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Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Climate change fuels August heat waves across Canada – Results from Canada’s Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution system demonstrate that human-caused climate change made heat waves at least 10 times more likely in August in some instances

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Analysis from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution has shown that, in all cases, human-caused climate change made heat waves in August 2024 more likely to have occurred. In some instances, it was at least 10 times more likely.

    September 25, 2024– Ottawa, Ontario

    Analysis from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution hasshown that, in all cases, human-caused climate change made heat waves in August 2024 more likely to have occurred. In some instances, it was at least 10 times more likely.

    This system uses climate models to compare today’s climate with a pre-industrial one to explain how much human-caused climate change affected the likelihood of each heat wave.

    In three cases, human-caused climate change made heat waves far more likely to occur. This means that human influence on the climate made the following events at least 10 times more likely to happen:

    Inuvik, Northwest Territories (August 6 to 10)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 26.5 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 13.0 °C

    Kitikmeot, Nunavut (August 7 to12)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 25.0 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 12.4 °C

    Kivalliq, Nunavut (August 8 to 14)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 27.1 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 12.2 °C

    In seven cases, human-caused climate change made the heat waves much more likely to occur. This means that human influence on the climate made the following events at least two to 10 times more likely to happen:

    Atlantic Canada (August 24 to 27)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 23.9 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 6.7 °C

    Eastern Ontario (July 31 to August 2)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 29.2 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 5.8 °C

    Fort Smith, Northwest Territories (August 8 to 13)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 26.9 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 9.2 °C

    Northern British Columbia (August 7 to 11)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 23.6 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 7.0 °C

    Northern Quebec (August 13 to 16)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 23.6 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 7.8 °C

    Southern Quebec (July 27 to August 3)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 28.3 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 7.6 °C

    Yukon (August 5 to 9)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 24.1 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 8.9 °C

    Finally, human-caused climate change made the following heat wave more likely to occur. This means that human influence on the climate made the following event at least one to two times more likely to happen.

    Manitoba (July 30 to August 1)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 28.3 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature*: 6.4 °C

    * The normal daily high temperature is an average over 1991–2020 of all of the region-averaged daily high temperatures in the month surrounding the event.

    Prolonged heat waves are a major contributor to more intense wildfires across Canada. The 2023 wildfires in Canada burned almost 15 million hectares of forest and cost Canadians tens of billions of dollars in damages.[1] Understanding how human influence on the climate has increased the chance of a particular heat wave, soon after it occurs, can help inform adaptation strategies and heat wave response procedures for a changing climate while the event and its impacts are still top of mind.

    We urge the public to regularly monitor weather forecasts, take all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared for weather-related events by developing an emergency plan and being ready to adjust their travel plans. Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app to receive weather alert notifications directly on their mobile devices. Alerts help Canadians prepare to face severe weather events, save lives, and reduce the impacts on property and livelihoods.

    [1] Jain, P., Barber, Q.E., Taylor, S.W. et al. Drivers and Impacts of the Record-Breaking 2023 Wildfire Season in Canada. Nature Communications 15, 6764 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51154-7

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Climate change fuelling August heatwaves across Canada – Results from Canada’s Rapid Attribution System for Extreme Weather reveal that human-caused climate change has increased the likelihood of August heatwaves by at least 10-fold in some cases.

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Analyses using Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Rapid Attribution System for Extreme Weather Events show that, in all cases, human-induced climate change has increased the likelihood of the August 2024 heat waves, and in some cases by at least 10 times.

    September 25, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Analyses carried out using the Rapid attribution system for extreme weather events Environment and Climate Change Canada’s data show that, in all cases, human-caused climate change has increased the likelihood of August 2024 heat waves, and by at least 10 times in some cases.

    This system uses climate models to compare today’s climate to that of the pre-industrial period to explain how human-caused climate change has affected the likelihood of each heat wave.

    In three cases, human-induced climate change has made these heat waves significantly more likely. This means that human influence on the climate has made the following events at least ten times more likely.

    Inuvik (Northwest Territories) (August 6-10)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 26.5°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 13.0°C

    Kitikmeot (Nunavut) (August 7-12)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 25.0°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 12.4°C

    Kivalliq, Nunavut (August 8 to 14)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 27.1°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 12.2°C

    In seven cases, human-caused climate change made these heat waves much more likely. This means that human influence on the climate made the following events at least two to ten times more likely.

    Atlantic Canada (August 24-27)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 23.9°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 6.7°C

    Eastern Ontario (July 31 to August 2)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 29.2°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 5.8°C

    Fort Smith, Northwest Territories (August 8-13)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 26.9°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 9.2°C

    Northern British Columbia (August 7-11)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 23.6°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 7.0°C

    Northern Quebec (August 13 to 16)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 23.6°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 7.8°C

    Southern Quebec (July 27 to August 3)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 28.3°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 7.6°C

    Yukon (August 5-9)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 24.1°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 8.9°C

    Finally, human-caused climate change has made subsequent heat waves more likely. This means that human influence on the climate has made subsequent events at least one to two times more likely.

    Manitoba (July 30 to August 1)

    Daily peak temperature during heatwave: 28.3°C Degrees above normal daily maximum*: 6.4°C

    *The normal daily maximum is an average of all average daily maximum temperatures for a region between 1991 and 2020 over a one-month period around the event.

    Prolonged heat waves are a major factor driving increased wildfire activity in Canada. The 2023 wildfires in Canada burned nearly 15 million hectares of forest and cost Canadians tens of billions of dollars in damages.[1]. It is important to understand how human influence on climate has increased the likelihood of a particular heatwave shortly after it has occurred. This understanding helps inform adaptation strategies and intervention efforts in the context of climate change, while the heatwave and its impacts are still fresh in the mind.

    We urge the population to regularly monitor weather forecasts, to take all weather warnings seriously and to prepare weather hazards by developing an emergency plan or adapting their travel arrangements. Canadians can download the app WeatherCAN to receive weather alert notifications directly to their mobile devices. Weather alerts help Canadians prepare for severe weather, save lives and reduce impacts to property and livelihoods.

    [1] P. Jain, QE Barber, SW Taylor, et al., Drivers and Impacts of the Record-Breaking 2023 Wildfire Season in Canada, Nature Communications 15, 6764 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51154-7 (in English only)

    Media RelationsEnvironment and Climate Change Canada819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)media@ec.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ghost River location selected for new Bow River Reservoir

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Bow River runs through the most populated regions of Alberta, so managing water levels in this river is important to help the province respond to floods, droughts and other extreme weather. Past events like the 2013 floods have shown the importance of protecting communities downstream.

    After reviewing multiple options, the Alberta government has determined that the relocated Ghost Dam option is significantly better than the Glenbow East option due to its lower cost, ability to mitigate future droughts and floods, and fewer social and environmental impacts.

    Aerial view downstream of the existing Ghost Dam (Photo credit: WSP).

    “Increasing water storage capacity is critical to protecting Calgary and other communities along the Bow River from future floods and drought. Based on the data collected in the study, one option, the relocated Ghost Dam, is clearly the best choice to move forward with.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    In 2013, the southern Alberta flood caused more than $5 billion in damage in Calgary and surrounding communities. Creating additional water storage will significantly reduce the impact of severe weather events on Albertans who live and work around the Calgary area.

    After extensive study, Alberta’s government is moving forward with exploring the relocated Ghost Dam option because it has a smaller project footprint and fewer overall impacts to the environment, property and infrastructure, while providing comparable water storage to the Glenbow East option.

    The Glenbow East option posed higher risks to downstream communities during construction, including Calgary. Its earthfill dam would also be more susceptible to erosion and failure during large flood events compared to the Relocated Ghost Dam, which is a concrete gravity dam.

    Alberta will now move to the next phase of the project. Phase 3 is the engineering and regulatory approval phase, and more information on this work will be shared in 2025.

    Quick facts

    • A May 2017 report by the Bow River Working Group included a recommendation to complete conceptual assessments of three major reservoir options on the Bow River, upstream of Calgary.
      • Relocated Ghost Dam: An expansion of the existing Ghost Reservoir. 
      • Glenbow East: A new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam at the western edge of Calgary. 
      • Morley: A new reservoir between Seebe and Morley, on Stoney Nakoda Nations reserve land. This option is no longer being pursued.
    • The potential selection and implementation of a reservoir option on the Bow River upstream of Calgary is being approached in four phases:
      • Phase 1: Conceptual Assessment
      • Phase 2: Feasibility Study
      • Phase 3: Engineering and Regulatory Approval Process
      • Phase 4: Procurement, Construction and Commissioning
    • In 2021, Alberta began engagement and field studies for Phase 2, the feasibility study. It assessed technical feasibility, while carefully considering a variety of social, environmental, cultural, traditional land use, engineering and economic elements. The final report will be released in early 2025.
    • An alternatives assessment was also conducted to determine if something other than a new reservoir could provide equivalent flood and drought protection. Options were evaluated, but none provided the water storage necessary to mitigate impacts from both floods and drought, without significant issues related to Treaty rights, environmental impacts and regulatory challenges.
    • The project will now transition from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors for Phase 3.
    • Along with the Bow River Reservoir, Alberta is also developing the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir to provide protection along the Elbow River in Calgary and other downstream communities as part of an overall flood mitigation system.

    Related information

    • Bow River Reservoir Options

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blunt Rochester, Kiggans Applaud House Passage of Legislation to Preserve U.S. Coastlines

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    WASHINGTON – Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans’ (VA-02) bill, H.R. 5490, the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm (BEACH) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect Delaware’s coastline by approving new, expanded maps under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). A companion to this bill led by U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act, passed the U.S. Senate unanimously in April.

    CBRA employs a market-driven approach to coastal conservation by prohibiting most federal funds from being used for development in storm prone, ecologically sensitive coastal areas. This not only helps preserve wildlife habitats, but also maintains critical buffers against storms and flooding. Importantly, CBRA does not prohibit or regulate development by state and local governments or private owners; it simply ensures hard-earned tax dollars are not used to fund risky investments in ecologically sensitive areas.

    “As the lowest-lying state in the country, Delaware feels the impact of the climate crisis every day. That’s why I am committed to strengthening our communities against extreme weather events,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “The BEACH Act is a bipartisan effort to help us achieve that goal, not only in Delaware but nationwide. I am confident that the policies I authored in the House-passed bill, such as extending disaster loan eligibility to aquaculture businesses for the first time and authorizing a study on coastal barrier areas vulnerable to extreme weather, will protect Delawareans and our natural resources from hazards including flooding, storm surge, wind erosion, and sea level rise. I appreciate Congresswoman Kiggans’ collaboration on this bill, and I look forward to working with our colleagues to get it passed into law.”

    “For 40 years, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act has not only protected millions of acres of beaches and wetlands, but also prevented billions of dollars in property damage from natural disasters and undoubtedly saved lives,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle joined me in making our coastal communities more resilient by passing the BEACH Act unanimously. We owe it to ourselves and the generations after us to take care of the world we live in, and my legislation does exactly that. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation so that we can continue to be good stewards of our environment and taxpayer dollars.”

    In April of 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified 96,435 additional acres in Virginia to be included in the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), including 1,422 of land and 95,013 acres of wetlands and estuarine areas. The BEACH Act would authorize these maps and related protections for use in the CBRS. Today, 163,589 acres along Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast are included in the CBRA system including 974 acres of land and 42,192 acres of wetlands where nearly all federal spending is prohibited. There are also 7,696 acres of land and 112,727 acres of wetlands in “Otherwise Protected Areas,” where only federal flood insurance is prohibited.

    A 2019 economic study reported CBRA has saved U.S. taxpayers $9.5 billion and is projected to save another $11-108 billion over the next 50 years. These protected coastal areas provide habitats for economically important fish and shellfish, recreational opportunities for hunters, and flood protection for nearby coastal communities. Acting as nature’s “speed bumps,” these coastal areas absorb impacts from storms and hurricanes and provide more than $23 billion per year in storm protection services nationwide. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, coastal wetlands prevented $625 million in property damages from Maine to North Carolina.

    “Coastal barriers provide significant economic and ecosystem benefits,” said Dr. Derek Aday, VIMS Dean & Director. “There is clear scientific evidence that these benefits are enhanced through policies that allow coastal barriers and their associated estuaries, lagoons, tidal flats, and wetlands to remain in their most natural state. Based on the evidence, VIMS supports the BEACH Act.”

    “The BEACH Act is a win-win for birds and people,” said Portia Mastin, Coastal Conservation Policy Manager at the National Audubon Society. “Expanding protected coastal areas not only ensures that shorebirds can nest, feed, and rest safely—it also provides a buffer of healthy beaches and wetlands to absorb storms and flooding that would otherwise put our coastal communities at risk.”

    “Birds tell us we must act on climate, as increased storms, droughts, and sea-level rise puts pressure on both our wildlife and communities around the country,” said Felice Stadler, Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Audubon Society. “These important bills provide balanced solutions to the dual biodiversity and climate crises that we are witnessing, and we are pleased to see them move forward.” 

    “Healthy coastal ecosystems provide numerous protections and benefits to both people and wildlife,” said Emily Donahoe, Policy Specialist for Resilient Coasts and Floodplains at National Wildlife Federation. “Expanding the Coastal Barrier Resources System is an important step to improve the resiliency of our coastlines, protect critical habitats, and save taxpayer dollars.”

    You can view the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed changes to the CBRA System in Delaware here.

    You can read the full text of the BEACH Act here and a one pager on the bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Blunt Rochester, Duckworth, Booker, Tlaib, Dingell, Lee Call for Expedited Review and Implementation of Biden Administration’s Proposed Strengthening of the Lead and Copper Rule

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL) and U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—co-founders of the new U.S. Senate Lead Task Force and the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—along with, Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) are calling on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expedite its review of the Biden Administration’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which would lower the lead action level to better protect human health and require water systems to replace old and deteriorating lead pipes within a decade. The lawmakers’ bicameral letter underscores the importance of OMB completing its review ahead of the October 16th finalization deadline to not only help ensure these important improvements are implemented as quickly as possible, but also prevent water systems from being forced to temporarily comply with the prior rule proposed by the Trump Administration—also known as the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)—which would put public health at risk. Congresswomen Blunt Rochester, Tlaib and Dingell are co-founders and co-leads of the Get the Lead Out Caucus in the House.

    In the letter, the lawmakers outlined what’s at stake if the proposed LCRI is not finalized by October 16th: “…water systems and states will be required to start complying immediately with the deeply problematic LCRR. EPA concluded that temporary implementation of the LCRR rule from the prior administration will create bureaucratic complexity and confusion for regulated entities, waste scarce resources, result in widespread non-compliance and risk delaying or failing to realize the full benefits of the LCRI… In addition to the unnecessary potential confusion and complexity, the prior administration’s LCRR would put public health at risk by implementing inadequate policies that do not meaningfully address the lead contamination problems in communities across the country.”

    In addition to preventing water systems from being forced to comply with Trump Administration’s previously proposed LCRR, swiftly finalizing the Biden Administration’s proposed LCRI would help ensure full implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions aimed at removing lead pipes and advancing environmental justice. The lawmakers wrote: “The commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA extends beyond the LCRI, but a timely final LCRI is necessary to stop the ongoing environmental health crises. The $15 billion in dedicated funding for lead pipe replacement and additional $11.7 billion in grants, loans and principal forgiveness made possible through Congress’s passage of Senator Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other sources, need the proposed LCRI to be finalized to ensure safe and expedient implementation.”

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA) and is the most significant federal investment in water infrastructure in history, including $15 billion for national lead pipe replacement. DWWIA, which focuses on disadvantaged communities, will help rebuild our nation’s crumbling and dangerous water infrastructure and enable communities to repair and modernize their failing wastewater systems.

    Along with Duckworth and Booker, the letter is co-signed in the Senate by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    Along with Blunt Rochester, Tlaib, Dingell and Lee, the letter is co-signed in the House by: Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Daniel Kildee (D-MI-08), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), John Sarbanes (D-MA-03), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-13), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Patrick Ryan (D-NY-18), Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Katie Porter (D-CA-47), David J. Trone (D-MD-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-08), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Gerald Connolly (D-VA-11), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) and Darren Soto (D-FL-09).

    After leading a dozen of their Senate colleagues in calling on EPA to strengthen and enforce the Lead and Copper Rule, Duckworth and Booker applauded the Biden Administration for heeding their request in November of last year. In February, Duckworth, Booker, Tlaib and Dingell urged the Biden Administration to strengthen the rule further by considering additional provisions that would improve and expedite the Biden Administration’s effort to remove all lead service lines from our nation.

    The letter is endorsed by: Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters, EarthJustice, Protect Kids From Lead Coalition, National Association of Water Companies, BlueGreen Alliance, Environmental Defense Fund, Unleaded Kids and National Center for Healthy Housing.

    The full letter can be found below or on Blunt Rochester’s website:

    Dear Director Young:

    We appreciate the Biden-Harris Administration’s bold leadership and substantial efforts to remove nearly all lead service lines from across our nation within 10 years.  The commitment to ensure safe, lead-free drinking water in every community has been evident through both federal investments and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) proposed rule that was published in December 2023 and submitted for finalization to the White House Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in August 2024. This proposal represents another critical step forward that will protect public health, create jobs and ensure a better future for our children. We write to underscore the importance of finalizing the LCRI before October 16, 2024, to avoid a default implementation of the previous administration’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

    As you know, if the rule is not finalized by October 16, water systems and states will be required to start complying immediately with the deeply problematic LCRR. EPA concluded that temporary implementation of the LCRR rule from the prior administration will create bureaucratic complexity and confusion for regulated entities, waste scarce resources, result in widespread non-compliance and risk delaying or failing to realize the full benefits of the LCRI. See 88 Fed. Reg. at 84,903, 84,967-69. In addition to the unnecessary potential confusion and complexity, the prior administration’s LCRR would put public health at risk by implementing inadequate policies that do not meaningfully address the lead contamination problems in communities across the country. 

    Finalizing the LCRI in a timely way also works to protect our most vulnerable.  Lead service lines are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. This increased risk of lead-contaminated drinking water factors into disadvantaged communities’ greater cumulative risk of lead exposure. Early lead exposure can lead to lasting behavioral and intellectual disabilities and research shows that children who were exposed to lead are more likely to have lower socioeconomic statuses than their parents in adulthood. But adults are not exempt from lead’s impacts; exposure causes cardiovascular and renal problems as well as an increase in all-cause mortality. There is no safe level of lead exposure.  

    The commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration and its EPA extends beyond the LCRI, but a timely final LCRI is necessary to stop the ongoing environmental health crises. The $15 billion in dedicated funding for lead pipe replacement and additional $11.7 billion in grants, loans and principal forgiveness made possible through Congress’s passage of Senator Duckworth’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other sources, need the proposed LCRI to be finalized to ensure safe and expedient implementation. 

    A timely final LCRI is necessary to immediately and urgently address lead contamination in communities across the country and remove the estimated 9 million service lines across the nation that contain lead. The final rule will ensure that safe and lead-free drinking water is available in all communities and we look forward to continue working with you on this effort. 

    Sincerely,

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Bank Issues Annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report for 2023

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Bank, a subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), today announced the publication of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report. The annual report provides a comprehensive overview of Amalgamated Bank’s performance in its approach to addressing ESG risk as a part of delivering value for clients and investors.

    “Amalgamated Bank’s unwavering commitment to operating with the best interest of our clients in mind is a cornerstone of our mission. We take pride in partnering with companies who prioritize environmental stewardship, champion social justice, and demonstrate exemplary corporate governance,” said Priscilla Sims Brown, Amalgamated Bank’s President and CEO. “And we continue our commitment to using our financial resources and corporate influence to advance economic, social and environmental change.”

    Highlights of the report include:

    Business Impact: Redefining Success

    In 2023, Amalgamated Bank achieved B-Corp recertification with a score of 155.3, almost double the score needed to qualify and over three times the score of an ordinary business; setting a new standard for corporate responsibility. Its funding to climate solutions totaled more than $2 billion representing more than 39% of its lending portfolio and Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) assessments. Nearly 70% of Amalgamated Bank’s lending portfolios are high-impact and 100% mission aligned.

    Climate Action: Leading the Charge on Sustainability

    Amalgamated Bank is also committed to aligning all of its business practices with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. While growing its total amount of loans and investments, Amalgamated Bank reported a fifth consecutive year of increasing the share dedicated to climate solutions. In 2023, Amalgamated Bank reported an industry leading emissions intensity of 14.7 tons of CO2e per million dollars invested and supported clean energy projects that resulted in 243,010 tons of avoided emissions.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Workforce that Reflects Our Values

    For the second year in a row, its pay equity analysis showed substantial parity in pay for women and minorities. Based on last year’s pay equity analysis, the Bank earned an “A” on Arjuna Capital’s Racial and Gender Pay Scorecard, the highest score in the financial sector. The Bank received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Index. The Bank’s workforce diversity data reveals that its commitment to building a diverse and vibrant workforce that reflects the communities it serves remains intact. In addition to EEO-1 aligned reporting, the Bank also discloses industry leading, workforce-related data on hiring, promotion, and departures.

    “We continue to develop financial products that prioritize environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns,” said Ivan Frishberg, Amalgamated Bank’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Every product and service we offer is designed with more than the bottom line in mind, ensuring our impact extends far beyond financial success. We are proud to lead by example and set new standards for what it means to be a responsible and forward-thinking financial institution.”

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of June 30, 2024, our total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.4 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of June 30, 2024, our trust business held $34.6 billion in assets under custody and $14.0 billion in assets under management.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    Source: Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. McGovern, Adams; Sen. Booker Introduce Climate-Smart Farm Conversion Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02), U.S. Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act (IACA), which would allow farmers to voluntarily convert their on-farm infrastructure toward more climate-friendly uses with USDA conservation dollars.

    The IACA would use existing agricultural conservation funds to support farmers transitioning from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to more sustainable and humane production systems. Reps. Adams and McGovern are leading the bill in the House, and Sen. Booker introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  

    “We need a food system that feeds everyone while doing right by the people, the planet, and animals” said Congressman McGovern. “Farmers are at the center of that vision, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Adams and Senator Booker so that we can empower farmers to break free from a broken system and thrive as independent producers.”

    “Farmers want to produce food in ways that are good for people and the planet, but aren’t always empowered to do so in a consolidated food system like ours. I’m thrilled to introduce the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act, which unlocks climate-forward conservation dollars to assist producers who want to transition out of the factory farm model,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Whether pasture-based or plant-based, farmers want to farm sustainably, humanely, and resiliently. I’m glad to support them in partnership with Representative McGovern, Senator Booker, and dozens of organizations on the ground.”

    “Corporate meatpackers use their market power to trap producers in the factory farm system with terrible profit margins and unsustainable debt,” said Senator Booker. “Their practices contribute to climate change and destroy rural communities. This legislation leverages conservation funding to give farmers a completely voluntary new path forward by providing them with the resources they need to transition to a more climate-friendly and humane production system that is good for people, animals, and the planet.”

    The IACA is the first stand-alone federal legislation to assist producers who want to make the move from intensive animal agriculture to pasture-based animal agriculture or specialty crop production. It would allow the USDA to create a grant program for eligible climate-smart conversion projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act’s pathbreaking investments in agricultural conservation. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Adams, Congressman McGovern, and Senator Booker all signed a letter cautioning against the use of IRA conservation money towards industrial agriculture; the IACA would ensure the integrity and effectiveness of these funds.

    “Factory farming is not just a nightmare for animals—contract farmers who were promised easy profits and the chance to ‘feed the world’ find themselves taking on seemingly endless debt to raise animals in this cruel industrial model, threatening the security of their families and farms,” said Kara Shannon, director of farm animal welfare policy for the ASPCA. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act offers resources to support farmers who are climbing the ladder out of the pit of factory farming and want to transition to more humane and economically sustainable practices. We commend Representatives Adams and McGovern, and Senator Booker for introducing this groundbreaking legislation to create a more compassionate food system that respects animals, farmers, rural communities and our environment.”  

    “The factory farming industry preys on our nation’s farmers by trapping them in exploitative contracts and depriving them of meaningful autonomy. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act seeks to promote competition in our food system by creating a program for farmers who wish to transition from the highly consolidated factory farming model to climate-smart practices, such as specialty crop production,” said Frances Chrzan, senior federal policy manager, the Transfarmation Project of Mercy For Animals. “We applaud Rep. Alma Adams, Rep. McGovern, and Sen. Cory Booker for introducing legislation to create kinder and more sustainable pathways for farmers, which will benefit not only farmers and our economy but human health, the environment, and farmed animals.”  

    “I know firsthand the difficulty both financially and socially in transitioning from a confinement animal system to a regenerative farming system, having transitioned our farm in 1996,” said Ron Holter of Holterholm Farms. “Financially there is often a lag time from the beginning of what can be an expensive transition to eventually achieving an improved income while the land heals and the livestock become accustomed to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Transitional funds like those provided in the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a blessing to farmers attempting to move to more regenerative, livestock friendly systems.”    

    “We took on over $400,000 in debt to become contract chicken farmers and came close to foreclosure when we decided to get out of industrial animal agriculture. When we cancelled our contract, the integrator came out to our farm, picked up their $20 sign and drove away without another thought,” said Paula Boles, co-owner of JB Farms. “We know too many farmers have similar stories of being exploited by integrators and left with few options to keep their farms going. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would help support farmers like us across the country who want to transition to more sustainable and economically viable farming systems.”  

    “In North Carolina’s Duplin and Sampson counties, hogs outnumber people by approximately 30-to-1. The vast majority of these industrial agricultural operations use an outdated cesspit and spray field system in which hog feces and urine are flushed into open-air pits and sprayed onto nearby fields, causing higher rates of anemia, kidney disease, and infant mortality among local communities,” said Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the NC Environmental Justice Network. “NCEJN applauds Rep. Alma Adams, from North Carolina, for introducing the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act and speaking up for the contract farmers, trapped as serfs on their own land, and the communities who are struggling against this polluting industry.”  

    “Too many farmers have been exploited and trapped in the factory farm system for too long, which is why Farm Aid applauds the introduction of the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act,” said Hannah Tremblay, Policy and Advocacy Manager of Farm Aid. “We’re especially excited that livestock farmers will have an opportunity to be a part of the solution to climate change through the funding for climate-smart conversion projects.”  

    “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act will release farmers ensnared in the highly flawed industrial animal agriculture model and usher in much-needed sustainable food and farm system reform. ‘Get Big or Get Out’ has failed farmers, rural communities, and our country. The IACA will help farmers and rural America get out from under CAFOs and thrive,” said Harry Manin, deputy legislative director of the Sierra Club.  

    “The factory farm system that traps farmers under mountains of debt and damages rural communities, public health and the environment didn’t happen by accident,” said Patty Lovera of the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. “Factory farms are the result of decades of failed enforcement, bad farm policy and direct government support, including federally-guaranteed loans for new factory farms. The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act would be a critical first step in the transition away from factory farms to a system based on independent, family farm livestock production.”  

    “Today’s factory farm system stacks the cards against farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment while letting Big Ag corporations reap all the rewards. The Industrial Agricultural Conversion Act is an important opportunity to transition our food and agriculture sector away from factory farms and an important lifeline for those squeezed by corporate consolidation,” said Rebecca Wolf, senior food policy analyst for Food and Water Watch.  

    “This bill would give small farmers more control over their operations to not have the larger corporations controlling what they do on their own farms. Factory farms put a strain on our health. This gives those farmers an opportunity to create a better product for our communities and consumers and improve our food system as a whole,” said Philip Barker, farmer and co-founder/co-project director of Operation Spring Plant, Inc. 

    “More than ever before, consumers want the assurance that the products they buy are aligned with their values. The data shows us that 80% of U.S. consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President of the American Sustainable Business Network. “In just the last few years, the sale of meat with labels boasting environmental and labor benefits increased 18% compared to conventionally labeled meat products. In addition, the sustainable fashion industry market is expected to more than double to $15 billion by 2030. Sustainable business is no longer just about doing the right thing, it’s also a wise investment and makes good business sense. Once farmers can move out of the industrial model, they will see higher profits and more resiliency to extreme weather and volatile markets, the Industrial Agriculture Conservation Act will begin to provide the needed support to take that first step to transition.”  

    “Over a decade ago I began to transition away from conventional cattle production to more sustainable, humane and regenerative practices and I’ve seen more benefits than I can name in the health of my animals and land. But without the kind of support this legislation offers, doing the right thing has been a slow and extremely risky process for myself and farmers like me across the country,” said Don Jackson, owner of Pompey’s Rest Farm. “The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act gives farmers a way out of a destructive system that’s squeezing them dry, and that’s a wonderful thing.” Specifically, the IACA would:

    Create a new grant program within the existing USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), using funds provided for climate-smart conservation practices by the IRA 

    Provide grants for on-farm infrastructure improvements to convert medium or large CAFOs to either crop production or pasture-based livestock operations 

    Require that grant recipients permanently cease operation of a CAFO within 180 days 

    Prevent grant funds from being misused for new unsustainable facilities, such as methane digesters or manure lagoons 

    Require 10% non-federal cost-sharing, with the option of lower cost-sharing amounts for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers 

    Protect grant applicants from retaliation under the Packers and Stockyards Act

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: H&R Block Publishes Fifth Annual ESG Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today published its fifth Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024). The Annual ESG Report reflects H&R Block’s ongoing commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible business practices in key areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and more.

    “At H&R Block, our Purpose is to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere. As part of this Purpose, we believe in doing our part to be a responsible corporate citizen – which has been a part of our culture and aspirations from the very beginning,” said Jeff Jones, president, and CEO of H&R Block. “Together, we can continue to deliver on our Purpose and make a positive impact.”

    Notable highlights from the 2024 Annual ESG Report include:

    • On the Environmental front, H&R Block’s ‘Path to Print Less’ initiative reduced the number of total pages printed across its retail footprint by 36%. The company also introduced a new associate-led composting program at its corporate headquarters’ public cafeteria and sharpened its GHG emissions inventory by adding additional categories to its Scope 3 calculation.
    • Within the Social category, the company furthered its commitment to easing the financial burdens of clients, continued to honor co-founders Henry and Richard Bloch’s legacy of service, and gave back to local communities through its Make Every Block Better impact platform.
      • Spruce1, H&R Block’s mobile banking platform, is delivering on its mission to help people be better with money
        • Since launch through June 30, 2024, Spruce had 476K sign ups and is nearing a milestone of $1B in customer deposits. The company saw positive deposit trends, indicating Spruce is empowering clients to grow their financial health, and build financial literacy.
      • The launch of H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist tool in all DIY Online paid SKUs
        • The genAI powered experience was designed to streamline the tax preparation process for clients to file and manage their taxes confidently. The technology performed well as feedback indicated that the tool was easy to use, helpful in the tax prep process, and clients found value in it.
      • The inaugural year of ‘Fund Her Future’, H&R Block’s small business grant program
        • H&R Block provided $100K in funds and services to empower select women-owned businesses—particularly those focused on making a difference in their communities—to reach their full potential.
      • Supporting Connected Culture and more in-person engagement through Block Party events
        • Centered around bringing local associates and teams together, H&R Block introduced quarterly Block Party events at their corporate headquarters in Kansas City. Attendees had the opportunity to attend several Belonging events, networking sessions, professional panels, and other various engagement activities.
    • Regarding Governance, H&R Block strives to maintain a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout all levels of the organization. The company is committed to strong ethical practices, responsible decision-making, and effective governance structures.

    For more information and to read H&R Block’s FY24 Annual ESG Report, click here.

    1 Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC.

    About H&R Block

    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time, and be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are we seeing more pandemics? Our impact on the planet has a lot to do with it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olga Anikeeva, Research Fellow, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide

    ImageFlow/Shutterstock

    Pandemics – the global spread of infectious diseases – seem to be making a comeback. In the Middle Ages we had the Black Death (plague), and after the first world war we had the Spanish flu. Tens of millions of people died from these diseases.

    Then science began to get the upper hand, with vaccination eradicating smallpox, and polio nearly so. Antibiotics became available to treat bacterial infections, and more recently antivirals as well.

    But in recent years and decades pandemics seem to be returning. In the 1980s we had HIV/AIDS, then several flu pandemics, SARS, and now COVID (no, COVID isn’t over).

    So why is this happening, and is there anything we can do to avert future pandemics?

    Unbalanced ecosystems

    Healthy, stable ecosystems provide services that keep us healthy, such as supplying food and clean water, producing oxygen, and making green spaces available for our recreation and wellbeing.

    Another key service ecosystems provide is disease regulation. When nature is in balance – with predators controlling herbivore populations, and herbivores controlling plant growth – it’s more difficult for pathogens to emerge in a way that causes pandemics.

    But when human activities disrupt and unbalance ecosystems – such as by way of climate change and biodiversity loss – things go wrong.

    For example, climate change affects the number and distribution of plants and animals. Mosquitoes that carry diseases can move from the tropics into what used to be temperate climates as the planet warms, and may infect more people in the months that are normally disease free.

    We’ve studied the relationship between weather and dengue fever transmission in China, and our findings support the same conclusion reached by many other studies: climate change is likely to put more people at risk of dengue.

    COVID was not the first pandemic, and is unlikely to be the last.
    Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

    Biodiversity loss can have similar effects by disrupting food chains. When ranchers cleared forests in South America for their cattle to graze in the first half of the 20th century, tiny forest-dwelling, blood-feeding vampire bats suddenly had a smörgåsbord of large sedentary animals to feed on.

    While vampire bats had previously been kept in check by the limited availability of food and the presence of predators in the balanced forest ecosystem, numbers of this species exploded in South America.

    These bats carry the rabies virus, which causes lethal brain infections in people who are bitten. Although the number of deaths from bat-borne rabies has now fallen dramatically due to vaccination programs in South America, rabies caused by bites from other animals still poses a global threat.

    As urban and agricultural development impinges on natural ecosystems, there are increasing opportunities for humans and domestic animals to become infected with pathogens that would normally only be seen in wildlife – particularly when people hunt and eat animals from the wild.

    The HIV virus, for example, first entered human populations from apes that were slaughtered for food in Africa, and then spread globally through travel and trade.

    Meanwhile, bats are thought to be the original reservoir for the virus that caused the COVID pandemic, which has killed more than 7 million people to date.

    Climate change can affect the distribution of animals which carry disease, such as mosquitoes.
    Kwangmoozaa/Shutterstock

    Ultimately, until we effectively address the unsustainable impact we are having on our planet, pandemics will continue to occur.

    Targeting the ultimate causes

    Factors such as climate change, biodiversity loss and other global challenges are the ultimate (high level) cause of pandemics. Meanwhile, increased contact between humans, domestic animals and wildlife is the proximate (immediate) cause.

    In the case of HIV, while direct contact with the infected blood of apes was the proximate cause, the apes were only being slaughtered because large numbers of very poor people were hungry – an ultimate cause.

    The distinction between ultimate causes and proximate causes is important, because we often deal only with proximate causes. For example, people may smoke because of stress or social pressure (ultimate causes of getting lung cancer), but it’s the toxins in the smoke that cause cancer (proximate cause).

    Generally, health services are only concerned with stopping people from smoking – and with treating the illness that results – not with removing the drivers that lead them to smoke in the first place.

    Similarly, we address pandemics with lockdowns, mask wearing, social distancing and vaccinations – all measures which seek to stop the spread of the virus. But we pay less attention to addressing the ultimate causes of pandemics – until perhaps very recently.

    Often we treat the proximate causes of illness, but not the ultimate causes.
    Basil MK/Pexels

    A planetary health approach

    There’s a growing awareness of the importance of adopting a “planetary health” approach to improve human health. This concept is based on the understanding that human health and human civilisation depend on flourishing natural systems, and the wise stewardship of those natural systems.

    With this approach, ultimate drivers like climate change and biodiversity loss would be prioritised in preventing future pandemics, at the same time as working with experts from many different disciplines to deal with the proximate causes, thereby reducing the risk overall.

    The planetary health approach has the benefit of improving both the health of the environment and human health concurrently. We are heartened by the increased uptake of teaching planetary health concepts across the environmental sciences, humanities and health sciences in many universities.

    As climate change, biodiversity loss, population displacements, travel and trade continue to increase the risk of disease outbreaks, it’s vital that the planetary stewards of the future have a better understanding of how to tackle the ultimate causes that drive pandemics.

    This article is the first in a series on the next pandemic.

    Olga Anikeeva receives funding from Green Adelaide.

    Jessica Stanhope receives funding from the Ecological Health Network and Green Adelaide. She is affiliated with the Environmental Physiotherapy Association.

    Peng Bi receives funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, AusAID,

    Philip Weinstein receives funding from competitive external granting bodies. He is affiliated with Nature Foundation, Australian Entomological Society, and the South Australian Museum.

    – ref. Why are we seeing more pandemics? Our impact on the planet has a lot to do with it – https://theconversation.com/why-are-we-seeing-more-pandemics-our-impact-on-the-planet-has-a-lot-to-do-with-it-226827

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 316 stolen vehicles recovered in intensification week

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Recovered vehicles valued at over £4m in total with 180 arrests made

    • Partnership working to tackle vehicle crime
    • 180 arrests made relating to vehicle crime, including burglary
    • NaVCIS-led operations at ports recovered stolen vehicles destined for overseas

    The first intensification week as part of national policing’s Operation Alliances to tackle serious organised vehicle crime has concluded with 316 stolen vehicles recovered with an estimated value of over £4m.

    The stolen vehicles included cars, motorcycles, lorries, scrap vehicles and various vehicle parts linked to thefts were also recovered.

    Op Alliances is delivered by Opal, policing’s national intelligence team for serious organised acquisitive crime, and brought together a number of organisations working in partnership with policing to stem the flow of stolen vehicles leaving the UK and support enforcement action at ports.

    Vehicle crime is on the increase, with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) recording a 29 per cent increase in vehicles identified at ports in the second quarter of 2024. There’s evidence from Opal’s analysis that vehicle crime forms a large part of serious organised acquisitive crime, presenting a significant risk which damages communities and industry.

    Op Alliances is policing’s targeted approach to tackling this criminality with partners including NaVCIS, the Ports Police, Home Office, Border Force, manufacturers, Europol, Interpol, the National Crime Agency and many others (see full list in notes to editors).

    Activity took place across nine different ports, acting on intelligence to locate stolen vehicles and parts destined for overseas markets.

    Police forces across England and Wales took part in the week, engaging with local communities to offer crime prevention advice and initiatives to support vehicle owners in keeping their vehicles safe, as well as encouraging reporting of thefts. 180 arrests were made across the country for vehicle crime-related offences, including burglary and theft of car keys which is an increasingly common tactic used by criminals.

    Forces conducted multiple search warrants, locating and closing down a number of ‘chop shops’, (locations where stolen vehicles are broken down into parts) as well as engaging with scrap metal and motor salvage businesses around enforcement and guidance.

    Many seizures were also made of offensive weapons, theft devices, thousands of pounds in cash, suspected stolen tools, suspected stolen plant and agricultural equipment and a large quantity of drugs.

    Assistant Chief Constable, Jenny Sims is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime. She said:

    “This intensification week has seen policing, local enforcement, partners and the industry coming together in a targeted effort to tackle some of the highest harm offenders in vehicle crime and the results speak for themselves.

    “We know that organised crime groups are responsible for a significant proportion of vehicle thefts, whether to export high-end vehicles overseas or to break them up for parts. We also know that stolen vehicles are used in poly-criminality, for example in other areas of acquisitive crime but also drug offending and modern slavery, so tackling these groups can be extremely impactful.

    “I’m grateful to all of our partner agencies and organisations who are instrumental in this fight against vehicle crime. The intensification activity this week has supported us in driving intelligence gathering and sharing, as well as our operational work together and I look forward to seeing the results continue.”

    Sharon Naughton is Head of NaVCIS. She said:

    “The Port of Felixstowe handles more than four million shipping containers per year. The challenge of locating stolen cars in shipping containers can seem like a needle in a haystack. NaVCIS intelligence and analysis helps to make the needle bigger and the haystack smaller when disrupting this type of criminality.

    “NaVCIS bridge the gap between policing and industry. The vehicle crime intensification week has been a huge success, particularly at ports, where NaVCIS officers work hard every day of the year to intercept and seize stolen vehicles before they are exported overseas. Through our well-established and positive relationships with industry partners and law enforcement colleagues, we proactively investigate this type of serious and organised acquisitive crime to develop intelligence to increase opportunities to bring offenders to justice.

    “Our port operations are vital to tackle vehicle crime, deprive criminals of assets and return cars to their rightful owners.”

    DCI Lee Newman-West is Head of Operations at Opal, the team which coordinated the national activity. He said:

    “Opal is committed to tackling serious organised acquisitive crime (SOAC) and the team work tirelessly with law enforcement agencies and a host of key partners and industry colleagues within the UK and overseas to enhance our intelligence flows and understanding of key threats.

    “We continue to champion and drive multi-agency responses to support collaboration and operational activity, tackling vehicle crime and wider SOAC threats in partnership. We will do all we can to disrupt this criminality and protect our communities.”

    Key partners involved in delivering the intensification activity to date: (not exhaustive):

    • Opal- National Intelligence Unit for Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime (SOAC)
    • NaVCIS- National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service
    • NCA- National Crime Agency
    • JICC- Joint International Crime Centre
    • FLEC- Foreign Law Enforcement Community
    • Europol
    • Interpol
    • Home office intelligence
    • Port of Dover Police
    • UK Police forces
    • Vehicle examiners
    • UKBF- Border Force
    • MACC- Multi Agency cash cell
    • FTT- Federated Tasking team
    • National APMIS team
    • NICRP- National Infrastructure Crime Reduction Partnership
    • BTP- British Transport Police
    • Environment Agency
    • Crime Prevention Initiatives
    • National vehicle crime tactical lead
    • ROCU disruptions teams- Regional Organised Crime Units
    • GAIN- Government Agency Intelligence Network
    • NCATT- National Construction Agricultural Theft Team
    • ANPR specialists
    • Tracker companies including Tracker and W4G
    • MPS Organised vehicle team
    • Essex Stolen vehicle unit
    • Industry partners/ manufacturers
    • Jaguar Land Rover
    • Toyota Lexus
    • Finance companies
    • Association of British Insurers (ABI)
    • US Homeland Security
    • Cargo Secure, Suffolk Police.
    • Home Office
    • Recovery agents and VRS teams

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Groundbreaking study revises the origins of biodiversity An international team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our understanding of how global biodiversity evolved.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The findings of the study could revolutionise the way we think about the evolution of biodiversityAn international team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our understanding of how global biodiversity evolved.
    By reconstructing the evolution of species over the past 45 million years, researchers found that the geographic origins of many plants, insects and mammals are more closely linked than previously thought.
    Led by the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with Bangor University in Wales, Lakehead University in Canada, and several Indonesian institutes including IPB University in Bogor, the team used Southeast Asia – one of the world’s most biodiversity-rich regions – as a natural laboratory to trace the geographic origins of a wide range of species.
    Their findings challenge long-standing theories that groups of flora and fauna evolved separately on different landmasses before diversifying across the region.
    Central to this research is a new evolutionary model, developed at the University of Aberdeen, which enabled the team to include extinct species in their analysis for the first time.
    This innovative approach has not only provided a more complete evolutionary picture but has paved the way for a fresh understanding of how biodiversity arose and spread across landmasses. The model is now being used in international collaborations to revisit the evolutionary history of other continents, promising to reshape our understanding of global biodiversity.
    “We wondered whether several groups of plants and animals could have the same geographic origin as new geological evidence contrasted with current reconstructions of species’ origin and spread,” said Dr Leonel Herrera Alsina, Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen’s School of Biological Sciences. “However, the ongoing extinction of species throughout evolution takes away key information to reconstruct the past.”
    The inclusion of extinct species in the modelling process allowed researchers to trace evolutionary patterns further back in time, revealing that many groups of species in Southeast Asia spread across the entire region earlier than previously thought.
    This result reinforces the idea that land bridges existed and acted as stepping stones in the spread of species out of Borneo and Continental Asia.
    “Previous methods ignored the impact of extinct species but, by incorporating them, we’ve been able to create a more accurate and comprehensive picture of how the incredible biodiversity of this region evolved,” said Professor Lesley Lancaster, Personal Chair at the University of Aberdeen.
    “This new understanding aligns with recent geological findings and could transform how we view the origins and spread of species globally.”
    Professor David Burslem, Director of the Interdisciplinary Institute at the University of Aberdeen, emphasised the broader significance of the study: “This research underscores the importance of studying ecological and geological processes in unison. The evolutionary patterns we see today are deeply intertwined with the region’s geological history. Integrating these disciplines allows us to better understand the origins of biodiversity and how it has developed over millions of years.”
    The study, published this week by the Royal Society, sheds new light on the evolutionary history of life on Earth and offers valuable insights into how evolutionary processes can be integrated into conservation prioritisation, helping to safeguard biodiversity as ecosystems face increasing pressures from climate change.
    “Our findings revolutionise the way we think about the evolution of biodiversity, not just in Southeast Asia but globally,” added Professor Justin Travis, Personal Chair at the University of Aberdeen. “This model, now being used in collaborations around the world, opens the door to revisiting long-held theories about evolution on other continents as well.
    “The work sets the stage for future research that will revise our understanding of how species have adapted and diversified over millions of years.”
    The research was funded by UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The paper is published in the journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lebanon rolls out measures to shelter displaced

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Lebanese ministers announced on Tuesday measures to shelter 27,000 displaced persons from southern Lebanon and suspension of educational activities until the end of the week due to ongoing Israeli raids.

    The 27,000 displaced were seeking refuge in 252 shelters, according to Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin.

    Yassin said in a press conference for the Ministerial Emergency Committee that “the national operations room and the Higher Relief Commission have been activated to secure the basic needs of the displaced.”

    For his part, Minister of Education and Higher Education Abbas Halabi suspended educational activities in the country until the end of this week while demanding that public schools be opened to receive the displaced.

    He said that in current circumstances, the closure of educational and vocational institutions in the governorates of the south, Nabatieh, Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and the southern suburbs will be extended until the end of this week. The suspension of classes in schools and universities in the governorates of Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and North will also be extended, the minister added.

    Worries about food security and fuel shortages have prompted local citizens to stockpile food and fuel products, alarming officials about a potential rapid depletion of the country’s reserve stock.

    In this regard, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam called on the public to rationalize the storage of food and vital commodities.

    “Let the goods be stored for a week or two or even a month and not more, to ensure that the rest of the citizens obtain their need for basic commodities under the current circumstances,” Salam said.

    He noted that the current wheat stock in the local market is adequate for at least two months and assured the public that supplies are being consistently secured.

    Fuel stations also witnessed a great demand in light of the escalation of Israeli raids, prompting Minister of Energy and Water Walid Fayyad to reassure citizens that “the necessary reserves of petroleum derivatives are available in the medium term.”

    Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanon-Israel border since Oct. 8, 2023.

    On Monday, Israel began its most extensive bombardment of Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths, including civilians, and over 1,800 injuries across the country. The casualty tolls and the intensity of the attacks have caused panic among Lebanese people.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Department of Health commemorates World Environmental Health Day

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    The Department of Health is joining the global community in commemorating World Environmental Health Day (WEHD). 

    The 26th of September 2024 marks the 13th WEHD to raise awareness about environmental health issues and promote actions to improve and protect the environment for the wellbeing of all living creatures, including humans. 

    South Africa’s WEHD kicked off today, 25 September, and will continue until tomorrow at the Wild Coast Sun International, in Port Edward, Eastern Cape. 

    According to the department, environmental health is critical in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction to create resilient and sustainable communities. 

    “Climate change and disaster risks are fundamental threats to sustainable development, the living and health conditions for all humans on the globe and the reduction of poverty,” the department said. 

    The department believes the negative impacts of environmental health issues threaten to roll back decades of development gains. 

    “Building resilient and sustainable communities means addressing both climate change and disaster risks, and integrating these risks and potential opportunities into development planning and budgeting.”

    This year’s WEHD commemoration will focus on creating resilient communities through disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation and adaptation, which has been adopted in alignment with all the environmental health functions.

    The event will be attended by political principals and environmental health experts. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample
    Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample
    *****************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 25) that a sample of prepackaged frozen jade perch was detected with a veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. Members of the public should not consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it. The CFS is following up on the case.      Product details are as follows:Product name: JADE PERCH FISHBrand: (Not available in English)Net weight: 251 grams to 300gBest-before date: February 25, 2025Distributor: Inspire Foodie Limited     A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained chloramphenicol at a level of one microgram per kilogram.     “The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. According to the CFS’s instructions, the distributor has initiated a recall on the affected batch of the product. Members of the public may call its hotline at 9778 8484 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned,” the spokesman added.     According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no fish (including shellfish) sold in Hong Kong for human consumption is allowed to contain chloramphenicol. Offenders will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.     The CFS will alert the trade and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 17:44

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping to prevent domestic homicides and suicides

    Source: Scottish Government

    Review process will ensure lessons are learned from each case.

    Legislative proposals to help reduce the number of domestic homicides and suicides in Scotland have been published in Parliament.

    If passed by MSPs, the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill, would require a robust new review process to take place following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is known or suspected.

    The reviews will ensure justice, health, social care, local government and third sector agencies identify and agree any areas for change and improvement so further deaths may be prevented.

    Those with direct experience of domestic abuse and families who have been bereaved because of such abuse overwhelmingly backed the plans for this national multi-agency review model during a public consultation.

    The model, informed by the work of a Scottish Government-led multi-agency Taskforce, is a key part of the new Bill. 

    As the Bill was published, an information board at a previously unmarked memorial cairn in Holyrood Park was installed by Historic Environment Scotland. The cairn, built in memorial to domestic homicide victim Margaret Hall, who was murdered by her husband in 1720, was visited by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and partners involved in developing the review model.

    Elsewhere, the new Bill proposes measures to modernise the justice sector through greater use of digital technology, including evidence-sharing, and efficient processes. It will make permanent a number of temporary measures put in place during the COVID pandemic which have improved how the criminal justice system works and which have support to become permanent measures. The reforms include allowing more ‘virtual’ attendance at criminal courts, electronic signing and sending of documents in criminal cases and increasing the maximum level of fiscal fines that can be imposed.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “One death involving domestic abuse is one too many. While overall homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number of victims who are killed by a partner or ex-partner, with the vast majority being women.

    “Our plans for a new review process will ensure agencies across justice, health, social care, local government and the third sector are working together to identify what lessons can be learned following known or suspected domestic abuse deaths. I hope that identifying what needs to improve will mean there are fewer deaths of this kind. Ultimately, however, the change we need to see will only happen when those who perpetrate domestic abuse – the majority of whom are men – change their actions and behaviour.

    “This is a dual-purpose Bill and some of the criminal justice measures included are already delivering better outcomes and experiences for those using justice services, so it is right that we look to make them permanent. The Bill, which is backed by justice partners including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, also supports greater use of digital technology, which will modernise the justice system even further.”

    Fiona Drouet, founder and CEO of EmilyTest, said:

    “The introduction of domestic homicide and suicide reviews marks a critical step forward in Scotland. These reviews will help us better understand the warning signs so often missed before a tragedy. They will be crucial in helping to prevent so many avoidable deaths, whether by murder or suicide.

    “I am privileged to have been invited to chair the Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Task and Finish Group under the Taskforce, helping to ensure that lessons are learned and precious lives are not lost. Through the support and expertise of my depute chair, Sarah Dangar, and the wider group, I am confident we will ensure meaningful lessons are learned.”

    Kate Wallace, Chief Executive at Victim Support Scotland, said:

    “The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review offers a unique opportunity for lessons to be learned from homicides and suicides within the context of domestic abuse in Scotland, so that we can help ensure these types of crimes can be prevented. 

    “We welcome the opportunity to bring forward legislation which will embed this entirely new approach for Scotland, and fully acknowledge the work and collective efforts required to address the unique issues inherent to this type of crime. We welcome these progressive measures, especially how victims will be considered within the legislation.”

    Background

    Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill

    The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model is being developed by the Scottish Government’s Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, Model Development Subgroup and ‘Task and Finish’ Groups.

    The commitment to developing a domestic homicide review model is within the Equally Safe Delivery Plan.

    Domestic Homicide Reviews: Consultation Analysis

    For further information about the cairn, contact Historic Environment Scotland – communications@hes.scot; 07721 959 962

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR Investment Partners unveils second vintage of High-Income Infrastructure Debt Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE | September 25, 2024 N° 02- 2024

    SCOR Investment Partners unveils second vintage of High-Income Infrastructure Debt Strategy

    SCOR Investment Partners announces the launch of SCORLUX High Income Infrastructure Loans II, a sub-fund of SCORLUX SICAV-RAIF.

    The fund marks the second vintage of SCOR Investment Partners’ multi-investor high-income infrastructure debt strategy, following the successful deployment of its inaugural fund, SCORLUX High Income Infrastructure Loans.

    The new fund offers flexible and innovative unitranche or junior/mezzanine secured debt solutions to infrastructure projects or companies. It provides investors with a diversified portfolio, offering attractive risk-adjusted returns for a sub-investment grade profile.

    SCORLUX High Income Infrastructure Loans II will invest in strategically important infrastructure sectors for EU countries, including renewable energy, digital infrastructure and transportation networks. The fund will also support initiatives related to decarbonization, energy efficiency and green mobility.

    In line with SCOR Investment Partners’ sustainable investment philosophy, the fund’s investments will focus on financing low-carbon activities and those with a positive environmental contribution, such as circular economy initiatives and pollution prevention. SCORLUX High Income Infrastructure Loans II is classified as Article 9 under the European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and has been granted the LuxFLAG Environment Applicant label. 

    A European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) and accessible to institutional investors, the fund has already secured an investment commitment of EUR 100 million from the SCOR Group, ensuring strong alignment of interest, and is targeting a total fund size of EUR 500 million.

    Paola Basentini, Head of Infrastructure Debt at SCOR Investment Partners, commented: “Following the success of our first high-income infrastructure debt vintage, we are proud to offer investors access to a new, carefully selected, portfolio of diversified investments. These investments will provide attractive returns while contributing effectively to the energy transition”.

    Louis Bourrousse, CEO of SCOR Investment Partners, added: “We have been an active player in infrastructure debt since 2013. With our second-vintage high-income infrastructure debt fund, we offer access to a valuable niche market that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Our infrastructure team leverages its proven sourcing skills and strong track record to deploy this new fund.”

    With EUR 2.4 billion of investments completed across 80 infrastructure debt transactions since 2013, SCOR Investment Partners’ infrastructure team has been a pioneer in offshore wind, fiber networks, and sustainable datacenters investing. The team focuses on building well-diversified portfolios through secured project structures based on stable, predictable, and generally inflation-protected cash flows.

    – End –

    CONTACTS

    About SCOR Investment Partners

    Financing the sustainable development of societies, together.

    SCOR Investment Partners is the asset management company of the SCOR Group. Created in 2008 and accredited by the Autorité des Marches financiers, the French financial market regulatory body, in May 2009 (no. GP09000006). SCOR Investment Partners has more than 80 employees and is structured around seven management desks: Fixed Income, Corporate Loans, Infrastructure Loans, Direct Real Estate, Real Estate Loans, Insurance-Linked Securities and Fund Selection. Since 2012, SCOR Investment Partners has given institutional investors access to some of the investment strategies developed for the SCOR Group. Assets managed for outside investors totaled EUR 7.6 billion as of June 30, 2024. As of that same date, SCOR Investment Partners had total assets under management of EUR 20.5 billion (including undrawn commitments).

    Visit the SCOR Investment Partners website at: www.scor-ip.com

    This advertising communication, intended exclusively for journalists and professionals of the press and media, is produced for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, invitation, or recommendation to purchase any service or investment product.

    Before making any final investment decision, you must read all regulatory documents of the Fund, available free of charge upon request, from the Sales & Marketing team of SCOR Investment Partners SE.

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Announces New Investments to Protect Freshwater Resources, Enhance Drought and Climate  Resilience

    Source: The White House

    Our nation’s lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and wetlands are fundamental to the health, prosperity, and resilience of our communities and are held sacred by many Tribal Nations. They are not only the sources of clean drinking water that flows into the taps of our homes, but are also economic drivers supporting jobs and outdoor recreation across the nation. By absorbing and storing carbon, our nation’s waterways and wetlands – and the forests, grasslands, and farmlands they nourish – also play a critical role in the fight against climate change.

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to secure clean water for all communities, protect our vital freshwater resources, and mitigate the impacts of drought. Given that communities often acutely experience the climate crisis through water-related impacts – from floods and droughts to polluted drinking sources and waterways – this Administration is making historic investments through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to protect, conserve, and restore our freshwater basins and ecosystems.

    Meanwhile, many Republicans in Congress continue to deny the very existence of climate change and remain committed to repealing the President’s Inflation Reduction Act – the biggest climate protection bill ever – which would undermine the health, safety, and economic vitality of their own constituents.

    Today, during Climate Week, the White House is announcing new funding and whole-of-government initiatives that build upon its ambitious freshwater agenda and help restore and conserve our freshwater resources and address climate impacts felt across the nation:

    • Investing in Long-Term Colorado River Basin Resilience: The Biden-Harris Administration is leading a comprehensive effort to make Western communities more resilient to climate change and address the ongoing megadrought across the region, including the Colorado River Basin, by harnessing the full resources of President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda. The Administration’s investments in the Lower Colorado River Basin bridge the immediate need for water conservation while moving toward improved system efficiency and more durable long-term solutions. Overall, the funding for long-term water conservation initiatives in the Lower Basin is expected to save more than 1 million acre-feet of water, putting the Basin on a path to a more resilient and sustainable water future.
      • The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is announcing the execution of the first three contracts for long-term water conservation under the Lower Colorado Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program. Totaling approximately $107 million, taken together these first three projects – all with the Gila River Indian Community in the Lower Colorado River Basin of Arizona – will provide over 73,000 acre-feet of water conservation to support the sustainability of Lake Mead while also helping ensure long-term water resilience for the Community. The Bureau of Reclamation is also working on the companion program for the Upper Basin, which will provide additional water savings for the Basin’s long-term sustainability.
      • The Bureau of Reclamation is working with the following sponsors in the Lower Colorado Basin to negotiate water conservation contracts for ten additional proposed projects, including:
        • City of Phoenix
        • City of Tucson
        • Coachella Valley Water District
        • Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association & Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District
        • San Diego County Water Authority
        • Southern Nevada Water Authority
        • The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
        • Town of Gilbert
    • The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is also signing agreements with the Imperial Irrigation District and the Bard Water District in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District in California to ensure the conservation of up to 717,100acre-feet of water by 2026. This water will remain in Lake Mead in an effort to benefit the Colorado River System and its users.
    • Investing in Indian Country: The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation has announced historic Tribal water infrastructure investments totaling over $1.2 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, Reclamation Water Settlement funding, and annual appropriations. This includes a new investment of $9.4 million for Tribal drought relief and technical assistance projects that will restore wetlands, improve irrigation efficiency, and support groundwater monitoring.
    • Reconnecting Waterways and Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems: With over $3 billion in funding for ecosystem restoration and fish passage projects, the Investing in America agenda is helping secure cleaner rivers, safer communities, greater recreational opportunities, and improved fish and wildlife habitat, driving change across the landscape for people, communities, species, and ecosystems.
      • The Administration is announcing a suite of 10 transformational fish passage projects that to date have received over $150 million from eight Federal agencies. When completed, these fish passage and aquatic connectivity projects – located in communities from Maine to Ohio to California – will reconnect nearly 5,000 miles of rivers and streams across the United States. Reconnecting waterways allows natural functions to be restored in freshwater systems, improving their climate resilience and water quality, and therefore their ability to protect communities from catastrophic floods, droughts, catastrophic wildfire, and water pollution. Improving fish passage and reconnecting aquatic systems is one of the most effective ways to help conserve vulnerable species, while building safer infrastructure for communities and improving climate resilience. To date, the Administration has spent over $970 million on more than 600 fish passage projects in 45 states across the country.
      • The Department of the Interior today is announcing an additional $92 million in new resources from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program to help restore important salmon and other native fish habitat across the West. These projects, when complete, will provide increased water quality, floodplain stability, and drought resiliency.
    • Collaborating with Stakeholders to Protect Freshwater Systems: At a Climate Week NYC event focused on the Global Freshwater Challenge, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory announced a doubling of new partners in the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge – a nationwide initiative to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of our nation’s rivers and streams by 2030. Over 100 members from across the country initially signed on to support freshwater restoration in their communities. That number has now more than doubled to over 211, including 14 states, 16 Tribal entities, 27 local governments, and 79 private sector members.

    Today’s announcements build on recent actions that deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring safe drinking water, including providing approximately $1 billion in funding to bring safe, clean water to Tribal communities; finalizing the first-ever standard to protect communities from toxic “forever chemicals,” along with rulemakings to hold polluters responsible for PFAS cleanup and to enhance safeguards against dangerous chemical spills in our nation’s waters; and continuing to deliver on President Biden’s goal to replace every lead pipe in America in the next decade. The Department of the Interior has invested more than $6.95 billion to fund over 831 Western water projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act; the Environmental Protection Agency has leveraged more than $9 billion in the last two years alone to communities across the West; and other agencies from the Department of Agriculture to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to make investments that increase water availability, reduce water use, and enhance resilience.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – WHO recognizes healthy, innovative cities across Asia

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    SEOUL, Republic of Korea l 25 September 2024 — Eight cities across Asia were recognized today by the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region for outstanding contributions to urban health. The 2024 WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards were presented during the 10th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities taking place this week in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with the theme “Smarter and Healthier Cities for a Better Future”.

    “Urbanization is not just a challenge − it is an opportunity,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, we have a responsibility to ensure that our urban spaces are designed to promote health, equity and well-being for all. The cities we are recognizing today have shown that through innovation, collaboration and strategic governance, we can build a healthier future for generations to come.”

    Award-winning cities and initiatives

    This year’s awards were presented to cities in Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Singapore for exceptional achievements promoting health and well-being across eight categories:

    “Safe, Sustainable and Health-Enabling Transport System”: Owariasahi City, Japan

    o   Owariasahi City’s comprehensive approach to traffic safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, older people and people with disabilities, has led to a significant reduction in deaths from road traffic crashes. The city’s green and user-friendly transport system exemplifies how urban mobility can promote the health and safety of all residents.

    “Tobacco-Free City for Future Generations”: Carmona City, Cavite, Philippines

    o   Carmona City’s tobacco control measures, focused on protecting children and young people, have gone beyond local ordinances to create a tobacco-free environment. The city’s strategic approach involves community engagement to safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.

    “Age-Friendly Cities: Bridging Generations for a Healthier Tomorrow”: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea

    Seoul’s “Healthy Ageing Support” initiative focuses on bridging generations through intergenerational activities that foster mutual support between younger and older residents. The programme, run by the Seoul Metropolitan Health and Well-Ageing Centre, is a model for how cities can adapt to the challenges of an ageing population through collaboration, innovation and inclusivity.

    “Let’s Be Active!”: Songpa District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Songpa has promoted active living through creation of a 21-kilometre walking and running trail and a 15-kilometre bike path, supported by public bike-sharing systems. These efforts benefit visually impaired and older residents in particular. The “G-EYE” app provides barrier-free navigation, including sound signals and location-based assistance, ensuring safe and independent walking for the visually impaired. For older residents, 35 shelters, 305 benches and accessible exercise equipment have been installed, providing comfortable rest stops and encouraging physical activity. These initiatives have increased walking and cycling rates, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and equity in urban transport planning.

    “Community Engagement to Advance Health Equity”: Dong-gu District, Gwangju, Republic of Korea

    Dong-gu’s community-driven approach to health equity addresses both housing and urban development, creating policies shaped by the voices of local residents. The project empowers communities to engage in decision-making processes that directly impact their living conditions, fostering greater health equity.

    “Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability for Health in Cities”: Chungju City, Republic of Korea

    Chungju’s ecological parks and carbon sinks offer green spaces for physical activity and contribute significantly to climate resilience. Combined with educational programmes and long-term budget planning, these initiatives demonstrate a sustainable model for other cities facing environmental health challenges.

    “Safeguarding Communities Against Alcohol-Related Harms”: Dobong-gu District, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Dobong-gu has implemented a comprehensive alcohol reduction strategy, particularly focused on women, resulting in a measurable decrease in binge drinking and alcohol-related health issues. By engaging various sectors to support alcohol use disorder recovery and treatment, the district is addressing an important public health concern.

    “Transforming Food Environments for Healthy Diets and Optimal Nutrition”: Singapore

    o   Singapore’s front-of-pack labelling system and ban on advertising of unhealthy drinks have empowered consumers to make healthier choices. These government initiatives have also driven the beverage industry to reformulate products, showing how actions from cities can help to shape food environments in ways that improve public health.

    “WHO Regional Director’s Special Award”: Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

    Pasig City in the National Capital Region of the Philippines received the WHO Regional Director’s Special Award this year in recognition of its long track record of implementing Healthy Cities activities and promoting the approach nationally and internationally. An active member of the Alliance for Healthy Cities, Pasig City continues to play a key role in advancing Healthy Cities in the Philippines..

    Pasig is among the early adopters of WHO’s Urban Governance for Health and Well-being initiative which supports local actions that promote good governance for health. The city’s community engagement efforts, driven by a participatory and multisectoral approach, aims to improve the health and well-being of its population.

    Pasig’s achievements in building a healthier, more sustainable environment through innovative actions has set a benchmark for other cities to follow, inspiring similar initiatives across the country. By implementing greening projects, the reforestation of the Marikina Watershed and the establishment of bike lanes and a bike-sharing programme, the city has improved its climate resilience and urban mobility. Programmes like the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy empower local organizations through capacity-building focused on health and social issues, while the city’s skills development and livelihood training programmes strengthen residents’ economic and social well-being.

    Speaking at the 10th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Seoul, Dr Susan Mercado, Director of Programme Management for WHO in the Western Pacific Region, emphasized: “Cities are our hope for immediate action. Cities are our hope for innovation when changes like climate or conflict or communicable diseases threaten lives. Cities are catalysts for the health and well-being of humanity, and our cities in the Western Pacific need to be safe havens in the context of a changing planet.”

    Urbanization as a catalyst for health and well-being

    More than half (58%) of the population in the Western Pacific Region − some 1.1 billion people − now live in cities. The rapid pace of urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges for public health. By adopting sustainable urban policies, cities can promote health, provide equitable access and protect populations while ensuring health equity remains at the forefront of urban development.

    “Urbanization is not just about building cities; it is about building futures,” added Dr Mercado. “By harnessing the power of urbanization, we can turn cities into engines of health and well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world.”

    Smarter and healthier cities for all

    The WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards highlight the transformative potential of urban environments in promoting health and well-being. By prioritizing health equity, sustainability and innovation, the recognized cities are leading the way towards a future where urbanization drives positive change, creating healthier, more inclusive communities.

    “As cities continue to grow, we must ensure that no one is left behind,” emphasized Dr Piukala, stressing the importance of inclusivity and access to health for all. “Healthy cities are for everyone. They should provide opportunities for all citizens to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

    WHO remains dedicated to building healthier, more resilient and sustainable cities for the future. Urbanization offers a unique opportunity to improve people’s well-being, and the Alliance for Healthy Cities has demonstrated that change is possible. Through collective action, cities can become smarter, healthier and more inclusive, ensuring a safer and healthier world for future generations.

    Notes:

    Since 2004, the WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards have provided a platform for cities to showcase best practices in areas such as healthy ageing, urban mobility, health equity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, tobacco and alcohol control, healthy diets and health-enabling societies. This year’s awardees exemplify how the Healthy Cities approach and urbanization can be harnessed as a positive force for health, safety and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building climate resilience

    Source: Scottish Government

    Plan to help communities understand how climate change impacts their lives.  

    Communities and businesses across Scotland will be given support and tools to help tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change as part of the Scottish Government’s new National Adaptation Plan.

    The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3) sets out a comprehensive suite of more than 200 actions and proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland.

    Climate change means Scotland will experience more extreme weather. Flooding, water scarcity and hot weather can damage our environment, disrupt public transport and affect our supply of foods, vital goods and services. This means that households, communities, businesses and organisations across Scotland are having to consider the impacts of climate change more than ever. 

    It includes how sectors including agriculture, transport and health as well as businesses and communities will prepare for more extreme weather events, such as flooding, water scarcity and extreme periods of heat. These include:

    • £5.5 million of funding this year to complete a national network of Community Climate Action Hubs to drive locally-led climate action across Scotland
    • investing £400million investment to Scotland’s railway infrastructure to reduce weather-related disruption
    • facilitating peer-to-peer support to local governments and public services to prepare for the impacts of climate change for local populations
    • providing advice and support to businesses on how they can future proof their workplaces through practical check-lists on how to prepare for the impacts of climate change
    • ensuring the NHS Scotland estate is prepared and equipped to deal with extreme heat and flooding

    Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said: 

    “While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption.

    “Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment. 

    “I am proud to lead a Scotland that is driving forward the race to net zero, whilst ensuring that our country is ready for the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing. This can be demonstrated through the Leven River Restoration Project, which has adapted the local landscape to help reduce the amount of flooding in the area, whilst restoring and encouraging wildlife and nature to flourish. It is a fantastic example of how collaborative working can use nature to adapt to the challenges we face at the same time as delivering benefit for the local community.” 

    Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment protection Agency (SEPA), said:

    “Scotland’s natural environment is globally renowned and our water environment, as we can see in Leven today, is central to our environmental, economic and social success. Scotland’s water quality is at its highest level ever, with more than 87% of our water environment achieving good or high classification for water quality, with an ambition to go further.

    “Our climate is already changing and as Scotland’s environment agency, we’re at the forefront of working with partners to respond and adapt. The Water Environment Fund, including The Leven Project, is a very visible story for change and a great example of how public, private and community sector partners can successfully collaborate to improve water environments, boost flood resilience and deliver community benefits.

    “In Scotland’s Climate Week, it’s fitting that we hear directly from young people and community partner’s who’ve worked so hard locally and who’s future depends on the work that together we do today.”

    Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said:

    “Fife Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which marks an important step forward in the collective fight against climate change.

    “Much has changed since Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and, although we have made significant progress on a number of fronts, we are committed to helping our communities prepare for, and respond to, the effects of climate change.

    “The First Minister’s visit to the Restoring the River Leven project highlights the remarkable progress that can be achieved through strong partnership working, in this instance between Fife Council, SEPA, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and local communities.

    “This close collaboration has also led to – and will lead to – additional benefits through the Levenmouth Connectivity Project, the Active Travel Network and River Park Routes as well as The River Park Project that sit alongside the restoration project as part of the wider Leven Programme.

    “Fife Council remains fully committed to leading the way in tackling climate change and we are proud to be part of initiatives that not only restore our natural environment but also build resilience for the future.”

    Jeremy Harris, CEO at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: 

    “This project to restore the River Leven is a working example of different organisations coming together to deliver something that directly contributes to the outcomes laid out in the new Scottish National Adaptation Plan. The carefully considered interventions already under way will return the river to its more natural flowing state ensuring that nature connects through the Leven catchment and delivers direct benefits to the local communities.

    “Improved infrastructure with the river at its centre will serve the surrounding communities and enrich the lives of those who make use of it. At Fife Coast and Countryside Trust our mission is to connect environment and people and this river restoration project, running through the heart of Levenmouth, is a wonderful example of how to do just that. I look forward to seeing the natural world and local communities flourish thanks to this work for years to come.”

    Background  

    Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Rivers Day 2024: Removing fish barriers across South West

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Fish have been moving more freely thanks to joint efforts to remove manmade barriers blocking them from going home to spawn or reach vital habitats.

    Before and after a weir was removed from the River Camel Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    World Rivers Day, which happens on the fourth Sunday of September, is a global event which celebrates rivers around the world – including the River Camel in Cornwall and River Tarrant in Dorset where the Environment Agency and partner organisations have worked hard to remove weirs in the past year.  Staff have also been investigating the River Teign to draw up a detailed map of 59 manmade structures and a further 79 obstacles to inform future action. 

    An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

    World Rivers Day is an excellent reminder to celebrate what we have and the vital work that is being undertaken to protect and improve our rivers   

    The cost of removing these legacy structures when demands on rivers were different are prohibitive. But thanks to partnership help from bodies like Westcountry Rivers Trust and Wessex Rivers Trust, we are overcoming these obstacles.  

    There are many pressures on fish including the iconic salmon which is seeing a global decline in numbers. Removing historic obstacles is one way to improve their future and enhance the environment that they live in.

    This weir on the River Camel was causing issues for fish Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    How the River Camel looks now the weir has been removed Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    Alongside removing obstacles in the river, initiatives like reducing the canopy of forested areas to let more light into habitats and slowing the flow of water with leaky dams have improved the environment for the wildlife dependent on both rivers.  

    Laurence Couldrick, Chief Executive Officer for Westcountry Rivers Trust, said:

    The two barrier removals on the upper River Camel have contributed to safeguarding this beautiful Cornish river and many of the protected species that rely on free-flowing rivers.   

    As well as removing barriers to fish passage this also provides numerous ecological benefits such as restoring natural flow regimes, improving sediment transport, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity and improving climate resilience.

    A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

    Partnerships are a powerful tool to unlock benefits for our catchments and maximise the positive impacts of any project.   

    In priority rivers for Atlantic Salmon in the South West such as the Teign, Lemon and Plym we are working closely with the Environment Agency, Rivers Trusts and other partners to undertake monitoring, enhance habitats and remove or provide solutions to the presence of barriers, with wider benefits to local wildlife and communities.

    Background

    Read our World Rivers Day 2024 blog by our director of water about the biggest causes of river pollution.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over six thousand Muscovites will begin resettlement under the renovation program in September and October

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In September, residents of 12 buildings began moving into apartments under the renovation program. In the near future, city residents from another 13 old buildings will begin moving into new buildings. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    In September, 11 buildings built under the renovation program will be handed over for occupancy in the capital. More than six thousand Muscovites will move into them.

    “New buildings erected under the renovation program are located in six administrative districts. Thus, four residential complexes are located in the Eastern District, two new buildings are in the South-Eastern and Western Districts, and one building is in the Central, Southern and Northern administrative districts. More than 2.8 thousand apartments have been prepared for those moving,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

    Playgrounds, sports grounds and recreation areas are located near the houses. All residential complexes are designed taking into account the principle of a barrier-free environment, i.e. they are convenient for people with limited mobility and parents with baby carriages.

    The ground floors are non-residential premises. They are intended for commercial use – service facilities and other necessary infrastructure can be located there.

    “As part of the renovation program, 25 old houses will be resettled. City residents are moving within the boundaries of their district. For some, transport accessibility is improving. For example, future new residents in the Nagorny District are moving to a house in Elektrolitny Proyezd. It is located a three-minute walk from the Nagornaya metro station,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The move is being carried out in stages. The resettlement of residents of four old houses in the Nagorny district has now begun, two buildings are being vacated in the Voykovsky, Lyublino and Fili-Davydkovo districts. In addition, residents of one house in the Presnensky district and one in the Vostochny district are moving.

    As reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman, offers of equivalent apartments have been sent to 1.9 thousand residents of old houses in six districts of the capital. They have already started to inspect the new housing. In addition, the mos.ru portal has a super service “Assistance with moving within the framework of the renovation program”Muscovites with a full account can choose the date and time for viewing the apartment online.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reportedthat in September 11 houses will be handed over for settlement under the renovation program.

    Almost 20 thousand Muscovites have signed contracts for new apartments under the renovation program since the beginning of the year

    Renovation program housing was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of over 47 thousand people was ensured. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of speed and volume of construction. Over the past few years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential buildings in the capital has doubled – from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

    Since the start of the renovation program, the number of launch pads has tripled

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144420073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flooding impacts from heavy rainfall from Monday 23 September

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday 23 September have led to flooding in parts of England.

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday 23 September have led to flooding in parts of England. These impacts included a combination of surface water flooding and some river flooding. Around 200 properties were flooded across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and the Home Counties.

    Environment Agency staff remain out on the ground, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.

    With unsettled conditions expected during the coming few days, further flooding is possible but not expected on Thursday and Friday, so we continue to urge people to keep an eye on the weather, check their flood risk, and take care planning their journeys.

    Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    Following this week’s heavy rain and thunderstorms, flood warnings and alerts remain in place across many parts of the country. The risk of further significant surface water flooding is also possible but not expected in parts of the country on Thursday and Friday.

    Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

    People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

    The Environment Agency recognises the threat from surface water flooding and is taking action to improve the country’s resilience – for instance supporting local flood authorities to enhance local surface water flood risk mapping. See our blog on surface water flooding for more information.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs and Centre for Food Safety remind public not to illegal import regulated food

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs and Centre for Food Safety remind public not to illegal import regulated food
    Hong Kong Customs and Centre for Food Safety remind public not to illegal import regulated food
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​Hong Kong Customs and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 25) held a joint press conference to report on the latest number of illegal import of regulated food (such as raw meat, poultry and eggs) cases and to remind members of the public not to illegally bring regulated food into Hong Kong.     In the first eight months this year, Customs detected about 1 300 cases of illegal imports of regulated food through passenger channel at land boundary control points, exceeding the 1 019 cases in the year of 2023 and doubling that of the same period last year. This reflects that there has been a significant increasing trend in such cases recently.     The CFS said members of the public who illegally bring regulated food into Hong Kong will not only be prosecuted, but also need to be aware that these foods may be improperly stored during travel, such as at an improper temperature or unhygienic packaging, leading to the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increased food safety and personal health risks.     With the National Day Golden Week approaching, Customs and the CFS reminded members of the public not to illegally bring regulated food from the Mainland or overseas into Hong Kong for the sake of convenience, so as to avoid criminal liability and health risks. Meat and egg products not fully cooked and raw meat products in any forms of packaging (including vacuum packed or tinfoil) are all subject to the control of relevant regulations. Customs and CFS officers will distribute leaflets at different land boundary control points before and during the holiday to remind inbound travellers to abide the relevant regulations.      In addition, according to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or without prior written permission granted by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 19:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Connecticut

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Despite the gradual arrival of fall, mosquitos are still active in our state. Paulo Verardi, professor of virology and vaccinology and head of the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, shares information that can keep Connecticut residents safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

    What types of mosquito-borne diseases are we seeing in Connecticut?

    Mosquito-borne diseases are spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. In Connecticut, one would immediately think of West Nile virus, by far the most common mosquito-borne virus in the region. However, we have

    additional viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, and Cache Valley virus, that luckily are less common. Sometimes Connecticut has imported cases of additional mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and Zika virus disease. These are acquired when people travel to areas where the virus is circulating, get bitten by an infected mosquito, and then travel back to Connecticut. If you are traveling outside the country in areas like the Caribbean and Central or South America, you should also be aware of chikungunya virus, yellow fever virus, and Oropouche virus, to name a few.

    Why are these diseases appearing more frequently in the state?

    Cases are linked to the proliferation of mosquitoes, which is driven by several factors including precipitation and temperature patterns, as well as alterations in these patterns. Climatic changes seem to also be impacting the distribution of these diseases, especially because warmer temperatures can promote a wider geographical range of disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

    West Nile virus has been in Connecticut since 1999, when it was introduced in New York City, so it is relatively new. On the other hand, evidence of EEE in Massachusetts dates back almost 200 years, and thus it is considered a local disease. West Nile cases in people are not uncommon during every mosquito season, but EEE seems to be impactful only every few years, such as in 2019 when a larger outbreak last occurred.

    West Nile and EEE viruses are actually maintained in nature in reservoir hosts, typically birds, and therefore these are considered zoonotic diseases. This means that the interplay amongst people, animals, plants, and the environment is a major factor determining the prevalence and transmission of these diseases, in what we call the One Health concept.

    What times of year do we need to be concerned about mosquito-borne diseases?

    We ought to be concerned any time of the year when mosquitoes are up and about. Generally, we think of the hot summer months, but transmission can start in the spring and last well into the fall season. A good example is EEE, as cases typically peak in late summer, but transmission can occur as late as October.

    What are the symptoms of these diseases?

    Diseases like West Nile and EEE are caused by viruses, so flu-like symptoms are typical:  fever, headache, fatigue, and in some instances rashes. Most people may not even feel sick at all, while a few others may end up developing inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord (meningitis), leading to severe disease symptoms.

    What should someone do if they are sick?

    First, never assume that you may just have a cold, and pay attention to the severity of your symptoms. Consult a health care provider if symptoms do not improve, particularly if you have high fever and headache. Go immediately to an emergency room if symptoms become severe and you suspect any neurological involvement. The key is to be vigilant and proactive.

    It is noteworthy that horses with EEE are severely affected with up to 95% mortality (about half that rate for West Nile fever), and routine vaccination of horses for both diseases is recommended.

    How dangerous/deadly are these diseases?

    Fortunately, for most of us infections are self-contained. Our immune system can keep the invading viruses in check, and all you may experience are mild flu-like symptoms, if any. But symptoms can be more severe and can worsen very quickly. Pay attention to any rashes or severe symptoms, such as high fever, intense headache, stiffness of the neck, and other neurological problems. Encephalitis and meningitis are dangerous and life-threating complications, so a visit to the emergency room is necessary at the onset of neurological signs.

    What actions are state and local governments taking to help?

    Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Agriculture (DoAg) are monitoring the situation in Connecticut and surrounding states closely. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is doing surveillance of mosquitoes, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at UConn is monitoring wild and domestic animals (mammals and birds). In some cases, agencies may decide to curtail outdoor activities in certain areas at dusk, as Connecticut did in 2019 when we had high activity of EEE in Eastern Connecticut CT and neighboring states, and mosquito spraying may be recommended in limited areas by the Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

    How can Connecticut residents protect themselves and help stop the spread of these diseases?

    By preventing mosquito bites:

    • Avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
    • Use approved insect repellents
    • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside
    • Keep mosquitoes out of your house with the appropriate use of window and door screens.

    One can also treat clothing and gear with permethrin, which will help repel both mosquitoes and ticks. Vaccines against some mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are available for people traveling to high-risk areas. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health site for further information.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Signs Concession Agreements with Governments of Angola and Zambia to advance Zambia Lobito Rail Project

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

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 25, 2024/APO Group/ —

    In a significant milestone for the Zambia Lobito Rail Project, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the transformational railway project. The agreements, which were signed yesterday in a ceremonial signing hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the Biden Administration’s G-7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), paves the way for the Corporation to spearhead and complete the development of the railway.

    Last year, AFC was appointed lead developer on the Zambia Lobito rail project in collaboration with the United States Government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The project involves the construction of approximately 800km greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing Zambia Railways Line in Chingola, Zambia. Once completed, the trade corridor will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and promote investments in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, mining, and electricity access along the corridor.

    Concurrent to signing the concession agreements, AFC also signed an agreement to receive US$ 2 million grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) (https://apo-opa.co/3zINnnM), towards completion of the environmental and social studies for the project. The grant, which marks the first time the Corporation will tap into USTDA funding, will facilitate comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to ensure that the Zambia Lobito Rail Project aligns with international best practices and environmental standards.

    AFC will play the pivotal role of lead developer on the rail project which not only offers an efficient evacuation route for minerals and metals from the region but helps establish a trade corridor across Africa from the Port of Lobito on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of Dar es Salam in Tanzania on the coast of the Indian Ocean, facilitating global and intra-African trade. The railway is expected to create economic benefit of approximately $3 billion across both countries, reduce emissions by approximately 300,000 tons per year and add over 1,250 jobs across construction and operations.

    The Honourable Minister of Transport for Angola Mr Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu noted, “We are pleased to partner with Africa Finance Corporation on this transformative project which will deepen our nation’s role as a regional logistics hub, boosting trade not only with Zambia but with the rest of the world.”

    Mr Frank Tayali MP, Honourable Minister of Transport for Zambia added, “The Zambia Lobito Rail Project is an important milestone in our efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of our economy, and improve the livelihoods of our people. We look forward to partnering with Africa Finance Corporation to deliver on this groundbreaking project.”

    “The Zambia Lobito Rail Project represents a game-changing development for the region, unlocking tremendous potential for trade, industrialisation, and socio-economic growth.,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “AFC is proud to partner with the governments of Angola and Zambia to deliver worldclass rail infrastructure, which will accelerate industrial development in Africa, promote regional integration and provide a vital export route for copper and other critical minerals for the global energy transition,” he added.

    The corridor will provide an alternative strategic route to international export markets for Zambia and DRC. It will offer the shortest route for export and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and DRC to the Port of Lobito. It will significantly facilitate the movement of cargo from the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces, through Angola to the Western markets.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: TNPA invites service providers for Liquefied Natural Gas at Ngqura

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), in collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has approached the market for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

    This is to encourage interested parties to submit proposals for the envisaged Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

    READ | Port investments to contribute towards SA economy

    The Request For Proposals (RFP) process will see the appointment of a service provider contracted to assess the environmental compliance and sustainability of the proposed LNG terminal. 

    This involves conducting a detailed analysis of ecological and local regulations to determine critical environmental authorisations. These include a seismic survey, marine ecology, climate change impact assessment and socio-economic assessment to support the project.

    The EIA process is carried out in tandem with negotiations of the Terminal Operator Agreement (TOA) between TNPA and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) to build and operate an onshore LNG regasification facility at the Port of Ngqura for 30 years. 

    The appointment of SFF is the outcome of a Section 79 process and directive issued by the former Minister of Transport, in accordance with the National Ports Act of 2005.

    “This milestone is a critical step towards the development of the LNG terminal at the Port of Ngqura. Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline whilst ensuring the security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact,” said Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

    The Port of Ngqura LNG Terminal is one of 12 priority infrastructure projects announced in March 2024 that hold a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) status. 

    The triad strategic partnership is fast-tracking the conclusion of the EAI, with the RFP closing on 30 October 2024. This partnership will also see the issuing of the RFP for Prefeasibility Studies by end September 2024.

    “ISA is established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors for the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects,” said Mameetse Masemola, the Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa. 

    “This project is one of the flagship projects which we are proud to support and excited that progress is moving at a good pace,” he said.

    Tender documents can be accessed on: https://www.idc.co.za/tenders/ and https://www.etenders.gov.za/ – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Chêne-Bourg: densification of a building zone on the banks of the Seymaz

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

    The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

    The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

    Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

    For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Weekly press release from the Council of State of September 25, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

    The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

    The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

    Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

    For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Signalling and admission to road traffic: support with reservations for the modification of the ordinances

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

    The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

    The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is requesting that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

    Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

    For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Third allocation 2024 of the cantonal share of the profits of the Loterie romande

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

    The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

    The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

    Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

    For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI