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Category: Weather

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  • MIL-Evening Report: Adelaide Hills water crisis: a local problem is a global wake-up call

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Holland, Principal Research Scientist, Water Security, CSIRO

    A dry farm dam in Montacute, Adelaide Hills, March 2025. Ilan Sagi.

    The Adelaide Hills are experiencing severe water shortages. The root cause? A prolonged dry period and not enough water tankers to meet unprecedented demand from people not connected to the mains water supply.

    Thousands of residents and farmers are hurting as dams, tanks and streams dry up. Water tankers are becoming a common sight, carting in desperately needed water. People are waiting weeks for expensive water deliveries.

    The South Australian government has set up emergency water collection points to cope with the demand from off-grid families. More water tankers have been secured. But despite recent rain, the situation is far from over.

    We found rainfall and flows into Adelaide’s reservoirs are at their lowest levels in 40 years. Reservoir levels have dropped to 44% – the lowest for more than 20 years.

    Adelaide is not currently at risk of running out of water; the state government built a desalination plant after the Millennium Drought. Production at the desal plant is four to six times higher than usual to meet demand. Without the desal plant and water from the River Murray, the city would be under severe water restrictions.

    But the crisis shows many off-grid families, farms and businesses need new options to plan for the future.

    Over the past 12 months, rainfall in parts of South Australia has been the lowest on record.
    Commonwealth of Australia 2025, Bureau of Meteorology

    Global water stress

    This is not the first time entire communities have run out of water.

    Cape Town in South Africa nearly ran out of water in 2018. The city of nearly 4 million people was weeks away from “Day Zero”.

    In Australia, several regional and rural country towns have hit their own Day Zero. Stanthorpe in Queensland officially ran out of water in January 2020. Truckloads of water were carted into town every day to meet residential demand.

    Scientists have coined a new term, “hydroclimate whiplash”, to describe the rapid swings between intensely wet and dangerously dry weather currently occurring across the globe. This climate volatility amplifies natural hazards such as flash floods, wildfires, landslides and disease.

    The January wildfires in Los Angeles happened when two wet winters were followed by an extremely dry autumn and winter, providing plenty of dry fuel for fire.

    These aren’t isolated events. The global water crisis didn’t go away.

    The bigger picture

    What’s happening in the Adelaide Hills – and in other very dry places worldwide – demonstrates the need for careful, long-term water security planning.

    The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. Water stress already affects more than 2 billion people – more than a quarter of the world’s population.

    By 2030, the UN predicts 2 billion people will still be living without safely managed drinking water, 3 billion without safely managed sanitation, and 1.4 billion without basic hygiene services.

    For many, this is literally a life-or-death matter.

    Investing in water security

    CSIRO is collaborating with industry, government and research organisations on research to overcome drought and build resilience for regional Australia. Our researchers are testing how well each of these strategies might work in different regions during extended dry periods. We calculate how much water can be collected and stored during the driest periods on record.

    Rainfall over Norfolk Island, a subtropical island in the Pacific Ocean roughly 1,500km southeast of Brisbane, has declined by 11% since 1970, with long runs of dry years in recent decades. The future is likely to be drier still.

    Our Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment explored ways to help the community determine how to adapt and build resilience to drought.

    Since this project finished in 2020, residential and commercial rainwater tanks have been upgraded and a new seawater desalination plant installed. Other options to diversify water supplies included sharing groundwater bores, capturing runoff in gully dams, managing vegetation water use, and storing water underground.

    Excess water from rainwater or recycled wastewater can sometimes be stored underground in natural reservoirs called aquifers for use during drought. This is called “water banking” or “managed aquifer recharge”. The technique has been developed over the past 20 years and used to safely store water underground across Australia and overseas.

    Brackish (salty) groundwater is a potential water source that could be unlocked during drought. A National Water Grid funded project is investigating ways to use groundwater that would normally be too salty, along with renewable energy to power inland desalination plants. The project is investigating the prospect of using brackish groundwater across Western Australia for the first time.

    Future generations are likely to face more severe water shortages.
    Rosie Sheba

    A call to action

    The Adelaide Hills water crisis is a microcosm of a global issue. It’s a reminder action is needed now to secure our water future. Not when the water runs out.

    Deeper groundwater bores, water tankers on standby and bigger water storages are all potentially part of the portfolio of emergency plans. And due to climate change, the Adelaide Hills water crisis will happen again if we are unprepared. It is a question of when, not if.

    We have also seen the catastrophic effects of drought in Los Angeles – a tinderbox waiting to burn, and insufficient water on hand to fight the fires. We can and must prepare for natural disasters today. These are not unforeseen consequences. They are not “unknown unknowns”. We know them today. We will have no excuse when this happens.

    By adopting more sustainable water management policies and practices in the longer term, we can make sure the spectre of Day Zero does not become real for more communities around the world.

    With thanks to CSIRO Senior Research Scientist and Hydrologist Matt Gibbs and Principal Experimental Scientist in Hydrogeology Andrew Taylor.

    Kate Holland receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

    Craig T. Simmons has received funding for water research from various government and non-government organisations in the past. He is currently serving as Chief Scientist for South Australia.

    – ref. Adelaide Hills water crisis: a local problem is a global wake-up call – https://theconversation.com/adelaide-hills-water-crisis-a-local-problem-is-a-global-wake-up-call-251265

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How political leaders communicate climate policy will be a defining factor this election

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew Heffernan, Climate Associate at the Information Integrity Lab and Adjunct Professor in Political Studies, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    Prime Minister Mark Carney has called an April 28 federal election, setting the stage for a campaign where climate policy could be a central issue.

    The current iteration of Canada’s consumer carbon rebate is dead — which many view as a casualty of effective communication — yet climate policy remains a pressing topic for voters and a major battleground for political leaders.



    Read more:
    The Canada Carbon Rebate is still widely misunderstood — here’s why

    As Canada grapples with intensifying climate-related challenges, the next government will not only need to implement evidence-based policies to meet international climate commitments, but also effectively communicate its vision to voters.

    The public remains concerned about environmental issues, yet many are worried that bold climate policies have damaged the economy. This tension between environmental responsibility and economic growth will shape how each party formulates and communicates their climate policies in the upcoming campaign.

    The Liberals: Navigating the middle ground

    For Carney and the Liberal Party, the challenge is twofold. First, the Liberals must present a new climate plan after the collapse of the consumer carbon rebate, which has faced widespread public opposition in recent years.

    While the new Liberal leader has already terminated the the carbon rebate, it still remains unclear what exactly his comprehensive climate plan will look like. Carney’s website states that his strategy will: “Provide incentives for consumers. Put more of the burden on big polluters. And help us build the strongest economy in the G7.”



    Read more:
    Big government, big trouble? Defending the future of Canada’s climate policy

    This suggests his climate policy will hinge more on positive incentives for consumers to invest in sustainable approaches rather than putting a cost on polluting.

    While the carbon rebate initially enjoyed broad support as a key tool for reducing emissions, it has become a lightning rod for political controversy.

    Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s increasingly seen as a matter of economic survival, with green energy jobs and clean technologies representing an opportunity for Canada to position itself as a global leader in the sector.

    Carney will have to make a convincing case that his policy will create jobs, stimulate innovation and provide a clear path toward a greener, more sustainable economy.

    Failing to do so could lead to the loss of centrist and moderate voters, some of whom are wary of the perceived economic risks of aggressive climate action.

    The Conservatives: Axing the rebate isn’t enough

    On the opposite end of the political spectrum, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made axing the carbon rebate a central part of his platform.

    Framing the carbon rebate as an economic penalty, Poilievre has played into populist sentiments by promising to “axe the tax” and relieve financial pressures on Canadian families and businesses.

    However, even if the Conservatives are successful in eliminating the carbon rebate, they still face the challenge of needing a comprehensive climate policy that lowers emissions and meets Canada’s Paris Agreement targets. Poilievre has said he would not withdraw Canada from the accord, but he hasn’t addressed how he would meet Canada’s commitments.

    Poilievre’s populist rhetoric may resonate with voters who feel economically squeezed, but it’s unlikely to be enough to win over voters concerned about the climate crisis — especially as he has voted against environmental and climate action in Parliament over 400 times in his career, a point his opponents will be sure to raise repeatedly.

    For the Conservatives, the real challenge will be how to present a climate policy that appeals to both economic conservatives, who prioritize fiscal responsibility, and environmental conservatives, who are concerned about the future of the planet.

    Poilievre will need to clearly articulate how his policies will preserve Canada’s environmental future without stifling economic growth or inflating costs for the average Canadian.

    NDP and Green Party

    A key piece of the future of climate policy in Canada will be the NDP and Green Party, who are generally considered left-of-centre parties alongside the governing Liberals.

    The NDP, which can siphon progressive votes away from the Liberals — which sometimes benefits Conservatives — have been clear as mud when it comes to their climate policy for the next election.

    NDP leader Jagmeet Singh rescinded his party’s long-standing support for the Liberal carbon rebate in April 2024, but has not yet said what his party would put in its place.

    Meanwhile, the Green Party, which has historically played a less significant role in electoral outcomes in terms of vote splitting, has generally maintained its support for the carbon rebate. Its website suggests the party supports the polluter-pays principle. However, the Greens have yet to take a clear stance on the shifting climate grounds on which this election could partially be fought.

    Political communication the key to success

    In the coming years, the future of climate policy in Canada will be less about crafting the perfect policy and more about crafting a message that addresses how people are feeling.

    The Liberal Party has been open about the demise of the carbon rebate being a combination of a lack of their own effective communication strategy, mixed with harmful disinformation campaigns that led to the demise of their signature climate policy.

    For the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Greens alike, the road to effective climate policy will lie in this communication. Political leaders will need to balance ambition and pragmatism, ensuring their policies align with Canadians’ economic interests.

    With 71 per cent of Canadians suggesting they want the next government to do more to address climate change, leaders who can articulate a vision for a sustainable, prosperous future while addressing the immediate concerns of Canadians will be the ones who have the best chance of winning the public’s trust — and the next election.

    Andrew Heffernan is affiliated with the Liberal Party of Canada.

    – ref. How political leaders communicate climate policy will be a defining factor this election – https://theconversation.com/how-political-leaders-communicate-climate-policy-will-be-a-defining-factor-this-election-251990

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China contributes to world meteorological early warning efforts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    March 23 marks the 65th World Meteorological Day, with the theme of “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.”
    Planet Earth faces unprecedented climate challenges. 2024 was the hottest year on record. Global warming has triggered frequent and intensified extreme weather events, which emphasizes the importance of early warning systems in disaster prevention and mitigation.
    In March 2022, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
    From global consensus to national action, China is implementing its National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035 to build a climate-resilient society.
    “Ensuring universal access to meteorological early warning systems is not only a shared vision of the international community but also an important mission of China’s meteorological departments. China Meteorological Administration (CMA) will continuously enhance the meteorological science and technology, improve public services, deliver more robust scientific, institutional and governance support to achieve the goals of EW4ALL initiative, and contribute more wisdom and plans to building a community with a shared future for mankind,” said Chen Zhenlin, head of the CMA.
    CMA has made great efforts to step up meteorological disaster monitoring, forecasting, and warning as well as prevention and response capabilities.
    Today, the new-generation National Emergency Early Warning Information Release System disseminates 82 types of warning information to designated emergency responders within one minute, achieving 99.1 percent public coverage.
    “Enhancing meteorological science and technology capabilities underpins more timely, accurate and widespread early warning dissemination,” said Chen Zhenlin.
    China has effective early warning mechanisms such as Progressive Service and High-Impact Alert and Response systems. When high-impact hazards occur, each warning triggers immediate action, followed by confirmation to ensure closed-loop disaster prevention.
    Recently, Ko Barrett, deputy secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said, “I love the focus on ensuring that the people and their safety are actually of central importance. ”
    China stands ready to work with fellow developing countries through professional training, visiting scholar programs, and research scholarships to enhance its shared capacity for climate resilience.
    China’s Fengyun meteorological satellite data services now cover 133 countries and regions, achieving an 80 percent global service satisfaction rate.
    Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the WMO, highlighted the critical role of China’s upcoming satellite launch in advancing global early warning capabilities.
    In 2024, CMA and Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) shared rainfall observation data from meteorological stations in China-Vietnam bordering areas, supporting decision-making for local governments on both sides, in particular county- and prefecture-level governmental agencies in disaster mitigation and response work.
    The joint development work by CMA and Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has resulted in an Early Warning Supporting System tailored for Pakistan. The system features a cloud-based open platform and toolbox series covering local information access, numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, artificial intelligence (AI) models, severe weather identification algorithms, early warning information dissemination, etc., enabling swift and effective tracking of meteorological disasters.
    Given the theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day, I think China has already made progress in closing the early warning gap, said Somses Sieglinde, a meteorologist from Namibia.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2024 Is Singapore’s Warmest Year On Record

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Tied with 2019 and 2016

    Singapore, 23 March 2025 – Singapore’s 2024 Annual Climate Assessment Report was released by the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) in conjunction with the World Meteorological Day. The report covers Singapore’s main climatic features and notable weather records and events in 2024 and is available on the MSS website at www.weather.gov.sg (please refer to Annex A for an infographic on Singapore’s climate in 2024).

    Singapore’s Climate in 2024

    Temperature

    2          In 2024, Singapore’s annual average temperature was 28.4 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest year on record (tied with 2019 and 2016). Every month in 2024 was equal to or warmer than its corresponding long-term average temperature. Temperature records were broken on several occasions during the year, with record high daily minimum temperatures in February and record high daily maximum temperatures in December. 

    3          The preceding decade (2015-2024) was Singapore’s warmest decade on record at 28.11 degrees Celsius. This is 0.05 degrees Celsius warmer than the decade from 2014-2023, and the fourth consecutive year that Singapore’s decadal mean temperature record has been broken.

    4          While climate change contributed to warmer temperatures, climate variability in 2024 also played a role. The El Niño [1] event that developed in 2023 and ended in the second quarter of 2024 likely contributed to the warm temperatures in 2024, including during Singapore’s hot season (March – May), which was the third warmest hot season on record, after 1998 and 2016 which were also associated with strong El Niño events.

    5          Singapore’s annual temperature trend in 2024 is similar to the global trend recently reported by the World Meteorological Organization [2]. 2024 has been declared the warmest year on record globally since 1850.

    Heat Stress

    6          Singapore experienced higher annual daily mean Wet Bulb Globe Temperature of 27.0 degrees Celsius in 2024 compared to 26.6 degrees Celsius in 2023. However, the number of days of high heat stress [3] was lower. There were 21 days of high heat stress in 2024, fewer than the 37 days in 2023. Most of the 21 high heat stress days in 2024 were during Singapore’s hot season (March to May).

    Rainfall

    7          In 2024, Singapore’s annual total rainfall of 2739.8mm was 8.1 per cent above the long-term average of 2534mm, making 2024 the twelfth wettest year since 1980. January and November 2024 were exceptionally wet, recording rainfall 83.3 per cent and 47.4 per cent above their respective long-term averages. November’s islandwide average rainfall also broke the record for the wettest November since 1980. July and December were notably dry, 52.7 per cent and 30.0 per cent below their respective long-term averages.

    8          While there has been a gradual increase in Singapore’s average annual total rainfall, there is no significant trend in the frequency of heavy rain events and the highest 60-minute rainfall intensity. In 2024, the highest 60-minute rainfall intensities were experienced in the months from September to December compared to the rest of the year, with the highest value of 93mm recorded on 29 December.

    Notable Weather Events in 2024

    Dry Spell in July

    9          Between 18 and 30 July, Singapore experienced 18 consecutive days with daily total rainfall of less than 1.0mm, marking Singapore’s first dry spell since August 2019. Temperatures were also warm, with daily minimum temperatures staying above 28 degrees Celsius in most parts of the island.

    Intense Sumatra Squall

    10        On 17 September, an intense Sumatra Squall swept across Singapore between 7pm and 8:30pm. Maximum wind gusts exceeded 80km/h, with East Coast Parkway recording 83.2km/h at 7:33pm. The squall also brought cooler weather, with temperatures dropping by about 5 degrees Celsius in five minutes.

    Heavy rains in October

    11          Even though October is not usually a wet month and October 2024’s monthly rainfall was below its long-term average, Singapore experienced exceptionally high rainfall on 14 October 2024. Regional convergence of winds caused widespread thunderstorms over the island from midnight into the afternoon. The highest daily rainfall recorded that day was 145.8mm at Kent Ridge, making it one of the wettest days of the year


    —————————————

    [1] El Niño and La Niña are a climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific that affects climate around the world.

    [3] Heat stress levels are based on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). Days of high heat stress are defined when any hourly average WBGT at a station is equal to or greater than 33 degrees Celsius.

    ~~ End ~~

     

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

    Annex A

    Infographic on Singapore’s Climate in 2024

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada and Government of Yukon invest over $11.1M to enhance water services in Mayo and Whitehorse

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Canada and Government of Yukon invest over $11.1M to enhance water services in Mayo and Whitehorse
    zaburke
    March 21, 2025 – 12:31 pm

    This a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.

    The Village of Mayo and City of Whitehorse will see improvements to water service through two projects after a joint investment of more than $11.1 million from the federal and territorial governments. 

    In the Hillcrest Subdivision area of Whitehorse, rehabilitation of water, sewer and roads will include upgrades to the sanitary and main lines and expansion of the underground storm systems and culverts.

    In the Village of Mayo, funding for underground utility upgrades will result in safer and more accessible drinking water, improved flow of water for firefighting and better capacity to transport sewage. The rehabilitation of water infrastructure will also result in the resurfacing of the impacted roads.

    Supporting infrastructure projects that provide effective and reliable water services for communities helps create healthier environments for the future.
     

    Our government is proud to support water and sewer upgrade projects in Whitehorse and the Village of Mayo. Reliable and stable water infrastructure will benefit the wellbeing of Yukoners in their day to day lives by ensuring efficiency and resiliency in essential services for these communities for years to come.

    Member of Parliament for Yukon Dr. Brendan Hanley on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

    Investing in essential infrastructure, like water services, is key to building resilient communities. The improvements in both the Village of Mayo and the City of Whitehorse will ensure safer, more reliable access to water, better sewage capacity and enhanced road systems. This joint investment of over $11.1 million reflects our commitment to strengthening the foundations of our communities and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for Yukoners.

    Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

    The Village of Mayo is excited with the announcement that the 4th and final phase of our long-term project to replace the outdated water and sewer infrastructure will be completed soon. This vital upgrade will ensure the Village is well-equipped for many years to come. 

    Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis  

    We are pleased to be working in partnership with the governments of Canada and Yukon to invest in community infrastructure. Whitehorse is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and enhancing infrastructure is key to ensuring the sustainable growth of our community. Meeting the growing needs of our city will require substantial investments in the years to come and ongoing support from our federal and territorial partners.

    Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing $9,612,500 under the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The Government of Yukon is contributing $1,537,500.

    • The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable technologies.

    • Including today’s announcement, over 30 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in the Yukon, with a total federal contribution of more than $138 million and a total territorial contribution of nearly $32.4 million.  

    • The Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream supports projects that increase access to more efficient and reliable energy sources, improve community infrastructure and improve internet connectivity for rural and northern communities.

    • Including today’s announcement, 20 infrastructure projects under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream have been announced in the Yukon, with a total federal contribution of more than $141 million and a total territorial contribution of nearly $39.4 million. 

    • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. 

    • Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous communities and environmental assessment obligations.

    Media contact

    Laura Seeley
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-7627
    laura.seeley@yukon.ca 

    Taylor Harvey 
    Communications Analyst 
    Government of Yukon 
    867-332-1237 
    taylor.harvey@yukon.ca  

    Sofia Ouslis 
    Press Secretary 
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 
    sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca  

    Media Relations 
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 
    613-960-9251 
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154 
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca  
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn 
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 

    Matthew Cameron
    Manager, Strategic Communications
    City of Whitehorse
    867-689-0515
    matthew.cameron@whitehorse.ca 
     

    News release #:

    25-126

    Related information:

    Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
    Green Infrastructure Stream
    Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
    Strengthened Climate Plan

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Federal government invests in community buildings across Canada

    Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation

    Ontario

    Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Health Centre Renovations

    Replace the wood siding and wood frame windows with triple-paned windows, and increasing the basement insulation. The heating will be upgraded to an energy efficient heat pump, which provides significant GHG savings. The propane unit will remain, providing back up support in the case of extreme cold temperatures. Energy saving will also come from upgrading to low flow plumbing fixtures and lighting to LEDs. Accessibility will be improved by retrofitting the bathroom and upgrading the ramp to the building to meet code. A wing of the Centre will be retrofitted to improve accessibility with wider hallways and larger door frames.

    $2,989,125

    Ayr

    Ontario

    North Dumfries Net Zero Arena Project

    The Township of North Dumfries is embarking on an exciting project to construct a new state-of-the-art ice arena. This facility aims to provide a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient space for ice sports and community events. The project includes a full-sized ice rink, seating for spectators, locker rooms, and multipurpose rooms for community use.

    The goal is to create a hub for local sports teams, recreational leagues, and public skating, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The new arena will serve residents of all ages, from young children learning to skate to seniors participating in recreational activities. By incorporating sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies, we aim to minimize the environmental impact and ensure long-term operational cost savings.
    This project will not only enhance the quality of life for North Dumfries residents but also attract visitors and events, boosting local economy and community spirit.

    $5,000,000

    Beamsville

    Ontario

    The Next Chapter – Vineland Library

    The Town of Lincoln will retrofit and expand the public library in Vineland. The branch, built in 1996, is showing signs of wear and aging. It is the only public space on the East side of Lincoln and is currently visited by over 38,000 each year.  Lincoln is experiencing significant planned residential growth, and the increased population will include newcomers, seniors and children at risk, who require space to meet and connect.
    This project will include a 6000 sq foot addition, including new study and community spaces and a place for the local archives, a green retrofit complying with the zero-carbon building design standard v4, and will improve the accessibility of the branch to 2024 AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards.

    The upgraded library will provide inclusive space for residents to access library programs and services and be a model of Net Zero design and construction in the Niagara Region.

    $2,000,000

    Blood 148

    Alberta

    Unlocking Energy Efficiency Potential for Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training (BTEST) Building

    Improve the comfort and efficiency of the facility and the success of programming by lowering energy consumption, reducing operating costs and demonstrating energy efficiency leadership.
    Works include upgrading lights to LED, improving insulation and sealing of windows and doors, and building out a solar array. The expected energy efficiency improvements from these projects is 32.4%.

    $307,119

    Bonnechere Valley

    Ontario

    Eganville Community Arena GHG Reduction and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    Replace refrigeration equipment, install a 272 kW solar array, upgrade to LED lighting, improve air tightness and optimize the Building Automation System (BAS) for better climate control.
    These measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and ensure the arena remains a vital community space for activities and events.

    $1,000,000

    Breton

    Alberta

    Carolyn Strand Civic Centre Energy Retrofit Improvements

    Replace the outdated HVAC system with a high-efficiency heat pump and upgrade interior lighting with LED fixtures and a control panel, which will reduce energy consumption by 54.5%. An accessible ramp will also be installed to ensure all community members, including those with mobility challenges, can access the services.

    $527,625

    Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Reserve

    Manitoba

    Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Community Hall

    Convert the existing kitchen into a commercial-grade kitchen, install an energy efficient backup generator for emergency power, improve HVAC and audio-visual systems, and accessibility within the building based on CSA standard. Energy efficiency upgrades will feature an air source heat pump, ductwork repairs, demand-controlled ventilation, and repairing the kitchen’s heat recovery ventilator (HRV), leading to a 47.1% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

    $996,368

    Burlington

    Ontario

    Skyway Community Centre and Park

    Build a new facility that will exceed the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for accessibility requirements. This new community centre will feature a revitalized park which includes a baseball diamond, natural playground, arena, program rooms and an indoor walking track. This will be a low carbon operating facility which aligns with the City’s goal of being a net carbon operation by 2040.

    $1,000,000

    Caledon

    Ontario

    Low Carbon Electric Heating Retrofits and Building Automation System Expansion at Caledon East Community Complex

    Retrofit end-of-life natural gas heaters to electric radiant heaters in two arenas and a garage bay at the Caledon East Community Complex. Expand existing building automation system (BAS), as well as optimize the remaining assets which span the remaining 95,962 ft2 of original floor space at the complex. The retrofitted heaters and expanding the BAS system will result in energy savings of 944,583 ekWh and abate 131 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.

    $336,688

    Cape Breton Regional Municipality

    Nova Scotia

    Going Green in 2023 2023

    Install a new refrigeration system which will utilize significant green energy and carbon  reductions measures and put in place solar  panels as the primary energy source. This will lead to greater efficiency and significantly reduced utility rates and will also be part of a net-zero objective. Building renovations will assist with greater accessibility.

    $1,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation

    The Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation Project will rehabilitate and transform a former tavern space into a comprehensive support hub featuring 44 bridge housing units, a commercial kitchen, office space, conference rooms, spiritual space, and accessible washrooms. This project will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness by providing 24/7 accommodations, meals, showers, and wrap-around services. Residents will receive culturally sensitive support, helping them stabilize and transition to permanent housing. The renovated space will accommodate over 100 people daily, offering holistic care, including cultural, spiritual, and healthcare services. This project directly supports Edmonton’s unhoused population, particularly Indigenous individuals, and promotes long-term housing solutions.

    $5,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Terra Centre 146 Street Renovation

    Terra Centre recently purchased a building to accommodate the expansion of our programmes. Terra Centre is instrumental in raising the standard of living for minority families in Edmonton by being the only organization solely dedicated to pregnant and parenting teen mothers.

    By reducing energy consumption and operating costs, we can ensure that services remain free for teen parents and their families. The agency has implemented many strategies to achieve this goal:

    – Energy Efficiency Upgrade: HRV Replacement, Built-Up Roof System Replacement, Windows, Skylight and Storefront Replacement, LED Lighting Fixture Upgrade.
    The retrofit plan includes enhancing accessibility in the building to welcome more employees, clients, and members of the public, thereby expanding access to more people who require service – Accessibility Retrofits: Accessible family washrooms, Ramps (Exterior and Interior), Automatic Doors, Accessible Reception Desk.

    $1,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    North Glenora Community League – Net Zero Retrofit

    Improve the energy efficiency of the Community Leagues buildings and retrofit them to net zero. This project will eliminate the carbon emissions of the Community League, act as a demonstration for energy retrofits for residents, improve community climate resilience by providing emergency shelter from extreme weather, and increase the accessibility of the League buildings.

    $752,113

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Avonmore Community League – Hall Building – Stepped Pathway to Net Zero

    Reduce annual energy consumption by 87.3% (45,880 kWh), reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 89.4% (10.1 tCO2e), improve climate resilience, and work towards removing accessibility barriers. This will be achieved with a building envelope retrofit, reduction of natural gas consumption, electric heating and cooling, renewable energy generation, and accessibility enhancements.

    $406,667

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Ritchie Community Hall Replacement Project

    Replace the hall to align with community needs and municipal requirements. With a secured development permit, support from various organisations and access to 552 memberships and over 30 businesses, the league is shovel ready and feasible. The building currently serves as an affordable space for charities and non-profit organisations to provide affordable programs to young families and cultural groups. The new hall will also better serve houseless residents.

    $4,287,392

    Edmonton

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Alberta

    Crestwood Hall HVAC and Envelope Upgrades

    Correct stucco cladding, windows and doors, and heating and air conditioning systems.
    This will also support the long term goal of becoming NetZero in an incremental and financially responsible way. This project will cut energy use by 44%, and prepare the building for full electrification.

    $396,000

    Edmonton

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Alberta

    Edmonton’s Food Bank (EFB) Solar Array Project (Main Building)

    Reduce the operating costs for EFB yearly by at least $70,000 and reduce the carbon emissions (GHG) associated with the operation of EFB by 225 tCO2. Funding will also create a sustainable and prosperous community by reduced costs and reinvestment into the local economy through things like food purchases and programs.

    $482,160

    Georgina

    Ontario

    Energy, Accessibility, and Climate Resiliency Retrofit of Sutton Arena

    Improve the energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate resiliency of the facility by retrofitting the building envelope and equipment to reduce energy usage by over 26%, upgrading the elevator and flooring to meet accessibility standards, and implementing low impact development features in the parking lot to mitigate climate risks. The project will improve the enjoyment and usability of the space for the community by improving temperature controls and occupancy comfort, improving indoor air quality and accessibility, and building in climate resiliency.

    $1,118,412

    Grand Cache

    Alberta

    Aseniwuche Winewack Nation of Canada (AWN) Tawow Centre Retrofit

    Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and operational costs while expanding programming for the community. Key upgrades will include optimizing heating and cooling systems, improving insulation, replacing windows and lighting with energy-efficient alternatives, and enhancing air quality.
    The retrofit will benefit over 500 AWN members, including youth, elders, and families.

    $399,700

    Hamlet of Kugaaruk

    Nunavut

    Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion

    Renovate and expand the Centre to better serve the rapidly growing community, with a programming based on Inuit traditions. The Hamlet will install a new kitchen and additional food storage to support the Elders lunch and soup kitchen programs that provide services for the most vulnerable. To better serve expecting mothers and early families through the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program, a 25 m² expansion is planned. Additionally, the project will include a solar and battery energy storage system, enabling the Centre to operate essential services in emergencies and reducing reliance on diesel-powered electricity.

    $2,998,331

    High Prairie

    Alberta

    High Prairie Friendship Centre Retrofit

    Improve the building envelope and HVAC systems, as well as implement rooftop solar. These upgrades will significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, promote climate resiliency, improve accessibility and building comfort, and ensure vital community services for years to come.

    $1,350,995

    Kingston

    Ontario

    Isabel Turner Library Renovation

    Isabel Turner Library is a 32,000 sq. ft public library constructed in 1997 and serves as a critical community hub in the west-end of Kingston. The retrofit project will involve aggressive decarbonization measures, energy efficiency upgrades, and site-wide accessibility improvements, including:

    • Extensive building mechanical upgrades (i.e. new high efficiency heat pumps) 
    • Full lighting replacement from fluorescent to LEDs
    • Modifications to public and staff entrances to make them fully accessible 
    • Washroom renovations to make them accessible and a new universal washroom 
    • General accessibility improvements, including: colour contrasting floors and walls, improved circulation, elevator repairs, low reach shelving, integrated assistive devices, and wayfinding
    • Building envelope improvements (water sealing).

    $1,000,000

    Kingston

    Ontario

    Solar PV Array – Rideau Heights Community Centre

    Retrofit the facility with a net-metered photovoltaic array on the roof and in the adjacent parking lot.

    $1,294,560

    Kitchener

    Ontario

    Quad Gymnasium at RBJ Schlegel Park

    The new 33,800 sq. ft. gymnasium will be Kitchener’s first facility of this kind, designed to competition standards for pickleball, basketball, indoor cricket, volleyball, and badminton. Located at the intersection of Huron Road and Fischer-Hallman Road, the facility is in the rapidly growing southwestern area of Kitchener, an area that has historically lacked sufficient recreational infrastructure. Just a 10-minute drive from Highway 401 and near other arterial routes the facility will be easily accessible by many, with an expected 150,000 local and non-local visitors in the first year with numbers expected to grow. The gymnasium will operate as a Net-Zero facility, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable recreation centers in Ontario. This will be achieved through a combination of advanced geo-thermal and solar photovoltaics as well as sustainable material selection such as cross-laminated timber wall systems, which significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

    $2,000,000

    Lac Brome, Quebec (formerly known as Knowlton)

    Quebec

    Lac Brome Museum Expansion – New Building

    Construction a 6000 sq.ft., 2-story building to expand museum displays/public spaces and to provide access during winter to museum and public events.  The climate-controlled building will have an elevator, disabled-friendly washrooms and ground-floor exhibits.

    $2,211,089

    Lindsay

    Ontario

    Ampere’s Community STEAM Space

    Ampere is undertaking a green and inclusive retrofit to create a community STEAM space in Lindsay, Ontario.

    Currently, this 13,248 sq.ft. facility is largely inaccessible with poor energy efficiency. Retrofits will help create a safe, energy efficient, and inclusive multi-purpose learning and activity space. Its ambitious goals include:
    – Green measures (target  65% energy savings, -90% in annual GHG emissions): Adding insulation and curtain walls, upgrading windows and exterior doors, upgrading HVAC, installing LED lighting
    – Accessibility measures (exceeding the highest accessibility standards): Installing exterior/interior ramps, non-slip flooring, elevator, and accessible doors.

    This project will primarily benefit underserved/high needs groups in rural Ontario, including people experiencing poverty, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, newcomers, and seniors.

    $2,000,000

    Little Current

    Ontario

    Fuel Electrification and Solar Net Metering at NEMI Municipal Library

    Offset existing propane and heating oil fuel consumption through installation of cold temperature air-source heat pumps as the new primary heating source, while retaining some of the existing heating system for backup and peak heating demand during extreme cold weather. Other ventilation, HVAC control and building envelope improvements are planned to increase occupant comfort and reduce issues around shoulder season heating with existing heating systems.

    $97,362

    London

    *Announced on March 20, 2025

    Ontario

    Shelter from the Heat: Creating a Community Forestry Centre for Southwestern Ontario

    Transform a 1940s Veterans facility into an energy-efficient, solar-powered, climate-resilient centre for community forestry programs aimed at combating climate change, particularly extreme heat, through tree planting and other nature-based solutions. The centre will offer a variety of free, publicly accessible programs, events, and services.

    $2,195,115

    London

    Ontario

    LOSC BMO Sports Centre Green Retrofit Project

    Retrofit windows and minimize energy loss, and update outdated mechanical systems and HVAC equipment to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact. The project will provide a more eco-friendly facility, benefiting the London community and its 600,000+ annual visitors by improving comfort and lowering operational costs.

    $600,000

    Madeira Park,  Sunshine Coast Regional District, Area A

    British Columbia

    Pender Harbour Community Hall  Renovation & Upgrade Project

    Replace the rafters and roof of the Hall with the goal of extending the life of the building and reduce GHG emissions by upgrading insulation, installing LED lighting and an ERV. The project will enable a solar panel array on the roof. The project will improve accessibility by installing automatic door opener at the main entrance which will complement the accessibility ramp donated by a local business. The project will reduce operating costs by reducing energy consumption and making the Hall more accessible for stakeholders.

    $532,059

    Mississippi Mills

    Ontario

    Reducing the Carbon Footprint: Museum Retrofit

    Improve energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint of the MVTM, and increase long-term viability of the site through investments in grid-connected solar PV, high-efficiency electric heat pumps, improved thermal performance, electrical system upgrade, and WIFI-enabled computerized energy management.

    $800,000

    Montréal

    Quebec

    Project Second Chance –  Enhancing Community Inclusion, Integration and Support Services to Ex-Inmates

    Expand the Maison Belfield facility by approximately 8% by removing walls between the living room, kitchen, and dining areas to create a more open and functional environment and enhance public accessibility to group meetings, social events, and rehabilitation activities.

    $294,455

    Montréal

    Quebec

    The Oasis in Transformation: together for an inclusive and sustainable environment for the families of our community

    Renovation of the backyard to better manage rainwater and reduce its impact on the building. To improve accessibility, plans include renovating common areas, automating one of the entrance doors, and installing a weather-protected universal access ramp. Improvements to insulation, windows, doors, the air conditioning and heating system, and lighting are also planned.

    $550,000

    Montréal

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Quebec

    Montreal North Sport Centre

    Build the sports section of the arena, which includes a double gymnasium, a gymnastics area, a walking track, locker rooms, bleachers, and administrative offices for the organizations.

    $15,000,000

    Municipality of Pictou

    Nova Scotia

    MARSA Expansions

    Expand kitchen and greenroom/storage, deck, and improve energy and climate and accessibility.

    $202,840

    Nepean

    Ontario

    Mamaawi Lodge: Expanding Green Spaces for an Inclusive Future

    The Mamaawi Lodge Expansion project involves a substantial addition to cultural performance and education facility, addressing the growing demand for its programming. The expansion will add 457.7 m² to the existing 442 m² pavilion, creating space for an artisan marketplace, office, makerspace, classroom, storage, washrooms, and more.

    Upgrades to the current pavilion will include refinishing the event space, energy-efficient lighting, new AV and stage systems, and enhancements to the building envelope such as re-cladding, new windows, doors, insulation, and barriers. A new heat pump, septic system, and hydro service upgrades will further improve sustainability.
    This expansion enhances the organization’s ability to offer culturally immersive and educational experiences, benefiting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by promoting cultural understanding and reconciliation.

    $5,000,000

    Norfolk County

    Ontario

    Reducing CO2 Emissions: Port Rowan Community Centre Retrofit

    Install a new roof with insulation, solar panel installation with battery storage, HVAC improvements, building envelope upgrades, and enhanced accessibility features.

    $1,510,000

    Oka

    Quebec

    Renovation of Juliette Huot Place

    Modernize and make this seniors’ reception center more environmentally friendly. The work will include demolishing and rebuilding the entrance ramp for better accessibility, replacing doors and windows with more energy-efficient models, adding gutters and roof ventilators, and improving insulation. The project also includes decontaminating and removing a buried oil tank, installing an electric furnace, and making various repairs to the building envelope.

    $442,008

    Ottawa

    Ontario

    African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre: Breaking Barriers

    Install energy-efficient windows, lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce the building’s environmental impact and operational costs. Install automatic, wheelchair-accessible doors and an exterior ramp, ensuring ease of access for all members of the community, especially those with mobility impairments. The subfloors will be upgraded to smooth, safe vinyl flooring, improving traction and significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

    $237,699

    Percé

    Quebec

    Renovation of the Charles Robin heritage barn (built in 1780) into the Percé community Art Centre

    For 16 years, the Percéides Festival has been a major cultural player in the region, offering programming for all audiences. As a long-term tenant of the Charles Robin heritage building, Les Percéides wants to restore this venue’s artistic and community vocation by restoring and redeveloping it into the Percé Art Centre, offering cutting-edge cultural, community, and educational activities year-round, aimed at all ages. The winterized building will be accessible and serve the various communities of Greater Percé and the Gaspé Peninsula so they can meet and develop social and multidisciplinary activities. The renovated building will include various accessible spaces such as a meeting room, a community kitchen for events, a community café, a screening room, artist residencies, and an exhibition hall.

    $2,000,000

    Pictou County, District 10:   Coalburn, Greenwood, Kirmount, McLellans Brook, McLellans Mountain

    Nova Scotia

    Ivor MacDonald Deep Energy Retrofit Project

    Reduce the building emissions (by over 85%) from the Ivor MacDonald Community Arena by making vast improvements to the properties envelope, mechanical, lighting, and renewable energy systems. Targeted upgrades include converting aging oil and wood boilers to an efficient closed-loop geothermal heating system, installing ductless heat pumps, adding a 75kW solar PV array, replacing fluorescent lighting with LED, upgrading controls, and increasing wall insulation. In total the project looks to reduce total on-site energy use by 87%.

    $200,000

    Qualicum Beach

    *Announced on March 22, 2025

    British Columbia

    Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project

    Double the size of the current facility, connecting rural and urban residents of the Oceanside, BC area with publicly accessible, affordable aquatics programming. This improve community services while meeting the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Standard V4.The new facility includes a new pool area and modernized change rooms.

    $7,000,000

    Rothesay

    New Brunswick

    The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre – Phase 2

    The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre (RIC) – phase 2 project is to refurbish and repurpose the 50-year-old Rothesay Arena as a multiuse recreation facility serving the broad Rothesay community and the nearby town of Quispamsis (total population ±35,000).
    The existing rink boards and ice plant will be removed and a new multipurpose floor installed suitable for a variety of sports, recreation and cultural activities. The existing structure and select components of the building will be retained and a new, energy-efficient building envelope and HVAC system added. The facility will be upgraded to universal design standards (barrier free). Usage will be intergenerational responding to the needs of a growing senior’s population, active adults and emerging needs of newcomers. Sited adjacent one of our neighbourhoods under stress and within walking distance of a second, this facility is expected to provide wellness opportunities for youth and adults otherwise unserved or underserved.

    $7,000,000

    Saint-Félix-de-Valois

    Quebec

    Energy renovation and remodelling of the old Presbytery

    Modernization, roof repair, replacement of the heating and ventilation system, renovation of the sanitary blocks and redefinition of the storage and office spaces so that the building complies with the building code will allow the rehabilitation of the premises to accommodate community organizations, to preserve an important element of the built, religious and historical heritage of the community while improving the accessibility of the building and its ecological footprint in order to make it a truly green, inclusive and accessible community building.

    $1,300,000

    Saint Theresa Point First Nation # 298

    Manitoba

    Saint Theresa Point First Nation Daycare Solar Project

    Retrofit the St. Theresa Point First Nation Daycare building with a grid tied solar photovoltaic system. The 50.6 kW solar PV system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint. The solar system will create ~55,900 kWh or 98% of the electricity requirements, lowering operating expenses by ~$6000/year that can to go towards equipment, toys, lunches and even additional staff to meet the constant demand.

    $255,332

    Sault Ste. Marie

    Ontario

    John Rhodes Community Centre Energy Retrofit and Accessibility Project

    Replace the existing roof to support solar panel installation, upgrading the roof condenser and air handling units for better HVAC efficiency, converting the entire facility to LED lighting and solar panel installation. These changes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, aligning with Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, accessible bleachers will be installed in the hockey arena to create an inclusive environment for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

    $1,000,000

    Seine River First Nation

    Ontario

    Seine River Community Centre Renovations

    Retrofit the 20-year old gymnasium / community centre, that includes replacing the diesel boiler with a geothermal system, adding a solar panel array and replacing windows, and improving accessibility of the building by installing a wider entryway with a concrete apron.

    $2,998,863

    St. John’s

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Kilbride Lions Community Centre: Deep Energy Retrofit & Renewal Project

    The City of St. John’s is undertaking a comprehensive retrofit of the Kilbride Lions Community Centre to improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. This project will focus on deep energy retrofits, including upgrades to insulation, heating systems, and lighting, key accessibility upgrades, such as the installation of a gender-neutral accessible washroom and an elevator and, critical safety upgrades, including modernizing outdated electrical systems to address long-overdue maintenance issues.

    These improvements target an 80% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with the City’s climate action plans, while also promoting inclusivity and safety. The project will benefit all residents, especially vulnerable populations such as indigenous households, single-parent families, and those experiencing energy poverty in the community.

    $1,000,000

    Surrey

    British Columbia

    North Surrey  Indigenous Learning Centre

    The North Surrey Indigenous Learning Centre is a new construction project designed to support the cultural, educational, and social needs of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations. The Centre will feature workshops, classrooms, and gathering spaces, fostering cultural knowledge sharing and Indigenous traditions like wood carving. Designed with a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the fully electrified building will meet Zero Carbon Building standards and feature energy-efficient systems. The Centre will also offer the broader Surrey community an opportunity to learn about and engage with First Nations culture, enhancing cultural exchange and inclusivity.

    $2,000,000

    Temiskaming Shores, Timiskaming District

    Ontario

    Waterfront Pool & Fitness Centre Energy & GHG Retrofit

    Upgrade the regional health and wellness facility, which is the only indoor aquatic and fitness facility within a 75 km radius, providing essential services to seniors, low-income families, and other vulnerable populations, and improve thermal comfort by modernizing HVAC system. This will achieve a 32% improvement in energy efficiency.

    $810,160

    The Magdalen Islands

    Quebec

    Musée de la Mer des Îles-de-la-Madeleine: Geothermal upgrading and climate resilience

    Improve the performance of the envelope to save energy. Subsequently, an increase in auxiliary power will be necessary to relieve the overstressed geothermal units in the friable soil of the archipelago by about 40%. The new auxiliary system will consist of overhead VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) units to complement the geothermal system.

    $116,766

    Thessalon

    Ontario

    The Town of Thessalon Sustainability Initiative: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Accessibility at the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Thessalon Curling Club

    This transformative project aims to modernize the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Curling Club by installing an energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration plant and implementing a suite of energy conservation measures, including electric resurfacing equipment, space temperature setbacks, and ice temperature optimization. The project will reduce electrical consumption by 35.3% and lower CO2e emissions by 42.4%, supporting Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, key accessibility upgrades, such as automatic door openers, improved washrooms, and ramp modifications, will ensure that the facility is inclusive for all community members. These improvements will safeguard the arena’s future, ensuring it remains a vital recreational hub for Town of Thessalon, Thessalon First Nation and many other surrounding communities.

    $2,000,000

    Thunder Bay

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Ontario

    Science North Thunder Bay: A Net Zero Attraction and Home for Science in Northwestern Ontario

    Build a net-zero science centre attraction in Thunder Bay, designed to the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard (V4) and provide accessible community services to 67,500 people annually, including populations experiencing higher needs.

    $20,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    YMCA Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre

    This is a new mixed-use community and recreation centre, owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, will contain a combination of health, fitness and child programming along with leased spaces for local community social and health services. The facility will be roughly 14,000 m2 and brings together numerous local small United Way community agencies alongside large established organizations like Scarborough Health Network (SHN) to weave health and well-being into this forward-thinking model of caring for all ages at all stages of their wellness journey.

    The project is targeting LEED certification, Toronto Green Standard Tier 2, and Fitwel – making it an example of healthy and climate-smart development. The current design includes ultra-efficient energy systems and low-carbon materials, and GICB funding will allow the project to achieve Zero Carbon Standard certification by eliminating fossil fuels and offsetting any residual emissions associated with the project.

    $9,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Central YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit

    Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 38% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 49% reduction in carbon emissions.

    $1,060,152

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Oshawa YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit

    This is an existing, 5,794 sqm mixed-use community and recreation centre owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. It brings together the local community and features a wide range of health and fitness facilities and programs, childcare, and day camps. However, as an older building, the building currently contains a number of inefficient systems and building features, resulting in higher energy consumption and GHG emissions, as well as increased fuel cost.

    The project will implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, 34% reduction in fuel cost, and 60% reduction in carbon emissions. With these measures funded through the GICB program, this project is an excellent example of retrofitting existing buildings to convert them into modern, high-performance facilities.

    $1,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) Community Hub Revitalization and Energy Saving Retrofit

    Replace the windows and the roof, insulating walls and replace the 25-year-old rooftop HVAC units with a new, highly efficient centralized HVAC (VRF) system. Accessibility and fire safety systems will conform to the highest standards. The renovation will not only improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety but will reduce GHG emissions, make PARC more resilient to climate change and reduce the risks and costs associated with it.

    $500,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Westend YMCA energy retrofit

    Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 39% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 44% reduction in carbon emissions.

    $414,624

    Town Of Bancroft

    Ontario

    The Green Ice Initiative:  Accessible and Sustainable Upgrades to the North Hastings Community Centre

    Upgrade to the Thermalcare refrigeration system, which is safer and offers up to a 41% reduction in energy costs, and install a universal washroom addressing the lack of accessible facilities in the arena.

    $1,944,217

    Town of Main Brook

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Moving Towards a Green Future – Revitalizing Community Spaces

    Retrofit an existing municipal storage and warehousing building to become a multi-purpose building that enhances community engagement and interactions, attracts guests, visitors and new families, and supports diverse and underserved local groups with a focus on mental health, aging in place, education and entertainment for youth.

    $230,323

    Town of Olds

    Alberta

    Olds Men’s Shed and Community Arts Hub: Activating the former Town of Olds Operations Shop

    Renovate the interior of the building to ensure it is safe, accessible, and functional as a community building while improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience. A Community Arts Hub would offer space for local artists to gather, create and share their talents through various projects and cultural events. The Hub would also be a place for community members to come together to engage in art creation, appreciate art, and participate in other cultural activities.

    $199,824

    Town of Whitby

    * Announced on March 14, 2025

    Ontario

    55+ – Feasibility Study / HVAC Upgrades & Interior Renovations

    Upgrade the Seniors Activity Centre HVAC systems, including new air handling units, rooftop unit condensers, replacement of hot water tanks, and building automation system upgrades.

    $798,486

    Township of Johnson

    Ontario

    Johnson Township Community Centre Green Efficiency Updates

    Improve the ice making plant, HVAC system, bathrooms, showers, lighting, and enclosure tightness. The installation of automation solutions and replacement of equipment long past its useful life, will reduce consumption, limit water usage, and reduce product waste throughout the building. This will increase energy efficiency’s by approximately 25%, reduce GHG emissions by approximately 35%, reduce costs by $45,000, and reduce water consumption by a minimum of 660,000 gallons annually.

    $1,309,728

    Trenton

    Ontario

    Wooler Schoolhouse Project

    The Wooler Schoolhouse Project will renovate the heritage 1915 Wooler Schoolhouse in Quinte West, Ontario to return it community service as a modernized, sustainable, climate change resilient, and accessible recreation facility. Renovations will include an addition to provide elevator access and a second emergency exit.
    The Schoolhouse’s 2.8-acre property will be developed to support outdoor recreational and cultural activities identified by the community. 

    The Project is led by the non-profit Wooler and Area Community Organization that will operate the renovated Schoolhouse to provide inclusive, affordable, local access to recreational programs and spaces for community events, services missing in the area since the demolition of the Wooler Town Hall in 2012.
    The revitalized Schoolhouse will become a sustainable platform for community engagement, economic development, preservation of history, and cultural events, including meeting the needs of underserved area youth and seniors.

    $1,000,000

    Village of Memramcook

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    New Brunswick

    Memramcook Recreation Centre

    Build a sustainable recreation centre in the rural linguistic minority community. This centre will be a modern and inclusive space, designed to meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The centre will offer affordable and accessible programming. The project aligns with Canada’s net-zero carbon energy goals, aiming for net-zero energy performance.

    $6,000,000

    Waterloo

    Ontario

    MSCC Energy and Accessibility Retrofit

    Reductions Energy/GHG by electrification of (natural) gas heating systems, energy recovery, lighting, controls, and new roofing. Accessibility and inclusivity is enhanced with a new universal washroom, and automatic door operators. Community service offering is increased with a new arena dehumidifier with air conditioning.

    $2,399,582

    Westport

    Ontario

    WTC Communication Center GHG Reduction & Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    The Westport Community Arena Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Upgrades project aims to enhance the facility’s energy performance and environmental impact through a series of targeted measures. These include optimizing dehumidifier controls, installing air-source heat pump water heaters, implementing night temperature setbacks, and upgrading to LED lighting with occupancy sensors. Additionally, the project will integrate a hydronic forced-air bleacher heating system using reclaimed heat, and install a solar photovoltaic system on the roof. These upgrades will reduce energy consumption by 98.6%, lower operational costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 96.1%, benefiting the entire Westport community by providing a more sustainable and cost-effective recreational facility. The project will also improve accessibility, indoor air quality and comfort for users, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable environment for all.

    $2,000,000

    Winnipeg

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Manitoba

    Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum Energy & Envelope Upgrade

    Replace windows, and mechanical systems including HVAC system with heat pumps, new ductwork, controls and energy recovery ventilators.

    $1,000,000

    Winnipeg

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Manitoba

    Riverview Community Centre –  Comprehensive Green Energy Retrofit: Interior & Exterior

    Replace mechanical systems and interior and exterior components that have exceeded their functional lifespan. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and prepare the centre to serve the community in a carbon-constrained future.

     $924,079

    Yellowknife

    Northwest Territories

    Endacho Healing Lodge

    Build a new, energy efficient and eco-sensitive Endacho Healing Lodge that will be built as a place of harmony with the land and water. In this place, Indigenous people who have suffered trauma can heal by connecting with their culture and the land through a combination of traditional and western healing methods.  The Lodge is designed to integrate into the natural contours of the land, incorporating energy efficiency technology proven effective and sustainable in the northern environment.

    $7,000,000

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Removing the consumer carbon price, effective April 1, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    The Government of Canada has made regulations that cease the application of the federal fuel charge, effective April 1, 2025, and is also removing requirements for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of that date. These actions refocus federal carbon pollution pricing standards on ensuring carbon pricing systems are in place across Canada on a broad range of greenhouse gas emissions from industry. A price on pollution for large emitters will continue to be a pillar of Canada’s plan to build a strong economy and greener future. It is a system that is fair and effective. Industrial carbon pricing is one of the most important greenhouse gas emission reduction policies in the government’s comprehensive Emissions Reduction Plan to bend the curve and meet Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. Carbon pricing systems for industry are also designed to keep costs low to protect against competitiveness risks. 

    This backgrounder provides details on how removing the consumer carbon price will work and on how the proceeds return mechanisms (including the Canada Carbon Rebate) will be wound down.

    Ceasing the Application of the Federal Fuel Charge

    The federal fuel charge currently applies in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nunavut and Yukon (referred to as listed provinces). Under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, the fuel charge generally applies to 21 fossil fuels and combustible waste upon delivery, importation or use in listed provinces.

    The federal government removed the fuel charge, effective April 1, 2025, via regulations. It will also be considering broader amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, including proposed amendments to complete the orderly wind-down of the fuel charge.

    After March 31, 2025, the applicable fuel charge rates for all types of fuel and for combustible waste will be set to zero. Therefore, beginning on April 1, 2025, the fuel charge ceases to apply.

    The regulations will also cease the application of certain administrative requirements that are no longer necessary. Specifically:

    • After March 31, 2025, requirements for registered emitters subject to a provincial output-based performance standards system to provide certain information in respect of changes to their facilities to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will cease to apply. After September 30, 2025, all residual requirements in respect of those registered emitters will cease to apply.
    • After March 31, 2025, no persons will be required to newly register in respect of any category or any type of fuel. All existing registrations will be cancelled on November 1, 2025.
    • For reporting periods beginning after March 31, 2025, there will be no requirement to file a return if no positive amount of fuel charge is payable.

    The regulations do not affect obligations for reporting periods prior to April 1, 2025. Fuel charge payers are still required to pay amounts owed, continue to be able to claim rebates to which they are entitled, and are subject to assessments and re-assessments in respect of past reporting periods.

    Canada Carbon Rebate

    The Canada Carbon Rebate was introduced to return direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge to residents of provinces where it applied. With the removal of the federal fuel charge effective April 1, 2025, eligible Canadians will receive a final Canada Carbon Rebate payment, starting April 22.

    In provinces where the federal fuel charge currently applies, a family of four will receive up to $456 under the base Canada Carbon Rebate for April 2025 (see table below for specified amounts by province). In addition to the base rebate amounts, a rural top-up of 20 per cent is provided for individuals residing in small and rural communities.

    To receive their Canada Carbon Rebate for April 2025, Canadians need to file their 2024 tax return. For Canadians who are registered for direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency, the Canada Carbon Rebate will be deposited directly into their bank account; otherwise, the Canada Carbon Rebate will be delivered via cheque. For those who have a spouse or common-law partner, the person who files their tax return first will receive the Canada Carbon Rebate amount for all members of the household, including children.

    Table 1
    April 2025 Canada Carbon Rebate Amounts, as specified by the Minister of Finance
    ($)
    NL PEI* NS NB ON MB SK AB
    First Adult 149 110 110 165 151 150 206 228
    Second Adult 74.50 55 55 82.50 75.50 75 103 114
    Each Child 37.25 27.50 27.50 41.25 37.75 37.50 51.50 57
    Family of Four 298 220 220 330 302 300 412 456
    *As all residents in PEI are considered to be living in a small or rural community, the rural supplement is already included in the base amounts for that province. The amounts for other provinces do not include the rural supplement; those eligible for the supplement will receive 20 per cent more.

    Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses

    In provinces where the fuel charge currently applies, a portion of fuel charge proceeds from the price on pollution is returned to eligible small- and medium-sized businesses via the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, an automatic, refundable tax credit provided directly to eligible businesses.

    With the removal of the federal fuel charge effective April 1, 2025, the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses payment in respect of the 2024-25 fuel charge year will be the final payment to eligible businesses.

    The Minister of Finance will specify payment rates to return the previously specified $623.1 million in proceeds for the 2024-25 fuel charge year once sufficient information is available from the 2024 taxation year.

    Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous Governments

    In provinces where the fuel charge was in place prior to April 1, 2025, a portion of fuel charge proceeds from the price on pollution is being returned to eligible federally recognized Indigenous governments by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through grant agreements delivered by the Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous Governments (FCPFIG). The FCPFIG offers maximum flexibility for eligible First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments to manage and use their share of fuel charge proceeds towards self-determined priorities.

    Following the removal of the federal fuel charge effective April 1, 2025, ECCC will continue to work with eligible recipients to return $531.5 million in proceeds for the 2020-21 to 2024-25 period, consistent with the amounts previously specified by the Minister of Finance. The Government of Canada is committed to establishing the necessary grant agreements and issuing payments through the FCPFIG to eligible Indigenous governments as soon as possible.

    Return of Fuel Charge Proceeds to Farmers Tax Credit

    Recognizing that many farmers use natural gas and propane in their operations, the federal government provides a refundable tax credit to return fuel charge proceeds to farming businesses that operate in provinces where the federal fuel charge currently applies.

    The Minister of Finance has the authority under the Income Tax Act to specify payment rates for eligible farming expenses that are incurred in the 2025 calendar year, which would have corresponded to returns of fuel charge proceeds for the 2025-26 fuel charge year, and the designated provinces in which these payment rates will apply. Those provinces are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    With the removal of the federal fuel charge effective April 1, 2025, the Return of Fuel Charge Proceeds to Farmers Tax Credit in respect of the 2024-25 fuel charge year will be the final credit available to eligible farming businesses. Consequently, the Minister of Finance has specified the payment rate per $1,000 in eligible farming expenses that are incurred in the 2025 calendar year (in respect of the 2025-26 fuel charge year), in the designated provinces, to be nil.

    This nil payment rate replaces the payment rate for the same calendar year (and fuel charge year) that was previously announced on January 10, 2025.

    Strengthening Industrial Carbon Pricing

    Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan contains a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures, strategies, and investments, including policies that complement carbon pricing. A price on pollution for large emitters will continue to be a pillar of Canada’s plan to build a prosperous net-zero economy and make progress on climate targets. According to independent estimates, industrial carbon pricing is the climate policy with the single largest contribution to achieving our climate targets, all while helping us transform and grow our economy. The government intends to refocus federal carbon pollution pricing requirements on ensuring carbon pricing systems are in place across Canada on a broad range of greenhouse gas emissions from industry. The government intends to strengthen Canada’s approach to carbon pricing for industry to ensure its continued effectiveness.

    The federal government intends to engage with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders on changes to the minimum national stringency standards for carbon pollution pricing, known as the federal ‘benchmark’ criteria.

    Changes would focus the benchmark on ensuring industrial pricing systems continue to maximize emissions reductions and encourage the transition to low carbon technologies, while protecting industry against competitiveness and carbon leakage impacts. Improving the emissions performance of Canadian industry makes it more efficient and can support its competitiveness as Canada works to diversify its trading relationships and deepen market access, especially in jurisdictions that increasingly value lower emitting goods, such as the European Union.

    The goal of the benchmark criteria would continue to be that systems are similarly stringent, fair and effective. The benchmark review will consider opportunities to strengthen industrial carbon markets so that they deliver the incentives needed for major decarbonization projects across industry, while creating jobs and driving investment in the technologies that will shape the clean economies of the future.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Keep safe and cool in hot weather

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Setting your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher can help avoid strain on the electricity grid.

    In brief:

    • Summers in Canberra can be long, hot and dry.
    • It’s important to be prepared for extreme heat and emergencies.
    • This story contains tips and information to help you prepare for the summer months.

    Canberrans have a long, hot and dry summer ahead of us. It’s important to be aware of potential risks to your family and your property.

    There are actions that you can take to prepare for the summer months. This includes things like preparing for hazard season and using electricity carefully.

    Be emergency ready

    During summer, the ACT can have a higher risk for:

    • bushfires
    • grass fires
    • storms flood
    • extreme heat weather events.

    If you and your home prepare well, you stand a better chance of surviving an emergency.

    You can be emergency ready by completing or updating your survival plan and packing your home emergency kit.

    Visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website for more information and resources.

    Take note of prescribed burns

    The ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region.

    You’ll also see the ACT Government’s mowing team busy managing grass growth across the territory. This is part of the annual mowing program. This not only improves presentation, access and safety, it reduces fire fuel.

    Find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area.

    You can also check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents.

    And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).

    Know your nearest heat refuge

    During cases of extreme heat, some library branches may extend their opening hours. This is to allow the public to escape the heat. Extended opening hours is determined at the time on advice from ACT Health.

    Not only are public library branches free and open to everyone, but all are air conditioned. The community can enjoy access to free books, DVDs, magazines, music downloads, e-books, wi-fi, programs and events.

    When extreme heat events occur, Libraries ACT will display the extended opening hours on their website. Find out more.

    Be energy conscious this summer

    On extreme heat days, the electricity grid can become strained. It’s important to be mindful of your energy use. This can help manage demand on days like these while still keeping your home cool and comfortable. It can also help you save on energy bills.

    Our top tips to turn down the heat include:

    • use fans first – they are cheaper to run
    • set your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher
    • service or clean filters on aircons to help your system run more efficiently
    • keep windows covered during the day to keep out the heat
    • open windows at the end of the day to benefit from the cooler evening air
    • draught proof your home to prevent cool air from escaping from gaps between windows, doors, vents and exhausts.

    Visit the Climate Choices website for more ideas on saving energy and saying cool for less.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra to be built all-electric from 8 December

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government has introduced a regulation to prevent new gas connections in the ACT from 8 December.

    The ACT Government has introduced a regulation to prevent new gas connections in the ACT from 8 December.

    All-electric builds are not only a better choice for the environment, they save building users money on energy costs.

    The average household of four people could save more than $2,500 a year in energy bills if they were all electric.

    New homes and most new businesses can meet their energy needs today with energy efficient electric appliances, that are not only better for the environment but are also cheaper to run.

    Why the regulation is important

    Fossil fuel gas currently ranks as the second-largest source of emissions in the ACT, accounting for around 20 per cent of emissions.

    Despite the increase in households switching to electric, fossil fuel gas emissions were not anticipated to fall significantly as many newly built homes and developments were still connecting to gas.

    By discontinuing new fossil fuel gas connections, the ACT is taking a proactive step to make sure our city is set up for future energy needs.

    This change is expected to result in cost savings for Canberrans, both in terms of avoided transition expenses (i.e. switching gas infrastructure to electric in future) and long-term energy bills.

    About a third of Canberra households have already chosen all-electric and many are also embracing sustainable technologies such as solar panels, home battery systems, and are increasing the energy efficiency of their properties.

    Regulation details

    The regulation will prevent connections in all residential, commercial, and community facility land use zones. It will also apply to residential buildings (Class 1-4 buildings, as classified under the National Construction Code) and extensive renovation projects and knockdown rebuilds where a gas connection has been abolished to make a site safe for construction activities.

    Homes and businesses with existing gas network connections can continue using gas. The regulation will also not apply to other land use zones, such as industrial areas.

    The regulation will commence on 8 December 2023 with transitional arrangements in place for development applications (DA) lodged, and building approvals (BA) issued before 1 March 2024.

    Exemptions are permitted in limited circumstances for commercial and community facility land use zones only.

    For more information on the regulation, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Europe’s Water Crisis: 4 Effective Solutions

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The water crisis in Europe is reaching critical levels. Which water issue affects you most? Is it water scarcity, devastating floods, dangerous pollution, or poor water management? In this video, we delve into the urgent challenges facing the European Union’s water resources and explore 4 effective solutions proposed by the European Commission.

    For more information on the state of Europe’s water follow this link: https://europa.eu/!mV6qcM

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-269721
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    00:27 Floods and solutions to them
    01:05 Droughts and possible solutions
    01:30 Pollution and how to tackle it
    02:04 Wasting Fresh Water and how to stop this

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Plant selector tool helps gardeners be climate-wise

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Landscape architect and founder of The Climate Factory Edwina Robinson recommends the Plant Selector Tool.

    Anyone can be a green thumb if you know what to grow, and a key part of that is understanding your local climate.

    The ACT Government’s Canberra Plant Selector is a free online tool that can help you choose the best plants for your climate-wise garden.

    The tool features over 340 species. You can search for plants suited to Canberra’s climate based on sun, shade, frost tolerance and water needs.

    Climate-wise gardens can help protect you against extreme heat, rainfall events and bushfires.

    Edwina Robinson is a landscape architect and founder of Canberra social enterprise The Climate Factory.

    The Climate Factory builds demonstration micro-forests around Canberra that cool the local environment, and work to inspire others to build their own community micro-forest.

    Edwina recommends gardeners try the Canberra Plant Selector and says your climate-wise garden can help keep your home cool in hot weather – and can also provide a haven for native birds and pollinators.

    “You might choose to have higher water use plants closer to the house. These will look lush and green and help keep your outdoor space cool. And consider incorporating a pond. It could even be a pond in a waterproof pot – full of wetland plants with leaves for dragonflies to land on,” she said.

    “Canberra’s climate is likely, on average, to get hotter and drier in the future. So prepare your garden soil with organic matter. Choose plants carefully. And think about how you will water your plants during dry weather.

    “The Canberra Plant Selector is a must for learning about garden plants. You should also visit local nurseries that specialise in plants for Canberra’s climate. And talk to neighbours who have gardens already,” she said.

    Everyone can help to make Canberra a climate-ready city. As a climate-wise gardener, you can preserve water, reduce urban heat and create important habitat for native species.

    View the Canberra Plant Selector.

    Learn more about sustainable practices at home and at work at climatechoices.act.gov.au or email SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Energy saving advice for renters

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Home energy assessments provide free advice to renters on how they can save money on their gas and electricity bills.

    The ACT Government’s Renters’ Home Energy Program provides free in-home energy assessments tailored to anyone living in a rented home in the ACT.

    The assessment identifies where energy is being used and provides simple solutions to help renters save on their bills.

    The program is a free and easy way to:

    • save on energy bills
    • get tips on the quickest, cheapest and best ways to reduce energy use
    • make rental homes more comfortable without using more gas or electricity
    • find out ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

    Home energy experts involved in the program have vast experience in carrying out home energy assessments in the ACT. Inspectors like Jeff Knowles provide advice to renters about their energy use and simple steps they can take to save money.

    “Canberra is different from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as our summers are quite hot, our autumns and springs are lovely, then we have intense cold throughout the winter,” Jeff said.

    “With such a range of temperatures, it’s tough to build a building in Canberra that works well all year round.

    “The rising cost of living pressures are pushing people into greater and greater energy efficiency,” said Jeff.

    “The Renters’ Home Energy Program aims to assist people by educating them about the properties they live in and the energy they use. Following some simple steps, renters could save around $200 each quarter off their gas and electricity bills.”

    Energy saving tips:

    • Understand what your home is made from, which direction it faces, and identify where heat or cool air can escape. A free home energy assessment and home energy web tool can help you identify these problems and their solutions.
    • Check your insultation. ACT has introduced a regulation requiring all residential rental properties to meet a new minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation. Find out more about your rights as a renter.
    • Use a thermometer to monitor your fridge temperature. Most rental properties have their fridges running much colder than they need to be, which uses more electricity.
    • Prevent draughts by sealing doors and windows. Door draught stoppers and seal strips are good options.
    • Use a plug-in power meter to monitor how much electricity your home appliances are using. Meters can point out inefficient appliances in your home such as electric element heaters.
    • When operating your washing machine, use cold wash cycles so that you’re not using gas or electricity to heat water.

    The rooms you are heating, the number of hours heaters are on, and the temperature setting all have a big impact on your bills.

    Depending on the season, you may also receive a selection of free energy saving materials to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.

    With a hot summer approaching, now is an ideal time to think about how to make your home more comfortable without spending more money on energy bills.

    Canberra renters can book a free in-home assessment and find out more about the Renter’s Home Energy Program on the Everyday Climate Choices website: climatechoices.act.gov.au

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: Unchanged global climate policies will cost India 19% and world 15% of GDP by 2050 | Interview with The Economic Times

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    The interview was conducted by Deepshikha Sikarwar & Vinay Pandey.
    How do you see US president Donald Trump’s election weighing in on the entire climate debate?
    We are central bankers and supervisors, so we are non-political. We are data-dependent and science-based. We are here together to discuss the impact of climate and nature-related risks on our economies. Talking about climate change in general, there are two major risks: physical risks; meaning increasing numbers of droughts, floods, hurricanes and wildfires. And transition risks, which are the costs and consequences of the transition to net zero.
    If climate policy falls short then, of course, economic and financial risks will increase. That’s what central banks must look at. We analyze the data and see what kind of impact climate change has on the economy. That’s our job. We must deal with these risks, and we will address them, also towards governments.
    What does the withdrawal of the US Federal Reserve mean for NGFS and its agenda? 
    The NGFS was founded at the end of 2017. At that time, we were only eight members. Now we are 144. The Fed, as you just mentioned, left in January. Except for the US, none of the members have exited so far. Instead, thirteen new members have joined since I took over as NGFS Chair at the start of 2024. So, we are still a growing organization.
    And our agenda stays the same, because it has nothing to do with the exit of one member. If we see deregulation, if we see climate being taken off the policy agenda, then we might see increasing physical risk, meaning an acceleration of climate change. And that might mean that we even become more vocal on the risks we see.
    How do you see India’s progress? What more needs to be done?
    It’s not up to me to judge the stance and actions of our colleagues from the Reserve Bank of India. I just mentioned our latest update on the long-term scenarios about GDP being 15 % lower, worldwide, than in a world without climate change. For India, the GDP loss is even bigger. If the world keeps its current policies unchanged, global temperatures are expected to rise by three degrees Celsius (on average). And this could cost India roughly 19 % of GDP by 2050, compared to a world without climate change. So, for India, we show that climate change can have even more serious consequences than elsewhere. And, at the same time, the scenarios show that India is among those countries who would benefit the most from a global transition towards net zero emissions.
    You’ve said your actions are data dependent. What is the data telling us in terms of the economic impact of climate change? Because there is also a pushback.
    We are analytical powerhouses. Our climate scenarios are our flagship product. We have set up different long-term scenarios. For example, a current policy scenario or a fragmented world one, where climate policy is delayed, divergent and/or insufficient across the globe. Or a scenario where policy would bring us to a Paris-aligned world. We look at what those different climate scenarios mean in economic terms, for GDP, inflation, productivity, and so on.
    The fifth vintage of our long-term climate scenarios was published at the start of November last year. It told us that under the current policies scenario, global GDP will be 15 % lower globally in 2050 than it would be without climate change. This is a striking number, and in fact we have reason to believe that it doesn’t even show the full picture, because we do not yet have a full set of data. It does not reflect, for example, future sea level rises, or the kind of climate migration that we might see. When we have more data, we will get more insights, and the results might even change.
    What has the conversation been like at the plenary in the backdrop of the US exit and what is the assessment of the progress made so far?
    We’ve never seen such a strong commitment as we see here in India today. More than 100 people from over 60 countries came from all around the world to be here in person. Another 100 people participated virtually. We’ve never had so many senior level representatives from central banks and financial supervisors. We have more than 25 governors or deputy governors here in India at our annual meeting. 
    What we’ve reflected on today is how political headwinds, deregulation, impact our work. And our work stays the same, because we are non-political animals, and we stick to our mandates. With so many central banks from all over the world in our network, we all have different mandates. In emerging markets or developing countries, the mandates are often not as narrow as they are in, for example, Europe. So, we do have members with broader mandates. That allows them to do different things, such as promoting green finance or other financial sector development.
    Most central banks have initiated some sort of action on tackling climate change and its economic impact. What is your assessment of the progress and what more is needed?
    With 144 members from all over the globe, there are members at completely different stages, depending on when they started and how big their capacities are. Some members are very advanced, like the French, the Dutch, the UK, and there are those who have just started or are so small that they barely have capacity.
    What are the advanced central banks doing? They have started with climate stress testing in the banking sector. For example, in Europe, we have already done a few climate stress tests. In India, Brazil and many countries in Africa, you see that climate change strongly affects food prices. We also see, in some African countries for example, that energy prices are significantly affected by climate change. We cannot rely on past data or experiences; we need a forward-looking perspective. There’s a lot of uncertainty and non-linearity. So, we must work in terms of scenarios.
    When the NGFS was set up in December 2017, there were some central banks who thought, “oh my god, there’s climate change and we do not know at all whether this will affect our work, our mandates”. We thought, “this might be such a big threat that it’s better to collaborate, put together all the resources we have and to see what will come out”. This is why the NGFS was set up. Over the years, we have not only realized that climate change really matters to the economy but also confirmed that it affects our mandates.
    The whole idea of this network is that we share our knowledge amongst our members. This is the benefit of being a member of the NGFS. And we also produce public goods like the scenarios mentioned, which can be used by financial sector players and policymakers beyond the network.
    Different governments have different commitments to climate change and central banks have different mandates. Given that, how effective can this body be?
    Climate policy is not part of our mandate. What governments do is another thing. Of course, our analysis shows that if governments take less action on climate, it will have a huge impact on the economy, often also on inflation.
    You are right, central banks globally have a wide range of different tasks and mandates. But this is also the beauty of our network. 144 different organisations learn from each other. Many members – for example emerging markets – have a lot in common with each other. These countries often form groups among peers so that they can share experience and best practice.
    Any thinking on short-term scenario mapping?
    We will soon publish our short-term scenarios with a time horizon of three to five years, hopefully in the first half of the year. We think it is important to show what will happen within this time horizon.
    Not many care about 2050 and 2100. Not many of us work over this time horizon. If you are a CEO, your contract lasts 3‑5 years. If you’re a politician, you want to be re-elected within 3‑5 years. A scenario which tells you what might happen in 2050, of course, really matters for human beings. But, to tell the story to someone who thinks short term, you need also short-term scenarios.
    © The Times Group. All rigths reserved.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seeking stunning photos of weather phenomena from across Australia

    Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

    21/03/2025

    Issued: Friday 21 March 2025

    Submit your best weather photos to the Bureau of Meteorology’s 2026 Australian Weather Calendar competition for the chance to be featured in the next edition.

    The 2025 edition of the calendar featured an atmospheric foggy sunrise over Mornington, Western Australia, a glowing aurora australis from Squeaking Point, Tasmania and a stunning storm and rainbow combination in Nightcliff, Northern Territory.

    Each year, 13 photos sent in by photographers from all corners of the country are selected by a panel of Bureau judges to feature on the calendar’s cover and each month.

    The calendar includes a meteorological description explaining the science behind each of the phenomena, written by the Bureau’s meteorologists, beside each photo.

    Senior Meteorologist Andrea Peace, one of the judges of the competition, encourages people from all corners of the country to send in their spectacular weather photos.

    “The Bureau invites anyone who has taken a great weather photo anywhere in Australia to submit it for the next edition of the Australian Weather Calendar,” she said.

    “One of the most rewarding parts of my position at the Bureau is being involved in judging the competition and seeing all the incredible photos submitted, featuring the diverse array of weather the Bureau forecasts in Australia.”

    Competition entries close for judging at 5:00pm (AEDT) on 31 March 2025.

    To be eligible for the calendar, photos must be original and with only minor adjustments accepted, which must be listed with the entry.

    Images cannot be digitally enhanced, altered or manipulated (including via the use of filters and digital software).

    The Bureau’s Australian Weather Calendar is released annually, with photo entries remaining open perpetually for future editions.

    For the full terms and conditions of entry, and to submit a photo, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/calendar/contest/

    [ENDS]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Murkowski Addresses the Alaska State Legislature

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    03.19.25
    “We are all Alaskans; we are all invested in the future of this great place.”
    Juneau, AK – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today delivered her annual address to the Alaska State Legislature during a joint session at the Alaska State Capitol Building.
    Murkowski thanked many of the legislators for their good work and recapped the progress the delegation has made for Alaska over the past year. While celebrating many Alaskans’ accomplishments, she expressed her concern for the indiscriminate firing of federal employees and the impacts the federal funding freeze will have on the state. Murkowski also spoke to areas where Alaska can work closely with the new administration, particularly resource development.
    After her remarks, Murkowski took questions from the legislators on a variety of topics, which are available to watch in the video linked below.

    Senator Murkowski addresses the Alaska State Legislature on March 18, 2025.
    Click here to watch the Senator’s remarks.
    Below is the text of Murkowski’s remarks as delivered.
    Good morning. We’ve got a full house, full crowd, and it is good to be home with all of you.
    Mr. Speaker Edgmon and Mr. President Stevens, to our Majority Leaders Senator Giessel and Representative Kopp, Minority Leaders Senator Shower and Representative Costello, to all members of the Legislature: thank you for the opportunity to be back with you in these chambers.
    I’ve had a good morning. I think I’ve been able to meet with the vast majority of you, exchanging conversation as Alaskans and as fellow lawmakers. Thank you for the time you have given me already, and for the hour that we will have this morning.
    A lot of new faces, this is good to see. When you have a House with 10 new members, that’s impressive, this is good. And I love, and I will emphasize love, the fact that we have so many women in our House, more women than men. It has taken a little bit of time, but congratulations to all of you.  I look forward to the many contributions that we will see.
    At the same time that you see the new faces, there are many that I have known over the years. You have a few that I’ve actually served with. They’re more like friends and extended family. We’ve got Lyman back there in the corner. We’ve got Gary.
    I know I’m supposed to be using your formal titles here, but you know, you look at these guys in their tenure here, these are the giants of the place. I think of you as the Ted Stevens and the Don Young of the Legislature. I’ll let you figure out which one’s which, but you’ve been around, been around a little bit of time.
    Whether you’re new to public service or continuing this, thank you for stepping up. Thank you for engaging. Thank you for being in the arena at a time that our state needs each and every one of you.
    So, for those of you that are new, you need to know, I start out every one of my legislative addresses, not talking about you, but talking about my family, because our families are so important to who we are and what we do.
    When I got on the plane on Monday, coming out of Anchorage to come to Juneau, I run into Representative Costello, you, Mia, and I remembered when you first came to this body, your kids were young. They were about the same age as my kids were when I joined the Legislature. And I remember thinking mornings were when you’re leaving the kids and you’re saying, “have a good week,” instead of “have a good day at school.”
    So, to each and every one of you who leave your families behind, or who bring them here and who uproot them to be part of this, thank you for what you do. Thank you for the sacrifice that you are making. Your children will be better because of your service. So, thank you for making those trips every Monday.
    So, my family is doing well. The boys are good. They’re getting older, they’re both married. One is living in Anchorage, the other is living in Tennessee. They married great women. Verne is doing well, he is on both ends of the country, flying with me. We never fly on the same airplane, he’s always looking for more legroom, and I’m always so used to being squeezed into wherever I need to be.
    My parents are well, thank you for inquiring. Dad is turning 91 here at the end of the month. They are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary at the end of this month, so they’re hanging in there.
    As for me, I’ve spent a lot of time in Washington, DC this year. We’re beginning a new Congress and a new administration.  This is actually our first recess of the year. Usually I come here during President’s Day, but this is our first recess that we have had, so you’re not going to find anyone that is happier about being home right now than me. 
    I wasn’t quite sure it was actually going to happen. We managed to avoid a government shutdown. That’s a good thing. But the end result was less than desirable. The Continuing Resolution that we will be operating under from now through the end of September is not what I would have hoped. We were dealing with a situation that I think was best described as a Morton’s Fork. For those of you who are not familiar with this term, it’s okay to look it up. Basically, it’s a choice between two equally bad options: a shutdown, which is never good, and a continuing resolution that doesn’t do much, if anything, to reduce the level of spending. It takes away the work we had done to identify what our priorities would be, and tells the administration, “here is the money,” but we’re not providing you with the details to administer it.
    So, we’re moving forward and that’s going to be important. Beginning next week, we begin, in earnest, budget reconciliation. We can talk about it a little bit later if you want. But, before I get started, I want to recognize some of the good work that has gone on here, in this Legislature. Some of the good work that you are doing. 
    Representative Dibert, Senator Kawasaki, and Representative Carrick, I want to thank you for saying it loud and proud—it’s Denali. So, thank you for that. That resolution is really important. I thank you, I thank all 50 of you who voted for it.
    Senators Wielechowski, Tobin, Cronk, and Hughes, Speaker Edgmon and Representatives Himschoot, Johnson, and Ruffridge, all of you who have been tackling K-12 funding with the Governor—thank you for what you’re doing there. I know this is hard, but there is nothing more important that we can do for Alaska’s future than focusing on our kids’ education. So, thank you for working through those hard things. I appreciate that.
    To those of you who were part of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Alaska’s Seafood Industry, I’m not going to name all the names, but I was with you at the Commissioners’ task force meeting in January, and thank you for the good recommendations to help our fish, fishermen, fish processors, and coastal communities. Thank you. We need to take your recommendations and help you with implementation.
    Senator Hughes, I appreciate what you’re doing on food security. These are important initiatives. I’m proud to support your work through the microgrants program I was able to create for Alaska, so there’s good work going on there.
    Representative Stutes, Representative Tomaszewski, and all who supported HB 65—great work on your legislation for a new passenger dock in Seward and the economic development that will bring. Good work on so many of these initiatives that I appreciate.
    On a personal level, Senator Olson and Representative Dibert, we’re glad you’re better and back to work. Glad to know that you are on the mend. I was able to earlier congratulate Representative Schrage on the birth of your daughter. So again, congratulations to you and your wife on the birth of your daughter, Emily.
    Keep doing good work in all of these really important areas.
    I’ve got some friends and colleagues in the gallery I want to introduce. I am going to try to introduce folks in the gallery because you might not be familiar with because they haven’t been in the gallery yet.
    You’ve got a gentleman that is no stranger to you, Joe Plesha. He’s handling all of my communications. I don’t know whether we let him continue with the mustache, but I guess that’s who he is. 
    The gentleman seated on the end there, that is my Chief of Staff, Garrett Boyle. Garrett has been on my team now in this capacity since last April.
    Next to Joe is Hali Gruber, who is my advisor for energy and natural resources. She was working previously for Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers on the House side, and did a great job over there. So, we were able to pick her up.
    Next to her, we have my regional director here in Juneau, Kara Hollatz.  
    Next to Kara, we have Karina Waller. Karina has worked on the federal side for a long time before coming to me. She was with Senator Stevens a long time ago, btu has been heading up my state operations since last April.
    So those are the new faces you’re going to see. You’re going to see more of my team wandering the halls, having meetings with you. This is a good opportunity for us, again, to start figuring where we can partner and work together.
    I’m proud of the partnerships and relationships that we’re able to develop with one another. Don’t hesitate to call. Call me, call them, call all of us, get us engaged. 
    Back in Washington, DC, some of the things we’re doing there, we have made progress. It’s tough to sometimes think of what we did last year. It was an election year, right? Who was paying attention to anything about accomplishments. But we did.
    One of the things I know Dan and I are particularly proud of is the effort we were able to advance across the finish line, which is to secure a commercially available icebreaker, and the Coast Guard’s commitment to homeport that vessel, called the Storis, here in Juneau.
    We were able to secure cold weather pay for Alaska’s Air and Space Forces, and something that was quite personal to me, we were able to save the Alaska Air National Guard from cuts that would have cost 80 positions. That was really important.
    We were able to secure $300 million for fishery disasters and passed legislation to reform the declaration process to work better for Alaska. This is something we need to keep doing more on. We’ve improved it, but the fact of the matter is the process still does not work for our fisherman, so we’re not letting up on that.
    We broke ground on the Kenai Bluff Stabilization Project, this is one of many major infrastructure projects now underway around our state. This is one that many of you on the peninsula have been working on with us for a long time, so it’s good to see that going.
    We were able to work with our military leaders to help Kake, Angoon, and Wrangell secure long overdue apologies for the bombings that wiped out their Native villages in the late 1800s. So, to be part of those ceremonies was quite impactful.
    We increased funding to address natural hazards, including the landslides that continue to claim lives across Southeast. It’s great to see Jeremy Bynum here from Ketchikan, and to see the role that you played in your local government, and to see the impact that had on your community when we had a devastating loss just last year in Ketchikan.
    We’ve been able to make some headway, finally, for better, more reliable weather observing systems, which we will deliver through the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative, but we have more that we need to be doing on that. After the devastating Bering Air crash outside Nome, I think we’re all rightly focused on what we can be doing on aviation safety.
    Then on the Congressionally Directed Spending process, we were able to advance dozens of community priorities. This was everything from housing for Sitka to the expansion of the University’s program for nurses and the allied healthcare workforce.
    Then we were able to finish up some things that have been outstanding for a long time. We secured nearly all funding needed for an Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Fairbanks. I remember when Representative Guttenberg started that ages ago. We’re putting a new roof on the Palmer Pioneer Home after years of delay, seeing the threats from heavy snowfalls. And, a personal one, this is big for Frank and Nancy Murkowski, we finally repainted the Wrangell Post Office. Sometimes you take your wins where you can.
    We also have good news this week.  I’ve told many of you in our conversations, but I’ve been working with Secretary Lutnick and Secretary Rubio, and I’m able to confirm that our fishermen will be able to get out on the water on Thursday for the black cod and halibut opener. That was caught up in a process that most fishermen will not know, they don’t care to know how the sausage is made, they just want to know they’ll be able to get out on the water and be able to do their fishing. We were able to do that for them, so that was a good win.
    We’ve accomplished a lot, and it takes hard work from the delegation, from you, from our teams, and from Alaskans across our state. Before I move on, I want to acknowledge someone that, as I’m looking in the gallery, I see my friend and our Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Dahlstrom. Thank you for joining us. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you back there before, but I don’t want to skip over your contributions and those of the Governor, and all that you do when we talk about working together to make things happen. So, thank you.
    It really is our people that make the difference. And that’s what I want to focus on today.      
    It’s not just the great Alaskans who make us proud at the Olympics, like Kristen Faulkner from Homer, or who receive top honors from the National Endowment for the Arts, like Chief Reverend Dr. Gilbert Trimble from Arctic Village.
    It’s not just the Alaskans who run James Beard award-winning restaurants, like Carolina and Heidi and Patricia at Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage. Or those who have built institutions, like Jack Hébert did with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks. Or our military men and women, who we are proud to have serving in our state, and who come from all over the country.
    We celebrate them all, as we should. But today, I want to talk about another set of people who make a difference, and these are Alaska’s federal employees. There are about 15,000 of them across our state. On a per capita basis, we have more than just about any state outside of Maryland and a couple of others. I want to give them the credit they are due—and express how disturbed I am by how they have been treated recently.
    As I stand here, federal employees across Alaska are losing, or have lost, their jobs. 
    I can’t tell you with accuracy how many, because no one who has that information is either able to share it, or willing to share it. 
    What I do know is that these abrupt terminations have affected NOAA, the National Weather Service, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, USDA Rural Development, the VA, and other federal agencies. 
    These terminations are indiscriminate and many, we are learning, are unlawful. They are being made regardless of performance and with little understanding of the function and value of each position. At a human level, they are traumatizing people and leaving holes in our communities. 
    As one couple said to us, they’re not just losing their jobs, they’re losing their lives. They’re losing their community. We heard that yesterday in a discission with some terminated employees.
    No one should feel good about that.
    Now I agree, and every single person in this chamber would agree that the federal government is too big. The debt is now above $36 trillion. We’re spending more on interest than national defense. So, I support the mission behind DOGE, to find efficiencies in government. This is our responsibility—you need to find them at the state level, we need to find them at the federal level. And reductions in the federal workforce make absolute sense, but let’s do it in the right way. 
    Not like this. 
    The Trump administration’s approach lacks the type of planning you need to avoid unintended consequences, and it lacks the fundamental decency you need when dealing with real people. Public servants are not our enemies. They’re our friends and neighbors; they are integral to our economy and our ability to function as a state and as a country.
    Their work may go underappreciated. Maybe we don’t know what it is they’re doing, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
    Just because I don’t know who is processing my renewal for my passport, all I care about is getting it in a timely manner. I’ll never know that person. And I’ll never know that they’ve been working at that same job for twelve years, and it is not glamorous, but they show up, and they work, and they give me and you what we’re hoping for. So, I want us to think about the value that comes to us from these public servants.
    Today, I asked if there was any update on Mount Spurr. We’re all wondering when she’s going to pop her top. Do we want to go back to the days of KLM Flight 867, which lost its engines and 14,000 feet of altitude after flying through a cloud of ash? I don’t want that.
    In a few weeks, I think it’s April 14, thousands of tourists will arrive here on the first cruise ship of the season—do we really think one or two people can handle them all at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center? I was out there yesterday, and I don’t think a couple of people are going to be able to do it.
    Do we no longer recognize that our weather forecasters save lives in our state? 
    Is it a good idea to fire the scientists who are tracking avian flu, given our status as a global flyway for migrating birds?  
    We had a conversation earlier this morning about the potential for a really bad fire season this year. With fire season starting yesterday, the earliest ever—do we really want to gut the support staff for the firefighters who will be on the front lines here?
    I was able to visit with some folks yesterday, one was a NOAA fish biologist, he’s one of the guys doing the trawl surveys, which are so necessary to be able to give direction to the council on the management of our fisheries. The fish aren’t going to be able to save themselves. We need our fish biologists, our stream ecologists, they need our help.
    I’m just as frustrated by the federal funding freeze—another area where Alaska faces disproportionate impact. 
    We have more than $1 billion in limbo, even though Congress approved the funding, a president signed it into law, and Alaskans secured these resources through competitive national processes. 
    Keep in perspective what’s being targeted will not put a dent in the deficit or balance the budget. But we’re going to see project costs go up. Construction seasons lost. Employees and contractors laid off. And we may lose some projects, entirely.
    We worked for more than 20 years to get funding for Angoon’s Thayer Creek hydro project, and let me assure you, we are not about to let go of that. So, we have to keep working to advance all of this.
    But again, this is happening indiscriminately, with little understanding of what projects mean for Alaska—how a small hydro project in the total scheme of things may not seem that substantial back in Washington, DC, but if you can reduce your reliance on expensive diesel in a community where you have no other option, don’t we want to encourage that? Making sure people understand the impacts, not only of a small little hydro project, but the impact on the victims of domestic violence who have no safe place to go.  
    I thank folks for weighing in. I kind of like this process, it can be a little unruly, a little rambunctious, but they are weighing in, and I welcome that. And then there are some very measured ways.
    President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon, I got your letter. Senator Kiehl and Representatives Story and Hannan, I got yours, too. I accept the challenge. And I want you to know that I’m doing everything in my power to make the best of this. 
    We are engaging every day to identify where we are seeing challenges presented to us in Alaska, and ways we can work to address it and get it unlocked. I’ve been working directly with Cabinet Secretaries and folks at the White House. We are making some progress, and that’s good. But, a reminder: I’m one of three in the delegation. We all need your help. I can’t do my job alone.
    When I ask you for these stories, when I ask you to share what you’re hearing from your folks back home, take us up on the offer. Don’t be afraid to give us too much. We can be more responsive and help more Alaskans when we do this all together. I’m opening the door to more work, but we’re going to pass it through both ways. 
    I also stood here in 2017 and said that as long as this Legislature wants to keep the Medicaid expansion, you should have that option. 
    My commitment remains to you. I did not support Medicaid cuts then, and I will not support them now. I know what it would mean to Alaskans, and I know what it would mean to you here in the Legislature. There may be some reasonable reforms we can make, and we have talked a little bit about them, about what we may be able to do in Medicaid, we do need to address the rising costs of these entitlement programs. But I just can’t be on board with anything that hurts our people or puts you in a budget hole.  
    Speaking of holes, I need to bring up a difficult subject: the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. The STIP. The reality is Alaska is on pace to wind up hundreds of millions of dollars short of where we could and should be. I’m not here to point fingers, that is not my job, but I can’t solve this one. And the longer it takes to sort out, the more our contractors and communities will lose. So, let’s be working on that.
    The same goes for the Alaska Marine Highway System. We’re about to enter the final year of our bipartisan infrastructure law. We’ve delivered $700 million and counting for AMHS, but the system isn’t modernized. It’s not on track for the long-term. There’s a plan for that, but it’s a draft on paper. Unless the State steps up on capital and operating expenses, we’ll have wasted a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do right by all who depend on our ferries.
    Senator Bjorkman, I know you get it, and I commend your work on the Transportation Committee on federal funding, AMHS, the STIP, and more.  
    When federal dollars are on the table, we need to go after them, especially as spending is constrained. And when the delegation manages to throw a lifeline, I’d hope the State grabs it and uses it to reach stable ground.
    We have enough problems, without creating more for ourselves. But that seems to be what we are doing. 
    The environment in Washington, DC is, let’s just say…challenging.
    Take tariffs: that’s the topic of the day back in Washington, DC. But you can’t talk about them in isolation and say, “Washington, DC.” We can talk about it our own state’s Capitol here, and the impact.
    This afternoon I’m going to be meeting with folks from the Alaska Forest Association, and I am going to hear their concerns about tariffs, and what it may mean for some of our small operators down south from here, with China’s retaliatory tariffs.
    We also have Canada threatening tolls on goods trucked to our state. Whether they make good on that, we have no idea, but now we’re talking about what will we have to do to insulate ourself from that, will we have to revamp the PVSA. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t anticipate that we would be dealing with this in March of 2025.
    Or foreign policy, I think you’ve seen some of my comments, but I have been stunned by a turn of events that threatens to abandon Ukraine and collapse long-standing alliances from NATO to NORAD. 
    We have two close neighbors. We’ve got Russia over here, and Canada over here. How we came to a place where we are fighting with Canada and placating Russia is beyond me. As long as we have to send up fighter jets to chase off Russian Bear Bombers from our ADIZ, I won’t trust Putin, and I’m not going to be quiet, I will continue to stand up and speak out. 
    I want to acknowledge, it’s easy to stand here and say something, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of those who do get that call and who go up and lead on these intercepts. It’s the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron up north, and it’s our Air National Guard helping to facilitate these intercepts through their refueling mission. We should be so exceptionally proud of the men and women that are serving us, honoring us every day, and taking these threats that we see as just another day at work. They are my everyday heroes, and I’m just so very grateful.
    You’ve heard me describe a few things from the Trump administration that I oppose. When I feel strongly about it, I am going to say something about it. But there are also plenty of areas where I agree with the President. 
    We do need to secure our borders. We do need to stop the flow of fentanyl. Our trade relationships aren’t always fair. The war in Ukraine does need to end, and I am encouraged that there may be some progress here that we will actually see that end. Our partners and allies do need to step up for themselves and the defense of democracy.
    Things are going to be different, for the next two to four years or beyond.  We’re already seeing that.
    Some of it will be difficult—I’m acknowledging that Alaskans are out of jobs, projects are stuck or canceled, volatility in the markets, the potential for trade wars or the collapse of international partnerships, to name a few.   
    Some of it has been difficult for a while—like in our fisheries, which need every bit of help we can give amid Russia’s war on fish, trade manipulations, lawsuits from extreme environmental groups, and climate change. This has been hard.  
    But some of it is also going to be notably better. There are good people we can work with to do good things for Alaska.
    On fisheries, as we push to bring back our fish and crab, we recognize we have the ability to modernize. We need to reinvest. We need to recapitalize an aging fleet. The President’s push for more domestic shipbuilding can be great for us, and it can extend to Ketchikan, Seward, and more. So, these are good areas of cooperation.
    We also have a chance to grow our private sector and reduce our dependence on the federal government. We need to embrace that, because it will benefit and could define our economy, our budget, and our quality of life for a generation or more.
    We can put Alaska back on the global map for energy and resource production. Turn the NPR-A back into a petroleum reserve, as it was designated by law decades ago. We need to tap into the rich resources beneath a small fraction of the non-wilderness Coastal Plain. Reverse the political decision to reopen and reject the Ambler Road.
    We can get Graphite One through permitting. Produce antimony, copper, nickel, tungsten, tin, and other critical minerals. Restore our federal timber harvests to more than a single—but beautiful—Christmas tree in front of the U.S. Capitol. Lift public land orders, complete conveyances, and ensure our Alaska Native veterans receive their rightful allotments. We can not only approve, but build the life-saving road to King Cove that has been sought for so long.
    All of that is now right in front of us—and we are working hard through every person and every process available to us, including budget reconciliation—but there’s more. 
    After years of skepticism and doubt, I think we have a real chance to move forward on an Alaska natural gas pipeline. The President mentioned it in his recent address to Congress, and he’s given the project an incredible lift.
    Here in Alaska, Senator Sullivan and Governor Dunleavy have helped bring Japan, Korea, and Taiwan into the conversation. There is movement and there is reason for encouragement as we think about our natural gas resources. And I thank them for working this.
    You know I hate LNG imports with the white-hot fury of a thousand suns, but I will acknowledge, just this once, that maybe we can take those lemons and use them as part of a bigger plan to export our North Slope reserves. 
    There’s so much we can begin to partner on. Again, though, I would remind you—every one of our opportunities depends on our people. People make it all happen. People allow us to be resilient.     
    Resource development. Road construction. Fishing and tourism. Everything.   
    Our opportunities, our industries, require people. They depend on the essential workers who build our houses, keep us healthy, and teach and watch the kids while we work. To bring it full circle, our opportunities also depend on functional government—the men and women who do the trawls and the surveys, who issue permits, maintain visitor facilities, forecast the weather, and a whole lot more. 
    We have incredible potential, but it will take all sorts of people, doing all sorts of things, to realize it. 
    A big part of my job is to make sure we have people in place at the federal level who will help us. And at the state level, it’s a big part of yours. 
    We need to grow our own, for every facet of life in Alaska, so we can grow as a state. We need to take care of our own, so that people can stay and build and enjoy their lives here. And that means we need to work together to knock down every barrier we find in housing, schooling, childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, the cost of living, the cost of energy, and everything else.
    Through it all, we also need to treat people like people—because we are all Alaskans, we are all invested in the future of this great place, and we all contribute to it in our own way.       
    We must treat one another with the respect and dignity that we would wish to be treated with ourselves. So, I wish you all success in this session; we’ve got a lot of work to do. And I believe you will find it, if you keep the Alaskan people front and center in everything you do.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: M.O.R.E Work Fund ‘elevates’ Boilermaker work

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Before the 1980s, Boilermakers were the craft that constructed most elevated water towers in cities and municipalities. That was before nonunion contractors stepped into the market with rock-bottom bids. Now, thanks to the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, Boilermakers are regaining some of that work. And even better, the next five years look promising for additional projects.

    “We had a great portion of that work, and it’s slowly gone away over the last 30 years,” said Local 1 BM-ST Eric Davis. “I don’t even know the last time Local 1 has sent one of our members out who wasn’t a traveler.”

    Ray Moen, a sales manager at CBI Services, is working on a project where Boilermakers are building a water tower for the village of Grayslake, Illinois. Moen said a lot of elevated water tower work used to go union.

    “When some of [the cities] contract low price work, this process is repeated by other cities,” he said. “Since the ’80s it’s been a tough market for a union contractor.”

    But that’s changing. According to Moen, Grayslake wanted a union contractor to do the work. And thanks to the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, the CBI Services bid was competitive enough to secure it.

    “Having an owner that actively wants union labor helps,” Moen said.

    Davis said he gets bid notifications through associations that alert the local of governmental work, and when he saw the request for bids for the water tower, he jumped at the opportunity. Initially he called CBI Services’ labor relations manager to alert him to bid the project. The manager met with engineers and the village, then created a proposal.

    “I do not believe we would have gotten the [Grayslake] job without the help of the M.O.R.E. Fund,” Davis said, noting the M.O.R.E. Work Fund also secured the bid for an elevated water tower in the village of Gardner, Illinois, completed around three years ago.

    Moen said he appreciates the cooperation between CBI Services and Local 1 to find work. “They help us sell the work. They help me see some of the other prospects.” The good news is that union work on elevated towers will continue.

    “I think there’s a lot coming out,” Moen said. “We have a lot with L-1 in the Chicago area. Over the next five years, for elevated water tanks, there’s a lot to look at.”

    That’s work Local 1 apprentice, David Dishman, can get behind. He’s currently working on the Grayslake tower project with around seven travelers, tankies from the National Transient Division, and an operating engineer. He worked nonunion for 10 years, so he’s not new to tank construction. He indentured into the Boilermakers three years ago because he wanted better working conditions, better tools and better benefits, and he said he found all these in the Boilermakers.

    On this job, Dishman’s first elevated tower work, he’s found that working up high comes with unique working conditions. He said it’s essential to be focused and deliberate when working, especially when workers are 150 to 200 feet in the air. “A huge part is communication,” he said. That’s why he appreciates the daily safety meetings. It’s why communication is essential, so everyone can go home at the end of the day.

    Boilermakers are welding and rigging on this project. On a typical day, following the safety meeting, three members stay on the ground working on assembly and sending tools and steel to the top to the rest of the crew. Dishman said there are challenges to elevated work, with the height of the tower being one.

    “We go over safety a lot because it’s always changing,” he said. “Every Wednesday we have a longer safety meeting.” Workers don’t have room for all their tools while working on the tower. If someone needs a tool they didn’t bring to the top, the ground crew needs to send it up. Dishman said it’s essential to think through the day’s work to determine what will be needed before climbing.

    Weather is unpredictable. Moen said if the wind is too high—and it’s always stronger on the tower than on the ground—they might have to shut down. They must be creative with ground assemblies if it’s snowing, raining, or the wind is too high.

    “You’re up 150 feet in the air so you’re really exposed,” he said. To get to the tower, members climb a ladder to reach the first floor before climbing a taller ladder 60 to 75 feet to a manhole that leads to three to five scaffolds. Then Boilermakers climb to the overhead cone ladder, a half oval that attaches at the top, so they can weld the vertical sections.

    When welding the outside of the tower, workers use a derrick—a machine that lifts heavy weights using a long beam with pulleys and cables—that connects to the shaft in the middle.

    “There’s so much going on and so many things that are dangerous,” Dishman said. “All the things that are dangerous on the ground are 10-fold more in the air.”

    Even so, he’s happy to be on the job. He’d heard for years that CBI Services was the “epitome of Boilermaker work.” And now on his first job with CBI Services, he understands why.

    “No one is questioning the need for safety or a need for tools to get the job done. And there’s no need to cut corners to get the job done [with CBI Services],” he said.

    Dishman is looking forward to more tower work in the future. It gives him a sense of pride to know the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund is opening the door to work the union hasn’t done for years.

    “It’s something we’ve been wanting to have back, and now we’re getting the chance to get that back,” he said. “It’s a motivating factor to get it done on time and do quality work.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Heathrow closure: what caused the fire and why did it bring down the whole airport? Expert panel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kirk Chang, Professor of Management and Technology, University of East London

    Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe, was shut down following a fire at a single electricity sub-station on the night of March 20. The fire at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, about 1.5 miles from Heathrow, seriously disrupted the local area’s power supply, including that of the airport.

    The closure has caused chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. More than 1,300 flights have been affected, according to the plane tracking website Flightradar24. About 120 of these were already in the air.

    Below, a panel of experts offer their insights – and consider the implications of such a major incident. (Elements of this panel were sourced by the Science Media Centre, which published a version here.)

    Power in west London is highly constrained

    Barry Hayes, associate professor in electrical power systems, University College Cork

    It appears that a transformer fire in the North Hyde 275kV substation caused the power outage (videos from the scene clearly show one of the large power transformers ablaze). This is a large electrical substation which supplies the area to the northeast of Heathrow airport as well as the Heathrow airport site. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the local electricity distributor, said 67,000 homes and businesses in the area were cut off overnight as a result of this issue.

    While the North Hyde substation is a very important part of the west London electricity grid, it is generally not expected that this would cause such a big impact at Heathrow airport. There are also dedicated supplies to other parts of the airport site.

    Typically, a critical electricity load such as Heathrow would be served from multiple supply points in the electricity grid, and therefore there would be an option to feed the loads at Heathrow from an alternative supply point. There are some reports that parts of the airport (for example, Terminal 5) have power.

    The exact reasons for such a big impact are unclear at this point, but we do know the North Hyde substation is in a highly constrained area of the UK electricity grid – an area where there has been “a steep increase in the number of new electricity connection requests across west London, driven by new housing developments, commercial investment and datacentres”.

    The UK power grid (as in many developed countries) is generally old or outdated, with many of its components at the end of their anticipated service lifetime and in urgent need of modernisation. These issues may be a factor in the power outage affecting Heathrow. However, it will take some time before the exact causes of this incident are established.

    Weather, ageing equipment or malicious attacks could be to blame

    Chenghong Gu, professor in smart energy systems, University of Bath

    This is a very rare event. Substations are built and operated according to very strict standards, and they are monitored 24/7. There are also many automatic devices in substations like this one to deal with faults.

    A substation has many components including transformers, circuit breakers, an isolator, busbars and measuring equipment. Transformers are the most vulnerable to fire. There is insulation oil in them and in high-temperature, high-pressure situations, they can explode – meaning the insulation oil leaks and can catch fire.

    However, it is very unusual for big substations like this to catch fire. One cause can be extreme weather such as lightning strikes, which could cause extreme high voltage on the equipment. Extreme hot weather together with high demand can also cause transformers to become overheated, thus leading to faults.

    Another factor is the ageing of transformers. The insulation gas can degrade, which could cause an explosion inside a transformer. Or there could be a malfunction of other auxiliary devices such as the insulator, switch gears or circuit breakers inside the substation.

    Other possible causes include a malicious attack on the substation – someone setting fire to it deliberately, for example. Cyber-attacks on IT systems can also cause a malfunction of devices in the substation, leading to fire.

    Serious questions about Heathrow’s back-ups

    Kirk Chang, professor of management and technology, University of East London

    The airport lost power because of the fire – we understand that. But the back-up system didn’t work. It’s difficult to understand how that could happen.

    There are two things we need to look at. Number one is the technical part. Why did the back-up machines not work? Maybe the machines did not have sufficient fuel, or for some reason the system was not linked to the grid. The backup should kick in immediately.

    The second point is more the human side. Who is responsible for the power management, and what intervention strategies were attempted? I would assume they would need a second back-up system if the first fails. It’s very unusual to see both Plan A (the back-up) and Plan B (the back-up to the back-up) not working.

    Usually, a main back-up (Plan A) will supply about 90% of the power the facility usually receives. Whereas Plan B will usually only supply a fraction of the power – maybe 50% or 30%. The reason is that Plan B is usually expensive to maintain all the time. It may be outsourced to a third party – either the power company or a software company which manages their power distribution network.

    Critical infrastructure arguably needs more security

    Paul Cuffe, assistant professor, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin

    An airport like Heathrow requires a lot of electricity to operate, equivalent to a large town. As such, it would be typical for it to be given a dedicated connection from the substation at Hayes.

    There is likely a dedicated power line and transformer there that connects the airport to the wider grid. When a major fire severs that link, it will no longer be possible to bring bulk electricity to the airport.

    I would anticipate that a major airport like Heathrow would have some on-site emergency capability to ride through a grid disturbance. I would hope the traffic control tower and runway lights weren’t totally plunged into darkness!

    However, processing planeloads of passengers requires Heathrow in its totality to consume a town’s worth of electricity, and the inability to meet this requirement is probably why the flights had to be cancelled.

    The failure is not overtly abnormal. We can anticipate that, from time to time, substation equipment will fail and downstream power outages will result. But one could argue that a critical piece of national infrastructure like Heathrow deserves special grid connection arrangements to secure its supply of electricity further. For instance, sometimes critical loads like this are fed from two separate substations to provide redundancy when outages happen.

    It is ultimately a political and economic question to determine the right level of capital investment into grid infrastructure to avoid the problems that outages like this cause. Redundant power supplies for an airport the size of Heathrow do not come free.

    Climate change means the grid will face more threats like this

    Hayley J. Fowler, professor of climate change impacts;
    Colin Manning, postdoctoral research associate in climate science; and
    Sean Wilkinson, professor of structural engineering, Newcastle University

    The closure of one of the world’s largest airports due to a failure of just one electricity substation underlines how important it is that critical national energy infrastructure – pylons, substations and so on – keeps functioning. This is only becoming more important as demand for electricity increases, thanks to transport and domestic heating switching to lower-carbon electrified alternatives – notably electric cars and heat pumps.

    Yet the UK’s energy system is facing growing threats from unprecedented risks. We still don’t know what caused the Heathrow fire, but it appears to be unusual in this regard, as threats to energy systems come mainly from extreme weather. In the UK, that tends to mean windstorms, flooding, heatwaves and associated wildfires, and cold spells.

    2024 was the warmest calendar year on record, and the “fingerprints” of climate change are increasingly evident in more intense and frequent extreme weather events. It is crucial to ensure the energy network can handle this weather.

    Gas and electricity operators in the UK have established protocols for managing networks in adverse weather, investing large amounts to protect critical assets. But recent events have exposed vulnerabilities. The storms Arwen and Éowyn left thousands without power for days, underscoring the previous UK government’s admission that the country is underprepared for extreme weather events.



    Read more:
    Heathrow fire shows just how vulnerable UK energy infrastructure is – we’ve simulated the major climate-related risks

    Barry Hayes has an active research collaboration with ESB Networks, and is an academic member of ESB Networks’ Innovation Stakeholder Panel.

    Colin Manning receives funding from UKRI.

    Hayley J. Fowler receives funding from UKRI, NERC, EPSRC, and the EU Horizon 2020 Programme. She is a member of the UK Climate Change Committee and was a member of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Science Expert Group (E-SEG) from 2021 to 2025. This article represents her own work and views, not the position of either of these organisations.

    Paul Cuffe has no direct links with the electricity industry in the UK. As an Irish academic, he has had occasional collaborations with Eirgrid, the transmission system operator, and ESB Networks, the distribution network operator. He has received funding as part the ESIPP and NexSys projects; these were co-funded by stakeholders in the Irish energy sector.

    Sean Wilkinson receives funding from EPSRC and DESNZ.

    Chenghong Gu and Kirk Chang do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Heathrow closure: what caused the fire and why did it bring down the whole airport? Expert panel – https://theconversation.com/heathrow-closure-what-caused-the-fire-and-why-did-it-bring-down-the-whole-airport-expert-panel-252834

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: PUBLIC EVENT: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe celebrated the International Day of Forests with a two-part event.

    I. “Forest Talk: Innovation 4 Climate” (10:00 – 11:30, Auditorium (H.200, ground floor), Building H, Palais des Nations, and online): Experts from diverse industries presented ongoing research on innovative applications of wood components.

    II. “Glacial Threads: From Forests to Future Textiles” (12:00 – 13:00): A symbolic ceremony involving the unrolling and laying of a glacier fleece made from wood-based fibers onto Michelangelo Pistoletto’s iconic sculpture, “Rebirth.” This segment was held outdoors. 

     

    The main event was followed by a reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy. 

     

    For more information contact Secretariat

     

    Event organized with the generous support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Strengthens Wildfire Response Through Training

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On March 21, 2025, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a $16.3-million investment in 25 projects through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Training Fund to increase fire management capacity across the country.  

    Project Name: Peerless Trout First Nation Firefighter Training
    Recipient: Peerless Trout First Nation
    Location: Peerless Lake, Alberta
    Funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): $93,000
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 12 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training, as they requested support to train additional crew members to ensure in-house capability to combat fires within their community.

    Project Name: Prince Albert Grant Council – Fire Guardians Pilot Project
    Recipient: Prince Albert Development Corporation Management Co. Ltd.
    Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
    Funding from NRCan: $946,330
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry. This will aim to address the need identified by the communities to improve local and regional capacity in northern fire prone regions.   

    Project Name: Firefighter Training in the Whitefeather Forest
    Recipient: Whitefeather Community Resource Managment Authority
    Location: Red Lake/Pikangikum, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $1,579,655
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 144 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training in Pikangikum, which aims to address the identified need to develop a firefighting workforce that can be quickly mobilized to increase community preparedness and to support Indigenous-led approaches.

    Project Name: Firetack Training
    Recipient: Sturgeon Lake Resources Ltd.
    Location: Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Alberta
    Funding from NRCan: $214,272
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 48 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training that is needed to address the low firefighter numbers available within the local community.

    Project Name: Wildland Firefighters TrainingRecipient: Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island)
    Location: Agassiz, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $161,912
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth participants in Indigenous communities in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development in the wildland fire industry, addressing a gap identified by the community to offer opportunity for youth to learn about wildfires, receive training and learn about career paths in this area. 

    Project Name: Fire for the Future
    Recipient: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
    Location: Marcelin, Saskatchewan
    Funding from NRCan: $204,093

    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 community members in wildland fire training to address the need of the community to alleviate and mitigate the dangers of a wildfire by building capacity of First Nations in the region.

    Project Name: Community-led Wildfire Risk Assessments and Mitigation Strategies
    Recipient: Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW)
    Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
    Funding from NRCan: $1,508,000
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 126 community members across various Yukon First Nations communities, situated in remote and forested areas, in basic wildfire training including traditional land management practices and emergency training to identify wildfire-risks and to host workshops to collaboratively develop mitigation strategies. This aims to address YFNW’s need to empower Indigenous communities to respond to wildfires.

    Project Name: IFNA Wildland Interface Firefighter Project
    Recipient: Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA)
    Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $1,999,999
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 50 participants in Type I Wildland Firefighter Training, while also leveraging partnerships, technology and youth engagement, and will aim to address the identified need for additional trained staff and crews in IFNA’s remote communities to increase the capacity to manage wildfires locally.

    Project Name: Enhancing Wildfire Resilience in KO Communities
    Recipient: Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO)
    Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $329,109
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 25 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry, addressing the community’s need to build local fire management practices and enhance community resiliency to wildfires.

    Project Name: Lil’wat Forestry Wildland Firefighting Training
    Recipient: Lil’wat Forestry Ventures LP
    Location: Mount Currie, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $1,232,460
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 72 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training, which aims to address Lil’wat Nations’ identified need to enhance resiliency to wildfire through the development of a community-based workforce with the skills to both prevent and respond to wildfires in the local area.

    Project Name: Firetack Training Retreat – Treaty 7
    Recipient: Piikani Employment Services
    Location: Brocket, Alberta
    Funding from NRCan: $466,110
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 32 Treaty 7 First Nations and Métis community members in Type I Wildland Firefighter Training, addressing Piikani Employment Services’ identified need to have more trained and experienced wildland firefighters to respond to wildfires, both within Treaty 7 communities and Alberta.

    Project Name: Youth Wildfire Training
    Recipient: National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
    Location: Tyendinaga, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $909,100
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 420 youth across Canada in wildfire prevention and mitigation, addressing the pressing needs of Indigenous communities facing with the escalating threat of wildfires and bridging the gaps in the shortage of trained Indigenous peoples in wildfire management roles.

    Project Name: Mamow Wuskaweewin – Moving Together
    Recipient: Metis Settlements General Council
    Location: Edmonton, Alberta
    Funding from NRCan: $499,330
    Project Summary: This project supports training 320 participants in wildland firefighting, wildfire resiliency and reconciliation to address the need to involve and engage Metis Settlements people in wildfire management dialogues.

    Project Name: Fire Crew Training
    Recipient: Geraldton Community Forest Inc. in partnership with Matawa First Nations Management
    Location: Geraldton, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $933,312
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 36 community members to a Type II standard across the nine Matawa Tribal Council communities, which aims to address the need for enhanced trained crews within Indigenous communities that have a real need for increased forest fire safety.

    Project Name: OKIB Wildland Fire Training
    Recipient: Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB)
    Location: Vernon, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $868,201
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 firefighters to a Type II and III standard, responding to OKIB’s need for improved wildfire response and addressing the shortage of certified Type II and III wildland firefighters within the community.

    Project Name: Responding to the Interface-Wildfire Training
    Recipient: International Association of Fire Fighters
    Location: Ottawa, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $1,077,661
    Project Summary: This project is in addition to a 2024 budget announcement and supports the training of wildland firefighter training to up to 925 structural and community-based fire personnel to address the need to better prepare and equip structural firefighters to fight wildfires, with a focus on the wildland urban interface.

    Project Name: MLTC Community Wild Fire Preparedness
    Recipient: Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)
    Location: Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
    Funding from NRCan: $278,000

    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 170 participants to a Type II and III standard to address the communities’ identified need for additional support for wildfire training to increase their capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfire events.

    Project Name: Firetrack Community Training Initiative
    Recipient: Neyaskweyahk Wildland Firefighting
    Location: Maskwacis, Alberta
    Funding from NRCan: $93,078
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 16 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training in Ermineskin Cree Nation, which aims to address the community’s need to have fully trained and skilled community members to join the workforce to respond to wildfires within the nation and support the efforts of the provincial government.

    Project Name: Building Wildfire Response Capacity Through Engagement With Local Wildfire Response Agencies
    Recipient: Thompson Rivers University

    Location: Kamloops, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $1,692,156
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of up to 260 firefighters. In partnership with BC Wildfire Service, Thompson Rivers University aims to address the need to enhance wildfire response capacity, particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

    Project Name: St’at’imc Climate Emergency Response and Preparation
    Recipient: Lillooet Tribal Council
    Location: Lillooet, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $612,916
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of five firefighters to a Type II standard and 90 firefighters to a Type III standard in five St’at’imc communities of Bridge River, Cayoose Creek, Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation, Tsal’alh and Xaxli’p that are continually and increasingly impacted by climate emergencies with annual risks of wildfires continuing to increase in severity.

    Project Name: Onion Lake Cree Nation Wildland Fire
    Recipient: Onion Lake Cree Nation
    Location: Onion Lake, Saskatchewan
    Funding from NRCan: $31,050
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 16 firefighters to a Type II standard to address the identified need of Onion Lake Cree Nation for a well-trained local response team aiming to enhance community capacity and ensure an effective response to future wildfire events.

    Project Name: St’at’imc Youth Wildfire Pathways Project
    Recipient: Sqwem Sqwem Consulting Services
    Location: Lillooet, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $88,211

    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing youth with opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry, which aims to address the identified need of St’at’imc nations to increase local capacity and resources available.

    Project Name: Wildfire Training
    Recipient: Lower Similkameen Indian Band
    Location: Keremeos, British Columbia
    Funding from NRCan: $188,083
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 participants in pre-burn and post-burn assessments, traditional ecological knowledge and community engagement in order to address the identified need of Lower Similkameen Indian Band to increase wildfire management capacity to better respond to wildfire events within their community.

    Project Name: SP100 Training for Bimose Member Communities
    Recipient: Bimose Tribal Council
    Location: Kenora, Ontario
    Funding from NRCan: $157,033
    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 48 firefighters in SP-100 Wildland Fire Fighter Certification in the 10 member First Nations: Eagle Lake First Nation, Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, Shoal Lake #40 First nation, Washagamsis Bay First Nation, Wabuskang First Nation, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek. The project aims to address the pressing need for enhanced wildfire response capabilities within Bimose First Nation communities.

    Project Name: Riding Mountain Indigenous Fire Guardians
    Recipient: Keeseekoowenin First Nation
    Location: Elphinstone, Manitoba
    Funding from NRCan: $135,000

    Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 Indigenous community members working towards becoming Indigenous Guardians, in collaboration with Parks Canada. This training will aim to provide participants with a variety of skills and competencies with the aim to increase the Nation’s capacity to actively and more efficiently manage wildfire on the traditional territory. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New rebate to help small businesses electrify

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Downer Community Centre recently received a rebate to replace gas heating with efficient reverse cycle heating.

    ACT small businesses can now access rebates of up to $10,000 to help transition their workplaces and work practices away from fossil-fuel gas to efficient electric appliances.

    The rebates will support businesses to be more sustainable, in reducing both their emissions and operating costs.

    Small to medium business can take advantage of the rebate, to upgrade to efficient electric appliances.

    The rebates can pay for up to half the upfront cost of upgrading.

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program complements the new rebate. The program provides expert advice at no cost, helping businesses identify areas of their business they can improve and act in the smartest, most cost-effective way.

    The Downer Community Centre is using the new rebate to switch from gas heating to efficient reverse cycle heating. This change will help them save $1900 per year in bills and two tonnes per year of CO2 emissions.

    ACT businesses with fewer than 20 employees are eligible for up to $10,000 in support through energy efficiency rebates.

    The maximum rebate for electric-to-electric upgrades is $5,000 (incl GST), while fossil-fuel gas-to-electric upgrade rebates are capped at $10,000 (including GST).

    To find out more, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website, or contact the Sustainable Business team at sustainablebusiness@act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Support for the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 21, 2025            Ottawa, Ontario            Transport Canada

    Trade infrastructure and transportation corridors enable Canada to get its products to global markets. That is why the Government of Canada is making investments to open new potential markets through the Arctic and secure reliable surface transportation through northern Manitoba.

    Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Honourable Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced an investment of $175 million over five years to support operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) and pre-development activities at the Port of Churchill, owned by Arctic Gateway Group (AGG).

    AGG is a partnership of 29 First Nations and 12 isolated communities served by HBR in Northern Manitoba. The Hudson Bay Railway is critical to Indigenous reconciliation, connecting communities, and economic development, including the development of critical minerals and tourism, in northern Manitoba. Both the HBR and the Port of Churchill play an important role in ensuring supplies reach northern Manitoba and Nunavut.

    Canada is strongest when we are united. There should be one Canadian economy, not thirteen. Creating one Canadian economy will create higher paying jobs, improve affordability, and strengthen our national security.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: America’s Butterfly Populations Down 22% over Past Two Decades

    Source: US Geological Survey

    America’s Butterfly Populations Down 22% over Past Two Decades

    Butterfly populations are declining quickly across the United States, highlighting the urgent need for management strategies that protect these key pollinators, according to a new nationwide study funded in part by the Midwest CASC. 

    Between 2000 and 2020, the number of butterflies in the United States fell by 22%, according to a new study funded in part by the Midwest CASC. The researchers calculated this alarming decline from over 76,000 surveys and 12.6 million records of individual butterflies combined from 35 different monitoring programs across the country. There were enough records for the researchers to calculate population trends for 342 of the 554 total species in the dataset. 

    Butterflies are essential pollinators and, as caterpillars, are important food sources for many types of birds. They are also the most widely surveyed group of insects. Despite this, this study, published in the journal Science, is the first to pull together data from various monitoring programs to analyze nationwide trends. Many of these monitoring programs rely on citizen science efforts, so understanding the full scale of the butterfly decline wouldn’t have been possible without community involvement. The researchers found that about half of the species had populations that declined by more than 42% over the twenty-year period, while 107 species declined more than 50%, and four species more than 99%. Only nine species in the study experienced population increases.  

    Butterflies play a key role as pollinators for both wild and agricultural plants – including many flowers that bees don’t visit. Yet, habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides are driving their widespread declines. The study’s authors emphasize that, despite these challenges, butterflies have short life cycles which allows for rapid population growth and recovery – provided the right conditions and strategies are in place.  

    This research was funded in part by the Midwest CASC project: “Evaluating the Role of Climate on Midwestern Butterfly Trajectories, Monarch Declines, and the Broader ‘Insect Apocalypse.’” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: State of the Global Climate 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The State of the Global Climate 2024 report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) shows that key climate change indicators have again reached record levels.  Although long-term warming (averaged over decades) currently sits below 1.5°C, sea-level rise and ocean warming will be irreversible for hundreds of years. Record greenhouse gas concentrations combined with El Niño and other factors to drive 2024 record heat, while glacier melt accelerated and extreme weather caused massive social and economic upheaval. 

    Journalists came to this online briefing to hear from some of the authors of the report and put their questions to them.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Chris Hewitt, Director of Climate Services Division, WMO

    Dr Omar Baddour, Chief Climate Monitoring, WMO

    Dr John Kennedy, Scientific Coordinator and Lead Author of the report

    Dr Karina von Schuckmann, Senior advisor, Ocean Science for Policy, Scientific Direction, Mercator Ocean international, France

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish wildfires must serve as alarm bell for climate disaster

    Source: Scottish Greens

    21 Mar 2025 Climate Nature

    Climate efforts must be ramped up to reduce the risk of lasting damage

    More in Climate

    Ongoing wildfires and warnings must serve as an alarm bell for Scotland’s climate, warns Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess.

    The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued several wildfire warnings across the Highlands, with further alerts being issued across the Lowlands as the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outdoors.

    Ms Burgess, who is the party’s spokesperson for rural affairs, says our climate efforts must be ramped up if we are to reduce the risk of lasting damage through extreme weather events like wildfires.

    Ms Burgess said:

    “A lot of people are very worried about the threat of further wildfires, particularly in the Highlands.

    “Scotland has some of Europe’s most iconic and renowned landscapes. But, with global temperatures rising, this natural beauty is under a very real and growing threat.

    “Our environment and the safety of our communities hang in the balance. Wildfires can destroy habitats, and that has a knock-on effect for the rest of us. We cannot afford to let that happen.

    “These warnings must be an alarm bell for our climate. We are on the frontline of the crisis. If we don’t pay attention and make conscious changes now there won’t be any nature or life left to enjoy.”

    Ms Burgess added:

    “Our fire-fighters are risking their lives to protect ours and to keep us safe.

    “It is incumbent on the Scottish and UK Governments to ensure that all firefighters have the equipment and facilities required to keep as safe as possible, and to ensure we raise the awareness with the public about the increased risks and consequences of wildfires.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Ceremony marking the 600th Anniversary of the University of Leuven [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Rector Magnificus, Chère Madame la Rectrice,
     
    Allow me to address you with the expression that in my country is reserved for the rectors of the university of the Coimbra, your sister university: Magnificus rectorus, magnificent rectors.
     
    Thank you for your warm welcome, your very kind words and this significant honour.
     
    I am proud to accept it on behalf of the United Nations and remembering the women and men of the UN all over the world.
     
    You will find them working everywhere and around the clock. 
     
    Building and keeping peace.
     
    Delivering lifesaving relief in the most desperate places on earth.
     
    Fighting poverty and standing up for the marginalized.
     
    Advancing human rights and the rule of law.
     
    And striving to realize the universal values that express the very best of the human spirit.
     
    By bestowing this honour at this consequential time, you are sending a clear message.
     
    A message of support for the noble mission of the United Nations —a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real – and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.
     
    On behalf of the United Nations — thank you.
     
    Distinguished Guests, Dear Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,
     
    You honour the United Nations as we celebrate a remarkable milestone:
     
    The 600th anniversary of the University of Leuven, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning, today represented by the two universities that are together in this beautiful ceremony.
     
    Six centuries ago, scholars lit a flame of knowledge.
     
    Generation after generation have kept this flame alive.
     
    Through times of turmoil and triumph.
     
    In war and in peace.
     
    From the Renaissance to the information age.
     
    It is here at Leuven that Erasmus refined his humanist thought, teaching the world to see learning as a path to compassion and understanding.
     
    It was here that Mercator mastered cartography, revolutionizing navigation and the way we see our world — opening new horizons across continents.
     
    It was here that future Prime Minister and statesman August Beernaert began his intellectual journey that led to his bold vision of peace through arbitration, which was recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1909.
     
    It was here that a young Georges Lemaître gazed at the stars and proposed what became the Big Bang theory — forever reshaping humanity’s understanding of the universe itself.
     
    And it was here that Dominique Pire, a humble Dominican friar, developed humanitarian principles that would earn him the Nobel Peace Prize for working with refugees and bringing hope to the forgotten.
     
    All of you are keeping this flame alive in the 21st century.
     
    Your scholars have helped lead the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — and the need for urgent climate action.
     
    Your universities played a pivotal role in launching the Global University Academy — supporting higher education for refugees worldwide.
     
    The Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence fosters knowledge-sharing and international partnerships on AI.
     
    Your startup incubators and technology transfer efforts transform innovative research into tangible benefits for humanity.
     
    And you are opening new doors to equality and justice through your Gender Equality Plan, and by actively participating in initiatives like the Belgian Women in Science Network to increase the number of female students and staff in science, technology, engineering and math.  
     
    This joint celebration — bringing together KU Leuven and UC Louvain — is yet another example of your spirit of common purpose and renewed partnership…
     
    One that shines a light towards a better, more equal future for all.
     
    Excellencies, dear friends,
     
    We need that light more than ever. 
     
    I am here today to deliver a simple and stark message:
     
    Multilateralism matters.
     
    But it is under attack like never before.
     
    We can and must overcome this threat together. 
     
    Now is the time.
     
    Your 600th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations.
     
    2025 marks our 80th anniversary as an organization and as the epicenter of multilateralism.
     
    Our founding Charter embodies the world’s conviction that by working together and adhering to shared principles and values, we can solve global problems.   
     
    Standing here in Europe, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of your own European union.
     
    At home and around the world, Belgium and the European Union champion international cooperation, democracy, human rights and global solidarity.
     
    Over the decades, Belgium has brought to life its motto of “unity makes strength” — contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions, advancing peacebuilding and supporting lifesaving relief around the world.
     
    Today, the European ideal stands as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.
     
    A strong and united Europe is not just essential for the continent.
     
    It is a fundamental pillar of a strong and effective United Nations.
     
    Around the globe, the European Union and the United Nations work hand-in-hand:
     
    Providing humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
     
    Building peace in fragile states and strengthening democratic institutions.
     
    Defending human rights and dignity.
     
    Supporting sustainable development and climate action.
     
    And putting the spotlight on ending the scourge of domestic violence.
     
    But these and other investments in international cooperation are under threat.    
     
    Deadly conflicts are multiplying and deepening, exacting a devastating human toll.
     
    And a contagion of impunity is taking hold.
     
    Poverty, hunger and inequalities are growing — while the wealth of a handful of men eclipses that of half of humanity.
     
    The climate crisis is raging.
     
    Vulnerable countries are often locked out of decision-making rooms.
     
    Technology is outpacing our ability to protect people’s safety, rights and dignity.
     
    We see a dangerous rollback of fundamental freedoms.
     
    Women’s rights are under attack.
     
    Minorities, refugees and migrants are demonized.
     
    The voices of nationalism and isolationism are growing louder with a dangerous resurgence of strongarm politics.
     
    And donors are dramatically scaling-back humanitarian and development support — while defense budgets soar. 
     
    It would be the cruelest of ironies for the poor to be made to pay for the weapons of the rich. 
     
    Last week, I was in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh during the holy month of Ramadan on a mission of solidarity with Rohingya refugees, and with the Bangladeshi communities that so generously host them.
     
    The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid.
     
    But with looming cuts, Cox’s Bazar is fast-becoming ground zero of the funding crisis, with money for basic essentials like food, running out.
     
    And I am hopeful that what we are doing now with several donor countries will help us overcome this tragic situation, because without a reversal of these cuts in Cox’s Bazar and beyond — people will suffer and people will die.
     
    Dear friends,
     
    As the darkness spreads, we risk losing sight of Europe’s greatest gift to civilization — the Enlightenment.
     
    Everywhere we look, the fruits of the Enlightenment are being challenged by the voices of irrationality, ignorance and isolationism.
     
    Truth, science and knowledge are being questioned.
     
    Expertise and experience have somehow become liabilities. 
     
    And the multilateral values that the United Nations embodies — collaboration, solidarity, united action and human rights — are being undone by mistrust and geopolitical divisions.
     
    Excellencies, dear friends,
     
    Anniversaries are about more than looking to the past.
     
     At their best, they are about renewing for the future.
     
    And renewal sometimes means asking hard questions.
     
    Let’s be clear: The UN was never meant to be stuck in time. 
     
    The world has changed in fundamental ways — most notably the rise in economic influence and political power across the Global South.
     
    How, can we justify, today, a Security Council without permanent representation for Africa — home to one-quarter of humanity?
     
    How can we accept an unfair and dysfunctional global financial architecture that inadequately supports developing countries in their hour of need?
     
    How can we passively accept that the great promise of Artificial Intelligence might be won at the expense of handing over our humanity to algorithms?
     
    Renewal is the driving force of the Pact for the Future, agreed at the United Nations in September.
     
    And multilateralism must be the engine of this renewal.
     
    We need all countries working together — in solidarity — as we tackle the challenges facing our world. 
     
    In this spirit of renewal through multilateralism, I want to outline four areas where we can overcome today’s threats by standing as one and forging common solutions. 
     
    First — we must find common solutions for peace in our fragmented world.
     
    Around the world, peace is in short supply.
     
    Look no further than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — an open wound in Europe.  
     
    This brutal war is now in its fourth year and has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions — including many who have found shelter here in Belgium — and challenged the very foundations of European security and international order.
     
    It is time for a just and lasting peace. But a just peace means that it must be based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions, including the respect for territorial integrity. 
     
    In Gaza, since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction.
     
    I am outraged at this week’s Israeli attacks in Gaza, which killed hundreds of people.
     
    I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of one of our UN staff members — and the wounding of five other UN personnel — when two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah were hit in strikes. 
     
    And appallingly another 5 UNRWA humanitarians were also killed this week, bringing the death toll to 284.
     
    The ceasefire had finally allowed some measure of relief to ease the horrendous suffering of Palestinians in Gaza — and relief to Israeli families finally welcoming home hostages after over a year of anguish and desperation.
     
    All of that has now been shattered.  
     
    Escalation is not the answer. 
     
    There is no military solution to this conflict.
     
    I strongly appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.
     
    Beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace — through immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution — with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo — a country whose tragic history resonates so strongly here in Belgium — renewed fighting, fueled by external interference and armed militias, has devastated communities and plunged the region into a deeper crisis, naturally aggravated by the presence of Rwandan troops, violating the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
     
    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country. 
     
    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.
     
    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.
     
    Beyond these and other conflicts, we need to reform the global security architecture.
     
    Drawing from proposals included in the New Agenda for Peace that we developed, the Pact for the Future calls for strengthening the machinery of peace by prioritizing the tools of prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
     
    The changing nature of conflict calls for a review of our global peace operations; 
     
    Enhancing coordination with regional organizations;
     
    And the Pact includes also the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, even if we are still very far from a world free of nuclear weapons.
     
    Dear friends,
     
    Second — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by finding common solutions to reduce inequalities and ensure financial justice for all.
     
    The Pact includes a call for a massive Stimulus to help countries invest in the Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    It also urges bold reforms of the international financial architecture, including expanding the voice and representation of developing countries in institutions.  
     
    We must also substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger, bolder and better.
     
    And we must review the debt architecture to stop debt from bleeding countries dry.
     
    No country should have to choose between servicing their debt and serving their people.
     
    Our global economy also needs open, predictable and inclusive trade to spur broad-based prosperity and help developing countries to better link to global markets and supply chains.
     
    The Pact also reminds us of a basic truth: societies can only thrive when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.
     
    Investing in their education, economic empowerment, and social protection is not only fair — it is essential for a better future for all.
     
    Third — we can strengthen multilateralism for the future by finding common solutions for climate action before it is too late.
     
    The climate crisis is costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in damages.
     
    Record heatwaves scorch continents.
     
    2024 was the hottest year — in the hottest decade in history.
     
    Relentless storms ravage communities.
     
    Rising seas threaten coastlines — including here.
     
    And those least responsible are bearing the heaviest burden.
     
    If we are to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees — essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe — the science is clear:
     
    Global emissions must peak this year and rapidly decline afterwards.
     
    And we must recognize this challenge for what it is: a moment of enormous opportunity.
     
    The benefits of the clean energy transition are clear.
     
    Renewables renew economies. 
     
    They boost growth, lower energy bills, and help us all breathe easier with cleaner air.
     
    This year — in advance of the UN Climate Conference, or COP30, in Brazil — every country must submit new economy-wide national climate plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit and seize the benefits of clean energy.
     
    I am working closely with President Lula of Brazil to drive action by the biggest emitters.
     
    The United Nations is also helping nearly 100 developing countries to prepare their national climate action plans.
     
    And we will convene a special event to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5 within reach, and deliver climate justice.
     
    I urge Europe to keep leading the way.
     
    To set strong and ambitious emission reduction targets.
     
    And to put an end to the myth that fossil fuels are the future. 
     
    We must accelerate the renewables revolution which can lower emissions, boost energy security, create good jobs, and provide cheap and accessible power.
     
    Throughout, we must continue supporting developing and vulnerable nations, by making good on long-standing promises and delivering on climate finance across the board.
     
    Climate solidarity is a moral obligation — and a matter of survival for us all.
     
    Fourth and finally — we can overcome threats to multilateralism by making sure technology upholds human rights and dignity for all.
     
    The information age is unfolding at a dizzying scale and speed.
     
    Artificial Intelligence holds great promise.
     
    But today, those benefits remain concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. 
     
    And while some are racing ahead with record investments, most developing countries are left in the dark.
     
    Without guardrails, AI risks deepening geopolitical divides and inequalities;
     
    Enabling surveillance, amplifying disinformation, facilitating cyberattacks;
     
    And even making life-and-death decisions.
     
    Humans must always retain control — guided by international law, human rights and ethical principles.  
     
    Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.
     
    That is the spirit of the Global Digital Compact also adopted at the United Nations last year.
     
    It calls for closing the digital divide, so all countries can benefit.
     
    It includes the first universal agreement on AI governance to bring every country to the table.
     
    It calls for an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI that promotes a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities.
     
    It proposes initiating a Global Dialogue on AI Governance — within the United Nations — to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping common governance standards that help uphold human rights and prevent misuse.
     
    And it urges support for helping grow AI tools and skills in developing countries.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Excellencies, dear students,
     
    These are all ways that we can overcome the clear and present dangers to multilateralism in our time. 
     
    I am convinced that we can do it.
     
    Every generation faces moments of decisive choice.
     
    Yet none has possessed our tools, knowledge, and global awareness.
     
    Today, we are celebrating history.
     
    But history is also unfolding before our eyes — and I urge you to be on the frontlines for human dignity.
     
    Refuse indifference. Choose hope. Confront injustice. Defend truth.
     
    And for that you can draw, being inspired by the values these universities represent.
     
    Dear students, I ask you today to draw strength and inspiration from your universities’ history.
     
    Dear Rector Sels and Rector Smets,
     
    I wish to conclude by reinforcing your opening words.
     
    You recounted the powerful story of the University’s library — destroyed in 1914, and again in 1940.
     
    In the midst of two world wars — and the rubble of this very city — the global shock and outrage that followed the destruction of a library sent a clear and powerful message.
     
    These were not only attacks on books and manuscripts.
     
    These were attacks on history, science, reason, knowledge and art.
     
    These were attacks on the very hallmarks of humanity.
     
    These were attacks on our common soul.
     
    Twice the forces of ignorance tried to extinguish Leuven’s light of knowledge.
     
    And twice the world answered Leuven’s call — and helped you restore that light brighter than ever.
     
    Because in the aftermath of these attacks, we saw other aspects of humanity’s soul revealed and shining brightly. 
     
    We saw generosity, in countries providing funding to rebuild, and books to re-stock the library.
     
    We saw the power of collaboration, in countries standing with Belgium and with Leuven to resurrect this library not once, but twice.
     
    And yes, we saw humanity’s hunger for the eternal values that have guided your universities for 600 years — and the United Nations for 80 years.
     
    Generosity, solidarity, renewal.
     
    This is more than just your story — it is humanity’s story.
     
    It shows that no matter the challenge, we can face down threats.
     
    We can overcome obstacles.
     
    We can build stronger than before.
     
    And so, let us carry this legacy forward.
     
    And let’s keep building  — together.
     
    Happy 600th anniversary.
     
    And I thank you. Dank u. Merci.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Croatian businesses to get financing support with €100 million EIB loan to PBZ

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB lends €100 million to Croatian bank PBZ to boost financing for range of businesses
    • Credit aimed at bolstering small enterprises and climate action in Croatia
    • Focus on company projects that promote clean energy

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending the Croatian bank Privredna Banka Zagreb (PBZ), part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, €100 million to expand financing for a range of businesses in the country. The EIB lending to PBZ will enable it to increase loans to Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps.

    The goal of the operation is to strengthen business competitiveness and green investments in Croatia. At least 70% of the loan will be allocated to SMEs and a minimum 20% will be dedicated to projects that advance climate action and environmental sustainability, with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable-energy production.

    The EIB loan will be disbursed in stages over the coming three years, beginning with a first tranche of €50 million signed today. The entire operation will be implemented in Croatia, fully contributing to the European Union’s aim to foster regional cohesion.

    “This new financing operation will further strengthen our cooperation with PBZ and Intesa Sanpaolo Group and help Croatian businesses access funding they need to grow,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “By dedicating a significant portion of the loan to climate-friendly investments and women entrepreneurs, we are supporting companies’ sustainability efforts and strengthening economic resilience in Croatia.”

    An allocation of 10% of the loan to support women-owned and women-run businesses is included on a best-effort basis, reflecting the EIB’s commitment to fostering gender equality in company finance.

    “We are very pleased to continue to further strengthen our long-standing successful cooperation with the EIB with the aim of bolstering competitiveness and resilience of the Croatian economy. Specifically, through this cooperation we will actively support our clients and sustainable projects, particularly those with a green component that are focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy production, placing strong emphasis on ESG aspects, which is also our strategic commitment,” said Dinko Lucić, President of the Management Board of PBZ.

    The new loan resumes EIB lending activity to PBZ totalling around €200 million over the past 10 years. In November 2024, PBZ also signed a €100 million guarantee agreement with the EIB to support the financing and investment needs of Croatian Mid-Caps.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    Privredna Banka Zagreb (PBZ) is part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, one of the largest banking groups in Europe. PBZ is the second-largest bank and financial group in Croatia by assets, with a market share of around 20 per cent in various operating segments, continuously developing innovative products and services for retail, corporate and SME clients.  PBZ is also a centre of excellence for many areas of banking within the International Banks Division of Intesa Sanpaolo. It, therefore, became a regional banking hub following the acquisition of the majority stakes of Intesa Sanpaolo banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.

    PBZ Loan for SMEs & Midcaps II
    Croatian businesses to get financing support with €100 million EIB loan to PBZ
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    PBZ Loan for SMEs & Midcaps II
    Croatian businesses to get financing support with €100 million EIB loan to PBZ
    ©EIB
    Download original
    PBZ Loan for SMEs & Midcaps II
    Croatian businesses to get financing support with €100 million EIB loan to PBZ
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advance online booking for 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong – “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” opens

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Advance online booking for 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong – “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” opens      
         The exhibition features a set of large-scale “Dancing Water Drops” installations created by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Ma, using water drops as a core concept to symbolise inclusion and vitality. The installation has previously been displayed in Venice, Rome, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Dubai, garnering widespread cultural resonance. The installation comprises two giant water drop sculptures at heights of 28.8m and 18.8m respectively, as well as hundreds of small never-fall water drop sculptures, representing unity and inclusion. The small water drops represent children’s participation from different regions, fostering cultural diversity and inclusion.

    Details of the exhibition:
     

    Exhibition period:Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 1pm to 10.50pm     Advance online booking through the event webpage is required. Each person is allowed to book no more than one session (lasting 20 minutes) at a maximum of five quotas each day. Visitors who have successfully made a booking should arrive at the venue within their chosen time slot and present the confirmation message to on-site staff for admission. They must follow the visiting route recommended by on-site staff. The entrance to the exhibition is located at Tamar Park, near the East Wing of the Central Government Offices. Members of the public are advised to use the footbridge outside the Admiralty Centre to access the venue.
         
         If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 is in force, with the likelihood of hoisting Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or if the Black Rainstorm Signal or extreme conditions are in force, the “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” will be temporarily closed, depending on the situation. Relevant bookings will be cancelled automatically. Affected visitors are required to make a new booking for their visit. Relevant information will be released through the event webpage.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Submit Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms by March 31

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Submit Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms by March 31

    Submit Debris Removal Right of Entry Forms by March 31

    LOS ANGELES – In order to have debris removed by the U

    S

    Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), a Right of Entry form (ROE) must be submitted to the County by the property owner

    There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE

    The deadline for ROE form submittal is March 31, 2025

     Debris cleanup for the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County began in January

    FEMA assigned the U

    S

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USACE to survey, remove, and dispose of debris from properties burned by the wildfires

     As part of this effort, Los Angeles County established a Debris Removal website with information and resources for fire-impacted residents to learn more about the debris clearance process

    In Phase 1 of the process, which was completed on February 25, the EPA removed hazardous household materials (HHM) from private property

    No action from the property owner was required for Phase 1 to be completed

    HHM removal associated with properties where structural hazards precluded safe entry were deferred to USACE

    Phase 2, conducted by USACE, consists of structural debris removal and requires an ROE form completed by the property owner, which is provided on the county website and available at Disaster Recovery Centers

    Free private property debris removal by USACE is only available if the eligible property owner opts in by completing and submitting the ROE form

    The ROE form is an agreement where property owners accept the conditions of participation in the debris removal program and give permission for USACE to access their property for cleanup activities

     Signing up for the debris removal program via the ROE does NOT impact a property owner’s eligibility to apply for other FEMA disaster assistance If a property owner opts out of the USACE debris removal program, they become responsible for all permits, inspections and other associated debris removal requirements and costs

     Coverage for debris and hazardous tree removal may be provided through your insurance policy

    For information about insurance reimbursement, visit pages 3 and 4 on the ROE form

     What is the Debris Removal Program? The Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of HHM followed by removal of other fire-related debris and trees that are deemed a hazard or that a certified arborist determines are dead or likely to die within five years due to the fire

     Phase 1: Removing Hazardous Materials On January 16, teams of experts from EPA and California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control began assessing properties in the burn areas to remove any HHM that could pose a threat to human health and the environment such as lithium-ion batteries, paint, cleaners and solvents, oils and pesticides

    This phase was automatic and completed at no cost to residents

    EPA only removed hazardous materials

    Examples of devices that contain lithium-ion batteries removed in Phase 1 and include: electric/hybrid vehicles, power tools, power banks, home alarms, drones, and tablets

     Phase 1 was completed on February 25

    While most properties were cleared of HHM during Phase 1, some have been deferred to Phase 2 due to access and safety challenges

    For more information, please visit: 2025 California Wildfires | US EPA Phase 2: Debris Removal On February 11, USACE, at the direction of FEMA, began removing fire-damaged metal, ash, and other general fire debris from residential properties

    USACE will also remove foundations if property owners have opted to include foundation removal on the ROE

    The collection of ROEs is a critical component of recovery operations because work cannot begin until a property owner opts into the program by submitting a completed form to the County

    The ROE forms are available on the County’s website LA County Recovers

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

    Visit CA

    gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    alberto

    pillot
    Fri, 03/21/2025 – 01:25

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership expands to Oxfordshire

    Source: City of Oxford

    A city-wide partnership in Oxford, is expanding to cover Oxfordshire – highlighting the growing ambition collaboration across the county to tackle carbon emissions.

    The Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership (ZCOP), which was first established by Oxford City Council in 2021, will be expanding to become the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership.  

    Since its formation in 2021, ZCOP has been a successful in bringing together collaboration between Oxford’s large businesses and organisations across the city, working towards the ambition to achieving net zero as a city by 2040.   

    The partnership has generated over £1.2million in grant funding to deliver projects promoting sustainable travel, retrofitting, and industrial decarbonisation across Oxford. 

    Now, following the success of the partnership, the group will be expanding to tackle carbon emissions across Oxfordshire as a whole – and is seeking new partners interested in joining this effort. 

    Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership  

    The new Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership will consist of over 20 organisations from across Oxfordshire, bringing together a growing network of partners working towards the county becoming net zero as a whole by 2050. 

    The partnership – which will be interim chaired by Professor Nick Eyre – will allow large employers and organisations across Oxfordshire to collaborate to accelerate climate action across the county, harnessing skills and expertise across a range of industries, and working together to generate funding to accelerate local net zero projects.  

    Participating organisations include Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council Cherwell District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, as well as Enterprise Oxfordshire (previously Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership), Abingdon and Witney College, and Oxfordshire Greentech.  

    Together these organisations will work together towards the goal to achieve net zero across Oxfordshire by 2050, in addition to their own organisation or local decarbonisation targets. 

    This will be achieved through: 

    • Sprint (task and finish) and Working Groups: which will co-design and deliver projects to tackle climate challenges, and will facilitate low carbon development at local-scale
    • Accessing grant funding: leveraging collective expertise, skills and roles locally to secure funding opportunities 
    • Free training and peer-to-peer learning: helping partners to increase impact by working and learning together and showcasing best practice  
    • Quarterly meetings and networking events: connecting a broad range of academic, technical experts and leaders
    • Progress reporting: monitoring the progress against the targets and objectives
    • Local & national advocacy: Collectively advocating for Oxfordshire on net zero topics and discussions

    The first meeting of the new Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership Steering Group, which will provide strategic direction to the Partnership’s activities, was held at Abingdon & Witney college on 12 March – formally launching the partnership.  

    For more information about the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership website.   

    If you are a large or influential organisation in Oxfordshire, and want to explore potential involvement please email the ZCOP team. 

    Comment

    “Expanding the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership to cover all of Oxfordshire is a crucial step in scaling up climate action across the county. The partnership has always focused on bringing together businesses and organisations to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation, and by broadening its reach, it can harness even more expertise, innovation, and collaboration. Achieving net zero will require collective action across industries, organisations, and sectors. This expansion enables us to build on the great work already happening across the county, create new opportunities, and drive the ambitious change needed to meet Oxfordshire’s climate goals.” 

    Nick Eyre, Interim Chair of the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership, Emeritus Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, and Supernumerary Fellow of Oriel College

    “I am delighted that we will be expanding the success of the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership to the whole County. We need action at every level to tackle the climate emergency, and this partnership will allow us to share knowledge, ambition, and create more opportunities for our city and county. Can’t wait to see the partnership go from strength to strength.” 

    Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

    “The Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership has paved the way for collaboration across sectors, industries and communities and provided a forum to tackle a range of issues and their intersection with the climate crisis. As the vital need for global action increases, expanding ZCOP to a countywide partnership is an urgent and necessary step up in Oxfordshire’s climate response.” 

    Councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations

    “West Oxfordshire District Council is proud to join forces with partners across the county to accelerate climate action. Tackling the climate emergency requires strong collaboration, and by expanding the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership, we are strengthening our shared commitment to achieving net zero. This partnership will enable us to harness expertise, unlock funding, and take impactful steps towards a greener, more sustainable future for all our Oxfordshire communities.” 

    Councillor Andrew Prosser, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature recovery

    “SSEN is committed to propelling our business forward to achieve our sustainability ambitions whilst also supporting our customers and suppliers during the net zero transition. We’re delighted to be part of ZCOP, driving the energy transition to ensure a sustainable future with organisations across Oxfordshire.” 

    Andrew Wainwright, Whole System Manager at SSEN

    “Net zero is an opportunity to save energy, waste, and money for businesses and residents, but the challenge is complex, and so demands collaboration. Cherwell has made great progress on securing grants to make its leisure centres more efficient, has reduced emissions from its fleet, and through its local plan, is set to establish very high standards for developments, that will help achieve net zero. By collaborating with our neighbours and drawing on the skills and desire for action that exist across various sectors, we expect to be able to further reduce the district’s carbon emissions and help protect our area for the benefit of future generations.” 

    Councillor Tom Beckett, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Greener Communities

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –