252.1) 4% 4%
    Research and development expenses (327.7) 18.2 0.2 (309.3) (317.5) 28.5 0.3 (288.7) 3% 7%
    Marketing and sales expenses (456.6) 25.1 0.1 (431.4) (429.3) 20.9 0.1 (408.3) 6% 6%
    General and administrative expenses (136.4) 21.4 0.0 (115.0) (124.8) 20.2 0.0 (104.5) 9% 10%
    Total   € 69.7 € 0.4     € 73.2 € 0.7      

    (2) The non-IFRS percentage increase (decrease) compares non-IFRS measures for the two different periods. In the event there is non-IFRS adjustment to the relevant measure for only one of the periods under comparison, the non-IFRS increase (decrease) compares the non-IFRS measure to the relevant IFRS measure.
    (3) Based on a weighted average 1,330.0 million diluted shares for Q4 2024 and 1,336.6 million diluted shares for Q4 2023, and, for IFRS only, a diluted net income attributable to the sharehorlders of € 394.7 million for Q4 2024 (€ 330.0 million for Q4 2023). The Diluted net income attributable to equity holders of the Group corresponds to the Net Income attributable to equity holders of the Group adjusted by the impact of the share-based compensation plans to be settled either in cash or in shares at the option of the Group.

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

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for IFRS measurements. Also, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Further specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures, and the reasons for presenting non-IFRS financial information, are set forth in the Group’s Document d’Enregistrement Universel for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the AMF on March 18, 2024. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read not in isolation, but only in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages Twelve months ended December 31, Change
    2024 Adjustment(1) 2024 2023 Adjustment(1) 2023 IFRS Non-IFRS(2)
    IFRS Non-IFRS IFRS Non-IFRS
    Total Revenue € 6,213.6   € 6,213.6 € 5,951.4 – € 5,951.4 4% 4%
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 5,613.3   5,613.3 5,360.0 – 5,360.0 5% 5%
    Licenses and other software revenue 1,125.2 – 1,125.2 1,087.6 – 1,087.6 3% 3%
    Subscription and Support revenue 4,488.1   4,488.1 4,272.4 – 4,272.4 5% 5%
    Recurring portion of Software revenue 80%   80% 80%   80%    
    Services revenue 600.3 – 600.3 591.4 – 591.4 2% 2%
    Software Revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 3,019.6 – 3,019.6 2,908.0 – 2,908.0 4% 4%
    Life Sciences 1,144.2 – 1,144.2 1,158.9 – 1,158.9 (1)% (1)%
    Mainstream Innovation 1,449.4 – 1,449.4 1,293.2 – 1,293.2 12% 12%
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 2,214.7   2,214.7 2,141.9 – 2,141.9 3% 3%
    Europe 2,150.4 – 2,150.4 2,027.3 – 2,027.3 6% 6%
    Asia 1,248.1 – 1,248.1 1,190.8 – 1,190.8 5% 5%
    Total Operating Expenses € (4,854.0) € 624.2 € (4,229.8) € (4,709.5) € 683.7 € (4,025.8) 3% 5%
    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges (245.6) 245.6 – (245.8) 245.8 –    
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (361.6) 361.6 – (378.9) 378.9 –    
    Lease incentives of acquired companies (1.9) 1.9 – (2.8) 2.8 –    
    Other operating income and expense, net (15.0) 15.0 – (56.2) 56.2 –    
    Operating Income € 1,359.6 € 624.2 € 1,983.7 € 1,241.9 € 683.7 € 1,925.6 9% 3%
    Operating Margin 21.9%   31.9% 20.9%   32.4%    
    Financial income (loss), net 118.4 3.2 121.6 59.0 29.3 88.2 101% 38%
    Income tax expense (279.9) (117.0) (396.8) (250.7) (164.1) (414.8) 12% (4)%
    Non-controlling interest 2.1 (5.5) (3.4) 0.7 (1.9) (1.2) 190% 187%
    Net Income attributable to shareholders € 1,200.2 € 504.9 € 1,705.1 € 1,050.9 € 546.9 € 1,597.9 14% 7%
    Diluted Earnings Per Share (3) € 0.90 € 0.38 € 1.28 € 0.79 € 0.41 € 1.20 14% 7%

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

    In millions of Euros, except percentages Twelve months ended December 31, Change
    2024

    IFRS

    		 Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2024

    Non-IFRS

    		 2023

    IFRS

    		 Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2023

    Non-IFRS

    		 IFRS Non-

    IFRS
    Cost of revenue (1,016.3) 16.2 0.5 (999.5) (971.0) 15.7 0.8 (954.4) 5% 5%
    Research and development expenses (1,286.2) 76.9 0.9 (1,208.4) (1,228.3) 94.4 1.3 (1,132.6) 5% 7%
    Marketing and sales expenses (1,704.3) 80.8 0.3 (1,623.3) (1,624.5) 73.6 0.5 (1,550.4) 5% 5%
    General and administrative expenses (470.5) 71.7 0.2 (398.7) (450.6) 62.2 0.2 (388.3) 4% 3%
    Total   € 245.6 € 1.9     € 245.8 € 2.8      

    (2) The non-IFRS percentage increase (decrease) compares non-IFRS measures for the two different periods. In the event there is non-IFRS adjustment to the relevant measure for only one of the periods under comparison, the non-IFRS increase (decrease) compares the non-IFRS measure to the relevant IFRS measure.
    (3) Based on a weighted average 1,333.4 million diluted shares for YTD 2024 and 1,336.8 million diluted shares for YTD 2023.

    1 IFRS figures for 4Q24: total revenue at €1.75 billion, operating margin of 27.6% and diluted EPS at €0.30; IFRS figures for FY24: total revenue at €6.21 billion, operating margin of 21.9% and diluted EPS at €0.90.  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: (WIP) Growing ESG complexity in the year ahead: what companies can expect

    Source: Allens Insights

    ESG continues to evolve 10 min read

    As stakeholder expectations on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues continue to evolve, we are seeing a movement build from voluntary standards to domestic regulation. Concurrently, the opposition to ESG-related action is adding to uncertainty and complexity when it comes to legal compliance and alignment with global high watermarks.

    In this Insight, we take stock of the ESG journey and reflect on the trends to look out for in 2025 and beyond.

    Key takeaways

    • Growing uncertainty around upcoming ESG legislation is expected to raise complexity and costs for companies in achieving regulatory compliance. The shift from a more global consensus on climate and environmental commitments, ESG due diligence and reporting requirements may result in deeper fragmentation of laws across jurisdictions, presenting new challenges for companies navigating competing pro- and anti-ESG regulatory trends.
    • Companies that are revisiting their sustainability and ESG-related claims and commitments amid heightened reputational and legal exposures over ‘greenwashing’ risk will need to continue to balance accuracy and appropriateness of public commitments with the risk of being perceived as laggards by their stakeholders, including scrutiny of perceived ‘greenhushing’ or ‘greywashing’.
    • Litigation risk remains a key challenge for businesses navigating ESG obligations and evolving stakeholder expectations. Potential claims are expanding to include directors’ duties and emerging intersectional ESG issues, including nature and biodiversity, human rights and plastics. Non-judicial forums such as complaints to OECD National Contact Points are likely to remain attractive for stakeholders seeking behavioural change.
    • Regardless of whether companies and their directors elect to recalibrate their ESG policies, companies should ensure they are satisfied that their chosen course of action is in the best interests of the company, and retain evidence to support that view and regarding the reasonable grounds for key decisions.

    Who in your organisation needs to know about this?

    Boards; general counsel and legal; sustainability; regulatory and compliance; cultural heritage and communities teams; external affairs.

    A recap of 2024

    New ESG legislation, an uptick in regulatory enforcement and the rising expectations of investors and other stakeholders are elevating ESG issues to the top of boardroom agendas.

    In 2024, we saw the multi-jurisdictional trend of new ESG due diligence and reporting laws continue in places like the EU and California, adding to recent regulatory developments in Australia, the US, the UK, Canada and elsewhere. Australian companies have been responding, even if not directly in scope, as these new legal requirements flow through from customers and clients.

    Combating alleged ‘greenwashing’ and ‘bluewashing’—being claims that environmental and social disclosures are false, misleading or have no reasonable basis—has become an enforcement priority for Australia’s corporate regulators. In November 2024, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) confirmed greenwashing and misleading conduct involving ESG claims would remain an enforcement priority in 2025.

    Activists and strategic litigants have deployed strategies in and out of the courtroom seeking to influence corporate behaviour. While the majority of cases have commenced in the US, Australia consistently comes a close second, with cases increasingly focusing on the intersection between the environment and human rights, including the rights of First Nations peoples.

    Alongside these developments, the backlash against ESG action increased in 2024 and was a key issue during elections in the US and across the EU. In the US, laws have been passed restricting ESG-related investment decisions, which have impacted investment flows, while legal challenges have delayed the implementation of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s climate-related financial disclosure rules. Some financial institutions and asset managers are moving away from membership of voluntary ESG commitments, such as the Net Zero Asset Managers and Net Zero Banking Alliance initiatives.1 

    Looking ahead to 2025

    Deregulation may increase uncertainty and complexity for companies

    The conversation around deregulation is already becoming more pronounced in 2025, in light of recent political developments and as ESG regulatory changes take effect.

    Upon commencing his second term in office on 20 January 2025, President Trump’s executive orders have so far included:

    • withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement (for a second time); and
    • revoking the country’s financial commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the US International Climate Finance Plan.

    His nominations to environmental protection and corporate regulatory agencies may foreshadow a further rollback of measures on:

    • anti-pollution;
    • emissions reduction; and
    • climate-related financial disclosures.

    The wave of new executive orders has already sought to wind back the Biden Administration’s ESG policies (including those encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles).

    In the EU, the outcome of a new omnibus proposal aiming to streamline various Green Deal sustainability regulations is due to be released by 26 February 2025. It is possible the proposal will include delays in implementation, while a recently leaked European Commission strategy paper for streamlining the Commission’s regulatory processes suggests there may be a greater focus on reducing the regulatory burden for small and medium-sized companies.

    This uncertainty around upcoming ESG legislation is likely to mean increased complexity and costs for companies associated with achieving regulatory compliance. A move away from a more global consensus on ESG due diligence and reporting requirements may result in deeper fragmentation of laws across jurisdictions. Companies will continue to face challenges in navigating these pro- and anti-ESG regulations across different jurisdictions.

    At the same time, disasters such as the Los Angeles fires will keep ESG issues in the public consciousness, and deregulation is unlikely to be aligned with the evolving high watermark to which stakeholders are holding companies to account. We anticipate an increase in ESG litigation as activists continue to pursue behavioural change by governments and companies in the courts.

    ESG as a ‘dirty word’: greenhushing and greywashing

    While many companies continue to take voluntary action on ESG issues, some are revisiting their ESG commitments in light of the increasingly contested and politicised environment, as well as the heightened reputational and legal exposures associated with sustainability and ESG-related public claims and commitments.

    The paring back of existing commitments will continue to be scrutinised by regulators and civil society, and we anticipate that allegations of ‘greenhushing’ or ‘greywashing’ may develop.

    ‘Greenhushing’ refers to deliberately withholding information about sustainability goals and achievements.

    ‘Greywashing’ refers to setting strategies and policies that are too watered down, unambitious, qualified or ambiguous to result in meaningful change. 

    ASIC Chair Joe Longo has described greenhushing as ‘just another form of greenwashing’, which ‘risks misleading by omission’, referring to the annual Net Zero Report issued by South Pole which highlighted a substantial decrease in climate communications across a number of sectors.

    Companies will need to continue to balance accuracy and appropriateness of commitments while maintaining flexibility in the changing political environment, with the risk of being perceived as laggards by their stakeholders.

    The ESG litigation field expands

    Despite the mixed successes of recent ESG claims, we expect activists will continue to pursue strategic litigation to extract concessions from governments and companies and effect behavioural change.

    ESG claims have expanded beyond the traditional higher-emitting sectors. Stakeholders are looking more widely at targets and potential claims with the objective of disrupting capital flows, including scrutinising companies’ exposure through their financing activities and broader value chains. We expect that financial institutions will remain a target of stakeholder scrutiny, and that claims and complaints will continue to explore the intersection between climate change and issues such as nature and biodiversity, human rights and plastics. The use of new technologies such as AI and carbon capture and storage (or CCS) is also attracting activist scrutiny.

    In 2025, decisions from the International Court of Justice and Australian courts may clarify legal obligations related to climate change, particularly in tort law, potentially impacting future corporate liability for alleged climate change impacts.

    Non-curial avenues such as the OECD National Contact Points and UN Special Procedures are already a well-tested forum on ESG issues. Complainants are likely to be interested in exploring the recent updates to the OECD Guidelines on matters such as climate change and biodiversity. The Australian National Contact point may also be utilised by stakeholders in response to the three-year modified liability regime under the new mandatory climate-related financial reporting regime introduced from 1 January 2025, which prevents private litigation in respect of certain ‘protected statements’ for a period of time.

    International discussions will continue to influence private actors

    Despite failures by state parties to reach agreement at 2024’s UN biodiversity and plastic forums, discourse surrounding the negotiations appears to be sharpening corporate and civil society focus, including through an uptick in plastics-related litigation and campaigns. The next UN biodiversity COP taking place in Rome in February this year, and international negotiations will continue on a treaty to address the full lifecycle of plastic—from production to design and disposal.

    Another emerging focus area for companies is Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), particularly in the life sciences and mining sectors. A new treaty on genetic resources and traditional knowledge was concluded at the international level in 2024 under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which will require inventors to disclose the source of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications. After many years of diplomatic efforts by countries including Australia, this is the first multilateral treaty specifically relating to traditional knowledge, and efforts continue to protect traditional cultural expressions at the international level. It remains to be seen how this significant step at the international level will affect the discourse concerning the need for sui generis ICIP legislation in Australia.

    Subject matter trends 

    Implications of US exit from international climate change commitments and shift in domestic energy policy

    The United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement introduces a new element of uncertainty for global efforts to address climate change. It remains to be seen whether the Trump Administration’s decision will leave the US as an outlier in international climate and energy policy, or if it may have a broader chilling effect on global cooperation on climate change and other emerging environmental issues.

    President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, has already reaffirmed that ‘Europe will stay the course’ and reaffirmed the EU’s commitments to the Paris Agreement. A net zero-focused bipartisan alliance of 24 State Governors has also vowed to sustain and advance climate action in the US.  

    The new US administration has also embarked on a significant gear change in US domestic energy policy.

    • Executive orders have been effected to declare a ‘national energy emergency’.
    • This expedites the permitting of oil and gas projects (specifically in Alaska) and temporarily suspends new federal offshore wind leasing pending an environmental and economic review.
    • The US Federal Reserve has also withdrawn from the Network for Greening the Financial System—an international group of central banks, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, that analyses the economic fallout from climate change.
    • The Office of Management and Budget also ordered a temporary pause on grant funding by federal agencies for activities implicated by the new executive orders, including renewable energy and climate and atmospheric research programs. The order was subsequently rescinded after an urgent legal challenge by non-profits successfully sought an injunction.

    These changes are likely to lead to legal challenges, further adding to the uncertainties faced by businesses navigating the new energy policy environment. As the Trump Administration seeks to encourage investment in the oil and gas sectors, we also expect stakeholders to intensify their scrutiny of companies’ exposure to higher-emitting projects.

    Methane emissions

    International initiatives to reduce methane emissions have been gaining industry and national support:

    • the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership is now active in over a dozen countries and has been endorsed by 57 companies.
    • the Global Methane Pledge launched at COP26 in 2021 by the EU and US has received 159 country endorsements as of 2024, including Australia’s.

    Several countries have moved to impose stricter regulations on methane emissions. In May 2024, the EU introduced its Methane Regulation requiring increased monitoring, detection and reduction of methane emissions. Additional import restrictions will extend to gas imported into the Eurozone from 2027. In November 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced new regulations on the emission of methane from crude-oil and natural gas facilities.

    New and expanded gas projects (and related infrastructure and supply chains) remain a focus of campaigning and shareholder activism on fugitive methane emissions by organisations such as Market Forces.

    Biodiversity and nature

    Countries are moving to implement their national commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    • Australia’s Nature Repair Market is set to open for business in 2025, operating in a similar fashion to the existing carbon market, to incentivise projects to protect and restore the environment through biodiversity credits.
    • The EU’s Regulation on Nature Restoration entered into force in August 2024, and the Canadian Government has moved to legislate a Nature Accountability Bill as part of its 2030 Nature Strategy released in June 2024.
    • However, the future of the Canadian bill is now uncertain due to the suspension of all parliamentary business after Parliament was prorogued on 6 January 2025 following the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While Canada’s next general election is scheduled for 20 October 2025, opposition parties have foreshadowed a no-confidence motion when the next parliamentary session resumes on 24 March which, if successful, may trigger an early vote.

    Several jurisdictions are also moving to address deforestation in supply chains, with measures including import restrictions and due diligence requirements.

    • The EU’s Regulation on Deforestation-free Products will enter into effect from 30 December 2025 and require certain commodities and derived products to be ‘deforestation-free’ if placed, made available on or exported through the EU common market.

    The UK is also developing its own Forest Risk Commodity Regulation,2 which would also impose commodity-based restrictions and due diligence requirements.

    Plastics pollution and the circular economy

    A growing number of jurisdictions are introducing restrictions on plastic products, including single-use and microplastics.

    • The EU’s Single Use Plastic Directive came into force in 2024, and the European Commission has proposed additional measures to prevent the unintentional release of plastic pellets.
    • In the US, the State of California has commenced proceedings against Exxon Mobil and PepsiCo Inc in relation to allegedly misleading the public regarding plastics pollution.
    • In Australia, the ACCC commenced enforcement proceedings against Clorox Australia Pty Ltd in April 2024 for alleged greenwashing over claims relating to its ‘GLAD’ plastic bag products.
    The right to water

    From the Murray-Darling Basin to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond, we expect to see preservation of, and access to, water resources increase in priority for stakeholders as an issue that crosses geographical and jurisdictional boundaries.

    Access to water and sanitation is recognised as a fundamental human right by the UN General Assembly, and stakeholders are raising issues around water security, water quality, contamination by microplastics and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals, access to water resources for agriculture, and ensuring First Nations peoples’ interests and connection to water are taken into account.

    Modern slavery reporting reforms

    In December 2024, the federal Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) published the Government’s response to the 2023 statutory review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (MSA). The response follows the appointment of Australia’s first national Anti-Slavery Commissioner, who is expected to lead in the implementation of modern slavery reporting reforms.

    The Government has agreed (in full, in part, or in principle) to 25 of the 30 recommendations from the review, including the need to strengthen the compliance and enforcement framework under the MSA. The Government agreed in principle to the introduction of a penalty regime—details are not yet available, but the Government is expected to consult with stakeholders in 2025.

    One issue that remains unresolved is the status of proposals for mandatory human rights due diligence (HRDD) by reporting entities under the MSA. The Government has ‘noted’ the recommendation to introduce HRDD; however, it has indicated that the AGD will engage with stakeholders on HRDD as part of the next stage of implementation.

    The introduction of mandatory HRDD would align Australia with a number of jurisdictions that have introduced supply chain due diligence requirements, most notably the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive adopted by the European Parliament in 2024. The Canadian Government has proposed new supply chain due diligence legislation, while a parliamentary review of the UK’s modern slavery legislation has recommended the introduction of due diligence obligations.

    The timeline for legislative amendments to the MSA may be complicated by the federal election, which is due to occur before 17 May 2025.

    Navigating AI in the employment context

    As AI technologies advance, companies will need to navigate the social issues raised due to the use of AI in the workplace.

    Already, we are seeing increasing use of AI in hiring practices such as the screening of job applications. Based on how the algorithm was trained, AI can perpetuate biases, potentially leading to harmful or discriminatory outputs for individuals, groups or communities and arguably resulting in adverse human rights impacts.

    In the US, we are seeing court cases alleging unlawful discrimination where AI tools have been used for hiring, insurance claims and rental applications.3 We anticipate Australian businesses may face similar claims if AI is used without accounting for the risk of inherent bias.

    The rate of change brought by advancements in AI technology is not only front of mind for employers, but also for employees concerned about its implications. In October 2024, it was reported that Cbus and its employees had agreed to a first-of-its-kind enterprise agreement dealing with protections for employees if or when the super fund introduces AI technologies. The agreement contains an agreed definition of AI, and provides that Cbus must consult with staff on any changes that impact them in relation to AI.

    Rights of First Nations peoples

    In 2025, the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is set to continue its inquiry into the Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024. The Bill seeks to establish a Commission to make recommendations to Parliament on historic and ongoing injustices against First Nations Australians. The Australian Law Reform Commission is also taking submissions as part of its review of the ‘future acts’ regime in the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), with a final report to be delivered by December 2025. For more, see our Insight.

    There are increasing demands on industry to consult First Nations stakeholders in their decision-making and operations, and to engage in benefit-sharing with Traditional Owners, with an emerging focus on the clean energy sector. The First Nations Clean Energy Network has published Best Practices Principles to help First Nations communities in Australia to share in the benefits of renewable energy projects, including calling for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) standards to apply throughout the lifecycle of projects.

    We expect that international, ‘soft law’ standards will continue to evolve. For example, the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM) recently updated its Indigenous Peoples and Mining Position Statement to emphasise the responsibility of mining companies to achieve FPIC through meaningful engagement and good faith negotiation with Traditional Owners. Although the new standard goes beyond the current position in the Native Title Act and many cultural heritage laws in Australia, it is possible it will become a benchmark for mining companies in Australia—see our Insight.

    Addressing misconduct impacting First Nations peoples also remains an enforcement priority for ASIC.

    Diversity and inclusion

    Diversity, equity and inclusion policies and initiatives have also become the subject of backlash in the United States through three executive orders signed by President Trump, with one executive order foreshadowing regulatory action to ‘encourage’ private sector employers to dismantle diversity programs that have been based on federal anti-discrimination law.

    This backlash has already placed diversity on the political agenda in Australia, and the discussion around diversity policies and initiatives is likely to increase in the lead-up to the federal election this year.

    Company culture and governance issues in the spotlight

    Corporate culture is an ongoing boardroom issue and recent examples underscore the importance of accountability, transparency and strong and ethical corporate governance.

    • Cultural concerns: in the wake of federal Respect@Work reforms, a number of prominent Australian brands have been in the spotlight regarding whistleblower complaints on cultural issues. Widespread media reporting has led some companies to launch internal investigations to respond to shareholder concern and address reputational damage in the community.
    • Regulatory scrutiny: in addition to reputational damage, there is also now a real prospect of scrutiny from regulators in relation to corporate cultural issues. In its updated enforcement priorities announced on 14 November 2024, ASIC reaffirmed its commitment to addressing governance and directors’ duties failures as an enduring enforcement priority for 2025. As an example, ASIC commenced proceedings against Regional Express Holdings Limited and several of its directors for engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct and for contraventions of continuous disclosure obligations in relation to ASX announcements about the company’s financial position prior to entering into voluntary administration in July 2024.
    Navigating complexities in AI and ESG reporting

    As ESG reporting obligations expand in Australia and overseas, AI will become an increasingly attractive tool for companies seeking to reduce the time needed for data gathering and drafting.

    However, the use of AI may also present legal, regulatory and reputational risk:

    • Environmental impacts associated with the training and use of AI models. This includes increased demand for electricity consumption; the water footprint associated with training and maintaining AI models; and electronic waste generation.
    • Susceptibility to bias, which may result in errors that could lead to misleading statements or discriminatory outputs.
    • Privacy concerns from the use of sensitive or personal information without consent. Privacy law reforms introduced in late 2024 require companies to disclose when they will be using AI automated decision-making (see our Insight).
    • Human rights implications such as discrimination or potential harm to vulnerable groups such as children or workers in the AI supply chain.
    • Regulatory scrutiny on the use of AI, as indicated by the increased regulatory guidance available to companies, including Australia’s new Voluntary AI Safety Standard, the European Parliament’s AI regulations, and ASIC’s report on ‘Governance arrangements in the face of AI innovation’.

    Actions you can take now

    • Regardless of whether ESG policies are recalibrated in light of growing uncertainty around legislative frameworks and the anti-ESG backlash, companies and directors should ensure they are satisfied that their chosen course of action is in the best interests of the company, and gather evidence to support that view.
    • The influence of new legislation is being felt on companies even where not directly in scope. Consider adopting a higher water mark approach appropriate to the company’s risk profile and appetite to future proof against evolving stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.
    • Understand the scope of the company’s voluntary commitments and what these entail, including in international law.
    • When refreshing policies and procedures, look at these through the lens of emerging areas of focus. Consider if your policies fit for purpose and reflect emerging risk areas.
    • Consider the role of legal—privilege can be a useful tool where appropriate, given the regulatory and risk environment.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FHWA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule Defeated in Sixth Circuit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here for audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In November 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. Congress has never granted the Department of Transportation this authority. 

    Shortly after the rule was finalized, attorneys general from 21 states, including North Dakota, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky found the rule illegal, but the Biden FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. In October, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee; U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chairman of the Senate EPW Committee; U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO-6), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and Rick Crawford (R-AR-1), former Chairman of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in opposition to the rule.

    Today, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case with prejudice at the request of the Trump administration, ending the year-long court battle. 

    “This is really big news, and this dismissal reinforces the fundamental principle: federal agencies do not have authority Congress doesn’t grant them,” said Cramer. “The Biden Federal Highway Administration tried to pull a regulation out of thin air to pursue its radical, crazy, bizarro climate agenda, deliberately ignoring the legal boundaries of the law and our Constitution. States and my colleagues in Congress were right to push back against this unlawful mandate. I’m really grateful the Trump administration changed course and for the Court’s requisite dismissal.”

    “The greenhouse gas emissions performance measure rule would have limited the flexibility of states to advance their own transportation investment priorities that meet the needs of their constituents,” said Capito. “The rule shifted the focus of the Federal-aid Highway Program away from building roads and bridges – jeopardizing jobs and undermining economic growth across the country. The decision from President Trump’s FHWA to end the previous administration’s attempt to continue this unlawful rule is an important step in reversing the extreme climate agenda of the past four years, and I’m thrilled that the court has now officially dismissed the appeal.”

    The state of Texas also filed a separate suit against FHWA, and the District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated the Biden rule. The Department of Transportation appealed the ruling. Cramer, Capito, Graves, and Crawford also led their colleagues in filing a separate bicameral amicus brief requesting the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals uphold the District Court decision.

    Previously, Cramer led a bipartisan Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in April by a vote of 53 to 47, reiterating Congress’ opposition to FHWA’s overreach. In a speech on the Senate floor, Cramer committed to leading an amicus brief in support of overturning the rule in court.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do big tech companies have a ‘duty of care’ for users? A new report says they do – but leaves out key details

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    PV Productions/Shutterstock

    Large social media companies should have to proactively remove harmful content from their platforms, undergo regular “risk assessments” and face hefty fines if they don’t comply, according to an independent review of online safety laws in Australia.

    The federal government will today release the final report of the review conducted by experienced public servant Delia Rickard, more than three months after receiving it.

    The review comes a few months after Meta announced it will stop using independent fact checkers to moderate content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

    Rickard’s review contains 67 recommendations in total. If implemented, they would go a long way to making Australians safer from abusive content, cyberbullying and other potential harms encountered online. They would also align Australia to international jurisdictions and address many of the same problems targeted by the social media ban for young people.

    However, the recommendations contain serious omissions. And with a federal election looming, the review is not likely to be acted upon until the next term of government.

    Addressing online harms at the source

    The review recommends imposing a “digital duty of care” on large social media companies.

    The federal government has already committed to doing this. However, legislation to implement a digital duty of care has been on hold since November, with discussions overshadowed by the government’s social media ban for under 16s.

    The digital duty of care would put the onus on tech companies to proactively address a range of specific harms on their platforms, such as child sexual exploitation and attacks based on gender, race or religion.

    It would also provide several protections for Australians, including “easily accessible, simple and user-friendly” pathways to complain about harmful content. And it would position Australia alongside the United Kingdom and the European Union, which already have similar laws in place.

    Online service providers would face civil penalties of 5% of global annual turnover or A$50 million (whichever is greater) for non-compliance with the duty of care.

    Two new classes of harm – and expanded powers for the regulator

    The recommendations also call for a decoupling of the Online Safety Act from the National Classification Scheme. That latter scheme legislates the classification of publications, films and computer games, providing ratings to guide consumers to make informed choices for selecting age-appropriate content.

    This shift would create two new classes of harm: content that is “illegal and seriously harmful” and “legal but may be harmful”. This includes material dealing with “harmful practices” such as eating disorders and self-harm.

    The review’s recommendations also include provisions for technology companies to undergo annual “risk assessments” and publish an annual “transparency report”.

    The review also recommends adults experiencing cyber abuse, and children who are cyberbullied online, should wait only 24 hours following a complaint before the eSafety Commission orders a social media platform to remove the content in question. This is down from 48 hours.

    It also recommends lowering the threshold for identifying “menacing, harassing, or seriously offensive” material to that which “an ordinary reasonable person” would conclude is likely to have an effect.

    The review also calls for a new governance model for the eSafety Commission. This new model would empower the eSafety Commissioner to create and enforce “mandatory rules” (or codes) for duty of care compliance, including addressing online harms.

    The need to tackle misinformation and disinformation

    The recommendations are a step towards making the online world safer for everybody. Importantly, they would achieve this without the problems associated with the government’s social media ban for young people – including that it could violate children’s human rights.

    Missing from the recommendations, however, is any mention of potential harms from online misinformation and disinformation.

    Given the speed of online information sharing, and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enable online harms, such as deepfake pornography, this is a crucial omission.

    From vaccine safety to election campaigns, experts have raised ongoing concerns about the need to combat misinformation.

    A 2024 report by the International Panel on the Information Environment found experts, globally, are most worried about “threats to the information environment posed by the owners of social media platforms”.

    In January 2025, the Canadian Medical Association released a report showing people are increasingly seeking advice from “problematic sources”. At the same time technology companies are “blocking trusted news” and “profiting” from “pushing misinformation” on their platforms.

    In Australia, the government’s proposed misinformation bill was scrapped in November last year due to concerns over potential censorship. But this has left people vulnerable to false information shared online in the lead-up to the federal election this year. As the Australian Institute of International Affairs said last month:

    misinformation has increasingly permeated the public discourse and digital media in Australia.

    An ongoing need for education and support

    The recommendations also fail to provide guidance on further educational supports for navigating online spaces safely in the review.

    The eSafety Commission currently provides many tools and resources for young people, parents, educators, and other Australians to support online safety. But it’s unclear if the change to a governance model for the commission to enact duty of care provisions would change this educational and support role.

    The recommendations do highlight the need for “simple messaging” for people experiencing harm online to make complaints. But there is an ongoing need for educational strategies for people of all ages to prevent harm from occurring.

    The Albanese government says it will respond to the review in due course. With a federal election only months away, it seems unlikely the recommendations will be acted on this term.

    Whichever government is elected, it should prioritise guidance on educational supports and misinformation, along with adopting the review’s recommendations. Together, this would go a long way to keeping everyone safe online.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Association for Information Science and Technology, and an Affiliate of the International Panel on the Information Environment.

    – ref. Do big tech companies have a ‘duty of care’ for users? A new report says they do – but leaves out key details – https://theconversation.com/do-big-tech-companies-have-a-duty-of-care-for-users-a-new-report-says-they-do-but-leaves-out-key-details-248995

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Joins Colleagues in Calling for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Fired by Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (January 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and a group of 36 colleagues in a letter to President Trump, strongly condemning the President’s recent decision to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 government agencies, and demanding their immediate reinstatement. The IGs who were removed included those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. In the letter, the senators assert that President Trump’s actions violated the law and threaten the independence of these non-partisan watchdogs. Senator Peters helped lead the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act, which was signed into law in 2022 as part of the FY 2023 national defense bill, to require a President to provide a 30-day notice and substantive reasons for removal in writing to Congress before an Inspector General can be removed. 

    “Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need,” the senators wrote. “The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked.” 

    “While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized,” wrote the senators. “With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these IGs should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing ‘the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons’ for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.”   

    The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

    The full text of the letter can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Decries Confirmation of Unrestricted Fracking Booster Chris Wright to Lead Energy Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (February 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Chris Wright, most recently the CEO of fossil fuel company Liberty Energy, to head the Department of Energy.

    “Chris Wright is a bought-and-paid-for fossil fuel industry executive and hasn’t met a tract of land or aquifer of water he wouldn’t despoil through fracking,” said Senator Markey. “We need federal agencies helmed by responsible, qualified executives without blatant conflicts of interest, not individuals who force their employees to drink fracking fluid for fun. Chris Wright at Energy, alongside Zeldin at EPA and Burgum at Interior, will use his position to push expensive and polluting fossil fuels on the American people for the benefit of his Big Oil and Big Gas allies. Our federal agencies are already being forced by Trump and Elon Musk to illegally ignore laws passed by Congress, and Chris Wright will be nothing more than another henchman for the billionaire class at the expense of the health and pocketbooks of working families.”

    On January 16, Senators Markey and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Banning In Government Oil Industry Lobbyists (BIG OIL) from the Cabinet Act, which would prohibit the appointment of executive officers and lobbyists of fossil fuel entities or trade associations as the heads or political appointees of certain government departments that work on issues related to American energy policy for a ten-year period.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Public lecture: Global famine after nuclear war – Vic

    Source: Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka

    US climate scientist Professor Alan Robock will deliver a public lecture on 10 February 2025 about the environmental and human impacts of a nuclear winter.

    Professor Robock is a distinguished professor of climate science in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and an expert in climate change, geoengineering, and the climatic effects of nuclear war. (ref. https://people.envsci.rutgers.edu/robock/ )

    The lecture will explore the devastating effects of nuclear conflict, and propose policy changes that could reduce the risk of nuclear war and lead to the abolition of nuclear weapons.

    Lecture details

    5.30–7 pm, Monday 10 February

    Lecture Theatre 2

    Rutherford House

    33 Bunny Street

    Pipitea, Wellington.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Chris Wright for Energy Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Chris Wright to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):

    “Chris Wright understands the need to unleash American energy and bring down costs. He also recognizes the critical role that West Virginia will have in restoring our nation’s energy dominance – something we discussed during our recent meeting. I was proud to vote to confirm Mr. Wright to lead the Department of Energy, and I look forward to working with him and the Trump administration to cut red tape and advance solutions that will strengthen our energy sector and provide vital jobs,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Wright in January to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the department.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tara iti breeding season progressing well

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  04 February 2025

    So far, 10 chicks have fledged in the wild meaning the tiny juvenile shorebirds have grown strong enough to fly and survive on their own. Crucially, another eight chicks have been successfully hand-raised at Auckland Zoo through DOC’s ongoing partnership with the facility.

    Although this is promising progress for tara iti, the breeding season still comes with challenges. DOC staff remain vigilant, keeping an eye out for threats like off-leash dogs, predators, and extreme weather.

    With fewer than 40 individual tara iti remaining, every nest, egg, and chick is critical to the survival of the species.

    “We’re pleased with how the season is progressing, but there’s still a long way to go.” says DOC Ranger Nikki Hartley.

    DOC staff attribute the season’s progress to a combination of management techniques and collaborative conservation efforts, including:

    • enhanced predator control – hundreds of traps have been deployed to safeguard nesting sites from predators such as cats, mustelids, and rats
    • chick-rearing techniques – egg collection and chick rearing at Auckland Zoo continue to support population recovery
    • research initiatives ongoing studies help DOC understand tara iti population dynamics and threats, guiding conservation strategies
    • habitat protection protecting and maintaining key nesting sites provides safer environments for tara iti to breed.

    Tara iti now breed at only four key sites north of Auckland: Papakānui Spit, Pākiri Beach, Waipū, and Mangawhai sandspits.

    “Auckland Zoo is proud to provide the expert husbandry support to DOC in recovering this rarest of New Zealand’s breeding birds,” says Richard Gibson, Head of Animal Care and Conservation.

    “When a species has declined to such a precarious low, intensive management techniques like incubation, hand-rearing and head-starting are critical to helping to significantly increase productivity and hopefully turn the tide of decline to see tara iti flourish once again”.

    DOC works closely with partners, including iwi groups Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, Nga Maungawhakahii O Kaipara Development Trust, Ngāti Wai Trust Board, and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Auckland Zoo, The Shorebirds Trust, NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds NZ, Tara Iti Golf Club, NZ Nature Fund and local trapping groups.

    Generous support for the breeding season has been provided by organisations such as the Shorebirds Trust, Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Auckland Council, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.

    Everyone has a role to play in protecting tara iti. Here’s how you can help:

    • stay out of fenced areas and use designated walkways
    • avoid nests and chicks while enjoying beaches and estuaries
    • keep dogs on leads and out of reserves
    • dispose of bait, fish scraps, and rubbish to deter predators
    • avoid driving or cycling on beaches
    • if a bird swoops at you or appears injured, move away quickly as you’re likely near a nest.

    The public can now donate directly to tara iti recovery project.

    Over the next five years, the NZ Nature Fund in partnership with DOC is seeking to raise $1.57 million for tara iti conservation from public donors and philanthropists. The funds will be used to accelerate DOC’s tara iti recovery programme and ensure the species survives beyond the next 50 years through a number of initiatives such as:

    • developing between three and five new safe breeding sites within the birds existing habitat range, but outside the four main current nesting sites
    • creating new habitats with shell patches at the existing and new breeding sites
    • expanding the buffer predator control range so all tara iti breeding have sufficient control to ensure protection. 

    To donate visit NZ Nature Fund

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury for Groundbreaking 

    US Senate News:

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

    Welch nominated the project for federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending Process 
    MIDDLEBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Vermont Governor Phil Scott, community members, and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury. The new housing project will provide rental and owner-occupied housing at all income levels. Senator Welch nominated Stonecrop Meadows for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 CDS process, which is currently in-progress.  
    “Ambitious initiatives like the Stonecrop Meadows project are essential to tackle our housing challenges in Vermont and across the country. I’m excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of this community-driven project, which I nominated to receive Congressionally Directed Spending. I’ll continue to fight for passage of this upcoming budget to ensure these funds make it to this critical project,” said Senator Welch. 

    The Stonecrop Meadows project is being built on 35 acres of Middlebury College-owned land off Seminary Street Extension. Phase 1, called the “Core Village” will be 80 units. At full buildout, this project will create 254 new homes. 
    Sen. Welch was joined by Vermont Governor Phil Scott; Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Alex Farrell, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); Maura Collins, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA); Gus Seelig, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB); Representatives from Middlebury College; community members; and Representatives from the Offices of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At-Large).   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Don’t clear native vegetation if you want high crop yields

    Source: University of South Australia

    04 February 2025

    South Australian ecologists have provided irrevocable proof why native vegetation is critical for healthy crop yields and should be protected in agricultural regions.

    In the first study of its kind in South Australia, UniSA scientists evaluated the impact of native roadside (linear) vegetation and small, isolated patches of (fragment) vegetation on pollination rates and crop yields for canola and faba beans in the Yorke Peninsula.

    Canola and faba bean pods within 200 metres of native vegetation – where pollinating insects live – produced more seeds and subsequently higher yields than those unpollinated by animals.

    UniSA ecologist Associate Professor Sophie (Topa) Petit says the increase in seed set near vegetation, compared to the centre of a field, was up to 20% higher for canola and 12% higher for faba beans. The larger patches of vegetation produced the best results.

    According to first author, PhD student Bianca Amato, “the results are significant, given the study area has been extensively cleared for agriculture over time, containing less than 13% of native vegetation, and roadside vegetation is often the only habitat for pollinating insects in that region.”

    “The findings confirm that both fragment and roadside vegetation improve pollination and crop yields. Roadside vegetation plays a strong role but is often threatened by clearance,” Amato says.

    “Pollinators are essential for sustainable farming, although their habitat is often overlooked in intensive agriculture. Preserving roadside vegetation and remnant patches could provide a simple way to support both biodiversity and crop production.”

    The research, recently published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, challenges the common practice of clearing native vegetation to expand cropping areas, suggesting that such actions may inadvertently reduce long-term productivity

    In the wake of the findings, the UniSA researchers are calling on governments to offer farmers incentives to restore native vegetation, not only to boost crop yields, but also to conserve biodiversity.

    “Strips of trees and bushes lining fields and roads are a familiar part of the Australian landscape. Some people assume this vegetation has little value apart from picturesque scenery, but our research shows just how important native vegetation is in supporting pollinators and increasing crop yields,” Amato says.

    Notes for editors

    “Influence of fragment and roadside vegetation on canola (Brassica napus) and faba bean (Vicia faba) pollination in South Australia” is published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.
     DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.109481

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Bianca Amato E: bianca.amato@mymail.unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Intervenes in Lawsuit Challenging Approval of Betabel Commercial Development to Protect Tribal Cultural Resources

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today was granted intervention in a lawsuit challenging San Benito County’s approval of the Betabel Commercial Development. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General filed a petition in intervention alleging the County’s approval of the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including CEQA’s requirement that the County consult with California Native American tribes and address impacts to tribal cultural resources that would be irreparably harmed by the project. Located on the ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the proposed 108,425 square-foot commercial site would be situated within a tribal cultural landscape known as Juristac, which holds significant spiritual and historical value. The Attorney General’s petition in intervention requests the court to order the County to withdraw its existing Final EIR, reopen tribal consultation under requirements added to CEQA by Assembly Bill (AB) 52, fully analyze the project’s impacts on tribal cultural resources, and consider feasible mitigation requested by the Tribe. 

    “Ensuring that California Native American tribes are consulted about a project’s potential impacts to tribal cultural resources is crucial to support thriving tribal communities in the state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s petition challenging the County’s decision to approve the Betabel project, without complying with its consultation obligations with the Tribe, seeks to address the potential irreparable harms to the cultural landscape and resources of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Project development and proper tribal consultation under the law are not mutually exclusive, and we’re committed to helping local governments find a sustainable path forward. At the California Department of Justice, we’re dedicated to elevating the voices of California’s tribal communities in asserting their rights under the law concerning their ancestral lands.”

    CEQA includes important procedural requirements for public agencies to consult with tribes that are traditionally or culturally affiliated with a project site and analyze project impacts on tribal cultural resources during their environmental review process for a project. The statute recognizes the expertise and knowledge of California Native American tribes with regards to their tribal history, practices, and cultural resources, and upholds tribes’ rights to participate in and contribute their knowledge to CEQA’s environmental review process. Furthermore, CEQA requires that tribal consultation must be “meaningful and timely” so that tribal cultural resources can be identified, and culturally-appropriate mitigation and monitoring programs can be adopted by the lead agency.

    San Benito County rushed through its tribal consultation process such that it did not sufficiently consider or address impacts to tribal cultural resources.  As a result, several tribal cultural resources were not identified in the Draft EIR, and thus the impacts on those resources were not adequately analyzed or disclosed, and mitigation for those impacts was not considered by the decision-makers or the public. The County’s failure to meaningfully and timely consult with the Tribe and its failure to analyze and mitigate impacts to tribal cultural resources violated CEQA.

    The petition alleges the County violated CEQA because it failed to:

    • Analyze impacts to all tribal cultural resources in the Draft EIR and adopt mitigation specific to each of these resources in the Final EIR.
    • Begin consultation with the Tribe within 30 days of their request for consultation, as directed by the statute.
    • Consult on topics, such as recommended mitigation measures or significant impacts on tribal cultural resources, as requested by the Tribe and directed by the statute.

    The Attorney General originally sought to intervene in this lawsuit in San Benito County Superior Court in March 2023. But before the Court ruled on the Attorney General’s motion to intervene, it dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the Tribe and other petitioners in a related lawsuit had not met CEQA’s deadline for filing suit. The Tribe and other petitioners appealed that decision, and the Attorney General submitted an amicus brief in support of the appeal. The Sixth District Court of Appeal agreed with the Tribe and our Office that the lawsuit was timely. That decision sent the case back to the trial court and on December 31, 2024, the Court vacated its prior dismissal, restarting the litigation.

    California Attorney General Bonta is committed to protecting the rights of California’s tribal communities in the CEQA process. In July 2022, the Attorney General raised concerns regarding Riverside County’s analysis of a project’s tribal cultural resource impacts in a CEQA comment letter. In that comment letter, he urged the County to analyze impacts to tribal cultural resources with the same level of rigor as analyses of other environmental resources.  Also, the Attorney General filed amicus briefs in support of the Koi Nation in litigation against the City of Clearlake, first in October 2023 in the superior court and then in in July 2024 in the court of appeal. The amicus briefs argued that the City’s tribal consultation did not meet the statutory requirements. Also, the briefs argued that the City’s reliance solely on archaeological studies to identify and analyze impacts to tribal cultural resources was in error, and that the tribe’s cultural values must be considered when determining impacts and mitigation. The case is still pending before the court of appeal and oral argument has not yet been set. 

    A copy of the Attorney General’s motion to intervene, which includes the petition, is available here. The court’s minute order is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Ames Stars of the Month: February 2025

    Source: NASA

    The NASA Ames Science Directorate recognizes the outstanding contributions of (pictured left to right) Michael Flynn, Ross Beyer, and Matt Johnson. Their commitment to the NASA mission represents the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative disposition needed to explore this world and beyond

    Space Biosciences Star: Michael Flynn
    Michael Flynn, a senior scientist and engineer in the Space Biosciences Branch, has over 35 years of groundbreaking contributions to life support systems and space technologies, including over 120 peer-reviewed publications and multiple prestigious awards. He is being recognized for his leadership in advancing water recycling technologies and his dedication to fostering innovation and mentorship within his team.

    Space Science and Astrobiology Star: Ross Beyer
    Ross Beyer is a planetary scientist in the Planetary Systems Branch for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, with scientific expertise in geomorphology, surface processes, and remote sensing of the solid bodies in our Solar System.  He is recognized for exemplifying leadership and teamwork through his latest selected 5-year proposal to support the Ames Stereo Pipeline, implementing open science processes, and serving as a Co-Investigator on several flight missions.

    Earth Science Star: Matthew Johnson
    Matthew Johnson is a research scientist in the Biospheric Science Branch (code SGE). Matt is recognized for his exemplary productivity in publishing in high-impact journals and success at leading and co-developing competitive proposals, while serving as a mentor and leader.  Matt recently expanded his leadership skills by assuming the position of Assistant Branch Chief of SGE and as an invited lead co-author of the December 2024 PANGEA white paper, which could lead to a new NASA HQ Terrestrial Ecology campaign.

    MIL OSI USA News –