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  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut Leaders, IAM Members Embrace Future Challenges, Commit to Renewed Fight for Working Class

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Union members gathered in Mystic, Conn., over the weekend for the semi-annual Connecticut State Council of Machinists meeting. Patrick Buzzee, President of the State Council, opened the conference with a robust agenda. This gathering brought together IAM members from various industries, as well as legislative leaders, to provide an essential platform for discussing labor challenges in the state and advancing collective bargaining strategies.

    IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the delegation with a powerful message of progress and vigilance. He highlighted the recent successes in securing strong contract wins, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and strategic negotiations in achieving these victories.

    However, President Bryant also issued a stark warning about the new administration’s aggressive approach, pointing to over 150 executive orders, many aimed at undermining the working class. Despite these challenges, he urged the members to remain resilient and engaged in the fight for workers’ rights.

    “The IAM will not falter on its promise to protect America’s working middle class, and an IAM union contract is one way to ensure that promise,” said Bryant.

    In a forward-looking moment, Bryant also discussed the importance of embracing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence, urging union members to stay ahead of the curve and harness these tools to strengthen their positions in the evolving workforce.

    IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan passionately addressed the delegation about the growing challenge of foreign competition in military shipbuilding, a sector vital to national security and proudly supported by IAM members in Connecticut. He stressed Connecticut’s critical role in producing these ships and underscored the importance of keeping this work in the hands of skilled American workers.

    “Our members are the backbone of this industry, building the ships that defend our nation’s security,” said Sullivan. “We must continue to protect these jobs and ensure that the work stays here, in the hands of those who know how to get it done.”

    Additionally, Sullivan spoke about the recent successes throughout the Eastern Territory, praising the collective efforts to expand the union’s influence and protect workers’ rights.

    “These victories prove that when we stand together, we are unstoppable,” said Sullivan.

    The delegation was joined by several legislative representatives from both the state and federal levels; members learned about the current challenges and strategies for moving forward during a difficult and uncooperative administration in Washington, D.C. This event highlighted the union’s ongoing commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions in Connecticut and beyond.

    Among the most significant challenges for Connecticuters is the passage of a bill designed to lessen the economic impact on striking workers in Connecticut by providing them unemployment benefits after a two-week waiting period. The bill made it to Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) desk last year, where the governor vetoed it, dealing a blow to organized labor. The state’s labor force vows to fight for and secure this worker-friendly bill.

    Also speaking at the meeting were working family champions in Connecticut.

    • U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, representing Connecticut’s 2nd District, has been a leading voice for programs that provide young workers with non-traditional education and critical skills, strengthening the backbone of our nation’s infrastructure.
    • Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz comes from a proud union household and has tirelessly advocated for working families across Connecticut, fighting for economic opportunity and fairness.
    • State Rep. Anthony Nolan of the 39th District has dedicated his career to supporting working families and championing vital services for veterans, ensuring that those who serve our nation receive the respect and resources they deserve.
    • State Rep. Kevin Brown of the 56th District is a passionate educator who prioritizes skilled trades, vocational training, and non-traditional education pathways after high school, empowering the next generation with practical tools for success.
    • State Sen. Saud Anwar of the 3rd District and medical doctor has focused on addressing the opioid crisis, particularly its impact on the American workforce due to competitive strain injuries, advocating for both prevention and recovery initiatives.

    These leaders represent a shared commitment to uplifting Connecticut’s working families, expanding educational opportunities, and building a stronger, more inclusive future.

    IAM Assistant Legislative Director Loren Almeroth addressed the delegation, highlighting key legislative priorities, including the increasing threat of foreign competition in the defense sector. He emphasized the need for policies that support domestic manufacturing and ensure the U.S. remains competitive globally. Almeroth also outlined the broad range of legislative initiatives the IAM is pursuing on Capitol Hill, focusing on worker protections, fair wages, and strengthening labor rights, urging continued advocacy and collaboration to push these crucial issues forward. Almeroth also praised National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, recognizing him as a champion on Capitol Hill for tirelessly advocating for IAM members and pushing for policies that safeguard American manufacturing jobs.

    During his remarks, Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, emphasized the importance of unity and strength in solidarity among the state’s unions. Highlighting SEIU’s recent rejoining of the national AFL-CIO after leaving in 2005, he celebrated the renewed commitment to collective action. Hawthorne passionately coined the phrase, “Solidarity isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. It requires action,” reminding everyone to build solidarity through ongoing efforts to stand together for workers’ rights and a better future.

    Closing out the conference portion of the meeting, the Connecticut State Council of Machinists was honored by the Connecticut AFL-CIO with an award for their outstanding commitment to the 2024 election season. Exceeding expectations, the IAM contributed over 7% of their resources—far surpassing the 1% ask—for physical support during the election. The award was presented by Legislative Director Jennifer Berigan, Political Director Joelyn Leon, and Legislative and Political Organizer CC Cienawski, recognizing the IAM’s exceptional dedication to strengthening the voice of working families at the ballot box.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Preparations Begin for Joint IAM Bargaining at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The recent merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines has set into motion the preparation for negotiations of the two airlines on joint collective bargaining agreement contracts for the members of the two carriers. 

    IAM District 142 President and Directing Chair John M. Coveny Jr. recently appointed a 10-member team to serve on the Negotiating Committee.  

    The team recently attended the Negotiation Preparation class at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., supported by District 142 General Chair Jesse Wilson, David Figueira, and International Representative Jeffrey Tobius. The team reviewed the current contract language, looking at all agreements for upcoming negotiations with the employer. 

    Negotiating Committee Members include:
    Melissa Hopson (Alaska, ANC)
    Jane McGrath (Alaska, ANC)
    Jackson Hartsfield (Alaska, BOS)
    Andrea Mondoy-Honaker (Alaska, SEA)
    Sandra Hagan (Alaska, SEA) 
    Mark Walker (Alaska, SEA)
    Garrett Gebauer (Alaska, ANC)
    Stacy Williams (Hawaiian, HNL)
    Mana Kanahele (Hawaiian, HNL)
    Ku’ulei McGuire (Hawaiian, HNL)

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces 2025 Legislative Proposal: Strengthen the Ability To Prosecute Hate Crimes

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the package of legislative proposals he will ask the Connecticut General Assembly to ratify during the 2025 regular session will include a bill consolidating and strengthening the state’s existing hate crime statutes in order to increase the ability of police and prosecutors to charge criminals with these crimes and seek enhanced penalties.

    Connecticut’s hate crimes statutes originate to 1990 when the legislature established a single crime of intimidation based on bigotry or bias. Since then, the legislature modified that law on several occasions and created numerous other statutes addressing the prosecution of hate crimes and expanding the list of protected classes.

    Governor Lamont supports the overall intent of these laws and applauds their adoption, however he has received reports from police and prosecutors who’ve noted that as these laws have become modified and heightened over the years, they’ve become scattered within various sections of the Connecticut General Statutes and contain some inconsistent terminology, complicating the ability of these laws to actually be used in the prosecution of crimes.

    The legislation the governor is proposing, which originates from the work of the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, consolidates all of the state’s existing hate crimes laws into a new hate crimes chapter of the Connecticut General Statutes, which will simplify and make it easier for police and prosecutors to charge and prosecute criminals with these crimes. It also modifies the intent standard to align more closely with the hate crimes laws used in other states by removing the element that a defendant must have acted “maliciously.”

    “Connecticut has led the nation in the adoption of hate crimes laws, and that is a good thing, but in order for them to be effective and for police and prosecutors to be able to use them, these laws need to be streamlined within our statutes,” Governor Lamont said. “Hate crimes are intended to induce fear and terrorize entire groups of people, and that is why the prosecution of crimes involving acts of hate must include enhanced penalties.”

    The Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council is an advisory body consisting of volunteers appointed by the governor who represent a wide range of community and civic groups. Recently, the group has been researching data related to the reporting of hate crimes and working with professors from UConn Law School to develop procedures and techniques in which the prosecution of hate crimes can be supported.

    “Over the last couple of years, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council has been conducting valuable research on the prevalence of hate crimes in the state, and specifically looking into how frequently these crimes get reported to law enforcement and then appropriately prosecuted,” Governor Lamont said. “The council’s research into this topic is going to help us make Connecticut’s hate crimes laws more effective.”

    The following is a list of existing hate crimes laws in the Connecticut General Statutes that Governor Lamont is seeking to consolidate into one new chapter:

    • Hate Crime Causing Physical Injury
    • Hate Crime Causing Physical Contact
    • Hate Crime Affecting Property
    • Hate Crime Affecting Religious Property
    • Hate Crime by Threat of Physical Contact
    • Hate Crime by Threat to Property
    • Hate Crime by Threatening in the First Degree with Respect to House of Religious Worship or Religiously-Affiliated Community Center
    • Hate Crime by Threatening in the Second Degree with Respect to House of Religious Worship or Religiously-Affiliated Community Center
    • Hate Crime by Advocacy or Urging
    • Hate Crime by Deprivation of Civil Rights
    • Hate Crime by Burning Cross
    • Hate Crime by Noose
    • Hate Crime with Mask or Hood
    • Ridicule by Commercial Advertisement
    • Discriminatory Public Accommodations Practice
    • Discriminatory Housing Practice
    • Hate Crime by False Report
    • Hate Crime by False Report to Law Enforcement
    • Hate Crime by False Report Resulting in Serious Physical Injury or Death
    • Hate Crime by Stalking
    • Hate Crime by Misuse of Emergency 9-1-1 System

    Governor Lamont is scheduled to deliver his annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Documents containing the full details of his biennial budget proposal and other legislative proposals, including this bill on hate crimes, will be filed on that date.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting First Responders Fighting Cancer

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the efforts of the State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s protocols that aim to protect New York’s firefighters and their families during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Studies have shown firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer than the general public, largely due to their exposure to an increased level of toxins found in smoke at structure fires. As part of the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced new legislation to ban the sale of firefighter gear containing emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in New York State to ensure our firefighters have access to the highest quality and safest protective equipment available while mitigating the potential public health and environmental impact of these chemicals.

    “Keeping our state’s firefighters safe while they put their lives on the line to protect the people and communities across New York is absolutely critical, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from the harmful toxins they come into contact with on the job.” Governor Hochul said, “I’ll continue making sure our firefighters and first responders have all the equipment and resources they need to protect themselves while they work to protect their communities.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities and loved ones safe every day. Helping them reduce their exposure to the carcinogens that they confront while doing their jobs is critical. Our commitment to assisting them mitigate their risk of exposure and ensuring that they have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves, will always be a top priority.”

    To ensure New York’s firefighters are not only aware of this threat but also know how to limit their own risk, State Fire officials developed basic protocols for decontaminating firefighting gear following an emergency response and are continuing to offer training and education statewide to promote their use by firefighters. Since 2022, more than 3,200 students have undergone training across New York State.

    Research has shown that fire service members can take simple and inexpensive steps to reduce their exposure to toxins and other carcinogens by up to 85 percent through the turnout gear decontamination process, using sanitation wipes to the face and hands while on scene of a fire, and showering after a fire. These measures also serve to protect their families by reducing unintentional exposure upon returning home from the station after a shift or response.

    State Fire officials partner with county fire coordinators across the State to schedule Firefighter Contamination Reduction and Cancer Prevention classes. During these training programs, State Fire instructors distribute firefighter decontamination kits to attendees. At each session, firefighters view a live demonstration of the decontamination protocols, an educational video that details the risks facing firefighters, and have an opportunity for a Q&A with OFPC personnel. The kits contain information on decontamination immediately after incident response and items such as a five-gallon bucket, post-fire wipes, hose, detergent, brush and spray bottle. Since 2023, more than 1,100 New York State fire stations have received decontamination kits. Additionally, OFPC is expanding its entire roster of firefighting classes and trainings to include a section on cancer awareness and prevention education.

    State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “This training is intended to raise awareness of the cancer risks faced by firefighters and provide simple steps firefighters can take to reduce those risks to themselves and their families. Our goal is to provide a decontamination kit for every fire station in the State.”

    If firefighting turnout gear is not decontaminated properly after a fire, firefighters risk exposing harmful chemicals to their firehouses and homes, potentially harming co-workers and family members. According to two studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are currently being diagnosed with cancer at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the general public and experiencing cancer-related deaths at a nearly 15 percent higher rate.

    To combat these trends, DHSES and OFPC have established basic, inexpensive protocols which will go a long way in limiting firefighters’ exposure to harmful chemicals often found in smoke.

    If exposed during a response, firefighters should:

    • Perform on scene gross decontamination, stop the exposure, and stop the spread of contaminates to the apparatus and station.
    • While on scene, use post-fire wipes to reduce exposures.
    • Shower as soon as possible and put on clean clothes.
    • Wash tools, equipment and apparatus after fires.
    • Transport gear in non-porous containers such as a clear garbage bag.
    • Wear only clean gear, including hood.

    Firefighters interested in attending or hosting an educational session can view the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s training calendar or contact their county’s Fire Coordinator.

    As part of the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced new legislation to ban the sale of firefighter gear containing emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New York State to ensure our firefighters have access to the highest quality and safest protective equipment available while mitigating the potential public health and environmental impact of these chemicals.To safeguard themselves, firefighters rely on specialized protective gear designed to withstand extreme temperatures and repel water and oil. For years, this essential equipment has unfortunately contained the emerging contaminant per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Evolving evidence has revealed the potential dangers of PFAS exposure, raising concerns about the long-term health and safety of our firefighters even as we continue to work to limit the release of this contaminant into New York’s air, lands and waters. The legislation would take effect in 2028.

    About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

    The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. OFPC advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, special operations and technical rescue programs.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or visit our website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DEQ issues six penalties in December for environmental violations

    Source: US State of Oregon

    tatewide, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued six penalties totaling $488,874 in December for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at https://ordeq.org/enforcement.

    Fines ranged from $5,050 to $372,600. Alleged violations included a wastewater treatment and disposal system that exceeded pollution limits and discharged wastewater to a creek when not permitted to, a hazardous waste treatment and disposal facility that failed to properly treat hazardous waste prior to disposing it and a fuel products transloading company that modified its facility and operated that change without authorization from DEQ.

    DEQ issued civil penalties to the following organizations:

    • Chemical Waste Management, Arlington, $49,200, hazardous waste.
    • City of Junction City, Junction City, $5,050, wastewater.
    • City of Lebanon, Lebanon, $33,800, wastewater.
    • Container Management Services, LLC, Portland, $21,224, hazardous waste.
    • HempNova Lifetech Corp., Central Point, $7,000, hazardous waste.
    • Zenith Energy Terminal Holdings, LLC, Portland, $372,600, air quality permitting. Learn more about this case by reading the press release DEQ issued on Dec. 6, 2024.

    Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. They may be able to offset a portion of a penalty by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon’s environment. Learn more about these projects at https://ordeq.org/sep.

    Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm.

    DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon’s air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.

    Media contact: Michael Loch, public affairs specialist, michael.loch@deq.oregon.gov, 503-737-9435.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Tax Breaks for Businesses Dealing in Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine. Currently, businesses paying taxes in foreign countries are eligible to claim a tax credit or deduction in the United States to reduce the burden of double taxation. There are certain hostile countries to which this tax credit does not apply, including North Korea and Iran, and Cortez Masto’s HONOR Act would add Russia to that list.

    In September 2023, Russia President Vladimir Putin illegally suspended the U.S-Russia Tax Treaty. Following a letter from Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn, the United States Department of the Treasury retaliated by suspending benefits for Russian businesses and investors. The HONOR Act would take this suspension one step further and prevent businesses funding Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine from receiving tax breaks in the United States. This bill would ensure U.S. taxpayers are not subsidizing Putin’s oppressive government.

    “We should not be giving tax breaks to businesses that are funding the Putin regime. It’s that simple,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation expands upon current Treasury Department policy, holds Russia accountable for its criminal activity in Ukraine, and protects American national security.”

    “Businesses that continue to engage with Russia are enriching Putin’s oppressive regime,” said Senator Cornyn. “This commonsense bill would force these businesses to give up their foreign tax credits and deductions for taxes paid to Russia, which subsidize the Russian war apparatus.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently advocated for the U.S. to stand up to Russian aggression and support Ukrainian sovereignty. She has voted to pass bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine and helped pass bipartisan economic sanctions that were signed into law to hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. She voted in support of sanctions against Russia and its Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and she supported similar sanctions in the 2020 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Small Business Advisory Committee to Continue Discussing Challenges Facing Emerging Fund Managers, and Explore Hurdles for Small Public Companies Not Listed on a National Securities Exchange

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee today released the agenda for its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, which will include discussion of capital raising challenges facing emerging fund managers and hurdles facing small public companies not listed on a national securities exchange. Members of the public can watch the live meeting via webcast on www.sec.gov.

    The committee, which provides advice and recommendations to the Commission on rules, regulations, and policy matters relating to small businesses, will start the morning session by hearing from SEC Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation staff, who will provide an overview of its 2024 Annual Report, which includes in-depth data on the state of capital raising activity from startup to small cap along with the office’s policy recommendations. The committee will spend the rest of the morning exploring ways to support and facilitate capital formation for emerging fund managers, building upon ideas generated during a previous committee meeting. To facilitate discussion, committee members will hear from Ashok Kamal, Executive Director at NuFund Venture Group, and Sara Zulkosky, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Recast Capital.

    In the afternoon session, the committee will explore the challenges of small public companies not listed on a national securities exchange. Understanding the decision-points and challenges those companies face is critical to fostering access to capital for, and investor participation in, those smaller public companies. As part of the discussion, members will hear from Dan Zinn, General Counsel and Chief of Staff at OTC Markets Group.

    The full agenda, meeting materials, and information on how to watch the meeting are available on the committee webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Apply Now for Colorado’s Free Universal Preschool: Early February Deadlines for 2025-26 Enrollment

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER — Colorado families continue shaping history, with more than 19,000 applications already submitted for Colorado Universal Preschool’s 2025-26 enrollment. This nationally recognized program provides up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool weekly for children in their pre-kindergarten year, with additional hours available for qualifying families. 

    “Free preschool is saving Coloradans an average of $6,100 every year while giving students the best possible start. We are thrilled that so many families have already signed up for the next school year to better prepare their child for success,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    “Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program is transforming lives and has propelled Colorado from 27th to 7th in preschool enrollment across the nation,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “With over 85,600 children served in just two years, now is the time for all eligible families to apply for the upcoming school year.” 

    Key Enrollment Deadlines 

    • Feb. 5: First family-to-provider matching round deadline. Families applying by this date increase their chances of securing a top-choice preschool. 
    • Feb. 3: Pre-registration deadline for families continuing care with a participating provider, with a sibling enrolled, or with a family member employed by a provider. 
    • March 5: Final matching round deadline. After this, families can directly enroll with providers as space allows. 

    Colorado’s innovative enrollment process provides multiple pathways, including pre-registration, general registration, and direct enrollment. Families can choose from diverse settings—home-based, school-based, or community-based—to find the best fit for their child. Families can check to see when they are eligible based on their district’s kindergarten eligibility dates, using this Age Eligibility Lookup Tool. 

    Program Director Dawn Odean said, “With one in three eligible children enrolled for the upcoming year and a history of matching 90% of families with their first or second choice, it’s exciting to see that our continuous improvement and strong partnerships across the state are delivering real results for families.” 

    How to Apply Families 

    can easily apply online and explore resources at UPK.Colorado.Gov. 

    For support: 💻
    Visit: Help.Upk.Colorado.Gov 
    📧Email: universalpreschool@state.co.us 
    📲Call: 303-866-5223 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. MST). 

    Interpreters available in 100+ languages. 

    Early Education: A Critical Investment in Colorado’s Future 

    “Investing in high-quality early education is one of the most impactful steps we can take,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “With 90% of brain development occurring by age five, preschool helps build essential skills for lifelong success, from early literacy to social-emotional growth. Colorado families: Don’t wait! Apply today to give your child the best possible start in this nationally celebrated program. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cracked and Nulled Marketplaces Disrupted in International Cyber Operation

    Source: US State of California

    At Least 17M U.S. Victims Affected

    The Justice Department today announced its participation in a multinational operation involving actions in the United States, Romania, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece to disrupt and take down the infrastructure of the online cybercrime marketplaces known as Cracked and Nulled. The operation was announced in conjunction with Operation Talent, a multinational law enforcement operation supported by Europol to investigate Cracked and Nulled.

    Operation Talent Seizure Banner

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Assistant Director Brian A. Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office made the announcement.

    Cracked

    According to seizure warrants unsealed today, the Cracked marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, hacking tools, and servers for hosting malware and stolen data — as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud — since March 2018. Cracked had over four million users, listed over 28 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, generated approximately $4 million in revenue, and impacted at least 17 million victims from the United States. One product advertised on Cracked offered access to “billions of leaked websites” allowing users to search for stolen login credentials. This product was recently allegedly used to sextort and harass a woman in the Western District of New York. Specifically, a cybercriminal entered the victim’s username into the tool and obtained the victim’s credentials for an online account. Using the victim’s credentials, the subject then cyberstalked the victim and sent sexually demeaning and threatening messages to the victim. The seizure of these marketplaces is intended to disrupt this type of cybercrime and the proliferation of these tools in the cybercrime community.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified a series of servers that hosted the Cracked marketplace infrastructure and eight domain names used to operate Cracked. They also identified servers and domain names for Cracked’s payment processor, Sellix, and the server and domain name for a related bulletproof hosting service. All of these servers and domain names have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting any of these seized domains will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating the case.

    Senior Counsel Thomas Dougherty of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly for the Western District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    Nulled

    The Justice Department announced the seizure of the Nulled website domain and unsealed charges against one of Nulled’s administrators, Lucas Sohn, 29, an Argentinian national residing in Spain. According to the unsealed complaint affidavit, the Nulled marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, stolen identification documents, hacking tools, as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, since 2016. Nulled had over five million users, listed over 43 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, and generated approximately $1 million in yearly revenue. One product advertised on Nulled purported to contain the names and social security numbers of 500,000 American citizens.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified the servers that hosted the Nulled marketplace infrastructure, and the domain used to operate Nulled. The servers and domain have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting the Nulled domain will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    According to the complaint, Sohn was an active administrator of Nulled and performed escrow functions on the website. Nulled’s customers would use Sohn’s services to complete transactions involving stolen credentials and other information. For his actions, Sohn has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in passwords and similar information through which computers may be accessed without authorization; conspiracy to solicit another person for the purpose of offering an access device or selling information regarding an access device; and conspiracy to possess, transfer, or use a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid and abet or in connection with any unlawful activity that is a violation of federal law.

    If convicted, Sohn faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in passwords, 10 years in prison for access device fraud, and 15 years in prison for identity fraud.

    The FBI Austin Cyber Task Force is investigating the case. The Task Force participants include the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Karthik Srinivasan and Christopher Mangels for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tindall for the Western District of Texas handling the forfeiture component.

    The Justice Department worked in close cooperation with investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions on the takedown of both the Cracked and Nulled marketplaces, including the Australian Federal Police, Europol, France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (Office Anti-cybercriminalité) and Cyber Division of the Paris Prosecution Office, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) and Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center (Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Frankfurt am Main – ZIT), the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and Guardia Civil, the Hellenic Police (Ελληνική Αστυνομία), Italy’s Polizia di Stato and the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (Inspectoratul General al Poliției Romane). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Man Charged with Being in the United States Illegally After Having Been Previously Removed by Immigration Officials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Jorge Humberto Moreno Martinez, 34, of Venezuela, has been charged by criminal complaint with being unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously removed by immigration officials.

    On January 28, 2025, Moreno appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Moreno be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, Moreno was previously removed from the United States by immigration officials on November 15, 2016, after he completed a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence following his New York felony conviction for burglary in the second degree. At that time, Moreno was advised and acknowledged that due to his criminal history he was prohibited from entering or attempting to enter the United States. Despite that warning, Moreno re-entered the United States and his presence in the country thereafter was in violation of U.S. law.

    Court records also state that when agents from the Department of Homeland Security attempted to arrest Moreno at a parking lot in Williston, Vermont, on January 27, 2025, Moreno fled in a vehicle, hitting three law enforcement vehicles before travelling at more than 100 miles per hour on a busy street before he was apprehended. As he drove, items were discarded from Moreno’s vehicle. Law enforcement recovered some of those items, which tested presumptively positive for cocaine base and cocaine.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Moreno is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Moreno faces up to 20 years’ incarceration if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Department of Homeland Security, including its Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP”) divisions, with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Moreno is represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Sanger Police Officer Convicted on Eight Counts of Sexually Assaulting Women While on Duty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif — On Wednesday, a federal jury in Fresno convicted former Sanger Police Department Officer J. DeShawn Torrence, 42, of eight counts of deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law for sexually assaulting four women whom he encountered during the course of his official duties. The jury found that the offenses included kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, and attempted aggravated sexual abuse, and also caused bodily injury.

    Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Siddartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.

    The evidence at trial proved that Torrence sexually assaulted four women. He kidnapped a 21‑year-old woman who was walking to a store to buy groceries for her young children, drove her outside of town in his police car, and sexually assaulted her at an isolated dead end. Torrence forcibly raped a second victim, a 67-year-old woman, after following her into her home during a DUI investigation. With a third victim, Torrence showed up at her door in his police uniform after midnight, entered her apartment, pinned her against the kitchen counter, and sexually assaulted her. Torrence showed up multiple times at the home of a fourth victim, a domestic violence victim, supposedly to investigate a prior domestic violence incident. During those follow up visits, Torrence forced the victim to expose sensitive parts of her body for no legitimate reason, and he sexually assaulted her.

    “Law enforcement officers are entrusted with great power to protect the public and keep them safe from harm. This officer’s crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an appalling abuse of power, as he repeatedly preyed on the women in his community and violated their civil rights,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “We stand ready to investigate and prosecute such crimes with all the tools we have available.”

    “The FBI Sacramento Field Office is grateful to the brave victims who came forward and trusted us to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of a police officer,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI is deeply committed to working with our partners to thoroughly investigate such cases to protect the American people and preserve public trust in law enforcement.”

    The FBI Sacramento Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.

    Torrence is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025. Torrence faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for five of the counts. The remaining counts each carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former U.S. Postal Employee Guilty Of Stealing Mail Contents

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 16, 2025, SONIA MILLER (“MILLER”), age 54, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to theft of U.S. mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709(a).

    According to court documents, on or about March 14, 2023, MILLER unlawfully removed the contents of several parcels of mail entrusted to her as a postal employee.

    At sentencing, MILLER faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEXICAN NATIONAL RESIDING IN GEORGIA CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF OBSCENE MATERIAL TO A MINOR

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a two-count indictment charging Victorino De La Cruz, age 42, of Mableton, Georgia, with attempted production of child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. De La Cruz appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

    According to the indictment, between August 8, 2024 and November 22, 2024, De La Cruz knowingly attempted to employ, use, persuade, entice, and coerce an individual he believed was a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, according to the indictment, on August 11, 2024, De La Cruz, using a means of interstate commerce, knowingly attempted to transfer obscene material to an individual he believed had not attained the age of 16 years old.

    Attempted production of child pornography is punishable by a maximum penalty of 15 – 30 years in prison, depending on sentencing enhancements. Attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. De La Cruz also faces potential sex offender registration, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Anderson.

    NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Myanmar

    Source: United Nations – English

    our years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected Government on 1 February 2001, the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for civilians.
     
    The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of violence and intercommunal tensions. He reiterates his concern regarding the military’s stated intention to hold elections amid intensifying conflict, including aerial bombardment and widespread human rights violations and without conditions that permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights, including safety and security. 
     
    Over 19.9 million people in Myanmar – more than one-third of its population – need humanitarian assistance, compared to one million before the military took over four years ago. Unimpeded access must be assured to enable the UN and its partners to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance and essential services.
     
    The Secretary-General renews his calls for greater cooperation among all stakeholders to bring an end to the hostilities and help the people of Myanmar forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and return to civilian rule.  The Secretary-General also appeals to countries in the region to grant access to safety and protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution and for the international community to provide greater support to countries, including Bangladesh, hosting refugees from Myanmar.
     
    The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, remains actively engaged with all stakeholders, in close cooperation with ASEAN, in the search of a Myanmar-led resolution to the crisis. 
     
    A viable future for Myanmar must ensure safety, accountability, and opportunity for all its communities, including the Rohingya, and address the root causes of conflict, discrimination and disenfranchisement in all its forms. The Secretary-General reaffirms the unwavering support of the United Nations to the people of Myanmar in these efforts.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Mitsubishi HC Capital America Shares Predictions for 2025 in the Equipment Finance Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the start of a year that is expected to have less inflation, monetary easing and more economic growth, Mitsubishi HC Capital America, the largest non-bank, non-captive finance provider in North America, has outlined six key predictions that are likely to play a significant role in shaping the equipment finance industry in 2025.

    “The convergence of economic shifts and technological advancements in 2024 has created a unique financing landscape for 2025,” said Brian Rosa, President of Commercial Finance for Mitsubishi HC Capital America. “While many organizations may take a measured approach initially, we’re seeing that those who strategically leverage financing solutions – particularly for technology and sustainability initiatives – are positioning themselves for significant growth.”

    1. Banks pull back on small business lending

    Recent Federal Reserve data shows bank lending to small businesses dropped by 18% in 2024. However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 60% of small businesses plan to make significant capital investments in 2025, up from 42% two years ago.

    This divergence creates both challenges and opportunities for small businesses looking to secure financing in 2025. Small business owners should partner with independent lenders for creative and flexible financing options to stay competitive and thrive in the new year.

    2. AI and supercomputing needs will need financing support

    Much like the infinite nature of the scale that supercomputing projects offer the world, financing these projects feels equally as infinite. Large scale computing projects involving AI or cloud computing will become more frequent and larger in 2025 and in the years to come. Driven by hyperscalers and other large companies, these projects require a significant amount of time, capital and energy to complete. “Financing models that can support project completion and scale as the project grows will be a necessary lever for tech companies to support these projects,” adds Rosa.

    3. Technology enables new financing models and competitive advantage

    “Advancements in technology are revolutionizing equipment financing through enhanced usage analytics and “as-a-service” models,” explains Rosa. “Advanced IoT and telematics now provide real-time analytics and insights, enabling both financing providers and customers to make faster, more informed decisions about equipment utilization.”

    This technology allows lenders to develop more competitive rates based on actual usage patterns, while creating new opportunities for usage-based financing structures. Beyond basic implementation, organizations that can creatively apply these technological capabilities to develop innovative financing solutions will gain a competitive edge. The winners, he says, will be those who can leverage these tools to identify market trends faster and develop flexible financing arrangements that align with true operational needs.

    4. High inventory levels will make rentals attractive

    The flexibility of short-term leases and equipment rental opportunities are helping organizations take advantage of higher inventory levels and use new technology without a large payment or significant operating expense.

    Rosa explains, “Short-term leases provide organizations with more flexibility, and the financing landscape is evolving to support this trend.” He further says that the increasing popularity of these financing models will help organizations more accurately budget for a project, allowing them to buy the equipment they need without restricting their up-front cash flow. With an increase in demand for projects and an influx of equipment that is available, Rosa projects it will be less expensive and more flexible for companies to rent equipment.

    5. Business case for sustainability remains strong

    In recent years, both U.S. and Canadian governments and corporations have pulled back on sustainability initiatives. However, the business case for sustainability remains strong and we expect corporations to continue to fund sustainability programs, says Rosa.

    He adds, “Prioritizing sustainability initiatives that have a direct business case will aid organizations in making an impact not just on the world, but also their bottom line. From financing electric vehicle projects to supporting more sustainable manufacturing in supply chains, environmentally friendly investments will drive shareholder returns on clean energy targets.”

    6. Shifting Political Dynamics in the U.S. and Canada
    New leadership in the U.S. with talks of international tariffs, along with a very fluid political environment in Canada, will impact both countries in 2025, predicts Rosa. He expects governments in both countries to take a cautious approach to determine the next steps with rate cuts as economic data is released.

    “Organizations that position themselves to take advantage of new regulations or seize new opportunities quickly will be well suited in 2025,” Rosa anticipates.

    About Mitsubishi HC Capital America

    Mitsubishi HC Capital America is a commercial finance company that has extensive capabilities throughout North America with its affiliate, Mitsubishi HC Capital Canada, combining a consultative approach and expansive digital platform to help organizations of all sizes accelerate growth. With $7.5 billion in assets and more than 800 employees, the company is the largest non-captive, non-bank commercial finance company in North America. Mitsubishi HC Capital America partners with equipment manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, as well as end customers, in providing customized financial solutions, including transportation and commercial finance. Dedicated to improving the communities where it operates, the company is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Visit Mitsubishi HC Capital America for more information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Named One of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for the 10th Time in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced it has been listed among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2025, marking the 10th time the company has earned this prestigious accolade. ASUS was recognized for its use of corporate assets, social responsibility, and long-term investment — core values that drive the company’s global competitiveness and have established it as an industry leader.

    “We are honored to be recognized by Fortune for the tenth time,” said Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS. “This achievement reaffirms the success of our Design Thinking approach, which prioritizes customer satisfaction as the key to driving sustainable growth. At the heart of this success is our unwavering commitment to a culture of radical truth and transparency, which empowers our teams to innovate, overcome challenges, and fully embrace revolutionary technologies like AI.”

    The World’s Most Admired Companies list is one of the most comprehensive rankings of corporate reputations compiled annually by Fortune magazine with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm. The consistent placement of ASUS on this list reflects its unwavering commitment to technological advancement and its ability to deliver products and services that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

    ASUS has long been a leader in the tech industry, known for its relentless pursuit of user-centricity and innovation in areas like AI, gaming, and sustainability. ASUS continues to push the boundaries of innovation, as demonstrated by the launch of the new sub-1kg Zenbook A14 in Canada today. This commitment to cutting-edge technology is also reflected in its latest lineup of groundbreaking devices, including the Zenbook DUO, ROG Strix SCAR 18, and ROG Flow Z13—along with many more innovations unveiled at CES 2025. By consistently delivering industry-leading advancements, ASUS reinforces its position as a global technology pioneer.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    Fortune Ranking: https://fortune.com/ranking/worlds-most-admired-companies/
    Zenbook A14: https://asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-a14-ux3407/
    ASUS Zenbook A14 ASUS Store Where to Buy Link: https://shop.asus.com/ca-en/zenbook-a14-ux3407-copilot-pc.html
    Zenbook DUO: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-duo-2024-ux8406/
    ROG Strix SCAR 18: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/
    ROG Flow Z13: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/
    ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/
    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/
    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca
    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube
    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1b7e066-031d-4bab-9d95-fd8f2fd37804

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Bird flu cases surging in UK but risk to humans remains low

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ed Hutchinson, Professor, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow

    Avian influenza control zones have been put in place in England, Scotland and Wales to control the virus’s spread among birds. AlanMorris/ Shutterstock

    A human case of bird flu has recently been detected in England. This news comes just days after restrictions were put in place to curb the virus’s spread among wild birds and poultry in England and Scotland.

    Although cases of bird flu are surging among birds in the UK, the risk of the virus spreading to humans still remains extremely low. A bit of context about influenza explains why health protection agencies think this is the case.

    There are many different influenza viruses out there. They’re all related, but each specialises in infecting different types of animals.

    Each winter, humans have to deal with three different types of seasonal influenza virus – H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B viruses. Meanwhile, birds, particularly shore birds and waterfowl, contend with a huge number of their own influenza viruses.

    Most of these avian influenza viruses only afflict birds with minor infections of the airway or gut. But a small set cause more serious illness. These are called highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs).

    Among the HPAIVs, the H5N1 strains stand out. H5N1 bird flu, which is largely a disease of wild birds, has been notorious since the late 1990s for causing major die-offs of poultry worldwide – and for occasionally causing serious illness in humans. Viruses evolve rapidly, and in 2020 H5N1 evolved so it could spread more aggressively in wild birds.

    The resulting outbreak tore through bird populations globally, including devastating die-offs in seabird colonies when the virus arrived in the UK in 2021. As it spread, the virus also caused outbreaks in farmed birds.

    All outbreaks ebb and flow. After mid-2023, cases of H5N1 subsided in the UK. However, the virus never fully disappeared – and in autumn 2024, cases in wild birds started increasing again. It’s very hard to keep wild birds and farmed birds apart, and infections in poultry farms soon followed.

    In the UK, the threat of H5N1 to birds is tracked through ongoing surveillance. In response to these rising cases, avian influenza prevention zones have recently been declared for England, Scotland and now Wales. These restrictions aim to reduce the risk of farmed birds getting infected. Anyone keeping birds in England, Scotland and Wales will be required to take additional measures to prevent their birds being infected – including keeping birds under cover in regions facing the greatest risk.

    Wild birds spread the virus to domestic poultry.
    Andrew M. Allport/ Shutterstock

    These prevention zones are an important intervention. But given the current outbreak’s scale in wild birds, these measures will at best only reduce the ongoing risk to farmed birds, rather than eliminating it.

    What does this outbreak mean for humans?

    Despite the serious problems H5N1 is causing for birds, the risk to humans is still very low. Because each virus is closely adapted to a particular host species, it’s really hard for bird flu to infect a human.

    When infections do occur, this is normally only in people who have close contact with birds – and even then it’s an unusual event. The recent case of bird flu in a poultry worker in England is almost certainly an example of this sort of “spillover” infection.

    It’s good to hear the affected person is currently well and that antiviral drugs – which work against these viruses – have been offered to others who may have been exposed. The control measures announced over the weekend will help reduce the risk of other people who work with poultry getting infected.

    If you don’t have close contact with either wild or farmed birds, your chances of being infected are very low indeed. Still, if you come across any dead birds (particularly waterfowl), it’s important to avoid handling them. Try to prevent pets from scavenging bird carcasses and avoid feeding pets raw bird meat from non-commercial sources. Sightings of dead or sick birds can be reported to health protection agencies.

    Because influenza viruses are killed quickly by heat, there should be no risk to the public from eating properly-cooked eggs or poultry. The UK outbreak may also cause temporary difficulties in accessing free-range eggs and an increase in egg prices – things that have already been seen in the US, which is also experiencing a major H5N1 outbreak.

    Is bird flu a problem anywhere else?

    What’s happening in the UK is just one part of an ongoing global H5N1 outbreak.

    In some regions, strains of the virus have managed to spread beyond wild birds and infect mammals as well. In South America, H5N1 is causing devastating outbreaks in seals and sea lions. In the US, it has managed to adapt to dairy cattle and is being shed in their milk.

    There have also been reported human infections. In the US, numerous farm workers have caught H5N1 from cattle, so far with relatively mild symptoms. There have also been two cases of severe illness in the US and Canada in people who caught a slightly different strain of H5N1 from birds, one of which sadly led to the patient’s death.

    These cases underscore the potential risks of H5N1 infections. But because human infections are so rare, how likely each strain of H5N1 is to cause severe disease in humans is still unclear. We also need to be on the lookout for any signs that any H5N1 strain anywhere might gain the ability to spread between humans. This would be an exceptionally unusual event – but to minimise the risk of future influenza pandemics, it’s crucial situations like this are carefully monitored.

    Nothing has been reported which suggests human-to-human transmission has occurred anywhere during the current outbreak. In the UK we have good surveillance for detecting any signs of this if it did. If wider spread did occur, the reserves of vaccines and antiviral drugs that we have in the UK would give us opportunities to intervene.

    For now, bird flu remains a very real problem, but is primarily a problem for birds. By intervening now to protect farmed birds, we hope that we can keep it that way.

    Ed Hutchinson receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and UKRI, including through the Flu:TrailMap-One Health consortium which is working to respond to the H5N1 outbreak. He has unpaid positions on the board of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ESWI) and as a scientific adviser to PinPoint Medical.

    – ref. Bird flu cases surging in UK but risk to humans remains low – https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-cases-surging-in-uk-but-risk-to-humans-remains-low-248350

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gokcay Balci, Lecturer in Sustainable Freight Transport and Logistics, University of Leeds

    A large container ship passing through the Suez Canal in Egypt. byvalet / Shutterstock

    The world’s major shipping companies say they won’t be sending vessels back to the Red Sea any time soon despite a pledge by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen not to attack them as long as the ceasefire in Gaza holds.

    French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM said in a statement on January 25 that the improved stability was “a positive but fragile sign” for the industry, and that it would continue to prioritise alternative routes.

    Since November 2023, one month after the war in Gaza began, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against roughly 190 commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab Strait. The group claims to have carried out attacks on vessels connected with Israel, or heading to its ports, in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Though this has not always been the case.

    These attacks have prompted many shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea – a route that around 12% of global trade usually passes through – and divert around the southern tip of Africa. This route adds more than 7,000 nautical miles on to a typical round-trip voyage. The number of commercial ships using the Suez Canal to pass between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea plummeted from over 26,000 in 2023 to 13,200 in 2024.

    Supply chains have had to deal with higher shipping costs, product delivery delays, and increased carbon emissions as a result of this diversion. The Gaza ceasefire gave some hope that the disruption would finally end. But shipping lines will not hurry back to the region until long-term security is guaranteed.

    Since November 2023, shipping companies have been diverting their vessels around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the Red Sea.
    Dimitrios Karamitros / Shutterstock

    During the early stages of the crisis, moving a container from Shanghai in China to Europe cost approximately 250% more than before the war in Gaza began. This was largely due to increased fuel costs and higher insurance premiums. Freight rates (the price companies pay to transport goods) remained high throughout 2024, despite some fluctuations.

    The cost of moving a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, for example, surged from around US$4,400 on average in January to above US$8,000 by August. This had dropped to US$4,900 at the end of the year.

    It is too early to say whether these costs will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices – full transmission through the supply chain to consumer prices can take upwards of 12 months. But some estimates suggest global consumer prices could rise by 0.6% on average in 2025 as these increased shipping costs filter through the supply chain.

    Diverting around southern Africa also resulted in delays in the delivery of many goods and components. The proportion of container ships that arrived on schedule dropped from 60% on average worldwide in 2023 to about 50% throughout 2024. This created congestion at ports because ships often arrived at their destination later than planned, resulting in further delivery delays.

    Unreliable transit times are a significant issue for supply chains because they make it difficult for businesses to plan inventory and coordinate production schedules. Indeed, several vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla and Volvo, temporarily suspended manufacturing in early 2024 due to a lack of components. And food supply chains, including those for avocados, tea and coffee, were also affected by delays.

    Since then, many companies have adapted by increasing their safety stock levels and transporting cargo using alternative modes of transport like air and rail. Some European firms have also adopted a strategy called “nearshoring”, where they source products from regions closer to home such as Turkey and Morocco instead of relying on suppliers in Asia.

    Increased emissions

    The longer route around southern Africa requires that ships travelling between Europe and Asia use around 33% more fuel on average than they would use by travelling through the Red Sea at the same speed.

    Over the past decade, most shipping companies have employed a “slow steaming” policy to economise on fuel use and minimise their carbon emissions. But diverted ships have been travelling around 5% faster than usual in an attempt to minimise delays. The increased vessel speeds will have caused the associated emissions toll to rise – large container vessels require 2.2% more fuel for every 1% increase in speed.

    More data is required to determine the precise amount of additional emissions caused by diverting shipping away from the Red Sea. But estimates suggest that approximately 13.6 million tonnes of CO₂ were emitted by ships rerouted from the Red Sea between December 2023 and April 2024 – equivalent to the carbon emissions of nine million cars over the same period. If ships continue to avoid the region, the increased emissions could amount to 41 million extra tonnes of CO₂ per year.

    Some cargo has also shifted from sea transport to air freight, which has a far greater environmental footprint. Shipping a kilogram of product by long-haul air freight generates at least 50 times more CO₂ emissions on average than container shipping.

    Carbon emissions have increased due to the diversion of vessels around southern Africa.
    David G40 / Shutterstock

    Before returning to the Suez Canal, container lines will want to see a prolonged period of stability around the Red Sea. This is due, in part, to safety and security concerns related to the crew, cargo and the ship.

    But shipping companies also have operational challenges to keep in mind associated with the scheduling of port calls and voyages. Shipping lines will find it difficult to switch back to the longer route around Africa immediately if attacks in the Red Sea resume.

    And, at least for now, the situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains unpredictable. In a televised speech on January 20, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned: “We have our finger on the trigger.”

    With other disruptions continuing to affect global shipping, such as port strikes, low water levels in the Panama Canal and extreme weather events, supply chain issues are likely to continue throughout 2025.

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

    – ref. Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire – https://theconversation.com/red-sea-crisis-supply-chain-issues-set-to-continue-despite-gaza-ceasefire-248469

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: If we listen to how Gen Z really feel about democracy they might stop telling us they prefer authoritarianism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Melissa Butcher, Professor Emeritus, Social and Cultural Geography, Royal Holloway University of London

    New research from broadcaster Channel 4 reveals a troubling trend towards support for authoritarianism among young people in the UK. The report “Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust” found that 52% of the 2,000 13-27 year olds surveyed would agree that “the UK would be better with a strong leader in charge who does not have to bother with Parliament and elections”.

    This correlates with a 2023 study from pro-democracy organisation Open Society Foundations, which found 42% of young people in its global sample felt military rule was a good way of running a country. Other research has found a disillusionment with democracy among young people.

    These are trends to be worried about. But Gen Z are not somehow inherently anti-democratic. Understanding why these trends are happening is vital if young people are to participate in democracy.

    At Cumberland Lodge, an education charity that uses dialogue to address social division and conflict, I’m working with colleagues and young people on a nationwide youth and democracy network to re-think what politics in the UK could look like.

    Hearing Gen Z

    Our team has conducted 12 discussion groups with 101 young people around the country, looking at what stops them getting involved with democratic practices and institutions. Using this research as a starting point, we are now working with a core group of young people to develop their capacities to engage with, and re-imagine democracy.

    What we are learning is that young people’s disengagement is not necessarily a sign of apathy or anti-democratic tendencies. The young people we are working with want to engage with politics, but they feel a vast sense of distrust. They see politicians as prioritising their own and corporate interests over public good, and willing to break promises on issues that affect young people’s lives.

    Feeling unsupported by their political system makes young people feel vulnerable – especially in the face of a multitude of global crises. In their lifetime, the world has lurched from a global financial crisis to a worldwide pandemic and to war in Europe. They have to navigate housing shortages, a lack of mental health support, the climate emergency, artificial intelligence and changing identity and social roles.

    A perception of an “elite” system that is supposed to work for everyone, but excludes or even actively works against the sectors of society most affected by these crises, harms young people’s trust in democracy.

    Gen Z deal with an onslaught of information about a rapidly changing world.
    DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

    But a shift towards support for authoritarianism is by no means inevitable. The Open Society Foundations study found that 86% of young people surveyed still wanted to live in a democracy.

    In Channel 4’s research, too, 73% of Gen Z think democracy is a “very” or “fairly good” way of governing the UK. And young people want to learn about democracy and the democratic process.

    Our youth and democracy network shows young people are not apathetic. Many want to get involved. They want a better, fairer world. They see the shortcomings of the current system and imagine something better.

    Getting young people involved

    To enable this to happen, political and media literacy is crucial for providing young people with necessary knowledge and confidence. Investment in education on democracy is necessary, as many young people in our network wanted to engage but felt overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start. Liam in Sunderland said:

    Most people our age aren’t educated on [democracy and politics]. It’s restricted knowledge. We’re given the impression that we can’t do anything about it anyway, so just don’t worry.

    Young people want representatives who understand and engage with the day-to-day realities of their lives, rather than seeing Gen Z as a photo opportunity, as Chloe from Liverpool argued.

    They’ll come here and they’ll speak to us, but they’re not coming there to listen; they’re coming here so they can go back to wherever they came from and be like ‘oh I spoke to a young person’.

    Many of the young people in our youth network are calling for reform of the political system in order to facilitate these changes: a new voting system, or an exploration of forms of direct democracy.

    But importantly, what we have seen in this research over the last year, is that young people can shift how they view power. We think of democracy as more than just systems of governance, but it’s also how we organize, how we communicate with each other, how we mobilise around social issues, and how we build consensus.

    In this sense democracy is not solely something external and out of reach but something that can emerge when young people come together.

    By working to improve democratic education and to put a system in place that listens to and engages with young people, politicians can help Gen Z re-imagine a democracy that gives them a future. At that point, they might stop telling researchers that they prefer authoritarianism.

    Melissa Butcher is a member of the Green Party.

    – ref. If we listen to how Gen Z really feel about democracy they might stop telling us they prefer authoritarianism – https://theconversation.com/if-we-listen-to-how-gen-z-really-feel-about-democracy-they-might-stop-telling-us-they-prefer-authoritarianism-248628

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump inviting influencers to White House press briefings is likely to usher in a new era of fake news

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steven Buckley, Lecturer in Digital Media Sociology., City St George’s, University of London

    Just over a week after Donald Trump was sworn in as 47th president of the United States, his new press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, appeared in the James S. Brady press briefing room to preside over her first media conference. Pulling up a chart that showed Americans’ declining trust in traditional, or what she called “legacy”, media outlets, Leavitt announced that henceforth, “independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers and content creators” would be welcome at press briefings.

    Leavitt said that seats formerly reserved for White House officials would be available to these independent journalists, and invited people to apply online for White House press accreditation. It has since been reported that the White House has received more than 7,400 applications.

    In principle, broadening the range of media outlets allowed into White House press briefings is a good idea. There’s no doubt that the media consumption habits of the American public are changing fast. But the way Trump and his communications team handled press briefings in his first term raises some concerns.

    During that first term between 2017 and 2021, Trump and his White House communications team tended to favour reporters from friendly media outfits such as Fox News. Early in his administration, a number of reporters from what were perceived as “hostile” organisations were banned from “the huddle” – the informal gatherings around Trump’s press secretary that followed more formal briefings.

    Fringe organisations such as Breitbart News and the One America News network carried Trump’s message faithfully and got disproportionately favourable access. This week, Breitbart was one of two online media outlets (alongside the widely respected news website Axios) that Leavitt selected to ask the first questions at her debut press briefing.

    It’s not just their friendly disposition towards Trump but their reach that makes social media influencers appealing to the incoming president. Their primary purpose at the press briefings would be to help generate positive messages and content to feed to Trump’s Maga base – which are then promoted on platforms such as Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).

    Recent research suggests that X has adjusted its algorithm to boost right-wing content as well as posts by Musk himself. A clear example has been Musk promoting the former Fox News host turned online influencer and Trump campaign surrogate Tucker Carlson’s online show.

    Undermining public regard for journalism

    But there may be another, insidious function of inviting these influencers to the White House press briefing room. Their presence beside professional journalists from traditional media outlets is likely to undermine public regard for journalism in general. This could sow even greater mistrust in the US media, which is already at record lows.

    In recent years, there has been a gradual blurring of lines between traditional and digital media. But while research consistently shows, across a wide cross-section of countries and within those countries, traditional media is still more trusted than new media, this is not to say that all new media outlets should be excluded. Many of these organisations and individuals have a track record of holding power to account.

    Bellingcat – a coalition of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists – typically uses open-source information to uncover important stories of public interest. Individual journalists such as Taylor Lorenz, who covers the tech and creator industry, and Ken Klippenstein, who is well known for getting hold of internal government documents, are also good examples of journalists who produce quality reports from outside the traditional mainstream.

    It should ideally be journalists such as these, with track records for solid and impartial reporting, who are invited into the White House fold – although there’s every chance they would get the same sort of treatment as reporters such as CNN’s Jim Acosta, whom Trump famously branded an “enemy of the people” when refusing to answer a question from him in 2018.

    Acosta, incidentally, has just left CNN after the network moved him to the midnight “graveyard” slot. Shortly after signing off from his final CNN broadcast on January 28, Acosta appeared on his own Substack feed to announce he would go it alone.

    It seems unlikely, though, that he will be awarded one of the coveted new independent media accreditations, given Trump’s recent attack on him. Celebrating Acosta’s apparent relegation by CNN, Trump took to his TruthSocial media site to call him “one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag”.

    Polarised media, divided audiences

    It’s likely that America’s news media will only become more polarised during this second Trump administration, including an increasingly toxic mix of content creators dominating social media platforms. And now that Mark Zuckerberg has decided to remove Meta’s factchecking mechanism in favour of “community moderation”, research suggests this is likely to incentivise political messages which polarise and provoke rather than inform people.



    Read more:
    What Meta’s move to community moderation could mean for misinformation

    We’ve already seen that the incoming president was more than willing to use lawsuits to intimidate journalists. Trump recently won a legal case over ABC when its journalist George Stephanopoulos defamed him by falsely saying he had been found liable for rape.

    This, combined with Trump’s threat to sue the Des Moines Register and its pollster Ann Selzer over their allegations of election interference, are likely to increase the chilling effect on free speech. Legal threats such as these may serve to discourage close scrutiny of his second administration.

    Meanwhile, the steady rise in prominence of partisan influencers using increasingly dangerous language is only likely to lead to the American public having less faith in the institutions that are critical to a functioning democracy – the press included.

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

    – ref. Trump inviting influencers to White House press briefings is likely to usher in a new era of fake news – https://theconversation.com/trump-inviting-influencers-to-white-house-press-briefings-is-likely-to-usher-in-a-new-era-of-fake-news-247410

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding helps build resilient communities through stronger climate adaptation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and funds projects that support local governments and First Nations to better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from hazards in a changing climate.

    Communities throughout British Columbia will receive more than $19 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund as follows.

    Funding is divided into three categories:

    • Category 1 (C1): Foundational activities (risk mapping, risk assessments, planning)
    • Category 2 (C2): Non-structural activities (land-use planning, community education, purchase of eligible equipment)
    • Category 3 (C3): Small-scale structural activities

    Canal Flats – C3: Phase 1 dike improvement project
    Amount: $400,000

    Clearwater – C2: Improvements for stormwater management
    Amount: $138,000

    Comox Valley Regional District – C2: Extreme-weather equipment
    Regional partners: Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, K’ómoks First Nation
    Amount: $100,000

    Coquitlam – C1: Disaster-risk reduction planning
    Amount: $150,000

    Cranbrook – C3: Gold Creek dam replacement
    Amount: $5 million

    Creston – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment
    Amount: $150,000

    Delta – C1: Mason drainage pump station design
    Amount: $150,000

    Fraser-Fort George Regional District – C1: Regional heat and drought threat assessment/mapping; C2: Partner engagement to improve hazard-resilient development
    Regional partners: Prince George, McBride, Mackenzie, Valemount, Lheidli-T’enneh First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band
    Amount: $716,876

    Hope – C1: Hazard identification and risk mapping
    Amount: $150,000

    Invermere – C3: Toby Dike upgrades
    Amount: $810,000

    Kamloops – C1: Watershed climate change adaptation planning
    Amount: $150,000

    Keremeos – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability analysis
    Amount: $49,800

    Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation – C1: Climate adaptation planning
    Amount: $77,200

    Kwikwetlem First Nation – C1: Flood-mitigation project design
    Amount: $145,190

    Lake Country – C1: Climate change hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment
    Amount: $150,000

    Lower Similkameen Indian Band – C1: Hazard risk and vulnerability planning
    Amount: $49,800

    Lumby – C1: Lumby industrial area dike planning
    Amount: $150,000

    Merritt – C2: Bulk bags for flood response; C3: Voght Street overland water pumping station
    Amount: $4.8 million

    Nelson – C1: Community preparation for extreme temperatures
    Amount: $95,280.00

    Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District – C2: Tiger Dam trailers for emergency flood response
    Regional Partners: Osoyoos, Keremeos, Lower Similkameen Indian Band
    Amount: $600,000

    Oliver – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment
    Amount: $50,000

    Osoyoos – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment
    Amount: $49,150

    Osoyoos Indian Band – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment
    Amount: $50,000

    Peace River Regional District – C1: Hazard assessment, mapping and risk management
    Regional Partners: Blueberry River First Nations, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Doig River First Nation, Pouce Coupe, Tumbler Ridge, Hudson’s Hope, Saulteau First Nations, Taylor, Halfway River First Nation, West Moberly First Nations
    Amount: $1.35 million

    Pemberton – C1: Arn Canal pumping station design
    Amount: $60,000

    Richmond – C2: Flood protection and rain gauge monitoring stations
    Amount: $150,000

    Sema:th First Nation (Sumas) – C3: Floodwater conveyance project
    Amount: $195,440

    Skeetchestn Indian Band – C1: Flood-mitigation planning
    Amount: $89,500

    Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) – C1: Assessment for tree planting to reduce extreme-heat hazards
    Amount: $148,722

    SnPink’tn (Penticton Indian Band) – C1: Hazard, risk and vulnerability planning
    Amount: $60,650

    Sooke – C1: Climate adaptation and natural hazard-risk assessment
    Amount: 150,000

    Strathcona Regional District – C1: Port McNeill climate change infrastructure impact assessment; Gold River Road to Tsa’xana Road slope stability assessment; C2 Tsunami and flood-mitigation public information and education; C3: Cortes Kw’as Park and Road flood mitigation
    Regional partners: Mount Waddington Regional District, Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, Nuchatlaht First Nation, Port McNeill, Tahsis, Zeballos
    Amount: $354,960

    Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek) – C1: Extreme-weather planning
    Amount: $105,000

    Tlowitsis Nation – C1: Risk mapping, assessment and planning; C2: sub-regional road map, public engagement and workshops
    Amount: $296,700

    Vancouver – C1: Streets network seismic and flooding risk assessment – Phase 1; C2: Extreme-weather mitigation equipment
    Amount: $300,000

    Vanderhoof – C3: Riverbank erosion mitigation
    Amount: $59,410

    West Kelowna – C1: Pike and Capri roads diking design
    Amount: $150,000

    Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band – C1: Heat-impact mitigation planning
    Amount: $36,700

    Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) – C1: Wetland restoration design; C2: Public education project; C3: Willow Creek watershed resilience, culvert replacement
    Amount: $1.54 million

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NEWS RELEASE: CanREA marks fifth anniversary with special industry data report

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: NEWS RELEASE: CanREA marks fifth anniversary with special industry data report

    Canada’s installed capacity of wind energy, solar energy & energy storage is now more than 24 GW, up by 46% in the last five years.

    Ottawa, January 30, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is pleased to release a new, five-year industry data report announcing that Canada’s wind, solar and energy-storage sectors have grown by 46% in the last five years, with a new installed capacity of more than 24 GW at the end of 2024.

    CanREA released the report today as part of its five-year anniversary celebrations. Since the Association was launched in 2020, the industry increased its installed capacity by nearly 7.6 GW. This total includes more than 4.7 GW of new utility-scale wind, nearly 2 GW of new utility-scale solar, more than 600 MW of new on-site solar, and more than 200 MW of new energy storage.

    “Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry grew impressively over the past five years—and we expect to see significantly more growth in the next five years,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. “But this is not nearly enough. Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar resources that can and should be harnessed to provide the affordable, clean, scalable electricity needed in all jurisdictions.”

    In total, Canadian jurisdictions can expect to connect at least 10,000 MW of new wind, solar and storage by the start of 2030, according to CanREA’s Clean Energy Procurement Calendar.

    CanREA is also tracking another 5,000 MW that will come into service beyond that time frame, for a grand total of more than 15,000 MW of procurements that are either currently underway or being planned across the country. This represents more than $30B in investment.

    “This investment is crucial in establishing resilient, sustainable infrastructure that can support Canada’s economic and environmental ambitions,” said Bellissimo.

    “We have been calling on all provinces and territories to increase the pace of buildout in their jurisdictions, and we are pleased to see that many have answered the call. That said, we can do so much more. Every new wind, solar, and energy storage project brings us closer to a cleaner energy mix and a decarbonized grid,” said Bellissimo.

    Facts at a glance

    Canada’s total wind, solar and storage installed capacity grew 46% in the past 5 years (2019-2024), including nearly 5 GW of new wind, 2 GW of new utility-scale solar, 600 MW of new on-site solar, and 200 MW of new energy storage.

    Canada’s solar energy capacity (utility-scale and onsite) grew 92% in the past 5 years (2019-2024).

    Canada’s wind energy capacity grew 35% in the past 5 years (2019-2024).

    Canada’s energy storage capacity grew 192% in the past 5 years (2019-2024).

    Canada’s total wind, solar and storage installed capacity is now more than 24 GW, including over 18 GW of wind, more than 4 GW of utility-scale solar, 1+ GW on-site solar, and 330 MW energy storage.

    Canada now has 341 wind energy projects producing power across the country.

    Canada now has 217 major solar energy projects producing power across the country.

    There are now nearly 96,000 onsite solar energy installations across Canada.
    For more facts at a glance, see CanREA’s “By the Numbers” webpage.

    For more information

    To download a summary of CanREA’s latest industry data, visit CanREA’s “By the Numbers” webpage. CanREA members have access to a more detailed report on the members-only side of the website.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s wind, solar and energy storage industry grew impressively over the past five years—and we expect to see significantly more growth in the next five years—but this is not nearly enough. Canada has massive, untapped wind and solar resources that can and should be harnessed to provide the affordable, clean, scalable electricity needed in all jurisdictions.” 

    “This investment is crucial in establishing resilient, sustainable infrastructure that can support Canada’s economic and environmental ambitions, driving progress toward a net-zero future.”

     “We have been calling on all provinces and territories to increase the pace of buildout in their jurisdictions, and we are pleased to see that many have answered the call. That said, we can do so much more. Every new wind, solar, and energy storage project brings us closer to a cleaner energy mix and a decarbonized grid.”
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association

    For media interview opportunities, please contact:

    Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of CommunicationsCanadian Renewable Energy Associationcommunications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
    The post NEWS RELEASE: CanREA marks fifth anniversary with special industry data report appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SecDef Hegseth on Guantanamo Bay Operations and Addresses Tragic Mishap Involving US Army Helicopter

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
    01.30.2025

    SecDef Hegseth Update on Guantanamo Bay Operations and Addresses Tragic Mishap Involving US Army Helicopter

    Video by Chad McNeeley and Staff Sgt. John Wright
    Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSo29xm8yFo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Swimming in the sweet spot: how marine animals save energy on long journeys

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kimberley Stokes, Research Officer in Biosciences, Swansea University

    Competitive swimmers know that swimming underwater causes less drag resistance than swimming at the surface. Splashing around making waves isn’t the most efficient way to swim. Any energy spent creating waves is essentially wasted, as water is moved without providing forward thrust for the swimmer.

    New research by my colleagues and I has found evidence that many air-breathing marine animals know this too – or rather they have evolved swimming behaviour that minimises wasted energy on long journeys.

    We know a lot about how birds save energy on their migrations, such as flying in V formations, riding updrafts, or timing their departure for favourable winds. But it has been challenging to study these kinds of adaptations in marine animals, which are largely hidden from view, particularly during long-distance travel.

    Whales and sea turtles, for example, often travel thousands of miles to breed or feed. These animals have evolved to minimise the energy costs of such long journeys, allowing them to conserve energy for reproduction and survival.

    Using Fitbit-style accelerometer data, depth-loggers and video footage from animal-borne cameras, we collected detailed swim-depth measurements in free-living little penguins and loggerhead turtles. We compared these with satellite-tracking depth data for green turtles on long-distance migrations, and published data from whales, other species of penguins and migrating sea turtles from other populations.

    Optimal depths

    What we discovered was a remarkable similarity in relative swim depth across sea turtles, penguins and whales. When these air-breathing animals are travelling rather than feeding or evading predators, they swim at near-optimal depths to minimise energy waste. They swim just deep enough to avoid creating waves at the surface but not so deep that they expend extra energy travelling up and down to breathe.

    This sweet spot for energy efficiency has long been established in physics. Experiments show that “wave drag” – additional drag from wave creation – is minimised once an object is at a depth of three times its diameter. For swimming animals, this diameter refers to their body thickness from back to chest.

    Our research revealed that many marine animals, from little penguins (about 30cm long) to pygmy blue whales (nearly 20m long), travel at depths of around three body thicknesses under the surface. This shared strategy helps them save energy on their epic journeys across the oceans.

    These findings are especially exciting because they span such a wide range of species, from birds to mammals and reptiles. They also have important implications for conservation. Knowing where animals travel and at what depths can help us design better conservation measures to protect them.

    For example, understanding typical swim depths could help reduce the risk of boat strikes, which are a major threat to whales, or decrease accidental captures in fishing gear. Tracking animals to find out where they live and travel has become a key part of designing effective conservation measures. For marine animals, considering swim depth – essentially adding a third dimension – can also help to inform strategies to provide better protection.

    Many marine animals travel at a depth of around 3x their body depth (dotted lines).
    Kimberley Stokes, CC BY

    Of course, not all swim depths are determined by energy efficiency alone. Animals may dive deeper to hunt for prey or avoid predators. But during long-distance migrations or shorter “commutes” to feeding areas, this energy-saving pattern emerges across many air-breathing species.

    Collecting depth-tracking data from migrating animals has been notoriously difficult, but advances in technology are making it easier. We are thrilled that our work has contributed to uncovering this widespread adaptation, and we believe there will be much more to learn as tracking tools improve.

    Historically, depth-tracking tags have prioritised recording the deepest and longest dives. They are often seen as the most dramatic or impressive aspects of animal dive behaviour. Our research highlights the importance of near-surface tracking too. This “ordinary” behaviour of swimming at just the right depth is no less impressive, given the energy savings it enables over vast distances.

    Kimberley Stokes receives funding from the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science. She is affiliated with Swansea University.

    – ref. Swimming in the sweet spot: how marine animals save energy on long journeys – https://theconversation.com/swimming-in-the-sweet-spot-how-marine-animals-save-energy-on-long-journeys-246833

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why I loved the new Mussolini drama – by an expert in Italian fascism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Foot, Professor of Modern Italian History, University of Bristol

    As a historian who has studied and taught courses on Italian fascism, I have spent many hours watching footage and listening to the speeches of dictator Benito Mussolini, who ruled over the country from 1922 to 1943.

    So I was rather excited to be asked to review the new Sky Atlantic TV series M: Son of the Century. The series focuses on the rise of Italian fascism and its consolidation in power from 1919 to 1925. Watching all eight parts in one sitting, I was astounded above all by the performance by well-known Italian actor Luca Marinelli.

    Marinelli is on screen for almost the entire eight hours of the series – often in close up and looking straight at the camera. It is an extraordinary tour-de-force performance. Physically, Marinelli inhabits the role much as Robert De Niro did in Raging Bull, putting on a lot of weight in order to play this part; the resemblance to the dictator is uncanny.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    But there is much more. We are confronted with a torrent of words, speeches and internal monologues, many of which have been drawn directly from Mussolini’s journalism and speeches. Here Marinelli captures the precision and charismatic nature of Mussolini’s speech, but also the brutality of many of the concepts he was expressing.

    There is a great deal of baroque Italian swearing too, and Marinelli powerfully portrays the uncouth son-of-a-blacksmith and his range of expressions with relish. I would be amazed if this actor does not win awards for the role. It is an astonishing performance.

    Director Joe Wright’s series is based on Antonio Scurati’s best-selling Italian historical novel of the same name. Scurati’s approach to Mussolini’s story draws on historical work and documents, but importantly tells the story with the flair of an experienced and successful novelist.

    This and the other three books in Scurati’s series about Mussolini have provoked controversy among Italian historians of fascism, not least for some of the historical inaccuracies, but also for what they considered a “dumbing-down” of history. However, others have defended the books as a new way of understanding and disseminating history, and the books have been wildly popular with general audiences.

    Wright’s series adapts the first book. Its starts when Mussolini formed the first fascist movement in 1919 and inspired the “blackshirt” squads who used violence to crush the trade union and socialist movement. It covers events in 1922 when Mussolini led the fascist insurrection that brought him to power, known as the March on Rome. And, it ends with his famous speech by in parliament, which marked the beginnings of the consolidation of Mussolini’s dictatorship in 1925.

    This is a complicated story, but the scriptwriters and director have done an exemplary job in bringing this history to a wider audience. Unsurprisingly, they have often simplified the past, or altered events to fit the narrative. This paring down of events generally works well in bringing this period to life, but, of course, historians of the period will notice the numerous times that episodes deviate from what really happened.

    For instance, certain figures close to Mussolini who play a central role in the series are used almost as symbols and as ways of understanding the dictator. Above all, this technique uses is used to elevate Margherita Sarfatti, the writer, journalist and lover of Mussolini who was a key figure in inventing and spreading the cult of dictator.

    In Wright’s drama, Sarfatti is depicted as a kind of spin doctor, as someone he turns to in times of difficulty and as an inspiration for his political strategy. Her role is overplayed in the series, but this is done to increase the clarity of storytelling and provide a sharp narrative.

    The tone of the series shifts constantly between darkness and extreme violence to occasional comedy and farce. This is a tricky balance to pull off, but it generally works. Anyone watching will have their views on which parts lapse into bad taste and which do not, and the risks of glamorising or playing down shocking and tragic events.

    Certainly, there were moments which jarred, especially the farcical telling of the March on Rome in 1922. Wright and the scriptwriters, correctly in my opinion, place the violence of fascism at the centre of the story, and it rarely pulls its punches in this regard.

    It is impossible to ignore the contemporary relevance of this series, and it is clearly intended as a warning. Democracy, this series tells us, is extremely fragile. At one point Mussolini turns to the camera and says: “Democracy is beautiful. It even allows you the possibility of destroying it.”

    With the victory of Trump and the political rise of Elon Musk, the pertinence, prescience and power of this film has deepened. There is even a discussion at one point of the meaning and role of the “Roman salute” in terms its use during fascism, something which has been much debated in the light of Musk’s own recent controversial “hand gesture”.

    But the ultimate finger of blame is pointed at those who enabled Mussolini’s rise and who tolerated his incendiary language and the violence of his followers. The series ends starkly, with the word “silence”. Those who did nothing were just as responsible as those who supported the rise of this brutal dictator.

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

    – ref. Why I loved the new Mussolini drama – by an expert in Italian fascism – https://theconversation.com/why-i-loved-the-new-mussolini-drama-by-an-expert-in-italian-fascism-248358

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Central India’s indigenous forests are falling victim to bullets and bulldozers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Bulbul Prakash, PhD Candidate in Politics, University of Manchester

    The state of Chhattisgarh in India’s tribal heartland has been the epicentre of a violent conflict for more than 30 years. This struggle has pit a Maoist-inspired group called the Naxalites, who are fighting for the rights of marginalised tribal communities, against the Indian government, which has deployed security forces to suppress the insurgency. More than 11,600 people have been killed in the conflict since 2000.

    At the same time, Chhattisgarh is also grappling with the pressures of rapid industrialisation. Large-scale mining and infrastructure projects are threatening both the land and livelihoods of the state’s indigenous (or Adivasi in Sanskrit) communities.

    Around 44% of the region’s land area is covered by dense forests. These forests are home to vital plant and animal species such as Mahua and Sal trees. However, these forests are being damaged. Trees are being ravaged by gunfire, animals are being killed by explosions, and the fragile ecosystem that sustains people and wildlife in Chhattisgarh is gradually crumbling.

    Soni Sori, an Adivasi activist, has shared images with me that have been taken by Adivasis in the forests of Chhattisgarh. The photos highlight the damage being caused by gunfire, explosions and shelling.

    Bullets tear through bark, while explosions strip it away, leaving trees vulnerable to pests and disease. Shrapnel and shock waves from blasts also sever branches or trunks, which further weakens the trees and causes long-term damage.

    Fresh bullet wounds on a Sal tree in Chhattisgarh.
    Soni Sori, CC BY-NC-ND

    The destruction of Mahua and Sal trees has had a particularly devastating impact on women from Adivasi communities.

    The Mahua tree, which is often called the “tree of life” by locals, provides an essential lifeline for many Adivasi women. Its flowers are fermented to make alcohol, which offers a crucial source of income when it is sold in local markets.

    When men are drawn into Naxal movements or caught in the state’s counterinsurgency efforts, women often step in and use the income from Mahua flowers and oil to fund their children’s education, sustain their families, and repay debts.

    In the town of Dantewada in southern Chhattisgarh, locals even hold a special ceremony where they “marry” the Mahua tree, honouring its life-sustaining role in their community.

    Sal trees, which form much of Chhattisgarh’s forest cover, play a crucial role in stabilising the soil. Their loss leads to erosion and increases the risk of floods and landslides. Climate change, and the increasingly erratic rainfall it brings, has compounded these risks.

    An unexploded mortar shell partially buried in Chhattisgarh.
    Soni Sori, CC BY-NC-ND

    The loss of essential resources like Mahua trees will only exacerbate food insecurity and economic hardship, pushing Adivasis further into poverty. The average annual income of Adivasi households in Chhattisgarh was just ₹53,610 (around £505) in 2022 – well below the national agricultural household average of ₹122,616.

    The conflict in Chhattisgarh is also harming the region’s wildlife. In December, a female sloth bear was killed by an improvised explosive device planted by Maoist rebels in the forests of Dantewada. The bear’s two orphaned cubs starved to death shortly after.

    This was the first recorded death of a wild animal from such an explosion in Bastar district, though livestock and pets have been victims of similar blasts in the past.

    One month earlier, in central Chhattisgarh’s Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, a five-year-old elephant calf sustained critical injuries from a suspected bomb explosion. These incidents reflect a disturbing pattern within the conflict, where wildlife is becoming a victim of the violence.

    March of industrialisation

    Industrialisation has exacerbated these challenges. Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral resources. Between 2023 and 2024, the state produced nearly 50 million tonnes of limestone, 44 million tonnes of iron ore, and over 1 million tonnes of bauxite. However, widespread mining is fuelling further deforestation and environmental degradation.

    Between 2001 and 2023, the state lost 53,500 hectares of forest, with large-scale mining operations contributing significantly to the loss. In the Hasdeo region of northern Chhattisgarh, the Parsa East Kete Basen coal mine has led to the felling of almost 82,000 trees, spread across two phases of mining. Between 2012 and 2018, 50,000 trees were felled, with more than 31,800 more trees cut down since then.

    With continued political support for mineral extraction, government approvals, and the involvement of commercial mining giants, more deforestation is expected over the coming years.

    This deforestation is, unsurprisingly, harming the region’s wildlife. The latest census by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which was carried out in 2022, revealed a sharp and alarming decline in Chhattisgarh’s tiger population.

    At that time, there were only 17 tigers remaining in the state – a dramatic fall from 46 in 2014. Conservationists fear that the figure could now be even lower, as the situation continues to deteriorate.

    This decline is largely due to habitat destruction. But it has probably been made worse by the Maoist insurgency in regions such as northern Chhattisgarh, which is home to the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, as well as the Indravati Tiger Reserve in the south-western part of the state.

    The insurgency has hindered conservation efforts. The use of explosives in the forests disrupts the behaviour of tigers, while also making it more difficult for conservationists to monitor and protect them.

    What was once a lush and bio-diverse environment is rapidly becoming a wasteland. But the loss of these trees and wildlife in Chhattisgarh represents more than simply the depletion of natural resources. It symbolises the erosion of culture, identity, and a way of life for Chhattisgarh’s Indigenous people.

    Bulbul Prakash is supported by The University of Manchester through the ‘Future of the Academy Studentship’ for her doctoral research. The author would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Adivasi activist Soni Sori, who shared firsthand images taken by Adivasi community members in the forests of Chhattisgarh, which illustrate the environmental damage caused by ongoing conflict.

    – ref. Central India’s indigenous forests are falling victim to bullets and bulldozers – https://theconversation.com/central-indias-indigenous-forests-are-falling-victim-to-bullets-and-bulldozers-246272

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The best exercises to do while taking weight loss drugs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack McNamara, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of East London

    Body weight exercises, such as lunges, can be a great way to start resistance training. Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock

    Weight loss drugs, such as those containing GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro, have emerged as effective tools for people struggling to lose weight. These drugs reduce appetite and sometimes slow digestion which can help people to consume fewer calories.

    But while these drugs can significantly lower body weight, it’s important you take steps to avoid losing too much lean mass while taking them.

    When we lose fat, it often unfortunately comes with a hidden cost: losing lean mass. Lean mass is made up of your muscles, bones and organs – essentially everything in your body that isn’t fat. Preserving as much of this lean mass as possible is vital for staying strong, keeping a healthy metabolism and enjoying a better quality of life.

    But why does losing lean mass happen in the first place? When we lose weight the body sometimes taps into muscle as a source of energy. Research shows that 20–30% of weight lost during a diet comes from muscle rather than fat alone. This is especially true if protein intake or physical activity isn’t sufficient.

    Loss of muscle matters for several reasons. First, muscle burns more calories than fat, even when you’re not doing anything. Maintaining muscle mass supports a healthier metabolism that can help you maintain your weight loss long term.

    Second, muscle is important for many everyday tasks – from lifting shopping bags to climbing stairs.

    Preserving muscle can also keep you feeling more energetic and reduce the likelihood of regaining weight later.

    Thankfully, resistance training (also known as strength training) has been consistently shown to help reduce muscle loss when losing weight. This holds true whether you switch to a healthier diet or use weight loss drugs as part of your strategy.

    Even though specific studies looking at GLP-1 agonist drugs combined with exercise are still limited, early evidence suggests that people who regularly do resistance workouts tend to retain more muscle than those relying purely on the drug or diet changes.

    Why resistance training works

    When you challenge your muscles against resistance – whether that’s weights, resistance bands or just your own body weight – you signal the body to preserve that valuable muscle tissue. Your body responds by strengthening the muscles involved during these exercises so they can handle that challenge again.

    If you’re in a calorie deficit – either from dieting or while taking a weight loss drug – these exercises help direct your body to burn more fat instead and hang on to muscle. There’s also a beneficial metabolic effect: muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat, which can support long-term weight management.

    Cardio helps maintain lean mass.
    Pressmaster/ Shutterstock

    Even short sessions of resistance training a few times a week can help. One study found that resistance training for as little as 11 minutes per session, three times a week was enough to elicit changes.

    You don’t even need a gym membership or fancy machines. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, lunges and planks are a great place to start. Add simple items like water bottles or backpacks filled with books for extra resistance. Over time, you can consider using resistance bands or free weights (such as dumbbells) to challenge your muscles as you get stronger continuously.

    Also, consider adding moderate cardio activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Cardio helps burn additional calories, benefits heart health and nicely complements resistance training enhancing reductions in body fat.

    Keeping active

    Some people worry about feeling too tired or lightheaded to exercise while on weight loss drugs. Monitoring how your body responds is essential, especially at the beginning. You might find it easier to break workouts into short sessions, such as 10 to 15 minutes of strength training, two or three times a day. This approach can be less intimidating and can fit into a busy schedule.

    Some other things you can do when starting resistance training include:

    • Start slow: If you’ve never lifted weights or done formal exercise before, try simple bodyweight moves first. Squats, push-ups (on your knees if needed) and planks are good starting exercises.
    • Use resistance bands: These are affordable, portable and offer varying difficulty levels. Using bands, you can perform exercises such as biceps curls, shoulder presses and glute bridges. Resistance bands can provide a safer, more accessible and versatile way to build a foundation for those new to weight training.
    • Focus on major muscle groups: Aim to work your legs, back, chest, shoulders arms and core. Focusing on major muscle groups improves functionality for daily activities, supports weight loss and reduces injury risk by strengthening large, stabilising muscles.
    • Mind your form: Good technique is crucial to avoid injury. Move slowly and with control, especially when adding weight or increasing resistance.
    • Track progress: Whether it’s increasing the number of reps, adding heavier weights or improving balance, keep note of your achievements. Progress can be a great motivator.

    Taking weight loss drugs can be a gamechanger for people who have struggled to lose weight. But medication alone won’t necessarily protect your muscle mass or overall strength. Resistance training helps ensure muscle isn’t sacrificed as fat is lost. It also supports a healthy metabolism and can improve energy levels, making daily activities more manageable and more enjoyable.

    Combining weight loss drugs with a balanced diet, regular resistance workouts and some cardio makes you far more likely to preserve the lean mass that helps keep your body strong and functional. This balanced approach isn’t just about the number on the scale — it’s about feeling capable, staying healthy, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

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

    – ref. The best exercises to do while taking weight loss drugs – https://theconversation.com/the-best-exercises-to-do-while-taking-weight-loss-drugs-246641

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Most of Britain’s peat bogs could stop forming new peat as the climate changes – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Ritson, Research Fellow, Geography, University of Manchester

    Joe Dunckley / shutterstock

    By the 2080s, climate change will mean most of Britain’s peatlands could be too dry to form new peat. That’s the stark warning from a new academic study my colleagues and I just published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

    Peat bogs are found in areas where there is lots of rain but poor drainage. These vital ecosystems are relied upon to deliver drinking water, host rare plant and bird life and to mitigate the risk of floods by slowing rainwater as it heads downstream.

    Perhaps most importantly, peatlands also sequester huge amounts of carbon. That’s because peat is made of the remnants of plants accumulated over hundreds or thousands of years. Waterlogged conditions mean the plants don’t fully decompose, so the carbon they’re made of is kept in the ground and isn’t released into the atmosphere. Peat can be several metres deep so all that plant matter adds up – per square metre, a typical British peat bog stores far more carbon than a tropical rainforest.

    As peat needs very wet conditions to form, our study first mapped out the temperature and rainfall conditions under which this has occurred in the UK in the past. We then took the Met Office’s UK climate projections and looked at where these conditions would continue to occur by the 2080s. The results were, quite frankly, shocking.

    Although small pockets of favourable conditions may still be present in Wales, and larger ones in Scotland, the outlook for England is dismal, with barely any areas continuing to be suitable for peat formation due to increasing temperatures and lower summer rainfall.

    UK peatlands. The large red patch at the top of mainland Scotland is the Flow Country.
    James Hutton Institute / Biogeochemistry

    In the “Flow Country” of northern Scotland, a bog so big it has been designated a Unesco world heritage site, the area in which we might expect peatlands to thrive is likely to be reduced by at least 50% even in the best-case climate scenario. This scenario of mild warming is, unfortunately, unlikely to happen. More extreme scenarios of peatland degradation are increasingly realistic.

    We still don’t know exactly what this will mean for the peatlands in places like Exmoor or Dartmoor in southern England, however we do know that life will become more and more challenging for these precious ecosystems. Not experiencing the temperature and rainfall that caused peat formation in the first place could mean they start to emit the carbon currently stored, as this is reliant on them staying wet and boggy.

    Peatlands are naturally resilient and aren’t going to disappear overnight (the Peak District in northern England was heavily degraded for over a century, yet still hosts many metres of peat soils). But conservation and restoration work is going to be ever more necessary if we are to preserve these landscapes as carbon sinks rather than sources.

    More money for conservation

    One ray of light in all this is that the challenging conditions in England could actually unlock more money for conservation efforts. The UK Peatland Code is a climate finance initiative that allows landowners to generate income from peatland restoration by selling carbon credits. The number of credits they can claim is based on the difference in avoided emissions from a “do nothing” scenario in which they do no restoration.

    Our new results show that doing nothing could be even worse than previously thought, meaning more carbon finance may be unlocked. Perversely, bad news for England’s peatlands could bring about the money needed to save them.

    Thankfully, through measures such as the government’s Nature for Climate scheme and ongoing investment in fundamental peatland science, the UK has something of a head start in peatland restoration. Techniques that were once trialled in small areas are now being rolled out across whole landscapes.

    Gully blocking to raise peatland water tables and limit carbon loss, as part of the GGR-Peat project at the National Trust High Peak Estate.
    Jonathan Ritson

    The Great North Bog initiative, as one example, has linked together restoration organisations, researchers and landowners to deliver restoration across four national parks and three national landscapes. This is truly the scale that is needed if the UK is serious about meeting its climate targets.

    More will be required, however, as huge swathes of peatland remain in a degraded state. While bleak messages like those in our new study could lead to resignation about the effects of climate change, there is an alternative way of looking at it: we must show how bad things could get if we don’t do anything, and then see this as a call to action.

    Jonathan Ritson has received funding from charities delivering peatland restoration.

    – ref. Most of Britain’s peat bogs could stop forming new peat as the climate changes – new study – https://theconversation.com/most-of-britains-peat-bogs-could-stop-forming-new-peat-as-the-climate-changes-new-study-248515

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s electric vehicle industry is facing existential threats — here’s how it can still flourish

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Charles Conteh, Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Department of Political Science, Brock University

    The electric vehicle (EV) industry has been one of the most defining technological trends of the past decade, transforming the automotive sector while fuelling advancements in manufacturing.

    Yet after billions of taxpayer dollars have been invested, the EV industry in Canada is facing headwinds. Chief among these are the trade tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

    For a country with an automotive sector that exports 91 per cent of its parts to the U.S., the threats feel existential. They may also be seen as a betrayal of the centuries-long economic and cultural partnership between two neighbours sharing one of the world’s longest and most porous borders.

    Adding to these international headwinds are three other obstacles within the EV industry: high costs, limited battery range and sparse battery charging infrastructure. These concerns continue to affect firms here in Canada, with the likes of Stellantis juggling high inventory, slow sales and falling revenue.

    These challenges have sparked skepticism about the future of EVs in Canada and whether the federal and provincial governments’ multi-billion-dollar investments in the industry are wise.

    As researchers who study Canada and other countries’ innovation policy initiatives amid breakneck changes in technologies and markets, we argue that Canada has every reason to ratchet up its commitments in the months and years ahead.

    Along with artificial intelligence, EV represents the emergent frontier of advanced manufacturing in the digital age. Winners of this innovation race will stand to dominate the global market for the foreseeable future.

    The case for staying the course

    Despite current challenges, EVs remain the future of the automotive sector. Even conservative estimates suggest that by 2040, around three-quarters of new car sales will be fully electric globally.

    Canada’s position in the EV industry is stronger than recent news coverage indicates. The country ranked first among 30 countries in a 2024 EV battery supply chain report, outperforming even China.

    This ranking reflects Canada’s vast reserves of critical minerals essential for EV battery production and its burgeoning battery manufacturing sector.

    Over the past few years, Canada has attracted significant investments from manufacturers like Umicore, Northvolt and Volkswagen-owned PowerCo.

    Canada has reasons to be optimistic about EV and energy storage demand. While concerns about U.S. protectionism loom, Canada’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles ensures fiscal incentives and policies that will likely boost short-term demand.

    On the environmental, social and governance front, Canada outperforms many of its global competitors in battery manufacturing. Though by no means perfect, the country’s climate change policy ambitions, clean electricity grid and commitment to sustainable mining position it as a global leader in the EV space.

    Advanced manufacturing

    Canada’s robust innovation ecosystem for advanced manufacturing is another key strength. A prime example is the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

    OVIN commercializes advanced automotive technologies and manages the development, testing, piloting and uptake of transportation and infrastructure technologies. It operates seven regional technology development sites across Ontario, including in Waterloo, Hamilton, Windsor-Essex, Durham and Toronto.

    By serving as a bridge between government, industry and researchers, OVIN has become a model for multi-level governance, with projects jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments and close working relationships with municipalities.

    As the EV industry navigates economic and policy challenges, initiatives like OVIN are crucial for driving long-term growth and competitiveness.

    The road ahead

    While Canada’s automotive innovation ecosystem is generally robust, it requires some calibration to overcome current challenges and claim the next frontier of the global EV race.

    In particular, Canada needs to consolidate its EV innovation ecosystem by integrating the upstream of its domestic supply chain assets with the downstream of its technology commercialization and adoption.

    In other words, this means getting more critical minerals to market and making sure a substantial portion of the materials mined in Canada are processed and used domestically to build batteries and vehicles, so the entire EV production cycle benefits Canada’s economy.

    Such an endeavour will require Canada to establish the right policies, regulations and financial support to tap into its vast reserves of critical minerals to supply the country’s battery plants.

    It is the presence of these reserves that made Canada attractive to the automakers in the first place. Leveraging them wisely will be critical for the country’s long-term success in the EV industry.

    Charles Conteh receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. Canada’s electric vehicle industry is facing existential threats — here’s how it can still flourish – https://theconversation.com/canadas-electric-vehicle-industry-is-facing-existential-threats-heres-how-it-can-still-flourish-248103

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The future of the Palace of Westminster

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Restoring the historic Palace of Westminster will support jobs and boost businesses nationwide. We’ve involved hundreds of specialists and training providers in our planning.

    Judith Cummins MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chair of the Restoration and Renewal Programme Board, speaks about some of the future opportunities

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSYIkK2euj8

    MIL OSI Video –