NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Peters Urge FAA to Expedite Delivery of Airport Entitlement Funds

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The formula-based Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program funds are regularly awarded to nearly 3,300 public-use airports across the nation annually. Since these funds are often not awarded until late June and July, it’s challenging for airports to implement the projects during the summer construction season, leading to project delays, cancellations, and cost escalations, especially at small and rural airports.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Gary Peters (D-MI) sent a bipartisan letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford urging him to expedite the disbursement of AIP and AIG entitlement funds to help airports deliver projects more efficiently and better serve travelers.

    “Despite their guaranteed nature, AIP and AIG entitlement funds are often not available to airports until late June or July,” the senators wrote. “For small airports with limited resources and in states with truncated construction seasons due to severe weather, this delay poses significant challenges. It results in project cancellations, increased costs, and makes each federal dollar less effective. Further, for states that participate in the FAA’s Block Grant program, agency actions to limit which AIP funds are provided via block grant challenge the usefulness of the program and increase administrative burden.

    “We urge the FAA to take steps to disburse entitlement funds earlier in the fiscal year and to work with block grant states to maximize the utility of the program moving forward,” the senators concluded.  “We look forward to your response on this important matter.”

    Supporters of the letter include the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, National Association of State Aviation Officials, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Transportation Construction Coalition.

    Cosigners include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Ntshavheni releases historic National Security Strategy to strengthen people-centred security

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has released the public versions of key national intelligence documents, in what she described as a historic milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey and a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability and institutional reform. 

    The Minister released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019 – 2024, the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs), and the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029 during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

    The Minister had earlier in the day tabled the 2025 State Security Agency Budget Vote in Parliament.

    At the briefing, she underscored that this was the first time in the country’s history that such core national intelligence instruments were being published in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while preserving the integrity of national security.

    “It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the State, to Parliament, and to the people,” Ntshavheni said. 

    The Minister framed the public release of the NIE and NSS as part of a broader shift towards constitutional accountability, transparency and national resilience, in line with Section 198 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA).

    “The release of the NIE, NIPs and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal. It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 

    “This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests,” she said. 

    Key threats and priorities identified

    The NIE 2019 – 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats facing the nation, ranging from illegal migration, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, to climate and domestic instability. The Estimate is built around five core themes: threats to the economy, territorial integrity, the authority of the State, citizen well-being, and foreign influences.

    The Minister detailed how the National Intelligence Priorities were aligned with government’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and focused on challenges such as:

    • Countering border-based threats and foreign infiltration in strategic sectors.
    • Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities to curb illicit financial flows.
    • Investigating threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic capacity.
    • Preventing terror financing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

    On the foreign intelligence front, the focus includes consolidating South Africa’s continental leadership role, defending its interests in multilateral fora, and countering espionage and hostile foreign interference.

    A whole-of-society security strategy

    Central to the Minister’s announcement was the unveiling of the new National Security Strategy (2024 – 2029), which introduces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to security.

    “The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest,” the Minister said. 

    The strategy is underpinned by eight critical pillars, including:

    • Protection of South Africans or Public Security (Well-being of South Africans).
    • Protection of Territorial Integrity of the Republic.
    • Protection and Projection of the Country’s Sovereignty.
    • Protection of the Economy or Economic Security.
    • Protection of Cyberspace and the Environment.
    • Protection and Promotion of Technology and Innovation.
    • Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources or Environmental Security.
    • Protection of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage (Cultural Security).

    Each pillar speaks to the State’s responsibility to safeguard not only physical borders, but also economic sovereignty, digital resilience and social cohesion.

    Intelligence in Service of the People

    Ntshavheni emphasised that the publication of these documents is not the end, but rather “the beginning of a new, progressive chapter” in national intelligence.

    “We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive,” she said. 

    She concluded by honouring the national intelligence community and reaffirming the importance of principled intelligence that serves the people and the Constitution, not partisan interests.

    “Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia, and this is done within the constraints of our national security interests.

    “Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improving private land conservation

    Alberta’s government is launching two new and improved private land conservation programs to better meet the needs of landowners, conserve more land and prioritize the needs of Albertans. With $10 million in funding now available, the enhanced Private Land Conservation Program and the new Ecosystem Services Grant Program will better protect natural areas across the province while still enabling landowners to use their land for farming, ranching and other work.

    A property in the Rosebud River Conservation Area, northeast of Calgary (Credit: Western Sky Land Trust Society)

    Private landowners across Alberta strongly support conservation, with more than 142,000 acres conserved since 2019. However, decisions made today may not make sense 50 years from now, and many Alberta landowners have asked for more flexible conservation programs to help them protect the land while making a living.

    “Landowners have been asking for a program that supports conservation while still letting them safely and sustainably use their lands. These new and improved programs will deliver greater environmental impact per dollar by aligning conservation outcomes with landowners’ needs and on-the-ground realities.” 

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    Improved program, new name

    Under the newly created Private Land Conservation Program, formerly the Land Trust Grant Program, funding will be distributed to Alberta-based land trusts only, ensuring money meant for conservation in Alberta stays in the province and benefits Albertans. New term conservation easements will also ensure maximum flexibility for future landowners while still protecting the environment. Term conservation easements, which can last up to 50 years, offer an effective way to conserve land for a generation while allowing future flexibility for landowners and communities.

    “The Alberta Conservation Association is excited to see the launch of the enhanced Private Land Conservation Program. It provides us with new and innovative tools to support private landowners in Alberta’s ongoing, collaborative efforts to conserve our rich natural heritage for future generations.”

    Lance Engley, special projects manager, Alberta Conservation Association

    Ecosystem conservation support

    The new Ecosystem Services Grant Program helps landowners cover the costs of maintaining conservation lands that benefit all Albertans. For example, grasslands, riparian areas and wetlands provide habitat and biodiversity while naturally absorbing rainfall and reduce runoff. By conserving these landscapes, vital ecosystem services that support Albertans are protected.

    “Alberta Beef Producers is encouraged to see the government recognizing the value of ecological goods and services and taking steps to support working landscapes. Canada loses approximately 148,000 acres of grasslands each year, and programs like this can help keep ranchers, the stewards of these native ecosystems, on the land, maintaining healthy habitat and supporting species at risk for generations to come.”

    Doug Roxburgh, chair, Alberta Beef Producers

    Applications are being accepted for both the Private Land Conservation Program and Ecosystem Services Grant Program until Oct. 1, 2025. Details on how to apply and eligibility are available on Alberta.ca.

    Quick facts

    • Funding for private land conservation programs comes from the Land Stewardship Fund, which generates funds from the sale of public land.
    • Budget 2025-26 allocated $10 million from the Land Stewardship Fund for this fiscal year.
    • Since 2019, more than 142,000 acres of private land has been conserved.

    Related information

    • Conservation on private land
    • Private Land Conservation Program
    • Ecosystem Services Grant Program

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Decade of Celebrating the Boulder-White Clouds

    Source: US State of Idaho

    This August marks ten years since one of the most meaningful land management bills in Idaho’s history—the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act was signed into law. A decade later, we celebrate the protection of the Cecil D. Andrus Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness area and Idahoans’ shared love for the land.
    The Boulder-White Clouds, with their beautiful high peaks, spectacular alpine lakes, and breathtaking country ready for recreation, represent some of the very best of our great state. For decades, however, they were at the center of crafting a compromise over how best to preserve this area.
    That debate ended the Idaho way—with countless Idahoans, including ranchers, recreationists, conservationists, local leaders, and elected officials, coming together, setting aside differences, and producing a solution to protect this iconic land.
    Passing this legislation has been one of my proudest accomplishments in Congress, but I’m even prouder of how it came together. It would not have been possible without the tireless work of Idahoans from all different backgrounds—people like Sandra Mitchell, with the Idaho State Snowmobile Association, numerous county commissioners, including Cliff Hansen and the late Wayne Butts, and Rick Johnson, the former executive director of the Idaho Conservation League.
    As a lifelong Idahoan who loves public lands, protecting access to these special places has always been a top priority. It was critical that the Boulder-White Clouds be designated a wilderness—rather than a national monument—because wilderness status provides the strongest possible protections for public lands.
    The law created three new wilderness areas—the Hemingway-Boulders, the White Clouds, and the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak—permanently preserving over 275,000 acres of public land. At the same time, the legislation honored multiple uses by protecting grazing, maintaining motorized and trail access for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, and two-wheeled vehicles, and supporting the economic well-being of rural communities.
    This legislation also delivered more than $6.5 million in grants to support rural counties and improve trails, most notably the Redfish Lake to Stanley Trail. This was an important piece in the Boulder-White Cloud compromise, and I’m confident that this trail will positively impact recreation and the local economy for years ahead.
    One of the most meaningful milestones wasn’t until a few years after it was signed: renaming the area after the late Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus. Cecil Andrus devoted his life to protecting the very land he loved and fought for, and now his name is tied to this area forever. 
    Ten years on, protecting and preserving the Boulder-White Clouds has been one of the most rewarding pieces of legislation I have championed. Not only does this bill showcase we’d rather have an Idaho solution than one imposed by DC, but it also serves as an example of what’s possible when Idahoans come together.
    This anniversary is a moment to celebrate—and to look ahead. Knowing that future generations can enjoy the same benefits we have today. Here’s to ten years of the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness, and to many more generations of Idahoans who will cherish them. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Pakistan, WFP and the Green Climate Fund launch project to protect flood-prone communities

    Source: World Food Programme

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    The initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with US$ 9.8 million, will directly benefit 1.6 million people in Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, two areas highly vulnerable to climate shocks.

    The project aims to protect flood-prone communities from extreme weather by installing early warning systems—such as weather stations and river level monitors—and improving coordination among government departments so alerts reach people faster. Communities will be trained to interpret these warnings, evacuate safely and protect their farms and homes before disasters strike.

    At the same time, the project will strengthen the capacity of local institutions—including disaster management authorities, district governments, and emergency response teams—by equipping them with the tools, training and infrastructure needed to respond swiftly to climate-related emergencies.

    The workshop was attended by key stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC & EC), the national and provincial disaster management authorities, and relevant planning and development departments.

    Just two weeks into the 2025 monsoon season, Pakistan has already experienced deadly impacts, with over 100 lives lost due to heavy rain, flash floods and landslides according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods submerged one-third of the country, with KP province alone suffering over US$ 1.5 billion in loss and damage. Within KP, Buner and Shangla face acute risk due to recurring flash floods, landslides, high poverty rates and limited investment in climate adaptation.

    Sameera Sheikh, Joint Secretary of the MoCC & EC, welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with national priorities. “Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and the impacts are becoming more intense each year,” Sheikh said. “Initiatives like this are vital to help vulnerable communities in districts such as Buner and Shangla better prepare for and respond to climate shocks like floods and landslides”.

    “The Government of KP deeply values the strong collaboration and joint governance established through this initiative,” said Dr. Ehtisham Ulhaq, Chief of the International Development Section of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “This project not only addresses immediate climate risks but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and opens doors to future climate finance for our most vulnerable communities.”

    “Recurring climate shocks are a driver of hunger and malnutrition, threatening lives, livelihoods and entire food systems,” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Pakistan Representative and Country Director. “This project represents a multi-layered investment – not only in early warning systems and anticipatory action, but also in local adaptation planning and institutional capacity.”

    The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national policies and KP’s disaster risk management frameworks. It supports GCF Strategic Plan 2024–2027 by addressing urgent adaptation needs in underserved areas, bridging critical capacity gaps in flood preparedness and reinforcing community resilience.

    #                #            #

    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 Facebook and Twitter: @WFPPakistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University

    On July 4, a horrific flash flood occurred in central Texas, mainly impacting Kerr County. The heavy rain started at about 3 a.m., resulting in rainwater surging down mountain slopes, causing the waters in the Guadalupe River to rise by eight metres very quickly.

    At least 132 people have been confirmed dead as of July 14; most of them were in Kerr County. The area is under renewed flood warnings as heavy rains threaten to continue.

    In recognition of the scope of this tragedy, it’s important to determine why it happened. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated that a special session of the state legislature will be held in late July to investigate the emergency response.

    Acting to reduce impacts

    Local Texas officials are facing questions over their actions in the hours — and years — before the flood. In recent years, multiple efforts in Kerr County to build a more substantial flood warning system have faltered or been abandoned due to budget concerns.

    In 2015, a deadly Memorial Day flood in Kerr County rekindled debate over whether to install a flood monitoring system and sirens that would alert the public to evacuate when the river rose to dangerous levels. Some officials, cognizant of a 1987 flood that killed eight people on a church camp bus, thought it should be done, but the idea ran into opposition.

    Some residents and elected officials opposed the installation of sirens, citing the cost and noise that they feared would result from repeated alarms. As a result, Kerr Country did not have emergency sirens that could have warned residents about the rising waters.

    Critical warnings

    The critical challenge for communicating flash floods is ensuring that early warnings reach vulnerable populations. Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction. This makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.

    The U.S. National Weather Service issued its first public warning about the flooding in Kerr County at 1:14 a.m. on July 4, warning of life-threatening flash flooding, with subsequent warnings triggering alerts.

    Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly eight metres in about 45 minutes. The 4:03 a.m. warning instructed residents to “Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.”

    The warnings were disseminated at night through emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, did not receive them.

    Government agencies at all levels need to work together to ensure that residents of impacted areas move effectively to outside of the flood area or at least to higher elevation areas or safe buildings.

    CBC News covers the flood warnings issued during the Texas floods.

    Societal impacts

    The World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Assessment for 10-year periods ranked extreme weather events as the highest global risk in both the 2024 and 2025 assessments. Floods are a very important extreme weather event.

    The U.S. National Centers for Environmental Information published its review of events for the period 1980-2024. Tropical cyclones were the costliest weather and climate disasters, followed by: droughts, wildfires and flooding, which had an average cost of US$4.5 billion per event. The number of billion-dollar inland flood events has increased in the U.S.

    Note that the dollar costs of these events in these assessments do not include the many societal impacts, including mental trauma and other health impacts.

    Terminations at U.S. agencies

    There have been major reductions in the staffing and budgetary support of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Services, which is part of NOAA.



    Read more:
    Terminations at U.S. government agencies that monitor extreme weather events will have negative effects

    The impacts of these reductions on the weather and flood forecasts that would have alerted Texans on July 4 are not yet clear. At the time of writing, the website for the National Weather Services office for Austin/San Antonio, which covers the region that includes hard-hit Kerr County, shows six of 27 positions are listed as vacant. One important vacancy is that of the key manager responsible for issuing warnings and co-ordinating with local emergency management officials.

    The U.S. government has also reduced the funding for research on weather systems, including floods. There have also been reductions in the funding support for scientific analyses of how climate change will affect the severity of storms.

    Deep funding cuts to NOAA may result in the termination of both the National Severe Storms Lab and the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations at the University of Oklahoma, which will have a highly negative impact on the understanding of storms.



    Read more:
    Trump’s budget cuts are adding to risk in life-threatening floods and emergencies

    Canadian floods

    The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory was established in 2024 at Western University to conduct leading research on severe weather in Canada.

    Flooding is the most common and costly disaster in Canada. In the past decade, floods have averaged nearly $800 million in insured losses annually.

    Over time, the potential for extreme rainfall events is increasing. Heavy rainfall events and their ensuing flood risks are increasing because of warmer temperatures.

    Canadian data shows that climate change is driving increasingly severe and frequent floods.

    Is Canada prepared?

    Flooding will only get worse in the future, and government action is needed to manage this growing risk. One of the ways in which Canada isn’t prepared is that most flood-risk maps are out of date, with some being decades old.

    While Environment and Climate Change Canada issues weather watches and warnings for things like tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and rainfall, it doesn’t provide flood forecasts.

    Most provinces argue that water resources are natural resources and are therefore under provincial jurisdiction. This means that weather forecasts across the country are provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada, while flood forecasts are produced by each of the provinces.

    It is important to take actions to address adaptation and climate resilience that consider future floods and their impacts. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will need to work together to avoid tragedies.

    Gordon McBean has received funding from the Canadian funding agencies (SSHRC, NSERC) for academic research in the past. He has received funding for research from Western University including one grant that has not yet been completed and from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction to participate in scientific meetings and conferences.

    – ref. What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood – https://theconversation.com/what-canada-could-learn-from-the-tragic-consequences-of-the-texas-flash-flood-260755

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Chalk River Laboratories Becomes First GLP-Certified Laboratory in Canada to Offer Pre-Clinical Radiopharmaceutical Studies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHALK RIVER, Ontario, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that the Chalk River Laboratories has become the first Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certified laboratory in Canada that is capable of performing radioactive work and pre-clinical radiopharmaceutical contract research. The enhanced certification follows a Standards Council of Canada (SCC) audit that granted CNL full GLP recognition, a designation that adheres to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) protocols, and standards required by national and international regulators, including Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

    GLP recognition demonstrates that CNL meets internationally recognized standards for laboratory studies, ensuring the reliability, reproducibility, and integrity of the data generated, and is critical for laboratories conducting radiopharmaceutical testing and evaluation. CNL can now perform GLP compliant studies within its Biological Research Facility (BRF) and its Analytical Chemistry laboratories, through capabilities the are unique in Canada to perform radiopharmaceutical testing and evaluation. This presents a wide range of new and exciting commercial and partnership opportunities to Canada’s national nuclear laboratory.

    “Securing GLP recognition for the Chalk River Laboratories is a significant milestone that comes at a time when the global radiopharmaceutical industry is experiencing exceptional growth and Canada is playing an industry defining role,” commented Dr. Marie-Claude Gregoire, Head of CNL’s Isotopes, Radiobiology and Environment Directorate. “Given our capabilities to safely access and manage a wide range of radioactive materials, it also distinguishes CNL from other contract research organizations in Canada, positioning the Chalk River Laboratories campus as a ‘one-stop shop’ to conduct innovative pre-clinical radiopharmaceuticals studies. Overall, we believe this designation fulfills an unmet need in the Canadian and global radiopharmaceutical market and will further expand what has been a growing source of revenue for CNL.”

    Administered by the SCC, GLP recognition ensures a high degree of quality assurance and data integrity for laboratory contract research and enables full traceability and curation of information. In recent years, CNL has expanded its preclinical and radiopharmaceutical capabilities and launched collaborative programs to advance knowledge and pursue new commercial opportunities. This includes GLP analytical and toxicology studies, formulation optimization, biodistribution studies, in-vitro assays and other pre-clinical studies conducted on behalf of pharmaceutical companies, government bodies, and regulatory agencies. GLP studies is a phase of preclinical research conducted prior to clinical trials in humans, and typically yields information about a drug’s safety and toxicity in animal models.

    The GLP studies and preclinical research is largely carried out at CNL’s BRF, which is a 1,600 m2 state-of-the-art facility designed to support animal and animal tissue-based studies, featuring capabilities that support radiation, radionuclide and carcinogen-based testing and experimentation that are unique in Canada. The BRF houses environmentally controlled, specific pathogen-free laboratories dedicated to biological research, which includes cell and molecular biology, histology and tissue processing, hematology, tissue culture and animal procedures. This facility houses over 20,000 mice at full capacity. With full GLP recognition now in place, the facility will increasingly serve as a national facility dedicated to advancing innovative, next-generation radiopharmaceuticals, medical isotopes and cancer treatments towards clinical testing and real-world use.

    “Recent advances in radioligand therapy are enabling better outcomes for cancer patients. This is driving a rebirth of the radiopharmaceutical industry and spurring unprecedented growth, with current forecasts estimating that this market would grow from a $9.3 Billion market in 2023 to a $42 Billion market by 2033,” commented George Baidoo, CNL’s Technical Director, Health in Business Development. “The message that we want to send to the radiopharmaceutical industry today is that CNL can work with radioactive materials within GLP certified laboratories, a very unique capability that addresses an unmet need in the industry. By leveraging the assets of Canada’s national nuclear laboratory, CNL can provide needed preclinical radiopharmaceutical R&D services, coupled with GLP capabilities, to help advance and accelerate new therapies from bench to bedside.”

    CNL’s Biological Research Facility and Analytical Chemistry services are part of a broader series of laboratories and programs that CNL maintains in health studies and dosimetry services, including animal studies, isotope production and processing, targeted radionuclide therapies, and waste management solutions. For more information on CNL’s research in health sciences, including its Biological Research Facility, please visit www.cnl.ca/health.

    About CNL

    As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

    By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector, and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

    To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    CNL Contact:
    Philip Kompass
    Director, Corporate Communications
    1-866-886-2325
    media@cnl.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45b7fbd5-d415-449c-85b9-c0dcb4006b03

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Northern Maine on July 15

    Source: US State of Maine

    July 15, 2025

    CONTACT:

    Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)’ level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

    This morning, USG levels of particle pollution are being reported in the Northern region of Maine due to wildfire smoke. Particle pollution values averaged in the USG range just west of Maine in Quebec yesterday. Hourly values in Quebec continue to be in the USG range this morning. Smoke is expected to continue moving into Maine from Quebec as westerly winds become prevalent this afternoon. The remainder of the state is expected to reach the Moderate range.

    Currently, the dense portion of the plume should move out on Wednesday, but the smoke is not projected to leave Maine until Thursday. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution on Wednesday and Thursday. Air quality meteorologists will monitor the situation and update Wednesdays forecast this afternoon.

    At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

    Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

    • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

    • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

    • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

    Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

    In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

    For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches new £12m Green Roots Fund to boost capital’s green and blue spaces

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor launches new fund at the start of London Climate Action Week – the largest city-wide climate event in Europe
    • London will stage more than 700 events across the week to accelerate global climate action, showcasing how London is a global climate leader
    • More than 45,000 people to come to London to take part in events
    • Sadiq urges community groups, boroughs and stakeholders to apply for up to £500,000 – to green neighbourhoods, rewild communities and clean local rivers

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is starting London Climate Action Week with the launch of a new Green Roots Fund, which will invest more than £12 million to make neighbourhoods across the capital greener, healthier and more climate resilient.

    The new fund, which sees Sadiq deliver on his 2024 Election Manifesto pledge, will support the creation and improvement of London’s green and blue spaces, such as parks, community gardens, wetlands and rivers. This includes projects that will restore habitats for nature to thrive and could reintroduce lost species.

    Research shows that those from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities are more than twice as likely to live in an area deprived of green space [1], while more than one in five households in London have no access to a garden. [2] The new fund will tackle this social injustice, empowering communities with the opportunity to increase their access to green and blue spaces.

    The new £12 million fund will award grants ranging from £10,000 to £500,000 over the next three years to community groups, boroughs and stakeholders to pay for trees, wildflower meadows, parklets and waterway improvements.

    The launch comes at the start of London Climate Action Week, which is taking place this week (21-29 June) and is the largest city-wide climate event in Europe.

    Now in its seventh year, London Climate Action Week hosts more than 700 in-person and virtual events (double the number of events from last year) and attracts more than 45,000 people to the capital. It mobilises London’s unparalleled array of organisations committed to accelerating global climate action, showcasing how London is a global climate leader.

    Sadiq has led the way and after he launched the world’s first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and expanded it to cover the whole capital in 2023, ULEZ is now the largest clean air zone in the world. It covers every borough of London, helping the capital’s almost ten million residents breathe cleaner air. It has been crucial to protect the health of Londoners, support children’s lung growth, and reduce the risk of people developing asthma, lung cancer and a host of other health issues related to air pollution. [3]

    City Hall is involved in a number of events for London Climate Action Week. This includes: 

    1. A seeds giveaway, today (23 June) to encourage Londoners to create habitats and food sources to benefit nature. A total of 12,000 seed packets will be handed out by volunteers at 12 stations in areas that have less access to green space.*
    2. A week of discussions at Goals House which will feature the Mayor and explore topics including sustainable cities, design and creativity and the impact of businesses on biodiversity and the loss of nature.
    3. A Climate Innovation Forum in Central London that will see the Mayor discuss pioneering green initiatives with international leaders across government and business.
    4. The inaugural London Climate Action Week Youth Summit at ZSL, which will bring together over 150 young changemakers to explore how young Londoners can take climate and nature action in the city

    Since he took office in 2016, the Mayor has transformed London’s natural spaces, improving and creating over 900 hectares of green space – equivalent to more than 2,000 football pitches. He has restored 3.7km of river, creating habitat for wildlife to flourish.

    Through his Grow Back Greener Fund, the Mayor has already awarded over £4 million to 135 community-led projects, supporting Londoners to create and improve over 30 hectares of green space (1,140 tennis courts) and plant over 25,000 trees. [4]

    Since taking office in 2016, Sadiq’s initiatives have led to the planting of over 600,000 trees across London (including two new woodlands), totalling 85 hectares of tree-filled green spaces for everyone to enjoy. [5]

    In addition, the Mayor has invested over £2.5 million since 2021 through his Rewild London Fund, into projects that have supported the restoration and rewilding of London’s most valuable places for nature. [6]

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to launch my new Green Roots Fund to deliver spaces across our capital that are greener, healthier and more climate resilient.

    “I want to encourage all community groups to get involved in helping to transform our neighbourhoods and ensure that all Londoners can benefit from nature.

    “I am thrilled to be announcing this new investment during London Climate Action Week as our capital delivers the largest city-wide climate event in Europe.

    “The benefits of nature should be for everyone and I am committed to making this a reality for all Londoners, as we continue to build a greener and fairer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said: “London Climate Action Week provides a platform to showcase our capital as a global climate leader.  

    “It is fantastic Sadiq is delivering on his Manifesto pledge this week to launch London’s Green Roots Fund and kickstart a series of over 700 events across our capital over the coming days.

    “I urge Londoners to get involved in the many in person and virtual events across the coming days as the Mayor and I work to deliver more natural spaces in our city that are accessible to all.”

    London Climate Action Week Founder and Chair Nick Mabey said: “London Climate Action Week 2025 is more than double the size of last year and attracting even greater international participation.

    “This shows the depth of London’s climate solutions sector whether in finance, clean tech or fashion and the enthusiasm of Londoners to be part of climate action.

    “This energy across the whole of society shows how divorced the current elite political discussion on net zero is from economic and grassroots reality.”

    Friends of Mostyn Garden Project / Muslim Women of Merton Co-ordinator Neaz Ahmed said: “The Mayor’s Grow Back Greener Fund enabled us to tackle social injustice and empower communities with the opportunity to increase their access to green and blue spaces.

    “We worked with volunteer women from the local community to make a piece of derelict land useable and a focus for the community,  including the Tranquil Corner where we meet in peace and tranquillity. It has now attracted further funds to clear up and establish seating and paths.”

    London Wildlife Trust Director of Nature Recovery, Sam Davenport, said: “We’re in the midst of an ecological emergency, and now more than ever, nature needs all of us.

    “As proud partners of the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund, we’ve seen the inspiring results that come from empowering London’s communities to act for wildlife.

    “This renewed commitment to nature recovery from the Mayor is a welcome next step toward a greener, wilder, and more resilient London.”

    National Park City Foundation and London National Park City Chair Navdeep Deol said: “With the support of the Mayor’s team we have been able to deliver vital and timely microgrants to a number of our National Park City Ranger projects, so that they can focus on their important work to make London greener, wilder and healthier and support communities across the capital.

    “The programme strengthens capacity and resilience within the voluntary sector in a way that is both equitable and scalable without the complexity of traditional funding models. The Green Roots Fund creates new opportunities to kick-start and grow new community led and grassroots action right across London.” 

    Wildlife Gardeners of Haggerston Chair, Gideon Corby, said: “Receiving the Mayor of London’s Grow Back Greener and Rewild London funding allowed us to do so much work on Hackney Marshes and along the Old Lea River.

    “We have worked hard to increase the chances for wildlife to thrive; removing problematic plants and reintroducing reedbeds, returning the natural complexity of flow to the river and building refugia to allow wood mice, field vole and shrew populations.

    “GLA funding gave us local people the chance, and privilege, to do work we are immensely proud of and we’d do it all again!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • NHAI releases second sustainability report, showcases green milestones

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second consecutive Sustainability Report for the financial year 2023–24, reaffirming its strong commitment towards environmental sustainability and responsible infrastructure development.

    The report, launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlights NHAI’s integrated framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and its alignment with India’s global commitments under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a sustainable future.

    Despite a 20% rise in National Highway construction in FY 2023–24, NHAI has successfully reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km, indicating a clear decoupling of construction growth from emissions.

    Promoting a circular economy remains central to NHAI’s efforts. In the reporting year, more than 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials — including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt — were utilized in highway construction.

    Afforestation and plantation have also received a major push. Over 56 lakh saplings were planted in FY 2023–24 and 67.47 lakh saplings have already been planted in 2024–25, taking the total tree plantation count to over 4.69 crore since the rollout of the Green Highways Policy, 2015. This large-scale plantation has helped create substantial carbon sinks and enhanced the environmental balance along India’s highways.

    The report also documents NHAI’s conservation initiatives under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, with 467 water bodies rejuvenated across the country. These efforts have revitalised local water resources and supplied nearly 2.4 crore cubic metres of soil for road construction, yielding estimated savings of around ₹16,690 crore.

    Water use intensity in water-stressed regions has dropped by 74% compared to previous levels. Additionally, the authority has implemented best practices to mitigate the impact of highways on wildlife and minimise man-animal conflicts.

    On the social front, NHAI has reinforced inclusive and safe work practices. All direct employees and contract workers are now covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. The organisation also recorded zero instances of workplace discrimination, underlining its commitment to diversity and equity.

    Technology has played a crucial role in these achievements. The AI-driven Data Lake 3.0 platform has streamlined project management and helped resolve 155 conciliation claims, resulting in an estimated saving of about ₹25,680 crore. The widespread adoption of FASTag, with a penetration rate of 98.5%, has further reduced congestion at toll plazas, cutting vehicular emissions and the overall carbon footprint.

  • NHAI releases second sustainability report, showcases green milestones

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second consecutive Sustainability Report for the financial year 2023–24, reaffirming its strong commitment towards environmental sustainability and responsible infrastructure development.

    The report, launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlights NHAI’s integrated framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and its alignment with India’s global commitments under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a sustainable future.

    Despite a 20% rise in National Highway construction in FY 2023–24, NHAI has successfully reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km, indicating a clear decoupling of construction growth from emissions.

    Promoting a circular economy remains central to NHAI’s efforts. In the reporting year, more than 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials — including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt — were utilized in highway construction.

    Afforestation and plantation have also received a major push. Over 56 lakh saplings were planted in FY 2023–24 and 67.47 lakh saplings have already been planted in 2024–25, taking the total tree plantation count to over 4.69 crore since the rollout of the Green Highways Policy, 2015. This large-scale plantation has helped create substantial carbon sinks and enhanced the environmental balance along India’s highways.

    The report also documents NHAI’s conservation initiatives under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, with 467 water bodies rejuvenated across the country. These efforts have revitalised local water resources and supplied nearly 2.4 crore cubic metres of soil for road construction, yielding estimated savings of around ₹16,690 crore.

    Water use intensity in water-stressed regions has dropped by 74% compared to previous levels. Additionally, the authority has implemented best practices to mitigate the impact of highways on wildlife and minimise man-animal conflicts.

    On the social front, NHAI has reinforced inclusive and safe work practices. All direct employees and contract workers are now covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. The organisation also recorded zero instances of workplace discrimination, underlining its commitment to diversity and equity.

    Technology has played a crucial role in these achievements. The AI-driven Data Lake 3.0 platform has streamlined project management and helped resolve 155 conciliation claims, resulting in an estimated saving of about ₹25,680 crore. The widespread adoption of FASTag, with a penetration rate of 98.5%, has further reduced congestion at toll plazas, cutting vehicular emissions and the overall carbon footprint.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London issues high pollution alert

    Source: Mayor of London

    City Hall has triggered a ‘high’ air pollution alert in London tomorrow (Saturday 21 June) as sunny and hot weather with temperatures above 30C are forecast, which is expected to create ‘High’ ozone levels as the strong and prolonged heat and sunshine reacts with any present pollution.

    Imperial College London forecasters advised City Hall to issue the alert, with air flow from mainland Europe expected to bring in additional pollutants from urban and industrial sources.

    City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools and local boroughs when moderate, high or very high air pollution is forecast. High air pollution alerts are also displayed at public locations across London, including all bus stop countdown signs, as well as on the Underground.

    The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban said: “London’s toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, including launching the world’s largest clean air zone.

    “We are urging Londoners to look after themselves in this pollution alert during the hot weather, stop their engines idling, and refrain from burning wood or garden waste – all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable as we continue working to build a safer and greener London for all.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Tackles Extreme Heat and Modernizes Transit Corridors 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Cool Corridors Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation focuses on mitigating extreme heat in urban areas by investing in tree canopies and shade infrastructure along transit corridors, sidewalks, bus stops, school zones, and underserved neighborhoods. 

    “As temperatures climb and heatwaves become more severe, we must ensure our communities are equipped to stay cool, safe, and livable,” said Strickland. “My bill promotes smart investments to improve public health, improve our infrastructure, make our communities more walkable and resilient.” 

    “In the Lower Hudson Valley, extreme heat causes serious damage to our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, impacting families’ daily routines and expenses during the hottest months of the year. This bill will cool down our streets and transit corridors, helping protect our infrastructure and create safer, more comfortable neighborhoods for everyone. By investing in public works projects now, we will save taxpayers’ money in the long run and improve the quality of life for our communities,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Co-Chair of the Extreme Heat Caucus. 

    “At Trust for Public Land, we know that access to nature isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. That’s why we support this effort to reauthorize the Healthy Streets Program,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “Through our work with communities across the country, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of trees, and how planting them in urban and rural neighborhoods alike results in added shade along with cleaner air, improved health outcomes, more local jobs, and documented protection from extreme temperatures and climate events.” 

    “Extreme heat is now the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., and it’s only getting worse. Trees are one of our most effective defenses—especially in the places where people are most exposed, like sidewalks, transit corridors, and bus stops. The Cool Corridors Act delivers smart, science-based investments in shade where people need it most. It’s a practical, proven way to protect public health and create safer, more connected neighborhoods. Led by Representatives Strickland and Rep. Lawler, this is bipartisan leadership turning down the temperature on extreme heat. We thank them for the coolest legislation of the summer and for championing life-saving, locally driven solutions that communities urgently need,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Policy, American Forests. 

    The Cool Corridors Act aims to improve public health outcomes by addressing urban heat islands, reducing air and noise pollution, and decreasing stormwater runoff. Additionally, it promotes local workforce development through urban forestry job training, preserves existing roadside vegetation, and strengthens long-term maintenance and climate resilience strategies.  

    The bill also calls for interagency coordination across the Departments of Transportation, Energy, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It ensures accountability through community engagement and robust data reporting on environmental and public health outcomes. 

    House Co-Sponsors include: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rep. Steven Cohen (TN-09), Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Josh Harder (CA-09). 

    You can read the full legislation here. 

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West and East Midlands move into drought

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    West and East Midlands move into drought

    Following the driest spring in 132 years, Environment Agency steps up operational response.

    EA officers rescuing fish from a dried up River Redlake in Shropshire

    The Environment Agency has declared drought status for the West Midlands and East Midlands following the driest spring in 132 years. 

    The Environment Agency announced the change in status today, 15th July 2025. Following declining river flows and groundwater levels with some river flows in the regions at their lowest for June since 1976. 

    The decision sees the regulator stepping up its operational response in the West Midlands and the East Midlands. While making sure water companies deliver the actions agreed in their drought plans. 

    The announcement comes as the National Drought Group meets to discuss next steps, with people being asked to play their part and use water wisely.

    West Midlands and East Midlands follow other regions that have moved into drought recently, including the north-west of England and Yorkshire. 

    Matt Gable, Regional Incident Lead at the Environment Agency, said: 

    Against a backdrop of a changing climate, this change of status recognises the impact prolonged dry weather is having on water resources and the environment. 

    In the Midlands, we are taking action to reduce that impact and to oversee the actions water companies need to take to secure public water supplies. 

    We are also encouraging people to play their part through the rest of the summer period by noting the small steps we can all take to save water.

    In the Midlands, river levels are already low with some river flows in the region at their lowest for June since 1976. The River Severn catchment received only two-thirds of the rainfall it normally does in June, while the Trent catchment fared worse, with only 37% of its long-term average for June. 

    Teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels, with staff working with the water sector to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.  Staff are also supporting farmers and abstractors with advice on how to manage abstraction during prolonged dry weather and low flows.  Fisheries teams are responding where necessary to protect fish which are struggling due to reduced oxygen or moving them if the river has dried up.

    The Environment Agency expects and will ensure that water companies follow their drought management plans. Water companies need to step up their work to fix leaks and adjust their operations to conserve water.  

    The public is being asked to think about how they use water at home and in the garden, and to comply with any local restrictions. The less water you use at the home, the more water there is in your local environment.  Recreational water users are being asked to remain vigilant and report any environmental issues they see, such as fish in distress, acting as important eyes and ears on the ground.  

    Read more about how the Environment Agency is responding to dry weather in the Midlands here: Managing the impacts of drought in the Midlands – Creating a better place

    Read more about drought here: Drought explained – Creating a better place.

    Background information

    • A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, how dry soils are, environmental incidents and water resources position along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts. These are based on Environment Agency Area classifications. 

    • Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) are a decision for the water companies and must be made in line with their drought plans. Read more here: Why do we have hosepipe bans?

    Map of Environment Agency areas

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium Reports Highest Lithium Brine Grade in SWA Project Area as FEED Studies Nearing Completion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWISVILLE, Ark., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SLI) (NYSE.A: SLI) and Equinor, is pleased to announce that it has completed sampling from its newest exploration well, the Lester well, in the South West Arkansas (SWA) Project area, and has recorded the highest lithium concentration reported to date from the SWA Project area; 616 mg/L lithium in brine.

    The Lester well was completed in the second quarter of this year and concludes all sub-surface exploration activities for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. The location of the Lester well in relation to the SWA Phase 1 Project is shown in Figure 1 below, and an aerial photograph of the Lester well and associated pad is shown in Figure 2.

    Sampling of brines from the upper Smackover Formation was completed by the Company, and subsequent analysis of the brine by an independent third-party certified laboratory demonstrated significantly higher than expected lithium concentrations in the Lester brine, marking the highest lithium grade reported for the SWA Project. The summarized lithium brine analyses are provided in Table 1 below which highlights the average lithium concentration from three brine samples was 582 mg/L.

    Dr. Andy Robinson, President and COO of Standard Lithium stated, “The Smackover Lithium team has now completed all the fieldwork and testing required for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. We completed this final well in a part of the project area where we expected the lithium concentration to be approximately 500 mg/L, so we’re encouraged with these latest sampling results that show the highest lithium concentrations in the whole SWA Project area (maximum 616 mg/L), demonstrating a marked improvement from levels in the existing world-class lithium brine resource.

    With all of the fieldwork complete, the joint Smackover Lithium team is working to complete the FEED study, with a Definitive Feasibility Study expected later in the third quarter of this year. The completion of these studies will represent a significant milestone as the team rapidly advances Phase 1 of the SWA Project through off-take negotiations and project finance towards a Final Investment Decision targeted by year-end 2025.”

    Figure 1: SWA Project, Phase 1 Reynolds Unit and Location of Lester Well

    Table 1: Lester Well Lithium Brine Analyses in SWA Phase 1 Project Area

    Sample Name [1] Lithium
    mg/L
     
    Lester 2 #1 559
    Lester 2 #2 571
    Lester 2 #5 616
    Average Concentration [2] 582
       

    Notes:  Analyses conducted at WETLAB (Western Environmental Testing Laboratory) – 475 E Greg St, Suite 119, Sparks NV 89431.
    [1] Sample names are as reported by the independent third party laboratory. Samples #3 and #4 were a blank sample and a synthetic spike sample, used for laboratory data verification and QA/QC purposes. They are omitted here for clarity.
    [2] A simple average concentration is provided from the Lester well for illustrative purposes of the general lithium brine quality in the Lester well. Porosity-weighted averages will be used in future resource quality estimates.

    Figure 2: Aerial Photo of Lester Well in SWA Phase 1 Project

    Notes:  Photograph is taken looking approximately northeast across the Lester well-pad.

    Qualified Person

    Steve Ross, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the relevant scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Ross is a consultant to the Company.

    About Smackover Lithium

    Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor. Formed in May 2024, Smackover Lithium is developing two Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) Project Companies in southwest Arkansas and east Texas. Standard Lithium owns a 55% interest and Equinor holds the remaining 45% interest in the two Project Companies, with Standard Lithium maintaining operatorship.

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor ASA, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSXV and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    About Equinor

    Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and has offices in more than 20 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

    For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

    Investor Inquiries

    Dan Rosen
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    Media Inquiries

    media@standardlithium.com

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, the timeline for completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the SWA Project, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cacb4d78-1a00-422a-abdf-10690d97f867
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72ebbdb0-35be-4c5d-98a8-28c84b0a6859

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium Reports Highest Lithium Brine Grade in SWA Project Area as FEED Studies Nearing Completion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWISVILLE, Ark., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SLI) (NYSE.A: SLI) and Equinor, is pleased to announce that it has completed sampling from its newest exploration well, the Lester well, in the South West Arkansas (SWA) Project area, and has recorded the highest lithium concentration reported to date from the SWA Project area; 616 mg/L lithium in brine.

    The Lester well was completed in the second quarter of this year and concludes all sub-surface exploration activities for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. The location of the Lester well in relation to the SWA Phase 1 Project is shown in Figure 1 below, and an aerial photograph of the Lester well and associated pad is shown in Figure 2.

    Sampling of brines from the upper Smackover Formation was completed by the Company, and subsequent analysis of the brine by an independent third-party certified laboratory demonstrated significantly higher than expected lithium concentrations in the Lester brine, marking the highest lithium grade reported for the SWA Project. The summarized lithium brine analyses are provided in Table 1 below which highlights the average lithium concentration from three brine samples was 582 mg/L.

    Dr. Andy Robinson, President and COO of Standard Lithium stated, “The Smackover Lithium team has now completed all the fieldwork and testing required for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. We completed this final well in a part of the project area where we expected the lithium concentration to be approximately 500 mg/L, so we’re encouraged with these latest sampling results that show the highest lithium concentrations in the whole SWA Project area (maximum 616 mg/L), demonstrating a marked improvement from levels in the existing world-class lithium brine resource.

    With all of the fieldwork complete, the joint Smackover Lithium team is working to complete the FEED study, with a Definitive Feasibility Study expected later in the third quarter of this year. The completion of these studies will represent a significant milestone as the team rapidly advances Phase 1 of the SWA Project through off-take negotiations and project finance towards a Final Investment Decision targeted by year-end 2025.”

    Figure 1: SWA Project, Phase 1 Reynolds Unit and Location of Lester Well

    Table 1: Lester Well Lithium Brine Analyses in SWA Phase 1 Project Area

    Sample Name [1] Lithium
    mg/L
     
    Lester 2 #1 559
    Lester 2 #2 571
    Lester 2 #5 616
    Average Concentration [2] 582
       

    Notes:  Analyses conducted at WETLAB (Western Environmental Testing Laboratory) – 475 E Greg St, Suite 119, Sparks NV 89431.
    [1] Sample names are as reported by the independent third party laboratory. Samples #3 and #4 were a blank sample and a synthetic spike sample, used for laboratory data verification and QA/QC purposes. They are omitted here for clarity.
    [2] A simple average concentration is provided from the Lester well for illustrative purposes of the general lithium brine quality in the Lester well. Porosity-weighted averages will be used in future resource quality estimates.

    Figure 2: Aerial Photo of Lester Well in SWA Phase 1 Project

    Notes:  Photograph is taken looking approximately northeast across the Lester well-pad.

    Qualified Person

    Steve Ross, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the relevant scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Ross is a consultant to the Company.

    About Smackover Lithium

    Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor. Formed in May 2024, Smackover Lithium is developing two Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) Project Companies in southwest Arkansas and east Texas. Standard Lithium owns a 55% interest and Equinor holds the remaining 45% interest in the two Project Companies, with Standard Lithium maintaining operatorship.

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor ASA, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSXV and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    About Equinor

    Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and has offices in more than 20 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

    For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

    Investor Inquiries

    Dan Rosen
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    Media Inquiries

    media@standardlithium.com

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, the timeline for completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the SWA Project, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cacb4d78-1a00-422a-abdf-10690d97f867
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72ebbdb0-35be-4c5d-98a8-28c84b0a6859

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Rethinking the MBA: Character as the educational foundation for future business leaders

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan

    Questions about the role of business education have led to introspection among business school leaders and researchers. Supatman/iStock via Getty Images

    Programs to help students discern their vocation or calling are gaining prominence in higher education.

    According to a 2019 Bates/Gallup poll, 80% of college graduates want a sense of purpose from their work. In addition, a 2023 survey found that 50% of Generation Z and millennial employees in the U.K. and U.S. have resigned from a job because the values of the company did not align with their own.

    These sentiments are also found in today’s business school students, as Gen Z is demanding that course content reflect the changes in society, from diversity and inclusion to sustainability and poverty. According to the Financial Times, “there may never have been a more demanding cohort.”

    And yet, business schools have been slower than other schools to respond, leading to calls ranging from transforming business education to demolishing it.

    What are business schools creating?

    Historically, studies have shown that business school applicants have scored higher than their peers on the “dark triad” traits of narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism. These traits can manifest themselves in a tendency toward cunning, scheming and, at times, unscrupulous behavior.

    Over the course of their degree program, other studies have found that business school environments can amplify those preexisting tendencies while enhancing a concern for what others think of them.

    And these tendencies stick after graduation. One study examined 9,900 U.S. publicly listed firms and separated the sample by those run by managers who went to business school and those whose managers did not. While they found no discernible difference in sales or profits between the two samples, they found that labor wages were cut 6% over five years at companies run by managers who went to business school, while managers with no business degree shared profits with their workers. The study concludes that this is the result “of practices and values acquired in business education.”

    But there are signs that this may be changing.

    Questioning value

    Business leaders play a significant role in society, but they aren’t always trusted.
    miniseries/E+ via Getty Images

    Today, many are questioning the value of the MBA.

    Those who have decided it is worth the high cost either complain of its lack of rigor, relevance and critical thinking or use it merely for access to networks for salary enhancement, treating classroom learning as less important than attending recruiting events and social activities.

    Layered onto this uncertain state of affairs, generative artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the education landscape, threatening future career prospects and short-circuiting the student’s education by doing their research and writing for them.

    This is concerning because of the outsized role that business leaders play in today’s society: allocating capital, developing and deploying new technologies and influencing political and social debates.

    At times, this role is a positive one, but not always. Distrust follows that uncertainty.

    Only 16% of Americans had a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in corporations, while 51% of Americans between 18 and 29 hold a dim view of capitalism.

    Facing this reality, business educators are beginning to reexamine how to nurture business leaders who view business not only as a means to making money but also as a vehicle in service to society.

    Proponents such as Harry Lewis, former dean of Harvard College; Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University; Harold Shapiro, former president of Princeton University; and Anthony Kronman, former dean of the Yale Law School, describe this effort as a return to the original focus of a college education.

    Not ethics, but character formation

    Character education could challenge business students to consider what type of leaders they aspire to be.
    MoMo Productions/Digital Vision via Getty Images

    Business schools have often included ethics courses in their curriculum, often with limited success. What some schools are experimenting with is character formation.

    As part of this experimentation is the development of a coherent moral culture that lies within the course curriculum but also within the cocurricular programming, cultural events, seminars and independent studies that shape students’ worldviews; the selection, socialization, training and reward systems for students, staff and faculty; and other aspects that shape students’ formation.

    Stanford’s Bill Damon, one of the leading scholars on helping students develop a sense of purpose in life, describes a revised role for faculty in this effort, one of creating the fertile conditions for students to find meaning and purpose on their own.

    I use this approach in my course on vocation discernment in business, shifting from a more traditional academic style to one that is more developmental.

    This is relational teaching that artificial intelligence cannot do. It involves bringing the whole person into the education process, inspiring hearts as much as engaging heads to form competent leaders who possess character, judgment and wisdom.

    It allows an examination of both the how and the why of business, challenging students to consider what kind of business leader they aspire to be and what kind of legacy they wish to establish.

    It would mark a return to the original focus of early business schools, which, as Rakesh Khurana, a professor of sociology at Harvard, calls out in his book “From Higher Aims to Hired Hands: The Social Transformation of American Business Schools and the Unfulfilled Promise of Management as a Profession,” was to train managers in the same vocational way we train doctors “to seek the higher aims of commerce in service to society.”

    Reshaping business education

    Most business school curricula are similar, but there are examples that break the mold.
    Oscar Wong/Moment via Getty Images

    The good news is that there are emerging exemplars that are seeking to create this kind of curriculum through centers such as Notre Dame University’s Institute for Social Concerns and Bates College’s Center for Purposeful Work and courses such as Stanford University’s Designing Your Life and the University of Michigan’s Management as a Calling.

    These are but a few examples of a growing movement. So, the building blocks are there to draw from. The student demand is waiting to be met. All that is needed is for more business schools to respond.

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

    – ref. Rethinking the MBA: Character as the educational foundation for future business leaders – https://theconversation.com/rethinking-the-mba-character-as-the-educational-foundation-for-future-business-leaders-259223

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Rethinking the MBA: Character as the educational foundation for future business leaders

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan

    Questions about the role of business education have led to introspection among business school leaders and researchers. Supatman/iStock via Getty Images

    Programs to help students discern their vocation or calling are gaining prominence in higher education.

    According to a 2019 Bates/Gallup poll, 80% of college graduates want a sense of purpose from their work. In addition, a 2023 survey found that 50% of Generation Z and millennial employees in the U.K. and U.S. have resigned from a job because the values of the company did not align with their own.

    These sentiments are also found in today’s business school students, as Gen Z is demanding that course content reflect the changes in society, from diversity and inclusion to sustainability and poverty. According to the Financial Times, “there may never have been a more demanding cohort.”

    And yet, business schools have been slower than other schools to respond, leading to calls ranging from transforming business education to demolishing it.

    What are business schools creating?

    Historically, studies have shown that business school applicants have scored higher than their peers on the “dark triad” traits of narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism. These traits can manifest themselves in a tendency toward cunning, scheming and, at times, unscrupulous behavior.

    Over the course of their degree program, other studies have found that business school environments can amplify those preexisting tendencies while enhancing a concern for what others think of them.

    And these tendencies stick after graduation. One study examined 9,900 U.S. publicly listed firms and separated the sample by those run by managers who went to business school and those whose managers did not. While they found no discernible difference in sales or profits between the two samples, they found that labor wages were cut 6% over five years at companies run by managers who went to business school, while managers with no business degree shared profits with their workers. The study concludes that this is the result “of practices and values acquired in business education.”

    But there are signs that this may be changing.

    Questioning value

    Business leaders play a significant role in society, but they aren’t always trusted.
    miniseries/E+ via Getty Images

    Today, many are questioning the value of the MBA.

    Those who have decided it is worth the high cost either complain of its lack of rigor, relevance and critical thinking or use it merely for access to networks for salary enhancement, treating classroom learning as less important than attending recruiting events and social activities.

    Layered onto this uncertain state of affairs, generative artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the education landscape, threatening future career prospects and short-circuiting the student’s education by doing their research and writing for them.

    This is concerning because of the outsized role that business leaders play in today’s society: allocating capital, developing and deploying new technologies and influencing political and social debates.

    At times, this role is a positive one, but not always. Distrust follows that uncertainty.

    Only 16% of Americans had a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in corporations, while 51% of Americans between 18 and 29 hold a dim view of capitalism.

    Facing this reality, business educators are beginning to reexamine how to nurture business leaders who view business not only as a means to making money but also as a vehicle in service to society.

    Proponents such as Harry Lewis, former dean of Harvard College; Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University; Harold Shapiro, former president of Princeton University; and Anthony Kronman, former dean of the Yale Law School, describe this effort as a return to the original focus of a college education.

    Not ethics, but character formation

    Character education could challenge business students to consider what type of leaders they aspire to be.
    MoMo Productions/Digital Vision via Getty Images

    Business schools have often included ethics courses in their curriculum, often with limited success. What some schools are experimenting with is character formation.

    As part of this experimentation is the development of a coherent moral culture that lies within the course curriculum but also within the cocurricular programming, cultural events, seminars and independent studies that shape students’ worldviews; the selection, socialization, training and reward systems for students, staff and faculty; and other aspects that shape students’ formation.

    Stanford’s Bill Damon, one of the leading scholars on helping students develop a sense of purpose in life, describes a revised role for faculty in this effort, one of creating the fertile conditions for students to find meaning and purpose on their own.

    I use this approach in my course on vocation discernment in business, shifting from a more traditional academic style to one that is more developmental.

    This is relational teaching that artificial intelligence cannot do. It involves bringing the whole person into the education process, inspiring hearts as much as engaging heads to form competent leaders who possess character, judgment and wisdom.

    It allows an examination of both the how and the why of business, challenging students to consider what kind of business leader they aspire to be and what kind of legacy they wish to establish.

    It would mark a return to the original focus of early business schools, which, as Rakesh Khurana, a professor of sociology at Harvard, calls out in his book “From Higher Aims to Hired Hands: The Social Transformation of American Business Schools and the Unfulfilled Promise of Management as a Profession,” was to train managers in the same vocational way we train doctors “to seek the higher aims of commerce in service to society.”

    Reshaping business education

    Most business school curricula are similar, but there are examples that break the mold.
    Oscar Wong/Moment via Getty Images

    The good news is that there are emerging exemplars that are seeking to create this kind of curriculum through centers such as Notre Dame University’s Institute for Social Concerns and Bates College’s Center for Purposeful Work and courses such as Stanford University’s Designing Your Life and the University of Michigan’s Management as a Calling.

    These are but a few examples of a growing movement. So, the building blocks are there to draw from. The student demand is waiting to be met. All that is needed is for more business schools to respond.

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

    – ref. Rethinking the MBA: Character as the educational foundation for future business leaders – https://theconversation.com/rethinking-the-mba-character-as-the-educational-foundation-for-future-business-leaders-259223

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Supreme Court declares large-scale mining legal: civil society promotes “environmental justice”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Freepik

    Mamburao (Agenzia Fides) – The Supreme Court’s recent decision to declare null and void the ordinances and resolutions of provincial governments that imposed a 25-year moratorium on mining activities in the province of Western Mindoro, on the island of the same name in the center of the Philippine archipelago, has sparked doubts and criticism in civil society and the Catholic community in the Philippines. The ruling, published on May 14 and which came into force a few days ago, upheld a 2018 ruling by the Mindoro Regional Court that had annulled the local government’s mining ban. The Supreme Court explained that, according to the Constitution, local governments can prohibit certain mining projects, but do not have the authority to prohibit all large-scale mining activities within the territory. The lawsuit before the court was filed by the Agusan Petroleum and Mineral Corporation (APMC), which signed contracts for large-scale mining activities with the central government in Manila in 2008. That same year, the provincial government of Western Mindoro, responding to civil society demands, issued ordinances imposing a moratorium on mining. The APMC had opposed these ordinances and challenged the constitutionality of these ordinances in court proceedings initiated in 2014. In its ruling, the Supreme Court recognized that mining activities have “environmental impacts,” but emphasized that contractors are obligated to comply with environmental protection measures established by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. According to the “Alyansa Tigil Mina” coalition, which includes organizations and groups committed to environmental protection and anti-mining, the ruling will have “significant repercussions” for the region. The coalition reiterated its commitment to a “balanced approach to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.” Bishop Moises Cuevas of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan in Eastern Mindoro (another province on the same island) said the ruling could set a legal precedent for the similar ordinance currently in force in Eastern Mindoro and “could have a destructive impact on our mission, expressed in the encyclical “Laudato si’,” which is to care for our common home.” The local Church held a “Forum for Dialogue on the Mindoro Mining Moratorium” on July 10, bringing together local representatives and communities to discuss what to do in the wake of the court’s ruling and proclaimed a day of prayer for environmental justice on the same day.At the forum, representatives of Catholic parishes, environmental and human rights organizations, and representatives of the provincial governments of both Mindoro provinces reiterated their opposition to large-scale mining. Father Edwin Gariguez, executive director of the Diocesan Social Action Center in Eastern Mindoro, described the fight against mining as “a moral and pastoral obligation” and recalled the profound impact on indigenous peoples. “The cry of the earth is the cry of the poor,” Father Gariguez said in this context, quoting the encyclical “Laudato Si’.” “This fight is not merely ecological or political, it is pastoral and moral. We are called to protect life in all its forms,” he affirmed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 15/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Supreme Court declares large-scale mining legal: civil society promotes “environmental justice”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Freepik

    Mamburao (Agenzia Fides) – The Supreme Court’s recent decision to declare null and void the ordinances and resolutions of provincial governments that imposed a 25-year moratorium on mining activities in the province of Western Mindoro, on the island of the same name in the center of the Philippine archipelago, has sparked doubts and criticism in civil society and the Catholic community in the Philippines. The ruling, published on May 14 and which came into force a few days ago, upheld a 2018 ruling by the Mindoro Regional Court that had annulled the local government’s mining ban. The Supreme Court explained that, according to the Constitution, local governments can prohibit certain mining projects, but do not have the authority to prohibit all large-scale mining activities within the territory. The lawsuit before the court was filed by the Agusan Petroleum and Mineral Corporation (APMC), which signed contracts for large-scale mining activities with the central government in Manila in 2008. That same year, the provincial government of Western Mindoro, responding to civil society demands, issued ordinances imposing a moratorium on mining. The APMC had opposed these ordinances and challenged the constitutionality of these ordinances in court proceedings initiated in 2014. In its ruling, the Supreme Court recognized that mining activities have “environmental impacts,” but emphasized that contractors are obligated to comply with environmental protection measures established by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. According to the “Alyansa Tigil Mina” coalition, which includes organizations and groups committed to environmental protection and anti-mining, the ruling will have “significant repercussions” for the region. The coalition reiterated its commitment to a “balanced approach to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.” Bishop Moises Cuevas of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan in Eastern Mindoro (another province on the same island) said the ruling could set a legal precedent for the similar ordinance currently in force in Eastern Mindoro and “could have a destructive impact on our mission, expressed in the encyclical “Laudato si’,” which is to care for our common home.” The local Church held a “Forum for Dialogue on the Mindoro Mining Moratorium” on July 10, bringing together local representatives and communities to discuss what to do in the wake of the court’s ruling and proclaimed a day of prayer for environmental justice on the same day.At the forum, representatives of Catholic parishes, environmental and human rights organizations, and representatives of the provincial governments of both Mindoro provinces reiterated their opposition to large-scale mining. Father Edwin Gariguez, executive director of the Diocesan Social Action Center in Eastern Mindoro, described the fight against mining as “a moral and pastoral obligation” and recalled the profound impact on indigenous peoples. “The cry of the earth is the cry of the poor,” Father Gariguez said in this context, quoting the encyclical “Laudato Si’.” “This fight is not merely ecological or political, it is pastoral and moral. We are called to protect life in all its forms,” he affirmed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 15/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Islanders invited to have their say on Planning Service reform15 July 2025 Islanders are being invited to take part in a public consultation on proposed reforms to Jersey’s planning service, which opens on 15 July and will run for eight weeks. The consultation is part of the… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    15 July 2025

    Islanders are being invited to take part in a public consultation on proposed reforms to Jersey’s planning service, which opens on 15 July and will run for eight weeks. 

    The consultation is part of the Minister for the Environment’s commitment to reform the Island’s planning system to ensure it is more efficient and responsive. 

    This priority is reflected in both the Government Plan 2025-2028 and the Council of Ministers’ Common Strategic Policy, which includes a pledge to “reform the planning service to enable sustainable development in Jersey.” 

    The consultation will explore potential changes to the legal framework that underpins elements of the current planning system. It sets out a number of possible reform options within three key themes: 

    • Permitted Development Rights – considering whether a wider range of development could proceed without formal planning permission, helping to streamline the process for householders, businesses and developers. 
    • Planning Appeals System – reviewing how decisions are challenged then how appeals are handled and determined. 
    • Plan-Making Process – examining how the Island Plan is developed then revised to better reflect the needs of the community and future priorities. 

    The consultation will be staged to allow for both feedback from key stakeholders and from the public. The aim is to help shape a modernised planning system that supports Jersey’s growth and sustainability while remaining accessible to Islanders. 

    Deputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment said: “Islanders rightly expect a planning system that is clear, consistent and capable of responding to change. 

    “This consultation is an opportunity to explore how we can simplify the rules, improve decision making and create a service that better meets the needs of Islanders now and in the future.

    “I encourage everyone with an interest in how our Island develops to share their views and help us shape a better planning system for Jersey.” 

    Full details of the consultation and how to take part are available at Gov.je/PlanningServicesReform​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

    The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has commended the conviction and sentencing of four foreign nationals involved in a major plant poaching case, valued between R6 million and R30 million.

    The Calvinia Regional Court sentenced the accused to 15 years direct imprisonment for the illegal harvesting of 303 specimens of the critically endangered Clivia mirabilis, a rare species endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape.

    The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade.

    The convicts, Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33), and Elton Ngwanati (34), were arrested on 20 April 2024 after being found in possession of the endangered specimens.

    The accused were convicted and sentenced on 3 July 2025 on charges related to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa’s immigration legislation.

    The Minister said the case reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding their focus beyond succulents to exploit a wider range of South Africa’s rare flora, driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets.

    He warned that these crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction.

    “This conviction is a critical milestone in our fight against environmental crime. It sends a clear message: those who profit from exploiting our natural heritage will face serious consequences.

    “The department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants,” George said.

    The Minister also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and all involved officials in the case, in particular investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.

    George confirmed that the department is actively investigating related cases of illegal plant poaching.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity and support efforts to protect South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    GabiK

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Release Second Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on July 29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ADDISON, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its second quarter of 2025 financial results on July 29, 2025, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ox29vy4b

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

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI97d5b1d01e0d42ad9f05df63ff2dda73

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Completed fish pass in Suffolk’s chalk stream help fish to thrive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Completed fish pass in Suffolk’s chalk stream help fish to thrive

    A new £1.2 million fish pass on the River Lark in Mildenhall improves migration for trout, eels, and course fish.

    The new £1.2 million fish pass on the River Lark in Mildenhall that improves migration for trout, eels, and coarse fish.

    Thousands of fish will benefit from improved access to vital habitats following the installation of a new fish pass on a precious chalk stream.  

    The natural limestone fish passage at Turf Lock on the River Lark has replaced 2 weirs that were preventing wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish from migrating upstream.  

    Built as a rock ramp-style fish pass using natural materials, boulders were carefully placed to disrupt the flow. The new design allows fish to swim between boulders, as they move upstream, which provide shelter and creates better conditions for migration across varying water levels and flows.

    Lou Mayer, environment programme manager for the Environment Agency in Suffolk, said:

    It’s fantastic to see work completed on this important project and witness fish swimming up into Mildenhall for the first time in centuries. Chalk streams are a valuable natural resource that the Environment Agency and its partners are working hard to restore and protect. 

    Over time, there has been a gradual decline in both biodiversity and the overall health of the River Lark’s ecosystem. This project and other planned initiatives will help this river continue to recover and become more resilient to future challenges of climate change.

    Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, said:

    Protecting and enhancing Suffolk’s environment is one the county council’s core ambitions, and the fish pass project is a great example of what can be achieved. 

    The Brecks is such a nationally unique area, and thanks to the hard work and care of all the partners involved, it is wonderful to know that fish are now accessing parts of the river for the first time in generations.

    This initiative forms part of the government’s Plan for Change commitment to restore nature and improve water quality across the country.

    The project is being delivered through the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and hosted by Suffolk County Council in collaboration with local authorities, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England and other partners.

    The Environment Agency invites residents to come and learn about the fish pass and the wider effort to restore the health of the River Lark. Friday July 18, 5pm – 7pm at the Mildenhall Cricket Club, Mildenhall IP28 7JU. No need to book.

    Background: 

    The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.   

    The River Lark’s catchment partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. Find out more here:  The River Lark Catchment Partnership 

    The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership.  

    Gov.uk blog about eel migration: Ancient mystery of European eel migration unravelled to help combat decline of critically-endangered species – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

    Anyone aged 13 or over needs a licence to fish for salmon, trout, eels or freshwater species, with the price as little as £6.60 for a day. Through buying a licence, anglers help protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence.

    Contact us:

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: UK air quality is improving but pollution targets are still being breached – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James Weber, Lecturer in Atmospheric Radiation, Composition and Climate, University of Reading

    Tony Skerl/Shutterstock

    An estimated 4.2 million deaths can be attributed to poor air quality each year. Poor air quality is the largest fixable environmental public health risk in the world.

    Our new study presents analysis of the UK-wide trends for three major pollutants – nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃) and tiny particulate matter known as PM₂.₅ – between 2015 and 2024 to calculate how often air quality targets were breached.

    Both nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ showed robust decreases over the period 2015-2024, declining on average by 35% and 30% respectively. In 2015-2016, the average Defra monitoring site exceeded the nitrogen dioxide target on 136 days per year. By 2023-2024, this had dropped to 40 days per year.

    For PM₂.₅, the number of days the average Defra site breached the target went from 40 to 22 days per year. While this is an improvement, the World Health Organization advises that these targets should not be breached on more than four days per year.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    To examine the sources of pollution, we studied how pollutants were influenced by factors including time of day, day of week, wind direction and origin, location of monitoring station and even interactions between pollutant. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations are highest at monitoring sites located next to busy urban roads, lower at urban background sites (which are located at sites further from traffic such as parks) and much lower in rural sites.

    Profiles over 24-hour periods show strong nitrogen dioxide peaks coinciding with the morning and evening rush hours and clear decreases at weekends. This all points to local traffic emissions being the major source. While PM₂.₅ is also higher in urban than rural locations, it exhibits more muted rush hour peaks and is more consistent between the week and weekend, suggesting traffic plays a smaller role.

    We explored how wind direction and origin influenced nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ by running a weather forecast model backwards for three UK locations: Reading, Sheffield and Glasgow. While nitrogen dioxide showed only a weak correlation with wind origin, PM₂.₅ was much more dependent.

    For example, the probability of PM₂.₅ breaching air quality targets on a given day exceeded 15% only when the air had come from continental Europe and, for Sheffield and Glasgow, passed over much of the UK too.

    NO₂ and PM₂.₅ pollution reduced over the last decade but remains too high while O₃ pollution has worsened.
    James Weber, CC BY

    While nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ showed clear improvements, ozone exhibited a less positive picture. Ozone increased in 115 of the 121 sites considered, growing by 17% on average. A similar trend was observed across much of northern Europe. The average number of days ozone exceeded the World Health Organization target doubled from seven to 14 per year.

    This may seem modest at present, but several factors are conspiring to drive ozone higher. In much of the UK, the relatively high levels of nitrogen dioxide effectively suppress ozone: as a result, ozone is higher in rural rather than urban areas and, as nitrogen dioxide decreases, ozone will increase further.

    Unless, that is, we also target nitrogen dioxide’s partner in crime, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are critical to the production of ozone and are emitted from human sources such as traffic and industry, plus certain types of vegetation like oak trees. While emissions of nitrogen dioxide fell by 20% between 2015-2024, human-driven VOC emissions declined by only 1%.

    Ozone also increases in periods of hot weather due to elevated VOC emissions from vegetation and greater mixing of air from higher up in the atmosphere into the layer closest to the surface. Incidents of hot weather are only going to become more frequent in the UK, making it even more critical to crack down on human-driven VOC emissions to limit ozone pollution.

    Up in the air

    In the UK, considerable efforts have been made to improve air quality. Its importance has been enshrined in law for nearly 70 years. An extensive network of air quality monitoring sites is maintained by the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) plus devolved and local authorities.

    Local authorities are required to monitor air quality and develop air quality management areas in places where targets are unlikely to be met. Clean air or low emission zones have been introduced as a result.

    However, air quality policy must be designed to reflect the complex nature of each pollutants’ drivers. Nitrogen dioxide is dominated by local sources, PM₂.₅ by transport from further afield and ozone by a combination of both.

    An air quality monitoring station.
    Chemival/Shutterstock

    Local and national policies that cut traffic emissions by incentivising the replacement of older cars with newer, cleaner vehicles, retrofitting buses and restricting entry of the most polluting vehicles into towns and cities will probably reduce nitrogen dioxide further.

    But, if nitrogen dioxide decreases are not accompanied by reductions to VOC emissions, locally and internationally, ozone will continue to rise, especially with more frequent hot weather.

    By contrast, most PM₂.₅ comes from sources further afield, including industry and agriculture from other parts of the UK and beyond, so reductions hinge on stronger national and global policies that target emissions at source rather than just local efforts.

    Air pollution doesn’t respect borders and while the technologies to facilitate continued improvements exist, they must be deployed in joined-up, international efforts.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. UK air quality is improving but pollution targets are still being breached – new study – https://theconversation.com/uk-air-quality-is-improving-but-pollution-targets-are-still-being-breached-new-study-260961

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: UK air quality is improving but pollution targets are still being breached – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James Weber, Lecturer in Atmospheric Radiation, Composition and Climate, University of Reading

    Tony Skerl/Shutterstock

    An estimated 4.2 million deaths can be attributed to poor air quality each year. Poor air quality is the largest fixable environmental public health risk in the world.

    Our new study presents analysis of the UK-wide trends for three major pollutants – nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃) and tiny particulate matter known as PM₂.₅ – between 2015 and 2024 to calculate how often air quality targets were breached.

    Both nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ showed robust decreases over the period 2015-2024, declining on average by 35% and 30% respectively. In 2015-2016, the average Defra monitoring site exceeded the nitrogen dioxide target on 136 days per year. By 2023-2024, this had dropped to 40 days per year.

    For PM₂.₅, the number of days the average Defra site breached the target went from 40 to 22 days per year. While this is an improvement, the World Health Organization advises that these targets should not be breached on more than four days per year.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    To examine the sources of pollution, we studied how pollutants were influenced by factors including time of day, day of week, wind direction and origin, location of monitoring station and even interactions between pollutant. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations are highest at monitoring sites located next to busy urban roads, lower at urban background sites (which are located at sites further from traffic such as parks) and much lower in rural sites.

    Profiles over 24-hour periods show strong nitrogen dioxide peaks coinciding with the morning and evening rush hours and clear decreases at weekends. This all points to local traffic emissions being the major source. While PM₂.₅ is also higher in urban than rural locations, it exhibits more muted rush hour peaks and is more consistent between the week and weekend, suggesting traffic plays a smaller role.

    We explored how wind direction and origin influenced nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ by running a weather forecast model backwards for three UK locations: Reading, Sheffield and Glasgow. While nitrogen dioxide showed only a weak correlation with wind origin, PM₂.₅ was much more dependent.

    For example, the probability of PM₂.₅ breaching air quality targets on a given day exceeded 15% only when the air had come from continental Europe and, for Sheffield and Glasgow, passed over much of the UK too.

    NO₂ and PM₂.₅ pollution reduced over the last decade but remains too high while O₃ pollution has worsened.
    James Weber, CC BY

    While nitrogen dioxide and PM₂.₅ showed clear improvements, ozone exhibited a less positive picture. Ozone increased in 115 of the 121 sites considered, growing by 17% on average. A similar trend was observed across much of northern Europe. The average number of days ozone exceeded the World Health Organization target doubled from seven to 14 per year.

    This may seem modest at present, but several factors are conspiring to drive ozone higher. In much of the UK, the relatively high levels of nitrogen dioxide effectively suppress ozone: as a result, ozone is higher in rural rather than urban areas and, as nitrogen dioxide decreases, ozone will increase further.

    Unless, that is, we also target nitrogen dioxide’s partner in crime, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are critical to the production of ozone and are emitted from human sources such as traffic and industry, plus certain types of vegetation like oak trees. While emissions of nitrogen dioxide fell by 20% between 2015-2024, human-driven VOC emissions declined by only 1%.

    Ozone also increases in periods of hot weather due to elevated VOC emissions from vegetation and greater mixing of air from higher up in the atmosphere into the layer closest to the surface. Incidents of hot weather are only going to become more frequent in the UK, making it even more critical to crack down on human-driven VOC emissions to limit ozone pollution.

    Up in the air

    In the UK, considerable efforts have been made to improve air quality. Its importance has been enshrined in law for nearly 70 years. An extensive network of air quality monitoring sites is maintained by the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) plus devolved and local authorities.

    Local authorities are required to monitor air quality and develop air quality management areas in places where targets are unlikely to be met. Clean air or low emission zones have been introduced as a result.

    However, air quality policy must be designed to reflect the complex nature of each pollutants’ drivers. Nitrogen dioxide is dominated by local sources, PM₂.₅ by transport from further afield and ozone by a combination of both.

    An air quality monitoring station.
    Chemival/Shutterstock

    Local and national policies that cut traffic emissions by incentivising the replacement of older cars with newer, cleaner vehicles, retrofitting buses and restricting entry of the most polluting vehicles into towns and cities will probably reduce nitrogen dioxide further.

    But, if nitrogen dioxide decreases are not accompanied by reductions to VOC emissions, locally and internationally, ozone will continue to rise, especially with more frequent hot weather.

    By contrast, most PM₂.₅ comes from sources further afield, including industry and agriculture from other parts of the UK and beyond, so reductions hinge on stronger national and global policies that target emissions at source rather than just local efforts.

    Air pollution doesn’t respect borders and while the technologies to facilitate continued improvements exist, they must be deployed in joined-up, international efforts.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. UK air quality is improving but pollution targets are still being breached – new study – https://theconversation.com/uk-air-quality-is-improving-but-pollution-targets-are-still-being-breached-new-study-260961

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More areas of country move into drought with dry weather set to continue

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    More areas of country move into drought with dry weather set to continue

    National Drought Group steps up operational response and asks people to play their part in managing the drought and use water wisely

    The National Drought Group (NDG) met today (15 July) as a drought is declared in the West and East Midlands. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water companies to take action to manage demand with the public being urged to use water wisely. 

    Since the group last met on 5 June, the situation has deteriorated, with further areas, including the West and East Midlands, now officially in drought and recently three more areas moved into prolonged dry weather status (Lincs and Northants, East Anglia, and Thames area). A hosepipe ban is set to be introduced from 22nd July by Thames Water following a period of prolonged dry weather in the area.  

    Across England, rainfall was 20% less than long term average for June. June was also the hottest on record for England, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water. Reservoir levels continue to fall, with overall storage across England at 75.6% and at 53.8% in Yorkshire necessitating a Temporary Use Ban (TUB).

    The National Drought Group heard that without further substantial rain, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures, including more Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) to conserve supplies. The Environment Agency expects and will ensure that water companies follow their drought management plans. Water companies need to step up their work to fix leaks and adjust their operations to conserve water. 

    The public is being asked to think about how they use water at home and in the garden, and to comply with any local restrictions. The less water you use at the home, the more water there is in your local environment.  The National Drought Group is also asking recreational water users – such as anglers, swimmers, and boaters to remain vigilant and report any environmental issues they see, such as fish in distress, acting as important eyes and ears on the ground. 

    Farmers are using water efficiently, supporting one another, and looking to trade water and welcome the support from the Environment Agency. However, without further rain, the agricultural community are facing a range of challenges due to the dry weather including concerns about irrigation reservoir levels. It is likely that yields will be lower than last year, particularly non-irrigated grains and straw  

    Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels, with staff working with the water sector to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.  Teams are also supporting farmers and abstractors with advice on how to manage abstraction during prolonged dry weather and low flows.  Fisheries teams are responding where necessary to protect fish which are struggling due to reduced oxygen or moving them if the river has dried up and they have become stranded. 

    Impacts across wildlife away from rivers and reservoirs have been seen since March. Wildfires, drying up wetlands and coastal sites, with the loss of breeding seasons for rare species have all been seen.

    Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency Director for Water and National Drought Group chair, said:   

    This has been the driest start to the year since 1976, and we need to make sure our water supplies can sustain us through the summer.  

    Today I have asked all the partners who make up the national drought group to step up their operational response to manage the drought and use water wisely. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels and working to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:  

    I have asked the National Drought Group to step up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather. Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.  

    We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with urgent water reforms under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.

    Dr Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

    Although some areas saw rainfall at the start of July,  for many the month so far has been fairly dry, continuing a pattern seen through spring and June. We’ve now recorded our third heatwave of the summer and following a period of fresher, more unsettled conditions it’s likely to turn warmer and more humid again across many parts of England later this week. There’s also the possibility of heavy, thundery showers for some places too.

    It does look as though we’ll see typical changeable weather during the latter third of July and into early August with a mix of rain, showers. Confidence in details inevitably gets lower, the further ahead we look, but this would be consistent with our seasonal expectations.

    The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, CRT, angling groups and conservation experts. With further warm, dry weather expected, the NDG will continue to meet regularly to coordinate the national response and safeguard water supplies for people, agriculture, and the environment. 

    Notes to editors:   

    A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, how dry soils are, environmental incidents and water resources position along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts. These are based on Environment Agency Area classifications.

    Temporary Use Bans ( TUBs) are a decision for the water companies and must be made in line with their drought plans

    More information on how drought is defined can be found here: Drought: how it is managed in England – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four York parks awarded the coveted Green Flag Award

    Source: City of York

    Green Flag Award at Rowntree Park

    Published Tuesday, 15 July 2025

    Four of City of York Council’s parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

    The council and Friends of Groups – resident organisations who help maintain and improve the parks – are celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens.

    The parks are some of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

    Rowntree Park (pictured) has taken back the award this year, having missed out on applying last year due to the extended flooding in spring.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said:

    “We’re absolutely delighted that four of York’s beautiful parks have received the Green Flag Award. It’s a real tribute to the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and local Friends groups who care so passionately for these much-loved green spaces. As well as these awards, we are working towards achieving Green Flag status for Hull Road Park in the future.

    “Spending time outdoors is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing, and Parks and gardens like these are so important as free places to exercise, meet friends or simply enjoy nature – now more than ever. 

    Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

    “Congratulations to everyone involved in York who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

    “Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

    “Crucially all of these parks in York are a vital green space for communities in the city to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

    The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (July 15) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”. This issue provides a brief overview of hydrogen energy development strategies in Hong Kong, the edges of promoting the hydrogen energy industry, the latest progress of improving relevant legislation by the Government, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.

         LegCo will resume the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 tomorrow (July 16). The Bill seeks to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel to ensure the safe application of hydrogen fuel. It also empowers the Government to introduce new subsidiary legislation to ensure the flexibility of updating the regulatory requirements. The Government intends to introduce subsidiary legislation in 2026 to cover the entire supply chain of hydrogen as fuel. 

         The Policy Pulse highlights that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government actively promotes the development of hydrogen energy, and promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong last year. Setting out four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market and advancing with prudence, the Strategy aims to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in an orderly manner, so as to make preparations for the wider application of hydrogen energy in the future.

         With a “zero carbon emissions” feature, hydrogen is a new energy with significant decarbonisation potential. Our country is the largest hydrogen producer in the world, and strives to achieve the “dual carbon” goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The SAR Government also targets to cut carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Policy Pulse points out that, with its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as the strengths in scientific research, robust legislation and energy infrastructure, Hong Kong has very great potential to become a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country, and facilitate the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Belt and Road region and other overseas places. In addition, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong can help enterprises with their green transformation by providing green financing and professional services.

         The Policy Pulse also introduces a number of measures by the SAR Government to support research and innovation in the hydrogen energy technology. These include setting up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate the efforts in promoting the local use of hydrogen energy and initiate relevant trial projects. Meanwhile, the Government has launched several funding schemes that cover the research and development of hydrogen energy technology, and actively promotes talent training, technological exchange and application in relevant scientific and technological fields, so as to cultivate professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the safe application of hydrogen energy technology.

         LegCo Members have long attached great importance to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. In March 2023, LegCo passed a motion advocating the SAR Government to comprehensively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry in Hong Kong. The LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs also visited hydrogen projects during its duty visit to Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area) in August of the same year, and has been following up on issues related to hydrogen energy. The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members on hydrogen energy development. These include capitalising on the strengths of Hong Kong’s financial services industry to attract capital investment in the city’s hydrogen energy industry and reserve land for development. Furthermore, the Government should take the lead in developing green industries and make use of new development areas as a springboard to bring in quality hydrogen energy industries; formulate relevant policies on hydrogen energy pricing to stimulate demand for hydrogen energy; promote carbon index certification to include hydrogen energy into Hong Kong’s carbon emissions trading market; and actively research and develop local hydrogen production technology, among others.

         The Policy Pulse points out that hydrogen energy is an integral component of the country’s future energy system. Members urge the Government to collaborate with other cities in the Greater Bay Area on the joint research, development and promotion of hydrogen energy development projects to facilitate exchanges and co-operation between the two places across the hydrogen energy industrial chain, with a view to promoting the alignment of the safety monitoring and quality testing standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Members also advise the Government to speed up the development of a set of internationally recognised hydrogen energy certification standards, so as to assist the Greater Bay Area and even the entire hydrogen industry in the country to enter the international market.

         The detailed content of “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the Council Business Divisions of the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics and offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarised discussions in LegCo.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 15 July 2025 News release Senegal joins growing list of countries that have eliminated trachoma

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Senegal as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Senegal becomes the ninth country in WHO’s African Region to have achieved this feat.

    “I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone is yet another sign of the remarkable progress being made against neglected tropical diseases globally, and offers hope to other countries still working to eliminate trachoma.”

    Trachoma has been known in Senegal since the early 1900s and was confirmed as a major cause of blindness through surveys in the 1980s and 1990s. Senegal joined the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma in 1998, conducted its first national survey in 2000, and completed full disease mapping by 2017 with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data. Trachoma control was consistently integrated into national eye health programmed, first under the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and later through the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO) – maintaining its commitment to trachoma elimination.

    “Today we celebrate our victory against trachoma, 21 years after the one against dracunculiasis” said Dr Ibrahima Sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action. “This new milestone reminds us that our overarching goal remains a Senegal free from neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this, and we are making good progress, notably against human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and onchocerciasis”.

    Senegal implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma with the support of partners, reaching 2.8 million people who needed them across 24 districts. These activities included provision of surgery to treat the late blinding stage of the disease, conducting antibiotic mass drug administration of azithromycin donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative, carrying out public awareness campaigns to promote facial cleanliness, and improvement in access to water supply and sanitation.

    Trachoma is the second neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Senegal. In 2004, the country was certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission. Globally, Senegal joins 24 other countries that have been validated by WHO for having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. These are Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam. These countries are part of a wider of group of 57 countries that have eliminated one or more neglected tropical diseases.

    WHO is supporting Senegal’s health authorities to closely monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.

    “Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners who never gave up,” said Dr Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal. “Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude and resolve. WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as the country continues to lead in sustaining this hard-earned achievement.”

    Disease prevalence

    Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries, with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East. WHO’s African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma, with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden.

    Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.

    There are currently 20 countries (Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in WHO’s African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. A further 3 countries in the Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau and Namibia) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
     

    Editor’s note

    Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads from person to person through contaminated surfaces , fomites and flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.

    Environmental risk factors for trachoma transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, and inadequate access to water and sanitation.

    To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy: a comprehensive approach to reduce transmission of the causative organism, clear existing infections and deal with their effects. The SAFE strategy consists of surgery to treat the blinding complication (trachomatous trichiasis); antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly mass drug administration of the antibiotic azithromycin (which has been donated by the manufacturer, Pfizer, to elimination programmes through the International Trachoma Initiative); facial cleanliness; and environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.

    The road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 targets the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030. Progress against trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases alleviates the human and economic burden that they impose on the world’s most disadvantaged communities.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –