NewzIntel.com

Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada investments in electric vehicles

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 2

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced a federal investment of $14.9 million in 20 projects to support infrastructure, awareness measures, and codes and standards for zero-emission vehicles.

    We all have a role to play in the fight against climate change. A broad shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is essential to decarbonizing road transportation, which accounts for 18% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—50% of which comes from light-duty vehicles or passenger cars.

    Additionally, clean fuels such as clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, liquid synthetic fuels and renewable natural gas will play a critical role in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as industry and medium- and heavy-duty freight transportation.

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, today announced a federal investment of $14.9 million in 20 projects to support infrastructure, awareness measures, and codes and standards for zero-emission vehicles.

    Projects funded under the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

    Kang and Gill Construction, a limited liability company located in Victoria, British Columbia: an investment of $340,000 to install 68 EV charging stations by March 31, 2024. Halifax County Condominium Corporation No. 240, Halifax, Nova Scotia: an investment of $110,000 to install 22 EV charging stations by April 2023. Halifax International Airport, Goffs, Nova Scotia: an investment of $180,000 to install 37 EV charging stations by December 2024. Park Royal Shopping Centre Holdings, a limited liability company located in West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia: an investment of $242,000 from NRCan to install 50 EV charging stations by November 2023. Concert Realty Services, a limited liability company located in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $190,000 from NRCan to install 38 EV charging stations by January 2025. Westbank Projects, a company located in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $4,914,660 to install 2,635 EV charging stations by May 2025. THE OWNERS, STRATA PLAN BCS4321, Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $150,000 to install 30 EV charging stations by June 2024. Austeville Properties, a limited liability company located in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $250,000 to install 50 EV charging stations by October 2025. 2025. 1125 Denman Developments Limited Partnership through its general partner Denman Developments, in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $500,000 for the installation of 16 EV charging stations by July 2025. The Owners Strata Plan LMS1108 “The National”, in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $260,000 for the installation of 60 EV charging stations by May 2024. Strata Corporation LMS4255 “Marinaside Resort”, in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $500,000 for the installation of 140 EV charging stations by May 2024. 1229488 BC, a limited liability company located in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $99,999 for the installation of of 23 EV charging stations by March 2024.

    Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

    Plug’N Drive, Toronto, Ontario: an investment of $1,560,633 to increase awareness of electric vehicles among Canadians through a comprehensive test-drive experimentation and awareness campaign targeting small and medium-sized communities with limited experience or exposure to EVs. Create Climate Equity Association, Coquitlam, British Columbia: an investment of $100,000 to consult with one or more underserved, low-income urban communities in the City of Vancouver on transportation needs and develop a model for developing equity-based zero-emission mobility solutions for participating communities. Steel River Group, a limited liability company located in Calgary, Alberta: an investment of $300,000 to empower and equip Indigenous youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead sustainable transportation and clean energy projects in their communities. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, Alberta: an investment of $247,045 to develop non-credit courses on hydrogen fuel cell bus and heavy-duty vehicle maintenance to train fleet owners, drivers, heavy-duty mechanics and technicians on the operation and maintenance of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and to increase public confidence and knowledge of these zero-emission vehicles. HUB Cycling in Vancouver, British Columbia: an investment of $241,545 to increase awareness and adoption of electric mobility in British Columbia.

    Minister Wilkinson also announced $3.6 million in funding for CSA Group to update codes and standards related to zero-emission vehicle infrastructure under the Energy Innovation Program:

    CSA Group, Toronto, Ontario: $3,616,373. The funded project aims to establish or update codes and standards, develop guidelines, manage committees, and conduct literature reviews on zero-emission transportation infrastructure, including advanced charging equipment, energy storage, management and various modes of transportation.

    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program

    Finally, Minister Wilkinson announced a joint investment of more than $3.1 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for two green infrastructure projects in British Columbia. The projects will improve access to clean transportation options, tap into the province’s clean electricity supply, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network Expansion – Phase 3 in Vancouver, British Columbia: o The federal government is investing $824,600 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $687,098 through the CleanBC Communities Fund. The City of Vancouver is providing $549,802. o The project involves installing approximately 15 Level 2 and 9 DC fast chargers near parks throughout the city, as well as upgrading electrical and mechanical systems. Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia: o The federal government is investing $217,447 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $579,821 through the CleanBC Communities Fund. Finally, the District of North Vancouver is providing $289,965. o The project involves the development of a public network of approximately ten Level 2 charging stations and two DC fast chargers along major roadways, in major buildings, and near multi-family and social housing units in the district.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Helene

    uring emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works with its federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support the needs of the people in the areas that may be impacted.

    In such circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

    At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.

    DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.

    DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.

    For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties about these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Announces Nearly $1.9 Million to Help Communities in Region 3 Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Announces Nearly $1.9 Million to Help Communities in Region 3 Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    FEMA Announces Nearly $1.9 Million to Help Communities in Region 3 Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

    This funding announcement marks the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, dedicated to addressing the nation’s costliest annual disaster

    PHILADELPHIA— Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change, leading to increased response and recovery missions across the nation. This week, FEMA announced nearly $1.9 million in new project selections to eliminate or reduce flood damage in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

    The funding comes through the Flood Mitigation Assistance program to help communities across the nation enhance resilience to extreme weather events. This is the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, created in 1994. Over the past 30 years, approximately $2 billion has been obligated by FEMA to address the nation’s costliest annual disaster. 

    Through this program, FEMA provides funding to states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. 

    There are three categories of funding which include:

    • Capability and Capacity Building Activities, such as project scoping to develop project plans and designs.
    • Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects, which help build resilience to flooding at the community level, including floodplain management, wetland, marsh, riverine and coastal restoration and protection.
    • Individual Flood Mitigation Projects, which protect individual homes and buildings from flooding, including by buying out or elevating properties above flood levels.
    This home in Hampton, Virginia was elevated through Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funding. (Credit: Nicholas Monteleone/ FEMA)

    The announcement also aligns with FEMA’s 2024 Year of Resilience campaign, as well as the goals of the National Climate Resilience Framework, and will help build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards. 

    “The projects selected in Region 3 are an example of the many different ways that FMA funding can be used to make communities more resilient to flooding,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “While we look forward at the impact these future projects will have, it is also important to take a moment and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the FMA program and the difference it has made for communities not just here in Region 3, but across the country.”

    Region 3 Flood Mitigation Assistance FY23 Selections:

    State

    Number of Selections

    Total Funding for Selections (rounded)
    Maryland

    2

    $851, 195
    Pennsylvania

    4

    $832,605
    West Virginia

    1

    $202,125

    West Virginia: Division of Emergency Management Strategic Flood Plan

    $202,125

    This project will develop a framework for long-term Flood Mitigation Assistance projects through the development of the state’s strategic flood mitigation plan. The plan aims to identify and profile flood hazards, analyze vulnerabilities, and implement capability assessment to address at-risk communities. It will focus on repetitive loss structures and aligns strategic mitigation actions with future grant funding opportunities. A key goal of the plan is to link grant funding to flood hazards identified in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan creation process includes setting goals, assessing existing mitigation actions, analyzing data, identifying new actions, and prioritizing grant submissions. 

    Projects in Maryland and Pennsylvania will include elevating and reconstructing homes to make them more resilient to flooding and creating engineering plans for future projects to protect communities from flooding. Additionally, FEMA is funding the voluntary acquisition of properties that have been flooded repeatedly.

    In total, FEMA selected 197 projects in National Flood Insurance Program-participating communities in 25 states. In addition to flood control activities, the selections will reduce risk to individual properties through actions like elevations, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of buildings insured by NFIP. 

    The selections complement a July announcement of $1 billion nationwide through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and the current $300 million funding opportunity through Flood Mitigation Assistance’s Swift Current—another important part of the President’s Investing in America Agenda—to make the nation more resilient to natural hazards. Both programs provide climate resilience funding to help address increased demand for federal funds to address the climate crisis. 

    If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

    ###

    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 twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: First Nations National Guardians Network joins Ministers Guilbeault and Hajdu to announce major investment in Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement on Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.

    Gatineau, Quebec – September 26, 2024 – Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement on Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.

    He will be joined by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River; Jaimee Gaunce, Executive Director, First Nations National Guardians Network; and Valérie Courtois, Executive Director, Indigenous Leadership Initiative.

    Following the announcement, Minister Guilbeault will hold a media availability.

    Event: Announcement and media availability
    Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
    Time: 9:00 a.m. EDT
    Location: Spirit Garden
    Sleeping Giant Parkway (near Prince Arthur’s Landing)
    Thunder Bay, Ontario

    Media representatives are encouraged to register for this in-person event by contacting Media Relations at Environment and Climate Change Canada to be made aware of any changes.

    Oliver Anderson
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    819-962-0686
    Oliver.Anderson@ec.gc.ca

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Carter Statement on Government Funding Extension

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the continuing resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the government funding deadline:

    “Funding the government is a fundamental responsibility of elected officials. This extension safeguards important programs that people rely on, refills the Disaster Relief Fund, and renews the National Flood Insurance Program. This continuing resolution is now consistent with the spending levels agreed upon in the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act. I will continue fighting to put people over politics and solve problems for hardworking Louisianians.

    “While I am encouraged that the DRF has been replenished in a way that allows long-term recovery projects to restart, I am concerned that we may be right back here in December with projects throughout Louisiana paused. Congress must come back with a comprehensive disaster relief bill to ensure important recovery projects don’t continue being delayed.

    “We must find a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open at the end of the year. This short-term solution gives us time to find it.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

    September 26, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Parks Canada

    The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, helps connect Canadians to our shared history. Each designation of a person, place or event of national historic significance makes a unique contribution to the tapestry of stories that together shape our identity and our past.

    Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointments of Mr. Michael Carroll as the Alberta representative and Ms. Karen Aird as the British Columbia representative to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

    Each Board member brings a unique perspective to the Board’s long-standing mission to commemorate the people, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history. The Parks Canada Agency and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are committed to ensuring that national historic designations reflect the diverse stories of Canada’s history.

    Canadians value learning about their country’s past. This historical awareness fosters active citizenship, promotes critical thinking, encourages civic responsibility and supports a more inclusive society.

    Established in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada on the national historic significance of people, places and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada supports the work of the Board by providing professional and administrative services, including conducting the historical and archaeological research required to assess nominations.

    In collaboration with Parks Canada, the Commission ensures that elements of national historic significance are recognized and that these important stories are communicated to Canadians through the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

    -30-

    The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is composed of one representative from each province and territory, as well as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, a representative from the Canadian Museum of History and a representative from Parks Canada.

    The Framework for History and Commemoration, introduced in 2019, supports the work of Parks Canada and the Board to designate persons, places and events of national historic significance, and encourages new, diverse, public designations. The Framework promotes a public-centred approach that is inclusive and reflects the diversity and complexity of Canada’s history, including the history of Indigenous peoples.

    To date, based on the Commission’s recommendations, the Government of Canada has designated more than 2,260 places, events and persons of national historic significance under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

    In addition to making recommendations regarding designations of national historic significance, the Commission provides advice on heritage railway stations, heritage lighthouses and the National Program of Grave Sites of Prime Ministers of Canada.

    Most nominations submitted to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for consideration come from members of the public. For more information on how to submit a request to designate a person, place or event of historical significance, please visit the Parks Canada website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc.

    The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the selection processes for Governor in Council appointees are open, transparent and merit-based in order to encourage public confidence in Canada’s democracy and ensure the integrity of its public institutions. The selection process reflects the fundamental role that Governor in Council appointees play in our democracy by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country.

    Oliver AndersonDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change819-962-0686oliver.anderson@ec.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Two new representatives appointed to the CLMHC

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    On September 26, 2024, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointment of two new representatives to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).

    BiographiesMr. Michael CarrollRepresentative for Alberta

    Dr. Michael Carroll is a historian of twentieth-century diplomacy, specializing in Canadian-American foreign relations, United Nations peacekeeping, and Canadian history. He holds a Master of Arts (History) from Carleton University and a PhD (History) from the University of Toronto. He has been Chair of the Department of Humanities at MacEwan University since 2019, where he has taught since 2007. He previously taught at the University of Victoria and Seiwa University in Japan.

    Dr. Carroll has a special interest in public history and has devoted over twenty years to the recording and preservation of oral histories. The collegial governance at MacEwan University has also afforded him the opportunity to participate actively on university and community committees, as well as on committees serving the broader historical profession. He is the author of numerous publications, including Pearson’s Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-1967.

    “Canada’s history is anything but boring: from extraordinary exploits that inspire us to cases of collective shame from which we must learn, and everything in between. I am honoured to represent Alberta and excited to be part of the effort to make our nation’s history accessible and alive for all Canadians.”

    Mr. Michael CarrollMember, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Alberta

    Ms. Karen AirdRepresentative for British Columbia

    Ms. Aird is a member, through her mother, of the Saulteau First Nation in northeastern British Columbia, and now resides in Kamloops. Since 2018, she has been the Heritage Manager with the First Peoples Cultural Council, a program she developed from the ground up that provides grants, resources, research and training to First Nations in British Columbia.

    Ms. Aird began her career as an archaeologist, overseeing large-scale archaeological projects. She later owned a consulting firm specializing in cultural heritage management. In 2012, she co-founded the National Aboriginal Heritage Circle and served as its president for two terms.

    Her experience includes participation in national and international conferences, high-level government meetings and negotiations, and community-based cultural heritage research. She has served on several boards, such as the Royal BC Museum and the Parks Canada Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Circle.

    Ms. Aird holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in cultural heritage management from Athabasca University.

    “Canada has a rich and varied history, etched in the landscapes, events and people of the past. As a representative of British Columbia, I am honoured to join the committee to support the recognition and commemoration of our collective heritage.”

    Ms. Karen AirdMember, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, British Columbia

    -30-

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces state’s price gouging law in effect because of Hurricane HeleneRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) –South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect since Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency because of Hurricane Helene.

    “With the possibility that Hurricane Helene could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared. We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, and other commodities as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Wilson said.

    The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.

    Normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging there are certain steps you can take to help our office investigate. Please do the following:

    1. Note the time, place, address, and name of the gas station or business.
    2. Note the price you paid.
    3. Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses.
    4. Take pictures that identify the business, along with the price.
    5. Provide your name and contact information.

    Our office will need that information to conduct a thorough investigation. Please email any examples and documentation to [email protected]. You can also give us that information on our website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/. If you don’t have access to email or our website, you may call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation. Please include the details we need to be able to investigate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

    September 26, 2024                       Gatineau, Quebec                             Parks Canada

    The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, helps connect Canadians with our shared history. Every designation of a person, place, or event of national historic significance makes a unique addition to the tapestry of stories that collectively contribute to our identity and past.

    Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointments of Dr. Michael Carroll as representative for Alberta and Ms. Karen Aird as representative for British Columbia to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

    Every Board member contributes their distinct perspective to the longstanding mission of the Board to commemorate the individuals, places, and events that have shaped Canada’s history. Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are committed to ensuring that national historic designations reflect the diverse narratives of the history of Canada.

    Canadians value learning more about the nation’s past. This historical awareness fosters active citizenship, promotes critical thinking, encourages civic responsibility, and supports a more inclusive society.

    Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Parks Canada supports the Board’s work with professional and administrative services, including the conduct of historical and archaeological research needed for evaluating nominations.

    Together, Parks Canada and the Board ensure that subjects of national historic significance are recognized, and these important stories are shared with Canadians under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

                                                                                                             -30-

    • The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is composed of a representative from each province and territory, as well as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, a representative of the Canadian Museum of History, and a representative of Parks Canada.

    • The Framework for History and Commemoration, introduced in 2019, supports the work of Parks Canada and the Board in designating places, persons, and events of national historic significance and encourages new and diverse types of public nominations. The Framework takes an audience-focused approach that is inclusive and presents the diversity and complexity of history in Canada, including the history of Indigenous Peoples.

    • To date, based on recommendations from the Board, the Government of Canada has designated over 2,260 national historic sites, events, and persons under the National Program of Historical Commemoration. 

    • In addition to making recommendations regarding designations of national historic significance, the Board provides advice on Heritage Railway Stations, Heritage Lighthouses, and the National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers.

    • Most nominations brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. For more information on how to nominate a person, place or event of historic importance, please visit Parks Canada’s website: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/proposer-nominate. 

    • The Government of Canada is committed to an open, transparent, and merit-based process for selecting Governor in Council’s appointees, to encourage continued trust in Canada’s democracy and ensure the integrity of its public institutions. The selection process reflects the fundamental role that Governor in Council’s appointees play in our democracy as they serve on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies, and tribunals across the country.

    Oliver Anderson
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    819-962-0686
    oliver.anderson@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New HSMBC Appointed Representatives

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On September 26, 2024, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointment of two new representatives to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). 

    Biographies
    Dr. Michael Carroll
    Representative for Alberta

    Dr. Michael Carroll is a 20th-century diplomatic historian specializing in Canadian and American foreign relations, United Nations peacekeeping and Canadian history. He holds a Master of Arts (History) from Carleton University and a Ph.D. (History) from the University of Toronto. He has been Chair of the Department of Humanities at MacEwan University since 2019, where he has taught since 2007. He previously taught at the University of Victoria and Seiwa University in Japan.

    Dr. Carroll has a special interest in public history and has been engaged in recording and preserving oral histories for over twenty years. Collegial governance at MacEwan has also provided him with the opportunity to serve extensively on academic and community committees, as well as those serving the wider historical profession. He is the author of numerous publications, including Pearson’s Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-1967.

    “The history of Canada is anything but boring: from exploits of greatness that inspire to instances of collective shame from which we must learn, and everything in-between. I am honoured to represent Alberta and thrilled to be part of the efforts to help make our nation’s history accessible and come alive for all Canadians.”

    Dr. Michael Carroll
     Member, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Alberta


    Ms. Karen Aird
    Representative for British Columbia

    Ms. Karen Aird is a member of Saulteau First Nations in northeast B.C. through her mother and now resides in Kamloops. Since 2018, she has been the Heritage Manager with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, a program she developed from the ground up that provides grants, resources, research and training for B.C. First Nations.

    Ms. Aird began her career as an archaeologist, overseeing large-scale archaeology projects. She then owned a consulting firm specializing in cultural heritage management. In 2012, she co-founded the National Indigenous Heritage Circle and served as president for two terms.

    Her experience includes participation in national and international conferences, high-level government meetings and negotiations, and community-based cultural heritage research. She has served on several boards, such as the Royal BC Museum and Parks Canada’s Cultural Heritage Indigenous Advisory Circle.

    Ms. Aird completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria and has a Master’s Diploma in cultural heritage management from Athabasca University.

    “Canada has a rich and diverse history etched into the landscapes, events, and people of the past. As the B.C. representative, I am honoured to join the committee to support the recognition and commemoration of our collective heritage.”

    Ms. Karen Aird
     Member, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, British Columbia

                                                                                                                -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: West and Central African Countries Advance Human Mobility and Climate Change in National Plans

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/Lomé, 25 September – Countries across West and Central Africa are taking decisive steps towards address the growing challenges of human mobility and climate change through efforts to integrating these into their national policies. This initiative marks an important milestone for the region as it moves toward more holistic, and policy driven climate action. 

    As the region grapples with rising climate-related displacement, with over 1.2 million people displaced by the recent flooding alone in 2024 compared to 624,700 people internally displaced the previous year. With the World Bank projection of up to 32 million climate migrants by 2050, governments are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive, forward-looking climate strategies. By prioritizing human mobility in national plans, countries are better positioned to address the dual challenges of climate change and displacement, ensuring that policies not only mitigate climate impacts but also support communities on the move.

    At a recent gathering, climate negotiators from West and Central African nations came together to discuss the critical link between climate change and human mobility. The event, co-hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) alongside several United Nations agencies and environmental organizations, focused on equipping participants with the tools to integrate mobility concerns into their national adaptation plans (NAPs) and climate commitments (NDCs). This comes even as the United Nations Antonio Guterres called on all countries during the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to produce national climate action plans by 2025 to address global climate change.

    “The reality we face today is stark, climate change is not a distant threat but a growing challenge that intensifies existing vulnerabilities and creates new ones,” said Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative for the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel. “In West and Central Africa, extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and rising sea levels are displacing entire communities and exacerbating competition for scarce resources.”

    The three-day event saw participants identify key opportunities to integrate human mobility considerations in climate negotiations, both at national and international levels, particularly in the lead-up to COP29 in November.  These discussions were crucial, as nations in the region seek to integrate climate-related migration and displacement into their broader climate resilience strategies.

    The event significantly featured active participation of young climate leaders and migrants from the region. They shared firsthand insights into the impact climate change is having in their communities, highlighting challenges such as increased flooding, shrinking arable land, and disrupted transhumance routes. Their innovative perspectives on integrating human mobility into national policies emphasize the need for inclusive, youth-driven solutions in regional climate strategies.  These insights underscored the urgent need for national policies that not only address climate change but also protect vulnerable populations forced to move by its impacts.

    “This training was an incredible chance for young advocates like myself to connect with experts and share ideas on the challenges we face. Integrating climate-related human mobility into our national policies is a big step forward,” said Mariam Hamzat, a climate and sustainability advocate from Nigeria.  “It’s up to us to keep pushing for these changes in West and Central Africa.” The event fostered collaboration among the nations, strengthening regional approaches to human mobility and climate change. By training negotiators to advocate for these issues at national levels and international platforms like COP 29 and amplifying the voices of young leaders, West and Central African countries are laying the groundwork for more inclusive, resilient climate policies that account for the growing realities of displacement in the region.

    “I have been impressed by the level of engagement of participants throughout the workshop, as well as with the willingness to keep on learning and understanding what human mobility entails in West and Central Africa”, observed Hind Aïssaoui Bennani, IOM Regional Specialist on climate mobility.

    The event was conducted in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Regional Coordination Centre for West and Central Africa, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and in collaboration with NDC Partnership and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

    For more information, please contact:

    In Dakar: 

    Hind Aïssaoui Bennani,  haissaoui@iom.int

    Joëlle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int   

    In Geneva: 

    Chloé Lavau, clavau@iom.int

    Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Manufacturing That Returns to Nature—In Pursuit of “Nature Positive”

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Manufacturing That Returns to Nature—In Pursuit of “Nature Positive”

    The Panasonic Group is promoting a long-term environmental vision, Panasonic GREEN IMPACT (PGI). Complementing initiatives for carbon neutrality and circular economy, Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) is also investing in the nature positive* economy, promoting research and development with green transformation (GX) as a pillar of its growth strategy. In August 2024, Dr. Naoki Adachi, CEO of Response Ability, Inc. and Executive Director of the Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB), sat down with Tatsuo Ogawa, PHD Executive Officer and Group CTO, for a dialogue on the importance of corporate initiatives for nature positive, what the Panasonic Group should be aiming for, and examples of nature positive initiatives within the Group. 
    * Nature Positive: halting and reversing biodiversity loss

    Why corporate commitments to nature positive matter

    The session began with Dr. Adachi explaining why biodiversity is critical to human economic activity:
    The global target agreed to at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15) in December 2022 is referred to as “nature positive.” With 2020 as the base year, the goal is to stop biodiversity loss and put it on a recovery track by 2030 and to fully restore our ecosystems by 2050.
    Climate change, resource cycles, and biodiversity are all “nature” issues. Ecosystem services—regulating, supplying, cultural, and infrastructure functions—have yielded a variety of benefits to humans but are breaking down under the burden of human economic activity. Biodiversity is “natural capital.” We must acknowledge that our lives and business activities depend on biodiversity—and that if we negatively impact biodiversity, then that natural capital will disappear and human economic activity will no longer be possible.

    Dr. Naoki Adachi

    The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review, a report commissioned by the UK Treasury and published in 2021, states that “the economy is only one part of the environment (biosphere).” Along with this awareness is the importance of utilizing nature to solve problems in the future—and to do that, we need to increase the amount of nature.
    Companies must hone their technical ability to harness the power and functions of nature and strengthen their managerial skills so they can launch businesses that increase nature.

    What nature positive action is required from Panasonic Group?

    Ogawa asked Dr. Adachi about the direction the Group should take in its nature positive efforts, and shared his own thoughts on the realization of nature positive from a corporate perspective.

    Conversation between CTO Tatsuo Ogawa and Dr. Naoki Adachi

    Ogawa: The Panasonic Group’s nature positive initiative is just getting started. What direction should we be taking?
    Dr. Adachi: It’s wonderful that you are broadly disclosing the Group’s impact on nature in the Sustainability Data Book and other publications. I think you can find some clues by reviewing your impact not only within the Group but also across your supply and value chains.
    Ogawa: As a company, our perspective tends to be limited to things that have a direct impact on our business today. Based on our firm understanding of “the concept that biodiversity underlies all economic activity,” we will thoroughly promote our circular economy initiative. By expanding our perspective to the entirety of nature and the planet, we believe that we will be able to create new relationships with partner companies.
    Dr. Adachi: In the coming age of nature positivity, a new market will emerge. I think it would be a good idea to take another look at nature, to make good use of nature to solve problems, and to be conscious of the upfront investment that will be required.

    Specific initiatives for becoming nature positive

    The Panasonic Group has multiple initiatives under way to develop and commercialize technologies and realize a nature positive economy, driven by the passion of employees who want to make a positive impact on the environment.
    Let’s take a closer look at three initiatives:

    Bio CO2 Transformation technology “Novitek”

    Bio CO2 Transformation technology uses atmospheric CO2 as the main source to produce a component that stimulates plant growth by harnessing photosynthetic microorganisms. Expected to be commercialized as “Novitek” by the end of FY2025, it can promote decarbonization while stimulating plant growth and increasing crop yields.

    [Related Article] Panasonic in Numbers: Bio CO₂ Transformation Technology

    Left: Biomolecules are diluted by a factor of 500 and then applied to the leaves of crops Right: A single application of Novitek to the spinach on the left increased yield by 40 percent compared to untreated spinach on the right.

    Seiji Kojima, Green Innovation Center, PHD Technology Division

    Novitek developer Seiji Kojima of the PHD Technology Division had this to say:
    Kojima: We sought a dual vision of reducing environmental burden and creating economic value. When working with nature, the idea is to chain and amplify value in multiple stages, leveraging the power of nature at each stage.Bio CO2 Transformation starts with atmospheric CO2. Even when crops are being sprayed, the system seeks to improve productivity by making use of atmospheric CO2. Depicting this kind of value chain and amplification structure for initiatives that focus on the environment and nature is important. 

    2-step plan to reduce environmental burden and create economic value (value chain/amplification)

    Restoring regional flora—Kusatsu Factory “Forest of Coexistence”

    The Forest of Coexistence covers 13,000 m2 at Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic)’s Kusatsu Factory of in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture and is positioned as an important green space under Panasonic’s Ecological Network Concept, which seeks to contribute to local biodiversity while preserving the landscape.

    The overview of the Panasonic Kusatsu Factory and the Forest of Coexistence

    Takahiro Nakano, from the General Affairs Department of Panasonic’s Living Appliances and Solutions Company, manages the Forest of Coexistence and explains its significance:
    Nakano: When founder Konosuke Matsushita visited the Kusatsu Factory in 1970, he said, “Kusatsu (Factory) is made with an emotional atmosphere by fully utilizing (or taking advantage of ) nature. In fact, that’s how I want it to be.” Since then, the Kusatsu Factory has been developed as a “park factory” surrounded by greenery and flowers and cherished by local residents, the “most advanced factory in the Orient” that enriches people’s lives.The company introduced the Ecological Network Concept to create a green space in a corner of the site and secure a habitat for wildlife while connecting it with the surrounding green space and waterfront. Known as the “Forest of Coexistence,” development began in October 2011.

    The significance and role of the Forest of Coexistence

    Nakano: The site includes waterfront, grassland, and woodland and serves as a model for “satoyama” (rural spaces in which humans and nature coexist). A team of experts monitors the restoration status of the satoyama environment. Employees manage green areas, monitor for invasive species, and raise seedlings and plant trees. The number of plant and animal species has recovered from approximately 580 species in 2011 to approximately 840 in 2016. 

    Plants and animals living in the Forest of Coexistence

    Takahiro Nakano, General Affairs Department, Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic Corporation

    Nakano: In October 2023, the Ministry of the Environment certified the area as an “OECM (Other Effective area based Conservation Measure) site” and the site was registered in an international database as one of Japan’s OECMs in August 2024.

    Open Innovation “Nawashiro” Initiative

    Since April 2023, PHD has been launching our system for nurturing technologies in their seed stage, called “Nawashiro.” Inspired by the Japanese practice of growing rice seedlings, which requires careful attention and effort, “Nawashiro” reflects our commitment to nurturing technologies without cutting corners. It leverages collaboration with academia, providing resources and mentorship to help emerging technologies develop until they are ready for the market, embodying our dedication to fostering innovation. Koichi Matsumura of PHD’s Technology Planning Office, explains: 
    Matsumura: This initiative is known as “Nawashiro” because it nurtures the seeds of technology. Our goal is to create themes that actively utilize industry-academia collaboration.

    Koichi Matsumura, Open Innovation Promotion Department, Technology Planning Office, PHD

    Matsumura: Our approach is to study the subject area and then “go into the field for hands-on work.” We analyze data and facts using the knowledge we’ve gained, and then compile the results, hypotheses, and facts we think will be of interest to professors at Kyoto University and other universities with whom we collaborate. Today we are exploring and analyzing the following activities:
    Collaboration with Kyoto University: Understanding the Mechanism of Natural CyclesBased on hill-to-ocean linkage studies, we seek to establish sensing, modeling, and actuation methods for material circulation in forests/soil. We collect and analyze data from sensors that have been installed at various sites.

    Left: Academics from collaborating universities inspect the Forest of CoexistenceRight: Sound data collection experiment at Kyoto University’s Kamigamo test site. Sound data is analyzed using Panasonic sound analysis technology.

    Matsumura: We want to create opportunities to accelerate research by sharing the findings and data obtained here with researchers, including those outside of “Nawashiro.”

    At the conclusion of their dialog, Dr. Adachi and Ogawa offered some closing comments. 
    Dr. Adachi: As part of our efforts to realize nature positivity, we would like you to promote recycling-based manufacturing from the design stage.
    Ogawa: In July 2024, the PHD Corporate Technology Sector formulated a “Technology Future Vision” that includes themes that cannot be separated from nature—including energy, water, and food. Nature is the source of everything. Using this as our starting point, we will consider new ways of doing business, of creating new communities, of producing food and new energy, and new ways of recycling resources—all aligned to the theme of “nature.” We will also consider combining nature and AI. By doing so, a new future will open up for the Panasonic Group.

    Related Articles

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint Statement on Ukraine Energy Sector Support

    Source: Government of Sweden

    We, the G7+ Ministerial Group, met on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal and unjust attacks on Ukraine and it’s energy infrastructure.

    We reaffirm our strong commitment to the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and to focus on the key priorities needed to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on international law, including the UN Charter and its principles.

    We strongly condemn Russia’s continuous missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and cities across Ukraine, which have escalated since March 2024 and severely threaten Ukraine’s energy security and the Ukrainian people’s access to critical services including electricity, heat, and water during the cold winter months, which could be the harshest for Ukraine since at least its independence. We highlight the regional implications of such attacks, notably on the Republic of Moldova’s energy security. Russia must end its war of aggression and pay for the damage it has caused.

    We recommit to supporting Ukraine’s immediate, medium, and long-term recovery and reconstruction in line with its path towards the EU and to work to involve our private sectors and local governments in the sustainable economic and social recovery of Ukraine. We welcome and underscore the significance of Ukraine’s commitment to business-enabling reforms that will establish a level playing field for investment in the energy sector. We stress the importance of the implementation of the National Energy and Climate Plan and the monitoring of this process. We will continue to support efforts of the Ukrainian government and people in these endeavors.

    We stress the importance of implementation of energy sector reforms in line with the EU accession path and fulfilling obligations under the Energy Community Treaty, including OECD-compliant corporate governance standards. This is especially crucial ahead of the winter, given the scale of repairs and new energy infrastructure needs.

    We acknowledge the need for international assistance to protect energy infrastructure from attacks, including through the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities by the committed countries, and reaffirm our readiness to continue providing such assistance.

    We condemn Russia’s seizure and continued control and militarization of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which threatens energy security. We emphasize that any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safe-guarded, and environmentally sound. With reference to the UNGA resolution from 11 July on “Safety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant” we stress that Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must return to the full sovereign control of Ukraine in line with IAEA principles and under its independent supervision.

    We are convinced that rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system in the short and long term is in the interest of enhancing global energy security and sustainability.

    We welcome further commitments to provide funding and in-kind support to address the Ukrainian energy sector’s most urgent needs, including repairs of damaged power plants and district heating systems, deployment of new, distributed power generation, emergency backup power for critical services, and passive protection for energy infrastructure. We call on the global community to urgently strengthen efforts in that regard and provide Ukraine with all assistance needed.

    We underline the important work of international partners, banks, and the Energy Community’s “Ukraine Energy Support Fund” in this regard. We call upon international partners to elevate their financial contributions, in particular to the latter fund in order to improve Ukraine’s resilience next winter.

    Based on the work of the Working Group on Energy Security and the outcomes of the First Global Peace Summit held on 15-16 June 2024 in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, as well as the results of a productive and constructive dialogue at the Energy Security Conference held on 22 August 2024, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    Based upon the Japan-Ukraine Conference for the Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in Tokyo, the 2024 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Berlin and looking ahead to the November 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and the 2025 URC in Italy, we are committed to continue supporting immediate needs and Ukraine’s vision of a more decentralized, diversified, resilient, and renewable/sustainable energy system that is fully integrated with Europe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia may be facing another La Niña summer. We’ve found a way to predict them earlier, to help us prepare

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mandy Freund, Lecturer, Climate Science Geography, The University of Melbourne

    Meteorologists are again predicting a possible La Niña this summer, which means Australia may face wetter and cooler conditions than normal.

    It would be the fourth La Niña in Australia in five years, and highlights the need for Australians to prepare for what may be an extreme weather season.

    Typically, a La Niña or its counterpart, El Niño, signals its arrival earlier in the year. Signs of this potential La Niña are emerging fairly late. That’s where new research by my colleagues and I may help in future.

    La Niña and El Niño explained

    La Niña and its opposite phase, El Niño, are created by changes in ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean’s equatorial region. Together, the two phenomena are known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation.

    The oscillation is said to be in the positive phase during an El Niño and the negative phase during a La Niña. When sitting between the two, the cycle is in neutral phase.

    Earlier this month, the World Meteorological Organization said there was a 60% chance of La Niña conditions emerging by year’s end.

    In the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put the likelihood at 71%. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology is in “watch” mode, predicting a 50% chance of a La Niña weather pattern forming later this year.

    La Niña occurs when strengthening winds change currents on the ocean surface, pulling cool water up from the deep.

    The winds also cause warm surface waters in the western Pacific and north of Australia, bringing increased rainfall and clouds. This usually means above-average rainfall and cooler temperatures for Australia, particularly in the east and north.

    Conversely, an El Niño weather pattern generally brings hotter temperatures across Australia, and less rainfall in the east and north.

    The Bureau of Meteorology is in La Niña ‘watch mode’.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    Paths of destruction

    La Niña or El Niño events can cause devastation around the world.

    The El Niño in 2015–16, for example, caused crops to fail and affected the food security and nutrition of almost 60 million people globally.

    In Australia, El Niño events can bring increased risk of drought, bushfires and heatwaves, and water shortages.

    Meanwhile, rainfall associated with La Niña conditions can lead to greater crop yield. But particularly heavy rainfall can wash crops away. It also heightens flood risks for some communities.

    These far-reaching impacts mean it’s essential to plan ahead when a La Niña or El Niño is on the cards. But predicting these events has always been tricky.

    Both types of events usually develop in the Southern Hemisphere autumn, peak in late spring or summer, and weaken by the next autumn. But it’s now late spring without a clear La Niña declaration. Why the delay?

    Climate change is one factor. The Bureau of Meteorology says as oceans absorb heat from global warming, it’s harder to spot the specific warming patterns linked to La Niña.

    The sheer complexity of the ocean-atmosphere system adds to the difficulty. The computer models used to predict El Niño and La Niña are improving all the time.
    But scientists still need more information on deep ocean processes, and how winds affect the oscillation.

    Predictions are hardest during the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn. That’s because the cycle then is very susceptible to change – teetering at a point where either a La Niña or El Niño could develop.

    That’s why the earliest an El Niño or La Niña can be predicted is usually around May or June.

    But new research offers a way to predict the events much earlier – and start preparing if necessary.

    Better, earlier forecasts

    The study, which I led, assessed the likelihood of La Niña or El Niño events occurring in succession – either in the eastern or central region of the Pacific Ocean.

    This distinction is important. For Australia, El Niño and La Niña events peaking in the Central Pacific, close to our continent, have greater impacts here compared to those peaking in the east, closer to South America.

    We analysed weather observations, and the sequence of past El Niño and La Niña events, over the past 150 years. We also examined climate models for future changes in transitions between El Niño and La Niña events.

    From this, we determined the likelihood of an El Niño or La Niña occurring in two consecutive years.

    We found most El Niño events are followed by neutral conditions the next year (with a likelihood of 37–56%).

    But La Niña behaves differently. In 40% of cases, a Central Pacific El Niño could follow an Eastern Pacific La Niña. And there is a 28% chance of two consecutive La Niña events in the Central Pacific.

    These results allow for more advanced predictions. By identifying patterns in this way, the odds of an El Niño or La Niña can be predicted up to a year in advance.

    El Niño or La Niña are the result of complex interactions between winds and sea in the Pacific Ocean.
    Shutterstock

    Looking ahead

    So, what does our research suggest for Australia? Will a La Niña develop here this year?

    From September last year, Australia experienced a strong Eastern Pacific El Niño. So our findings suggest there is only a 17% chance of La Niña this year.

    If the La Niña arrives, it will likely peak in the Central Pacific, potentially affecting Australia rainfall. But overall, any La Niña that develops this late is likely to be weak and relatively short-lived.

    Our research also found that as climate change accelerates, the El Niño Southern Oscillation is likely to shift. For example, the odds of two consecutive El Niños peaking in the central Pacific region will likely increase. And we can expect fewer calm, neutral years between events.

    We hope our research enables more accurate, long-range forecasts, giving communities additional time to plan and prepare.

    Mandy Freund receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather

    – ref. Australia may be facing another La Niña summer. We’ve found a way to predict them earlier, to help us prepare – https://theconversation.com/australia-may-be-facing-another-la-nina-summer-weve-found-a-way-to-predict-them-earlier-to-help-us-prepare-239826

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $2 Million Grant to Support Viet Nam’s Typhoon Yagi Disaster Response

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    HA NOI, VIET NAM (27 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2 million grant to assist the Government of Viet Nam in providing emergency and humanitarian services to residents affected by the super Typhoon Yagi in the northern region of the country.

    “We highly commend the extraordinary efforts of the Government and people of Viet Nam in responding to the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi,” said ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty. “ADB’s grant will support wider government efforts to deliver immediate humanitarian relief. ADB is also committed to working with the government on post-disaster recovery in the affected provinces to build back better and improve resilience, which is critical in the face of accelerating natural hazards.”

    The grant is funded by the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which aims to provide support to ADB’s developing member countries affected by major disasters triggered by natural hazards.

    Typhoon Yagi, the strongest typhoon to hit Viet Nam in decades, made landfall on the northern coast of the country on 7 September. As of 24 September, 337 people have been killed or reported missing and another 1,935 people injured, according to the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority.

    The typhoon and subsequent flooding and landslides caused widespread damage in 26 provinces, with an estimated 37 million people living in the affected areas. Initial economic loss across northern part of Viet Nam is estimated at around $2.6 billion.

    ADB has been working with other development partners to support the government’s response to the disaster, including assessing assistance needs in the affected northern provinces. ADB’s emergency assistance aims to help ensure that people living in disaster areas have access to basic medical and social services and resources to rebuild their lives and livelihoods and will continue to work closely with the government and other development partners to deliver humanitarian assistance in line with United Nations Resident Coordinator Disaster Response Plan.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 684

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 684
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    830 AM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Georgia
    Central and Southern South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday morning and evening from 830 AM until
    900 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Several tornadoes likely

    SUMMARY…A long-duration and gradually increasing tornado threat
    will exist in association with the increasingly strong low-level
    winds on the northeast periphery of Hurricane Helene.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 70 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 35 miles south of Savannah GA to 30
    miles north of Columbia SC. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 683…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 0 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 16025.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 684 TORNADO GA SC CW 261230Z – 270100Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    35S SAV/SAVANNAH GA/ – 30N CAE/COLUMBIA SC/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM E/W /33S SAV – 30N CAE/
    WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500.MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 16025.

    LAT…LON 31628239 34368235 34367989 31628001

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 684 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    High (90%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low ( 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: KZN teams on standby ahead of predicted adverse weather

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has announced that highly efficient and dedicated teams are on standby with an expected drop in temperatures later this week, with a possibility of snow.

    While the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has not issued an official weather warning, the weather service predicts the possibility of snow over the high lying areas of the Western Cape from 29 September 2024, which will spread into the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by 30 September 2024.

    Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) led by South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) comprising of all key role players on the national, provincial, and municipal road networks were putting together a consolidated plan.

    “They are identifying areas where joint operations and coordination will be established – covering all notorious roads and areas identified from past experiences. 

    “The department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate is establishing a satellite centre on top of Van Reenen’s Pass to ensure quick action and road closure to mitigate against people getting trapped in the snow,” the MEC said.

    This satellite centre will start operating on Saturday afternoon and operate on a 12-hour shift.

    Traffic law enforcement officials are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with the N3 Toll Concession. 

    “The focus is on the N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi River, and others. We wish to indicate that the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road. 

    “However, members of the public and motorists are urged to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality. Prevention is better than cure.

    “Motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with … urgency to remove any snow before accumulating on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster,” the MEC said.

    The province has 21 graders which will be on standby as part of strengthening prevention measures.

    “On Wednesday, we interacted with SAWS. They informed us that KwaZulu-Natal will be affected by snowfall from Monday into Tuesday. The areas that are expected to be affected include Ladysmith, Underberg, Drakensberg as well as Giant Castle, and other high-ground area.

    “In addition, they emphasised that, in all likelihood, snowfall will stop on Tuesday but will be followed by rainfall in various parts of the province, including Durban and other coastline areas,” Duma said.

    The MEC said the provincial government has started engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that everyone works together to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users.

    “We have continuous engagements with road freight industry stakeholders such as operators – trucking companies – companies that are managing and supplying drivers.

    “The South African National Taxi Council and bus councils, bus and truck associations are key stakeholders as we strengthen our road safety measures. We do not want to leave out port operators and the entire value chain of fast-moving consumer goods,” Duma said.

    The provincial government has assigned engineers in consultation with SANRAL to look at the impact of the recent heavy snowfall on the road infrastructure.

    “The truck congestion on N3 last weekend compels us to intensify our plans aimed at modernisation and development of rail transport – both freight and passenger.

    “Working with the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and other main roleplayers, as KwaZulu-Natal we believe that we must ensure that we deploy wagons to move cargo from road to rail, with a specific focus on certain goods, such as coal.

    “In addition, we want to improve rail services in the province so that it could serve as the backbone of public transport while at the same time recognising the huge challenges currently facing commuter rail services in KwaZulu-Natal and throughout the country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Himpathy: the psychology of why some people side with perpetrators of sexual misconduct – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    In 2018, the Australian philosopher Kate Manne coined the word “himpathy” to describe what she called “the inappropriate and disproportionate sympathy powerful men often enjoy in cases of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, homicide and other misogynistic behavior”.

    This happened to former US President Donald Trump who was found liable for sexually abusing the writer E. Jean Carroll in 2023. Carroll faced abuse from online trolls, she received death threats and was driven from her home.

    What makes somebody more likely to feel himpathetic, either to somebody facing accusations in the public eye, or in their own workplace?

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to a human behaviour expert whose research seeks to understand what makes some people more inclined to support perpetrators of sexual misconduct than the victims.

    Samantha Dodson is an assistant professor of organisational behaviour and human resources at the University of Calgary in Canada. She first started researching the ways people react to accusations of sexual misconduct around the time of the #MeToo movement, as women came forward with accusations of sexual harassment in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein case.

    Dodson and her colleagues wanted to understand why some people are predisposed to express sympathy towards male perpetrators of sexual misconduct, or himpathy. Over a series of five studies, both analysing public comments on X related to the #MeToo movement and through lab-based psychology experiments. Her team used moral foundations theory to build a profile of the kinds of people more likely to be himpathetic.

    Moral foundations theory argues that there are innate moral concerns that everybody holds to different levels. These concerns include respect for authority, loyalty, staying pure, being fair and being caring toward other people.

    Don’t rock the boat

    What we found is that when people strongly value things like loyalty, respect for authority and purity, they’re more likely to feel sympathy toward the man accused of sexual misconduct and feel anger toward the women who made that allegation.

    Dodson says people who hold these moral values very strongly are more likely to see allegations as a threat to the stability of a company, or institution. And, as a result, they’re also less likely to believe a victim.

    It also leads to people being more likely to seek punishment for the women who made the accusations and less likely to seek punishment for the men who have been accused.

    Overall, Dodson found the vast majority of people in their studies were “not himpathetic” and it’s just a small subset of people who react this way.

    The challenge is if those people are in positions of authority, or … if you have one person that you work with who’s himpathetic and you’re a victim you might experience some iciness from them or ostracism.

    Their work also looks at how managers can better deal with accusations of sexual harassment in the workplace as a result of their findings.

    Listen to Samantha Dodson talk about her research and the recommendations from it on The Conversation Weekly podcast, which also features an introduction from Eleni Vlahiotis, business and economy editor at The Conversation in Canada.

    A transcript of this episode is available on Apple Podcasts.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany. Sound design was by Michelle Macklem, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer.

    Newsclips in this episode from ABC News,
    PBS News Hour and NBC News.

    You can find us on Instagram at theconversationdotcom or via email. You can also subscribe to The Conversation’s free daily email here.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Samantha Dodson receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    – ref. Himpathy: the psychology of why some people side with perpetrators of sexual misconduct – podcast – https://theconversation.com/himpathy-the-psychology-of-why-some-people-side-with-perpetrators-of-sexual-misconduct-podcast-239860

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Category 3 Hurricane Helene nears landfall, disrupts energy infrastructure

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    September 26, 2024

    As of 8:00 a.m. eastern time on September 26, Hurricane Helene was expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle late Thursday with sustained winds of 115 miles per hour, creating the potential for significant disruptions to energy infrastructure. Hurricane Helene is the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States this hurricane season. The other three named storms that made landfall so far this hurricane season (Beryl, Debby, and Francine) were either Category 1 or 2 hurricanes.

    Hurricane Helene’s forecasted path toward the Florida Big Bend coast takes it away from the most prolific oil and natural gas-producing areas near Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

    However, trade press reports indicate that earlier in the week multiple companies including bp, Chevron, Equinor, and Shell evacuated staff at offshore oil platforms and paused some production in the Gulf of Mexico. Data compiled by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) indicate that 29% of oil production (511,000 barrels per day) and 17% of natural gas production (313 million cubic feet per day) on offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were shut in as of 12:30 p.m. eastern time on September 25. Personnel have been evacuated from 17 production platforms, nearly 5% of the 371 manned platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

    The U.S. Coast Guard reports several ports along the Gulf Coast are closed. Inbound and outbound vessel traffic to Port Tampa Bay, where over 17 million tons of petroleum- and natural gas-related products move through in a typical year, has ceased. The duration of the port closures and impacts from Hurricane Helene on trade movements for petroleum and natural gas remain uncertain.

    High winds, flooding, and storm surge from Hurricane Helene might affect energy infrastructure such as power plants as well as power transmission and distribution lines. Utilities in Florida are preparing for high volumes of power outages.

    To help analysts assess potential energy-related storm effects, EIA maintains energy disruption maps that display energy infrastructure and real-time storm information.

    Principal contributor: Matthew French

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK Government’s Regional Development Director visits Ashgabat

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK delegation led by the UK Government’s Regional Development Director visited Ashgabat from 9 to 15 September 2024.

    Sarah Cooper, Regional Development Director FCDO presents at the Forum.

    The UK Government’s Regional Development Director; Regional Climate Adviser; and Regional Private Sector Development Adviser visited Ashgabat from 9to 15 September, 2024.

    The UK Government’s Regional Development Director, Regional Climate Adviser and Regional Private Sector Development Adviser in Ashgabat.

    The objective of the visit was to explore areas of mutual co-operation between the UK and Turkmenistan on areas including climate change, economic, social development, and education partnerships.

    The UK Government’s Regional Private Sector Development Adviser speaks at the Forum

    During the visit, the FCDO team had the opportunity to meet with government representatives covering energy; water; economic development and social protection. The team also met development partners including bilateral partners and UN agencies.

    The visit will pave the way for further UK engagement in Turkmenistan across a number of areas:

    • small and medium enterprise development
    • climate change, for example, through a flexible fund to support climate adaptation for communities
    • building education partnerships with UK universities, including continuing professional development for teachers, especially on English language

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate change conferences in Turkmenistan across all velayats

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Climate change conferences in Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform for students.

    With encouragement and support from the President of Turkmenistan (and in the lead up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), a series of youth conferences on climate change were held in Turkmenistan across all ‘velayats’ (regions) including: Dashoguz, Balkanabat, Turkmenabat, Buzmeyin and Ashgabat. These events brought together young people to discuss current environmental issues and looked at finding ways for Turkmenistan’s youth to actively participate in solving problems related to climate change.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) participants

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a unique and significant platform, as the youth-led climate initiative fully supported by the Turkmen government. This initiative was introduced by the British Embassy in Turkmenistan back in 2021, supported by the United Nations Coordinators Office and other UN agencies. Fellow embassies have since lent their support, including the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in 2023 and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in 2024. The biggest leaders of this movement are however the Sustainable Development Goal Ambassadors and climate activists who have campaigned throughout the years.

    The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) stands as a unique and significant platform

    Hosting the series in different cities has allowed local youth to address climate issues specific to each location. This ensures that local challenges are recognised and tailored solutions are developed to meet needs. Through LCOY, Turkmenistan’s youth are at the forefront of driving change, positioning themselves as critical players in the challenges against climate change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 Varsovia | Sejm Government information in the Sejm regarding actions taken in connection with the flood

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    El primer ministro Donald Tusk presented to the Sejm information on the government’s work so far in connection with the flood that is sweeping through Poland. Ministers involved in aid activities also presented their reports. The last few days have seen numerous crisis teams, meetings with injured residents of flooded areas, and work on solutions that will make it easier to deal with the effects of flooding. One thing is certain – thanks to the actions of the services, residents and volunteers, a larger disaster was avoided. Thanks to the “silent heroes” The head of government began his speech by thanking the inhabitants of the areas affected by the state of natural disaster, the services, and everyone involved in providing help. “Without this, the gigantic effort of tens of thousands of people there and hundreds of thousands of people who in various ways show solidarity and practical help to those fighting the flood, we would not have had it with this greatest downpour in history,” said the Prime Minister from the parliamentary rostrum. Much damage was done during the flood. houses and apartments as well as roads, bridges, schools, clinics, the hospital in Nysa was also flooded. However, thanks to people’s efforts, the damage will be much less than during the flood in 1997. “According to preliminary assessments, the destroyed and flooded residential premises this year, despite this great flood, the largest in history, will probably be 10 times less than in 1997″ – Donald Tusk informed. Thanks to the efforts of residents and state services, many towns were saved. We also protected large cities such as Wrocław and Opole. “When another staff briefing was held in Wrocław this morning, I saw the relief of the Lower Silesian Voivode and the President of Wrocław when they could confirm the forecast from the last hours that the state of alarm on the Oder in Cław was a thing of the past ”- noted the Prime Minister. From the very beginning, the Prime Minister and the Ministers monitored the situation in places that were threatened by high water, including: Kłodzko, Głuchołazy, Nysa, Jelenia Góra, Wrocław, Głogów, Nowa Sól and Szczecin. Pre-emptive actionsThe state acted from the first hours, when alarming forecasts from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management regarding upcoming heavy rainfall appeared. Local crisis meetings, as well as those with the participation of the Government Center for Security, the Ministry of Interior and Administration and the services, were held from Wednesday, September 11. “On September 11, the RCB sent a message informing about the threat. Immediately after receiving this information, I ordered a briefing to be organized with the services and voivodes of the voivodeships that were at risk, recommending that all actions be taken to prepare for the flood,” emphasized the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak. Another crisis meeting was held on September 12, this time under the leadership of Minister T. Siemoniak. The next one is on Friday, September 13, in Wrocław, with the participation of the head of government. “On Friday 13, the morning forecast was: the rainfall would not be as heavy as we forecast the day before. On Friday evening, the forecasts deteriorated again,” explained Donald Tusk. From the very first moments, the government did not ignore forecasts and warnings and took action to secure endangered places. “From the first day, we called on all residents and repeated it every day, many times: do not ignore the fire brigade’s recommendations. and the police about the need to evacuate. From the first hours, the fire brigade, police and army reached places that were not yet flooded but at risk,” noted the Prime Minister. Soldiers from the Territorial Defense Forces were also involved in the activities from the very beginning. “The Polish Army has been involved in the activities from the very beginning. actions to protect the life and health of the population and in all activities related to the fight against floods,” said the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in the Sejm. and the police were on standby even before the high waters arrived. The services secured crisis places and ensured the safety of residents. “The first hours were devoted primarily to rescue. […] First of all, it was necessary to save human life, health and property and belongings of these people. This was the first, most difficult phase,” noted Donald Tusk. The second phase of assistance is ad hoc support. The government has secured funds to fight the effects of the flood. Each injured party can receive PLN 10,000 in emergency support. “Currently, over PLN 30,000 of these benefits have been paid within a few days. […] There will certainly be no shortage of funds,” the head of government emphasized. Flood victims can also receive up to PLN 100,000 in non-refundable support for the renovation or reconstruction of farm buildings. In the case of residential buildings, they can apply for up to PLN 200,000 in non-refundable support. “Wherever it is necessary to rebuild from the foundations or relocate residents from clearly flooded areas, or reconstruction will not make sense – the state will take on the organizational and financial effort,” he assured. Primer Ministro. Yesterday, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft bill containing provisions that are intended to facilitate the fight against the effects of the flood and help those affected. We will not leave people alone. The government has secured funds in the state budget to help those affected by the flood. We will also receive financial support of PLN 20 billion from the European Commission. Ministries also organize aid from their own budgets. “On Saturday we will amend the draft budget. Currently, we will have approximately PLN 23 billion at our disposal for eliminating the effects of the flood, emergency and financial assistance, repairs and reconstruction of infrastructure, as well as for Reconstruction Plus,” said the Prime Minister. Every person who has been left without a roof over their head can count on for state aid. No one will be left without a safe shelter. “We need to provide temporary places of residence, it may be a modular house, a container or, in the short term, a hotel for which we will pay,” said Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister assured that the fire brigade and army will continue to help in removing the effects of the flood. “We will have the forces of the army and fire brigade on site until this action of cleaning, drying and adapting these places to life again ends,” the head of government emphasized. The Reconstruction Plus program will lead to new infrastructure will be built in places affected by the flood, which will guarantee greater security in the future. Transparency of state activities. Crisis meetings held in southern and western Poland were broadcast by the media. Thanks to this, everyone could listen to the current report on the activities of the government, local government and services, as well as get acquainted with the current meteorological and hydrological situation. “I have consistently tried to make information on the flood situation available to all interested parties at least twice a day. This was necessary because there was a huge wave of disinformation that could impede the work of the services,” noted the Prime Minister. The Internal Security Agency was also involved in work for information security, which, among others, detained a person spreading false information about blowing up the embankments. Social media accounts were also detected that spread disinformation related to the flood in Poland. Commitment and dedication of the services. The great heroes of recent days are firefighters, soldiers and policemen who ensure the safety of residents in flood areas around the clock. “At the moment, 25 units are still assigned to the operation. thousand soldiers, 20 thousand are involved in direct operations. At the peak, there were over 25,000 soldiers engaged in the fight against the flood and removing its effects,” informed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. As part of the activities of the Polish Army, over 1,300 units of military equipment were deployed. Additionally, engineering troops were involved in the activities, clearing 129 km of roads and making 27 reconnaissances of damaged bridges. 125 Patrol and Transport flights were also carried out. 4,539 people were evacuated, including 98 people by helicopter. “The army operates in all domains, it also takes care of serving meals. Since the beginning of the campaign, 18,000 have been spent. meals for civilians and 27,000 meals were distributed. liters of bottled water. So far, 48 military tankers have delivered approximately 1.4 million de litros de madera to various towns affected by the flood,” said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. All services cooperated together for a very important purpose. The services’ action is still ongoing and will continue as long as necessary. The entire government was involved in anti-flood activities and those related to the effects of the flood. A total of 14 Ministers presented reports on the activities of their ministries to the Sejm.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Technologies Teams Up with UBS Arena, Home of the NHL’s New York Islanders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”), a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced that its SmartGateway screening solution was selected to secure UBS Arena in New York. This contract is enabled through the Company’s partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), a global sports and entertainment company. UBS Arena, an 18,000-seat capacity venue located in New York’s historic Belmont Park, is home to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New York Islanders.

    Xtract One will provide fast and frictionless fan screening to optimize UBS Arena’s patron experience while bolstering safety and security. The SmartGateway will secure key entrances for sports games, concerts, family shows and other live events held at UBS Arena. Together with Oak View Group, Xtract One is working towards providing high-quality experiences for customers while enhancing the comfortability and safety they feel when attending high capacity events.

    “We are pleased to have been selected by UBS Arena and the New York Islanders to secure their premises, another noteworthy accomplishment after recently achieving DHS certification,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We are in active communication with many NHL teams and are excited by the rapid increase in interest that the DHS award has helped facilitate. This latest deployment, expected to be completed in the current quarter, perfectly blends the historic backdrop of the venue with our next-generation SmartGateway AI technology. Xtract One’s advanced systems will enhance and strengthen UBS Arena’s mission to provide safe, entertaining events for millions – giving patrons the best time possible. We’re excited to have them as a client and look forward to continue revolutionizing the customer experience.”

    Xtract One’s SmartGateway system leverages AI-powered sensors to detect threats without invading guest privacy and comfort, making the screening process for high throughput venues more efficient without compromising accuracy. The SmartGateway scans patrons for weapons and other prohibited items as they enter the space in a discreet manner, enhancing patron experience by reducing security line wait times while still prioritizing their safety.

    “At UBS Arena, guest experience is always paramount. We want our guests to have a best in class experience every time they walk through our doors,” said Mike Sciortino, General Manager of UBS Arena. “For your safety and the safety of others, our screening process is now frictionless using Xtract One technology. There is no need to remove any items, including small bags and coats. Guests will be able to walk directly through the screening system for an expedited security process.”

    To learn more, visit http://www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive threat detection systems that enable venue building operators to prioritize and deliver improved patron experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative Gateway product enables companies to covertly screen for weapons at points of entry without disrupting the flow of traffic. Its AI-based software allows venue and building operators to identify weapons and other threats inside and outside of facilities, and receive valuable intelligence for optimizing operations. For more information, visit http://www.xtractone.com or connect on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

    About UBS Arena
    UBS Arena is made for music and built for hockey. New York’s newest premier entertainment and sports venue and proud home of the New York Islanders is developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders, and Jeff Wilpon. The state of the art arena has welcomed top artists from around the globe since opening in November 2021 including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Drake, Harry Styles, Marc Anthony and Suga. The venue delivers an unmatched live entertainment experience for guests including clear sightlines and premier acoustics.

    UBS Arena is at the forefront of sustainability, recently achieving Zero Waste TRUE Silver certification in May 2024 in addition to its LEED Green Building Certification and carbon neutrality for operations.

    Located on the historic grounds of Belmont Park, UBS Arena is located just 30 minutes by LIRR from Grand Central or Penn Station and is easily accessible from across the region via mass transit or car. To plan your trip, please visit UBSArena.com/plan-your-trip.

    For additional information, please visit UBSArena.com or @UBSArena on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

    About Oak View Group
    Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG is focused on being a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries and currently has eight divisions across five global offices (Los Angeles, New York, London, Philadelphia, and Toronto). OVG oversees the operations of Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center, UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, and Moody Center in Austin, TX as well as arena development projects for Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, CA; Co-op Live in Manchester, UK; and projects for Arena São Paulo in São Paulo, BZ; Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, MD; FirstOntario Centre Arena in Hamilton, ON; a New Arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV; and a New Arena in Cardiff, Wales. More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645
    UBS Arena inquiries: press@ubsarena.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi chairs a review meeting of United Nations World Food Programme- Country Programme Advisory Committee

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 26 SEP 2024 11:38AM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi chaired a meeting of the Country Programme Advisory Committee (CPAC) to review the implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 with representatives of the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) and members from concerned Ministries/Departments.

    To address the national priorities in food security and nutrition through capacity building and technical support, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the United Nations World Food Programme. Under the MoU, the CSP 2023-27 addresses four strategic outcomes which includes (i) more effective and efficient national food-based social protection systems; (ii) increasing consumption of diverse, nutritious, and fortified foods; (iii) enhancing the social and financial mobility of women; and (iv) strengthening the adaptive capacity to build climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems.

    To coordinate and review the progress on initiatives under Country Strategic Plan, a Country Programme Advisory Committee has been constituted under the chairperson of Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi and Joint Secretaries of concerned Ministries and NITI Aayog as its members. The committee meets at least annually.  This was the first meeting of CPAC under CSP 2023-27 to review and discuss the progress and accomplishments of the ongoing Country Strategic Plan (CSP).

    The Country Director of WFP Ms Elizabeth Faure informed the committee about the status of various targeted outcomes of the CSP. WFP informed about various ongoing initiatives which includetransforming agriculture and enhancing food security for smallholder farmers in states like Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh; nationwide efforts for mainstreaming millets; building resilience in fishing communities through the ‘Secure Fishing’ App; initiative for optimizing the Public Distribution System (PDS); Annapurti initiative provides grain ATMs; school nutri-gardens; andrice fortification etc.

    Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted that the department and WFP have maintained a long-standing partnership, driven by shared goal of achieving food and nutrition security. He suggested the officers toidentify the scalable interventions and initiatives and prepare mechanism for including the same in ongoing programmes of ministries/departments. He further advised WFP to organise a one-day workshop to present and discuss the important initiatives and pilots exclusively in the Agriculture Sector with officers of the department. He also emphasised that while accessing the nutritional outcomes of the programmes we should also look at the standards on nutrition applicable for Indian population. Along with ongoing fortified varieties of different cereals, existing local varieties of red and black rice and millet, which are nutritious, should also be popularised. He also advised exploring the possibilities of bringing the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) intodifferent initiatives.  

    The meeting was also attended by officers and representatives from D/o Food & Public Distribution, M/o Women and Child Development, D/o Rural Development, M/o Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, D/o School Education & Literacy, M/o External Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority, India Meteorological Department and M/o Earth Sciences.

    *****

    SS

    (Release ID: 2058889) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 683

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 683
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    640 AM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Florida Peninsula
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday morning and evening from 640 AM until
    800 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Several tornadoes likely

    SUMMARY…In association with a strengthening Hurricane Helene,
    conditions will become increasingly favorable for tornadoes today
    across portions of the Florida Peninsula, in the presence of a very
    moist air mass and strengthening low-level shear.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 85 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 20 miles northeast of Ocala FL to 55
    miles west southwest of Miami FL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 0 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 16050.

    …Guyer

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 683
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    640 AM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Florida Peninsula
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday morning and evening from 640 AM until
    800 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Several tornadoes likely

    SUMMARY…In association with a strengthening Hurricane Helene,
    conditions will become increasingly favorable for tornadoes today
    across portions of the Florida Peninsula, in the presence of a very
    moist air mass and strengthening low-level shear.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 85 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 20 miles northeast of Ocala FL to 55
    miles west southwest of Miami FL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 0 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 16050.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 683 TORNADO FL CW 261040Z – 270000Z
    AXIS..85 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    20NE OCF/OCALA FL/ – 55WSW MIA/MIAMI FL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 75NM E/W /46W OMN – 47WSW MIA/
    WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500.MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 16050.

    LAT…LON 29378057 25497973 25498246 29378340

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 683 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    High (80%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low ( 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Sep 26, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 260600

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0100 AM CDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    Valid 261200Z – 271200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR COASTAL
    AREAS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA…GEORGIA…AND SOUTH CAROLINA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Several tornadoes will be possible later today into tonight, in
    association with Hurricane Helene. The greatest threat is expected
    from parts of Florida into southeast Georgia, the Midlands and Low
    Country of South Carolina, and southern North Carolina.

    …FL/GA into the Carolinas…
    Hurricane Helene is forecast to move north to north-northeast and
    accelerate across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, with landfall
    expected in the Florida Big Bend region this evening. See NHC
    forecasts and advisories for more information. Increasing low-level
    flow/shear associated with Helene’s large wind field will overspread
    the Florida Peninsula this morning, southeast Georgia and parts of
    SC by this afternoon, and eventually into parts of NC later tonight.
    Low-level hodographs will become quite large, with 0-1 km SRH
    increasing into at least the 250-500 m2/s2 range. This will support
    tornado potential with any low-topped supercells that are able to
    develop and persist within Helene’s rain bands.

    Due to Helene’s large size and fast forward speed, a broad region
    from Florida and Georgia northward into the Carolinas will see some
    risk for tornadoes. During the day, Helene’s rain bands will
    overspread the FL Peninsula, with other outer bands potentially
    moving inland across parts of GA/SC and eventually NC through
    tonight. The Enhanced Risk has been maintained and expanded somewhat
    from extreme northeast FL into coastal GA/SC, where multiple
    low-topped supercells will be possible within an increasingly
    favorable environment. Some tornado potential will spread into parts
    of NC later tonight, with the northern extent of the primary tornado
    threat still somewhat uncertain and dependent on Helene’s forward
    speed and track.

    …Hudson Valley vicinity into southern New England…
    An upper low will move eastward across southern Quebec and adjacent
    portions of New England today. Strong large-scale ascent will aid in
    the development of convection during the afternoon from southern New
    England into the Hudson Valley. Lapse rates will be weak and
    buoyancy modest at best, but enhanced mid-level flow through the
    base of the upper low will support moderate to strong deep-layer
    vertical shear. Consequently, a few stronger storms capable of gusty
    winds are possible, but confidence in sufficient destabilization is
    too low for severe probabilities at this time.

    ..Dean.. 09/26/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 683 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Search by city or zip code. Press enter or select the go button to submit request
    Local forecast by”City, St” or “ZIP” 

    SPC on Facebook

    @NWSSPC

    NCEP Quarterly Newsletter

    Home (Classic)SPC Products   All SPC Forecasts   Current Watches   Meso. Discussions   Conv. Outlooks   Tstm. Outlooks   Fire Wx Outlooks     RSS Feeds   E-Mail AlertsWeather Information   Storm Reports   Storm Reports Dev.   NWS Hazards Map   National RADAR   Product Archive   NOAA Weather RadioResearch   Non-op. Products   Forecast Tools   Svr. Tstm. Events   SPC Publications   SPC-NSSL HWTEducation & Outreach   About the SPC   SPC FAQ   About Tornadoes   About Derechos   Video Lecture Series   WCM Page   Enh. Fujita Page   Our History   Public ToursMisc.   StaffContact Us   SPC Feedback

    Watch 683 Status Reports

    Watch 683 Status Message has not been issued yet.

    Top/Watch Issuance Text for Watch 683/All Current Watches/Forecast Products/Home

    Weather Topics:Watches, Mesoscale Discussions, Outlooks, Fire Weather, All Products, Contact Us

    NOAA / National Weather ServiceNational Centers for Environmental PredictionStorm Prediction Center120 David L. Boren Blvd.Norman, OK 73072 U.S.A.spc.feedback@noaa.govPage last modified: September 26, 2024
    DisclaimerInformation QualityHelpGlossary
    Privacy PolicyFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)About UsCareer Opportunities

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Sep 26, 2024 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Sep 26, 2024

    Updated: Thu Sep 26 08:18:02 UTC 2024

     .

    D4
    Sun, Sep 29, 2024 – Mon, Sep 30, 2024
    D7
    Wed, Oct 02, 2024 – Thu, Oct 03, 2024

    D5
    Mon, Sep 30, 2024 – Tue, Oct 01, 2024
    D8
    Thu, Oct 03, 2024 – Fri, Oct 04, 2024

    D6
    Tue, Oct 01, 2024 – Wed, Oct 02, 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 260816
    SPC AC 260816

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0316 AM CDT Thu Sep 26 2024

    Valid 291200Z – 041200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    The upper low over the OH Valley will weaken and become an open wave
    early next week. Meanwhile, upper troughing across the east will be
    reinforced through midweek by a shortwave trough developing
    east/southeast across the Great Lakes. A surface cold front will
    develop east/southeast across much of the Plains and Midwest through
    Day 6/Tue. However stronger deep-layer flow will remain displaced
    well to the north and behind the front. Meanwhile, low-amplitude
    upper ridging will prevail across the Southwest/Four Corner, while a
    series of shortwave troughs migrate through more progressive
    northern stream flow near the international border in the vicinity
    of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. Overall severe
    thunderstorm potential appears low during the Day 4-8 period.

    ..Leitman.. 09/26/2024

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for National Day Fireworks Display on October 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to facilitate the National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1 (Tuesday).Kowloon——-Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui————————————————-     Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases.      Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised areas including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation Limited.      The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. When these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.      At present, there are some construction works at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these sites and not to climb or lean against the barriers.      Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.Special traffic arrangements—————————-     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:A. Road closure and traffic diversionsPhase I (from 6pm onwards)    The following roads will be closed:- Eastbound and westbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;- Southbound and northbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;- Southbound Salisbury Road between Hong Chong Road and Hung Hom Bypass;- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Science Museum Road and Kowloon Park Drive, including Salisbury Road’s eastbound and westbound underpass;- The U-turn slip road of Salisbury Road leading from eastbound Salisbury Road U-turn to westbound Salisbury Road;- Hong Wan Path;- Mody Lane;- Mody Road;- Mody Square;- Granville Square;- Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs) (the road will be will be re-routed to one-way eastbound);- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound and northbound Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;- Hau Fook Street;- Cameron Lane;- Cameron Road;- Humphreys Avenue;- Prat Avenue;- Hart Avenue;- Hanoi Road;- Bristol Avenue;- Minden Row;- Minden Avenue;- Blenheim Avenue;- Middle Road;- Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Canton Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Salisbury Road;- Ashley Road;- Hankow Road;- Lock Road;- Haiphong Road;- Ichang Street; and- Peking Road.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;- Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;- Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road. Vehicles must go straight to Nga Cheung Road direction or turn left to southbound Wui Man Road;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;- Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;- Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will turn to eastbound contraflow. Traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;- Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and- Traffic along eastbound Granville Road must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.Phase II (from 6.30pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road; and- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.Phase III (from 7pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near the Xiqu Centre leading from westbound Austin Road West U-turn to eastbound Austin Road West;- The first lane of Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout;- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near The Harbourside leading from eastbound Austin Road West U-turn to westbound Austin Road West;- Museum Drive; and- Cultural Drive.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along eastbound and westbound Austin Road West cannot enter the slip roads of Austin Road West; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout cannot turn to Museum Drive. Vehicles will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West or northbound Nga Cheung Road.Phase IV (from 8.45pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- Southbound and northbound Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;- Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;- Eastbound Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;- Pine Tree Hill Road;- Hillwood Road;- Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;- Shun Yee Street;- Granville Circuit;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;- Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;- Kimberley Street;- Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South;- Southbound and northbound Canton Road between Austin Road and Kowloon Park Drive;- Austin Road West roundabout between the entrance of Austin Road West and the exit and entrance of Museum Drive; and- Southbound and northbound Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;- Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn to westbound Kimberley Street;- Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;- Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street must turn left to northbound Pilkem Street;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot go straight. Vehicles must turn left to eastbound Austin Road or turn right to westbound Austin Road West;- Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right. Vehicles must turn left to northbound Canton Road or go straight to eastbound Austin Road;- Traffic along northbound Gateway Boulevard must leave from northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road must turn to the Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange after turning left to southbound Nga Cheung Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road West must go straight to Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout must turn left to eastbound Austin Road West.Contingency plan     If necessary, the following roads will be closed:- Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;- Oi King Street; and- Kin Wan Street.     During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along westbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to Wa Shun Street;- Traffic along Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;- Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and- Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.B. Suspension of Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange     The following Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange will be suspended, until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:     The Mody Road Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm.     The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm.     The China Hong Kong City Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 8.45pm.C. Suspension of car park     Vehicles will not be permitted to access or leave car parks in the affected areas during the road closure period.D. Suspension of on-street parking spaces     All on-street parking spaces located at Tsim Sha Tsui South (i.e. South of Austin Road) will be suspended from noon on October 1 to 0.01am of the following day.Hong Kong Island—————-A. Road closurePhase I (Before the fireworks display)Central District—————     Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station leading from Garden Road to the office of World Wild Fund for Nature Hong Kong will be closed from 2pm to 11.59pm, except for franchised buses.Wan Chai North————–     Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square including the pick-up and drop-off areas will be closed from 4pm to 11.59pm.     The following roads will be closed from 7.30pm onwards:Central District—————- Man Kwong Street;- Man Fai Street;- Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street;- Loading and unloading area outside Central Ferry Piers 7, 8 and 9; and- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office.Central – Wan Chai Bypass————————- – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;- The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and- The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.Wan Chai North————— Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;- Lung King Street;- Eastbound Harbour Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive Central;- Expo Drive East;- Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;- Lung Tat Path;- Convention Avenue;- Fleming Road Flyover;- Fleming Road between Expo Drive and Harbour Road;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between eastbound Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;- Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;- Marsh Road Flyover;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Hung Hing Road;- Hung Hing Road Flyover;- Wan Shing Street; and- Wan Ying Street.Peak Area———- Northbound Peak Road beyond the car park entrance of Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles;- Barker Road, except for residents’ vehicles;- All laybys along Stubbs Road between Peak Road and Stubbs Road roundabout; and- All laybys along Magazine Gap Road between Peak Road and May Road.     The following roads will be closed from 8pm onwards:Eastern District————– Watson Road;- Whitfield Road;- Glass Street;- King Ming Road;- Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road; and- Victoria Park Road (Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter).     The following roads will be closed from 8.15pm onwards:Central District————— Yiu Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Edinburgh Place;- Tim Wa Avenue;- Legislative Council Road;- Tim Mei Avenue;- Lung Wui Road;- Lung Hop Street;- Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;- Performing Arts Avenue; and- Edinburgh Place.Wan Chai North————— Tonnochy Road Flyover;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;- Westbound Harbour Road;- Harbour Drive;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road; and- Fenwick Street between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road.Phase II (During the fireworks display)     The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm to 9.28pm:Eastern District—————– Westbound Island Eastern Corridor between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, except for franchised buses;- Slip roads leading to westbound Island Eastern Corridor from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road; and- Westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass.Phase III (After the fireworks display)     The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm onwards:Central District————— Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;- Man Po Street; and- Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.Wan Chai South————— Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Jaffe Road;- O’Brien Road;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Stewart Road;- Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road West between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- If necessary, Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Gloucester Road; and- If necessary, westbound Gloucester Road service road between Percival Street and Canal Road East.B. Traffic Diversions     In connection with the above road closure, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:From 7.30pm onwards:- Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound; and- All uphill traffic along Peak Road towards Harlech Road, Lugard Road and Mount Austin Road will be diverted downhill via the slip road beside the car park entrance at the Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits.From 8.55pm to 9.28pm:     Traffic along westbound Island Eastern Corridor will be diverted to Man Hong Street.From 8.55pm onwards:     Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West Flyover will be diverted to Finance Street.C. Suspension of parking spaces     All on-street metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces (Meter nos: 3186 to 3188, 3190 to 3193 and 3197) at Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station will be suspended from 1pm to 11pm.     All on-street parking spaces at Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm.     All on-street metered and motorcycle parking spaces at Victoria Peak Garden and Mount Austin Road (Meter nos: 1515(A/B) to 1518(A/B), 1523(A/B) to 1526(A/B), 1519A, 1520A, 1521(A/B) and 1522B) will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 3pm to 11.59pm:- Man Kwong Street;- Ying Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office;- Edinburgh Place;- Lung Wui Road; and- Lung Hop Street.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm:- Hung Hing Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive East;- Convention Avenue;- Wan Shing Street;- Gloucester Road service road;- Stewart Road between Jaffe Road and Gloucester Road service road;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road; and- Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm:- Watson Road; and- Whitfield Road.D. Suspension of Public Transport Interchange     The Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Man Yiu Street Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 6.30pm to 11.59pm.E. Suspension of car parks     Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas at North Point, Wan Chai North, Wan Chai South and Central District will not be permitted to enter/leave the car parks during the road closure period.     If necessary, the vehicular entrance/exit along on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice.     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts mentioned above will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.     Members of the public are advised to use public transport to access the above areas. They should pay attention to the latest special traffic arrangements announced by the Transport Department and the latest weather news released by the Hong Kong Observatory. Actual implementation of the crowd safety management measures and traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.     If the cancellation of the fireworks display is announced by the organiser, the above-mentioned crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements will not be implemented.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A scientific and educational center for unmanned systems will be created at the Polytechnic University

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Unmanned systems are a priority area for the development of science and technology in the country. Naturally, this area is actively developing at the Polytechnic University: these include our own developments in UAVs, unmanned boats, underwater robotics, and machine vision systems for ground-based UAVs. The university has the status of a federal provider of training in the field of unmanned aircraft systems — design, operation, and piloting of UAVs, including in the form of youth design bureaus. However, the subject matter is very broad and complex.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy noted during the signing of the agreement with partners on the creation of the UAV scientific and educational center: The tasks in this area can be called global, they cover many technologies and areas of research and training. These include communications, 3D printing, and new materials. Of course, this is impossible without modern digital modeling technologies, which we have full control over. Our university is ready to respond to the challenges of the time and will fully develop this area.

    The agreement was signed with NPO Kaisant, ANO TsPV ZOV-AA, JSC TsNII Cyclone, and Engineering Systems LLC with the participation of the 56th UAV training center of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

    The partners agreed to organize and develop cooperation in the following areas:

    creation of innovative software products for UAVs; development of circuit solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their main components; development of radio jamming systems (EW); development of SIGINT systems (electronic intelligence); methodological support for the design, development and operation of unmanned aircraft systems, including legal support; conducting full-scale tests.

    In order to improve the qualifications of the university staff and students, a test site for UAVs/EW/SAR will be used on the basis of two military ranges of the 56th UAV training center of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. As part of the practice, students will be able to assemble real UAVs, as well as EW/SAR units. The first stage of such practice will be launched on the basis of the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education. In addition, the discussion was about the participation of partners in the military-patriotic education of youth. The basis for all this should be a scientific cluster for the development of technologies in the field of UAVs/EW/SAR.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/education/a scientific-educational-center-for-unmanned-systems will be created at the Polytechnic University/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –