NewzIntel.com

Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Call for participation: Resilient futures foresight sprint

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Join Us in Shaping the Future of National Resilience!

    Are you passionate about creating a sustainable and resilient future?

    We invite you to participate in our upcoming Resilience Investment Foresight Sprint, where we will collaboratively develop national foresight scenarios that guide strategic investments in resilience and reduce the risk of disaster.

    Why Participate?

    • Influence National Policy: Contribute your insights and expertise to shape scenarios that could be useful for your National Disaster Risk Management, Climate or Development Agency or the Ministry of Finance. Your scenario will be publicly available on PreventionWeb.
    • Collaborate with Experts: Work alongside leading thinkers, and students from other disciplines.
    • Drive Impactful Change: Help design actionable pathways that address key challenges and opportunities in resilience investment. You never know who will pick it up.

    Who Should Participate?

    We are looking for diverse participants, including but not limited to:

    • Students with disaster risk management, foresight or risk communication background
    • Students with development background who want to learn more about foresight and resilience building
    • Students with background that would benefit from foresight and risk management, such as architecture, civil engineering, agriculture, education, health …
    • Professors ready to lead a group of students through the exercise on behalf if their university

    Timeline

    • July 2025: Invitation email goes out to specific universities in the UNDRR and UNU networks, while a general call for universities to participate in the foresight sprint will be published via PreventionWeb.
    • Mid-August to end of August 2025: Universities select their teams.
    • By end-August 2025: Universities respond to invitation and are officially included in the foresight sprint.
    • Early September 2025: UNDRR and UNU send out welcome information packs to all participating universities
    • Mid-September 2025: University Teams start thinking about a risk or cascading risks they want to address in the scenario. They also start to identify national and local risk information on the risk they have selected for their scenario.
    • 20 September: A virtual foresight sprint welcome session will be organized by UNDRR and UNU, and recordings will be made available to all registered participants.
    • 20 September – 6 October: Participating universities will develop their foresight scenario and create a submission like a video or one-pager to be shared on 13 October

    How to Apply

    Interested university teams are encouraged to apply by 31 August 2025.

    Please submit your application through email to Rhea Katsanakis ([email protected]) copied to Laura Willis ([email protected]), with a brief statement of interest and your relevant experience.

    Please also enclose a list of the participating students, the contact details of the focal point who will coordinate the sprint on behalf of the university and will be responsible for timely preparation and final delivery of the scenario video and one-page summary.

    Join us in this transformative journey to build a resilient future for all. Your insights and expertise can make a significant difference!

    Attachments

    Links last checked: 30 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Andrew MacDonald/Getty Images

    The recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on climate action marked a significant step forward in formalising an idea many already accept: climate inaction is not merely a policy failure, but potentially a breach of legal duty by governments.

    The court’s opinion is not legally binding but establishes global expectations. Crucially, the court confirmed environmental protection includes a duty to regulate private businesses and organisations.

    In New Zealand, large organisations already have to list climate-related risks in their annual reports and regulatory filings under the External Reporting Board’s Climate Standards.

    But our latest research suggests the benefits of mandatory climate reporting regulation in New Zealand may not be as straightforward as they appear.

    Extreme weather, limited financial impact

    We analysed how New Zealand’s stock market responds to extreme weather events (heavy rain, windstorms, snow, temperature spikes and thunderstorms) using data curated by Earth Sciences New Zealand.

    Climate risk is widely assumed to have an impact on markets. So, we expected investors would respond to damaging weather with selloffs or price adjustments.

    Instead, we found most extreme weather events had little to no impact on the share prices of New Zealand’s 50 largest listed companies, those on the NZX50.

    Even firms directly exposed to these events – airlines, utilities, logistics companies – showed only muted reactions, if any.

    It may be that markets already price in these risks. Or that firms have managed them effectively through infrastructure investment and planning.

    What is more, the location and severity of extreme weather in New Zealand have remained relatively stable over the past three decades.

    Using a statistical analysis, we found no evidence of accelerating trends typically attributed to global warming. This technique assessed whether a particular extreme weather event can be linked to human-induced climate change.

    New Zealand’s extreme weather events tend to involve cold, rain and wind – unlike the heatwaves, wildfires and droughts that dominate international headlines.

    What this means for disclosure mandates

    If markets are already efficiently pricing in these risks – or if the risks are genuinely immaterial for the company – the benefits of mandatory disclosure may be overstated.

    Our study suggests the case for universal, mandatory disclosure of extreme weather events under the climate board’s standards may not be strong. If financial impacts are already reflected in stock prices, the current voluntary framework may suffice for many firms.

    This is not an argument against disclosure broadly. While our study did not assess other climate-related risks – such as supply chain disruption or chronic sea level rises – these may well be material for some organisations, especially unlisted or regionally exposed firms.

    But for the NZX50, where climate regulation is currently focused, the value of standardised extreme weather events disclosures seems limited.

    Global principles, local realities

    None of this contradicts the ICJ’s opinion.

    The court emphasised that states must act, not only to reduce emissions but to protect against climate-related harm. That includes harm caused by private actors, who must be subject to effective regulation.

    But the ICJ also recognises the importance of national circumstances. While bound by international obligations, each country still needs to tailor its climate policies to the actual risks it faces.

    To do otherwise risks shifting government energy and private capital towards compliance that offers little benefit to investors, the public or the climate.

    New Zealand at a crossroads

    The ICJ decision comes as New Zealand’s climate ambition appears to be softening.

    The government recently released an updated emissions pledge that barely improves on its predecessor. At the same time, it is also reviving offshore oil and gas exploration, expanding coal production and backing legislation to shield carbon-intensive firms from environmental, suitability and governance aligned lending decisions by banks.

    Such moves may be politically popular in some quarters, but they sit uneasily with both the ICJ’s vision and New Zealand’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and various trade deals.

    If New Zealand wants to avoid being seen as lagging – or worse, a bad-faith actor – it must reconcile its domestic policies with international decision-making.

    That does not mean copying regulation from other countries. But it does mean being honest about what is material, what is symbolic and what actually helps reduce emissions or build resilience.

    Regulation needs to be smart, not just visible

    The ICJ opinion should not be used to justify every climate policy proposal. Rather, it should encourage governments to develop regulation that is meaningful, proportionate and based on evidence.

    Our study offers one such piece of evidence. In terms of financial market impacts, New Zealand’s extreme weather may not justify the same disclosure obligations as those in countries where the physical risks are more severe or more clearly linked to climate change.

    This is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do better. Policy needs to target disclosure where it matters, to focus adaptation spending where it is needed and to measure the impact of climate policies not only by their intentions, but by their outcomes.

    In short, the ICJ has spoken. Now it is up to each country to act wisely.

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

    – ref. Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research – https://theconversation.com/rules-for-calculating-climate-risk-in-financial-reporting-by-nz-businesses-need-revisiting-new-research-262024

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain Thursday into Friday. New Yorkers across the Mid-Hudson, Long Island and New York City Regions could see locally higher totals over 3 inches of rain beginning Thursday and are cautioned to be vigilant in impacted areas. The storm also has the potential to impact the Capital Region if the storm track shifts. This is expected to be a slow-moving weather event with the most severe impacts occurring where the storm ultimately sets up. Isolated strong thunderstorms bringing locally heavy downpours, isolated damaging winds and large hail may occur Wednesday evening in parts of the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island. Following the rain, cooler temperatures and low levels of humidity will blanket the State over the weekend.

    “As the forecast shifts from extreme heat to heavy rains, I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and use caution through the end of this week,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

    Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

    New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM has enhanced their monitoring, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control is preparing to stage water rescue teams in Orange County and Ulster Counties in advance of the anticipated weather and will activate the State Fire Operations Center if conditions warrant.

    State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation
    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,428 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,431 large dump trucks
    • 337 large loaders
    • 92 chippers
    • 86 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 28 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority
    The Thruway Authority has 669 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. VMS and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 337 Large and Small Dump Trucks
    • 63 Loaders
    • 31 Trailers
    • 5 Vac Trucks
    • 14 Excavators
    • 8 Brush Chippers
    • 99 Chainsaws
    • 24 Aerial Trucks
    • 22 Skid Steers
    • 86 Portable Generators
    • 65 Portable Light Units

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

    Department of Public Service
    New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. The utilities will work with the local, county, and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police
    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation
    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    DEC will have swift water teams staged in the Hudson Valley starting tomorrow morning through Friday, August 1.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.

    Customers are encouraged to check mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time. Motorists who use the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.

    Flood Safety

    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • If you live in a flood-prone area, document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.
    • Obtain flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding.
    • Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Traveling during a flood can be extremely dangerous. One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Consider those with access and functional needs to determine if they are prepared for a flood emergency where they live and work.

    For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Demands DHS Restore Funding for UAlbany Mesonet Weather Detection Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), along with Representatives John Mannion (NY-22) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Trump Administration reverse its decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonet for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project.

    In 2023, the DHS awarded the University at Albany $3 million for this grant project to improve emergency management and deliver accurate, real-time forecasting for severe weather. But, earlier this month, that funding was abruptly terminated.

    “Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly,” the lawmakers write.

    The letter continues, “At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

    “The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.”

    For years, Tonko has worked to strengthen and support the nation’s weather preparedness. Last Congress, he introduced the bipartisan National Mesonet Authorization Act alongside Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), legislation that would increase the overall coverage and accuracy of our current National Mesonet program.

    Earlier this month, UAlbany sent a letter inviting DHS Secretary Noem to visit the campus and tour their facilities to lean more about how the university’s essential research supports DHS’s work and mission. UAlbany also sent a letter to the New York congressional delegation requesting support from members in helping to reinstate a $3 million DHS research grant.

    The full letter to DHS Secretary Noem can be found HERE or below:

    Dear Secretary Noem,

    We write to express our strong objection to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate funding for the Exploiting Mesonets for Emergency Preparedness and Response to Weather Extremes (EMPOWER) project. This action not only undermines years of progress in public safety and emergency preparedness, but it also puts lives at risk. We ask you to reverse this decision and reinstate the $3 million grant supporting this initiative without delay.

    Developed in partnership between DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the University at Albany, EMPOWER is exactly the kind of forward-looking, science-based emergency management program our nation needs as extreme weather, and natural disasters grow more frequent, intense, and deadly. It provides emergency managers and first responders with real[1]time, localized data to improve decision-making and response times, giving communities a better chance to prepare for and withstand extreme weather events.

    At the core of EMPOWER’s success is the New York State Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 127 weather stations that supplements National Weather Service observations. The Mesonet fills gaps in our national monitoring infrastructure and provides the high-resolution, real-time data that emergency response systems increasingly depend on.

    This is a moment that demands leadership and bold investment in resilience. In just the past few weeks, catastrophic flooding in Texas and record-setting heat across the country have underscored the urgency of strengthening our preparedness. Cutting off funding for a proven emergency response program amid an escalating climate crisis is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

    For a modest federal investment, EMPOWER is delivering high-impact results. This administration has emphasized the importance of supporting state and local partners in disaster preparedness EMPOWER embodies that collaboration, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between federal science agencies, academia, and state governments can produce innovative, life-saving solutions.

    We urge you to reinstate full funding for the EMPOWER initiative and ensure that the University at Albany and its partners can continue advancing this critical work. The stakes are simply too high to abandon tools and technologies that can help save lives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by July Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low‑interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho to offset economic losses caused by drought.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration
    Number

    Primary
    Counties/Parishes

    Neighboring
    Counties/Parishes

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline

    ID 21214

    		 Clearwater, Idaho, Lemhi, Lewis and Shoshone Adams, Benewah, Bonner, Butte, Clark, Custer, Kootenai, Latah, Nez Perce and Valley in Idaho; Beaverhead, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sanders in Montana; Wallowa in Oregon. Drought Beginning July 1, 2025

    3/16/26

    ID 21217

    		 Benewah, Latah and Nez Perce Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Lewis and Shoshone in Idaho; Wallowa in Oregon; Asotin, Spokane and Whitman in Washington. Drought Beginning July 8, 2025

    3/16/26

    Under these declarations, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than March 16, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port sets Guam and CNMI ports to Heavy Weather Condition Yankee amid tsunami advisory

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port set Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ports to Heavy Weather Condition Yankee on Wednesday, July 30, as of 11:30 a.m., affecting commercial vessels at or over 200 gross tons, in response to a tsunami advisory triggered by a major earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre footbridge to close temporarily for flood defence works

    Source: City of Derby

    A city centre footbridge will be closed to pedestrians to enable work to begin on the demolition phase of Our City, Our River (OCOR), Derby’s multi-million pound river flood defence project.  

    The swing footbridge to Cathedral Green will be taken off river on Tuesday 12 August, and will remain closed while works are carried out on the left (east) bank of the River Derwent.  

    Pedestrian access across the river during this time will be by Exeter Bridge on Derwent Street, or St Mary’s Bridge. 

    This phase of OCOR, known as Derby Riverside, will see the construction of a new flood wall, floodgates, and a riverside green area that will provide a controlled corridor for flood waters to pass through the city. It will provide significant flood resilience to properties and highways between Exeter Bridge and Causey Bridge.  

    Several office buildings on Stuart Street and Phoenix Street will be removed to make way for the green space and new flood wall, with demolition work starting on Peat House in mid-August. Piling works will also be carried out near the swing bridge during this phase of construction. 

    These works will be carried out by John Sisk & Son on behalf of Derby City Council, who were formally awarded the contract for the scheme in May 2025.  

    While the swing bridge is off river, Derby City Council will be carrying out a full inspection with a view to programming essential maintenance and refurbishment work. The bridge will remain closed while flood defence works are carried out in the area and is expected to reopen in Winter 2026. 

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: 

    Work is really starting in earnest on the Derby Riverside phase of Our City, Our River, which has already delivered enhanced flood protection to over 2,000 properties. This next stage will deliver greater flood protection to areas of the city that were badly affected by Storm Babet in 2023, when the river reached its highest level since records began 90 years ago. 

    As with all major construction works, there will be disruption, and we’re working with our contractor to keep this to a minimum and ensure the works proceed safely and as quickly as possible. This means we have to take the swing bridge off river for the safety of the public while they are in progress. The benefits of the new flood defence wall and riverside space for water will make it worthwhile in the long run.

    The Our City, Our River programme is one of the Environment Agency’s largest local authority-led projects and has already delivered enhanced flood protection to over 2000 properties. Derby Riverside will extend this protection to the east bank of the Derwent and unlock the potential for regeneration in this part of the city. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Choose Transformation over Dependency’, With Scaled-Up, Coordinated Investment to Make Food Systems Resilience, Sustainable, Deputy Secretary-General Urges

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s keynote remarks, as prepared for delivery, on food systems transformation in complex settings, in Addis Ababa today:

    I am honoured to be here today.  I thank our co-hosts Ethiopia and Italy and the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the HDP Nexus Coalition for organizing this important conversation.

    And I thank all of you present today for your commitment to putting an end to hunger and transforming our food systems, making these work even in the most dire and complex circumstances.

    Communities are trapped around the world in relentless cycles of hardship.  Over 37 million children under five will face acute malnutrition this year — almost the entire population of Canada.  Of those, nearly 10 million will suffer severe wasting — the deadliest form of undernutrition.

    In many countries facing the greatest challenges, courage is on display at all moments.  But, we must ensure that the courage is matched with long term solutions that can result in resilience and sustainability.  Short-term interventions dominate, with little connection to longer-term development planning are not the solution we are seeking.  We must choose transformation over dependency.

    We have good examples.  Nations are embedding resilience into national strategies.  Leaders are refusing to accept hunger as inevitable. Instead, they are combining local, indigenous and traditional knowledge with science to accelerate action towards inclusive and resilient food systems while rebuilding their nations.  These Governments are not waiting for permission, they are leading.  But, leadership cannot succeed alone, it must be built on a solid foundation rooted in adequate finance, partnership and inclusion.

    First, finance.  We need finance that multiplies impact, catalytic investments that invest in local capacity, patient capital that waits for transformation, not quick returns.  The World Bank has committed to this approach, we must encourage others to follow.

    Second, we need coordination that serves people, not bureaucracies.  Humanitarian response linked to long-term development.  Climate action connected to food security.  Competing mandates replaced by shared purpose.

    Third, we need to place communities at the centre of our efforts.  Women grow 60 per cent of Africa’s food but own less than 20 per cent of the land.  Young people are at the vanguard of innovative agriculture but cannot access the financing that supports them.  This is especially the case in complex settings where perceived risk is higher and the options fewer.

    Yet, investing in the transformation of food systems is especially critical in complex settings where equitable and sustainable food systems do more than feed people — they drive food security, strengthen resilience, enable stability and promote inclusive economic growth.

    This transformation must be guided by local innovations and proven strategies, rooted in data and the lived realities of crisis-affected communities.

    We have the tools, and we have inspiring examples from countries leading change, many of which we will hear in this room today.  What we need now is accelerated action at scale.

    Food systems hold the key to sustainable development.  Let us use that key to unlock opportunity, stability, and hope for and with those who need it most.  And let us not forget that we need to strengthen our multilateral system to make peace and sustainable development a reality for all communities around the world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Governments, Partners Mobilizing School Meals Coalition to Equip Youth with Nutrition, Health, Education They Deserve, Deputy Secretary-General Says at Stocktake Event

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the UN Food Systems Summit+4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) School Meals Coalition Featured Event:  “Unlocking Sustainable Investments for Home-Grown School Meals”, in Addis Ababa today:

    It is truly inspiring to witness how far the School Meals Coalition has come.  With over 100 Governments working together to expand and improve these strategic programmes, it is now one of the most successful global mobilizations in recent years.

    First, I want to recognize the leadership that has brought us here, especially of the three co-chairs — Brazil, France and Finland — whose early and continued support has been instrumental to the Coalition’s success.

    I also want to commend all Governments in the Coalition that are working resolutely to expand and strengthen their school meal programmes and that have achieved clear and measurable progress since the last Stocktake.

    Today’s speakers are excellent examples.  The progress we witness is being driven by Governments, but they are not walking alone.  Partners across the School Meals Coalition are working hand in hand with Governments to deliver on their national commitments.

    But, why is there so much momentum behind school meals?  Why are so many Governments and partners making this a priority?  Because school meals are more than just a plate of food.  They are a lever to building more inclusive, sustainable food systems, and to equipping the next generation with the health, nutrition and education they deserve to reach their potential.

    To truly pull that lever — to unlock its full power — we must focus on four key priorities.

    First:  Expand coverage and raise collective ambitions.  As we’ve just heard from our distinguished speakers, momentum is building.  Next to our Governments on stage, countries like Rwanda, which has achieved near-universal primary school coverage, and Indonesia, which is scaling up at an unprecedented pace, are showing what’s possible.

    Now, the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty has joined forces with the School Meals Coalition to rally Governments and development partners behind a bold global target:  to reach an additional 150 million children in low- and middle-income countries by 2030, as agreed at the Group of 20 (G20) last year.  This means moving from commitment to delivery with the School Meals Coalition and the Global Alliance working with countries ready to lead the way.

    Second:  Pull the lever — use procurement to transform food systems.  Countries continue to harness the potential of school meal programmes to catalyse food systems transformation, including ambitious targets regarding procurement from smallholder farmers, but we must go further by aligning school-meal menus and procurement with nutrition, sustainability and social goals; by using clean cooking solutions in schools; by reducing food loss and waste; and through food, nutrition and climate education in schools.

    Third:  Integrate school meals into climate finance.  When rooted in sustainability, school meals have enormous potential to advance climate mitigation and adaptationm and to promote biodiversity.  The thirtieth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil offers us a chance to move school meals from a climate blind spot to a climate solution. Let’s work to ensure these programmes are included in future Nationally Determined Contributions and embedded in climate financing pipelines where they belong.

    Fourth:  Plug the financing gap.  The Sevilla Commitment, adopted a few weeks ago, calls on all of us to close the gap between ambition and means.  But, with 35 low- and middle-income countries in high risk of or in debt distress, we must explore innovative financing solutions to ensure an economically stable future for those countries– from health taxes and natural resource revenues to debt swaps and Multilateral Development Bank investments.

    We have much to learn from the innovation that has taken place in countries for the last two years since we last met in Rome as reported in the UNFSS+4 Report of the Secretary-General.  Let’s make sure we use the momentum of the Sevilla Commitment to attract the finance that is needed.

    Let me close with a powerful motto from a dear friend and leading advocate, Ndidi Nwuneli of the ONE Campaign.  “Our job is not to scale our work.  It’s to scale what works.”  This is what we see across the School Meals Coalition:  Governments and partners coming together to expand a solution that works.

    So, let’s build on the progress we’ve made — and finish what we started in 2021:  by 2030, every child receiving a healthy, nutritious meal in school.  Let’s feed the future together.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Flood relief work underway in northern Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.

    TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.

    TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.

    TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flood relief efforts stepped up in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent three working groups to assist and guide flood control and disaster relief efforts in Beijing and Tianjin cities and Hebei province and has elevated the flood control emergency response for the areas to Level III — the third highest of the four-tier system — since Monday evening.

    Severe rainstorms have swept North China since July 23, leading to high water levels in some reservoirs, breaches in river embankments and significant flooding. Beijing’s Miyun and Huairou districts, as well as Chengde and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province were hit hard.

    On Monday, the National Commission for Disaster Reduction activated a Level IV national emergency response, the lowest one, for Beijing and Hebei, deploying teams to provide guidance for disaster relief efforts, including ensuring the basic needs of affected people.

    The central government has increased the allocation of 43,000 items of disaster relief supplies, including folding beds, towels, blankets, emergency lighting, on the basis of the previously allocated disaster relief materials to the affected areas.

    The Red Cross Society of China provided 2,000 sets of household emergency kits and assisted the affected areas with food, drinking water, maternal and infant supplies and hygiene kits.

    On Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management allocated 350 million yuan ($48.8 million) to support rescue efforts in nine provinces, regions and municipalities including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Jilin and Shandong.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 July 2025 Departmental update WHO urges urgent action ahead of COP30 at global climate and health conference in Brasília

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Government of Brazil and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will host the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health in Brasília, Brazil, from 29– 31 July 2025. This critical event is an official pre-COP30 meeting and comes at a pivotal time as climate change increasingly threatens global health. It offers a key platform for advancing bold and equitable climate-health solutions. The Conference is also the second meeting of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and health (ATACH).

    For over 25 years, WHO has warned that climate change poses a direct threat to human health,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at WHO. “The danger is no longer theoretical –  it is a lived reality. Climate change is fuelling a health crisis and threatens to undo decades of global health progress.

    Conference goals

    The Brasília Conference will help chart a clear course toward COP30 and beyond. 

    Main expected outcomes include:

    • concrete inputs to the draft Belém Health Action Plan, a roadmap for embedding health into global climate policy;
    • national commitments under ATACH to support the implementation of the Belém Health Action Plan;
    • defined pathways for promoting health as a core pillar of climate action in the lead-up to COP30; and
    • scientific deliverables to support health-informed climate policies and implementation.

    “The impacts of climate change affect primarily the most vulnerable, who are an absolute priority for the Brazilian government. That’s why we are building concrete solutions, with social participation and a commitment to the planet’s future” said Alexandre Padilha, Minister of Health, Brazil. “This conference is a response to the call from the COP30 Presidency for a major global task force that brings together different sectors to formulate the health action plan that Brazil will present in Belém, proving that it is possible to integrate health and climate with real, innovative solutions that have a direct impact on people’s lives.”  

    WHO is working closely with the COP30 Presidency to ensure that health remains central to all climate negotiations. The Conference will spotlight strategies for building resilient health systems, promoting sustainable and low-carbon health systems, and reinforcing the link between climate, biodiversity, air quality, and public health.

    After years of commitments, the moment for action is now. WHO is calling on all countries to dramatically scale up investments in climate-health mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

    Attendance at the event is by invitation only. More details can be found on the event page. 

    “To address the consequences of climate change and promote health and well-being for all, it is essential to place populations and territories in situations of vulnerability at the centre of our actions, since they bear the brunt of climate impacts but are the least responsible for it,” said Dr Gerry Eijkemans, Director of PAHO’s Department of Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity.

    High-level participants from across the globe

    The Conference will bring together ministers, scientists, civil society, and international organizations from around the world, and will also serve as the annual in-person meeting of the WHO-hosted Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), the largest platform bringing together over 90 countries and partners aiming to advance climate change and health implementation at country level. It will be held in-person in Brasília, with main plenary sessions live-streamed for global participation. 

    WHO emphasizes that human health, the environment, and the climate are inseparably connected, and failure to act decisively on climate change could lead to widespread health catastrophes. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and worsening air pollution already cause millions of deaths and undermine global health systems. But coordinated action can still reverse this trajectory.

    The WHO will launch its 7th Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) report – focused on the health of migrants in the context of climate change – on Tuesday, 28 July.

    Join the online launch event

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 July 2025 Departmental update Community innovation leads the way at 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health through “Ideas Labs”

    Source: World Health Organisation

    As the world braces for increasingly complex climate and health challenges, local innovations, Indigenous knowledge, and community-rooted practices take centre stage at the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health, co-hosted by the Government of Brazil, WHO, and PAHO, from 29 to 31 July in Brasília. 

    A key feature of the Conference, the Ideas Lab, spotlights a bold new wave of thinking and doing, showcasing pioneering efforts that span from predictive malaria mapping and clean air advocacy to artificial intelligence and sustainable healthcare. Designed to complement the official programme, the Ideas Lab serves as a platform to amplify innovative local and Indigenous knowledge, youth-led and technological solutions, and cross-sector policy approaches that link climate action with better health outcomes. 

    Over three days, participants are presenting replicable solutions that will inform and bolster the forthcoming Belém Health Action Plan across three key tracks: 1) Health Surveillance and Monitoring, 2) Evidence-Based Policy and Capacity Building, and 3) Innovation and Production.  

    “The Ideas Lab is about more than showcasing innovations. It’s about equity, participation, and policy relevance,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization. “These sessions create space for communities to speak for themselves, to be heard, and to input into the COP30 process to put health at the heart of climate decisions.” 

    Ideas Lab contributors span Community-Based Organizations to universities, specialist networks to NGOs, with representation from across the globe.  

    Sessions include, among others:  

    • Mapping Toxic Transfers in Uganda: A cross-disciplinary project using geospatial tools, water testing, and health data to trace the impacts of climate-induced flooding on community health, while informing safe water and infrastructure policy. 
    • Predictive Modelling for climate-driven malaria dynamics: A predictive malaria system combining climate and health data to trigger targeted community interventions, co-led by women’s groups and rooted in local knowledge for urbanizing African Regions. 
    • Innovative Financing for Health Resilience: From Brazil to Indonesia, examples of blended capital solutions offer a roadmap to close the climate-health financing gap, especially critical for countries facing dwindling development aid. 
    • Adapting Health Supply Chains: A dialogue on how to future-proof the multitrillion-dollar health supply chain for climate resilience, equity, and sustainability. 
    • The Right to Clean Air: From Brazil to Australia and the pacific, inviting solidarity between communities experiencing escalating threats to air quality, health and cultural survival.  
    • AI for Climate-Resilient Health Systems: Showcasing how the Global South is pioneering artificial intelligence to strengthen pandemic preparedness and deliver culturally relevant, sustainable health interventions across 20 countries. 
    • Intergenerational dialogue plays a key role in transforming One Health ideas into concrete, sustainable actions and real-time solutions, where mechanisms for youth engagement in One Health can be adjusted to the needs and wants of each setting and context.

    Equity is at the heart of the Global Conference and equitable solutions are highlighted throughout the Ideas Lab, with sessions exploring how climate change disproportionately impacts women, migrants, Indigenous peoples, and youth, and how these groups are also leading in climate and health action. Examples include the Emerge Study which examines the relationship between climate extremes, forced migration, and health in Latin America, and how migration can be supported as an adaptive strategy, and Youth for One Health, a proposal that is grounded in intergenerational justice and builds on youth councils globally to advocate for biodiversity, planetary health, and green cities. 

    Towards COP30: From dialogue to delivery 

    The Ideas Lab will feed directly into conference outcomes and COP30 preparations, helping generate actionable tools and knowledge products that can be adapted by countries, particularly through the Belém Health Action Plan. By fostering participation across regions and sectors, it aims to seed long-term collaboration across and between climate change action and human health. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis predicts natural catastrophes will not offer insurers any respite in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Natural catastrophes continue to put a strain on global insurance markets, according to the latest Natural Catastrophe Review published today by Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW).

    Worldwide, insured losses from natural catastrophes now consistently exceed USD 100 billion per year. It’s been six years since the insurance industry last experienced a year with low losses from natural catastrophes. Events so far in 2025 indicate that losses exceeding USD 100 billion will very likely continue for at least another year.

    The Willis Natural Catastrophe Review is a biannual publication that provides insights into recent natural catastrophes and shares expert views on the risks posed by major perils. It sets out the causes and effects of major catastrophes in 2025 to date and goes beyond the headlines to identify the underlying factors that made them possible. The Review also provides an expert outlook for the rest of the year and into 2026, exploring potential threats from hurricanes, drought, flood and other hazards.

    Other key trends to note:

    • Exceptional natural catastrophes: So far, major events in 2025 include the Los Angeles wildfires (globally, the worst wildfire event ever with respect to insured losses), the worst wildfires in Japan and South Korea in at least a generation, the third-most active year on record for tornadoes in the United States, the first landfalling cyclone near Brisbane, Australia in 50 years, and the highest wind speed ever recorded over Ireland.
    • Natural catastrophes under climate change: The severity and scale of recent catastrophes underlines the need to confront a new era of climate extremes. Risk managers must reassess the risk, integrate climate forecasts into their plans, and ensure insurance and risk frameworks are optimized for today’s evolving threats. Data-driven strategies are needed to narrow protection gaps and to stay resilient in a rapidly changing world.
    • Leveraging scientific advances to mitigate future risks: The Review presents a forward view on natural catastrophe risk for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026. It also provides concrete advice on how to make the most of seasonal weather forecasts and identifies geographic regions that may be exposed to elevated catastrophe risk during the next three to six months.

    Peter Carter, Head of Climate Practice, Willis, said: “2024 continued a 6-year streak of natural catastrophe losses in excess of USD 100 billion.  The wildfires in Los Angeles early in 2025 will drive estimated losses of USD 40 billion alone so the streak looks set to continue. With global efforts likely failing to keep the temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, our focus must now turn to adapting and building resilience in the face of this new reality.”

    Cameron Rye, Director, Natural Catastrophe Analytics, Willis said: “The Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025 resulted in insured losses more than USD $40 billion, equivalent to nearly one-third of global insured losses the previous year. The scale and timing of the event placed immediate pressure on insurers’ catastrophe loss budgets at the beginning of the year and prompted a renewed focus on how wildfire risk is modelled, particularly in high-exposure areas like the urban-wildland interface. With an above-average number of storms predicted for the North Atlantic hurricane season, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the costliest years on record for (re)insurers.”

    The full Natural Catastrophe Review can be accessed here.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contacts

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global Africa Commission Proposed as the fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) Opens in Grenada

    Source: APO – Report:

    • US $290M in deals signed, advancing infrastructure, tourism and trade across the Caribbean on Day 1
    • CARICOM leaders to recommend region’s highest honour for Oramah’s role in transforming ties
    • US $250M Resilience Fund, CAPSS rollout, and feasibility of Caribbean EXIM Bank among key initiatives championed

    The fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) opened today in St. George’s under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

    In a passionate keynote address, Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, declared the region’s readiness to shift from slogans to systems, unveiling a slate of tangible milestones that signal the deepening of Africa-Caribbean economic and cultural integration.

    “In under four years, we’ve ratified the Partnership Agreement in 11 CARICOM countries, providing the Bank a solid legal foundation to operate, support, and invest in their economies,” said Oramah. This, he acknowledged, represents a “sovereign declaration, that the CARICOM States see in Africa, not just its past, but also its future.”

    These bold initiatives, shared by President Oramah during his address, demonstrate Afreximbank’s commitment to transforming Afri-Caribbean cooperation from aspiration into action:

    • Caribbean EXIM Bank: Feasibility studies are underway for a regional EXIM Bank co-created with the CARICOM Secretariat to unlock industrial development and trade.
    • $250M Growth, Resilience, and Sustainability Fund (GRSF): A new blended finance mechanism to support climate adaptation and development. Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) will manage the fund, while concessional financing will be raised jointly with the CARICOM Development Fund.
    • CAPSS Launch (Caribbean Payment & Settlement System): Modelled after Africa’s Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), this digital platform will allow real-time payments across the Caribbean in local currencies, eliminating costly conversions and enabling the upcoming CAPSS Card.
    • Creative & Cultural Investment: $24 million has been committed for a film production and training hub in the OECS through CANEX, while other investments have enabled designers and chefs from Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Barbados to feature globally.
    • Artificial Intelligence Hub: A new AI and generative tech centre is being launched in partnership with the P.J. Patterson Institute at the University of the West Indies to place Afro-Caribbean talent at the centre of global innovation.

    The ACTIF2025 also serves as President Oramah’s final address at the Forum, as he prepares to hand over leadership to Dr. George Elombi, Afreximbank’s long-serving Executive Vice President nominated as incoming President by shareholders at the Bank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja in June 2025.

    “At this critical moment in our collective history, I have no shred of doubt that he is the right person to lead us in the next phase of the Bank’s journey. I am convinced that he will give the Bank’s work in this region a renewed impetus,” he stated.

    Looking beyond the Forum, President Oramah urged the establishment of a sovereign Global Africa Commission to drive forward the long-term integration of Africa and the Caribbean. He proposed that the Commission be jointly supported by Afreximbank, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the African Union, and tasked with advancing the trade, cultural, education, and creative agenda of the growing pan-African alliance.

    “What we have done so far is prove the concept, we now need to institutionalise it,” Oramah said. “We should consider creating a Commission that becomes fully responsible for delivering on the Africa-Caribbean and broader Global Africa initiative… This move will give more focus to the initiative, reduce the administrative burden on Afreximbank and create an environment for innovation.”

    In closing, President Oramah declared “In America, America is first. In Europe, Europe is first. In China, China is first. We are the only ones who put ourselves last,” noting that it is time that Africa changes this posture.

    Meanwhile, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada praised the vision and leadership of President Benedict Oramah, describing his presidency as a turning point in the Africa-Caribbean relations.

    Recognising the strategy, integrity and relentless drive employed, PM Mitchell, stated that President Oramah carved out a space for ‘our regions to trade, collaborate, and thrive’. “In the annals of history, you will go down as a pioneer for African people everywhere,” the Caribbean leader declared.

    Prime Minister Mitchell announced a recommendation by the region’s leaders to confer the region’s highest honour to President Oramah; the Order of the Caribbean Community.

    Building on Oramah’s keynote call to institutionalise the Global Africa Initiative through the creation of a permanent Commission, Prime Minister Mitchell voiced full support.

    His message was punctuated by a deeply personal interaction with a young volunteer who asked why Grenada chose to host ACTIF2025; a question he said cut to the heart of the Forum’s purpose.

    “It’s about money. It’s about trade. It’s about investment…  our very survival, prosperity and dignity depends on the economic decisions we make today,” he stated.  “To that young man, I say: our political will to support Global Africa is unwavering. We are not starting from scratch. We are starting from strength. And we will not leave ACTIF2025 with another communiqué, we will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.”

    In a sobering, yet empowering close, he added “no one is going to save Global Africa but Global Africa itself.”

    More than a dozen sitting and former Heads of State, and Government representatives from Africa and the Caribbean are attending ACTIF2025. Among them are:

    • Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
    • Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
    • Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis
    • Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
    • H.E. Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania (representing President Samia Suluhu)
    • H.E. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda (representing President Paul Kagame)
    • The Most Hon. PJ Patterson, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
    • H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • H.E Mahamadou Issoufou, Former President, Republic of Niger

    Meanwhile, five transformative deals totaling over US$290 million were signed on Day 1 of ACTIF2025, showcasing Afreximbank’s deepening investment in trade-enabling infrastructure and economic development across the Caribbean. Among the signings was a US$50 million Heads of Terms with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for an Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility, and a US$40 million public-private partnership with Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd. to develop a modern commercial port in Saint Kitts. In The Bahamas, two landmark transactions were formalised: a US$100 million Receivables Discounting Facility for the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies to rehabilitate over 200 miles of road infrastructure, and a US$40 million facility with Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd. for critical roadworks. Rounding out the signings was a US$61.25 million agreement with Speedbird House Ltd. to finance a 150-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Bridgetown, Barbados—under Afreximbank’s tourism-linked financing initiative, CONTOUR.

    ACTIF2025 continues through 30 July, with panel discussions, business matchmaking sessions, cultural showcases, and deal signings that reflect the Forum’s commitment to moving from rhetoric to results. More than 1,700 people registered to attend ACTIF2025, reflecting the highest level of interest recorded across all four editions. 

    – on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB to adapt collateral framework to address climate-related transition risks

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 July 2025

    • Climate factor to protect Eurosystem against potential decline in value of collateral in event of adverse climate-related transition shocks
    • Measure to address forward-looking climate-related uncertainties, enhancing resilience of Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation
    • Measure to apply to marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations, taking effect in second half of 2026

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to introduce a new measure within the collateral framework to better manage financial risks related to the climate crisis.

    The value of collateral from counterparties in the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations is sensitive to climate change-related uncertainties. Since the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations are a key instrument in maintaining price stability, the Governing Council has decided to introduce a “climate factor” which could reduce the value assigned to eligible assets pledged as collateral, depending on the extent to which an asset can be impacted by these uncertainties. This acts as a buffer against the possible financial impact of uncertainties related to climate change. It will complement the Eurosystem’s existing risk management toolbox by considering forward-looking climate scenario analyses and therefore improve the resilience of the Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation. The calibration of the measure will preserve adequate collateral availability.

    The Governing Council has decided to introduce the climate factor focusing on marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations as well as their affiliated entities, and adverse events specifically associated with the green transition. The climate factor will apply to individual assets and its calibration will take into account sector-level data of non-financial corporation bonds in the 2024 climate stress test of the Eurosystem’s balance sheet[1], the issuer’s CSPP climate score and the asset’s residual maturity.

    This measure is due to be implemented in the second half of 2026. It will be regularly reviewed by the Governing Council to reflect the increasing availability of data and models, as well as relevant regulatory developments and advances in risk assessment capabilities.

    For media queries, please contact Clara Martín Marqués, tel.: +49 69 1344 17919.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB lends €50 million to Iberdrola to rebuild and climate-proof flood-hit power infrastructure in Valencia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Iberdrola

    • The financing will back investments from il.lumina, Iberdrola’s project to reconstruct and modernise the power distribution grid affected by devastating floods in 2024. 
    • The project includes the implementation of resilience and digitalisation measures benefiting over 650 000 clients and improving electricity supply security.
    • The EIB financing is sourced from its own resources and the Regional Resilience Fund put in place by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two €25 million loans with Iberdrola to finance the reconstruction, redesign, climate change adaptation and digitalisation work that the electricity company is carrying out on the power distribution grid damaged by the devastating floods that hit Valencia in October 2024.

    These investments are part of Iberdrola’s il.lumina project to build the power grid of the future. Measures will include rebuilding damaged infrastructure, expanding facility automation, installing smart transformers to improve supply quality, moving overhead power lines underground, and raising and downsizing transformer substations.

    These operations are expected to benefit more than 650 000 clients, according to the electric company, improving electricity supply security against a backdrop of extreme weather events and increasing integration of renewable energy production.

    The project will strengthen the EIB’s role as the climate bank, one of the eight strategic priorities set out in the EIB Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027. The operation is also part of the EIB action plan to support REPowerEU, the programme to increase energy security and speed up the energy transition by reducing the European Union’s dependence on fossil fuel imports.

    The financing includes €25 million from EIB own resources and a further €25 million from the Regional Resilience Fund created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans under Spain’s recovery, transformation and resilience plan. The Regional Resilience Fund aims to drive investment and develop projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and small and medium companies. The fund is led by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, with the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.

    EIB support for power grids

    EIB support for energy security and power grids is one of its main priorities to accelerate the green transition, contribute to EU energy autonomy and ensure access to a more secure and sustainable energy supply for all Europeans. In 2024, the EIB Group directed €8.5 billion to financing power grid and storage projects in all of its operational areas, double the 2023 figure. In Spain alone, €1.5 billion went to grid and storage projects in 2024, again doubling 2023 investment. This financing is helping to expand, modernise and digitalise power grids, making them more resilient and enabling greater and better integration of renewable energy.

    More information on EIB support for the energy sector is available here.

    EIB commitment to those impacted by the DANA

    Following the DANA, the EIB moved quickly to make a €1.4 billion package available to the regions impacted (Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha) to help finance reconstruction work and support the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The EIB Group has also made contributions to NGOs operating in the area, such as Save the Children, SOS Aldeas Infantiles and Casa Caridad.

    il-lumina, Iberdrola’s commitment to Valencia

    This financing is part of Iberdrola’s strategy to promote a more robust electricity grid that is better prepared for extreme weather events, while reinforcing its commitment to the energy transition and green financing. With il·lumina, Iberdrola is not only responding to the damage, but also anticipating the future, committing to a safer, more efficient electricity infrastructure that is aligned with European climate objectives.

    The il·lumina project involves the renovation of substations, transformer stations and the medium and low voltage network, with the aim of redesigning the electricity network affected by the DANA. The company has created a team of 35 people who are working exclusively on developing the construction plan for the electricity network of the future, coordinating the work of approximately 1,000 operators, most of whom are locally based.

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

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

    Regional Resilience Fund

    The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.

    The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner

    The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:

    • a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
    • an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
    • two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

    Iberdrola

    With more than 100,000 million euros in capitalisation, Iberdrola is the largest electricity company in Europe and one of the two largest in the world. The Group serves more than 100 million people worldwide and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees and assets of more than 160,000 million euros. In 2024, Iberdrola recorded revenues of almost 50,000 million euros, a net profit of 5,600 million euros. The company contributes nearly 10,300 million euros in tax contributions in the countries in which it operates and supports more than 500,000 jobs in its suppliers thanks to purchases that exceeded 18,000 million euros in 2024.

    Since 2001, Iberdrola has invested more than 175,000 million euros in renewable energies, electricity grids and energy storage to contribute to the creation of an energy model based on electrification.  The company has more than 57,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity worldwide, of which more than 45,000 MW are renewable.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, MP and northeast; AQI improves in Delhi after downpour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several parts of India are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued intense precipitation over eastern Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh between July 29 and 31, with isolated locations in western MP likely to experience extremely heavy rain on Tuesday.

    States in the northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, are also expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next seven days, with activity likely to intensify from August 1 onwards. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to reduce gradually over the southern peninsula over the next six to seven days, and over central India starting August 1.

    In the past 24 hours, extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 21 cm) was recorded in isolated areas of western Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy showers were also observed in parts of eastern Rajasthan, Punjab, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, and Mizoram. Isolated places in the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Gangetic West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh also received heavy rain.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy from July 29 to August 1, with light to moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms and lightning.

    On Tuesday, Delhi-NCR received heavy rain in the morning which led to improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

    In its weather report for Delhi-NCR, IMD predicted at isolated places on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 29°C and 31°C. The following days will see similar weather, with maximum temperatures staying below normal by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures hovering between 23°C and 26°C.

    By August 1, the capital may experience only very light to light rainfall, with skies turning partly cloudy. Temperatures are projected to rise slightly, with maximums between 33°C and 35°C, though still remaining below the seasonal average. Winds will predominantly be from the southeast, shifting gradually to southwest and northwest directions through the day.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Talks, music and more in store from Mayor’s Charity event programme

    Source: City of Winchester


    A host of varied events are taking place in support of the Mayor of Winchester’s 2025/6 selected charities. 

    Tickets are now on sale for the next two events, a talk in Abbey House and a lunchtime Ukrainian classic music concert. Proceeds will benefit the three current Mayoral Charities: Trinity Winchester; Home-Start Winchester; and WinACC (Winchester Action on Climate Crisis). 

    The talk, which will take place in the Mayor’s official residence Abbey House on Friday 8 August at 7pm, is entitled The French Prisoners of Alresford and the Hampshire Parole Towns.

    It will be given by former mayor Russell Gordon-Smith, who will delve into the history of the Alresford tombs of five French officer prisoners of war – four officers and one military wife – who lived for a period of time in the small district town.

    Former mayor Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith beside one of the graves   

    It will also provide some background on the Napoleonic wars and the workings of the ‘parole’ system, including life in the prison hulks and in prison camps.

    The classical music concert, which has been organised with the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association (WUCA), will take place in The United Church, Jewry Street, on Friday 29 August at 12pm.

    The programme includes works by Ukrainian and international composers, performed by Volodymyr Vasylenko (accordion), Liliya Solomonova (piano), Marharyta Dorosh (cello), and Ava Solomonova-Satchwell (vocal).

    Events later in the season include: Life in Quizzing – a talk by local champion quizzer – and former Egghead – Kevin Ashman; a Murder Mystery evening; an Agatha Christie evening; a jazz piano concert; Burns Night; the popular annual Quiz Night; a Pie & Mash night; and much more.  

    The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal: “We have already enjoyed fun events in aid of my selected Mayoral Charities, including a family scavenger hunt, and I am so looking forward to the rest of the programme – it really does have something to offer to everyone.  

    “The Mayoral Charities each do such excellent work in our local communities and these events are a fantastic way to enjoy yourself whilst also offering valuable support to three wonderful and worthy district charities.”

    Tickets for all official Mayoral Charity events will be available, as they are released, from the official Mayor of Winchester Ticketsource site. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • India’s tiger reserves rise from 46 to 58 since 2014: Bhupender Yadav

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Tuesday announced that the number of tiger reserves in India has grown from 46 in 2014 to 58 as of 2025. The statement was made during the Global Tiger Day 2025 celebrations held at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi.

    Presiding over the event, the Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance, fostering conservation awareness among children, and cultivating gratitude towards nature. He praised the role of schools and teachers in educating the younger generation about wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.

    Yadav highlighted that this expansion in tiger reserves is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protecting India’s national animal. He noted that the government continues to prioritize environmental sustainability as part of its broader development agenda.

    Marking one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in the world, the Minister announced the launch of a massive nationwide tree plantation drive. Under this initiative, more than one lakh saplings will be planted across all 58 tiger reserves, with each reserve planting approximately 2,000 indigenous trees in degraded forest areas to support habitat restoration and ecological health.

    In a move to inspire public participation, the Minister encouraged citizens, especially children, to plant a tree in their mother’s name under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Describing the symbolic connection between motherhood and nature, Yadav said that just as a mother nurtures her child, Mother Earth offers shelter, food, and oxygen selflessly. He urged everyone to plant a tree in honor of their mothers and for the sake of the planet.

    Yadav also spotlighted India’s leadership in global big cat conservation through the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an initiative launched by India to protect all seven big cat species worldwide. He informed that 24 countries have already joined the alliance, and its headquarters will be established in India, further positioning the country at the forefront of international wildlife conservation.

    Addressing the youth, the Minister urged them to lead lives marked by humility, patience, and determination. He called on them to actively contribute to sustainable living and conservation efforts under the government’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes environmentally conscious behavior.

    The Global Tiger Day celebrations also included the virtual inauguration of plantation drives across all tiger reserves, as well as the opening of forest nurseries in three locations across the Aravalli landscape. These nurseries will serve as a sustainable source of native plant species for afforestation and ecological restoration. Another key initiative launched during the event was the ‘Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves’ campaign, aimed at phasing out single-use plastics within all tiger reserves across India.

    The event featured the release of four important publications under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These included a report on the “Status of Small Cats in the Tiger Landscape of India”, the Global Tiger Day special edition of STRIPES Magazine, and two books titled Waterfalls of Tiger Reserves in India and Water Bodies Inside Tiger Reserves of India, authored by Bharat Lal and Dr. S.P. Yadav.

    As part of recognizing contributions to wildlife protection, Yadav presented NTCA awards across seven categories. These included awards for individuals and groups who demonstrated excellence in wildlife crime investigation, habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, public engagement, voluntary relocation, and posthumous recognition for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    (with ANI inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Massive rescue efforts continue in Beijing after heavy rains kill 30

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) — Beijing authorities have launched a rescue operation as heavy rains have killed 30 people as of midnight Monday, damaged roads, disrupted power supplies and forced mass evacuations.

    The fatalities were recorded in the northern mountainous areas of the Chinese capital, with 28 people killed in the Miyun district and two in the Yanqing district.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping gave an important instruction on flood control and disaster relief on Monday, calling for all-out efforts to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property in the fight against rain-induced floods and geological disasters affecting some parts of China.

    Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said all aspects of search and rescue and flood control work should be properly organized, urgent measures should be taken to combat natural disasters, all efforts should be made to search for missing people and rescue those trapped, and people in danger should be resolutely evacuated to minimize casualties.

    The downpours forced more than 80,000 people to evacuate in Beijing alone, damaged 31 sections of roads and caused power outages in 136 villages.

    “Several houses in our community were flooded as a result of heavy rain on Saturday night,” said Cui Di, deputy head of the Shicheng Township People’s Government, located in Beijing’s hardest-hit Miyun District. She worked tirelessly throughout the night to help residents move to safer areas.

    “In such emergency situations, it is difficult for everyone. We are doing everything possible to make temporary places of stay a little more comfortable for people and thus alleviate their anxiety,” the official noted.

    According to her, local authorities also prepared mattresses, blankets, bread, eggs and other necessary materials for the evacuees.

    At the Miyun resettlement center, fourth-grader Zhao Zixuan sits on her bed reading a book. She was evacuated from the flooded village on a speedboat. “It’s very safe here, and I can read in peace,” she said.

    In recent days, extreme and strong convective phenomena caused by warm and humid air from the edge of a subtropical anticyclone have been recorded in Miyun and other metropolitan areas.

    At 8:00 p.m. Monday, the Beijing Municipal Flood Control Headquarters launched the highest-level emergency response mechanism for the floods.

    Due to continued heavy rains, the Beijing branch of China Railways suspended some trains on the Beijing-Harbin High-Siberian Railway on Tuesday.

    China’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management on Tuesday allocated 350 million yuan (about 48.94 million U.S. dollars) from the central budget to provide aid to nine provincial-level regions hit by floods, including Beijing.

    These funds will be used primarily to carry out emergency rescue operations and provide assistance to residents of these regions affected by natural disasters.

    Also on Tuesday, China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced it would allocate 200 million yuan to provide disaster relief assistance in Beijing. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ECB to adapt collateral framework to address climate-related transition risks

    Source: European Central Bank

    29 July 2025

    • Climate factor to protect Eurosystem against potential decline in value of collateral in event of adverse climate-related transition shocks
    • Measure to address forward-looking climate-related uncertainties, enhancing resilience of Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation
    • Measure to apply to marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations, taking effect in second half of 2026

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to introduce a new measure within the collateral framework to better manage financial risks related to the climate crisis.

    The value of collateral from counterparties in the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations is sensitive to climate change-related uncertainties. Since the Eurosystem’s refinancing operations are a key instrument in maintaining price stability, the Governing Council has decided to introduce a “climate factor” which could reduce the value assigned to eligible assets pledged as collateral, depending on the extent to which an asset can be impacted by these uncertainties. This acts as a buffer against the possible financial impact of uncertainties related to climate change. It will complement the Eurosystem’s existing risk management toolbox by considering forward-looking climate scenario analyses and therefore improve the resilience of the Eurosystem’s monetary policy implementation. The calibration of the measure will preserve adequate collateral availability.

    The Governing Council has decided to introduce the climate factor focusing on marketable assets issued by non-financial corporations as well as their affiliated entities, and adverse events specifically associated with the green transition. The climate factor will apply to individual assets and its calibration will take into account sector-level data of non-financial corporation bonds in the 2024 climate stress test of the Eurosystem’s balance sheet[1], the issuer’s CSPP climate score and the asset’s residual maturity.

    This measure is due to be implemented in the second half of 2026. It will be regularly reviewed by the Governing Council to reflect the increasing availability of data and models, as well as relevant regulatory developments and advances in risk assessment capabilities.

    For media queries, please contact Clara Martín Marqués, tel.: +49 69 1344 17919.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group Forge Ahead with 3-Year Partnership for C&I Energy + Storage Summit

    Source: APO – Report:

    We are thrilled to share that the Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) are continuing their dynamic partnership to co-host the EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit (https://Energy-StorageSummit.com) for the next three years, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event. This collaboration is a bold step toward shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future for South Africa’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors.

    Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions

    For over 25 years, EIUG has been a steadfast advocate for energy-intensive industries, championing competitive and sustainable energy frameworks. By partnering with VUKA Group for the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, we’re creating a powerful platform to address the challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s rapidly evolving electricity industry. This partnership aligns with the South Africa Climate Act and Just Energy Transition principles, empowering C&I power users to achieve energy independence, security, and sustainability while reducing their carbon footprint.

    C&I Energy + Storage Summit 2025, brough to you by VUKA Group, will take place from 4- 5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Register today (http://apo-opa.co/3U37Lqn).

    What to Expect at the Summit

    The C&I Energy + Storage Summit is your opportunity to engage with the future of energy. This year’s event will:

    Explore scalable solutions: Dive into power generation options, credible technologies, and the financial and business cases for independent generation and storage.

    Navigate industry changes: Unpack the implications of South Africa’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) initiatives, including the anticipated wholesale market establishment.

    Foster collaboration: Connect service providers, off-takers, and consumers for mutually beneficial commercial opportunities.

    Offer practical insights: Participate in technical masterclasses, project showcases, and networking sessions designed to equip you with the tools to lead in this transformative era.

    A Commitment to Change

    This partnership is more than a collaboration — it’s a commitment to driving meaningful progress. By bringing together stakeholders from across the energy landscape, including Eskom, bilateral Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and potential players in a future wholesale energy trading market, we aim to influence a resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking energy ecosystem.

    Join Us

    We invite all industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to join us at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit and EIUG Conference. Together, we can shape the future of South Africa’s energy landscape and ensure it thrives for both businesses and the planet.

    Register for the Summit: https://apo-opa.co/3U37Lqn

    – on behalf of VUKA Group.

    For speaking opportunities, contact Boipelo Mothlowa: Boipelo.mothlowa@wearevuka.com

    For sponsorship enquires, contact Marcel du Toit: marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

    For media enquires, contact Natalie Simms: Natalie.simms@wearevuka.com

    About VUKA Group:
    As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Heavy rain, strong wind, and potential downpours on the cards – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Monday 28 – Thursday 31 July – Severe Weather Warnings and Watches issued for heavy rain and strong winds – Potential upgrade to Red Heavy Rain Warning for southeast Tasman – Large northeast swells expected for the east coast of the upper North Island.
     
    MetService has issued Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for heavy rain and strong wind, as a frontal system is set to move slowly over the motu tomorrow (Tuesday). Large northeast swells are also expected for the east coast of the upper North Island.

     While the front arrives early on Tuesday and departs to our east Wednesday afternoon, it packs a punch while it crosses the country. Blustery northeasterly winds, widespread heavy rain and even the potential for downpours are all on the cards.

    Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued over the North Island for Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty, Taranaki Maunga, and the Central North Island mountains. For the South Island, Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in force for Tasman, Nelson, western Marlborough, the ranges of Westland, and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, and of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthurs Pass. Much of the central and upper North Island is covered by Watches for heavy rain and strong wind.

    MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker advises to pay extra attention to “Tasman east and south of Motueka, excluding Nelson City District, where there is a high chance the Orange Warning will be upgraded to a Red Warning. Aside from Motueka township, this is the same region that was covered by a Red Warning back on 11 July.” There is also a moderate risk for inland parts of the Bay of Plenty to be upgraded to a Red Warning.  

    Swells of 3 to 4.5 metres are forecast on Tuesday for parts of the coast between the Bay of Islands and Whakatane.  

    “Northeast swell is expected to peak at 4 metres in the Bay of Islands on Tuesday morning, and at 4-4.5 metres at Great Mercury Island in the evening. Northerly swell is expected to peak at 4-4.5 metres at Whakatane around midnight,” states Bakker.

    Along with the wind and rain, overnight temperatures are expected to rise. Much of the North Island will stay above 10°C on Tuesday night. Whakatane will be particularly notable, with its overnight minimum of 13°C only two degrees cooler than its recorded maximum temperature on Sunday.

    Towards the end of the working week, a deep low to the east of Aotearoa New Zealand is forecast to direct a strong southerly flow onto the eastern North Island, while a second low is expected to move east past the far north.

    “At this stage, the risk of Severe Weather from Thursday onwards is minimal, but MetService advises that people keep an eye on the forecast,” Bakker notes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – WA continues its streak as Australia’s strongest economic performer: CommSec State of the States – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Strong retail and business investment keep WA on top, while anticipated rate cuts could eventually support a lift in performance for NSW and Victoria.

    Western Australia has once again claimed the top spot in the latest CommSec State of the States report, leading the nation’s economic performance rankings for a fourth consecutive quarter.

    South Australia also began 2025 with a bang, climbing from fourth to second, driven by solid gains across several key indicators.

    The State of the States report determines which Australian state or territory economy is performing best by tracking eight key economic indicators and comparing the latest observation with decade averages (or the “normal”).

    “Western Australia led across several economic measures, taking first place in retail trade, housing finance, and business investment. Meanwhile South Australia ranks first on two indicators – construction work and dwelling starts,” Chief CommSec Economist Ryan Felsman said.

    “Overall, the economic performance of Australia’s states and territories is being supported by a combination of slowing inflation, falling interest rates, rising real wages, robust government spending and a solid labour market.

    “But economic growth has moderated, held back by slowing public investment, population growth and household spending. The future path will depend on the resiliency of the job market, further interest rate cuts and US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.”

    In the July 2025 edition of the State of the States:

    Western Australia leads the national performance rankings for the fourth successive report. The state is ranked first on three of the eight economic indicators – retail trade, housing finance and equipment spending.

    South Australia has jumped to second from fourth after a strong start to 2025, with a pickup in consumer spending and business investment. South Australia now leads other economies on dwelling starts and construction work done, lifting from second spot in the previous quarter.

    Queensland stays third, ranking second on relative unemployment and housing finance, but consumer activity in the southeast of the state was disrupted in the March quarter by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    Victoria dropped from second to fourth place. The state is in third spot on four indicators but is held back by weakness in relative unemployment. Victoria stays in second spot for retail spending with it being 10 per cent above its ‘normal’ levels or the decade average.

    Tasmania is steady in fifth place – ranking first on relative unemployment, with the trend jobless rate at a record low 3.8 per cent in June. But the state is held back by relative population growth, which is at the weakest level in nearly a decade.

    New South Wales slips back to sixth from equal fifth position due to a delayed transition from public to private sector led growth, while the ACT joins NSW in sixth, ranking first on relative economic growth, constrained by more modest public demand and weak business investment

    The Northern Territory stays in eighth place despite strength in relative population growth. The decade-average method of assessing economic performance disadvantages the Top End given significant LNG construction over 2012–18 inflated a range of economic indicators. That said, the Territory has lifted its economic performance in the past 12 months.

    Annual growth rates

    The State of the States report also compares the annual growth rates across the eight major indicators, enabling comparisons in terms of more recent economic momentum. This quarter’s report revealed:

    • The commodities and tourism-focused state of Western Australia continues to outperform the rest of the nation, also ranking first on four of the eight key economic indicators. Population growth is particularly strong.
    • South Australia is the big improver, also jumping to second from fourth spot, supported by a pick-up in consumer spending, business investment and construction activity.
    • The Northern Territory lifts from fifth to third due to robust growth in business investment and construction activity.
    • Queensland slips to fourth from second following a fall in coal and agricultural exports caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
    • Victoria dips from third to fifth despite above-average net overseas migration, supporting household spending.
    • New South Wales joins Victoria in fifth, up from sixth, with Sydney’s heavily mortgaged households benefiting from interest rate cuts.
    • The ACT (seventh) and Tasmania (eighth) are both being held back by weakness in private sector investment.

    About the CommSec State of the States Report

    The July 2025 edition of the State of the States report uses the most recent economic data available. While population growth data relates to the December quarter of 2024, other data – such as unemployment – is much timelier, covering the month of June 2025, with the majority of the other indicators using March quarter of 2025 figures.

    CommSec, the self-directed broking arm of Australia’s largest bank, assesses the performance of each state and territory on a quarterly basis using eight key indicators. Those indicators include economic growth, retail spending, equipment investment, unemployment, construction work done, population growth, housing finance and dwelling commencements.

    Just as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) uses long-term averages to determine the level of “normal” interest rates, CommSec compares the key indicators to decade averages; that is, against “normal” performance.

    CommSec also compares annual growth rates for eight key indicators for all states and territories, in addition to Australia as a whole, enabling a comparison of economic momentum.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Barnaby Joyce wants Australia to abandon net zero – but his 4 central claims don’t stack up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ella Vines, Post-doctoral researcher, Green Lab, Monash University

    One-time Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce sought to dominate the first sitting week of the current federal parliament by proposing a divisive plan to reverse Australia’s net zero emissions target.

    The campaign, backed by fellow former Nationals leader Michael McCormack, aims to repeal what Joyce calls Australia’s “lunatic crusade” of net zero by 2050. It comes as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley convenes a working group to set a way forward on climate and energy policy following the Coalition’s historic election defeat.

    Meanwhile, the Albanese government is considering Australia’s next round of emissions reduction targets. And scientists warn just three years remain for the world to keep global warming below the vital 1.5°C threshold.

    If Australia is to take meaningful climate action, federal parliament must engage with the facts honestly and without distortion. So let’s take a closer look at whether Joyce and McCormack’s latest claims withstand scrutiny.

    Claim 1: Australia’s net zero policy will not address climate change

    Joyce describes as “perverse” the notion that Australia’s net zero goal can meaningfully help address global climate change.

    This claim is not backed by science.

    Every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions adds to global warming. What’s more, Joyce’s claim ignores the near-universal agreement of nations signed up to the Paris Agreement – including Australia – to pursue efforts (including domestic measures) to limit the average global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

    It’s true that collective national efforts to curb warming have so far been insufficient. But that doesn’t mean they should be abandoned.

    Claim 2: Global support for net zero is waning

    McCormack claims there is a growing global shift against net zero, and Joyce describes it as “a peculiar minority position”.

    This statement is not backed by evidence.

    In fact, the number of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions pledging to get to net-zero is growing.

    In the United States, President Donald Trump has dismantled climate policy, damaging that nation’s progress towards net zero. But many US states have retained the target, and global climate action will continue regardless of Trump’s actions.

    A landmark court ruling this week is likely to further strengthen global pressure for nations to ramp up emissions reduction. The advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice observed countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change – including by regulating the fossil fuel industry.

    As others have noted, Australia must now reconsider its stance on approving new fossil fuel projects – including those geared to export markets.

    the International Court of Justice said countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change.
    JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

    Claims 3: the net zero goal is a security threat

    Joyce claims a net zero policy agenda is “treacherous” for Australia’s security and will “inflame our incapacity” to contend with geopolitical threats.

    But evidence suggests the opposite is true. There is a significant link between climate change and certain types of military conflicts.

    Research predicts the Australian Defence Force will become involved in more wars as the climate crisis escalates, and respond to more frequent climate-related disasters inside our borders.

    Claim 4: net zero is bad for regional Australia

    Both Joyce and McCormack say the net zero target and associated renewable energy rollout is devastating regional Australia. The Institute of Public Affairs, a prominent right-wing think tank, this week launched a documentary making similar claims.

    Joyce cited division in rural communities over renewable energy. In reality, there is significant support in regional Australia for such technology. A poll last year by Farmers for Climate Action found 70% of regional Australians in renewable energy zones support the development of renewable energy projects on local farmland.

    Joyce also pointed to “the removal of agricultural land from production” to support his stance. However, analysis shows very little farmland is required for the clean energy transition.

    What’s more, the cost of inaction is high. Climate change is disproportionately affecting cost of living for regional households – for example, due to higher insurance premiums.

    Joyce also appears deaf to the myriad regional voices calling for stronger climate action.

    The Mackay Conservation Group, for example, is challenging Whitehaven’s Winchester South coal mine in Queensland’s Land Court. Similarly, an environment group based in the NSW Hunter Valley this week successfully appealed the expansion of MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine.

    Only facts can stop a new wave of climate wars

    Clearly, the efforts of Joyce and McCormack to undermine Australia’s net zero goal are not backed by evidence.

    The Coalition must heed the facts – not backbench pressure – as it weighs its climate and energy policy. Only then can Australia avoid reigniting the divisive climate wars that stalled progress and positioned Australia as a global laggard.

    Likewise, the Albanese government must not be distracted from the climate action task. Australia’s next round of climate targets should be based on the best available science, and make a meaningful, credible contribution to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

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

    – ref. Barnaby Joyce wants Australia to abandon net zero – but his 4 central claims don’t stack up – https://theconversation.com/barnaby-joyce-wants-australia-to-abandon-net-zero-but-his-4-central-claims-dont-stack-up-261837

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Barnaby Joyce wants Australia to abandon net zero – but his 5 central claims don’t stack up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ella Vines, Post-doctoral researcher, Green Lab, Monash University

    One-time Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce sought to dominate the first sitting week of the current federal parliament by proposing a divisive plan to reverse Australia’s net zero emissions target.

    The campaign, backed by fellow former Nationals leader Michael McCormack, aims to repeal what Joyce calls Australia’s “lunatic crusade” of net zero by 2050. It comes as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley convenes a working group to set a way forward on climate and energy policy following the Coalition’s historic election defeat.

    Meanwhile, the Albanese government is considering Australia’s next round of emissions reduction targets. And scientists warn just three years remain for the world to keep global warming below the vital 1.5°C threshold.

    If Australia is to take meaningful climate action, federal parliament must engage with the facts honestly and without distortion. So let’s take a closer look at whether Joyce and McCormack’s latest claims withstand scrutiny.

    Claim 1: Australia’s net zero policy will not address climate change

    Joyce describes as “perverse” the notion that Australia’s net zero goal can meaningfully help address global climate change.

    This claim is not backed by science.

    Every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions adds to global warming. What’s more, Joyce’s claim ignores the near-universal agreement of nations signed up to the Paris Agreement – including Australia – to pursue efforts (including domestic measures) to limit the average global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

    It’s true that collective national efforts to curb warming have so far been insufficient. But that doesn’t mean they should be abandoned.

    Claim 2: Global support for net zero is waning

    McCormack claims there is a growing global shift against net zero, and Joyce describes it as “a peculiar minority position”.

    This statement is not backed by evidence.

    In fact, the number of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions pledging to get to net-zero is growing.

    In the United States, President Donald Trump has dismantled climate policy, damaging that nation’s progress towards net zero. But many US states have retained the target, and global climate action will continue regardless of Trump’s actions.

    A landmark court ruling this week is likely to further strengthen global pressure for nations to ramp up emissions reduction. The advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice observed countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change – including by regulating the fossil fuel industry.

    As others have noted, Australia must now reconsider its stance on approving new fossil fuel projects – including those geared to export markets.

    the International Court of Justice said countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change.
    JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

    Claims 3: the net zero goal is a security threat

    Joyce claims a net zero policy agenda is “treacherous” for Australia’s security and will “inflame our incapacity” to contend with geopolitical threats.

    But evidence suggests the opposite is true. There is a significant link between climate change and certain types of military conflicts.

    Research predicts the Australian Defence Force will become involved in more wars as the climate crisis escalates, and respond to more frequent climate-related disasters inside our borders.

    Claim 4: net zero is bad for regional Australia

    Both Joyce and McCormack say the net zero target and associated renewable energy rollout is devastating regional Australia. The Institute of Public Affairs, a prominent right-wing think tank, this week launched a documentary making similar claims.

    Joyce cited division in rural communities over renewable energy. In reality, there is significant support in regional Australia for such technology. A poll last year by Farmers for Climate Action found 70% of regional Australians in renewable energy zones support the development of renewable energy projects on local farmland.

    Joyce also pointed to “the removal of agricultural land from production” to support his stance. However, analysis shows very little farmland is required for the clean energy transition.

    What’s more, the cost of inaction is high. Climate change is disproportionately affecting cost of living for regional households – for example, due to higher insurance premiums.

    Joyce also appears deaf to the myriad regional voices calling for stronger climate action.

    The Mackay Conservation Group, for example, is challenging Whitehaven’s Winchester South coal mine in Queensland’s Land Court. Similarly, an environment group based in the NSW Hunter Valley this week successfully appealed the expansion of MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine.

    Only facts can stop a new wave of climate wars

    Clearly, the efforts of Joyce and McCormack to undermine Australia’s net zero goal are not backed by evidence.

    The Coalition must heed the facts – not backbench pressure – as it weighs its climate and energy policy. Only then can Australia avoid reigniting the divisive climate wars that stalled progress and positioned Australia as a global laggard.

    Likewise, the Albanese government must not be distracted from the climate action task. Australia’s next round of climate targets should be based on the best available science, and make a meaningful, credible contribution to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

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

    – ref. Barnaby Joyce wants Australia to abandon net zero – but his 5 central claims don’t stack up – https://theconversation.com/barnaby-joyce-wants-australia-to-abandon-net-zero-but-his-5-central-claims-dont-stack-up-261837

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Designs unveiled for Newcastle green energy precinct

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The final concept designs have been unveiled for the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct, which will establish the Hunter region as an industry leader in Australia’s transformation to net-zero.    

    Community members, prospective commercial partners and international investors attended a virtual-reality walk-through of the site today, where the future design of the precinct was brought to life.The Clean Energy Precinct will be located on a disused 220-hectare site on Kooragang Island, just north of Newcastle’s CBD and straddling the south channel of the Hunter River.

    With a $100 million investment from the Australian Government committed in the 22/23 Federal Budget, the Port of Newcastle site will be transformed into a burgeoning industrial hub enabling the production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy products, including green hydrogen and ammonia. The precinct will integrate clean energy production and storage with the Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub gateway projects, the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones, and offshore wind developments – making it a vital cog in our net zero future.

    The Port of Newcastle has been progressing Front-End Engineering and Design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies, backed by community consultation and industry engagement, and today’s release of designs allow the public and potential commercial partners to visualise the planned layout of the precinct infrastructure. 

    The precinct infrastructure includes electrical and water services, production facilities, storage, vehicle access, and pipelines for distribution and export.

    The EIS will be released publicly later this year, and construction of the precinct is expected to break ground in 2027. 

    For progress updates on the Clean Energy Precinct, visit the Port of Newcastle’s website. 

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “Australia’s largest coal port is diversifying its offering and preparing to accommodate new and growing industries on the shores of the Hunter River. 

    “Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct. 

    “It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

    “The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a Clean Energy Precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

    “The Clean Energy Precinct will be the jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s future. 

    “It will create thousands of secure and well-paid jobs for Novocastrians, and stimulate the economy of the CBD and surrounds thanks to its central location.

    “Being here today to see the plans first hand fills me with excitement for what the future holds for our city, it’s people, and the greater Hunter region.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Second Africa Climate Summit Takes Shape with Clear Focus on Real Outcomes and African Leadership

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (GoE), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), is pleased to share key updates on preparations for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), taking place 8-10 September 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

    The Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission are mobilizing the dignitaries at all levels: Heads of State, ministers, technical experts towards the successful summit that aims Africa’s priorities at the center of the global climate negotiations.     

    About ACS2
    The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) builds on the legacy of the inaugural 2023 Nairobi Summit (ACS1) and aims to position Africa as a leader and solutions provider in the global climate agenda under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”.  

    Building on the momentum of ACS1, the summit will highlight African-led solutions, track progress on commitments, and define a roadmap for implementation. It will also focus on strengthening systems and institutions to drive impacts, with sessions dedicated to climate finance, just transitions, adaptation, resilience, trade, innovation and technology.

    ACS2 is strategically timed between the G20, UNGA, and COP30, providing Africa with a platform to shape the global climate and finance agendas around its priorities and realities. The Summit will showcase successful initiatives, launch new partnerships, and align regional action with international processes.

    The Summit will feature high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, side events and exhibitions, youth forums, and regional pavilions, while spotlighting successful African initiatives in energy, food systems, innovation, and climate-smart infrastructure, among others.

    “The urgent need for global cooperation has never been clearer, as Africa strives to combat various climate-related challenges. “The ACS2 provides a pivotal moment for us to show leadership in climate actions and showcase the continent as a solution provider. I urge our partners to support us and our member states in building a climate-resilient and green development agenda for the Africa We Want”. H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission. 

    “Africa needs a platform that reflects its priorities and drives real outcomes. ACS2 is that platform. It brings voices together, builds alignment and alliances, and creates the space to turn ambition into action on our terms.” H.E Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, Ethiopia. 

    Key Highlights:

    Engagement with Major Stakeholders
    Over the past two weeks, the ACS2 teams have been successfully convening targeted roundtable and briefing sessions with key stakeholders; including, AU Member States, high-level diplomatic missions, UN agencies, philanthropies and foundations, Africa Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) member states, and non-state actors. These sessions have helped align expectations and deepen support for the summit’s collaborative approach.

    45+ African Heads of State and Government expected to attend:
    With this landmark summit, African and global climate leaders together with all stakeholders will gather to make an actionable climate dialogue, showcase proven African led Climate Solutions and decide the future of Africa in the global climate regime.   

    Overwhelming Response to Side Events
    The online portal has already received over 100 side event proposals, representing thematic diversity and regional balance across Africa. The organizing committee continues to process submissions and encourages early application to secure space.

    Pavilion Space in High Demand
    Of the dedicated thematic pavilions planned for the venue, more than 50% have already been secured. Governments, institutions, and partners are encouraged to express interest early, as availability is becoming limited.

    Continued call for Partnership 
    Ethiopia and the African Union Commission invite further financial and in-kind contributions from partners and stakeholders in support of the ACS2 delivery, visibility, and impact. Contributions will help scale innovations in logistics, technology, youth engagement, and sustainability. The GoE and AUC call upon all member States, stakeholders and partners to join forces in supporting for the preparations of the Summit from now to the Summit dates and prepare themselves for a meaningful engagement through the three days of the Summit.

    – on behalf of African Union (AU).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 3,000 residents evacuated in Beijing’s Miyun district due to heavy rains

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) — More than 3,000 residents in the suburban Miyun district of the Chinese capital have been evacuated due to heavy rains, local authorities said.

    At 9:06 p.m. Saturday, the Miyun District weather station raised its torrential rainfall alert to red, the highest level in the country’s four-tier weather warning system.

    From 12:00 noon on Saturday to 02:00 on Sunday, Miyun County received an average of 73.5 mm of rainfall, with the highest rainfall reaching 315.3 mm at Huangtuliang hydrological station. Flash floods caused by the downpours damaged roads and disrupted telecommunications and power supply facilities in several villages in Miyun.

    The extreme weather conditions closed 12 major highways in Myun, seven of which have since reopened. Communications have been restored to all flood-affected villages. As of 5:00 a.m. Sunday, a total of 3,065 residents from 149 villages had been evacuated. No casualties were reported, although evacuation and rescue operations are still ongoing.

    Forecasters said rainfall would continue in Miyun on Sunday, with conditions expected to improve slightly on Monday, but heavy rainfall is expected in mountainous areas of the Beijing suburb.

    The Miyun District Flood and Drought Control Headquarters has activated the Level 1 flood emergency response mechanism and will continue to carry out related rescue operations. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –