Four wind farms nestled in the mountains of northern Greece have become prominent landmarks in the area. These wind farms are part of the Thrace Wind Power Project, led by China Energy Guohua Investment Europe Renewable Energy S.A..
Since commencing operations in 2019, the project has generated approximately 160 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying power to more than 30,000 households in Greece.
Speaking ahead of the International Day of Clean Energy, the company’s deputy general manager, Wu Bate, told Xinhua that the Thrace Wind Power Project was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between China and Greece under the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.
As China’s first wind power investment in Greece, the project comprises four wind farms equipped with 34 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 78.2 megawatts.
“The project reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 150,000 tons annually and saves 53,000 tons of standard coal, equivalent to planting 360,000 trees,” Wu said. “It has played a pivotal role in supporting Greece’s energy transition.”
In recent years, Greece has accelerated its shift toward renewable energy. According to the Greek government’s revised National Energy and Climate Plan, renewable energy is projected to account for 75 percent of electricity generation by 2030, increasing further to 95 percent by 2035. Data from the Hellenic Wind Energy Association shows that wind power contributed 23.5 percent of Greece’s total electricity generation in 2023.
“The cooperation between Greece and China on renewable energy has been remarkable,” said Konstantinos Loukidis, the company’s development manager.
“Developing renewable energy projects not only optimizes Greece’s energy mix and enhances energy independence, but also attracts investment, fosters innovation, creates jobs, and drives economic growth,” he added.
Currently, Chinese companies are actively participating in investment and construction in Greece’s renewable energy sector.
Wu Bate highlighted the significant potential for further cooperation between China and Greece in the renewable energy sector.
“In the future, both sides will build upon this platform to deepen collaboration in areas such as wind power and photovoltaics, achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes while injecting powerful momentum into the global green transition,” the deputy general manager said.
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax to discuss President Trump’s visit to North Carolina to meet with victims of Hurricane Helene. Due to the Biden Administration’s botched response by FEMA, victims of the hurricane are still struggling to rebuild three months later and have received little assistance from the federal government.
Senator Marshall discussed President Trump as a compassionate leader and emphasized the difference between his and President Biden’s response to the hurricane. He additionally shared his support for President Trump’s proposition to disband FEMA to cut away red tape for disaster relief.
[embedded content]
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On President Trump visiting victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina:
“What a big contrast between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Here you have a President that’s hands-on, and, like you said, you’re seeing the compassionate side of Donald Trump, and not only his compassionate side, but he’s going to hold people accountable.”
“Has it been three months, I think, since that hurricane? And still people there without proper housing and water as well. So this is the Donald Trump that I know – you’re not going to see it on the legacy media, but he’s one of the most compassionate people I have ever met in my life.”
On President Trump potentially disbanding FEMA following its failure to help victims of Hurricane Helene:
“Certainly this is what a businessman would do – when you have a situation, a business that’s just upside down, it’s not going to work, and all the king’s men will not be able to put this back together. So oftentimes we would just start over.”
“I do think we could take all that money and somehow just pour it into the local levels… certainly the federal government has failed us. Let’s start over. I’m ready to consider anything at this time.”
We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.
November 1, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.
Today, through several new announcements and initiatives, we demonstrate our resolve to deepen cooperation to reinforce global stability in the face of interconnected challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this, Canada and the ROK are stronger together.
Partners for global stability
We condemn in the strongest possible terms North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including the provision of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles to support Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression in Ukraine. We are gravely concerned that large numbers of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, which is a significant escalation with dangerous implications for security and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. We are closely monitoring what Russia provides North Korea in return for weapons and military personnel, including Russia’s possible provision of sensitive technology to advance North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. We call on North Korea and Russia to immediately cease these unlawful and destabilizing activities and to withdraw North Korean troops from Russia. Recognizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly interconnected, we commit to actively pursuing further measures together with the international community.
We call on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately, completely, and unconditionally from all Ukrainian territory to its internationally recognized borders; we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We express our deep concern with any nation’s efforts to support Russia’s war economy, such as through the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, which enable Russia to prolong and sustain its illegal war in Ukraine.
We condemn North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, and continued missile launches, including its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on October 31 (local time), which threatens peace and stability in the region and across the globe, are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and international law. It only demonstrates that North Korea continues to prioritize its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people, and we call on North Korea to cease its destabilizing actions. We reaffirm that any further nuclear test by North Korea would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community. We continue to call for the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s WMDs. The ROK reiterated the goals of its Audacious Initiative and ‘August 15 Unification Doctrine’ and
Canada expressed strong support for the ROK’s efforts to achieve a denuclearized, free, peaceful, prosperous, and unified Korean Peninsula.
Both countries remain committed to multilateral sanctions evasion monitoring efforts and Canada will continue to provide assets via the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operation NEON.
We were pleased to join other participating countries last month in launching the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT). We reaffirm the goal of assisting all UN Member States in implementing UN sanctions on North Korea by publishing information on sanctions violations and evasion attempts.
We highlight the valuable contributions of the United Nations Command (UNC) to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The ROK commends Canada for its unwavering support of the UNC since its inception, and Canada’s current leadership role within the UNC through its provision of its Deputy Commander. The co-hosting of the UNC Ministerial together this year is a symbol of our powerful ties and shared priorities in the areas of security and defence, and we will continue to collaborate closely to strengthen cooperation among the ROK, UNC and its Member States.
The ROK and Canada are committed to working together to actively promote and protect human rights in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, including within North Korea and to seeking accountability for human rights violations.
We reiterate that the situation of human rights in North Korea is intrinsically linked to international peace and security, and we call on North Korea to engage fully and constructively with the international community, including during its upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. We also look forward to the next iteration of the Canada-ROK North Korean Human Rights Dialogue.
Canada and the ROK affirm our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We continue to advocate for peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity.
Canada and the ROK express their support for the global maritime order based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We express concern about developments in the South China Sea, and emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in and above the South China Sea , consistent with UNCLOS.
Canada appreciates the ROK’s participation in the Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway in Montreal on October 31st, demonstrating our joint resolve to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Canada and the ROK will continue to discuss ways to jointly support Ukraine’s Peace Formula, while providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.
Indo-Pacific partners
Canada and the ROK acknowledge the Indo-Pacific region’s pivotal role in shaping global geopolitical and economic relations in the 21st century, with long-term implications for our shared prosperity and security. Canada and the ROK share a common vision for the region to be more secure, free, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable.
In this context, we congratulate the organizers of the successful Canada-Korea Forum held on October 24-26, 2024 in Montreal, and the Korean Peninsula Symposium on October 23, 2024, co-organized with the Embassies of Japan, and the United States.
To deepen and implement bilateral collaboration in the region, we announce today the launch of the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joining action on shared regional priorities.
We also look forward to the Indo-Pacific High-Level Forum, co-hosted by the ROK and Australia, in Seoul on December 13, as we recognize the importance of cooperation with the broader community of Indo-Pacific partners.
In 2025, we look forward to Canada’s G7 Presidency and the ROK’s hosting of APEC. We further elaborated today how our two countries will establish synergies and use our leadership for cooperation on regional and global challenges. Canada looks forward to working with the ROK on advancing G7 priorities as relevant, including building economies that benefit everyone, fighting climate change, and managing rapidly evolving technologies. Furthermore, the ROK and Canada look forward to working together for a productive APEC in 2025.
As actively engaged global partners, we will deepen our collective engagement with ASEAN, leveraging the ROK-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, while reaffirming our commitment to the principle of ASEAN Centrality.
Partners in security and defence
Canada and the ROK are committed to deepening partnerships in security and advancing shared defence priorities through bilateral and multilateral initiatives. Canada and the ROK will strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.
We are committed to jointly delivering and collaborating on Women, Peace and Security, so that women have full, meaningful and equal participation in defence and security, peace operations and peace negotiations. As we seek to enhance women’s participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict state building, Canada and the ROK will leverage the ROK’s 2024-2025 UNSC seat to jointly advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda globally as well as in the Indo-Pacific region.
We will continue to cooperate on maritime safety, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including through detecting dark vessels and joint patrols under Operation North Pacific Guard. We will also continue to explore ways of addressing maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific through enhanced maritime domain awareness and relevant instruments such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
We will further utilize the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation to share technical information, discuss defence equipment and technology issues of mutual interest, and identify opportunities for bilateral defence materiel cooperation, and hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel) in Canada in 2025.
We agree to expand our work within the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Research and Development, to encourage collaboration between respective defence research and development organizations.
Canada welcomes the contribution of the ROK as a NATO partner and commits to working with the ROK to advance its Individually Tailored Partnership Programme. Canada further welcomes the ROK’s recent participation at the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels.
Addressing non-traditional security challenges
We recognize that climate change is the defining challenge of our time and a threat multiplier that impacts our collective security, including within the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic areas, and we affirm our strong support for NATO’s Climate Change and Security Agenda.
We acknowledge that our democratic values, institutions and processes, and our citizens’ fundamental freedoms, are increasingly vulnerable to hybrid and digital threats, such as foreign interference and disinformation, and we will continue to expand our cooperative efforts to combat these threats.
We are committed to addressing threats and seizing opportunities linked to cybersecurity and emerging technologies, including threats to the rule of law, democracy, and critical infrastructure. We are pleased to announce today that we will hold Canada-Korea Cyber Policy Consultations to exchange information on each other’s policies, strategies and capabilities. Canada is also pleased to note the ROK’s fruitful engagement with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallin, Estonia, of which Canada is also a member.
We recognize the importance of the responsible use of artificial intelligence, including in the military domain. Canada commends the ROK for hosting several high-level international gatherings on AI to advance discussions on global AI governance, including the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military domain (REAIM) Summit in September 2024, in Seoul. We strongly support the Seoul Declaration for safe, innovative, and inclusive AI and the principles for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military domain articulated in the REAIM Blueprint for Action.
The relationship between our two nations dates back centuries; reinforced by our countries’ collective efforts to defend peace and security on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War. We commit to meeting in this format on a biennial basis and look forward to the next iteration of this Ministerial in 2026, where we will reflect on and examine how we may further build upon the achievements stemming from today’s discussion.
Annex – announcements
Today, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea announced that our countries have agreed to:
Hold this Ministerial on a biennial basis and look forward to its next iteration in 2026 to follow-up on the achievements of today’s discussion.
Launch the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joint action on shared regional priorities, including in the North Pacific.
Advance bilateral diplomatic intelligence cooperation and analytic exchanges between our respective foreign ministries.
Expedite the negotiations to finalize the Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military/Defence Information.
Explore measures to facilitate and deepen military operational cooperation.
Strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.
Hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel), hosted by Canada in 2025 under the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation, and continue to identify and expand opportunities for defence cooperation.
Hold Canada-Korea bilateral Cyber Policy Consultations.
Participants pose for a group photo during the sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue in Paris, France, on Oct. 28, 2024. The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue was held in Paris on Oct. 28-29. Organized by the European Climate Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the dialogue has drawn over 20 high-level officials from signatory countries. (the European Climate Foundation/Handout via Xinhua)
The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue was held in Paris on Oct. 28-29, where global leaders and stakeholders gathered to review both the significant progress and ongoing challenges faced by the international community in addressing climate-related crises since the Paris Agreement’s enactment.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Xie Zhenhua, former China’s special envoy for climate change, and Laurence Tubiana, former France’s climate change ambassador and special representative for COP21.
Organized by the European Climate Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the dialogue has drawn over 20 high-level officials from signatory countries.
Among the attendees are Laurent Fabius, president of the French Constitutional Council and former French prime minister, John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State, Teresa Ribera, European Commission’s first executive vice-president, Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, former Brazilian minister of External Relations, Catherine McKenna, former Canadian minister of environment and climate change, Selwin Hart, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of the Climate Action Team, and Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change.
As next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, participants reached a consensus on the need for all countries to embody the spirit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) amid the current complex global challenges.
They also emphasized a strong commitment to defending and upholding multilateralism, advancing the global process for climate action, and adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
The attendees also agreed that countries must continue advancing climate actions under the framework of the Paris Agreement, adopt faster and larger-scale international cooperation to ensure the timely achievement of global climate goals, and accelerate the global transition toward green, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development.
The participants also held in-depth discussions on various climate-related issues, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, energy transition, and technological innovation.
They all agreed to further strengthen the role of the “Friends of the Paris Agreement,” supporting and advancing the success of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29) and laying the foundation for next year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) in line with the goals and principles established by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
The Friends of the Paris Agreement High-level Dialogue was initiated in 2019. It is hosted annually on a rotating basis by the European Climate Foundation and the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University.
The dialogue, gathering high-level representatives who have played key roles in the formulation and implementation of the Paris Agreement, serves as a platform for them to provide recommendations to the United Nations, the host countries of the Climate Conference and the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, to promote the multilateral process.
President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee 2024-11-01
On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). In remarks, President Lai thanked Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation and said that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. The president expressed his hope that we can work together to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia, and that by strengthening cooperation with European Union member states across many areas, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism, thereby safeguarding global peace, stability, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I extend a warm welcome to our good friends from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. This is Chairman Marko Mihkelson’s second visit to Taiwan. He visited last August with a delegation of parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairs from the Baltic states. Members of the Riigikogu Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas are also visiting again, having been part of a delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga in March. Your presence here demonstrates that Taiwan-Estonia relations are growing closer. I believe that with your support and assistance, our alliance, based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, and our economic and trade partnership are sure to grow even stronger. For this, I express my sincere gratitude. The international landscape and geopolitical environment are changing rapidly. Expanding authoritarianism is challenging the universal values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order. At this critical juncture, it is even more imperative that like-minded nations unite and work together to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity. In addition to strengthening cooperation with other nations to defend the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwan has actively sought inclusion in such international organizations and mechanisms as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than just a matter of the fundamental human rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, it demonstrates that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. I want to take this opportunity to thank Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. In particular, Health Minister Riina Sikkut once again spoke out for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement at this year’s World Health Assembly. We sincerely appreciate Estonia for holding Taiwan in such high regard and for taking this stand. I would also like to congratulate former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This attests to the crucial role that Estonia plays in uniting the strengths of the EU and like-minded nations around the world. Looking ahead, we hope that, with your assistance, we will continue to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia. And by strengthening cooperation with EU member states in such areas as the economy, trade, and security, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. In closing, I wish you a smooth and productive visit. Chairman Mihkelson then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to lead the first-ever delegation from the Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan. Mentioning that yesterday they had witnessed Typhoon Kong-rey, he said that not even typhoons can break the very good relations between Estonia and Taiwan. Chairman Mihkelson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Lai today and discuss very important topics, such as how to improve relations between our nations. Noting that we are living in a very turbulent world, he said that Taiwan and Estonia are like-minded nations whose relations have changed dramatically in a very positive direction from several years ago to today. The chairman observed that we have had numerous reciprocal visits and expressed his hope that one day we can mutually establish representative offices between Taiwan and Estonia. Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Taiwan and Estonia are strong democracies, and that we see today both in East Asia and also in Europe that democracies are under attack. In Estonia and Europe, he said, they are worried about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He said that the aim of both Russia and its supporters is not only Ukraine, but also to change the world order. And the recent news that North Korean troops are to participate in the aggression against Ukraine, he added, makes this conflict global. Chairman Mihkelson stated that the reason they are here, besides strengthening our bilateral relations, is to find ways democracies can together support Ukraine, because the outcome of this war is similarly important for their own security as well as for Taiwan’s security. He said that Estonia lost its freedom for 50 years and that ever since it regained independence in 1991, there has been a very strong political consensus, but also support within society, that Estonia should never be alone again when it comes to its security and international relations. This is why, he explained, they are seeking very good partnerships with like-minded countries like Taiwan. In closing, Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that we should do whatever it takes in our cooperation as democracies to never be challenged by autocracies. He then once again expressed his thanks for hosting them here today. The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Deputy Chair of the Anti-Corruption Select Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross.
China will collaborate with other Global South countries at an upcoming conference to push for a new, ambitious climate financing goal from developed nations that can adequately support climate actions in developing countries.
Formerly known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29 is slated to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22.
Xia Yingxian, director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Department of Climate Change, made the remarks at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office in Beijing on Friday.
Emphasizing the critical need to adhere to the objectives and principles outlined in the Convention and the Paris Agreement, Xia expressed China’s aspirations for COP29 to send a resoundingly positive message that the global climate multilateral process is irreversible and that international cooperation is absolutely essential.
He highlighted that the UN assembly must enhance the efficacy of global endeavors in combating the climate crisis, offer sustained momentum for worldwide green, low-carbon transitions and innovations, and buttress climate resilience.
Xia especially underscored the pivotal importance of a specific climate financing target from developed countries for developing nations to achieve a successful COP29.
A key task for the UN climate gathering is to establish a New Collective Quantified Goal on climate financing, which represents a post-2025 climate financing commitment from developed economies to developing nations.
In 2009, developed countries pledged to deliver $100 billion per year in international climate funding by 2020. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change extended the target, requiring contributing nations to maintain the annual contribution through 2025. But the promise has not yet been fully materialized.
Xia said parties should adhere to the authorization of Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This means that developed countries must fulfill their funding obligations and continue to lead in mobilizing funds, rather than renegotiate or rewrite relevant arrangements, he said.
Article 9 stipulates that “developed country parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention”.
The official stressed a specific target number from developed nations as “golden key” and “master switch” to ensure fruitful outcomes from COP29. He stated that the conference must ensure that the level of support from developed countries aligns with the level of action taken by developing countries.
Continuously aligning with fellow developing nations, China will press developed countries to meet their financial commitments and devise innovative and substantial financial assistance to adequately support climate initiatives in developing countries, he said.
“China is willing to work together with all parties to make efforts for the success of COP29,” Xia said.
People walk across a street in the rain in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 1, 2024. The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for the Typhoon Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua] Authorities in east China’s Zhejiang province had evacuated 282,000 people by Friday morning ahead of the Typhoon Kong-rey, which will bring strong winds, heavy rain and heightened flood risks to the region. Over 10,600 emergency shelters have been opened across the province, providing meals and drinking water to those relocated. The large-scale evacuation comes as Kong-rey nears the eastern coast of the Chinese mainland. All 152 passenger ferry routes in Zhejiang, involving 347 vessels, have been suspended, while 136 water-related construction projects have been paused, and 675 construction vessels moved to sheltered areas. Zhejiang’s agricultural sector is also taking preventative action to minimize potential losses, such as clearing drainage channels, reinforcing greenhouses and harvesting vegetables and seasonal fruits ahead of the storm. Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung at around 1:40 p.m. Thursday. By 10 a.m. Friday, its center was located in the sea area about 160 kilometers southwest of Wenling, Zhejiang, moving northeast at around 30 kilometers per hour. Kong-rey may either make landfall along Zhejiang’s coast or pass closely offshore, according to the Zhejiang meteorological authority. Yan Xiaofan, an official with Zhejiang’s emergency management department, said that the typhoon had already brought heavier-than-expected rainfall to the province, regardless of whether it makes a second landfall. Zhejiang has recorded an average of 70.7 millimeters of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with strong gales impacting central and southern coastal areas. Tong Huabin, another official from the department, cautioned that authorities are on high alert for flash floods, landslides and urban flooding. The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. Parts of Jiangsu and Shanghai could experience downpours of 100 to 120 millimeters. The Chinese mainland has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Pedestrians are seen in the rain in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] With one powerful autumn typhoon having affected a Chinese province and another one bearing down on the mainland, concerns have mounted over the potential disasters from heavy rainfall that such storms can bring to vulnerable areas on the southern and southeastern coasts. Authorities have been ramping up preparations to address the heightened risk of flooding and other weather-related hazards in such areas. The remnants of Typhoon Trami, coupled with a cold front, have triggered extensive flooding in Qionghai, Hainan province. All 13 towns in the city have been inundated to varying degrees, with the Wanquan River basin submerging 183 villages. Responding to the crisis, Qionghai has mobilized a fleet of 43 motorboats, 30 inflatable boats and over 200 vehicles, and has requested helicopter assistance for supply transport and rescue operations. By Wednesday evening, authorities had evacuated 17,198 residents. Rainfall had decreased by Wednesday night, and water levels in the Wanquan River are gradually receding. The Hainan disaster reduction commission terminated its flood and wind emergency response on Thursday at 5 pm. However, forecasts predict another deluge from Sunday to Tuesday as southeasterly airflow collides with a cold front. Elsewhere, in anticipation of Typhoon Kong-rey’s approach, China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has initiated a Level-IV emergency response in Zhejiang province. China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of the year, made landfall in Taiwan’s Taitung at around 1:40 pm on Thursday, leading to the closure of schools and offices in 22 counties and cities across the island. By Thursday morning, 527 flights were suspended, eight were delayed and 139 ferries operating on 11 routes were canceled. Taiwan authorities said Kong-rey was the strongest typhoon to make landfall on the island in nearly a decade. The storm is forecast to track north-northeast, with winds expected to peak at 184 kilometers per hour. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in Shanghai and the provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, with Zhejiang preparing for a significant impact. As the typhoon nears eastern China, railway authorities in the Yangtze River Delta Region have suspended multiple train services, particularly affecting high-speed rail lines such as the Hangzhou-Shenzhen, Shanghai-Kunming, Hangzhou-Changsha, and Hefei-Fuzhou routes. Zhejiang escalated its emergency response to Level II for typhoon preparedness, with maritime safety measures heightened to Level III. As of 8 am on Thursday, 45 of Zhejiang’s 152 water passenger ferry routes have been suspended. Additionally, 62 out of its 136 water-related construction projects under development have been halted, with 593 workers safely evacuated from the vessels. Jia Yan, deputy chief forecaster at the Zhejiang Meteorological Observatory, issued a warning about the impending impact of Kong-rey on the province on Thursday morning. She highlighted the period from Thursday night to Friday as critical, anticipating widespread heavy rainfall that significantly heightens the risk of flood disasters. “Precautions need to be taken to prevent urban and rural water-logging, as well as secondary disasters such as localized flash floods, mudslides and landslides. Additionally, there will be prolonged periods of strong winds at sea, necessitating enhanced safety measures for maritime traffic and operations,” she said. Fujian province also raised its emergency response level in response to Kong-rey’s impact. Railway and maritime services have suspended several train services and halted 71 coastal passenger ferry routes affecting 190 vessels. Meanwhile, 115 coastal construction projects have been stopped until further notice. Specialized rescue forces, including rescue ships, helicopters and patrol boats, have been deployed on standby to respond to potential emergencies, as confirmed by Fujian maritime authorities.
Headline: One Month of Meeting Survivors Where They Are in Virginia
One Month of Meeting Survivors Where They Are in Virginia
BRISTOL, Va.— Yesterday marked one month since the White House declared a major disaster in Virginia for Hurricane Helene. Since then, FEMA and the commonwealth of Virginia, along with other partner agencies, have been working to provide resources to survivors on the road to recovery.16 counties and two independent cities have been designated for Individual Assistance and 36 counties for Public Assistance as of November 1, 2024. The deadline for Individual Assistance is December 2, 2024. To learn more about individual assistance, visit fema.gov/ia.
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FEMA staff have been working to reach the whole community. One part of the community outreach includes Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams, who walk door to door to register survivors and answer questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams have visited over 26,000 homes in Virginia over the last month. FEMA staff have attended community events across the declared counties and independent cities, spreading the word about disaster assistance. Additionally, FEMA has opened eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) throughout southwest Virginia, providing in-person assistance to over 2,600 Virginians to date. Staff from federal, commonwealth, and local agencies are at DRCs to help survivors answer questions about FEMA applications as well as access other resources and support.Commonwealth, federal, local and nonprofit agencies have collaborated on Agriculture Recovery Resource Days, where over 15 agencies and organizations shared resources with farmers and agribusinesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Over 100 households attended the first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day on, October. 29 in Independence, Va. At least two additional Agriculture Recovery Resource Days will be held on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9. To learn more about upcoming agriculture events please visit Hurricane Helene Virginia Agriculture Recovery Resource Day | FEMA.gov. Below are some pictures of FEMA staff in communities throughout southwest Virginia, meeting survivors where they are: View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56832″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/87e1f2498f8223bafd8bd4fa20534690.jpg?itok=Y1TBFkij” alt=”Caption: Montgomery County, Va. (Oct. 1, 2024) – A resident describes high water from the New River to a Preliminary Damage Assessment team days after it flooded its banks and into his home. The team, comprised of Montgomery County emergency managers, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and FEMA was reviewing Montgomery County properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
Montgomery County, Va. (Oct. 1, 2024) – A resident describes high water from the New River to a Preliminary Damage Assessment team days after it flooded its banks and into his home. The team, comprised of Montgomery County emergency managers, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and FEMA was reviewing Montgomery County properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— A FEMA specialist helps a survivor apply for federal assistance at the Taylors Valley Community Center in Taylors Valley on Oct. 4, 2024. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff assisting Hurricane Helene survivors on opening day of the DRC in Damascus. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)
GRAYSON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists, sharing information about FEMA disaster assistance with a resident in Independence on Oct. 10, 2024. (Nicholas Monteleone/FEMA)
View Original’ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56349″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/2b0015dc948c69838efd46bf474e1f96.jpg?itok=hfUraxZP” alt=”Caption: Bland, Va. – FEMA staff talk about disaster assistance with attendees of the Bland County Festival of Leaves at a pop-up FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.” class=”image-style-large”>
Bland, Va. – FEMA staff talk about disaster assistance with attendees of the Bland County Festival of Leaves at a pop-up FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
WYTHE COUNTY, Va.— A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialist, accompanied by FEMA Corps team members, shares application information with a Wythe County resident on Oct. 17. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are making their way through southwest Virginia to help survivors impacted by Helene. (Kelly Magarity/FEMA)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff discuss disaster assistance and SBA resources for Helene survivors at a community event on Oct. 19, 2024. (Johannes Webb / FEMA)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialist talking to a Helene survivor at a community event on Oct. 19. (Johannes Webb / FEMA)
WYTHE COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff member at the Disaster Recovery Center in Wytheville on Oct. 26, sharing information about FEMA programs. (Johannes Webb / FEMA)
WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – FEMA staff handing out Halloween candy and discussing disaster assistance programs at a community event in Wytheville on Oct. 26. (Johannes Webb /FEMA)
GRAYSON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA Applicant Service Program specialist assisting a producer at the first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day in Independence on Oct. 29. (Johannes Webb / FEMA)
FEMA encourages Hurricane Helene survivors who have not applied for assistance to do so before the Individual Assistance deadline on December 2. Impacted individuals in the 16 designated counties and two independent cities can apply today by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. A ninth DRC will open on Saturday, November 2 in Galax, Va. and additional locations will open in the coming weeks. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.
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FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA. mashana.davis Sat, 11/02/2024 – 15:23
Parks Canada Commemorates Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton).
November 2, 2024 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Parks Canada
Today, Parks Canada commemorated the national historic significance of Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton) at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The commemoration ceremony was held by Parks Canada in collaboration with Niagara Parks Commission during the annual Valour and Victory: Honouring Indigenous Veterans event at Queenston Heights Park.
Born on December 16, 1770, to a Scottish mother and an Ani-Yunwiya (Cherokee) father, Teyoninhokarawen (John Norton) was a great political and military leader, interpreter, and author before, during, and after the War of 1812. As an interpreter for the Indian Department at Niagara, Upper Canada, in the 1790s, Norton met and impressed the renowned Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) chief Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant). Thayendanegea’s mentorship led Norton to join the Grand River Kanien’kehá:ka, where he was adopted as his nephew and successor. As an emissary, Norton journeyed to London, England, to convince the Privy Council to support Haudenosaunee land rights, in opposition to the Indian Department.
During the War of 1812, Norton’s leadership and military acumen was crucial, convincing many First Nations communities and their warriors to ally with the British in key battles, contributing to victories at the Battles of Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek, Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane. His success as a leader of Indigenous forces helped to counter American advances and solidify British positions.
Norton also left a rich literary legacy, including a translation of the Gospels of St. John and St. Matthew into Kanien’kéha (the Mohawk language) and journals which provide a rare record of the times and a Haudenosaunee perspective on the war. His work served as a bridge between cultures. As a leader, he played a crucial role in the military and diplomatic arenas in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada’s past and present.
The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.
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Hermine Landry Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 873-455-3714 hermine.landry@ec.gc.ca
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Updates in Southwest Virginia
Disaster Recovery Center Updates in Southwest Virginia
BRISTOL, Va.– A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Duffield, Va. at the Pioneer Center at 225 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA 24244 on Tuesday, November 5, at 8 a.m. This will be the tenth DRC to open in the impacted area. The Pulaski County DRC in Dublin, Va. will reopen on November 6, at 12 p.m. And the Disaster Recovery Center in Christiansburg, Va. will not reopen. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362. The newest Disaster Recovery Center is located at:Scott County Pioneer Center225 Boone Trail RoadDuffield, Va. 24244Hours of operation:Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed SundaysThe Dublin, Va. Disaster Recovery Center will re-open Wednesday, November 6 at noon.Pulaski County New River Valley Fairgrounds 5581 Fair Grounds CircleDublin, Va. 24084Reopening 11/06:Wednesday Nov. 6, 2024 – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Hours of Operation after 11/6Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.Closed SundaysThe Disaster Recovery Center in Christiansburg will not re-open.Montgomery County Montgomery County Government Center755 Roanoke StreetChristiansburg, Va. 24073Hours of operation:Closed, Will Not ReopenSurvivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have.FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA. ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3. To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. erika.osullivan Sat, 11/02/2024 – 18:04
Headline: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chaves County Flood
FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chaves County Flood
Chaves County homeowners and renters, who sustained damage from the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. FEMA disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help people recover from the effects of the disaster.FEMA’s assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, FEMA’s new simplified Individual Assistance process and expanded eligibility allows New Mexicans access to a wider range of assistance including for serious needs.Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover important items like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation or other emergency supplies for eligible households. To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.Displacement Assistance (DA) provides people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.Before receiving funds for Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) or Displacement Assistance (DA), an inspection is required to confirm eligibility.How to Apply to FEMANew Mexico residents can apply to FEMA for federal financial assistance three ways:Visit DisasterAssistance.gov,Download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. Dial 711 or video relay services are available.To view an American Sign Language (ASL) video about how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Additional Assistance and BenefitsStreamlined Application Requirements so you can apply for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and for FEMA assistance at the same time.Support for Underinsured Claims to help with aspects of home repair not covered by insurance.Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed survivors with initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet. Expanded Habitability Criteria to help survivors make their post-disaster homes safer and cleaner. Previously, for example, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.Make Accessibility Improvements to help survivors with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.Simplified Process for Appeals so survivors who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.Computer Assistance for survivors who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing. If you suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.Even if you applied for federal assistance previously for other disasters in New Mexico, you could still apply to FEMA for assistance following the Oct. 19-20 severe storms and flooding in Chaves County. angela.ambroise Sat, 11/02/2024 – 17:29
Headline: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chavez County Flood
FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chavez County Flood
Chaves County homeowners and renters, who sustained damage from the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. FEMA disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help people recover from the effects of the disaster.FEMA’s assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, FEMA’s new simplified Individual Assistance process and expanded eligibility allows New Mexicans access to a wider range of assistance including for serious needs.Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover important items like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation or other emergency supplies for eligible households. To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.Displacement Assistance (DA) provides people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.Before receiving funds for Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) or Displacement Assistance (DA), an inspection is required to confirm eligibility.How to Apply to FEMANew Mexico residents can apply to FEMA for federal financial assistance three ways:Visit DisasterAssistance.gov,Download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. Dial 711 or video relay services are available.To view an American Sign Language (ASL) video about how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Additional Assistance and BenefitsStreamlined Application Requirements so you can apply for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and for FEMA assistance at the same time.Support for Underinsured Claims to help with aspects of home repair not covered by insurance.Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed survivors with initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet. Expanded Habitability Criteria to help survivors make their post-disaster homes safer and cleaner. Previously, for example, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.Make Accessibility Improvements to help survivors with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.Simplified Process for Appeals so survivors who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.Computer Assistance for survivors who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing. If you suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.Even if you applied for federal assistance previously for other disasters in New Mexico, you could still apply to FEMA for assistance following the Oct. 19-20 severe storms and flooding in Chaves County. angela.ambroise Sat, 11/02/2024 – 17:29
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Headline: Location Change for Disaster Recovery Center in Connecticut
Location Change for Disaster Recovery Center in Connecticut
FEMA announces a location change to the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Connecticut, a temporary facility established in partnership between the state and FEMA, where survivors affected by the August 18-19 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides may go to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and get their questions answered in person. FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Southbury, New Haven County will change locations. Current location:Sacred Heart Catholic Church910 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488Note: The last day for service at this DRC is Monday, November 4, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. At 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Southbury DRC will reopen at in its new location: Southbury Town Hall501 Main Street, SouthSouthbury, CT 06488 Hours of operation: Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Sunday: Closed Note: There will be no DRC service at any location on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a DRC, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. adrien.urbani Sat, 11/02/2024 – 20:23
Source: United States Small Business Administration
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” saidAdministrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to New Mexico businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmanannounced.
The declaration covers Chaves County as a result of the severe storm and flooding that occurred Oct. 19-20.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” saidAdministrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmanannounced.
The declaration covers the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe as a result of the severe storm, straight‑line winds and flooding that occurred July 13–14.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Nigeria and South Africa.
Economic growth to underpin work in both Nigeria and South Africa, as Foreign Secretary agrees to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan and a new Strategic Partnership with Nigeria.
Climate continues to top the agenda of Foreign Secretary’s engagement as he visits Earthshot+ event in Cape Town.
Foreign Secretary sets out “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.”
David Lammy will begin a visit to Nigeria and South Africa today (3rd November), his first trip to the African continent as Foreign Secretary and the first to visit South Africa since 2013.
Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, the Foreign Secretary will announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent. Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050.
Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long term growth rather than short term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.
Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.
This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.
In Nigeria, the Foreign Secretary will sign a modern and progressive Strategic Partnership – the first of its kind between the UK and Nigeria. This new dialogue will cover the breadth of the UK-Nigeria areas of shared cooperation from growth and jobs to national security, tackling the climate and nature crisis to strengthening our people-to-people ties.
Nigeria will be the world’s fifth largest economy by 2075 – the Foreign Secretary will advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year. This partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission.
The Foreign Secretary will advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high level meetings with President Tinubu, Foreign Minister Tuggar and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England, HMRC and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy. Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians.
Travelling on to South Africa, David Lammy will agree to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan. South Africa is our largest trading partner on the continent and this plan will allow trade to flourish even more through collaboration on market access, a new UK Trade Partnership programme to boost South Africa exports, and a new programme to increase the number of agricultural jobs in rural South Africa. This will simultaneously boost trade for Brits whilst bolstering opportunities within South Africa.
At the biennial UK-South Africa bilateral forum the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Lamola will refresh the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030 – raising joint ambition on climate, nature, trade and security and committing to UK-SA cooperation for the next two years on trade and investment, energy transition, and security.
South African exports to the UK supported over 137,000 jobs in 2020 – the Foreign Secretary will boost this with the renewal of a risk-sharing partnership between British International Investment and Standard Chartered to provide trade finance for SMEs and corporates operating across Africa and Asia.
No growth can be truly inclusive nor effective unless it is green. In both Nigeria and South Africa, the Foreign Secretary will build on the momentum from his Kew Lecture to encourage green growth and climate cooperation. In South Africa the Foreign Secretary will celebrate climate innovation at the Earthshot+ thought leadership conference. Founded by Prince William, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. The Foreign Secretary will speak with these innovators to understand how the UK can support and help channel finance to where biodiversity, climate risk and energy needs are greatest. He will announce a further Biodiversity Challenge Fund to help tackle the illegal wildlife trade and technical assistance to support South Africa’s energy transition.
Floods in southern and eastern Spain have killed two Chinese citizens and left two others missing, the Chinese embassy in Spain confirmed Saturday.
Heavy rainfalls in southern and eastern Spain triggered the deadliest flash floods in the country’s modern history, which have killed at least 211 people.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Nov 3, 2024
Updated: Sun Nov 3 09:41:03 UTC 2024
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D4 Wed, Nov 06, 2024 – Thu, Nov 07, 2024 D7 Sat, Nov 09, 2024 – Sun, Nov 10, 2024
D5 Thu, Nov 07, 2024 – Fri, Nov 08, 2024 D8 Sun, Nov 10, 2024 – Mon, Nov 11, 2024
D6 Fri, Nov 08, 2024 – Sat, Nov 09, 2024 (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)
Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.
PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.
POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.
Forecast Discussion
ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL ACUS48 KWNS 030939 SPC AC 030939
Day 4-8 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0339 AM CST Sun Nov 03 2024
Valid 061200Z – 111200Z
…DISCUSSION… NHC is forecasting a high probability of TC formation in the Caribbean by D2. Predictability is low along the FL Gulf Coast vicinity regarding downstream tornado potential during D4-5, with large spread in guidance at this time frame and beyond.
Meanwhile, modified moisture return will ensue on D4-5 over the southern High Plains, in advance of a shortwave trough evolving into a cutoff low across the Southwest. Given an initially inverted surface trough, severe potential should be limited/mesoscale-focused on D5/Thursday. With an emerging consensus of ensemble guidance suggesting acceleration of the upper low onto the Great Plains, severe potential may increase next weekend with broadening of the warm-moist sector in the central states. Predictability is far too low to warrant consideration of greater than 15 percent areas yet.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated: Sun Nov 3 13:20:04 UTC 2024 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.
Notice: The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice. Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
One Health is based on an understanding that our health and that of animals, plants and ecosystems are interdependent. (Shutterstock)
November 3 is World One Health Day. One Health brings all parts of society and governments together to tackle joint problems of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health.
Canada needs a One Health plan now to better face worsening climate change, accelerating biodiversity loss, pandemic threats, and threats from superbugs resistant to antibiotics. Canada’s actions on these issues are reactive rather than preventive, and aren’t well co-ordinated or funded. This undermines our readiness and response.
One Health is based on an understanding that our health and that of animals, plants and ecosystems are interdependent. It presents a way to promote the health of all and to navigate the inevitable trade-offs.
The virus had never been reported in cows before. Its detection was slow and too little was done to stop the spread. As of Nov. 1, H5N1 had spread quickly to 404 dairy farms across 14 states, costing millions in lost milk production and spilling back into poultry and wildlife, killing millions more birds.
It is concerning that H5N1 has also infected at least 39 people, primarily farm workers, fortunately causing only mild symptoms.
H5N1 is a growing threat because it infects many species, including seals, mink, bears, foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats. Influenza viruses that jump species pose a greater pandemic threat because of the mixing that may occur when different influenza viruses infect the same animal or person. This can produce new, more severe strains of human flu.
No one wants to face another pandemic. Canada’s actions to keep ahead of this threat would be enhanced by national One Health planning and co-ordination.
One Health around the world
National One Health plans of other countries, like Rwanda, Thailand and Bangladesh, have been shown to help prevent human and animal disease outbreaks. Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Centre have invested $40 million since 2021 to support One Health internationally, including in hotspots of disease emergence.
The U.S. has a One Health Act and recently launched its national co-ordination platform. However, Canada has just begun this work at home. Canada created a high level steering committee to oversee the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Time and effort were taken to involve federal, provincial and territorial agencies, Indigenous people, civil society and researchers to arrive at an inclusive framework with the right objectives, responsibilities and outputs. It’s an ideal model for a new Canadian One Health action plan.
Canada has a mixed track record of working across sectors, whether to fight past outbreaks of Mad Cow Disease, avian or swine flu, or co-ordinating actions by people from different departments and agencies on H5N1 or COVID-19 today. There are problems: nationally, collaboration is informal and focused on single issues, more reactive than preventive, and not supported by any overarching plan, decision-making structure or resources to ensure consistent, ongoing co-operation across threats and issues.
The risks of not putting these measures in place include information not reaching decision-makers, resources and expertise not being used optimally, trade-offs being misread by other agencies or partners, duplication and gaps, and too little getting done to prevent health threats.
Implementing One Health
Without a national One Health plan, Canada risks being vulnerable to new threats, including pandemics. (Shutterstock)
There is guidance. In 2021, the World Health Organization, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Environment, and the World Organisation for Animal Health agreed to work together on a One Health Joint Plan of Action and implementation guidance.
With gender equality, inclusiveness and equity, and the importance of local and traditional knowledge at the fore, countries should start implementing One Health by assessing capacities and programs already in place, setting up and funding national co-ordination, setting priorities for action, then producing and putting into action their national plan.
Canada should mirror what it has done to manage antibiotic-resistant microbes by developing and governing our own national One Health action plan, similar to the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
Without a national One Health plan, Canada risks being vulnerable to new threats (including pandemics), investing too little in prevention and having a suboptimal response. It’s time for Canada’s One Health action plan.
This article was co-authored by Andrea Ellis, DVM, MSc., a consultant currently supporting One Health work with the World Organisation for Animal Health. She is the former Senior Veterinary Advisor to the Chief Veterinary Officer and World Organisation for Animal Health Delegate for Canada.
Dominique Charron is affiliated with the McEachran Institute and START.org. She is a member of the One Health High Level Expert Panel that advises the World Health Organization, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Environment, and World Organisation for Animal Health. She is a former Vice-President, Programs and Partnerships, of the International Development Research Centre.
Cate Dewey is currently working on a community One Health project in Rwanda. The project is managed by Veterinarians without Borders, North America and is funded by Global Affairs Canada
Headline: Did Hurricane Helene Affect Your Well Furnace or Septic System
Did Hurricane Helene Affect Your Well Furnace or Septic System
COLUMBIA, S.C. – If your private well, furnace or septic system was damaged by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA. For disaster-damaged private wells, heating systems, furnaces and septic systems, FEMA may pay for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement expenses. FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your private well, furnace or septic system, which may not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Be sure to keep any receipts or estimates because you may be eligible for assistance even if the work has already been completed.At the time of your home inspection, let the FEMA inspector know which essential appliances and systems may have been damaged by the storm. If you already had an inspection and these damages were not reported, contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit any Disaster Recovery Center to update your application. To find the nearest center, visit fema.gov/DRC or text “DRC” along with your Zip Code to 43362. How To ApplyIf you have not applied for FEMA assistance yet, there is still time to submit your application. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. You can apply in several ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, in person at any Disaster Recovery Center, on your phone using the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. gerard.hammink Sun, 11/03/2024 – 15:42
Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Barnwell County
Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Barnwell County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Barnwell County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Barnwell CountyBarnwell Regional Airport 155 State Road S-6-398 Barnwell, SC 29812Open Nov. 4-7, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. gerard.hammink Sun, 11/03/2024 – 15:58
Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, joined by colleagues, will announce the Government of Canada’s proposed approach to limiting greenhouse gas pollution, driving innovation, and creating jobs in the oil and gas sector. Canada’s climate plan is working by driving down emissions, while creating a stronger, cleaner economy.
Ottawa, Ontario – November 3, 2024 – Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, joined by colleagues, will announce the Government of Canada’s proposed approach to limiting greenhouse gas pollution, driving innovation, and creating jobs in the oil and gas sector. Canada’s climate plan is working by driving down emissions, while creating a stronger, cleaner economy.
Prior to the announcement, senior government officials from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada will hold a bilingual technical briefing, which will be on background and not for attribution.
Event: Media technical briefing Date: Monday, November 4, 2024 Time: 11:15 a.m. (EST) Location: The National Press Theatre 180 Wellington Street Room 325 Ottawa, Ontario
Media representatives are asked to register by contacting the Press Gallery to obtain more information.
Note to media: Participation in the question-and-answer portion of this technical briefing is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.
Event: Hybrid announcement and media availability Date: Monday, November 4, 2024 Time: 1:00 p.m. (EST) Location: The Wellington Building 180 Wellington Street Lobby (in front of the green wall) Ottawa, Ontario
Media representatives are asked to register by contacting Media Relations at Environment and Climate Change Canada to obtain more information.
Note to media: Media representatives may participate in the question-and-answer portion via teleconference.
Hermine Landry Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 873-455-3714 Hermine.Landry@ec.gc.ca
Media Relations Environment and Climate Change Canada 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free) media@ec.gc.ca
The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for up to 18 young people aged between 14 and 24 who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for the next two years.
Expressions of Interest for positions on the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for 2025-2026 are now open and will close on Tuesday November 19, 2024.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said the Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future.
“The Youth Council represents the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities,” Mr Cooney said.
“It also fulfils a key goal of the City’s Council Plan 2021-2025 to ensure young people are supported to explore, engage and be empowered to shape the world they live in.
“I encourage young people from all backgrounds and walks of life to consider applying for Youth Council so that the voices of all young people can be reflected and heard.”
2024 Youth Mayor Lilly Correll said the Youth Council is an amazing opportunity for all young people to enhance their skills and give back to the community.
“Not only do you meet likeminded individuals, you also gain a real insight into the benefits of volunteering, including learning new skills and networking opportunities,” Ms Correll said.
“Youth Councillors attend and MC events, write letters to Council, and sit on advisory committees and on non-for-profit boards, it’s a great opportunity for local young people to have their voice heard and an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to make a change.”
In the six years of the Youth Council, Youth Councillors have providing input into over 50 City plans, strategies, policies, and projects, including the Council Plan 2021-2025, the Zero Emissions Roadmap, the Biodiversity Strategy, the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, the Fair Access Action Plan, the E-scooter trial, and the Managed Growth Strategy.
They have also co-designed and overseen the development of the City’s Youth Action Plan 2023-2024 and have represented young people on several advisory committees including the Farming and Agribusiness Advisory Committee, the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration, the Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee, and the Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group.
The new Youth Councillors will undertake induction and training in January 2025 and attend their first meeting in February 2025.
For more information, contact the City’s Youth Team via email or phone:
As the US election unfolds, American territories such as the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and Guam, along with the broader Pacific region, will be watching the developments.
As the question hangs in the balance of whether the White House remains blue with Kamala Harris or turns red under Donald Trump, academics, New Zealand’s US ambassador, and Guam’s Congressman have weighed in on what the election means for the Pacific.
Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies senior lecturer Dr Anna Powles said it would no doubt have an impact on small island nations facing climate change and intensified geopolitics, including the rapid expansion of military presence on its territory Guam, following the launch of an interballistic missile by China.
Pacific leaders lament the very real security threat of climate-induced natural disasters has been overshadowed by the tug-of-war between China and the US in what academics say is “control and influence” for the contested region.
Dr Powles said it came as “no surprise” that countries such as New Zealand and Australia had increasingly aligned with the US, as the Biden administration had been leveraging strategic partnerships with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan since 2018.
Despite China being New Zealand’s largest trading partner, New Zealand is in the US camp and must pay attention, she said.
“We are not seeing enough in the public domain or discussion by government with the New Zealand public about what this means for New Zealand going forward.”
Pacific leaders welcome US engagement but are concerned about geopolitical rivalry.
Earlier this month, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa attended the South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting in Auckland.
He said it was important that “peace and stability in the region” was “prioritised”.
Referencing the arms race between China and the US, he said, “The geopolitics occurring in our region is not welcomed by any of us in the Pacific Islands Forum.”
While a Pacific Zone of Peace has been a talking point by Fiji and the PIF leadership to reinforce the region’s “nuclear-free stance”, the US is working with Australia on obtaining nuclear-submarines through the AUKUS security pact.
Dr Powles said the potential for increased tensions “could happen under either president in areas such as Taiwan, East China Sea — irrespective of who is in Washington”.
South Pacific defence ministers told RNZ Pacific the best way to respond to threats of conflict and the potential threat of a nuclear attack in the region is to focus on defence and building stronger ties with its allies.
New Zealand’s Defence Minister said NZ was “very good friends with the United States”, with that friendship looking more friendly under the Biden Administration. But will this strengthening of ties and partnerships continue if Trump becomes President?
US President Joe Biden (center) stands for a group photo with Pacific Islands Forum leaders following the Pacific Islands Forum Summit at the South Portico of the White House in Washington on September 25, 2023. Image: Jim Watson/RNZ
US President Joe Biden, center, stands for a group photo with Pacific Islands Forum leaders following the Pacific Islands Forum Summit, at the South Portico of the White House in Washington on September 25, 2023. Photo: Jim Watson
US wants a slice of Pacific Regardless of who is elected, US Ambassador to New Zealand Tom Udall said history showed the past three presidents “have pushed to re-engage with the Pacific”.
While both Trump and Harris may differ on critical issues for the Pacific such as the climate crisis and multilateralism, both see China as the primary external threat to US interests.
The US has made a concerted effort to step up its engagement with the Pacific in light of Chinese interest, including by reopening its embassies in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga.
On 12 July 2022, the Biden administration showed just how keen it was to have a seat at the table by US Vice-President Kamala Harris dialing in to the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Fiji at the invitation of the then chair former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The US was the only PIF “dialogue partner” allowed to speak at this Forum.
However, most of the promises made to the Pacific have been “forward-looking” and leaders have told RNZ Pacific they want to see less talk and more real action.
Defence diplomacy has been booming since the 2022 Solomon Islands-China security deal. It tripled the amount of money requested from Congress for economic development and ocean resilience — up to US$60 million a year for 10 years — as well as a return of Peace Corps volunteers to Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu.
Health security was another critical area highlighted in 2024 the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Declaration.
The Democratic Party’s commitment to the World Health Organisation (WHO) bodes well, in contrast to the previous Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO during the covid-19 pandemic.
It continued a long-running programme called ‘The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs’ which gives enterprising women from more than 100 countries with the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.
While both Trump and Harris may differ on critical issues for the Pacific such as the climate crisis and multilateralism, both see China as the primary external threat to US interests. Image: 123RF/RNZ
Guam’s take Known as the tip of the spear for the United States, Guam is the first strike community under constant threat of a nuclear missile attack.
It was seen as a signal of China’s missile capabilities which had the US and South Pacific Defence Ministers on edge and deeply “concerned”.
China’s Defence Ministry said in a statement the launch was part of routine training by the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force, which oversees conventional and nuclear missile operations and was not aimed at any country or target.
The US has invested billions to build a 360-degree missile defence system on Guam with plans for missile tests twice a year over the next decade, as it looks to bolster its weaponry in competition with China.
Despite the arms race and increased military presence and weaponry on Guam, China is known to have fewer missiles than the US.
The US considers Guam a key strategic military base to help it stop any potential attacks. Image: RNZ Pacific/Eleisha Foon
However, Guamanians are among the four million disenfranchised Americans living in US territories whose vote does not count due to an anomaly in US law.
“While territorial delegates can introduce bills and advocate for their territory in the US Congress, they have no voice on the floor. While Guam is exempted from paying the US federal income tax, many argue that such a waiver does not make up for what the tiny island brings to the table,” according to a BenarNews report.
US Congressman for Guam James Moylan has spent his time making friends and “educating and informing” other states about Guam’s existence in hopes to get increased funding and support for legislative bills.
Moylan said he would prefer a Trump presidency but noted he has “proved he can also work with Democrats”.
Under Trump, Moylan said Guam would have “stronger security”, raising his concerns over the need to stop Chinese fishing boats from coming onto the island.
Moylan also defended the military expansion: “We are not the aggressor. If we put our guard down, we need to be able to show we can maintain our land.”
Moylan defended the US military expansion, which his predecessor, former US Congressman Robert Underwood, was concerned about, saying the rate of expansion had not been seen since World War II.
“We are the closest there is to the Indo-Pacific threat,” Moylan said.
“We need to make sure our pathways, waterways and economy is growing, and we have a strong defence against our aggressors.”
“All likeminded democracies are concerned about the current leadership of China. We are working together…to work on security issues and prosperity issues,” US Ambassador to New Zealand Tom Udall said.
When asked about the military capabilities of the US and Guam, Moylan said: “We are not going to war; we are prepared to protect the homeland.”
Moylan said that discussions for compensation involving nuclear radiation survivors in Guam would happen regardless of who was elected.
The 23-year battle has been spearheaded by atomic veteran Robert Celestial, who is advocating for recognition for Chamorro and Guamanians under the RECA Act.
Celestial said that the Biden administration had thrown their support behind them, but progress was being stalled in Congress, which is predominantly controlled by the Republican party.
But Moylan insisted that the fight for compensation was not over. He said that discussions would continue after the election irrespective of who was in power.
“It’s been tabled. It’s happening. I had a discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson. We are working to pass this through,” he said.
US Marine Force Base Camp Blaz. Image: RNZ Pacific/Eleisha Foon
If Trump wins Dr Powles said a return to Trump’s leadership could derail ongoing efforts to build security architecture in the Pacific.
There are also views Trump would pull back from the Pacific and focus on internal matters, directly impacting his nation.
For Trump, there is no mention of the climate crisis in his platform or Agenda47.
This is in line with the former president’s past actions, such as withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2019, citing “unfair economic burdens” placed on American workers and businesses.
Trump has maintained his position that the climate crisis is “one of the great scams of all time”.
The America First agenda is clear, with “countering China” at the top of the list. Further, “strengthening alliances,” Trump’s version of multilateralism, reads as what allies can do for the US rather than the other way around.
“There are concerns for Donald Trump’s admiration for more dictatorial leaders in North Korea, Russia, China and what that could mean in a time of crisis,” Dr Powles said.
A Trump administration could mean uncertainty for the Pacific, she added.
While Trump was president in 2017, he warned North Korea “not to mess” with the United States.
“North Korea [is] best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met by fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
North Korea responded deriding his warning as a “load of nonsense”.
Although there is growing concern among academics and some Pacific leaders that Trump would bring “fire and fury” to the Indo-Pacific if re-elected, the former president seemed to turn cold at the thought of conflict.
In 2023, Trump remarked that “Guam isn’t America” in response to warning that the US territory could be vulnerable to a North Korean nuclear strike — a move which seemed to distance the US from conflict.
If Harris wins Dr Powles said that if Harris wins, it was important to move past “announcements” and follow-through on all pledges.
A potential win for Harris could be the fulfilment of the many “promises” made to the Pacific for climate financing, uplifting economies of the Pacific and bolstering defence security, she said.
Pacific leaders want Harris to deliver on the Pacific Partnership Strategy, the outcomes of the two Pacific Islands-US summits in 2022 and 2023, and the many diplomatic visits undertaken during President Biden’s presidency.
The Biden administration recognised Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign and independent states and established diplomatic relationships with them.
Harris has pledged to boost funding to the Green Climate Fund by US$3 billion. She also promised to “tackle the climate crisis with bold action, build a clean energy economy, advance environmental justice, and increase resilience to climate disasters”.
Dr Powles said that delivery needed to be the focus.
“What we need to be focused on is delivery [and that] Pacific Island partners are engaged from the very beginning — from the outset to any programme right through to the final phase of it.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) opens next week in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The summit takes place between 11 and 22 November, and decisions made there will impact all of us. To date, the international community has failed to rein in the deadly activities of the fossil fuel industry, which continues to pollute, burn, and ransack the planet in the face of mounting human suffering.
COP29 is a critical opportunity for world leaders to break with these past failures. Here’s what you need to know about the most important climate event on the global calendar:
1. Who’s going?
Between 40,000 and 50,000 delegates are expected to attend COP29. This will include government representatives from all UN member states, as well as the State of Palestine, the Holy See, Niue, the Cook Islands, and the European Union. All of these are parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and most have also joined the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. COP29 will also host diplomats, UN officials, journalists, climate scientists, trade union leaders, and policy experts. NGOs, activists, and Indigenous leaders are also planning to participate – although the involvement of independent media workers and human rights defenders from Azerbaijan itself has been curbed by an ongoing government crackdown.
2. What is the aim of COP29?
The overall aim of COP29 is for states to agree, develop and share plans for addressing climate change. This means preventing further global warming, and also helping those who have been most affected so far to adapt or to rebuild their lives.
In 2015, the Paris Agreement made it a legal requirement for all states to set targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, in order to limit the global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Since then, however, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has stressed that the most catastrophic effects of climate change can only be avoided if we limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century.
At COP29, countries’ progress on addressing climate change will be measured against this 1.5°C goal. It is important to note that even 1.5°C of warming will entail mass displacement, harm to livelihoods, and loss of life, with lower-income countries the worst affected. At present, the world is on track for an increase of 2.6 to 3.1°C this century.
3. What’s on the agenda this year?
COP29 has been called “the finance COP”, due to its focus on scaling up climate finance. Climate finance refers to the funding that is needed to help lower-income countries transition to zero-carbon economies, and to help the most affected communities adapt to the effects of climate change. A major objective of COP29 is to increase this funding and to produce a new goal for future climate finance.
4. Where will that money come from?
Under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the funding must come from the high-income countries that are historically most responsible for climate change. In addition, under international human rights law, all states in a position to do so must also contribute.
In addition to setting a financial target, COP29 negotiators must also agree clear timeframes for the provision of funds to lower-income countries. Money should be given in the form of grants, not loans, to avoid worsening existing debt crises.
5. What should the funds be used for?
This target should also contain sub-goals to make clear where the money should go. For example, Amnesty International is also calling for the target to include loss and damage finance. This is essentially compensation, paid by high-income countries to lower income ones, to help them recover from the existing impacts of climate change, and from others that they will unavoidably face in the future.
One of the Azerbaijan presidency’s more positive moves has been to make adaptation, long sidelined in climate negotiations, a priority of the talks. While preventing further climate change through a full, fast fair and funded phase -out of fossil fuels is critical, the reality is that climate change is already here. Helping people adjust to existing and future impacts of global warming is a crucial part of climate justice.
6. How much money is needed?
Trillions of dollars are needed to help lower-income states carry out the climate action needed, including transitioning away from fossil fuels in a way that protects peoples’ rights. Amnesty International and others in the climate justice movement are calling for a target of at least 1 trillion USD annually.
Azerbaijan has an alarming human rights record, with longstanding restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
7. What are Amnesty’s human rights concerns regarding Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has an alarming human rights record, with longstanding restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. Peaceful protests, including those held by environmental groups, are routinely met with violent suppression, and according to the local NGOs more than 300 people are currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges. The work of independent media outlets in Azerbaijan is severely hampered by draconian laws, and the constant threat of retaliation for any real or perceived criticism of the authorities. Most independent media outlets have been crushed out of existence, as have vast swathes of Azerbaijan’s civil society. Torture and other ill-treatment in detention are widespread in Azerbaijan, and impunity is entrenched.
8. Have there been any improvements since Azerbaijan was given the COP29 Presidency?
No. In fact, the grave human rights situation in Azerbaijan has worsened since the country was announced as the host of COP29 in December 2023. The authorities claim they are “ensuring everyone’s voices are heard” at the summit – but they have prosecuted more than a dozen activists and journalists this year, and silenced key voices on the climate crisis.
In April, for example, Azerbaijani authorities arrested human rights and climate justice activist Anar Mammadli on bogus “smuggling” charges, and placed him in pre-trial detention, where he remains. Anar Mammadli was among the first activists in Azerbaijan to speak about the connection between human rights and climate justice, and he has been involved in international advocacy at the EU and UN level. In prison he has been denied adequate medical treatment for several worsening health conditions, and he is facing a lengthy sentence.
9. How does the human rights situation in Azerbaijan affect COP29?
It is essential that civil society can participate in climate negotiations. Activists, union leaders, and human rights defenders help to advocate for ambitious targets and play a vital role in ensuring that the plans developed at COP29 align with governments’ human rights obligations and that they are actually implemented. But the involvement of Azerbaijan’s own civil society is likely to be extremely limited. Threats and harassment have forced many local activists to leave the country, while others are arbitrarily detained on politically motivated charges. The few remaining independent voices risk prosecution and retaliation if they dare to voice any criticism during COP29.
The void left by local civil society groups has been filled in part by organizations known as GONGOs (government-organized non-governmental organizations). These state-supported groups do not provide the independent perspectives needed, but their presence allows Azerbaijani authorities to project a false picture of respect for freedom of expression and association.
Amnesty International is monitoring the crackdown in Azerbaijan, and will continue to document violations, both during and after the summit.
10 .What about Azerbaijan’s record on climate change?
Fossil fuel makes up about half of Azerbaijan’s economy and the vast majority of its export revenues. The state-owned oil and gas company, SOCAR, is a major source of income for President Ilham Aliyev’s government. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan must also do its fair share to achieve a fast and fair fossil fuel phase out; this means no new fossil fuel projects anywhere. But earlier this year, President Aliyev announced plans for expanding gas production which are grossly incompatible with Azerbaijan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Like previous climate summits, COP29 will host many participants whose agendas are seriously at odds with climate justice. Thousands of fossil fuel lobbyists, along with the heads of oil giants like Shell and BP, are expected to be in attendance. These participants have used previous summits to advance their own interests, opposing essential efforts to phase out fossil fuels and pushing for false solutions like carbon offsetting. Amnesty International is calling for a robust conflict of interest policy to prevent fossil fuel lobbyists undermining the aims of global climate treaties.
11. How has climate change impacted people in 2024?
Climate change is causing a dramatic increase in the frequency of extreme temperatures, and 2024 is expected to be the hottest year ever recorded. Around the world, people have been displaced by floods, hurricanes, droughts and other unnatural disasters, all made worse by global warming. Worldwide, Indigenous Peoples and land-dependent communities continue to bear the heaviest burden of biodiversity loss.
Lives have been lost; livelihoods, languages, and entire cultures are in peril; and disease, hunger and displacement is causing extreme suffering. The cost of these losses amounts to trillions of dollars in damages, which dwarf the cost of current investments in renewable energy, and threaten governments’ capacity to fund policies to protect human rights.
12. What is Amnesty calling for at COP29?
Human rights must be at the heart of all climate action decision-making;
States in a position to do so must massively scale up climate finance and funding for loss and damage;
All states must commit to fully phasing out fossil fuels, in a way that is fast and fair;
COP29 participants must not chase risky technologies, like carbon capture and storage and removals, or push gas as a “transition fuel”, as a means of distracting from the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels;
The UNFCCC Secretariat, the government of Azerbaijan, and other governments must protect civic space, and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
The United States presidential election will be held Tuesday, with results coming in from Wednesday morning AEDT. I have a guide to Wednesday below that includes when polls in the key states close and other information.
In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 48.5–47.8, a gain for Trump since last Thursday, when Harris led by 48.6–47.5. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.
The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).
Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the narrow Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.
Trump leads by 0.4 points in both Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes) and Nevada (six). He leads by over one point in North Carolina (16) and Georgia (16), and by 2.6 points in Arizona (11). Harris leads by about one point in Michigan (16) and Wisconsin (ten).
If the current polls are exactly right, Trump wins the Electoral College by 287–251. But either Harris or Trump could outperform their polls and win easily.
In Silver’s model, Trump has a 53% chance to win the Electoral College, slightly down from 54% on Thursday. There’s a 28% chance that Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Trump a 53% win probability.
Silver is aggregating state polls to produce a popular vote forecast, and this gives Harris a 50.4–48.4 popular vote margin, better for Harris than her 0.7-point lead in national polls.
Silver said the US pollsters are “herding”, particularly in the key states. This means individual polls are not showing enough variation in their results. If the polls are wrong in these states, herding would be a cause.
The highly rated Selzer poll had a shock result, giving Harris a three-point lead in Iowa (six electoral votes), a state Trump won by eight points in 2020. However, an Emerson Iowa poll gave Trump a nine-point lead. At least Selzer isn’t herding!
If Harris loses, a big cause will be the unpopularity of Joe Biden. If Trump loses, I believe his biggest mistake will be agreeing to the June 27 debate with Biden. Biden’s woeful performance persuaded senior Democrats to pressure him into withdrawing.
Early voting and economic data
As at Friday, over 70 million Americans had voted early (44% of total 2020 turnout). Many states give data on their early vote, such as the gender composition or the party registration of voters in states that have registration by party. But Silver said on Thursday
that analysts shouldn’t use early vote data as an alternative to the polls.
Many people will vote on election day, so the composition of the current early vote may be a skewed representation of the final electorate. Also, we don’t know who early voters voted for. Even in states with party registration, people can register as Other, and Other voters make up a large share of the vote.
In economic data, US GDP increased 2.7% at an annualised rate in the September quarter (0.7% in quarter on quarter terms). GDP has increased modestly in every quarter since September 2022. In September, the personal savings rate dropped 0.2% since August to 4.6%.
Just 12,000 jobs were added in October. While the unemployment rate remained unchanged from September at 4.1%, the employment population ratio (the share of eligible Americans employed) dropped 0.2% to 60.0%. The survey fieldwork may have been affected by Hurricane Milton.
The Silver economic index is at +0.19, indicating an economy just above average. The economy is a key reason why Trump could win.
Election day guide for Wednesday AEDT
All times in this section are Wednesday AEDT. US media will often call uncompetitive states for a candidate once all polls in that state are closed, without any votes being counted. Some states are split across time zones, and in this case the part in the western time zone will close an hour after the eastern zone part.
Early and postal votes are expected to lean to Harris, while election day votes are expected to lean to Trump. So if the early vote is counted first, the state is likely to appear better for Harris than the final result, and the reverse if the election day vote is counted first.
The Green Papers has a complete list of poll closing times and FiveThirtyEight has details on how each state counts its votes. I will concentrate on the seven key states.
At 10am, the first polls close in the eastern time zones of Kentucky and Indiana. These states are both expected to be Trump blowout wins.
At 11am, polls close in Georgia. Early votes will be reported by 12pm, followed by the election day vote. Initial results will probably skew to Harris.
At 11:30am, polls close in North Carolina. The early vote will be counted first, so the initial results are likely to be relatively good for Harris.
At 12pm, polls close in Pennsylvania and the large majority of Michigan. Pennsylvania will count their election day votes first, which should be relatively good for Trump. Michigan will count its postal votes with election day votes.
At 1pm, polls close in Wisconsin, Arizona and the remaining small part of Michigan. In Wisconsin, election day votes will be counted first, with postals not released until late. An hour after polls close, Arizona will release its early vote, which should be relatively good for Harris. Counting of election day votes will continue until the evening AEDT, with more counting in the following days.
At 2pm, polls close in Nevada. The early vote will be counted first. Results can’t be reported until all voters in line have voted, which will probably be hours after the official close of polls. There will also be late postals to count.
At 3pm, polls close in the Pacific states of California (54 electoral votes), Washington (12) and Oregon (eight), all expected to be easy wins for Harris. If Harris is doing unexpectedly well in the key states, these three may put her over the 270 electoral votes needed to win.
At 5pm, the final polls close in Alaska’s western time zone.
We may know who has won the Electoral College and therefore the presidency by Wednesday afternoon, but counting will continue until well into that evening AEDT. If it’s close, it may take a few more days to resolve the Electoral College.
Some states, including the populous Democratic strongholds of California and New York, take weeks to count all their votes. So it won’t be until early December that we know the national popular vote totals.
Adrian Beaumont 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.
MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….
Press release
November 4, 2024
Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with the Kingdom of Spain over Floods in the Valencia Region
The IX Constitutional Government expresses its deep solidarity with the People and Government of Spain for the tragic floods that devastated the Valencia region between the end of October and the beginning of November 2024. This natural disaster, triggered by an Isolated High Altitude Depression (DANA), caused torrential rains that resulted in the death of more than 200 people, most of them in the province of Valencia, and the destruction of infrastructure, homes and agricultural areas.
Images captured by the European Copernicus programme reveal the magnitude of the damage, with extensive areas flooded and infrastructure severely affected. Local authorities continue to face major challenges in assisting the population and restoring the affected areas.
On behalf of the Government and People of Timor-Leste, the Spokesperson of the IX Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, expressed “deep regret for the tragic loss of human life and the enormous difficulties faced by the Spanish people at this time of pain and trial”. He added that “our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we acknowledge the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and professionals who continue to support the communities affected by this catastrophe”. END
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.