Category: Weather

MIL-OSI: KraneShares Confirms New Caps of 20% and 40% For KWEB Buffer Strategies KPRO & KBUF, Respectively

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (“KraneShares”), an asset management firm known for its global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) announced new Caps, Buffer periods, and name changes for the KPRO and KBUF 100% and 90% Buffer ETFs. KPRO is now the KraneShares 100% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (Ticker: KPRO), formerly Defined Outcome January 2026, and KBUF is now the KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2027 ETF (Ticker: KBUF), also formerly Defined Outcome January 2026.

These ETFs are designed to provide investors with the opportunity over a limited period (the “Outcome Period”) to benefit up to a certain extent (the “Cap”) from increases in the total return of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (Ticker: KWEB) with a defined level of protection (the “Buffer”). The current Outcome Period for the Funds is from January 27, 2025 to January 22, 2027.

The new performance Cap for KPRO over the Outcome Period will be 20.01% and the new Cap for KBUF will be 40.01%. The new Caps stem from a decision earlier this month to extend the Outcome Period for both Funds due to strong China Internet momentum.

The Funds will retain the same buffers of 100% and 90%, respectively, based on KWEB’s price on January 25, 2025.

“KWEB has exceeded performance expectations since KPRO and KBUF were launched in February 2024,” said Jonathan Shelon, KraneShares COO. “We believe that resetting the downside protection and increasing the upside potential by extending the outcome period, is a benefit to existing and new investors. We are extremely pleased with the results of these strategies and are excited to introduce these enhancements.”

KPRO and KBUF have characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be suitable for all investors. The caps and buffers mentioned above do not reflect the effect of fees and assume the Funds are held from launch to the end of the outcome period (2 years). For more information regarding whether an investment in the Funds is right for you, please read each Fund’s prospectus, including “Investor Suitability Considerations.

About KraneShares

KraneShares is a specialist investment manager focused on China, Climate, and Uncorrelated Assets. KraneShares seeks to provide innovative, high-conviction, and first-to-market strategies based on the firm and its partners’ deep investing knowledge. KraneShares identifies and delivers groundbreaking capital market opportunities and believes investors should have cost-effective and transparent tools for attaining exposure to various asset classes. The firm was founded in 2013 and serves institutions and financial professionals globally. The firm is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds’ full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting: www.kraneshares.com/kweb, www.kraneshares.com/kpro and www.kraneshares.com/kbuf. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Risk Disclosures:

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve their stated objectives. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees. One cannot invest directly in an index.

This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Certain content represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results; material is as of the dates noted and is subject to change without notice.

A-Shares are issued by companies in mainland China and traded on local exchanges. They are available to domestic and certain foreign investors, including QFIs and those participating in Stock Connect Programs like Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong. Foreign investments in A-Shares face various regulations and restrictions, including limits on asset repatriation. A-Shares may experience frequent trading halts and illiquidity, which can lead to volatility in the Funds’ share prices and increased trading halt risks. The Chinese economy is an emerging market, vulnerable to domestic and regional economic and political changes, often showing more volatility than developed markets. Companies face risks from potential government interventions, and the export-driven economy is sensitive to downturns in key trading partners, impacting the Funds. U.S.-China tensions raise concerns over tariffs and trade restrictions, which could harm China’s exports and the Funds. China’s regulatory standards are less stringent than in the U.S., resulting in limited information about issuers. Tax laws are unclear and subject to change, potentially impacting the Funds and leading to unexpected liabilities for foreign investors. Fluctuations in currency of foreign countries may have an adverse effect on domestic currency values.

KPRO and KBUF have characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be suitable for all investors. An investment in any of the Funds may not be appropriate for investors who do not intend to hold Fund shares for the entire Outcome Period. In the event an investor purchases shares after the beginning of the Outcome Period or sells shares prior to the end of the Outcome Period, the returns realized by the investor may not match those that the Funds seek to provide. The Funds may not fully protect against KWEB losses if their share prices drop during the Outcome Period. Buying or selling shares during this time may affect the Buffer’s availability. Even if KWEB’s value rises, the Buffer won’t guard against any subsequent decrease.

A new Cap is set at the start of each Outcome Period and depends on current market conditions. Therefore, the Cap may change between Outcome Periods and is unlikely to stay constant. Investors should keep track of Cap changes for each Outcome Period, details of which will be provided according to the process outlined in each Fund’s prospectus. The Funds aim to provide returns subject to a Cap, but there is no guarantee of success. If any Fund’s gains exceed the Cap, that Fund won’t appreciate beyond the Cap and will underperform. Due to the Cap, the Funds may significantly underperform KWEB. Buying shares after the Outcome Period starts may limit gains, exposing investors to potential losses. Selling shares before the Outcome Period ends may result in underperformance.

The Funds may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Funds’ gains or losses. A derivative (i.e., futures/forward contracts, swaps, and options) is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying asset. The primary risk of derivatives is that changes in the asset’s market value and the derivative may not be proportionate, and some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and counterparty risk. The Funds are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that certain investments may become difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If a transaction for these securities is large, it may not be possible to initiate, which may cause the Funds to suffer losses. Counterparty risk is the risk of loss in the event that the counterparty to an agreement fails to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. KPRO and KBUF will use FLEX options from the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). There’s a risk of the OCC failing to meet its obligations. The Funds may face challenges in less liquid FLEX options markets and have difficulty closing positions at desired times and prices. If the unlikely event the OCC becomes insolvent, the Funds could suffer losses. Failure by market participants to enter into FLEX options transactions that reflect market value could result in losses. Some FLEX options may expire worthless. The value of these options is associated with KWEB and influenced by factors such as market fluctuations and time until expiration.

KPRO and KBUF are new and do not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. If the Funds do not grow in size, they will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for their shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a trading halt. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. The Funds’ assets are expected to be concentrated in a sector, industry, market, or group of concentrations to the extent that the Underlying Index has such concentrations. The securities or futures in that concentration could react similarly to market developments. Thus, the Funds are subject to loss due to adverse occurrences that affect that concentration. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility. KWEB, KPRO and KBUF are non-diversified.

ETF shares are bought and sold on an exchange at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. However, shares may be redeemed at NAV directly by certain authorized broker-dealers (Authorized Participants) in very large creation/redemption units. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning 12/23/2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates the current NAV per share. Prior to that date, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

The KraneShares ETFs and KFA Funds ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456, which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Funds, or any sub-advisers for the Funds.

Contact:
KraneShares Investor Relations
info@kraneshares.com

The MIL Network –

January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expansion of London Airport ‘a disaster for future generations’

Source: Scottish Greens

29 Jan 2025 Climate Transport

Scottish Greens condemn Heathrow Airport expansion plans

More in Climate

The Scottish Greens have slammed the Chancellor’s decision to extend Heathrow airport, with Transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell calling the expansion “a disaster for future generations.”

Rachel Reeves announced her support for a third runway at Heathrow in a speech in Oxfordshire on Wednesday morning. In it, she pushed the concept of funding economic growth by handing billionaire private companies government funding to increase their profits.

The expansion has previously been opposed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Secretary of State for Climate Change, Ed Miliband.

Estimates from Heathrow Airport in 2018 speculated that the cost of a third runway would be over £14bn, with inflation now likely increasing that figure even further.

Scottish Greens Transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

“This is yet another climate-wrecking decision from a Labour government that is determined to fund so-called ‘economic growth’ by pouring billions of taxpayers money into the pockets of private companies.

“A third runway will be a disaster for future generations; increasing carbon emissions at this crucial time for our planet’s future is nothing but climate vandalism. Transport emissions across the UK are still far too high; we need to invest in reducing them through cheap and efficient public transport.

“Instead of forcing an unnecessary new runway, we could connect cities across the UK with cheap and effective high-speed rail, cutting the cost of commutes and our national carbon emissions, whilst also funding regional-rail expansion, restoring rail connectivity to communities across Scotland.

“Scotland desperately needs investment in new transport initiatives to make commuting cheaper and more efficient. That must come from every level of government, but that won’t happen whilst billions are poured into the pockets of London Airport executives.

“It’s time for real change in Scotland, not more of the same from Starmer and Reeves.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on European Central Bank – annual report 2024 – A10-0003/2025

Source: European Parliament

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

on European Central Bank – annual report 2024

(2024/2054(INI))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the 2023 Annual Report of the European Central Bank (ECB),

– having regard to the ECB’s feedback of 18 April 2024 on the input provided by Parliament as part of its resolution on the ECB’s 2022 Annual Report [1],

– having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and of the ECB, in particular Articles 2, 15 and 21 thereof,

– having regard to Articles 119, 123(1), 125, 127(1) and (2), 130, 282(2) and 284(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

– having regard to Articles 3 and 13 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU),

– having regard to the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area of 7 March 2024, 6 June 2024, 12 September 2024, and 12 December 2024,

– having regard to the decisions taken by the ECB Governing Council of 25 January 2024, 7 March 2024, 11 April 2024, 6 June 2024, 18 July 2024, 12 September 2024, 17 October 2024 and 12 December 2024,

– having regard to Eurostat’s inflation estimate of 18 December 2024,

– having regard to the Commission’s Autumn 2024 Economic Forecast published on 26 November 2024,

– having regard to the World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of October 2024,

– having regard to the monetary dialogues with the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, of 15 February 2024, 30 September 2024 and 4 December 2024,

– having regard to its decision of 1 June 2023 on the arrangements in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Parliament and the ECB on structuring the practices for interaction in the area of central banking [2],

– having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights,

– having regard to the approval of the transmission protection instrument (TPI) by the ECB Governing Council of 21 July 2022,

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 28 June 2023 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the digital euro (COM(2023)0369),

– having regard to the ECB’s first progress report of 24 June 2024 and second progress report of 2 December 2024 on the digital euro preparation phase,

– having regard to the four ECB progress reports of 13 July 2023, 24 April 2023, 21 December 2022 and 29 September 2022 on the digital euro investigation phase,

– having regard to the ECB monetary policy strategy review launched on 23 January 2020 and concluded on 8 July 2021, and to the upcoming 2025 monetary policy strategy assessment,

– having regard to the ECB’s operational framework review published on 13 March 2024,

– having regard to the ECB annual report on the international role of the euro of June 2024,

– having regard to the results of the ECB’s first-ever cyber resilience stress test of 26 July 2024,

– having regard to the ECB’s Financial Stability Review published on 20 November 2024,

– having regard to the publication of the revised Capital Requirements Regulation [3] (‘CRR III’) and Capital Requirements Directive [4] (‘CRD VI’) in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 June 2024,

– having regard to the results of the ECB’s climate risk stress test of 8 July 2022,

– having regard to the 2024 update of the ECB’s Environmental Statement,

– having regard to the ECB’s Climate and Nature Plan 2024-2025,

– having regard to Rule 142(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A10-0003/2025),

A. whereas, according to Eurostat, harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) inflation reached a level of 2.2 % in the euro area in November 2024;

B. whereas, according to the December 2024 Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, HICP inflation is projected to decline to 2.1 % in 2025, 1.9 % in 2026, and to increase to 2.1 % in 2027 [5];

C. whereas the ECB’s primary objective is to maintain price stability, which it has defined as a level of inflation of 2 % over the medium term;

D. whereas the ECB should support the general economic policies of the EU, thereby contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the EU as laid down in Article 3 TEU;

E. whereas the ECB is politically independent, which means that neither EU institutions and agencies nor Member State governments should seek to influence it;

F. whereas the ECB can take decisions to fulfil its primary objective of maintaining price stability without political interference other than being held accountable;

G. whereas political independence requires the ECB to refrain from taking political actions;

H. whereas Article 123 TFEU and Article 21 of the Statute of the ESCB and of the ECB prohibit the direct monetary financing of governments; whereas the ECB may purchase debt securities on the secondary market if this is necessary to pursue its objectives;

I. whereas the Eurosystem has been built on the principle of monetary dominance;

J. whereas the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the asset purchase programme (APP) are no longer reinvested and the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) will no longer be reinvested from January 2025;

K. whereas bank reserves held by credit institutions at the ECB amounted to EUR 3 trillion in December 2024;

L. whereas the euro is the second most important currency globally;

M. whereas the ECB is accountable to Parliament as the EU institution representing EU citizens; whereas this accountability has been maintained at the highest level, with the regular organisation of the Monetary Dialogue, the ECB President’s regular appearances at Parliament plenary sittings and various visits and meetings between Members of Parliament and ECB board members;

General overview

1. Welcomes the role of the ECB in safeguarding monetary and financial stability, which is a necessary precondition for growth and economic stability; underlines that the ECB is the institution responsible for maintaining price stability in the euro area in this regard; notes that, ‘without prejudice to the objective of price stability, the ESCB shall support the general economic policies in the Union’ as laid down in Article 127 TFEU;

2. Underlines that the statutory independence of the ECB, as laid down in the Treaties, is a prerequisite for it to fulfil its mandate, which is to maintain price stability in the euro area and thereby contribute to economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

3. Highlights the importance of the ECB’s political independence, which should remain untouched; stresses that this independence requires the ECB to in turn refrain from taking political actions; welcomes the institutional cooperation, thereby stressing the importance of the corresponding level of accountability to Parliament;

4. Invites the ECB and the European Parliament to make full use of the accountability and transparency arrangements and, where possible, further enhance these arrangements, without prejudice to the ECB’s independence;

5. Recognises the ECB’s efforts to bring inflation back down to levels commensurate with its target of 2 % over the medium term;

6. Stresses that both the ECB’s monetary policy, delivering on its mandate, and fiscal policies, should work in tandem to help European citizens and households, as well as small businesses;

7. Takes note of the disparities between Member States with regard to inflation levels above or below the ECB’s 2 % target; emphasises that inflation diminishes the purchasing power of fixed incomes, savings and pensions and that it distorts the signalling function of prices, that ensures an efficient allocation of resources, thereby having a negative impact on economic stability;

8. Stresses that inflation triggered a ‘cost of living crisis’ for EU citizens; emphasises therefore the imperative of reducing inflation to its target rate of 2 %; notes that high inflation levels disproportionally affect lower-income households that spend a higher proportion of their budget on necessities; stresses that bringing headline and core inflation back down to their target levels is therefore also important to maintaining social cohesion;

9. Regrets that core inflation still remains high in the euro area (2.7 % in November 2024), with only one euro area Member State reporting core inflation rates below 2 % in November 2024; recalls that this situation generates economic uncertainty, discourages savings and increases citizens’ living costs, particularly affecting those on fixed and limited incomes;

10. Stresses that keeping interest rates too high could harm economic growth; calls on the ECB not to lower interest rates too quickly, given the risk that inflation levels could start increasing again while inflation is already above 2 %; highlights the key role that inflation expectations play and that excessive volatility in inflation rates might distort inflation expectations; invites the ECB to assess the impact of interest rate changes on different economic sectors, among them capital-intensive sectors;

11. Acknowledges that the monetary policy decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB since the inflation crisis stemming from the rise in energy prices have put inflation on a path which is compatible with the achievement of the objective of price stability, while avoiding a serious deterioration in economic activity or employment;

12. Recalls that the Eurosystem was built on the principle of monetary dominance and that the economic and monetary union therefore requires solid fiscal policies in the Member States in order to be able to respond to external shocks; recalls the need for adequate implementation of the new fiscal framework to ensure the credibility of fiscal policies at the level of the economic and monetary union; notes that sufficient fiscal space also allows Member States to respond to external shocks; notes the flexibility provided by the new fiscal rules in this regard; points out that Member States can enhance their resilience to external shocks through fiscal measures as well as with growth-enhancing reforms;

13. Recalls that prudent fiscal policies by the Member States can complement the ECB’s efforts to keep inflation low and thereby protect incomes; highlights that addressing excessive public deficit and debt levels is crucial to maintaining a stable economy, sustainable growth and to having the policy space available for governments to respond to adverse shocks; notes in this respect the recent findings of the Financial Stability Review concerning high levels of national debt;

14. Notes that the ECB’s monetary policies aimed at delivering its primary mandate are subject to a proportionality assessment; notes that the proportionality assessment takes into account the impact of monetary policy measures on the broader economy and economic policies;

Monetary policy

15. Strongly welcomes the fact that headline inflation has come down from its peak of 10.6 % in October 2022 to 2.2 % in November 2024;

16. Welcomes the decrease in core inflation from its peak of 7.6 % in March 2023 to 2.7 % in November 2024, but expresses its unease at its historically and persistently high level; notes with concern that high core inflation could translate into higher headline inflation numbers;

17. Notes that it has taken the ECB more than three years to achieve a level of inflation that is commensurate with its target level of 2 %; recalls in this regard the ECB’s incorrect assessment that inflation was expected to be only transitory;

18. Stresses that supply shocks, primarily originating from external sources, were among the key drivers of the inflation surges; recognises that monetary policy has a more direct effect on inflation levels when it stems primarily from demand factors rather than supply factors;

19. Welcomes the ECB’s efforts to regularly update its models; invites the ECB to continue reviewing and improving its models and their role in its policymaking in light of the subpar performance of the models in recent years, in order to learn from previous crises, particularly to better distinguish between demand-driven and supply-side sources of inflation; stresses that economic supply shocks can arise from many sources, among others geopolitical events, climate-related or natural disasters and cyberattacks;

20. Stresses that the inclusion of owner-occupied housing (OOH) in the HICP is desirable for reasons of both representativeness and comparability across countries in the euro area; calls for an acceleration of the roadmap in order to ensure the rapid inclusion of OOH data in the HICP; welcomes the Governing Council of the ECB’s commitment to consider both in its monetary policy assessments and decisions also the available inflation measures regarding the quarterly stand-alone OOH index;

21. Supports the ECB’s decision to scale back its asset purchase programmes, so as to balance market liquidity conditions and inflation levels, in view of the excess liquidity in the market and decreased levels of inflation; welcomes the fact that the asset portfolio under the ECB’s purchasing programmes has been on a downward trend since 2023;

22. Underlines that interest on commercial banks’ holdings of bank reserves resulted in the Eurosystem paying more than EUR 120 billion interest to credit institutions in 2023, amounting to at least 0.8 % of euro area GDP; considers this is a significant subsidy to the banking sector; asks the ECB to mitigate this issue;

23. Stresses that the ECB’s purchase programmes are unconventional policies applicable only during crisis periods that, if not carefully implemented, risk contravening the prohibition on monetary financing under Article 123(1) TFEU; invites the ECB to continue monitoring the gradual reduction of its balance sheet, to limit prolonged potential destabilising effects in the euro area, while monitoring the growth and competitiveness of the EU’s economy; invites the ECB to share insights on the impact of the purchasing programmes on the functioning of financial markets, including the impact on pension funds and pension insurance cooperation;

24. Stresses that an even transmission of monetary policy is vital to the achievement of the ECB’s price stability mandate; underlines that excessive divergence in sovereign yields makes credit conditions inconsistent with the uniform transmission of monetary policy and makes reducing public debt exceedingly difficult; takes note of the establishment of the transmission protection instrument (TPI) in July 2022 as a tool to support the effective transmission of monetary policy;

25. Stresses that diverging interest rates in the euro area are – in the absence of any serious financial disturbances – generally the result of different risk premiums on government bonds reflecting, among other factors, different approaches to fiscal policy; notes that TPI interventions may conceal underlying fiscal challenges; stresses that TPI should be used under the conditions set by the ECB only to address financial market stress unrelated to economic fundamentals; calls on Member States to conduct responsible fiscal policies and ensure sustainable debt levels, thereby ensuring their resilience against current and future shocks;

Digital euro

26. Welcomes the ECB’s progress on the digital euro project and its ongoing dialogue with Parliament; underscores that the digital euro should deliver clear added value to European citizens, including enhanced strategic autonomy in payments, a higher level of competition in the retail payment market, potential to foster innovation in payments and finance, improved financial inclusion and a reliable offline backup payment system; calls on the ECB to clearly communicate these benefits in order to foster public trust and awareness; notes that the EU co-legislators will need to strike the right balance, among others, on holding limits, privacy concerns, competition with private payment solutions and usability in a business context;

27. Considers that the digital euro will only become a success story if it provides tangible added value for European citizens that they can understand; notes that currently many European citizens either have not heard about the digital euro project or remain sceptical; invites the ECB, together with relevant stakeholders, to launch a broad information campaign on the digital euro in order to allay citizens’ concerns;

28. Reiterates that the digital euro will serve as complement to physical cash, that it should not replace cash and that cash will remain widely available and accessible at all times in order to ensure a plurality of means of payment; welcomes, in that context, the proposal for a regulation on the use of euro cash as legal tender;

29. Stresses the need for a cost-based compensation model for the banking sector, which is tasked with the practical implementation of the digital euro project; recalls that the compensation model must guarantee a euro that is free of charge for its users;

30. Calls on the ECB to take due account of financial stability concerns and potential changes in the structure of the financial sector resulting from the introduction of the digital euro; recalls the importance of holding limits, in order not to create additional risks for banks’ balance sheets, especially during crises;

31. Calls on the ECB to prioritise robust privacy safeguards, establishing them as a gold standard for privacy for central bank digital currency (CBDC), to secure public confidence and address citizens’ concerns regarding data protection and autonomy;

Secondary objectives

32. Stresses that the EU’s secondary objectives are indeterminate as currently specified by the Treaties; notes that the supportive nature of the ECB’s secondary objectives complements the primary mandate; according to the Treaties, the EU’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples, create balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment;

33. Recalls that without prejudice to the ECB’s primary mandate, the Treaties require it to support the general economic policies of the Union; calls on the ECB to adhere to its mandate when interpreting or acting upon its secondary objectives; stresses that overstepping this mandate touches on the independence of the ECB; considers that maintaining price stability and stable macroeconomic conditions is conducive to creating the right conditions for the implementation of the EU’s general economic policy objectives;

34. Stresses that the ECB’s secondary objectives are best achieved when operating in a stable macroeconomic environment based on predictable price levels that encourages investment; calls on the ECB to include a specific chapter in its annual report explaining how it has interpreted and implemented its secondary objectives;

35. Stresses that the ECB should prevent distortions in the signalling function of prices that ensures an efficient allocation of resources; invites the ECB to further assess to what extent climate change affects its ability to maintain price stability;

36. Insists that the ECB respect the market neutrality approach in its monetary operations;

37. Notes that the ECB’s actions to decarbonise its corporate bond holdings have not strictly followed a market neutral approach;

38. Invites the ECB to review its policies to ensure that these measures promote EU competitiveness whereas such actions should in no way jeopardise the primary objective of the ECB;

39. Calls on the ECB to use all its available tools to ensure that banks take all financial and external risks, including climate and geopolitical risks, seriously; welcomes the ECB’s activities to further enhance the Eurosystem’s risk assessment tools and capabilities in order to better include climate- and environment-related risks, particularly because climate change and extreme weather phenomena could lead to greater price volatility, especially in the agri-food sector; invites the ECB to continue its work on climate risk stress tests developed to assess the resilience of banks and corporations in the face of climate transition risk;

40. Notes the Climate and nature plan 2024-2025; invites the ECB to draft a Geopolitics plan 2025-2030 in order to better understand the implications of war and conflict on price stability and treat all potential sources of external shocks equally;

Other aspects

41. Underlines that a strengthened international role of the euro would lead to lower interest rates in the euro area, increased status for the EU on the international stage and enhanced macroeconomic stability; recalls that strengthening the international role of the euro would contribute to enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy;

42. Calls on the ECB to look into strengthening the international role of the euro with a view to enhancing its attractiveness as a reserve currency and support market-driven shifts in this direction; notes that the completion of the economic and monetary union could foster the international role of the euro;

43. Notes the ECB’s support for the establishment of a fully fledged European deposit insurance scheme; acknowledges that risk-sharing and risk-reduction are interlinked;

44. Welcomes the attention that the ECB pays to the risks of cyberattacks; calls on the ECB to ensure the safety and security of the monetary system for its users, especially in the light of ongoing geopolitical developments;

45. Considers that financial stability is a prerequisite for effective monetary policy and a resilient financial system; welcomes the finalisation of the Basel III framework and its implementation from 1 January 2025, as it has the potential to strengthen the resilience of the banking sector in this regard; notes, however, the delays in implementation and lack of clarity with regard to implementation by a certain number of other jurisdictions, resulting in an uneven level playing field at the global level;

46. Acknowledges the ECB’s concern regarding the rise of the shadow banking sector and the risk it may pose to financial stability;

47. Encourages collaboration with the Member States and national central banks on financial literacy programmes to empower individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions;

48. Regrets that only two members of the ECB’s Executive Board and Governing Council are women; reiterates that the nominations to the Executive Board should be gender-balanced, with shortlists submitted to Parliament; urges the euro area Member States to improve the principles of gender equality in their appointment procedures, so that both genders have equal opportunities to serve as governors of their respective national central banks;

49. Reiterates that ECB appointments should be based on objective merit and competence assessment processes;

50. Supports the aim of the ECB to increase female representation by encouraging women to advance in this field; therefore welcomes initiatives such as the ECB Women in Economics Scholarship;

51. Highlights that the latest Financial Stability Review released by the ECB in November 2024 raises concerns over the possibility of an AI-related asset price bubble given the concentration among a few large AI beneficiary firms;

52. Calls for the further enhancement of the ECB’s internal whistleblowing framework to bring it into line with the EU Whistleblower Directive;

53. Invites the ESCB to continue and strengthen its dialogues with national parliaments, which it believes would strengthen the legitimacy and policies of the ESCB;

°

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54. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the European Central Bank.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Climate: Federal Council approves new reduction targets under the Paris Agreement

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s new reduction target under the Paris Agreement. This corresponds to the reduction path of the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act. By 2035, Switzerland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65 per cent compared to 1990 levels, and by 59 per cent on average between 2031 and 2035. The objectives are to be achieved primarily through domestic measures. At the same time, the Federal Council approved an amendment to the long-term climate strategy.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Expanding Heathrow in the face of a climate emergency is the definition of irresponsible.” say Greens

Source: Green Party of England and Wales

Responding to the news that Rachel Reeves is backing the expansion of Heathrow Airport, Green Party MP, Sian Berry MP said,

“The Chancellor talked about the ‘costs of irresponsibility’ but expanding Heathrow in the face of a climate emergency is the definition of irresponsible.”

“Worst still, we’re also expecting formal planning decisions from ministers on Gatwick and Luton airport expansion, which the Chancellor pre-empted today. Giving these permissions in the month before vital new advice is expected from the Climate Change Committee, today’s speech is nothing short of reckless.

“The carbon cost of expanding Heathrow, Luton, and Gatwick together will cancel out the benefits of Labour’s keystone clean energy plan, making Net Zero minister Ed Miliband’s task almost impossible.

“The Chancellor’s stated goal is ‘raising living standards in every part of the UK’ but more and bigger airports will serve only the very richest aviation bosses and the most frequent flyers whose wealth doesn’t help people’s daily lives get better.

“Tackling inequality and building a greener future should go hand in hand. That must mean investment in warmer homes, green energy and the local transport people use every day, not these bleak proposals.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs Heathrow expansion to kickstart economic growth
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Lift-off for growth as government backs expansion at Britain’s busiest and only hub airport.
Plan could create over 100,000 direct jobs, boost a better-connected British economy by billions, and lead to cheaper fares and fewer delays for families as part of Plan for Change.

Expansion must be delivered in line with UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations.

Working people and businesses across Britain will benefit from a government going “further and faster” to kickstart economic growth, as the Chancellor today [29 January] announced the government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow.

Speaking to an audience of business chiefs at Siemens in North Oxfordshire this morning, the Chancellor set out the government’s latest set of reforms to kickstart economic growth and drive up living standards across the UK by driving investment, getting Britain building and tackling regulatory barriers. This included the announcement that the government supports and is inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.

The Chancellor confirmed that the government will move at speed to review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). This provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow, to ensure that any scheme is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.

In her speech, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our Plan for Change.

And now the case is stronger than ever because our reforms to the economy – like speeding up our planning system, and our strengthened plans to modernise UK airspace – mean the delivery of this project is set up for success.

So I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.

As well as creating over 100,000 jobs in the local area and many more indirectly, research published today by Frontier Economics finds that 60% of the economic boost from a third runway would be felt by areas outside of London and the South East – putting more money in the pockets of working people across the UK through lower fares and greater choice for passengers as part of our Plan for Change.

During the speech, Reeves announced that the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to take decisions on expansion plans at Gatwick and Luton shortly, and that the government will work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire to support their efforts to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport as a thriving regional airport.

The Chancellor also announced that a new partnership between global logistics giant Prologis and East Midlands Airport to build a new advanced manufacturing park within the East Midlands Freeport zone to unlock £1 billion of investment and 2,000 jobs. It follows this government’s swift approval of similarly stalled plans for London City Airport to expand to nine million passengers per year by 2031 and a £1.1 billion investment at Stansted Airport to extend its terminal and create 5,000 jobs.

After delivering stability to the public finances and wider economy as the basic precondition for economic growth, the pace of investment and reform demonstrates the government’s willingness to secure the future of the UK’s world-class aviation sector and the sustainable growth it can provide. Air freight represented 57% of the UK’s non-EU exports by value in 2023, with over 60% of freight coming through the UK doing so through Heathrow. International connectivity also supports vital tourism and business links, with overseas visitors spending £31 billion on their visits to the UK in 2023 and 15 million business travellers using Heathrow in the same year.

It comes after reforms to speed up the planning system and a presumption to ‘back the builders over the blockers’ were set out by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week. The government has committed to making decisions on 150 major economic infrastructure applications over this Parliament, having already made decisions on multiple significant projects within its first six months spanning airports, data centres, energy farms, and major housing developments. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill to be introduced in Spring will enact further sweeping reforms and take an axe to the red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects.

Alongside these reforms and plans to modernise UK airspace, the government is taking great strides in transitioning to greener aviation. Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces CO2 emissions compared to fossil jet fuel by around 70% and the Chancellor announced that the government is supporting UK producers by investing £63 million in 2025-26 into the Advanced Fuels Fund and setting out details of a Revenue Certainty Mechanism. This will support investment and high-skilled green jobs in plants across the UK – with previous winners of the Fund ranging from across the north of England to South Wales – and follows the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate coming into law at the start of 2025. Taken together, our commitments to SAF will support thousands of jobs in places like Teesside and Humberside, bring down our transport emissions, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower as part of our Plan for Change.

The government is also assessing options for privately financing the Lower Thames Crossing, which will improve connectivity across vital ports and alleviate congestion as goods to be exported come from across the country to markets overseas.

In further recognition that the Government’s clean energy superpower mission is helping to drive the UK’s economic growth mission, Reeves announced that the government will designate new Marine Protected Areas to enable offshore wind, whilst protecting our marine environment. In doing so, barriers to 16 gigawatts of offshore wind will be unblocked – as much electricity as was produced by all gas power plants in 2024 – and up to £30 billion of private investment in homegrown clean power will be unlocked, creating thousands of good clean energy jobs in the offshore wind sector in areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire.

A new approach to the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor – a centre of innovation which could become Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley – will be spearheaded by Sir Patrick Vallance as a Ministerial Champion. The economic potential of this region will be unlocked through leveraging the strengths it boasts in sectors across Britain’s new modern Industrial Strategy, from life sciences and tech to advanced manufacturing.

The Chancellor set out the government’s plans to increase investment across the whole of the UK. She stressed that the government would do more to support city regions and local leaders outside of London and the South East, in recognition that bringing the productivity of major cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds to the national average would deliver an extra £33 billion in output for the UK economy.

Reeves confirmed the backing of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s plans for the regeneration of the area around Old Trafford, including new housing and commercial development, and the new approach to planning decisions on land around stations, changing the default to yes. The Office for Investment is expanding its support to local leaders across the UK to help develop and promote their investment plans, and new strategic partnerships from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) will provide deeper, more focused support for city regions starting in Glasgow, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and Greater Manchester.

NWF and Aviva have today invested £65 million in Connected Kerb to back plans for the electric vehicle smart charging infrastructure company to expand its UK EV charging network towards 40,000 sockets – up from 9,000 as of the end of 2024. This substantial investment into the UK’s public charging infrastructure – one of the NWF’s priority sectors – is crucial for delivering the forecast requirement of at least 300,000 public EV chargers by 2030. NWF is also investing £28 million in Cornish Metals to provide the raw materials to be used in solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, supporting growth and jobs in the South West of England.

Reeves announced that the Treasury will review the Green Book and how it is being used to provide objective, transparent advice on public investment across the country, including outside London and the South East. There were also further details announced on Investment Zones, with the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone to focus on the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing. Backed by the likes of Airbus and JCB, this is expected to crowd in £1 billion of private investment over a decade and create up to 6,000 jobs.

The Chancellor said that the Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit India next month to relaunch talks on a free-trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty, She set out that the guiding principle the government will take in its approach to trade is acting in the national interest of Britain’s economy, its businesses and working people. A trade deal with India, as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and one which is projected to be the fourth largest global importer by 2035, is in line with this approach.

Notes to Editors

The Chancellor’s speech can be found on gov.uk later today here.

As part of the ANPS review, government will engage the Climate Change Committee on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework.

Stakeholder reaction

Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said:

I welcome the Government’s pro-growth agenda and their recognition of the importance of aviation and the crucial role it plays as an enabler of economic growth. As an island nation, this industry provides much-needed connectivity as well as creating many skilled jobs which contribute to the wider prosperity of the country.

Expansion at Heathrow will provide consumer and economic benefits and represents a unique opportunity for easyJet to operate from the airport at scale for the first time and bring with it lower fares for consumers.

Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK said:

The Chancellor’s announcements reflect a drive to support enhanced UK economic growth, which underscores Prologis’ global partnership with East Midlands Airport to unlock investment at the nation’s only inland Freeport site.

We are focused on delivering a new Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics park at pace and in partnership, harnessing the site’s unique potential.

Prologis, as a partner of choice, continues to commit to opportunities across the UK that underpin growth, building the foundations that support economic opportunities and on-the-ground benefits, with central, regional and local government.

Gordon Sanghera, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Nanopore Technologies said:

The attention given to the innovation potential in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor is welcome. This is an opportunity to strengthen the UK’s tech infrastructure, expand access to talent, and attract investment—the foundations of innovation—so we can turn more pioneering UK life science start-ups into global scale-ups. The UK can be the best place in the world for breakthrough technologies.

Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management, said:

As an investor in Wrexham for almost 20 years, we’re delighted to see the announcement that Wrexham and Flintshire will receive Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone status, with three of our schemes on Wrexham Industrial Estate – Wrexham 1M, Wrexham 152, and Bridgeway Centre – forming part of the designated zone.

Across these sites, we’ll be investing £115m to create new, high-quality industrial accommodation, supporting the creation of over 1,000 new jobs and delivering an estimated economic value of £1.2bn in Wrexham over the next 10 years.

Mark Turner, JCB’s Chief Operating Officer said:

JCB has been a prominent feature of the industrial and economic landscape in Wrexham and Flintshire for over 45 years. Innovation is the lifeblood of our business and we welcome the creation of an Investment Zone in North Wales and hope that it will attract many other businesses to the area. As an advanced manufacturer of precision engineering components, JCB Transmissions looks forward to other advanced manufacturing businesses coming to the area. This could go a long way towards building the supply chain resilience of existing manufacturing businesses in the area, such as JCB.

We place a lot of values on skills in our business and we look forward to the Investment Zone positively supporting skills development in the future. JCB continues to invest in our business in Wrexham and today’s IZ announcement bodes well for the economic development of the area in the future.

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Published 29 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investing in community energy
Source: Scottish Government
£9 million for community energy generation and energy efficiency improvements.

Communities across the country will benefit from £9 million Scottish Government funding for measures to help cut energy costs and support the development of locally-owned renewable energy projects.

The funding – which builds on the successful Community Energy Generation Growth Fund pilot – will be used to scale up community energy projects across Scotland as part of a drive to cut carbon emissions, create local jobs, reduce energy costs and stimulate local investment.

It includes:

£3.5 million for a new Community Energy Generation Growth Fund to support communities to develop their own renewable energy projects – such as installing wind turbines and solar panels

£4.5 million to help local groups decarbonise their buildings through the installation of renewable measures such as heat pumps and solar PV panels, alongside energy efficiency measures, that reduce energy costs and emissions

£1 million for capacity building and development support to help develop and progress early ideas for new community energy projects

Announcing the funding at the annual Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) conference in Glasgow, Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said:

“Communities must be at the heart of our transition to net zero and must see the benefits of this just transition. This transition is about both the outcome – a fairer, greener future – and the way we get there in partnership with those most likely to be impacted by these changes.

“That is why I am pleased to announce this £9 million investment from the Scottish Government will be available to communities through CARES over the next year.

“Scotland has diverse communities – from those in our cities, to those in rural areas and on our islands. I am committed to supporting all these communities to take part in and benefit from the growth of Scotland’s energy sector.”

Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy Scotland Zoë Holliday said:

“The Scottish Government’s continued commitment to community energy is welcome news for groups across Scotland. The reintroduction of funding for stand-alone generation projects has the potential to lever in significant funds locally and play a key role in the just transition.

“We are also delighted to see a new fund focussing on capacity building for communities; we have been calling for such support to ensure that when it comes to the energy transition, no community is left behind.”

Background

More information about Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Éowyn – information and advice
Source: Northern Ireland Direct

Date published: 29 January 2025

There is information about public services affected by Storm Éowyn and drop-in centres for those without water or power. Also, advice on food safety, the dangers of carbon monoxide and damaged electricity equipment or power lines. Keep a close eye on neighbours and support them in whatever way you can.

Emergency numbers

You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
- emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
Damaged electricity equipment or power lines

Do not approach any damaged electricity equipment or broken power lines.

Be extra careful around fallen trees, as they often take electricity poles and wires with them as they fall.

Be aware that electricity can jump gaps.

Report anything that looks dangerous to NIE Networks on:
- phone: 03457 643643
Reporting a power cut or damaged power line

If your power is off or you’ve found a damaged power line, you can report it or get more information – contact NIE Networks or visit their website:
- NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
- Power cuts
Electricity supply

You can information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.

Local councils information and community assistance or drop-in centres

There is information about community assistance or drop-in centres at this link – NIE Networks representatives will be at a number of these venues:

You can find your local council area information, including about community drop-in centres, at these links:

Water supply

If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility.

You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:
- 03457 440088
Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.

Carbon monoxide dangers

If you’re without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.

For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:
- there must be good ventilation
- it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

There is further advice at this link:

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.

If affected, you should:
- open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
- go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
- if it’s urgent, call 999
- call the relevant emergency advice line
  
  Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
  
  Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080
Food safety advice

If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely.

You can find advice at this link:

If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.

Report a fallen tree or blocked road

You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:

Roads information

Work is ongoing to remove obstructions. Road users are advised to use caution, as there is debris on some roads and roadsides.

You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:

Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.

Public transport

For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.

School closures

You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:

MOT and driving tests

Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) testing services resumed as scheduled on Saturday 25 January.

There is some disruption for vehicle tests anticipated at Armagh and Omagh, and driving tests at Altnagelvin.

DVA will contact affected customers.

Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled.

Public libraries

All public libraries are open, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seating.

Find out more about the services available at:

Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices

All Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices are open, except for the Foyle Jobs and Benefit Office due to some storm damage.

Temporary closure of Foyle Jobs and Benefits office

Information for benefits customers:
- Foyle Jobs and Benefits office is currently closed due to storm damage
- staff working remotely are providing a normal service
- while the office is closed, benefit payments due will still be paid by the date due
- Universal Credit customers can use the online service and journal as usual
- telephone calls will be handled by staff working remotely
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) signing at Foyle Jobs and Benefits offices is excused
- staff will contact affected customers for telephone or alternative in-person appointments
- customers in need of urgent in-person support can contact another Jobs and Benefits office
Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling

Safe public access at all sites by the storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.

Birdkeepers

Birdkeepers are reminded to be extra vigilant during the clean-up following the storm.

Flooding or damage to hen houses can increase the risk of an avian influenza incursion.

Health services

Urgent and emergency care services are open as normal.

Use the Phone First service for your local Health and Social Care Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.

However, call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

You can find information from the Trusts at these links:

Financial help if your house floods

If your home is flooded due to the weather, contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.

More useful links
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green tech to turn derelict ‘Elvis House’ into council’s first net zero home
Source: City of Canterbury

Home » Latest News » Green tech to turn derelict ‘Elvis House’ into council’s first net zero home

A little less conversation, a little more action kicked off this week to transform a vacant property into Canterbury City Council’s first net zero social home.

The project is designed to trial what decarbonisation of the council’s housing stock through retrofitting could look like and will see Canterbury’s ‘Elvis House’, known for displaying the King of Rock and Roll’s image for more than 40 years, packed with green technology.

A three-bedroom house down at the end of St Peter’s Place, the refurbishment will take its EPC rating from an E to an A, and once complete, the home will be used as temporary accommodation for people awaiting an offer of permanent council housing.

Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I am thrilled to see this vital step taken towards reshaping our housing stock which I’m sure will offer valuable insight for developing a retrofit-at-scale approach.

“Decarbonisation through retrofitting would not only mean properties are brought back into use to boost social housing and cut our waiting list but would also see occupied energy-inefficient homes upgraded to slash running costs for current tenants.

“Our residents deserve affordable, high-quality social homes and this is just more evidence of our commitment to delivering that.”

The pilot forms part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) which was developed and adopted in May 2021 to provide a roadmap for achieving net zero emissions from the council’s operations and assets by 2030.

Some of the proposed green upgrades include:
- high-quality external wall, cavity wall, roof and underfloor insulation
- triple glazed windows
- mechanical ventilation heat recovery
- air source heat pump
- solar panels
Plans also include turning the property into a two-bedroom house to comply with minimum space standards alongside improvements to the garden and installation of a new kitchen and bathroom.

The project is part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will take approximately six months to complete.

Cllr Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, added: “Not only is this important progress for giving people decent affordable housing, but it also signals a significant stride towards achieving our 2030 net zero target.

“Even though we have already made major progress in cutting the carbon emissions produced by council-owned assets, energy-inefficient social homes remain a huge piece of the council’s decarbonisation puzzle.

“Although this project alone won’t get us to where we need to be, our hope is that it is a catalyst for change both inside and outside the council by inspiring residents to decarbonise their own homes and encouraging the local construction industry to invest in retrofit skills for their workforce.”

Published: 29 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Threat predictions for industrial enterprises 2025
Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

Headline: Threat predictions for industrial enterprises 2025

Key global cyberthreat landscape development drivers

Hunt for innovations

Innovations are changing our lives. Today, the world is on the threshold of another technical revolution. Access to new technologies is a ticket to the future, a guarantee of economic prosperity and political sovereignty. Therefore, many countries are looking for their way into the new technological order, investing in promising research and development in a variety of areas: AI and machine learning, quantum computing, optical electronics, new materials, energy sources and types of engines, satellites and telecommunications, genetics, biotechnology and medicine.

In terms of cybersecurity, growing interest in innovation means APTs are focusing on institutions and enterprises involved in new tech research and development. As the demand for the technical know-how grows, elite cybercriminal groups – such as top ransomware gangs and hacktivists – are also joining the game, hunting for the leading innovative enterprises’ trade secrets.

Industrial enterprises should keep in mind that this information might be even easier to access and exfiltrate from the shop floor than from within research lab and office network perimeters. The supply chain and network of trusted partners are also very logical potential targets.

Intentionally created barriers and sanction wars

Increasing geopolitical turbulence, sanction wars, and the artificial restriction of access to efficient technology is boosting the drive to violate the intellectual property rights of leading enterprises. This may lead to the following security risks.
- OT technology developers and suppliers are facing the problem that existing mechanisms built into their products may no longer be effectively safeguarding their intellectual property.
- Сracks, third-party patches, and various other ways to bypass license restrictions, come at the price of increased cybersecurity risks right inside OT perimeter.
- In addition to stealing documentation related to cutting-edge technological developments, attackers will continue to hunt for technical know-how – for example, collecting 3D/physical models and CAD/CAM designs as we saw in the attacks by Librarian Ghouls.
- PLC programs, SCADA projects, and other sources of technological process information stored in OT assets may also become another target for malicious actors.
New technologies mean new cyber risks

When trying something completely new, one should always expect some unexpected consequences in addition to the promised benefits. Today, many industrial enterprises are keeping up with organizations in other sectors (for example, financial or retail) in the implementation of IT innovations, such as augmented reality and quantum computing. As in many other fields, the biggest boost in efficiency is expected from the widespread use of machine learning and AI systems, including their direct application in production – when tweaking and adjusting technological process control. Already today, the use of such systems at certain facilities, such as non-ferrous metallurgy, can increase final product output by an estimated billion dollars per year. Once an enterprise experiences such an increase in efficiency, there’s no going back – such a system will become an essential production asset. This may affect the industrial threat landscape in several ways:
- The improper use of AI technologies in the IT and operational processes of industrial enterprises may lead to the unintended disclosure of confidential information (for example, by being entered into a model training dataset) and to new security threats. The seriousness and likelihood of some of these threats is currently hard to assess.
- Both the AI systems and the unique enterprise data they use (either in its raw form – historical telemetry data – used as a training dataset, or as neural network weights incorporated into the AI model), if they become crucial assets, may now be new cyberattack targets. For example, if the systems or data get locked by the bad guys, they may be impossible to restore. Additionally, attacking these systems may not pose risks to the safety of the victim facility, unlike for traditional OT systems, meaning malicious actors may be more inclined to go for the attack.
- Attackers also do not ignore technical progress; their use of AI at various stages of the killchain (for malicious tools development and social engineering, such as text generation for phishing emails) reduces costs, thereby accelerating the development of cyberthreats. This tendency will certainly evolve in 2025.
Time-tested technologies mean new cyber risks

Just because a system has not been attacked, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is well protected. It could be that attackers have simply not reached it yet – perhaps because they already had simpler, more reliable and automated ways to perform attacks, or maybe you’ve just been lucky.

The expression “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” takes on a special meaning in OT infrastructures. Sometimes systems have been running for years or even decades without any modifications, even without installing critical security patches or changing insecure configurations, such as unnecessary network services, debug interfaces and weak passwords. Sometimes systems are still running in the exact same state as when they were put into operation.

Things get even more complicated when you take into account the poor quality of information about OT product vulnerabilities available from the developers or public sources. Fortunately, malicious actors still very rarely attack industrial assets and industrial automation systems.

Moreover, in addition to unprotected industrial automation systems such as PLCs and SCADA servers, which are in fact very difficult to keep cybersecure, there are many other types of devices and even entire infrastructures that are somehow connected to the technological network. The security of these systems is often unjustifiably overlooked:
- Telecom equipment. Its security is usually considered either the responsibility of the telecom operator or thought to be unnecessary for some reason. For example, mobile base stations and technological networks of mobile operators are believed to be already sufficiently protected from cyberattacks, which is why “no one attacks them”. For some reason, this problem is largely ignored by security researchers as well: while the security of endpoints and their key components, such as modems, is thoroughly studied, there are extremely few in-depth publications on the security of base stations or core network equipment. However, the equipment can obviously be compromised, at least from the operator’s side, for example, during maintenance. After all, telecom operators themselves are far from being immune to cyberattacks, as the story of the Blackwood attacks using the NSPX30 implant shows us. Thus, the following must be kept in mind:
  
  At the very least, the threat model of industrial enterprises must include “man-in-the-middle” attacks on telecom equipment and the infrastructure of telecom operators.
  
  Given how rapidly all kinds of smart remote monitoring and control systems are being implemented – primarily in mining and logistics, but also in other sectors and types of facilities – the priority of securing telecom-related infrastructures will only increase correspondingly. For example, to guarantee the safety of robotized infrastructures and the use of automated transport at facilities, we’re seeing the introduction of wireless communication. Industrial enterprises should clearly invest in telecom security in order to avoid cyberincidents, perhaps as early as this year.
- The security of smart sensors, meters, measuring and control devices, and other devices in the Industrial Internet of Things is typically neglected by both the enterprises using them and, correspondingly, the developers themselves. However, as the history of FrostyGoop shows, these devices may also become attack targets.
- The connection points of small remote industrial infrastructure facilities typically use inexpensive network equipment, sometimes not even designed for industrial use (for example, SOHO devices). Their cybersecurity can be extremely difficult to keep in good condition, both due to architectural limitations and the complexity of centralized maintenance. At the same time, such devices can be manipulated not only to distribute general-purpose malware or host botnet agents (as in the case of Flax Typhoon/Raptor Train), but also as an entry point into the IT or OT network.
- The Windows OS family has been the most popular platform for workstations and automation system servers for decades. However, in recent years, many industrial enterprises have been increasingly installing Linux-based systems in their OT circuits, for various reasons. One of the decisive arguments in favor of choosing Linux is often the belief that such systems are more resistant to cyberattacks. On the one hand, there is indeed less malware that can run on this OS, and the probability of accidental infection is lower than for Windows OS. On the other hand, protecting Linux systems against a targeted attack is just as difficult, and in some cases even more so. The fact is that:
  
  Developers of security solutions for Linux have to catch up with solutions protecting Windows infrastructure. For a long time, many functions were not in demand by customers and, therefore, were not implemented. At the same time, implementing new functionality is more expensive because it is necessary to support multiple OS strains developing in parallel, and the integration of security solutions is not a priority for kernel developers. There are two downstream consequences of this: first, a lack of effective standard integration mechanisms, and second, updating the kernel can easily “break” compatibility – and a simple module rebuild may not be enough.
  
  On the industrial enterprise side, there are clearly not enough information security specialists who are also Linux experts, so both secure device configuration and monitoring and incident detection may not be that effective.
  
  Both Linux OT solutions themselves and their developers often demonstrate insufficient information security maturity and can be an easy target for attackers, as was revealed, for example, during the investigation of a series of Sandworm attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities.
Wrong vendor choice means big trouble

Insufficient investment of product developers or technology providers in their own information security guarantees that their customers will experience incidents. This problem is especially relevant for providers of niche products and services. An illustrative case is the attack on CDK Global, which led to direct losses of its customers exceeding a total of one billion dollars.

The situation for industrial enterprises is complicated by a number of factors. Key among these are:
- Extremely long technology supply chains. Equipment, including automation systems for key production assets, is very complex. An enterprise’s industrial equipment fleet may include both all the main components typical of IT systems and many components created as a result of cooperation between multiple manufacturers of industry-specific technologies. Many of these may be relatively small developers of niche solutions without the necessary resources to satisfactorily ensure their own security and that of their products. Moreover, the installation, initial setup, and regular maintenance of equipment requires the involvement of various third-party specialists, further expanding the attack surface of the supply chain and trusted partners.
- Almost every large industrial organization is its own vendor. The specifics of the particular industry and enterprise require significant modification of ready-made solutions, as well as the development of new automation solutions tailored for the organization. Often, these developments are carried out either within the organization itself or by subsidiaries or related companies. All of this multiplies almost all of the risk factors described above: such developments are rarely carried out with a high level of security maturity, resulting in solutions full of basic vulnerabilities that even mediocre attackers can exploit. Obviously, these security issues are already being used in cyberattacks and will continue to be.
Security by obscurity doesn’t work anymore for OT infrastructures

The availability of so many tools for working with industrial equipment (just count the number of libraries and utilities implementing industrial network protocols posted on GitHub) makes developing and implementing an attack on an industrial enterprise’s main production assets significantly easier than just a few years ago. In addition, industrial enterprises themselves continue to evolve – over the past few years, we’ve seen big efforts to not only automate production, but also to inventory and document systems and processes. Now, to impact an industrial facility on the cyber-physical level, attackers no longer need to carefully study textbooks on the particular type of protective systems (such as SIS or circuit/relay protection) basics and to involve external experts in the particular industry. All the necessary information is now available in convenient digital form in the organization’s administrative and technological network. We have seen cases of attackers telling journalists that after they entered the victims’ network perimeter they studied internal facility’s safety-related documentation for a long time before choosing which OT systems to attack, in order to avoid putting employee’s lives at risk or polluting the environment as a result of the attack.
MIL OSI Economics –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: $500 Million ADB Loan to Bolster Philippines’ Disaster Resilience

Source: Asia Development Bank

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (29 January 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to provide the Philippines with quick access to financing in case of disasters triggered by natural hazards or health-related emergencies. The financing will support reforms to raise resilience and enable timely response and recovery efforts, thus minimizing the impact of disasters on the economy and Filipinos’ lives and livelihoods.

The Second Disaster Resilience Improvement Program is a multiyear contingent disaster financing program with an option to replenish the facility twice, upon approval by the ADB Board. Loan renewals are allowed if there will be unutilized amounts after the initial 5-year period.

“The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia but is at high risk for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, rising sea levels, and flooding,” said ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran. “With this program, we aim to help boost the country’s capacity for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) nationally and locally, including state-owned and controlled corporations; strengthen DRRM policies and frameworks; and attain long-term resilience to lessen the impact of disasters, especially to the most vulnerable sectors.”

The Philippines ranked as the highest in disaster risk out of 193 economies in 2024, according to the World Risk Report 2024. At least 60% of its total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, with nearly three-fourths of its entire population susceptible to the impact of these hazards. The country experiences at least 20 typhoons and an average of up to 150 earthquakes of at least magnitude 4 every year.

The new program seeks to harmonize DRRM planning processes at the national, provincial, and city levels and integrate DRRM in national public financial management (PFM) reforms as prescribed in the PFM roadmap developed with ADB’s support. It also seeks to incorporate gender equity, disability, and social inclusion in DRRM plans; enhance the service delivery of state-owned or controlled corporations for disaster response; and provide additional sources of risk financing, including a voluntary city parametric disaster insurance scheme that offers faster payouts for damages from earthquakes, typhoons, and other disasters.

The program forms a central part of ADB’s support to the Philippines to build disaster resilience. It builds on the reforms achieved under the first Disaster Resilience Improvement Program. It also leverages past ADB assistance on climate and disaster resilience, such as the support for the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, which addressed the post-disaster needs of local communities.

The program complements ADB’s Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (Phase 1), which is helping prepare and implement DRRM plans to reduce selected LGUs’ disaster vulnerabilities. Finally, it builds on the Climate Change Action Plan Subprograms 1 and 2, which support the implementation of national climate policies and the scale-up of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts at the national and local levels.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 29, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A marine heatwave in northwest Australia is killing huge numbers of fish. It’s heading south

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sina Pinter, PhD Candidate in Ocean Dynamics, The University of Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is facing the heat James C. Farr/Shutterstock

Tens of thousands of fish have died off northwestern Australia, as a large and long-lasting marine heatwave intensifies.

The fish kill at Gnoorea Beach near Karratha is concerning our team of scientists, as the hot mass of water heads south towards Ningaloo Reef and the seagrass gardens in Shark Bay. That’s because we’ve seen this before. An enormous marine heatwave in 2010-11 devastated fisheries and ecosystems further down the WA coast.

This marine heatwave began in September, with temperatures up to 3°C warmer than usual off Broome. There’s no end in sight.

The heatwave comes as oceans worldwide experience recordbreaking heat, driven by climate change. More than 90% of all heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans.

The fish kill is a visible way to glimpse a disaster often out of sight and out of mind. But these marine heatwaves do much more, from wiping out seagrass meadows and kelp beds to trashing fisheries.

Up to 30,000 dead fish have washed up around Gnoorea Beach near Karratha.
WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

How bad is this marine heatwave?

Marine heatwaves are periods of at least five consecutive days when ocean temperatures are significantly higher than the long-term average for the region and season.

Since September 2024, temperatures off Australia’s northwest coast have been high enough to be considered a heatwave.

In late December, the area of hotter water expanded southward along the Pilbara coast and became more intense. Temperatures hit 4–5°C above normal at the surface. Our research group has gathered data from satellite measurements, which tells us it’s hotter than usual. Data from autonomous ocean gliders also show unusual levels of heat as far down as 200 metres.

In January, this heatwave has become bad enough to be classified in some areas as a severe marine heatwave.

There’s no relief in sight yet. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts marine heatwave conditions to continue through February.

On the left, the marine heatwave on the Northwest Shelf is visible in dark red. On the right, the intensity of the heatwave is shown over time on the Northwest Shelf and further south in Central Western Australia.
Author provided, CC BY

Will it be worse than the 2010 heatwave?

The current marine heatwave is, so far, the second-worst in Western Australia’s recorded history.

Over the 2010–11 summer, a severe marine heatwave devastated seas off the state. Temperatures hit up to 5°C above average, peaking in February and March.

The worst-hit areas were seas off the central West Australian coastline, leaving those to the north largely unaffected. But the heatwave stretched 2,000 kilometres, from the Pilbara all the way down to Denmark in the southwest.

The reason the 2010 heatwave spread so far south was due to the Leeuwin Current, which was stronger than usual due to weak southerly winds linked to a low pressure system off the coast.

The 2010-11 marine heatwave hit Central West Australian waters hardest. The Leeuwin Current ferried heat southward.
Author provided, CC BY

The heat led to local extinction of kelp species along a 100km stretch of coastline. Scallop and blue swimmer crab fisheries had to close. Seagrass meadows in Shark Bay collapsed. Tropical species were sighted in new areas. And coral bleached at Ningaloo.

By contrast, this current marine heatwave has concentrated on the northern coastline, but may spread south in coming weeks.

Unfortunately, there are strong similarities between the 2010–11 heatwave and this one. Both occurred during a La Niña year.

A similar low pressure system in December 2024 weakened southerly winds during this heatwave, though not as pronounced as in 2010-11. We can expect to see the Leeuwin Current intensify and carry more warm water than usual south, but perhaps not as far as in 2010–11.

Weather systems at present are developing slightly differently to 2010–11, but they could still lead to weaker southerly winds and produce a stronger current channelling heat.

What does this mean for ocean life?

Marine heatwaves at this size and intensity can profoundly damage marine ecosystems and fisheries. The Karratha fish kill is the most visible sign of ecosystem distress.

We have already seen signs of bleaching in the coral reefs of the Kimberley region, while corals are experiencing heat stress at world-famous Ningaloo Reef.

The heat is now affecting the Gascoyne region between Carnarvon and Exmouth, and is likely to head further south.

Damage from the heatwave could threaten valuable industries such as the rock lobster fishery and marine tourism on the Coral Coast.

Bleached corals in Cygnet Bay north of Broome. Photo taken on 16th January.
Kayleigh Foste, CC BY

More heatwaves will come

As the climate changes, modelling indicates marine heatwaves will hit more often and to intensify.

Worldwide, marine heatwaves have devastated ecosystems. One of the worst, the Pacific “blob” heatwave of 2014-2016, killed an estimated 100 million Pacific cod and four million birds from a single seabird species, as well as contributing to the starvation of about 7,000 humpback whales. The intense heat killed off cold-loving species and paved the way for tropical species to enter and even thrive.

Right now, 28% of the world’s oceans are in heatwave conditions, based on surface temperatures.

While there is a clear link between the 2010-11 marine heatwave and climate change, we cannot conclusively say this current heatwave off Western Australia is linked to climate change.

That’s because we don’t have enough data about what’s happening under the surface. Temperatures in the ocean vary greatly by depth, and a hot surface doesn’t always mean heat has reached deeper water.

So while we know a marine heatwave is in progress, we don’t know how bad it is or how far down the heat has reached in different regions. We need better ways to measure temperatures at depth, to be able to gauge how bad a heatwave is. Installing more temperature sensors along the WA coastline would allow us to better monitor and respond to temperature extremes.

The earlier we know about a heatwave, the more we can do to prepare. The 2010-2011 heatwave made many people aware of what damage heat can do to an ocean, as fishing boats sat idle and tourists steered clear of dying coral.

More, and worse, is likely to come. Better conservation and management of our oceans can help. But tackling the root cause of intensifying heat – unchecked greenhouse gas emissions – is still far and away the most important challenge.

Matt Rayson receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Western Australian government. .

Nicole L. Jones receives funding from Australian Research Council and the Western Australian government.

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

– ref. A marine heatwave in northwest Australia is killing huge numbers of fish. It’s heading south – https://theconversation.com/a-marine-heatwave-in-northwest-australia-is-killing-huge-numbers-of-fish-its-heading-south-248139

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker, Colleagues Reintroduce TORNADO Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., Todd Young, R-Ind., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., reintroduced the bipartisan Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act, which would improve the forecasting of tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The TORNADO Act would also encourage the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update its methods for predicting and communicating weather alerts to residents.
“With the quality of modern forecasting systems, we should be delivering faster warnings for severe weather. The TORNADO Act would update alerts and communication systems with the latest best practices and scientific insights. Advanced warnings will ensure Mississippians can better protect their families, homes, and businesses,” Senator Wicker said.
“Storms and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. We need to make sure our communities have the tools to accurately predict and quickly respond to dangerous weather events like tornadoes and flash floods,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to again help lead this bipartisan bill to improve our nation’s forecasting and warning systems for hazardous weather to protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.”
“From tornadoes to flooding, Iowans have seen more than our fair share of severe weather,” Grassley said. “This bipartisan bill would help update and streamline NOAA’s severe weather alerts and communications systems so that precious seconds aren’t lost when notifying communities about dangerous weather events.”
“Tornado alley runs right through Mississippi and too many people have been lost due, in part, to inadequate emergency notifications. We want the TORNADO Act to become law so that federal agencies and their partners can better harness technology to greatly improve how we let people know that a tornado is headed their way and to take cover,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.
“When a tornado strikes, the most important action we can take is to ensure residents receive ample warning of the incoming storm so they can get to safety. The TORNADO Act is a simple yet crucial piece of legislation that will improve forecasts and communicate the risks of impending tornadoes to help keep those in the path of these devastating storms out of danger,” Senator Cruz said.
“While we can’t prevent storms from occurring, the TORNADO Act will improve severe weather forecasting, notifying the public faster and allowing Hoosiers to find safety more quickly,” said Senator Young. “This bill will better protect communities in Indiana and across the nation when severe weather comes.”
“We saw the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to several communities throughout Georgia last year, many of them are still in the throes of the long recovery process. As Georgians continue to be impacted by increasingly severe weather, we must use every tool in our arsenal to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “That is why the TORNADO Act is so important. It will help improve our ability to inform Georgians about how these dangerous weather events are expected to impact them and allow them to better prepare and protect themselves. I’m proud to work with Senator Wicker to introduce this crucial bipartisan legislation.”
The TORNADO Act would require NOAA to implement new technology and procedures for severe weather alerts. The updates could help increase the warning lead times provided to the public before storms strike.
Among other provisions, the TORNADO Act would:
Require NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction.
Encourage NOAA to evaluate the current tornado rating system and make updates.
Require NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration.
The full text of the bill can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Africa Can Lead Clean Energy Transition,’ Deputy Secretary-General Tells Region’s Energy Summit

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the opening of the African Heads of State Energy Summit, in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, today:

It is a pleasure to join you here all today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency President Hassan and her Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.

But, I would also like to underscore that it is because of her incredible leadership and her vision, that we are all here today and gathered as an African continent. I would also thank the African Union for keeping the fire under our feet to do right thing for the continent.

Congratulations to my two brothers, the African Development Bank Group, Akin, and the World Bank Group, Ajay. These are incredible partnerships, that bring genuine experience, decades of work from the public sector to the private sector.

That is why we are looking to them for the success of this union. But, we also look to the Rockefeller Foundation for a strong and meaningful partnership — one that brings key stakeholders together in this room. Your bold investments are a testament to Africa’s potential for a sustainable and resilient future.

Today, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access, as we have heard, but it is also one of the most vulnerable to intensifying climate shocks.

Yet, our continent is rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. Which are all essential for the energy transition, and benefit from limited sunk costs in fossil fuel-intensive energy infrastructures. Africa is also home to a vibrant, young and enterprising population.

This provides immense potential for Africa to show the rest of the world what a new economic development paradigm grounded in sustainability, resilience, justice and inclusivity can look like.

Enhanced energy access, affordability and reliability is not only crucial for achieving our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, but also serves as a catalyst for broader development goals. Access to clean and sustainable energy underpins progress in health, in education, in gender equality, while driving economic growth and climate action — many of the 17 Goals.

By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, we can create green jobs and build resilient livelihoods — paving the way for improved stability and prosperity across the continent.

With renewables now being the cheapest source of new electricity almost everywhere on earth, Mission 300’s bold commitment to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 represents a transformative opportunity for Africa.

Combined with systemic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition.

By powering essential sectors such as healthcare, education and commerce, bolstering industries like solar manufacturing, grid infrastructure and clean energy solutions, renewable energy can unlock unprecedented economic potential.

With reliable energy access, the continent’s 147 million small and medium-sized enterprises — key drivers of economic growth — will have the tools to scale, innovate and create jobs, turning energy into a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress.

The United Republic of Tanzania stands as a shining example of how rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions can transform lives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The country has made remarkable strides, with electricity access increasing from just 14 per cent in 2011 to 46 per cent in 2022. And what does that mean? It has led to over 1 million new connections, driving the rural electrification rate to 72 per cent.

In November 2024, more than 60,000 social institutions were connected by REA [Rural Electrification Agency], benefiting 12,905 educational institutions, 6,768 health facilities, over 8,000 places of worship and 29,000 commercial areas.

This progress means that more boys and girls in remote areas can now study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can deliver life-saving services to off-grid populations and rural businesses can thrive with reliable power. The United Republic of Tanzania demonstrates how energy access is not just about electricity — it’s about opportunity, equity and the foundation of a brighter future and a life in dignity for everyone.

We must ensure that Mission 300 seizes the opportunity that lies ahead. With five years to the endpoint of the SDGs and having completed the first decade of implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, it is clear that transformation efforts remain insufficient.

I would like to deeply commend the African leadership that is here today, as you seek solutions to address Africa’s energy access, climate vulnerability and development challenges holistically.

We must accelerate our collective efforts to fast-track solutions for SDG7, but also the Paris Agreement and propel Africa to become a clean energy powerhouse. This requires urgent action in three key areas beyond this Summit.

First, creating the right enabling environment to attract scaled private and public investments through stronger, stable and more coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.

We are very pleased to see — thank you, Ajay — the private sector that is here today and we hope they will accompany us through this very difficult but at the end profitable journey.

This year, every party to the UN Climate Convention has committed to submit a new economy-wide national climate action plan, that is aligned with the 1.5°C world that we need, well before COP30 [thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] in November.

If done right, these climate plans should align with national energy strategies and development priorities — and they would doubling as investment plans to seize the potential of renewables, helping to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure we do not repeat historical patterns of exploitation on this continent.

Second, mobilizing affordable, accessible and adequate finance. The chronic underinvestment in renewable energy in Africa, and long-standing structural barriers, such as exorbitant capital costs, mean that a continent with the potential to be a renewable powerhouse accounts for less than one percent of global installed solar capacity.

It is why we are calling for an SDG Stimulus to scale up affordable, long-term financing for developing countries, and for the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion” to bridge the climate finance gap by leveraging all sources and by addressing unjust and structural barriers.

Last year’s Pact of the Future sent an unequivocal message — reform of the international finance architecture is urgent and essential to:

And this Pact would have not gotten over the line, if not for the leadership of the African leaders in the United Nations. It spoke to strengthening the voice and the representation of developing countries. It spoke to mobilizing far greater levels of financing for the SDGs, and directing that financing to countries most in need. It spoke to enabling countries to borrow sustainably, and with confidence, to invest in their long-term development. But, it also spoke to provide effective and equal support to countries during systemic shocks.

Finally, multilateralism — our international cooperation — still remains our best hope for delivering solutions at the necessary scale and speed.

And I note to many of us, as I look to the geopolitical challenges that we have today. Multilateralism does not seem like the best offer on the table — but it is. It is a place that we come to. It is a global town hall for our global village. It is where we have visibility and where we can shine a light on the opportunities. But, also, where we can give hope to the millions that look to us — to serve them.

The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting your efforts every step of the way. Through our UN expertise and presence in the country, we are committed to supporting Mission 300, the African Development Bank and the World Bank. And we are committed to help identify and attract investments, strengthen policy, and secure the support you need to make Mission 300 a success.

Finally, I would like to also commend our Special Representative. It is not often that we have women in leadership positions. Today, we are hosted by a great leader that is a woman. But, we also have the Special Representative of the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who is playing a critical role within the Mission 300.

In this critical countdown to 2030, let us ensure that Mission 300 delivers concrete outcomes towards the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2063.

Let us seize this moment to accelerate and to deliver transformative progress. Together, I am sure that Africa can lead the clean energy transition, creating lasting prosperity and resilience for generations to come and actions and aspiration fulfilled today for our women and our youth.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Endorsing Resolution, General Assembly Calls Upon All Stakeholders to Implement 2024–2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Text on UN Cooperation with Community-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Also Adopted

The General Assembly today adopted a resolution containing the “Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034” — which focuses on diversifying economies, promoting trade, supporting jobs and enhancing climate resilience over the next 10 years in that group of nations — calling upon all stakeholders to commit to implementing it.

In that action programme — listed in the annex of document A/79/L.21 — the Assembly recommitted to expediting action on the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for increased investment, including through international cooperation, and taking necessary measures to harmonize skills development and training programmes at the national and regional levels.

The Programme of Action, which was originally adopted 24 December 2024 (see Press Release GA/12671), also lays out Member States’ commitments to substantially increasing investment from all sources in research and development, and in building accessible, reliable and affordable digital infrastructure. The Assembly committed to doubling the contribution of manufacturing value added to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the landlocked developing countries by 2034. Further, 193-member body urged development partners to support landlocked developing countries in strengthening strategic coherence between trade and investment policies, and industrial policy objectives.

“The 570 million people living in the landlocked developing countries deserve nothing less,” said Assembly President Philémon Yang (Cameroon). “For too long, they have faced unique challenges to trade, connectivity and development,” he added. Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices worldwide, geopolitical tensions and the deepening impact of climate change, have only intensified their vulnerabilities.

“The combined gross domestic product of landlocked developing countries in 2023 came in at 8 per cent below pre-pandemic projections,” he went on to say, commending these countries for their “resilience and ability to quickly reverse negative trends”. The Assembly, “the great drum that gives voice to all peoples and nation”, will monitor implementation of the programme of action, he pledged.

Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, said the group of countries face profound challenges. To address their issues, the new Programme of Action proposes regional agricultural hubs, which can help transform the sector and spearhead efforts toward sustainable development.

“Internet usage is far below the global average,” she added, emphasizing the need to bridge the gender gap in the area. On trade, she said that landlocked developing countries face 40 per cent higher trade costs than coastal States. Climate finance remains grossly insufficient for landlocked developing countries, she added, noting that the Programme of Action underscores the need to urge development partners to honour their official development assistance (ODA) commitments.

“This instrument must be a catalyst to eliminate structural barriers,” said Diego Pary Rodríguez (Bolivia), Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. Many of these countries have taken many measures to diversify their economies, but the Programme of Action has the potential to build new alliances that can provide them with the economic, political and technological tools to overcome barriers.

He pointed out that the lack of development of regional transport corridors continues to undermine their participation in global trade. “Trade remains a critical means for the landlocked developing countries to achieve economic growth,” he said. “We also ask for your support in capacity-building initiatives that will allow landlocked developing countries to comply with global trade standards,” he added, stressing the importance of fostering international cooperation in the transfer of clean technology to strengthen responses to climate change.

Cooperation between United Nations and Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries

By adopting a text titled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries” (document A/79/L.43), the Assembly also stressed the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the Community and United Nations specialized agencies and other entities and programmes.

By other terms of that resolution, the Assembly stressed the importance of partnership and cooperation between the UN and other relevant organizations, including the Community, to improve coordination and cooperation in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

Appointment of Member of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

On other matters, the Assembly appointed Alexandra Arias (Dominican Republic) as a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for a term of office beginning on 31 January and expiring on 31 December. She replaces Olivio Fermín, also of the Dominican Republic, who resigned effective 31 January.

Application of Article 19 of UN Charter

The Assembly also noted that Antigua and Barbuda has made the payments necessary to reduce its arrears in assessed contributions to the United Nations below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government invests in improved flood protection in the Village of Tahsis
Source: Government of Canada regional news

From: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/housing-infrastructure-communities/news/2025/01/federal-government-invests-in-improved-flood-protection-in-the-village-of-tahsis.html (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

French version: https://www.canada.ca/fr/logement-infrastructures-collectivites/nouvelles/2025/01/le-gouvernement-federal-investit-dans-lamelioration-de-la-protection-contre-les-inondations-dans-le-village-de-tahsis.html (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

Improvements to flood protection infrastructure will help the Village of Tahsis become more resilient to riverbank and coastal floods after a combined investment of more than $2.8 million from the federal, provincial and local governments.

This project involves constructing two flood walls and an earth berm along North Maquinna Drive from north of Rogers Street to Head Bay Road to safeguard the village from extreme-weather events. These new protective measures will include internal drainage improvements such as catch basins, leads and flap gates along the roads. There will also be rock or other material installed to protect shoreline structures against water, wave or ice erosion and to stabilize the riverbank.

These upgrades will protect existing local public and private assets and essential infrastructure such as the public works yard, the fire hall, water supply and well pumping station, as well as schools, which are currently at risk of flooding from storms and rising sea levels.

Quotes:

“Our government is taking action to increase communities’ resilience and support people’s safety in the face of extreme weather events. Effective flood prevention measures help protect people, property and livelihoods. The Government of Canada will continue to work with our partners to mitigate the effects of natural disasters so that Canadians can continue to adapt in a changing climate.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“In Tahsis and communities throughout the province, we’re working to build a stronger and climate-ready future for everyone. These improvements in the Village of Tahsis will help protect people – including young students – and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding for years to come.”

The Honourable Kelly Greene, B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

“On behalf of Tahsis council and the entire community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the importance of protecting small, remote communities, like Tahsis, from climate-change impacts. The funding for this project means our residents, businesses, school and day care, first responders and critical infrastructure will be protected from future flood events.”

Martin Davis, Mayor of the Village of Tahsis

Quick Facts:
- The federal government is investing $1,156,861 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
- The Government of British Columbia is investing $963,954, and the Village of Tahsis is contributing $771,337, with support from the provincial government.
- The Government of Canada previously announced funding toward the first two phases of this project in June 2021.
- 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 157 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $600 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $428 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.
Learn More:

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Green Infrastructure Stream: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

ROSWELL, New Mexico — It has been just over three months since former President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico following the Oct. 19-20 Severe Storm and Flooding in Chaves County. To date, more than $24.6 million in federal assistance has been approved for New Mexican families affected by the disaster.FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have approved grants and loans for more than 3,000 recovering homeowners, renters and businesses in Chaves County. This assistance helps pay for eligible losses and disaster-related damage repair and replacement of homes and personal property, temporary housing, cleaning and sanitizing, moving and storage, childcare, medical and dental expenses and other needs of New Mexicans affected by the storm and flooding.“FEMA collaborates closely with all our federal, state and local stakeholders to help New Mexicans affected by the disaster as they recover. We must remember that this is a long-term effort, but one that will be critical in building a more resilient and stronger Roswell,” said José Gil Montañez, Federal Coordinating Officer for New Mexico.As of Jan. 27, FEMA Individual Assistance totaled more than $17.8 million in grants to eligible homeowners and renters, including:More than $8.88 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.  More than $8.94 million in grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs, such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses. FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs)The VALs mission is to establish, foster and maintain relationships among government, voluntary, faith-based and community partners. Through these relationships, the VALs support the delivery of inclusive and equitable services and empower and strengthen capabilities of communities to address disaster caused unmet needs. In addition, VALs coordinate with local partners to assist with the collection and distribution of in-kind and monetary donations to aid in the Chaves County recovery process. By coordinating appeals through local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs), the VALs have identified nearly $146,000 in additional FEMA Individual Assistance for Chaves County recovery. State and local VOADs have also distributed more than $461,000 in financial assistance to Chaves County survivors to support immediate needs and recovery efforts.Public Assistance  FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for the October flooding reimburses the state, counties, local governments, tribes, and certain private nonprofits (including houses of worship) for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal and emergency protective measures. PA in Chaves County is available, on a cost -sharing basis: FEMA pays 75%, the state 25%. FEMA has received eight applications for project funding under the PA program. Of those, seven projects are now under review. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $6.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations. Of that amount, more than $6 million was approved for homeowners and renters with over $2.9 million distributed. Approving more than $476,000 to Chaves – County business, SBA has distributed over $300,000 to assist in their recovery.Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Arts and Sciences Center. The deadline to apply to SBA for property damage was Jan, 2, 2025. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 1, 2025.For the latest information on the Chaves County recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6
alexa.brown
Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:43

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to report by World Weather Attribution looking at climate change attribution of the LA wildfires

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

January 28, 2025

A report by by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) looks at climate change and the likelihood of wildfire disaster in LA.

Prof Gabi Hegerl FRS, Professor of Climate System Science, University of Edinburgh, said:

“Given the short timeline that WWA aims for this is a very thorough analysis of the role of climate change and also El Nino conditions contributing to the fires in Los Angeles. The authors determine several factors that have contributed to this disaster, from severely dry conditions to high fire weather indices, late arrival of winter rains etc. Several of these factors point to high fire risk, both due to El Nino conditions and global warming. Overall the paper finds that climate change has made the Los Angeles fires more likely despite some statistical uncertainty. This is a carefully researched result that should be taken seriously. El Ninos come and go, but as long as the climate warms we will continue to see increasing risk of this hazard. Adapting to it will help, and the authors make some suggestions, but this example is one of many of how climate change increases the risk of deadly and costly disasters.”

Dr Karsten Haustein, Climate Scientist, Leipzig University, said:

“I remember a stark and dire warning of an US-based weather forecaster just before the fires. Sadly, he was absolutely spot on. The extremely hazardous mix of dry and windy conditions led to unprecedented destruction, displacing tens of thousands of people and costing billions of dollars. Naturally, folks want to know what role climate change played in this catastrophic disaster.

“Following two very rapid attribution studies by teams from UCLA (California) and IPSL-CNRS (France), now WWA has released their comprehensive rapid attribution study. The former two have already highlighted that climate change did play a role and made the fires more likely. Especially the so-called ‘hydroclimate whiplash’, where wetter than average years are followed by drier than average years, contributed to the devastating outcome. While these year-to-year variations are normal given the strong ENSO teleconnection in the region (El Niño leads to wetter conditions and vice versa for La Niña), now wet gets wetter and dry gets drier for longer.

“Hence one of the key messages of the WWA study is that the dry season in the region lasts longer than it used to be (23 days), increasing the risk for very dry conditions to overlap with strong (St Ana) winds, which occur mainly in winter. While WWA does not find increasing wind speeds during St Ana events, they do find that the risk for such a dry season has already increased by 35%, with a 6% increase in fire intensity.

“WWA highlights that a more in-depth analysis is required to make conclusive statements about changes in atmospheric circulation that favour such cut-off lows. But the thermodynamic climate change fingerprint (drier and warmer) is clearly present. So is the problem of exposure in the region. Houses are not build to withstand fire. Instead, they are fuelling the fires. A tinderbox when combined with built up vegetation from the preceding two wet seasons. All these aspects are meticulously discussed in WWA’s new attribution study.

“Their press release accurately summarises the scientific findings. The team involved was larger than ever, including the UCLA colleagues mentioned above. All methods used to conduct the analysis are peer-reviewed. The results do confirm prior research such as, for example, the hypothesised ‘hydroclimate whiplash’. The team also mentions the deficits of global climate models to simulate such wind events, which is why no attribution statement regarding the frequency of occurrence or magnitude of the St Ana winds is made.”

‘Climate change increased the likelihood of wildfire disaster in highly exposed Los Angeles area’ by Clair Barnes et al. was published by World Weather Attribution at 22:00 UK time on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Declared interests

Prof Gabi Hegerl: “No competing interests, occasional collaboration with some of the study’s authors.”

Dr Karsten Haustein: “No conflict of interests.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Secures Key Subcommittee Chairmanship to Champion Wyoming Energy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

January 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced she will chair the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, Nuclear Innovation and Safety for the 119th Congress:
“Thanks to my position on the Environment and Public Works committee, I can deliver crucial results for the people of Wyoming,” said Lummis. “I am honored to chair this subcommittee, which oversees the EPA Office of Air and Radiation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Wyoming continues to develop its traditional energy sector while investing in new and exciting nuclear technology. I look forward to advancing policies that benefit an all-of-the-above energy approach and spur development across the Cowboy State. ”
Senator Lummis will also serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure and the Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife subcommittees.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Whitehouse Announce EPW Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, announced the EPW subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress.
“Each of these subcommittees play an important role in developing solutions that tackle the infrastructure, energy, and environment challenges within EPW’s jurisdiction. I’m confident in the ability of our chairs to lead these panels effectively, and continue EPW’s track record of getting things done. I look forward to working with our subcommittee leaders and members to address the issues most important to the American people,” Chairman Capito said.
“Our subcommittees cover many issues that are essential to ensuring clean air, clean water, a healthy climate, and modern infrastructure,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “I look forward to working together on these important topics.”
Subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress are as follows:
Transportation and Infrastructure
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chairman
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chairman
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah)
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), Chairman
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.)
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chairman
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)
Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio)
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ranking Member
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

SANTA FE, New Mexico — A single inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage to a home, and can occur anywhere and often catches homeowners, renters, and business owners by surprise, leaving them unprepared and vulnerable.   When buying or renting a home or managing a business, we often overlook other programs or services that we may need to protect our property. Many people assume their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers flooding. However, most standard policies do not. Many Chaves County residents and business owners whose property was damaged by the Oct. 19-20, severe storm and flooding only found out too late that most hazard insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents of a building, or both. So, it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business and your possessions.   Flood insurance gives you financial protection and peace of mind. Whether it’s a major flood event or a few inches of water in your home, flood insurance helps you protect the life you’ve built.  NFIP coverage is valid in all floods, regardless of federal disaster declarations. NFIP coverage is available to homeowners, renters and businesses for residential and commercial buildings:  Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures.   Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures.  Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses.   Call Your Insurance Agent or Company Today  Whether you’re buying a new policy or renewing an existing policy, you can buy NFIP insurance by calling your insurance company or calling your local independent agent, who can write a flood insurance policy directly with NFIP. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so it’s important to act promptly to avoid delays.  Need Help Finding an Insurance Provider?  The FEMA flood insurance program partners with more than 50 private insurance companies and NFIP Direct to sell and service flood insurance policies. To find a list of flood insurance writers in New Mexico, visit: http://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider?. For more information about NFIP, to find out if you live in a participating community, and what’s covered by NFIP policies, contact your private insurance provider or visit FloodSmart.gov.  For the latest information on New Mexico’s recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.
alexa.brown
Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:25

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the African Heads of State Energy Summit [as delivered]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Your Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Excellencies, Majesties, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you here all today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency President Hassan and her Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.

But I would also like to underscore that it is because of her incredible leadership and her vision, that we are all here today and gathered as an African continent.

I would also thank the African Union for keeping the fire under our feet to do right thing for the continent.

Congratulations to my two brothers, the African Development Bank Group, Akin, and the World Bank Group, Ajay. These are incredible partnerships, that bring genuine experience, decades of work from the public sector to the private sector.

That is why we are looking to them for the success of this union.

But we also look to the Rockefeller Foundation for a strong and meaningful partnership – one that brings key stakeholders together in this room.

Your bold investments are a testament to Africa’s potential for a sustainable and resilient future.

Today, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access, as we have heard, but it is also one of the most vulnerable to intensifying climate shocks.

Yet our continent is rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. Which are all essential for the energy transition, and benefit from limited sunk costs in fossil fuel-intensive energy infrastructures. Africa is also home to a vibrant, young, and enterprising population.

This provides immense potential for Africa to show the rest of the world what a new economic development paradigm grounded in sustainability, resilience, justice, and inclusivity can look like.

Enhanced energy access, affordability, and reliability is not only crucial for achieving our Sustainable Development Goal 7 but also serves as a catalyst for broader development goals. Access to clean and sustainable energy underpins progress in health, in education, in gender equality, while driving economic growth and climate action. Many of the 17 goals.

By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, we can create green jobs, and build resilient livelihoods — paving the way for improved stability and prosperity across the continent.

With renewables now being the cheapest source of new electricity almost everywhere on earth, Mission 300’s bold commitment to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 represents a transformative opportunity for Africa.

Combined with systemic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition.

By powering essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and commerce, bolstering industries like solar manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and clean energy solutions, renewable energy can unlock unprecedented economic potential.

With reliable energy access, the continent’s 147 million small and medium enterprises — key drivers of economic growth — will have the tools to scale, innovate, and create jobs, turning energy into a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress.

Tanzania stands as a shining example of how rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions can transform lives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The country has made remarkable strides, with electricity access increasing from just 14% in 2011 to 46% in 2022. And what does that mean? It has led to over 1 million new connections, driving the rural electrification rate to 72%.

In November 2024, more than 60,000 social institutions were connected by REA, benefiting 12,905 educational institutions, 6,768 health facilities, over 8,000 places of worship, and 29,000 commercial areas.

This progress means that more boys and girls in remote areas can now study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can deliver life-saving services to off-grid populations, and rural businesses can thrive with reliable power. Tanzania demonstrates how energy access is not just about electricity—it’s about opportunity, equity, and the foundation of a brighter future and a life in dignity for everyone.

We must ensure that Mission 300 seizes the opportunity that lies ahead.

With five years to the endpoint of the SDGs and having completed the first decade of implementing the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, it is clear that transformation efforts remain insufficient.

I would like to deeply commend the African leadership that is here today, as you seek solutions to address Africa’s energy access, climate vulnerability, and development challenges holistically.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

We must accelerate our collective efforts to fast-track solutions for SDG 7 but also the Paris Agreement and propel Africa to become a clean energy powerhouse.

This requires urgent action in three key areas beyond this Summit.

First, creating the right enabling environment to attract scaled private and public investments through stronger, stable, and more coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.

We are very pleased to see, thank you Ajay, the private sector that is here today and we hope they will accompany us through this very difficult but at the end profitable journey.

This year, every Party to the UN Climate Convention has committed to submit a new economy-wide national climate action plan, that is aligned with the 1.5 degrees world that we need, well before COP 30 in November.

If done right, these climate plans should align with national energy strategies and development priorities – and they would doubling as investment plans to seize the potential of renewables, helping to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure we do not repeat historical patterns of exploitation on this continent.

Second, mobilizing affordable, accessible, and adequate finance.

The chronic underinvestment in renewable energy in Africa, and long-standing structural barriers such as exorbitant capital costs, mean that a continent with the potential to be a renewable powerhouse accounts for less than one percent of global installed solar capacity.

It is why we are calling for an SDG Stimulus to scale up affordable, long-term financing for developing countries, and for the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion” to bridge the climate finance gap by leveraging all sources and by addressing unjust and structural barriers.

Last year’s Pact of the Future sent an unequivocal message — reform of the international finance architecture is urgent and essential to:

And this Pact would have not gotten over the line, if not for the leadership of the African leaders in the United Nations.

It spoke to strengthening the voice and the representation of developing countries;

It spoke to mobilizing far greater levels of financing for the SDGs, and directing that financing to countries most in need;

It spoke to enabling countries to borrow sustainably, and with confidence, to invest in their long-term development;

But it also spoke to provide effective and equal support to countries during systemic shocks.

Finally, multilateralism – our international cooperation- still remains our best hope for delivering solutions at the necessary scale and speed.

And I note to many of us, as I look to the geopolitical challenges that we have today. Multilateralism does not seem like the best offer on the table – but it is.

It is a place that we come to. It is a global townhall for our global village. It is where we have visibility and where we can shine a light on the opportunities. But also, where we can give hope to the millions that look to us – to serve them.

The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting your efforts every step of the way.

Through our UN expertise and presence in the country, we are committed to supporting Mission 300, the African Development Bank and the World Bank. And we are committed to help identify and attract investments, strengthen policy, and secure the support you need to make Mission 300 a success.

Finally, I would like to also commend our Special Representative. It is not often that we have women in leadership positions. Today, we are hosted by a great leader that is a woman.

But we also have the Special Representative of the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who is playing a critical role within the Mission 300.

In this critical countdown to 2030, let us ensure that Mission 300 delivers concrete outcomes towards the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Agenda 2063.

Let us seize this moment to accelerate and to deliver transformative progress. Together, I am sure that Africa can lead the clean energy transition, creating lasting prosperity and resilience for generations to come and actions and aspiration fulfilled today for our women and our youth.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Linda J. Bilmes, Daniel Patrick Moynihan Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Public Finance, Harvard Kennedy School

Howard Lutnick, left, is President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

The U.S. secretary of commerce oversees the smallest but arguably most complex of all Cabinet-level departments.

Established as a distinct entity in 1913, it has evolved into a sprawling organization with 13 bureaus spanning a wide variety of critical areas that include weather forecasting, conducting the census, estimating gross domestic product, managing fisheries, promoting U.S. exports, setting standards for new technology and allocating radio frequency spectrum. It is even home to one of America’s eight uniformed military services, the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps with its own fleet of ships, aircraft and 321 commissioned officers. Its main mission is to monitor oceans, waterways and the atmosphere in support of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

As a result, there is no other Cabinet position that has to engage with lawmakers in Congress across so many disparate technical issues, committees and stakeholders. This medley reflects both the historical evolution of the U.S. economy and a degree of political happenstance.

I served at the Commerce Department in several roles, including as chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration, management and budget, and have watched several administrations attempt to craft an overarching strategic narrative around this diverse set of missions.

Besides the difficult job of formulating a unifying strategy for the department’s many activities, I believe there are three specific challenges in particular that await the next secretary, a position that requires Senate confirmation.

The Commerce Department manages salmon as part of its National Marine Fisheries Service.
AP Photo/Manuel Valdes

Commerce: A sprawling bureauocracy

From its earliest days, the Commerce Department has collected trade statistics, overseen lighthouses and issued patents and trademarks. But since then, its portfolio has expanded significantly.

In 1970, NOAA was placed inside Commerce, partly as a result of a feud between President Richard Nixon and his interior secretary, Wally Hickel, over the Vietnam War. NOAA now accounts for more than half the department’s US$11 billion budget and has created some peculiar departmental overlaps.

As President Barack Obama joked in his 2011 State of the Union speech, “The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in freshwater, but the Commerce Department handles them when they’re in saltwater.”

While the joke wasn’t quite accurate – a division of Commerce manages salmon in both fresh and saltwater, though Interior does restore their habitat – it does reflect some odd situations. For example, when it comes to sea turtles, Interior oversees their nests on shore, whereas Commerce protects them in the open sea.

Due to the department’s broad interests, the commerce secretary has a role in nearly every important issue facing the country.

He or she needs to be a quick study who is able to multitask, respond to congressional inquiries on a myriad of topics, as well as manage a 50,000-strong workforce including economists, scientists, statisticians, meteorologists and other experts.

One example of the caliber of experts Commerce oversees is the National Institute for Standards and Technology, which does cutting-edge research in bioscience, artificial intelligence, materials science and industrial measurement standards. The institute currently has five Nobel laureates in physics and chemistry on its staff and is on the front lines on cybersecurity and national defense.

While it’s unclear how Trump nominee Howard Lutnick plans to unify Commerce’s work, the previous secretary, Gina Raimondo, outlined five strategic goals for her department, including driving U.S. global competitiveness, using data to find new opportunities and modernizing its services and capabilities.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is holding a hearing on Jan. 29, 2025, to consider Lutnick’s nomination.

Challenge No. 1: Another census is just around the corner

The incoming secretary’s biggest challenge will be the decennial census due on April 1, 2030.

The census counts every person living in the U.S. and five U.S. territories. Census data is used to apportion the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and to adjust or redraw electoral districts, as well as to apportion federal funding allotted to each district. Consequently, the census receives huge attention in Congress. It will be an especially hot topic because the data collected in the 2020 census had errors due to the pandemic.

Conducting the census is highly labor intensive and takes many years of planning and preparation, which ramp up now.

The Commerce Department must hire 500,000 temporary workers, open local offices and run large-scale field tests, award billions of dollars in contracts, and work with every state, local, county and tribal government in the country to map where people live. This includes dorms, homeless shelters, nursing homes, prisons, oil rigs, boats, tents, hospitals and mobile homes as well as houses and apartments.

The Census Bureau says it began planning for 2030 as far back as 2019 and is preparing to do a test census in 2026.

Trump administration policies, such as ongoing efforts to round up and deport undocumented migrants, will make it even more challenging to count immigrants and other historically hard-to-reach groups. During his first term, President Donald Trump sought to prevent unauthorized immigrants from being counted at all – but ran out of time.

A NOAA crew on a reconnaissance flight into the eye of Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
Sim Aberson/NOAA via AP

Challenge No. 2: NOAA on the front lines of climate change fight

Second, NOAA is likely to be in the political crosshairs, due to its role as a global leader in studying oceans, climate and coastal ecosystems.

It tracks rising sea levels, ocean acidification and extreme weather events, and forecasts their impact on fisheries, shipping, marine protected areas and habitats. It also runs the National Weather Service and issues severe storm warnings. These and many other NOAA activities are vital to monitoring the pace of climate change and helping Americans adapt.

NOAA’s mission and its budget are sure to be scrutinized by the Trump administration, which has already reversed a variety of policies meant to slow the pace of climate change. Trump himself has called climate change a “hoax.” That and policy proposals that seek to break up or privatize NOAA suggest many of NOAA’s climate-related activities could be under threat.

Challenge No. 3: The patent problem

A third challenge the incoming secretary will face is an ongoing crisis at the Patent and Trademark Office.

Unlike most federal agencies, the Patent and Trademark Office is funded by user fees collected from applicants rather than from tax revenue. This is supposed to make it more efficient and easier to hire staff quickly, but the model is under stress due to a shortage of patent examiners with skills in assessing science, technology, engineering and math applications. The agency currently has a backlog of over 800,000 unexamined patent applications – near an all-time high.

The backlog is likely to continue to grow as artificial intelligence and other state-of-the-art technologies accelerate the discovery cycle, but the slow process of patent approval – two years on average – can throw a wrench in it.

Patents and trademarks are critical to U.S. competitiveness because they reward innovation and discovery and help inventors attract investors.

The Trump administration’s broad federal hiring freeze is likely to worsen the Patent and Trademark Office’s staffing issues, while the back-to-office mandate may make it harder to recruit patent examiners, who often work remotely.

On top of this, Elon Musk, whose companies hold large numbers of patents and who already holds tremendous sway in the Trump administration, says “patents are for the weak” and compared them with landmines in warfare. “They don’t actually help advance things,” he said. “They just stop others from following you.”

In addition to these three areas, Commerce’s roles in international trade, telecommunications, industrial security and other matters could also become epicenters of any global crisis.

This all adds up to an uncomfortable mix of political and operational challenges for the next secretary.

This story is part of a series of profiles explaining Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

Linda J. Bilmes is affiliated with the Harvard Kennedy School. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Commerce from 1997-1998 and as CFO and Assistant Secretary for Management, Budget and Administration from 1999-2001.

– ref. Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary – https://theconversation.com/commerce-oversees-everything-from-weather-and-salmon-to-trade-and-census-here-are-3-challenges-awaiting-new-secretary-248087

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Children killed in Darfur hospital attack, date set for US climate pact withdrawal, WHO leads call to fight neglected diseases

Source: United Nations 4

28 January 2025 Peace and Security

At least one girl and three boys were killed, and three boys injured, during an attack on the Saudi Hospital in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, North Darfur, on Friday.

The children were among the patients being treated in the hospital’s emergency ward for injuries from previous bombings in the area, said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

“This heinous attack is a blatant violation of children’s rights. Children are being killed and injured in the very places where they should be safest from harm,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“Such attacks exacerbate the dire situation for children and families who are trapped in areas affected by conflict, insecurity, and lack of protection.”

70 per cent of hospitals out of action

In Sudan, over 70 per cent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are currently non-operational due to damage, destruction, lack of supplies, or being used as shelters.

The delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and routine immunisation has been hindered by ongoing security concerns and lack of access, worsening the humanitarian crisis and putting countless lives, especially those of children, at significant risk.

Under International Humanitarian Law, hospitals enjoy special protection and must not be targeted. Attacks on them undermine the essential care and relief the facilities provide to civilians, including children. All parties to the conflict have an obligation to ensure the protection of civilians, including children, and refrain from any actions that could impede access to life-saving medical services.

“Continued attacks on health facilities endanger children’s lives and restrict their access to lifesaving medical care, which can have immediate and long-term impacts on their health,” said Ms. Russell. “The violence must end now. Children in Sudan cannot wait any longer.”

US with pull out of Paris Agreement 27 January next year

The United States has officially notified the Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, effective 27 January 2026, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

The historic accord reached by 193 countries in December 2015 in a bid to keep temperature rises to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, was signed by the US on 22 April 2016.

During the first Trump administration the US withdrew from the Agreement effective 4 November 2020, before his successor took the country back into the accord on 19 February 2021.

Fight continues against global warming

The UN Spokesperson said the latest withdrawal would not lead to any slowdown in the UN’s efforts to combat climate change.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the Paris Agreement and to support all effective efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” said Mr. Dujarric.

The international community continues to work towards the goals set by the Agreement, despite the US’s decision to withdraw.

UN health agency leads call to fight neglected disease scourge

Health news now, and an appeal from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) for concerted action to tackle neglected tropical diseases, which impact more than one billion people – often with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

Every year, around 800 to 900 million people are treated for at least one neglected tropical disease, according to the UN health agency, which warned that global warming has emerged as a threat in this field of medicine.

Long list

The list of tropical diseases is a long one and includes Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue, chikungunya and dracunculiasis. They tend to thrive among vulnerable people who live in poverty and are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

Progress in tackling these diseases remains hampered by a lack of investment and conflict, the WHO said, ahead of World Neglected Tropical Disease Day on Thursday.

Today, 54 countries have successfully eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease; WHO’s goal is for 100 countries to do the same by 2030.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Flooding and natural disasters in Rhodes and Lemnos – P-002710/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The whole EU territory is susceptible to climate change impacts[1]. As the first European Climate Risk Assessment underlined, risk ownership is shared across the EU, Member States, sub-national and private sector actors, along with the means and responsibility of acting on them. The Commission will continue to contribute to making Europe more climate resilient[2],[3], among others with a new EU Adaptation Plan.

Adaptation measures that meet the relevant criteria are eligible for the 30% budget of the EU funds set aside for climate, including the Cohesion fund[4], Next Generation EU[5], the European Regional Development Fund[6], the Common Agriculture Policy[7] and LIFE[8]. Greece is already receiving substantial funding to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks[9].

The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[10] may cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities. Private damage is not eligible.

It can only be activated at the request of a Member State which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.

Greece requested EUSF assistance for the storm ‘Daniel’ disaster in November 2023. The Commission determined Greece’s application eligible for support and paid out EUR 101 million in 2024.

Greece has not submitted an EUSF application due to the flooding of Rhodes and Lemnos at the end of November 2024.

The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation subprogramme of the LIFE Programme[11] follows a bottom-up approach tailored to local needs and can also offer room for special attention to islands’ needs related to climate change.

[1] European Environment Agency, European Climate Risk Assessment, 2024.

[2] EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, COM(2021) 82 final.

[3] COM(2024) 91 final.

[4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/cohesion-fund/

[5] https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en

[6] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/

[7] https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_en

[8] LIFE, https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en

[9] Under Greece’s 2021-2027 Partnership Agreement for Regional Development (ESPA), over EUR 726 million in public funding is allocated to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks.

[10] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012

[11] Budget of EUR 947 million for the period 2021-2027.
Last updated: 28 January 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: The Canada-Poland Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

Canada and Poland’s relationship is steadfast, from our mutual commitment to transatlantic and energy security to our common pursuit of a more sustainable planet. Together, we stand united and determined to create a safer and more prosperous world today – and for generations to come.

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, concluded his trip to Warsaw, Poland, where he signed the landmark Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement alongside the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.

Once in force, the Agreement will deepen ties between Canadian and Polish energy sectors, enabling Canadian companies to apply their nuclear expertise to support Poland’s energy transition and enhance energy security for Poland and the region. It will create good well-paying jobs and opportunities for people on both sides of the Atlantic, while reinforcing Canada and Poland’s shared commitment to nuclear co-operation, non-proliferation, safety, and security. This collaboration will help Poland enhance its clean energy sector and accelerate its efforts to phase out coal from its energy mix.

This Agreement complements other initiatives to strengthen Canada and Poland’s bilateral relationship, including the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), which was signed earlier this month. Once implemented, the GSOIA will enhance information sharing between Canada and Poland and create business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, and nuclear.

Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with his Polish counterparts, including Prime Minister Tusk, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski. As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, they agreed on the importance of combatting antisemitism and hate across the globe.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to transatlantic security and underlined the importance of providing military, financial, humanitarian, and other support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that supporting Ukraine will continue to be a priority for Canada, particularly in the context of its 2025 G7 Presidency.

Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his thanks to the people of Poland for their hospitality during his two-day visit to the country and reaffirmed Canada’s desire to continue deepening ties with Poland in the years to come.

Quote

“By working together to advance nuclear technology, Canada and Poland are pushing innovation forward and accelerating energy security. Once in force, the newly signed Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement will promote Canadian innovators, create good-paying jobs, and combine Polish and Canadian expertise in the sector. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to building a more secure future, alongside our closest Allies.”

Quick Facts
- In 2023, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the National Atomic Energy Agency of Poland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on small modular reactors (SMR), paving the way for increased exchanges on best practices and technical reviews related to SMR technology.
- Poland does not yet generate nuclear power commercially, but it has comprehensive plans to use both large-scale and SMR nuclear technology.
- Canada expects to be the first G7 country to have the first operational SMR, the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300, by 2029. It is under active development by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington Nuclear Station, and Poland is watching developments at Darlington closely, as it plans to deploy the same SMR technology shortly thereafter.
- In 2023, on the margins of the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Poland, and over twenty other nations endorsed a statement calling for the tripling of nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
- Yesterday in Kraków, Poland, the Prime Minister announced $3.4 million in new funding to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion in Canada and around the world.
- Canada and Poland enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership. Canada takes pride in being the first NATO country to have ratified Poland’s membership, in 1998. Polish troops are deployed to the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
- Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled $4.1 billion.
- The warm ties between our peoples serve as the foundation of our countries’ strong bilateral relationship. Close to one million Canadians of Polish descent call Canada home.
Associated Links

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Veganuary momentum fades as participants struggle to maintain meat-free options beyond January Academics at the University of Aberdeen have compared attitudes and knowledge around sustainable eating – and willingness to reduce the amount of meat consumed – over a 10-year period. They found that although initiatives like ‘Veganuary’ were helpful in introducing people to alternative diets, this was not sustained in most of…

Source: University of Aberdeen

Academics at the University of Aberdeen have compared attitudes and knowledge around sustainable eating – and willingness to reduce the amount of meat consumed – over a 10-year period.
They found that although initiatives like ‘Veganuary’ were helpful in introducing people to alternative diets, this was not sustained in most of those questioned.
Overall awareness about the need for sustainable diets has improved since ‘Veganuary’ was introduced in 2013, but the same barriers to sticking to them persist, the researchers at the Rowett Institute found.
And now they are stepping up efforts to understand why by recruiting volunteers willing to go meat-free a few days a week to take part in a detailed study.
The report – titled Still Eating Like There’s No Tomorrow – is based on analysis of similar populations to those the team spoke to in 2013 to establish what, if anything, has changed in the last decade.
They reported in 2023/14 that resistance to the idea of reducing personal meat consumption was common across all sociodemographic groups, with meat being seen as pleasurable, social, and traditional.
The results from the current study suggest participants had a greater willingness to reduce meat consumption a decade on but that there is disparity in attitudes between socioeconomic groups, with those in areas of high deprivation less willing to reduce meat consumption.
Emily Cleland, the lead author of the study undertaken by a team from the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen said: “Many of the barriers described towards reducing meat consumption have not changed over the decade between studies.
“This is important because of the urgent need to change diets to meet the targets set by the Climate Change Committee, which advises the UK and devolved governments.
“With just over five years to go until the Climate Change Committee’s interim targets for a 20% reduction in meat consumption, it is vital to take stock of progress and identify barriers and enablers, which is the aim of this study.”
Participants reported that campaigns such as ‘Veganuary’ were successful in reducing their meat consumption for a time-limited period but the ability to continue a meat-free dietary pattern throughout the rest of the year was questioned. Other initiatives such as ‘Meat free Mondays’ were deemed more attainable in terms of enjoyment and health, and having environmental benefit.
“Our study shows that resistance to dietary change persists due to scepticism about how this would benefit the climate, cost concerns and the sensory appeal of meat,” she added.
“The greater availability of plant-based alternatives to meat and campaigns such as ‘Meat-free Mondays’ show promising opportunities for change, but we require tailored interventions to overcome entrenched cultural and economic barriers.
“It is therefore necessary to acknowledge the differing experiences and perceived barriers and facilitators from different groups to create interventions that address specific obstacles, making it easier for individuals to adopt more sustainable dietary practices and ultimately contribute to achieving environmental and public health goals.”
The new study – led by report co-authors Dr David McBey and Dr Ben McCormick – is looking for anyone willing to reduce their meat consumption for three months.
They will be asked to keep food diaries, fill in questionnaires and be interviewed about their eating habits during the trial period.
Dr McBey says: “Eating less meat is important to help the planet and save resources, but it can be hard because of habits, traditions, or not having other options. Our study wants to find out what makes it tricky for people, so we can help them make changes more easily.”
To sign up go to: Screening Questionnaire or contact lessmeat@abdn.ac.uk for more details.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wednesday weather update28 January 2025 Jersey Met is forecasting persistent rain from around 9am tomorrow, Wednesday 29 January 2025, until around 7am on Thursday 30 January 2025, which could cause localised flooding around the Island. As… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

28 January 2025

Jersey Met is forecasting persistent rain from around 9am tomorrow, Wednesday 29 January 2025, until around 7am on Thursday 30 January 2025, which could cause localised flooding around the Island.

As a precaution the Infrastructure and Environment department has been clearing drains and raising the level of preparedness.

Advice to Islanders on how to prepare can be found via: Flooding: how to prepare, cope and clean up (gov.je).

Stay up to date with weather forecasts at: gov.je/weather.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General Tells Africa Energy Summit Policy Coherence, Finance, Transparent Cooperation Key to ‘Illuminate the Lives of Millions’

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks to the panel on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy” at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, in Dar es Salaam today:

I want to start by thanking the Government of Tanzania and the African Union for its leadership, and the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Mission 300 partners for convening this summit.

Mission 300 has undertaken an enormous task: to help close the energy access gap and unlock sustainable development across the continent by delivering electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. As we have heard, we face a stark reality: 685 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, with the gap widening as population growth outpaces new electricity connections.

And yet, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources vital for renewable energy technologies: it is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources and possesses vast wind, hydro and geothermal potential. And critical minerals mined in Africa are powering the renewables revolution around the world.

Despite this abundance, and record global investments in renewable energies worldwide, Africa continues to be left behind and many Africans continue to lack access to clean, affordable energy. This injustice must be urgently resolved. Access to electricity is an essential development requirement, one that can also be the multiplier for acceleration in building a sustainable future for all.

Providing clean energy to local communities represents a unique opportunity to improve health, widen access to education and social protection, make food systems resilient and create green jobs, e-commerce and financial services, while at the same time protecting the environment and biodiversity.

We have heard our distinguished speakers discuss why companies and Governments should get involved. The business case is clear: the falling costs of renewables and storage offer a great opportunity to deliver access to energy, energy security and sovereignty and climate resilience.

With the new African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming at a trade zone without barriers to the transfer of goods and services, the business opportunities will further multiply if the right policy environments — coherent and predictable — are put in place.

As we move into discussing what policies and reforms for transforming African energy can enable millions to access energy, I would like to focus on three areas of urgent attention for policymakers.

First, fostering policy coherence. We are five years away from the target of our SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], and we are not on track. Policymakers and the international institutions need to strive to ensure sector-wide plans are coherent and aligned with the achievement of the SDGs due in 2030, while investors need robust regulatory laws in place to ensure business can operate aligned with them.

At this Summit, Mission 300 target countries are presenting their first national energy strategies for achieving universal energy access. These strategies need to be part of a broader plan, one that — while achieving universal energy access — needs to be aligned with the new economy-wide national climate action plans, or NDCs, consistent with 1.5°C, well before COP 30 [the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference] in November.

NDCs represent a unique opportunity for all countries to align their new climate plans and energy strategies, together with addressing adaptation needs. NDCs must coordinate the transition from fossil fuels with scaling of renewables and grid modernization and expansion, ensuring energy security and affordability. And they must be anchored in justice — providing support for affected workers and communities.

If done right, climate plans align with national development priorities and double as investment plans — becoming blueprints for a more sustainable and prosperous future. The Secretary-General’s panel on critical energy transition minerals offers important principles and actionable recommendations to ensure this new era does not repeat historical patterns of exploitation. SEforALL [Sustainable Energy for All], UN Resident Coordinators and country teams will continue to support country-level policy reforms, integrate stakeholder innovations, build institutional capacities and boost infrastructure investments across the entire clean-energy supply chain.

Second, mobilizing finance and support. While private-sector investments and innovation are important, public financing remains vital — especially in modernizing grid infrastructure to expand access and integrate renewables. Blending concessional public funds with commercial funds can help multiply renewable-energy investments in developing countries. We must work to strengthen the health of Africa’s public finances and tackle unsustainable debt burdens that are crowding out essential public investments.

The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, that will take place in July to underpin the needs for long-term concessional finance, and the 1.3 trillion roadmap, agreed in Baku, that needs to be delivered by COP 30 in Brazil, must provide investments to scale up, among others, the energy transition.

Third, enhancing transparent international cooperation. International investments and cross-border partnerships hold the key to delivering electricity projects at a massive scale. Institutions must be strengthened to operate in complex regulatory environments, with multiple actors across jurisdictions.

Public-private partnerships need to be subject to stable and transparent public procurement rules throughout the whole project cycle — rules that prioritize long-term sustainability and allow for mutually beneficial contractual relationships. Transparency and accountability should be a hallmark of Mission 300 and set a new standard for cooperation across the continent.

As we start the five-year countdown to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, and mark the ten-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, let us work together to illuminate the lives of millions, power the industries of tomorrow and ensure that no one is left behind in the race to deliver universal clean energy, climate resilience and economic prosperity.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cramer to Chair Senate EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Click here for audio. Click here for video.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee announced U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) will serve as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. Cramer previously served as Ranking Member of the subcommittee from 2021 to 2024.
The T&I Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects and management, public buildings, and regional economic development. During Cramer’s tenure on EPW, the committee has debated and unanimously passed the most substantive highway bill in history and three consecutive Water Resource Development Acts, all of which were signed into law.
“The T&I Subcommittee is one of the few places left in Congress where bipartisanship and regular order are the norm, and why not? Americans expect and they understand their roads, bridges, waterways, and efficient interstate commerce is both a federal responsibility and a priority,” said Cramer. “My goal on the committee is to improve the nation’s infrastructure by getting the next highway bill and the Water Resources Development Act done on time and, at the same time, right-sizing this bloated federal real estate portfolio that we have. We have a lot to do and I’m look forward to working with Chairman Capito, and Ranking Member Whitehouse, and my colleagues on the committee, and of course the Trump administration to get the job done.”
Cramer will serve on the Senate Environment and Public Works Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety Subcommittee as well as the Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee.
More information can be found here and on the EPW website.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025