NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovering from Storm Éowyn

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister thanks people for patience as recovery operation continues.

    A further meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been chaired by First Minister John Swinney to coordinate the recovery response to Storm Éowyn.  

    Due to the severity and impact of the storm, there is significant disruption to parts of the country. This includes around 35,000 properties without power and continued transport disruption with road closures and rail, bus, flight and ferry cancellations. It is expected to take some time to get all services fully restored.   

    Utility companies, national agencies and local authorities are working at pace to restore power and assess the impact, including responding to significant damage, removing fallen trees and debris, to ensure services can fully resume in the coming days.   

    The First Minister joined a Ministerial COBR meeting chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden earlier this evening. The First Minister also spoke with the Prime Minister today to discuss the ongoing response to Storm Éowyn and the impact on Scotland.

    First Minister John Swinney said:   

    “I want to thank everyone who followed Police Scotland advice not to travel and express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services and to those working in the public, private and third sector who are continuing to support people and communities across the country.   

     “With yellow warnings in place for wind, snow and ice over the weekend, it is clear the severity of Storm Éowyn will continue into next week and this will have an impact on the speed at which utilities and local services can fully resume.  

     “Given the damage and disruption facing the network across the United Kingdom, utility companies are under significant pressure and are working in challenging conditions. I have stressed the importance of getting power restored as quickly as is practically possible and have been assured that assessments are being made at pace to ensure power is restored to affected properties in Scotland as soon as possible. Alongside our partners, Ministers are being updated regularly and ensuring all steps are being taken. 

    “I am pleased at the progress made to restore power to many communities over the course of today however a significant number of properties remain without power. Utility companies are continuing to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.   

    “I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.  

    “As we look ahead to Monday, partners are working at pace to ensure services can resume next week. Local authorities – who are responsible for school closures – will be working to ensure all buildings meet the required safety standards to reopen safely to pupils. We would expect decisions on schools to be clearly communicated by local authorities to parents, pupils and staff, with as much advance warning as possible, and would encourage all parents to follow that advice. 

     “People should prepare for continued disruption, especially in areas that have been impacted by a loss of power, and I encourage everyone to follow advice being issued by local authorities, as well as continuing to follow updates from national agencies.”  

    Background  

    • SGoRR was attended by the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Contance, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon, Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
    • The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
       
    • Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 
    • Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
    • Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online. 
    • To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.
    • During a power cut firefighters can be called to fires started by candles or portable heaters. For advice on how to stay safe during a power cut visit Scottish Fire and Rescue Website.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: No Oil Sightings Arising From Oil-Related Incidents; Precautionary Measures To Stand Down From Today

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA, BCA, JTC, MPA, NPARKS, PUB, SDC, SFA AND SL

    Singapore, 30 October 2024 – The clean-up of Shell’s leaked slop in the channel between Pulau Bukom and Bukom Kechil, including the cleaning of the oil-stained rock bunds and infrastructure, has been completed.

    2.             There have been no other oil sightings at sea and ashore since 20 October 2024 when Shell first reported the leak.

    3.            There are also no oil sightings arising from the separate oil overflow bunkering incident on 28 October off Changi.

    4.            All the seaward oil response assets deployed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for both incidents will stand down today.

    5.           The containment and absorbent booms that were installed by government agencies at various locations as a precautionary measure since 20 October, will be removed progressively. 

    6.            Investigations by the National Environment Agency and MPA into the leaked slop incident at Pulau Bukom are ongoing. MPA will also be investigating the Changi oil overflow bunkering incident.

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New marine park established

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today announced the establishment of Hong Kong’s eighth and largest marine park, the 2,400-hectare North Lantau Marine Park (NLMP).

    The NLMP is also one of the measures for mitigating the impacts on Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) and fisheries habitats brought by the construction and operation of the Three-Runway System Project.

    Its establishment increases the area of the city’s protected marine habitat to over 8,500 hectares, which is conducive to the conservation of the CWD and the marine environment and ecosystem in North Lantau waters.

    The NLMP links with the nearby Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and The Brothers Marine Park in North Lantau waters to form a matrix of connected marine protected areas totalling about 4,570 hectares.

    The NLMP is also contiguous with the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve established in Guangdong Province, allowing for better protection of core CWD habitats.

    The department pointed out that it is liaising with the relevant Mainland authorities regarding the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong CWD marine protected areas network platform.

    This platform will serve to strengthen co-operation on management and enforcement, ecological monitoring and enhancement as well as education and publicity between the two places, the department added.

    It indicated that it also plans to conduct long-term ecological and water quality monitoring in the marine parks and encourage scientific research in marine parks.

    Furthermore, the NLMP will adopt management measures similar to those of the existing marine parks, such as routine patrols and law enforcement, restricting vessel speed to 10 knots, and accepting NLMP fishing permit applications for local fishing vessels registered under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed bilateral cooperation with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov. The parties discussed current issues of Russian-Uzbek cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov.

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov

    November 1, 2024

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism

    November 1, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    The Prime Minister of the Republic emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is developing on the principles of comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations.

    “This has been achieved thanks to the strong political will and trusting relations between the presidents of the two states – the respected Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and the respected Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The state visit of the President of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 26-28, 2024 and the agreements reached opened a new milestone in our multifaceted cooperation. Under the direct leadership of the respected heads of state, the first meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia was held in Tashkent, which was attended by a representative delegation from 26 regions of Russia, of which 22 regions were represented by their heads,” said Abdulla Aripov.

    For his part, Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Abdulla Aripov for the warm welcome in Uzbekistan.

    The Russian Deputy Prime Minister noted that, despite the difficulties caused by sanctions and turbulence in the global economy, trade, economic and investment ties between Russia and Uzbekistan are developing dynamically, and an effective intergovernmental dialogue has been established.

    The countries are working systematically on the basis of an intergovernmental comprehensive economic cooperation program for 2022–2026.

    Last year, mutual trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan grew by 11.5% and reached 823 billion rubles.

    In order to develop investment cooperation, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has prepared proposals for the implementation of 30 tourism investment projects in Russia.

    During the negotiations, the parties focused on discussing cooperation in the fields of science, education, youth policy, tourism and sports.

    “Our presidents pay great attention to the development of fruitful cooperation. Uzbekistan is the leader in the number of branches of Russian universities abroad, implementing projects within the framework of the state programs “Priority-2030″, advanced engineering schools. The success of the branches is ensured, among other things, by close ties with industrial partners,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    During his visit to the republic, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Umid Shadiev. At the meeting, the parties discussed measures to increase mutual tourist flow and implement the action plan in the tourism sector.

    Last year, the mutual tourist flow between the countries doubled. This became possible due to the active work of the departments, including increasing the frequency of regular flights.

    In 2024, the Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan in Russia will be held. Participation of businesses in key Russian tourism exhibitions is ensured.

    Umid Shadiev noted that Uzbekistan feels support from Russia, thanked for cooperation and proposed to intensify internships and exchanges of tourism personnel.

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, who was present at the meeting, spoke about the main points of attraction for travelers in the Far East.

    “In the Far East, tourism projects are aimed at both domestic and foreign tourism. Today, about 420 investment projects are being implemented here and in the Arctic. There is great interest, which makes it possible to work at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, to offer tourism products to Asian guests. If we take into account the legendary Uzbek hospitality and cuisine, we can create a unique offer that will be mutually beneficial and will allow us to strengthen ties. I invite you to the Far East to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum,” said Alexey Chekunkov.

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a memorandum of cooperation between the universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Philippine Supreme Court orders ‘temporary protection’ for abducted environmental activist

    By Jairo Bolledo in Manila

    The Philippine Supreme Court has granted temporary protection to an environmental activist abducted in Pangasinan earlier this year.

    In its resolution dated September 9 — but only made public this week — the court granted Francisco “Eco” Dangla III’s petition for temporary protection, and prohibited the respondents, including high-ranking soldiers and police officers, to be near the activist’s location.

    “Furthermore, you, respondents, and all persons and entities acting and operating under your directions, instructions, and orders are PROHIBITED from entering within a radius of one kilometer of the person, places of residence, work, and present locations of petitioner and his immediate family,” the resolution read.

    The respondents are:

    • Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido
    • Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil
    • Brigadier General Gulliver Señires (in his capacity as 702nd Brigade commanding general Brigadier)
    • Ilocos Region police chief Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista
    • Police Colonel Jeff Fanged (in his capacity as Pangasinan police chief)

    Aside from giving Dangla temporary protection, the court also granted his petition for writs of amparo and habeas data. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order.

    The writ of habeas data compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm.

    These extraordinary writs are usually invoked by activists and progressives in the Philippines as they face intimidation from the government and its forces.

    Dangla’s abduction
     Dangla and another activist, Joxelle Tiong, were abducted in Pangasinan last March 24.

    According to witnesses, they saw two men who were forced to board a vehicle in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City.

    The two activists, who who had been red-tagged for their advocacies, were serving as convenors of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment.

    They “vocally defended the people and ecosystems of Pangasinan against the harms of coal-fired power plants, nuclear power plants, incinerator plants, and offshore mining in Lingayen Gulf,” at the time of their abduction.

    Three days later, several groups announced that Dangla and Tiong were found safe, but that the two had gone through a “harrowing ordeal.”

    “Bruised but alive” . . . the environmental activists abducted in Pangasinan but found safe, Francisco ‘Eco’ Dangla III (left) and Joxelle ‘Jak’ Tiong. Image: Rappler

    The reality
     The protection given to Dangla is only temporary as the Court of Appeals still needs to conduct hearings on the petition. In other words, the Supreme Court only granted the writ, but the power to whether grant or deny Dangla the privilege of the writs of amparo and habeas data lies with the Court of Appeals.

    There have been instances where the appellate court granted activists the privilege of writ of amparo, like in the case of labour activists Loi Magbanua and Ador Juat, where the court issued permanent protection orders for them and their immediate families.

    Unfortunately, this was not the case for other activists, such as young environmentalists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro.

    The two were first reported missing by activist groups. Security forces later said they were “safe and sound” and that they had allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military.

    However, Tamano and Castro went off-script during a press conference organised by the anti-insurgency task force and revealed that they were actually abducted.

    In February, the High Court granted the two temporary protection and their writs of amparo and habeas data petitions. However, the appellate court in August denied the protection order for Tamano and Castro.

    Associate Justice Emily San Gaspar-Gito fully dissented in the decision and said: “It would be uncharacteristic for the courts, especially this court, to simply fold their arms and ignore the palpable threats to petitioners’ life, liberty and security and just wait for the irreversible to happen to them.”

    Republished with permission from Rappler.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MOD signs advisors to develop surplus land for community use

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has appointed three Strategic Property Advisors (SPA) and three Strategic Environmental & Technical Advisors (SETA) to support the single biggest estates change programme within Defence: the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.

    The six contracts are divided into three packages partnering real estate advisors Savills UK, Avison Young (UK) Ltd and WSP GL Hearn Ltd (working closely with Jones Lang LaSalle) with technical consultants Tetra Tech Ltd, Jacobs UK and Drees and Sommer UK Ltd (working closely with WSP in the UK) respectively.

    Together they will provide comprehensive advice on how former military sites can be redeveloped for alternative residential and commercial use to support local community needs.

    Catherine Davies, Head of Estates for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

    “Working with industry experts helps us to ensure we are finding the right future use for sites which are surplus to military requirements, considering local needs and generating value for the taxpayer. These appointments offer a great opportunity to embrace Social Value, to create diverse teams working on MOD sites and to positively impact local communities.”

    DEO is investing £5.1Bn in more modern and sustainable infrastructure with projects ranging from new homes for military personnel and their families through to bespoke technical, combat and medical facilities as well as cyber warfare and fast jet training infrastructure.

    As these new military assets come into use the SPA & SETA contracts will provide strategic planning and land sales expertise to dispose of those sites that become surplus to military requirements.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Shimane Prefecture in Japan suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 1) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in Shimane Prefecture in Japan, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 2 000 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 227.42 million poultry eggs from Japan in the first nine months of this year.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Media Invited to Inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group in Rome

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, the inaugural ministerial meeting of the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) will be held at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome. Co-organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Italy, the meeting will see governments, executives from public and private institutions, and investors join forces in paving the way for this promising technology to provide the abundant clean energy the world needs to meet its growing development needs.

    The meeting will begin at 10:00 CET with welcome remarks by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, followed with opening remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

    A family photo will be taken at 09:45 in the Mosaic Room (across from the International Conference Room) before the meeting.

    Statements from the Head of Delegation of each invited country will follow. Director General Grossi and Minister Fratin are expected to hold a joint press conference at 13:30.

    The meeting and press conference will be livestreamed on the Farnesina YouTube channel.

    At the event, the IAEA will launch two publications, Fusion Key Elements and the World Fusion Outlook 2024. The WFEG meeting will also feature three panel discussions on the status of fusion energy; global collaboration and public-private partnerships; and sustaining resources and exploring alternative business opportunities. The tentative programme is available here.

    All media representatives wishing to attend the meeting must submit their accreditation request to Italy. Please see this page for more details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 1 November 2024 Offsite EEF events: new opportunities for Sakhalin economy Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov met with Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko in Moscow to discuss long-term cooperation between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin Region on the development of forum and exhibition activities until 2035.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    1 November 2024

    Offsite EEF events: new opportunities for Sakhalin economy

    Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov met with Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko in Moscow to discuss long-term cooperation between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin Region on the development of forum and exhibition activities until 2035.

    The strategic partnership will require mechanisms for promoting Sakhalin’s investment potential and environmental, climate, energy, and technology projects in the region. Joint efforts will focus on organizing national and international forums and exhibitions in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at Sakhalin-Tech Technopark and Pushisty Drone Port to be managed by the Roscongress Foundation. Plans to sign a Long-Term Cooperation Agreement are in the works.

    “Russia places strategic importance in developing and strengthening the Far East. As the world order changes and the centre of global business activity shifts to the Asia-Pacific region, the Far East gains in importance for the Russian economy and solidifies its global position. There is enormous potential for new projects and new industries in the region and no limit to possibilities for international cooperation. New approaches and combined efforts are required to realize this potential. I believe the Roscongress Foundation has the expertise and Sakhalin Region the potential to create opportunities for investment that will attract partners to contribute to its development,” Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov said.

    Meeting discussions focused first on the programme of offsite events for the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), indeed, an agreement to cooperate was first reached between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin on the sidelines of the EEF in September 2024.

    Sakhalin Region is important to the Far East, has great potential, and must transition from an overdependence on resources to a model of increased self-development. The transition will depend on programmes to improve investment attractiveness and quality of life. One such ambitious project is the New City, dedicated to sustainable development, digitalization, and environmental responsibility, with a master plan calling for the creation of cultural, business, research, and production spaces, including buildings for congress and exhibition events.

    “The construction of a modern 20,000-square-meter EXPO centre and cooperation with the Roscongress Foundation will equip us to hold top-notch international events, and the city’s unique infrastructure is already creating opportunities for programmes related to the development of unmanned aviation and energy. I have no doubt that our work together will create a professional platform that attracts investment to the region and shows to the world the full potential of Sakhalin Region to develop advanced technologies and skillfully balance nature preservation and human activity,” Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko said.

    Discussion also focused on the ‘BRICS Sustainable Development: Environment and Climate’ International Forum slated to take place in May 2025 with the participation of representatives of BRICS and its partners. The event will focus on environmental and climate issues and how to achieve carbon neutrality. The Forum will be a place to come and discuss environmental issues, share experience, and develop joint projects to combat climate change. The choice of region to host the Forum was no accident with its proximity to the Asia-Pacific region and ambitious carbon neutral goals for the end of 2025 creating unique conditions for programmes balancing the environment and energy industry.

    The Far Eastern Energy Forum, also scheduled for next year, is a platform for discussing issues of regional development and establishing a Russian energy security outpost. Sakhalin is an essential Russian producer and processer of hydrocarbons and is actively introducing new forms of energy.

    The Far East is becoming a centre for the development of unmanned systems and technologies. Unmanned systems are an efficient, cost-effective solution for logistics and monitoring vast expanses, complex infrastructure, and the development of extractive industries. As meeting participants noted, the necessary prerequisites are all there for international cooperation and an exchange of experience at the International ‘Unmanned Systems’ Forum and Exhibition. Sakhalin’s Pushisty Drone Port has been earmarked as a place for experts to meet with the authorities and representatives of business.

    Meeting participants decided the best way to coordinate cooperation under the agreements would be to establish an Organizing Committee under the leadership of Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko and a permanent joint Sakhalin Government and Roscongress Foundation working group under the leadership of Sakhalin Region Government Chairman Alexey Belik and First Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation and EEF Director Igor Pavlov.

    An important component of cooperation will include a briefing by Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko on infrastructure projects for territorial development on the sidelines of EEF 2025, where the results of work accomplished can be considered with a place for further discussion. The Governor’s participation in the Governors’ Club and Lounge at Roscongress Foundation events throughout the year will strengthen cooperation with other regions and create additional opportunities to share experience solving urgent problems.

     

     

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-The Dream for Maui’s Mother Reef, Oct. 31, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-The Dream for Maui’s Mother Reef, Oct. 31, 2024

    Posted on Oct 31, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR 

     

    DAWN CHANG 
    CHAIRPERSON 

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Oct. 31, 2024

     

    THE DREAM FOR MAUI’S MOTHER REEF

    First Baby Steps Underway for Summit-to-Sea Restoration

     

    (KAHULUI, MAUI) – Conservationists are often asked to describe their efforts in people terms. When thinking about what’s being called the Summit-to-Sea restoration of the Olowalu Reef on Maui’s southwestern shore, Tamara Farnsworth of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) shares her dream.

     

    “My dream, which was shared by Auntie Wiki Kaluna-Palafox, is to see clear streams running. My dream is to see healthy fisheries developing, to see brighter and more diverse corals on the reef. The really big dream is to see limu return to these shores. I think that’s a wonderful vision for us to work toward, is very abundant limu here back in the ocean and on the shores,” Farnsworth said.

     

    Work to restore what is known as Maui’s mother reef began this week with baby steps. A contractor started collecting soil samples as part of feasibility study for a possible retention basin in Manawaipueo Gulch.

     

    “We’re doing some preliminary work for what is proposed in our NOAA transformational habitat grant,” Farnsworth explains. NOAA awarded $9.9 million to, among other projects, reduce sediment reaching the reef. During runoff periods the ocean turns brown and huge amounts of muddy sediment chokes the extensive Olowalu reef.

     

    “We are looking at ways to capture the sediment before it reaches the ocean. We are taking baby steps to understand if it makes sense at this time, in this place, to possibly build a small retention basin. We’ve done cultural, literature, environmental and scientific reviews. Now we’re taking soil and core samples to help us understand the depth of a potential sediment basin and to understand if it even makes sense,” Farnsworth explained.

     

    TNC is one of numerous partners that will lead various projects in partnership with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Other projects planned during the three-year-long, Summit-to-Sea restoration grant period include:

     

    • Address major sources of erosion
    • Fencing to help control hooved animals
    • Reforestation
    • Riparian habitat restoration (rivers, streams, body of water)
    • Dip tanks for wildland firefighting
    • Additional fire breaks

     

    Separate research and funding is targeted at developing “super reefs.” Rising sea temperatures have caused mass coral bleaching across the Hawaiian Islands, and the super reefs project is aimed at gaining better understanding of coral species that have the best thermal tolerance, meaning those that can tolerate rising temperatures the best.

     

    Continuing the dream, Farnsworth commented, “It hasn’t been that long ago since we saw the kinds of limu population that we hear about from our kūpuna and folks who’ve lived in this area. They remember the limu piling up. They remember limu being part of everybody’s diet just a generation ago.”

     

    Stopping land-based threats is the first step toward the restoration of Maui’s mother reef. The problems exacerbated quickly over time, so project managers say to solve them is a long-term venture.

     

    # # #

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD video – The Dream for Maui’s Mother Reef (web feature)

    https://vimeo.com/1024936516

     

    HD video – Project area and Olowalu reef aerials, retention basin test bores (Oct. 28, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ci25cv39c3f5u86439uh8/Retention-Basin-Test-Bores-Oct.-28-2024.mov?rlkey=4tmw200jxwe3gcchfh438bb1o&st=4qj4dnoj&dl=0

    HD video – Tamara Farnsworth, The Nature Conservancy SOTs (Oct. 28, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/05pd5hz3ipxia3lu98y6f/Summit-to-Sea-Tamara-Farnsworth-Interview-Oct.-28-2024.mov?rlkey=8vm194ggpo241sl727eecmi35&st=d4na7zxk&dl=0

    (Transcription attached)

    Photographs – Summit-to-Sea retention basin test bores (Oct. 28, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/d6b9cq0o43c3tg17n04s7/AKOCls_yZ0h2Es2zH5LaPjw?rlkey=u0wkyrkukknufksnbwiyvu9ox&st=r07u1y8q&dl=0

     

    Photographs – Summit-to Seam project area ground and aerials:

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3dbdmwk1mw4kg3jp59ena/AO7_SgbyXYQ7J_mQSeYY-vs?rlkey=d6l30jexzcdcyoq40zp599grf&st=yx1d9h0l&dl=0

    (Cut sheet attached)

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison 

    Communications Director 

    808-587-0396 

    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Urgent action needed to safeguard integrity of COP as fossil fuel influence looms large in Baku, report warns

    Source: Transparency International

    ‘Unacceptable’ lack of guardrails leaves climate talks vulnerable to undue corporate influence and fossil fuel industry capture.

    The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is at high risk of being co-opted to promote a pro-fossil fuel industry agenda, according to a new report by Transparency International (TI) and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC).

    The report, published today, warns that a lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures in the UNFCCC arrangements for COP has opened the door for Azerbaijan’s government to use the summit as diplomatic cover to advance its domestic oil and gas interests and secure new fossil fuel deals. The report finds that not only is the COP 29 President a former executive of SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR appears to be closely involved in the COP, with its president and members of its supervisory board helping organise the conference. The head of SOCAR has already been seen mixing COP and company business while signing new cooperation agreements with international partners.

    The report also finds that the conference may provide potentially lucrative business opportunities to companies with links to the country’s first family. Ahead of the summit, evidence of potentially corrupt activity has continued to emerge, according to the report, including revelations by investigative journalists that a multi-million dollar no-bid contract for COP 29 guest accommodation was awarded to a business owned by the former son-in-law of Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Several COP 29 corporate sponsors, or “Green Zone Partners,” also have clear or alleged links to the first family of Azerbaijan.

    The report also points to an almost US$5m public relations campaign for COP 29 – a fee that rivals the $5.8m Azerbaijan paid to UNFCCC to host the conference – that the COP President has praised for improving Azerbaijan’s image, while the Aliyev regime simultaneously heavily represses independent media and civil society. Azerbaijan’s COP 29 organisers have also established an “NGO Coalition,” which includes organisations that the report argues support the propaganda aims of the Aliyev regime. With Azerbaijan’s energy sector heavily dominated by fossil fuels, these tactics mean COP 29 could be abused as a tool for greenwashing, the report argues.

    Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective are urging the UNFCCC to take action to safeguard the integrity of COP and prevent hosts of future summits from putting their own agenda before the common good. Recommendations include:

    • Strengthening the process for selecting host countries and corporate sponsors of COPs, ensuring future summits take place in environments where human rights, transparency, freedom of expression and commitment to the goals of the conference are guaranteed.
    • Robust measures to prevent conflicts of interest among hosts, organisers, sponsors and participants from derailing the critical climate deliberations and outcomes.
    • Unrestricted civil society participation and enhanced transparency and accountability rules relating to all COP participants.

    Brice Böhmer, Climate and Environment Lead at Transparency International, said:

    “It is painfully clear that you cannot make meaningful progress against the climate crisis without tackling climate corruption. From influential fossil fuel lobbyists diluting climate commitments to corrupt networks syphoning climate funds, the integrity of the entire global climate framework is at stake.

    “Despite COP now being in its 29th year, there is an unacceptable lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures. UNFCCC needs to urgently address the threat posed by corporate interests and fossil fuel industry capture. The integrity standards for COP Presidency need to be the highest possible quality to reestablish trust in the multilateral process.”

    “It is imperative that governments who are committed to keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius target in sight work closely with the UNFCCC Secretariat to strengthen the guardrails around future COPs.”

    David Szakonyi, Director of the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, said:

    “It is essential that anyone attending this year’s COP, or observing from afar, are wise to the ways that the fossil fuel industry’s interests may be being served. Azerbaijan has been accused of corruption and illicit influence operations in many countries across the world. All too often authoritarian regimes exploit their host status at marquee international events to launder their own reputations, and there are real risks that the same will happen at COP 29 in Azerbaijan. Our report sets out clearly the steps that need to be taken to ensure that COP can be a forum for the ambitious climate action we desperately need.”

    Notes to Editors

    Read the full report: HERE

    Media contact
    Transparency International Secretariat, Berlin
    Telephone: +49 (0) 30 34 38 20 666
    Email: [email protected]

    Transparency International is a global movement with one vision: a world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. With more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality. www.transparency.org

    The Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) is a nonprofit group of investigative journalists, data scientists, academics and policy experts working together to expose and prevent the harms to people, planet and politics caused by corporate opacity. www.acdatacollective.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Urgent action needed to safeguard integrity of COP as fossil fuel influence looms large in Baku, report warns

    Source: Transparency International

    ‘Unacceptable’ lack of guardrails leaves climate talks vulnerable to undue corporate influence and fossil fuel industry capture.

    The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is at high risk of being co-opted to promote a pro-fossil fuel industry agenda, according to a new report by Transparency International (TI) and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC).

    The report, published today, warns that a lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures in the UNFCCC arrangements for COP has opened the door for Azerbaijan’s government to use the summit as diplomatic cover to advance its domestic oil and gas interests and secure new fossil fuel deals. The report finds that not only is the COP 29 President a former executive of SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR appears to be closely involved in the COP, with its president and members of its supervisory board helping organise the conference. The head of SOCAR has already been seen mixing COP and company business while signing new cooperation agreements with international partners.

    The report also finds that the conference may provide potentially lucrative business opportunities to companies with links to the country’s first family. Ahead of the summit, evidence of potentially corrupt activity has continued to emerge, according to the report, including revelations by investigative journalists that a multi-million dollar no-bid contract for COP 29 guest accommodation was awarded to a business owned by the former son-in-law of Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Several COP 29 corporate sponsors, or “Green Zone Partners,” also have clear or alleged links to the first family of Azerbaijan.

    The report also points to an almost US$5m public relations campaign for COP 29 – a fee that rivals the $5.8m Azerbaijan paid to UNFCCC to host the conference – that the COP President has praised for improving Azerbaijan’s image, while the Aliyev regime simultaneously heavily represses independent media and civil society. Azerbaijan’s COP 29 organisers have also established an “NGO Coalition,” which includes organisations that the report argues support the propaganda aims of the Aliyev regime. With Azerbaijan’s energy sector heavily dominated by fossil fuels, these tactics mean COP 29 could be abused as a tool for greenwashing, the report argues.

    Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective are urging the UNFCCC to take action to safeguard the integrity of COP and prevent hosts of future summits from putting their own agenda before the common good. Recommendations include:

    • Strengthening the process for selecting host countries and corporate sponsors of COPs, ensuring future summits take place in environments where human rights, transparency, freedom of expression and commitment to the goals of the conference are guaranteed.
    • Robust measures to prevent conflicts of interest among hosts, organisers, sponsors and participants from derailing the critical climate deliberations and outcomes.
    • Unrestricted civil society participation and enhanced transparency and accountability rules relating to all COP participants.

    Brice Böhmer, Climate and Environment Lead at Transparency International, said:

    “It is painfully clear that you cannot make meaningful progress against the climate crisis without tackling climate corruption. From influential fossil fuel lobbyists diluting climate commitments to corrupt networks syphoning climate funds, the integrity of the entire global climate framework is at stake.

    “Despite COP now being in its 29th year, there is an unacceptable lack of robust integrity and anti-corruption measures. UNFCCC needs to urgently address the threat posed by corporate interests and fossil fuel industry capture. The integrity standards for COP Presidency need to be the highest possible quality to reestablish trust in the multilateral process.”

    “It is imperative that governments who are committed to keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius target in sight work closely with the UNFCCC Secretariat to strengthen the guardrails around future COPs.”

    David Szakonyi, Director of the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, said:

    “It is essential that anyone attending this year’s COP, or observing from afar, are wise to the ways that the fossil fuel industry’s interests may be being served. Azerbaijan has been accused of corruption and illicit influence operations in many countries across the world. All too often authoritarian regimes exploit their host status at marquee international events to launder their own reputations, and there are real risks that the same will happen at COP 29 in Azerbaijan. Our report sets out clearly the steps that need to be taken to ensure that COP can be a forum for the ambitious climate action we desperately need.”

    Notes to Editors

    Read the full report: HERE

    Media contact
    Transparency International Secretariat, Berlin
    Telephone: +49 (0) 30 34 38 20 666
    Email: [email protected]

    Transparency International is a global movement with one vision: a world in which government, business, civil society and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. With more than 100 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality. www.transparency.org

    The Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) is a nonprofit group of investigative journalists, data scientists, academics and policy experts working together to expose and prevent the harms to people, planet and politics caused by corporate opacity. www.acdatacollective.org

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Overshooting 1.5°C is risky – that’s why we need to hedge our bets

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, Research Group Leader, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

    Further warming hugely increases the risk we will pass climate tipping points, such as the collapse of Greenland’s ice sheet. Michal Balada / shutterstock

    The global response to climate change has gained momentum since the 2015 Paris agreement, yet it remains inadequate to meet the scale of the challenge. That agreement established the goal of holding global warming to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions should peak and decline as soon as possible.

    The latest reports of the UN Environment Programme, the International Energy Agency and others have suggested that we are on the cusp of global emissions peaking. However, halting the increase in annual emissions is only the first step. Failure to act earlier and more decisively to bring emissions down to net zero has made limiting global warming to 1.5°C an uncomfortably close call.

    The IPCC has looked at “pathways” to keeping 1.5°C in reach. In nearly all of these, temperature rises will exceed 1.5°C, after which warming is reversed by humanity removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. This temporary breach of 1.5°C for at least a few decades is referred to as “overshoot”.

    In a recent study in the journal Nature, we discuss the pitfalls of being overly optimistic about the feasibility and safety of such temperature overshoot scenarios. Excessive confidence could lead to underestimating the risks associated with going over 1.5°C – even temporarily.

    There is a need to be clear about what climate science does and does not know about overshoot, and plan accordingly. This means that, while some risks can be directly reduced by global climate action, others may require additional measures. A responsible strategy to limit near- and long-term climate risks requires both stringent near-term emission reductions and to develop a large-scale carbon removal capacity.

    What if the planet warms more than we expect?

    Even if warming goes below 1.5°C after the overshoot, the impacts of climate change will not automatically and uniformly reverse. Overshoot comes with irreversible consequences for people and ecosystems, such as species extinction, and the world we return to will be different from the one we failed to safeguard.

    We can’t be certain how much warming a given amount of greenhouse gas emissions will lead to, and overshoot projections are often based on a best estimate. The IPCC, for instance, talks about high overshoot pathways exceeding 1.5°C “by 0.1–0.3°C”.

    But those numbers are just the middle of a wide range of possible outcomes. In reality, uncertainty about how some features of the Earth system will respond to warming, such as the carbon cycle, means that peak warming could be substantially higher – by up to 1°C or more. We cannot even rule out continuous warming after reaching net zero carbon emissions. Every fraction of a degree of warming counts – exceeding 1.5°C by as much as an additional 1°C would come with grave repercussions.

    We may have to remove billions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.
    TR STOK

    A capacity to remove several hundred billion tonnes of CO₂ in this century might be needed to hedge against the risks of high warming outcomes, and to ensure we can bring warming back to 1.5°C once this has been exceeded.

    In fact, our results imply we might need close to 10 billion tonnes of CO₂ removal a year after 2050 (about 25% of current annual emissions). This would require a massive effort, but might just be possible with the rapid scaling up of a range of methods.

    These include well-known strategies such as restoring forests and wetlands and managing the soil better. But it also includes novel methods such as direct air capture technology, in which carbon would be sucked directly from the sky, or bioenergy and carbon capture and storage, which involves extracting CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it underground.

    Some of these methods may not work out as envisioned due to technological, economic, social or sustainability limitations. But even if they do not work at the scale envisioned, or not at all, we still need to try.

    Limiting near- and long-term climate risks

    Because we can’t be certain exactly how much the climate will warm, we’ll need to limit the risks as much as possible.

    First, we must reduce emissions as fast as possible to slow down Earth’s temperature increase, limit peak warming, and reduce how dependent we ultimately are on removing large amounts of CO₂ to achieve net zero emissions.

    The Paris agreement accommodates such temperature reversal. Even if 1.5°C is exceeded, countries are obliged to hold peak temperatures to “well below 2°C” and to aim for long-term temperature decline.

    However, every fraction of warming will disproportionately make poor and vulnerable people suffer greater hardship, so delaying stringent emissions cuts is not a resilient strategy. The urgency to reduce emissions now should guide the next round of countries’ targets for cutting emissions that are due early next year.

    Second, we should consider hedging against high-risk, high-warming outcomes by building up our capacity to remove carbon and reverse warming. Just as governments hold strategic food and water reserves to weather unexpected disruptions, the world needs to develop the ability to remove large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. But, given potential limits to how much carbon removal we can scale up in time, we also cannot afford to squander this capacity on any emissions that could be avoided in the first place.

    Investing in this kind of removal capability, on top of pursuing the most ambitious emissions cuts possible, is a no-regrets strategy. Should we have certainty that a more fortunate climate outcome will materialise, being able to remove this scale of carbon would enable us to bring temperatures down faster. And if the warmer side of our projections are realised, we will have put ourselves in a position in which we are best equipped to make temperatures decline again.

    Achieving temperature decline in the long run would limit longer-term climate impacts. For instance, in our study we showed that temperature decline could shave off about 40cm (and potentially up to 1.5 metres) of global sea level rise in 2300. This could be the difference between having a future or not for whole nations of people. It may also limit risks from triggering tipping points in the Earth system, such as the collapse of the Greenland ice sheet or currents in the Atlantic ocean.

    The high-risk outcomes of overshooting 1.5°C means we need to do more, not less, right now – and to focus on bringing temperatures back below 1.5°C in the long run.


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

    Get our award-winning 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 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Carl-Friedrich Schleussner received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
    programme under grant agreement No 101003687 (PROVIDE).

    Gaurav Ganti received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

    Joeri Rogelj received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

    – ref. Overshooting 1.5°C is risky – that’s why we need to hedge our bets – https://theconversation.com/overshooting-1-5-c-is-risky-thats-why-we-need-to-hedge-our-bets-241623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Natural Resources awards $38,000 grant to Scotland County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1

    Source: US State of Missouri

    The district will evaluate drinking water system improvements

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 31, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $38,000 Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant to the Scotland County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1. The district will use the funding to evaluate its drinking water system.

    The department’s Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant program offers funding for qualified communities to assess their system and identify improvements to address emerging contaminants in the drinking water. Emerging contaminants are substances that are known or suspected to pose risks to human health but are not yet regulated under environmental laws. The district will evaluate potential improvements including remediation, destruction technologies, treatment options, regionalization or alternate water sources. Improvements will enable the district to continue operating a drinking water system that meets drinking water standards and provides reliable water service to customers.

    Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support a community’s health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities have an opportunity to assess their drinking water treatment system and identify improvements for greater efficiency, effectiveness and capacity, as well as satisfy public health and safe drinking water regulations. This helps them determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs and plan for future growth and development.

    The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Steven Guilbeault to make an announcement about dental care in Montréal

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Montréal, Quebec – October 31, 2024 – Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at a local dentist clinic in Montréal alongside the business owners. He will also be accompanied by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont.

    Event: Announcement
    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time: 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
    Location: Montréal, Quebec

    The location of the media availability will be confirmed only to accredited media representatives who have registered with Media Relations for Environment and Climate Change Canada at the following address: media@ec.gc.ca.

    Contacts

    Hermine Landry
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    873-455-3714
    Hermine.Landry@ec.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    Environment and Climate Change Canada’s X (Twitter) page

    Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654
    Matthew.Kronberg@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sudan’s civil war has left at least 62,000 dead by our estimate − but the true figure could be far higher

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Elizabeth Scales, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Agricultural Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    The ongoing war in Sudan has often been overlooked amid higher-profile conflicts raging across multiple continents. Yet the lack of media and geopolitical attention to this 18-month-long conflict has not made its devastation in terms of human lives any less stark.

    Since fighting broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, both of which had been part of a power-sharing military government, the country has seen the displacement of more than 14 million people and the carving up of the country by geography and ideology.

    And while we may never know the exact death toll, the conflict in Sudan is certainly among the deadliest in the world today.

    As scholars of public health, conflict and human rights and Sudanese-American health workers, we are keenly aware of how fraught it can be to estimate mortality in war for a slew of practical and political reasons. But such estimates are of critical importance: They allow us to understand and compare conflicts, target humanitarian aid for those still at risk, trigger investigations of war crimes, bear witness to conflict and compel states and armed groups to intervene or change.

    The difficult work of counting the dead

    A profound humanitarian crisis is occurring in Sudan, characterized by ethnic cleansing, mass displacement, food scarcity and the spread of disease, complicated further by flooding in the northern states.

    Considering a death toll in such a conflict includes counting not only those who are killed as a direct result of violence – itself a difficult thing to determine in real time – but also those who have died by conflict-exacerbated factors, such as the absence of emergency care, the breakdown of vaccination programs and a lack of essential food and medicine. Estimating this latter death toll, called indirect mortality, presents its own challenge, as the definition itself varies among researchers.

    In congressional testimony, U.S. special envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello recognized the estimation challenges when noting there had been anywhere between 15,000 and 150,000 deaths in Sudan – an exceedingly wide range that was attributable, in part, to the complexity of determining indirect mortality.

    Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), a nonprofit specializing in conflict-related data collection, has recorded an average of more than 1,200 direct conflict deaths per month in Sudan, with nearly 19,000 deaths in the first 15 months of the conflict. This figure is similar to the 20,000 deaths estimated by the Sudan Doctors Union and the 19,000 figure used by the Sudan Protection Cluster, a centralized group of U.N. agencies and NGOs that used World Health Organization data.

    ACLED sources its estimates of deaths from traditional media, reports from international NGOs and local observers, supplemented by new media such as verified Telegram and WhatsApp accounts. The Sudan Doctors Union, on the other hand, gives on-the-ground estimates of conflict deaths.

    When available, distinct data sources such as surveys, civil registers and official body counts can make an estimation more accurate. However, this data is often available only in retrospect, after the cessation of conflict. It is therefore critical to use both the available data and precedents from previous conflicts to capture a reasonable estimate of the human costs of an ongoing conflict.

    Internally displaced Sudanese children in Port Sudan, Sudan, on Jan. 3, 2024.
    Omer Erdem/Anadolu via Getty Images

    A 2010 article in The Lancet estimated that there are 2.3 indirect deaths for every direct conflict death, based on data from 24 small-scale surveys conducted in Darfur from 2003 to 2005. As such, using ACLED’s data of 18,916 direct deaths, we estimate that in the current Sudan conflict, there are an additional 43,507 indirect deaths – or more than 62,000 total deaths.

    We believe our estimate is very conservative. When estimating mortality in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a different group of scholars, also writing in The Lancet, used a multiplier of four indirect deaths for every direct death to estimate the overall mortality there.

    Meanwhile, a report from the Geneva Declaration Secretariat showed an average of 5.8 indirect deaths for every direct death across 13 armed conflicts from 1974 to 2007.

    Using that latter multiplier, the number of indirect deaths in Sudan would jump to nearly 110,000 – meaning the total deaths in the region amount to 130,000 – double our estimate.

    This range is wide, but it acknowledges how difficult it can be to estimate indirect deaths and how they can vary significantly with the shape of a conflict.

    The Sudanese conflict in context

    For all the tremendous loss of life these numbers reflect, they surely underestimate the true human costs of the conflict.

    Sudan already had a fragile and underfunded health system before the fighting started. And compared with other ongoing conflicts such as in Gaza and Ukraine, there was already a more precarious baseline, with higher child mortality and lower life expectancy.

    Since the war in Sudan began, there have been consistent reports of mass killings, forced disappearances, sexual violence, deliberate blocking of food and medicine, and other forms of violence against civilians.

    Much of the violence is ethnically targeted, and the Darfur region – where a full-scale famine has been declared – has suffered disproportionately.

    The destruction of civilian infrastructure and interrupted aid mechanisms are preventing medicine, food, clean water and vaccinations from getting to in-need populations.

    Health care workers and facilities, not only in at-risk Darfur but also throughout the country, have been the target of attacks. Nearly 80% of medical facilities have been rendered inoperable. And at least 58 physicians have been killed, in addition to the many that were targeted in previous crises.

    Given the persistent targeting of health care systems and restricted access to humanitarian corridors, indirect deaths in Sudan are likely to grow as hospitals shut down, even in the capital Khartoum, due to bombardments, ground attacks and a lack of critical supplies.

    The costs for Sudanese children are especially alarming. Thirteen children die per day in Zamzam camp in North Darfur, according to Doctors Without Borders, mostly due to undernutrition and food scarcity.

    And nearly 800,000 Sudanese children will face severe, acute malnutrition through 2024, a condition that requires intensive care and supplemental nutrition merely to prevent death. Even before the conflict, children were severely threatened by a lack of access to care, including basic preventive care such as early immunization.

    Finally, the transmission of communicable diseases thrives in conflicts like the one in Sudan, where there has been widespread population displacement, malnutrition, limited water and sanitation, and lack of appropriate sheltering. In August, a cholera outbreak led to a spiking death rate of more than 31 deaths per 1,000 cholera cases. And instances of such disease effects are likely underestimates in a country lacking health care penetration and monitoring.

    The limitations of estimations

    The massive internal displacement of more than 14 million people in Sudan complicates the estimation of death tolls, as shifting populations make establishing baselines nearly impossible.

    Moreover, there is typically a dearth of official information collected and released during conflicts.

    So establishing a concrete estimate of the true impact of armed conflict often comes after the cessation of hostilities, when expert teams are able to conduct field studies.

    Even then, estimates will require assumptions about direct deaths, indirect-to-direct death ratio and the quality of existing data.

    But as scholars working at the intersection of public health and human rights, we believe such work, however imperfect, is necessary for the documentation of conflict – and its future prevention. And while there are many current global conflicts that require our urgent attention, the conflict in Sudan must not be lost in the mix.

    _Editor’s note: Israa Hassan, a physical medicine and rehabilitation resident at Texas Rehabilitation Hospital-Fort Worth and advocacy director at the Sudanese American Physicians Association, contributed to this article.

    Rohini J Haar receives funding from FCDO.

    Blake Erhardt-Ohren, Debarati Guha Sapir, Khidir Dalouk, and Sarah Elizabeth Scales do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Sudan’s civil war has left at least 62,000 dead by our estimate − but the true figure could be far higher – https://theconversation.com/sudans-civil-war-has-left-at-least-62-000-dead-by-our-estimate-but-the-true-figure-could-be-far-higher-242073

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ancient mud reveals Australia’s burning history over the past 130,000 years – and shows a way through our fiery future

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michela Mariani, Associate Professor in Physical Geography, University of Nottingham

    Lano Lan / Shutterstock

    Increased land management by Aboriginal people in southeastern Australia around 6,000 years ago cut forest shrub cover in half, according to our new study of fossil pollen trapped in ancient mud.

    Shrubs connect fires from ground cover to the forest canopy, allowing fires to spread and intensify quickly. The reduction in shrub cover, linked to evidence for increasing population size and more widespread landscape use by Aboriginal people, would have dramatically decreased the potential for high-intensity bushfires.

    We also found the shrub layer in modern forests is even greater than it was 130,000–115,000 years ago, when the climate was similar to today’s but there were no people around.

    Our deep-time research shows how important Indigenous cultural practices were for reducing dangerous high-intensity fires. It also suggests a way forward in Autralia’s current fire crisis, which climate change is making worse.

    The trouble with shrubs

    For decades, Australia has tried to manage fires by suppressing them. This strategy may be effective in the short term, but it has led to dire consequences in the long term.

    Over the past 20 years, the forests and woodlands of southeastern Australia have become hotspots for major fires.

    Fire suppression has allowed vegetation, particularly in the shrub layer, to grow without constraint. Shrubby, mid-height vegetation acts as a ladder, enabling fires to spread up from the ground to the forest canopy. This results in more intense and uncontrollable fires.

    Summary timeline of past landscape changes across southeastern Australia. We show changes from pre-human contact (top), through Indigenous population expansion (middle), to the present (post-colonial, bottom).
    Simon Connor, CC BY

    Evidence for denser vegetation comes from tiny, fossilised grains of pollen that are laid down in layers of ancient sediment in wetlands and lake beds. By extracting fossil pollen from mud, scientists can develop a picture of vegetation in the past.

    Our new study used archaeological data and information preserved in ancient mud. We looked at how the vegetation of southeastern Australia changed in response to climate and human management over the past 130,000 years.

    We wanted to see how things changed in key periods: before human arrival in Australia, through periods of Indigenous occupation, and following British colonisation.

    We used sophisticated models to estimate vegetation cover and how it related to human land use at different times.

    Caring for Country

    Indigenous Australians have been the custodians of this continent for millennia. Their journey in Australia started at least 65,000 years ago.

    Direct evidence of cultural burning traces back at least 11,000 years in the Top End, although it may have begun much earlier.

    Indigenous Australian cultural burning practices are complex and varied. However, in many parts of the continent they included regular, controlled burns. These helped to manage vegetation growth and reduce the risk of high-intensity fires.

    Since British colonisation, the landscape of Australia has undergone significant changes, with both more open pastures and more densely vegetated forests. The introduction of European land management practices, including fire suppression, disrupted the fire regimes Indigenous Australians had maintained for thousands of years.

    This suppression-focused approach has led to an accumulation of plant matter, creating a tinderbox ready to ignite.

    A call for change: integrating Indigenous Knowledge

    To address this crisis, a shift in fire management strategies is essential. One promising approach is to integrate Indigenous fire management practices into contemporary fire management plans, working with Traditional Owners to best care for Country.

    This must be done in a way that supports Indigenous livelihoods and fosters connection to Country, not by management agencies simply appropriating Indigenous know-how.

    Indigenous Australians possess hundreds of generations’ worth of experience in managing the country’s fire-prone landscapes. Indigenous-led fire management is already being reinvigorated in northern Australia.

    Our research demonstrates that southeastern forests and woodlands were effectively managed in the past and would also benefit from Indigenous caring-for-Country practices today.

    Reducing dangerous fuels in the shrub layer means less high-intensity fires threatening the bush–urban interface, such as the 2019–20 Black Summer fires.

    Indigenous-led burning at a project site in Tasmania.
    Matthew Newton / RUMMIN Productions

    Higher temperatures and prolonged droughts have created ideal conditions for bushfires to spread. Colonisation has compounded the problems arising from human-driven climate change.

    But there is no fire without fuel. It is the combination of increased biomass and a warming climate that now fuels fires of unprecedented scale and intensity, posing a significant threat to lives, property and ecosystems.

    Australia’s fire crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. By learning from and working with Indigenous practitioners, Australia can develop more effective and sustainable fire management strategies. This collaborative approach offers a path forward to tame the flames and protect the nation’s unique and diverse landscapes.

    Michela Mariani receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust and is affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH) and the Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF).

    Anna Florin receives funding from the Australian Research Council and is affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH).

    Haidee Cadd receives funding from the Australian Research Council and is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH).

    Simon Connor receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is affiliated with CABAH, the Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.

    Matthew Adeleye 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. Ancient mud reveals Australia’s burning history over the past 130,000 years – and shows a way through our fiery future – https://theconversation.com/ancient-mud-reveals-australias-burning-history-over-the-past-130-000-years-and-shows-a-way-through-our-fiery-future-239561

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of EU Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall © European Commission

    On 5 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall (Sweden) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led by ENVI. IMCO, ITRE, and AGRI committees are invited to participate in the hearing. It is expected to last three hours from 18:30 to 21:30 pm. ENVI Members will have the opportunity to question the Commissioner-designate on a variety of priority issues including, for instance, the need to develop a European Water Resilience Strategy to address water efficiency, scarcity, and pollution while considering the unique challenges faced by individual Member States. Another topic likely to come up is the Circular Economy Act and the challenge of creating market demand for secondary raw materials and establishing a single market for waste. The hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the political groups in the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to her.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to support the Spanish and Portuguese fleets affected by the proliferation of the invasive species of Asian seaweed ( Rugulopteryx okamurae ) – E-001853/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the serious problems that the species Rugulopteryx okamurae is causing in various coastal areas of Andalucía and in other Spanish areas such as Ceuta and south of Portugal.

    On the basis of a risk assessment submitted by the competent Spanish authorities, Rugulopteryx okamurae was included in 2022 on the list of the invasive alien species to which priority should be given[1]. Regrettably, this invasive alga continues to expand, and has reached France and Italy in recent years.

    The affected Member States can decide how and when to provide financial support to fishers affected by invasive species through their European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFAF) programme.

    This can include measures for tackling the spread of the species, as well as directly supporting fishers for example with cleaning, repairing equipment and antifouling.

    Based on the information received from the Spanish authorities, it appears that the Spanish Ministry of Environment has been working on research and plans to manage the crisis.

    The Commission has also been informed that the Spanish EMFAF Managing Authority has carried out an analysis on support options.

    The Commission is however not aware of financing decisions by this Authority. Nevertheless, the Commission has also been informed that the authorities provided de minimis State aid to the sector for the loss of fishing activity and damaged fishing gear outside the EMFAF programme.

    In the case of Portugal, the national authorities informed the Commission that no support under EMFAF was provided or is planned at this stage.

    For more information on the national/regional support measures implemented, we refer the Honourable Member to the competent authorities in the Member States.

    • [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1203 of 12 July 2022 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 to update the list of invasive alien species of Union concern. OJ L 186, 13.07.2022, p. 10-13.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU targets for reducing material and consumption footprints – E-001734/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission delivered the set of policy actions announced in the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan[1] aimed at significantly reducing EU’s material and consumption footprints, safeguarding natural resources and mitigating environmental impacts such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

    To monitor trends in achieving these objectives, in 2023 the Commission revised the circular economy monitoring framework and added material and consumption footprint indicators[2], which serve also to track progress on the 8th Environmental Action Programme[3] and on the Sustainable Development Goals[4].

    The implementation of the actions in the plan, and more broadly of the European Green Deal, will contribute to faster progress towards decreasing EU’s material and consumption footprints.

    The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation[5] creates the framework for integrating circular economy principles and resource efficiency requirements in the design of a wide range of products.

    Specific initiatives under the plan tackle sustainability dimensions of construction products, electronics, batteries and vehicles, packaging and packaging waste, textiles and food waste, industrial production and waste shipments, and aim to empower consumers in the green transition and lead efforts at the global level.

    The political guidelines for next Commission 2024-2029[6] place circular economy as a pillar of a prosperous and competitive Europe and announce a new Circular Economy Act to boost the market demand for secondary materials and a single market for waste.

    It is for the next Commission to formulate the most appropriate initiatives to advance the shift to more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

    • [1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en
    • [2] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/circular-economy-faster-progress-needed-meet-eu-resource-efficiency-targets-ensure-sustainable-use-2023-05-15_en
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/implementation-key-achieving-eu-2030-climate-and-environment-objectives-first-progress-report-8th-2023-12-18_en
    • [4] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/monitoring-report-progress-towards-sdgs-eu-context-2024-2024-06-18_en
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1781/oj
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Announces Congressionally Directed Spending Award for West Virginia Water Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for three water projects in West Virginia.
    These awards, which were secured through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests made solely by Senator Capito in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) and authorized through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, will support three water system upgrades in West Virginia.
    “I was proud to use my position on both the EPW and Appropriations Committees to advocate for and secure these CDS awards to support efforts to modernize water systems across West Virginia,” Ranking Member Capito said. “As our state grows, these projects will be critical in supporting the water needs of families, workers, and businesses, and I was proud to lead the charge in securing them.”
    BACKGROUND:
    Section 571 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 established an environmental infrastructure program that allows the USACE to partner with non-federal entities in order to carry out water and wastewater projects, among other types of projects, in West Virginia. As Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, Senator Capito included an authorization increase for the 571 program in the bipartisan 2022 Water Resources Development Act that was signed into law in December 2022.
    Individual award details listed below:
    $2,000,000 USACE CDS award to the Town of Rowlesburg, W.Va. (Preston County) for sewer improvements that will serve residents.
    $1,100,000 USACE CDS award to the Fountain Public Service District in Keyser, W.Va. (Mineral County) for the Fountain IV Water project.
    $1,000,000 USACE CDS award to the City of Belington, W.Va. (Barbour County) for water system upgrades in the city.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Radford, Associate Professor, Ecology and Environment, La Trobe University

    The world is charging towards tipping points for species extinctions, ecosystem collapse and loss of genetic diversity. Crossing these tipping points will be devastating for nature and human existence alike.

    Avoiding this catastrophe of humanity’s making is the purpose of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia. COP16 has been reviewing progress on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. Progress has been incremental at best.

    These pledges, plans and goals, while necessary and commendable, are also far removed and often intangible for everyday citizens. Collective global action is inherently political. It moves at glacial pace when urgent action is needed.

    The issues can seem so colossal and complex that individuals often feel powerless. This may mean they do nothing or, worse, add to the problem. But, in fact, there are five steps individuals can take to help end the biodiversity crisis.

    So why isn’t government action enough?

    COP16 wraps up on November 1, but has so far failed to live up to expectations. The COP16 chair claims it has put biodiversity “on an equal footing” with climate. However, solid commitments have yet to emerge.

    For example, before COP16, governments had pledged only US$250 million (A380 million) of the estimated $200 billion per year required by 2030 for the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. Pledges of another $163 million this week take the total number of contributors to a mere 12.

    Only 15% of countries (including Australia) met the deadline to submit their plans to meet the goals set at COP15. These include protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and water and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

    And plans do not guarantee action. Indeed, the world has never achieved a single global nature target set by such initiatives.

    Our everyday decisions can’t be divorced from nature

    “Natural capital” is a buzzword in global initiatives, government policies, marketing slogans and sustainability frameworks worldwide. Natural capital refers to all living and non-living natural resources that provide products and services of value to society. In essence, it’s what we commonly call “nature”.

    Understanding and managing natural capital is crucial for conserving biodiversity, addressing climate change and ensuring future generations’ wellbeing by not exceeding our planetary boundaries. It’s why we’ve recently created the Natural Capital Primer. It’s a website that explains how our everyday lives, businesses and economies depend on nature.

    By understanding our connection to nature, we can all reduce our impact on nature. Here are five ways you can make a difference, starting today.

    The Natural Capital Primer explains the concept, aiming to shift attitudes toward nature and promote global conservation.

    1. Cut consumption when you can

    Do you really need to update your mobile phone, your summer wardrobe or your flat-screen TV? What we buy reverberates around the globe.

    Our demand for new products affects resource extraction (leading to habitat loss), carbon emissions (propelling climate change) and pollution (degrading habitat). These impacts are often far from where we make our purchases. From the lithium in our phones to the plastics in our clothes and the metals in our vehicles, our consumption drives demand, which almost inevitably harms biodiversity.

    If you do need to replace something, consider buying second-hand or products made from recycled materials.

    2. Watch what you eat

    Agriculture is the single greatest driver of changes in land use and biodiversity loss. We all need to eat, of course, but where possible buy local and sustainably produced foods.

    Reducing processed foods in your shopping trolley is a good start. Cutting your intake of over-fished, wild-caught seafood, red meat and palm oil-based products will also help. This issue is not straightforward because these products are available as a confusing mix of unsustainable and sustainable options.

    A further complication, made worse by the rise of greenwashing, is that it can be hard to work out exactly what is in certain foods or where they came from. Sustainability certification and apps (GoodFish Australia, for example) can help consumers make better choices.

    3. Choose renewable energy

    The climate and biodiversity crises are inseparable. Neither can be resolved in isolation. For example, nature-based solutions, such as protecting forests as carbon sinks, will help with both the climate crisis and biodiversity.

    With greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, which threatens many species, a whole range of our choices determine the impacts of our energy use. From your mode of transport to powering your home, choose renewable energy sources.

    Tech giants such as Google and Amazon are turning to nuclear energy to power their generative AI and cloud storage in an effort to reduce their climate impact. However, 100% renewable energy is realistic if consumers demand it from their power companies and governments.

    4. Get your hands dirty

    You can take direct action to protect and increase biodiversity. Volunteer or donate to environmental projects in your neighbourhood. Not only will this make you feel good, but revegetation and habitat restoration do improve local biodiversity.

    Many grass-roots, community-driven projects are making a difference on the ground. They range from urban restoration work, such as the Merri Creek restoration in Melbourne, to forest stewardship projects, such as Tarwin River Forest in Gippsland, Victoria. Get local and get involved!

    5. Adjust expectations and accept responsibility

    People in wealthy countries (such as Australia) have both the biggest environmental footprints and the most capacity to adapt. They must lead change.

    The process starts with increasing awareness of the issues and taking responsibility for change. That includes adjusting our expectations about how and where we live.

    Small changes are magnified when repeated by millions of people. We should never doubt the power of cumulative impact. After all, it’s what got us into this mess in the first place.

    So while governments and corporations haggle, posture and delay over global targets and policies, we can all start right now to make a difference through smarter decisions and sustainable choices.

    Jim Radford receives funding from Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the National Environmental Science Program Resilient Landscapes Hub, Transport for NSW, SmartSat CRC, Macdoch Foundation and Australian Wool Innovation. He is a member of Standards Australia Biodiversity Committee and North Central CMA Science Advisory Panel.

    – ref. 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16 – https://theconversation.com/5-things-you-can-do-to-end-the-biodiversity-crisis-as-the-world-talks-about-it-at-cop16-242205

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African health ministers, delegates adopt declaration on climate change and health

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    HARARE, Zimbabwe, October 31, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Health ministers and delegates from 20 African countries today adopted a landmark declaration to enhance climate resilience within health systems and address the profound health impacts of climate change on the continent.

    The Harare Declaration, endorsed during the first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC), calls for immediate and collaborative action from a wide array of stakeholders—including governments, academic institutions, funding agencies and civil society—to combat the detrimental health effects of climate change and improve the well-being of African populations.

    Speaking at the official opening of the conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe said, “Climate change is not merely an environmental disaster. It is a public health emergency and I firmly believe the recommendations from this conference will pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable continent, where no one and no place is left behind”.

    The declaration which aligns with the newly WHO adopted framework for building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems in the African region, was endorsed by health ministers and representatives from countries engaged in the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health Initiative (ATACH) and over 500 participants at CHAC.

    “Our region deals with multiple climate-induced emergencies every year. Ensuring health systems resilience is key. I applaud the commitments taken by health policy makers to build climate-resilient health systems that can adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.  

    Africa faces an escalating burden of climate-sensitive diseases, with increasing transmission of vector- and waterborne illnesses. Recent statistics reveal a 14% rise in malaria transmissions in 2023, potentially putting an additional 147-171 million people at risk by 2030. Additionally, 18 African countries reported cholera outbreaks linked to natural disasters, contributing to a staggering 836 600 cases between January 2023 and March 2024, alongside widespread malnutrition and population displacement.

    Recognizing the disproportionate burden of climate-related health risks faced by African populations, the declaration presents a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges. It emphasizes the need to strengthen research and knowledge generation by investing in studies that assess the specific impacts of climate change on health in Africa and identify effective interventions. Enhancing policy and decision-making is also crucial by integrating climate change considerations into national health policies and strategies to ensure that health is prioritized in climate action plans.

    The declaration also highlights the importance of improving surveillance and early warning systems to track climate-related health risks, enabling timely and effective responses.

    Additionally, it calls for building climate-resilient health systems by enhancing the capacity of health infrastructures to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including through necessary upgrades and workforce training.

    During CHAC, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust, hosted a high-level meeting to promote collaboration among health and climate stakeholders. The meeting was an opportunity to evaluate countries implementation of past Conference of the Parties (COP) commitments and define a roadmap for climate and health in Africa.

    With support from WHO, 29 African countries have joined ATACH, signaling dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of their population.  The WHO-Wellcome Trust side event provided delegates with a platform to discuss actionable strategies for integrating health priorities into global climate frameworks and strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration.  

    The Climate and Health Africa conference is hosted by the Centre for Sexual Health, HIV and AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the WHO Regional Office for Africa amongst other partners.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Webster Joins Senators Scott & Rubio, Florida Delegation Urging USDA to Expedite Aid for Florida Agricultural Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Daniel Webster (11th District of Florida)

    Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, along with Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL), Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and the entire Florida delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 
     
    “These back-to-back major hurricanes have decimated Florida agriculture, our state’s second largest industry, which generates more than $182.6 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 2.5 million jobs,” the members wrote. “As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to work with USDA to best assist the producers who feed our nation.”
     
    The full text of the letter is below. 
     
    Dear Secretary Vilsack:
     
    We write to strongly urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) take immediate action to deliver critical aid to agricultural producers affected by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. These back-to-back major hurricanes have decimated Florida agriculture, our state’s second largest industry, which generates more than $182.6 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 2.5 million jobs.
     
    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion, and the State of Florida has requested federal agriculture disaster designations for impacted counties in response to both storms.
     
    Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for aquaculture, avocados, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cattle, citrus, christmas trees, corn, cotton, cucumbers, dairy, equine, floriculture, grapes, leafy greens, mangos, other animal products, peaches, peanuts, pecans, potatoes, poultry, rice, snap beans, soybeans, strawberries, sugarcane, sweet corn, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelons, and more. Agricultural lands and agribusiness more than 100 miles away from the eye of the storm experienced tornadoes and other devastating effects which compounded losses.
     
    Block Grants:
     
    In 2018, after Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid to those in need quickly and efficiently. During a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture hearing held on March 9, 2023, USDA Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong was asked about the effectiveness of this block grant and she stated, “[i]n that instance, FSA successfully partnered with Florida to deliver assistance to the citrus farmers.” She went on to say: “I think that is an example, within your own state, where that kind of block grant program can work.” We ask that you support both an appropriation request and authority to deliver the assistance in the form of a block grant to our state.
     
    USDA must work to deliver aid to communities affected by disasters as quickly and efficiently as possible. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs designed to help after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. However, these funds were not in the form of a block grant and as a result, there are hundreds of producers who are still awaiting assistance.
     
    Creating a new disaster program each time funds are appropriated by Congress not only complicates the disaster relief application process, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. Block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states.
     
    As you are aware, the Block Grant Assistance Act (H.R 662 & S.180) was designed to authorize USDA to administer calendar year 2022 disaster relief via block grants. This would give USDA the ability, when reasonable, to issue block grants and expedite payment to producers. This bill is cosponsored by the entire Florida delegation and unanimously passed the House on June 12, 2023. We remain steadfast in our support for standing block grant authority and continue to urge USDA to support this measure giving them additional flexibility in administering disaster programs.
     
    Farm Service Agency:
     
    Unlike most commodity crop programs, Florida specialty crop programs are disaster based and time consuming to deliver. Additionally, permanent FSA staff are needed in the county offices to administer the USDA disaster programs efficiently and effectively. We ask that USDA approve an expedited review of applications and deployment of existing authority for FSA offices to waive requirements that are redundant or unnecessary.
     
    In many other states, straightforward programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage enable producers to easily enroll and receive payments. These routine programs influence FSA workload metrics and help the agency prioritize personnel and resources. However, the situation differs significantly in Florida with specialty crops. Most of our programs are disaster-based, which are notably more time-consuming to administer and manage. These factors are not accounted for when allocating staff. As a result, our FSA county offices are not adequately staffed and have not finalized Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) payments to producers for 2022.
     
    Disaster Appropriation:
     
    Per USDA data, losses in agriculture across calendar year 2022 totaled $14 billion, yet Congress only appropriated $3.7 billion in relief to our nation’s producers in the December 2022 omnibus. We recognize this led to difficult decisions on how to distribute the disaster assistance. However, the “Progressive Payment Factor” being applied to ERP 2022 payments was an unnecessary and harmful program flaw that has resulted in the producers who suffered the most severe losses receiving pennies on the dollars in assistance. Federal disaster assistance is never meant to make producers whole, but Congress has a duty to prevent a failure like this from occurring again. We look forward to working with USDA to ensure adequate funding for 2023 and 2024 losses.
     
    Improved Crop Insurance Options:
     
    Crop insurance is another tool USDA can use to improve the farm safety net alongside these suggestions for improving delivery of FSA disaster programs. The 2024 Farm Bill that passed the House Committee on Agriculture includes language to improve crop insurance options for specialty crop growers, including the Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act (H.R.6186 & S.3253).4 Many of Florida’s specialty crop growers do not have insurance on their crops because of the high price of the premiums and low payouts from claims. The Florida Delegation will continue its efforts to work with USDA to prioritize improving crop insurance options for growers as outlined in the 2024 Farm Bill passed by the House Committee on Agriculture earlier this year.
     
    To ensure USDA and Congress are equipped to provide adequate support for producers, please respond to the following questions and provide the following documents and information no later than November 29, 2024.

    1. A statement of agency policy for utilization of block grants within USDA disaster-based programs.
    2. A document detailing calendar year 2024 calendar year losses up to October 29, 2024, and a budgetary request to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure adequate funding of relief programs.
    3. An updated document detailing FSA county office leadership, and how many FTEs are employed at each.
    4. A report on the number of FTEs Florida FSA offices need to efficiently administer a disaster-based program to Florida producers.
    5. A plan for strike team deployment to Florida FSA offices including timeline, number of employees and where these teams will be placed.

    As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to work with USDA to best assist the producers who feed our nation. We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter.
     
    Sincerely,
     
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Remarks at the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility Grand Opening in Maryland

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-06), Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain, Prince George’s County Council Member Sydney Harrison, Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando, and local leaders at the grand opening of WSSC Water Company’s Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Accokeek, Maryland. This project was made possible in part by Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Below are excerpts of his remarks: 

    “We had a pandemic not too long ago. It hit us right between the eyes and cost us a million citizens. And one of things was when the pandemic hit, we found out was that we were reliant on an awful lot of people overseas to produce masks. We didn’t have enough masks to protect our people. And why do I say this? Because in the last Congress – not this Congress, which has been the least effective Congress in which I’ve served since 1981. But having said that, the last Congress, the 117th was one of the most productive Congresses – with the relevance of this today. We enacted four bills that were investing in America, were building America, creating jobs in America, and we invested a lot in science. We invested a lot in the environment. We invested in making sure America was all that it could be.”

    “But in the infrastructure bill, normally you think of roads, bridges, highways, airports, seaports, et cetera et cetera, we also invested in something that we knew was critical and had been a failure of infrastructure. Flint, everybody heard of Flint, Michigan? Kids died because the water in Flint, Michigan, was not clean and it made them sick. And so we knew that infrastructure was more than just roads and transportation facilities, et cetera et cetera. It was also clean water, clean pipes.”

    “And then in the investment – in the IRA – we invested a lot of money in climate. And in the science bill, we put the largest investment in science in the history of the world. America will be better in the next decade, and the decade thereafter and the decade thereafter because of those investments in those four bills.”

    “It’s a lot of money we’ve sent throughout the country to make sure, that this country, in fact, is in the future and will be getting to, very quickly, hopefully certainly by 2050 – a green environment. Why do we want to get there? Because it is critically important for the wellbeing of every one of our people. Over 300 million strong. And it’s also very important for the world because if America is clean, then the world will be clean. Because we produce a lot of pollution in this world. China does as well. The largest country, India, does as well. The largest countries. And it is incumbent upon us to do not only for our own citizens but for the global community. That’s why this event is so, very important.”

    “Not only does it take a product that was waste product, that was causing us a problem, it turns that problem into an asset. And I’m so glad to be here with all of you. I want everybody for the WSSC to stand up and be recognized.”

    “Thank you. Thank you all very much. Because all of the talk, all of the money, all of the activity that the rest of us do empowers you to do things but it would not happen without you. The end would not happen. The objective of our work, our legislation, our money, whether it’s at the federal, state, or local level, would not make a difference if it was not for all of you who stood up. And who, every day, turn that money into product. Turn that money into advantage. Turn that money into a positive result for our community.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Coral pulled up by NZ trawler “environmental vandalism” says Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Revelations that a New Zealand trawler has destroyed kilograms of deep sea corals in a region of the South Pacific earmarked for protection, illustrates exactly why New Zealand must stop bottom trawling these international waters, says Greenpeace Aotearoa.
    A New Zealand trawler, The Tasman Viking which is owned by Westfleet, pulled up several species of deep sea coral while trawling in international waters of the Tasman Sea last month.
    The coral ‘encounter’ happened on Lord Howe Rise, a region renowned for diverse marine life including corals, sponges, whales and seabirds, triggering an international fishing rule that will see the area temporarily closed to trawling and countries with a fisheries interest in the area notified.
    Greenpeace campaigner Ellie Hooper says this latest coral destruction by a New Zealand trawler is an embarrassment, calling it yet another example of how destructive bottom trawling is and why it must be banned.
    “It’s reckless environmental vandalism to bulldoze coral, an essential building block for ocean life, especially in the middle of a biodiversity crisis”, says Hooper.
    “New Zealand trawlers are the last, and only boats still bottom trawling the South Pacific high seas. As a country, we’re an outlier on this issue, flying in the face of the New Zealand public, who want bottom trawling banned from vulnerable areas, and the opinion of our international neighbours.
    “If we want a healthy planet, and marine life to thrive, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling seamounts and other vulnerable areas in the South Pacific.”
    Last year Westfleet, which is partly owned by Sealord, was fined over $52,000 and The Tasman Viking convicted following an incident where rare bamboo coral, pulled up in trawl nets, was illegally released overboard before a fisheries observer had a chance to properly document it.
    The incident also happened in the Lord Howe Rise region, and despite the conviction, The Tasman Viking, was given a new high seas trawling permit in June 2024
    The waters around Lord Howe Rise are rich and abundant, and include a chain of seamounts or underwater mountains that are home to a variety of marine life from coral to whales and seabirds including the antipodean albatross.
    Greenpeace and allies are calling for one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries to be created in this region, with the Australian government taking a step forward towards this goal in announcing a science symposium on the site for 2025.
    “While other nations are progressing with protecting the high seas from harm, New Zealand is dragging behind, still permitting bottom trawling in these precious areas, despite other countries pushing for them to be closed,” says Hooper.
    “To give the ocean a chance to recover and thrive, the New Zealand government must end the countries’ bottom trawling operation in the South Pacific high seas, and get with the programme on protection.”Scientists agree that to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis at least 30% of the world’s oceans must be protected from industrial harms by 2030. Creating global ocean sanctuaries in international waters, those areas outside of any one country’s jurisdiction, will play a crucial role in achieving this 30×30 goal. A recent report released by Greenpeace International shows that urgent action is needed to create marine protected areas. At the current rate of protection it would take till 2107 to reach the 30×30 goal.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Celebrating a Golden History – Ōkārito population quintuples to celebrate Tohu Whenua status

    Source: Tohu Whenua

    This week, 150 people gathered in Ōkārito (population = 30) for the area’s official Tohu Whenua launch – a recognition acknowledging Ōkārito as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s must-dos. The Ōkārito Community Association, Ngāti Māhaki and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio gathered for the official launch with representatives from Tohu Whenua, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage; Hon Paul Goldsmith.
     

    With school students from Franz Josef Glacier School, Whataroa School and Hokitika Primary School in attendance, the launch celebrated the diverse history of a place of harvest, conservation and goldrush that now offers unique opportunities for visitors to connect with history and wildlife.  
     
    What is Tohu Whenua?

    Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary of places to visit and explore history where it happened. Other Tohu Whenua sites in the Te Tai Poutini region include the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre, Historic Reefton, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and Denniston, Waiuta and Brunner Mine. Home to Te Tai Poutini West Coast’s oldest known building and the ancient Ōkārito lagoon, Tohu Whenua is thrilled to welcome Ōkārito into its growing itinerary.

    “Tohu Whenua sites provide unique opportunities to encounter and interact with the history that has created Aotearoa New Zealand’s story. Ōkārito has layers of fascinating history and we are thrilled to welcome it into our growing network.” Andrew Coleman, Manahautū/Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group.

    A recent survey commissioned by Tohu Whenua revealed that 78% of New Zealanders surveyed want to learn more about NZ history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage. There are already many information panels around Ōkārito that tell the goldrush and conservation stories of the area, which inspired Tohu Whenua to work alongside Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio to install a new information panel that tells the mana whenua story of the area.

    “Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngai Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngati Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngati Mahaki are thrilled to be part of this,” Te Runanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick says.”Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pā and kāinga here testify to centuries of occupation — and war — plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wananga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini.”
    There are a number of ways to experience Ōkārito including beautiful walks featuring rimu, rata and silver pine forests and the popular 4.3km Ōkārito Trig walk. The Ōkārito Lagoon can be explored via walk, boat or kayak – giving you a breathtakingly close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku/white heron, along with panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Tohu Whenua will also encourage visitors to visit the iconic Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed and bookable accommodation including the Ōkārito Community Campground and the Ōkārito Schoolhouse – which is managed as a historic asset by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.  

    “The rich human history combined with the stunning natural environment at Ōkārito make it one of the feature spots of Te Wāhipounamu. Today – with the area being part of Predator Free South Westland – the mauri of the natural environment is being restored, making it a “must do” place for New Zealanders to visit and connect with both nature and our history.” Wayne Costello, Operations Manager, South Westland District, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai

    To learn more about visiting Ōkārito and other sites on the Tohu Whenua itinerary, visit www.tohuwhenua.nz

    Tohu Whenua background information:

    Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey Trees Workers Vote to Unionize and Prepare for First Contract Negotiations

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Casey Trees Workers in Washington, D.C. voted in August to unionize with the IAM in a 22-6 vote. Casey Trees was started in 2001 with the goal of restoring, enhancing, and protecting the Capitol’s canopy. In addition to beautifying the District, a robust tree canopy helps lower temperatures on streets and surrounding buildings in the summer, can reduce flooding after storms, and absorbs pollution year round.

    With negotiations coming up soon, workers are collectively deciding their bargaining priorities. The unit includes the public facing Tree Operations department as well as Admin, Education, Communications & Development, and Policy & Land Conservation departments that make the work possible before a shovel ever hits the ground.

    Urban Forester and Tree Planter, Shaveen Roberts, hopes for better pay amidst rising housing costs and more days off during severe inclement weather. Like his coworkers, he enjoys landscaping and working outside. Too often, management takes the love workers have for their professions for granted, excluding them from the decisions that affect them most or making them feel unappreciated. By becoming union members, Casey Trees workers have gained the voice they were seeking, while remaining fulfilled in their work.

    Jonathan Carney, Urban Forester at Casey Trees, helps determine appropriate places to plant trees in DC. In addition to positive environmental and health impacts, adding trees, he says, can add a “sense of place” to otherwise unremarkable pockets of the city. Carney likes his work and wanted a union to codify the aspects of the jobs he enjoys. “Being in a union is for the betterment of all working people.” 

    Michael Carter, Crew Member of three years and DC native, enjoys the ability to plant trees where he’s grown up. Carter was elected to the negotiation committee, where he helps relay concerns from all teams to management. “We’re in the planning stage where we’re trying to get our ideas together, and decide the things we want and are entitled to.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Calleary announces key milestone in the implementation of the EU regulation on AI

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    31st October 2024

    Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, today published a list of nine national public authorities responsible for protecting fundamental rights under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act.

    These authorities will get additional powers under the AI Act to facilitate them in carrying out their current responsibilities for protecting fundamental rights in circumstances where use of AI poses a high risk to those rights. For example, the authorities will have the power to access documentation that developers and deployers of AI systems are required to hold under the AI Act.

    This action fulfils Ireland’s first obligation for the national implementation of the AI Act.

    The list of authorities is as follows:

    • An Coimisiún Toghcháin
    • Coimisiún na Meán
    • Data Protection Commission
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman
    • Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission
    • Ombudsman
    • Ombudsman for Children
    • Ombudsman for the Defence Forces 

    Minister Calleary commented,

    “AI can provide many benefits for our society and our economy. However, AI also comes with certain risks. The EU AI Act will have a critical role in addressing these risks and in promoting human-centric, trustworthy AI. It will establish a regulatory framework for the development and use of AI systems to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights.

    “The government is committed to comprehensive and effective implementation of the AI Act and the publication of this list is an important first step in this regard. The additional powers these authorities will acquire under the AI Act will support them in protecting fundamental rights in circumstances where certain high-risk AI systems are used.”

    This list will be notified to the European Commission. It will be kept under review by the Minister and can be updated at any time to reflect future changes in the national authorities.

    Note to Editors

    The pioneering EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which entered into force on 2nd August 2024, provides a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems developed or deployed in the EU. It is the most comprehensive such framework in the world. It is designed to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights and to promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI. The Act adopts a risk-based approach to regulation and focuses on applications of AI systems to ensure that its regulatory provisions are targeted and proportionate. Its provisions will apply, in a phased manner, over the 36-month period from entry into force.

    The AI Act is an EU Regulation and consequently has direct effect in all Member States, however, it places obligations on Member States to provide for implementation and enforcement at national level.

    The first obligation on Member States under the Act is to identify national public authorities which supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified the Act. Under the Act, fundamental rights are those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection. This list of authorities must be published, and notified to the European Commission, by 2 November 2024.

    The identified authorities will not be competent authorities for the Act, nor will any obligations, responsibilities or tasks be assigned to them. Rather, identified authorities will get additional powers to facilitate them in carrying out their current mandates in circumstances involving the use of AI systems. These powers will apply from 2 August 2026.

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What the Great Gale of 1824 taught us about extreme weather

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    November is the 200th anniversary of the Great Gale of 1824. It killed nearly 100 people and destroyed villages along the south coast of England.

    There is a free public exhibition about the impacts of the Great Gale on the Dorset coast.

    The Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are raising awareness of extreme weather and flooding as they mark the 200th anniversary of the 1824 Great Gale.

    On the night of 22 November 1824, a devastating storm struck England’s south coast and raged for two days. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage. Houses were severely flooded, whole villages destroyed, ships lost at sea and nearly 100 people were tragically killed.

    Trail of destruction

    The Dorset coast was hardest hit, but the storm’s impact stretched from Land’s End to Dover. Inland communities did not escape devastation from wind damage and it took many years for affected communities to recover.

    At Plymouth, the storm sunk 22 vessels and swept away over 200,000 tons of stone from the city’s new breakwater which was under construction. While, at Abbotsbury, seawater surged over Chesil Beach, reaching astonishing depths of up to 6.9 metres.

    Watch our animation about the Great Gale’s trail of destruction Great Gale of 1824.

    Rare combination created Dorset’s worst storm

    The Great Gale, considered the most destructive storm ever to strike the Dorset coastline, was caused by a rare combination of factors. Hurricane force winds, spring high tides, extreme low pressure and towering waves created unprecedented conditions for the storm. Its severity was so extreme it is estimated to have a 1 in 10,000 chance of recurring each year.

    Recent events like Storm Boris in Europe, Typhoon Yagi in Asia and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North America highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather – and, as climate change increases the energy driving these storms, the importance of being prepared.

    How to prepare for extreme weather

    This post is nearly 7m high and shows the 1824 storm’s high water mark which reached 22ft 8in at the Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset.

    Know the simple steps to take in advance to protect yourself from flooding.

    Andrea Summers, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:

    As we remember those who tragically lost their lives 200 years ago, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the devastating impact flooding can have on communities.

    Needless to say, we are much more resilient now than we were then, with major innovations in forecasting, warning and defence systems. But our climate is changing, sea levels are rising and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.

    While the events of November 1824 represent a worst-case scenario, they highlight the importance of being prepared. You should know your flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and make sure your homes and businesses are resilient to flooding.

    What is being done to better protect people

    The Environment Agency is investing to better protect people from flooding and extreme weather. The £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes is working in partnership with local authorities nationwide to develop, test and implement innovative ways of improving resilience and adapting to the impacts of flooding, coastal erosion and climate change. 

    Additionally, the new Floods Resilience Taskforce is driving government efforts to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events.

    How to see The Great Gale of 1824 exhibition

    As part of the bicentenary commemorations, the Environment Agency has worked with Dorset Coast Forum and BCP Council to bring together a free public exhibition to explore the impacts the Great Gale left on the Dorset Coast.  For more information, including dates and venues, please visit the Dorset Coast Forum website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –