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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft reaches key milestones of its 2030 sustainability goals

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft reaches key milestones of its 2030 sustainability goals

    Today, Microsoft published its 2025 Environmental Sustainability Report. This report covers our fiscal year 2024, and measures progress against our 2020 baseline. You can read the foreword below and explore the report in its entirety here.

    As Microsoft continues to grow and innovate, our commitment to environmental sustainability remains a core value. This year, we reflect on our progress towards our ambitious 2030 goals: to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste, while protecting ecosystems. As we enter the second half of the decade, Microsoft remains steadfast in our dedication to achieving the company’s 2030 environmental sustainability commitments.

    Since we announced our goals in 2020, we have made meaningful progress while seeing major changes in both the technology sector and in our understanding of what it will take to meet our goals. We are learning as we go, and we are proactively working to address sustainability challenges and accelerate solutions. We remain resolute in our commitment not only to meeting our climate goals but also to empowering others with the technology they need to build a more sustainable future.

    At the heart of our approach is an understanding that sustainability is not simply a set of isolated initiatives, but a fundamental principle that must be integrated into every aspect of our business. Our cross-company Climate Council brings together leaders from across Microsoft to drive innovation, accelerate progress, and identify ways to build sustainability into our operations, products, and partnerships.

    We remain pragmatically optimistic because of the promise of new sustainability technologies, innovations in AI, and market solutions that are emerging which can accelerate progress across challenging sectors like steel, concrete, and energy transitions. This annual report is our opportunity to share our learnings to help accelerate these markets, be transparent about our progress, and explore how we can ultimately scale solutions across our value chain.

    We are sharing details about the progress made in each of our core commitment areas: carbon negative, water positive, zero waste, and protecting ecosystems. Our report also highlights a number of our breakthrough innovations, drawing insights from the leading edge of climate innovation.

    Our progress

    In 2020, Microsoft made bold sustainability commitments. At this halfway point to our 2030 goals, we are reaching key milestones and making progress that includes:

    • Ecosystems. In 2022, we met our target of protecting more land than we use by 2025, a target we’ve since exceeded by more than 30%. AI innovation is now driving biodiversity conservation through research efforts led by the AI for Good Lab and tools like the Microsoft Planetary Computer.
    • Zero waste. We exceeded our annual target to divert 75% of construction and demolition waste six years early by diverting 85% of this waste in FY24. We have also surpassed our target for our reuse and recycling rate for servers and components, reaching 90.9%. The Surface Copilot+ PCs now feature our most sustainable packaging design yet. Packaging from over 30,000 server racks was processed through recycling programs in FY24—diverting over 2,500 metric tons of waste from landfills.
    • Water positive. We met our target to provide more than 1.5 million people with clean water and sanitation solutions. We are also on track to replenish more water than we consume across global operations and improve datacenter water use efficiency, including through a new innovative datacenter design that optimizes AI workloads and consumes zero water for cooling to avoid the use of an estimated 125,000 cubic meters annually per facility.
    • Carbon negative. To date, we have contracted 34 gigawatts (GW) of carbon-free electricity (CFE) across 24 countries, about an eighteenfold increase since 2020. We have also entered long-term agreements to procure nearly 30 million metric tons of carbon removal since the start of this program.

    Carbon negative: a marathon, not a sprint

    As we remain focused on sustained progress towards our 2030 goals, it has become clear that our journey towards being carbon negative is a marathon, not a sprint. While our total emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) have increased by 23.4% compared to our 2020 baseline due to growth-related factors such as AI and cloud expansion, we are encouraged by the fact that this increase has been modest compared to the 168% increase in energy use and 71% revenue growth that has taken place over the same period.

    For Microsoft to be carbon negative by 2030, we will need to reduce our value chain emissions. Starting with our direct operational emissions, as we shared earlier this year, since 2012 our carbon strategy has included a combination of procuring environmental attributes leveraging our corporate carbon fee and overall carbon emissions reduction efforts. This enabled us to decrease our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 29.9% from our 2020 baseline in FY24. At the same time, as we shift away from procuring non-additional environmental attribute certificates, we recognize that we must also bring more carbon-free electricity onto the grids where we operate.

    We are also implementing strategies to reduce our Scope 3 emissions by 2030, which increased in FY24 by 26% from our 2020 baseline. We are prioritizing addressing these emissions through supplier engagement programs including establishing standards via our Supplier Code of Conduct. Through the latter, select large-scale Microsoft suppliers are required to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity for their delivered goods and services as well as forthcoming guidance, launching in July, to target usage of sustainable aviation fuel, where possible, for Microsoft business-related air travel by 2030. We also remain committed to developing and supporting innovative solutions to reduce emissions from key datacenter and operational inputs including building materials, chips, and fuels, focusing on long-term solutions over short-term stopgaps. To do this, we have been adapting our strategies to use new sustainability technologies and address the challenges of expanding energy demand.

    We see significant progress in several key areas, demonstrating potential for global impact:

    Powering operations with carbon-free electricity (CFE):

    In 2024, Microsoft contracted 19 GW of new renewable energy across 16 countries through power purchase agreements (PPAs), which are central to our carbon reduction strategy, driving down our Scope 2 emissions. Microsoft has taken a first-mover approach to making long-term investments to bring more CFE online.

    We continue to advocate for expanding clean energy solutions globally to support not only our power needs but also those of our supply chain. We are addressing challenges with permitting, interconnection delays, and fluctuating interest rates by innovating through circularity and contracting. For example, we signed groundbreaking PPAs with Engie requiring that 100% of photovoltaic modules will be reused or recycled.

    Transforming datacenters and campuses:

    In FY24, we launched our first datacenters constructed with mass timber, a strong, ultra-lightweight wood in a hybrid construction model. This approach is projected to reduce the embodied carbon footprint of these new datacenters by up to 65% compared to typical precast concrete. We also doubled our rate of power savings and are transitioning from traditional air-cooled datacenters to chip-level liquid cooling designs at all owned datacenters. As the World Economic Forum highlighted in Innovation and Adaptation in the Climate Crisis, “Data-driven and digital technologies are uniquely suited to build adaptive capacity.”

    We believe technology can be a powerful tool to address some of society’s toughest challenges, including environmental sustainability. As demand for AI and cloud services grows, we are advancing how we design, build, and operate our datacenters and campuses. Decarbonizing the built environment is a crucial element in this process.

    Accelerating carbon removal initiatives:

    In FY24, Microsoft signed long-term agreements to procure more carbon removal than all previous years combined, achieving nearly 22 million metric tons in contracts for carbon removal. We are committed to helping build the markets we buy from, translating leading science into commercial innovation and regularly updating our Criteria for High-Quality Carbon Dioxide Removal. We also know we cannot accelerate this market alone, which is why we co-founded the Symbiosis Coalition with industry partners. The Symbiosis Coalition is targeting up to 20 million metric tons of high-quality, nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030.

    Improving operational efficiency and logistics:

    In FY24, among facilities that manufacture devices for Microsoft, we saw a tenfold increase over the previous year in transitions to 100% CFE. This was accomplished, in part, by partnering with 3Degrees to launch the Supplier REach portal to support suppliers making their CFE transition. Our drive to reduce datacenter emissions extends to transforming the logistics operations of these facilities.

    Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, Microsoft continues to reduce emissions across transportation, warehousing, and the broader logistics supply chain, setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and environmental impact. We adopted alternative fuels and electric vehicles to reduce emissions, collaborating with several leading logistics service providers (LSPs).

    Renewable diesel is now in use in our road freight operations in Europe and California, cutting emissions by 50% for these shipments while keeping existing equipment in use. We also have partnered with airlines and shipping lines to expand the use of sustainable aviation and marine fuels. These efforts have reduced emissions by over 17,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, comparable to avoiding the combustion of nearly 40,000 barrels of oil.[1]

    Accelerating global solutions

    At Microsoft, we understand that driving meaningful sustainability progress goes beyond our own practices and requires global collaboration, investment, and innovation. Across our operations, we are working to empower customers, build impactful partnerships, and invest in breakthrough solutions that drive progress worldwide.

    • Investing in innovation: A hallmark of this effort has been our Climate Innovation Fund (CIF)—our $1 billion commitment set in 2020 to advance innovation beyond Microsoft’s four walls. To date, CIF has made significant investments in innovative climate technologies including commercial direct air capture technologies, sustainable aviation fuel, industrial decarbonization, and more. CIF has invested over $793 million in capital in new climate technologies, expanding to 63 investments across CFE, sustainable fuels, carbon removal, and advanced building materials.
    • Empowering customers: We help customers and organizations centralize, analyze, and act on their data with AI-powered platforms for advanced analytics and reporting insights. For example, the Howden Resilience Laboratory supported by Microsoft and our Planetary Computer uses technology and data platforms to help investors understand climate risks to critical infrastructure, improve resilience, and contribute to better-informed investment decisions.
    • Partnering for impact: Partnering to scale our impact is a critical component of our sustainability efforts. Today GitHub fosters a thriving community that is home to over 150 million developers and 60,000 climate-focused open-source projects, advancing climate technology, greener software, and device sustainability. Xbox has made significant investments not only to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production of our devices, accessories, and console packaging, but also to reduce the energy usage of the console itself. For example, Xbox became the first console to release a dedicated energy consumption and carbon emissions measurement tool designed for game creators.
    • Accelerating AI for sustainability: Our AI for Good Lab, sustainability science, and research teams collaborate globally to accelerate solutions and develop climate resilience with AI. For example, we have partnered with the United Nations to apply AI to climate challenges through programs like the Early Warnings for All initiative, which seeks to better understand which populations may be at risk of extreme weather events and other threats. By sharing our progress, tools, and learnings with the world, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation, improve overall operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and find new solutions with long-term results.

    Sustained momentum and future impact

    There is no issue today that connects everyone on the planet more than climate change. As we strive to build a more sustainable future, we remain inspired by the dedication of our employees and partners and committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

    While the road to a sustainable future is challenging and not linear, we are encouraged by the progress we have made in FY24. By strategically focusing on CFE, carbon removal, water stewardship, waste reduction, and ecosystem protection, we are building an efficient, sustainable engine that drives us closer to our commitments.

    We encourage you to read further to learn more about our progress and learnings across all of these areas, and we look forward to engaging in continued dialogue as we learn and develop new ways to help us meet our goals. We will continue to adapt our strategies, utilize emerging sustainability markets, and scale innovative technologies for even greater impact.

    We recognize that achieving our ambitious goals requires sustained momentum, and we are dedicated to driving that momentum forward.

    [1] This estimate is calculated based on the EPA estimate of the typical passenger vehicle emitting 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

    Tags: Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability Report, Microsoft Sustainability Manager, sustainability

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Carter secures 24-month extension for federal funds to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma, Matthew

    Washington, May 29, 2025

    ATLANTA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today secured a 24-month extension for the state of Georgia to use funds allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to rebuild following the destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Matthew.


    The extension period will be used to complete five open projects related to Hurricane Matthew and eight open projects related to Hurricane Irma.


    “The state of Georgia has faced extreme natural disasters, causing damage statewide that cannot be rebuilt overnight. I’m proud to have secured additional time for Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency to continue rebuilding our state so that it is better prepared for future storms. The progress that’s already been made has been tremendous, and there is more work to be done to ensure that we are ready the next time a Hurricane strikes,”     said Rep. Carter.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    This report highlights notable trends in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States in 2024, based on preliminary data.

    U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions declined overall by less than 1%, or 23 million metric tons (MMmt), in 2024. Among end-use sectors, the most notable decreases occurred in the residential and industrial sectors. Lower residential sector emissions were mostly due to decreases in consumption of natural gas and petroleum products primarily associated with space heating—mainly propane and distillate fuel oil. Decreases in industrial-sector emissions were associated with reduced manufacturing.

    Emissions from the commercial, transportation, and electric power sectors remained relatively unchanged but are discussed in greater detail in later sections.

    Table 1. Total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by sector, 2020–2024
    million metric tons of carbon dioxide
    Sector 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
    Residential 303 313 340 325 319
    Commercial 247 249 260 245 233
    Industrial 947 962 960 977 953
    Transportation 1,848 1,851 1,842 1,807 1,630
    Electric power 1,427 1,421 1,539 1,553 1,450
    Total 4,772 4,795 4,940 4,906 4,585
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, March 2025, Tables 11.1–11.6
    Note: Totals may not equal sum of components due to independent rounding.

    Figure data

    Electric power emissions remained flat as decreasing CO2 from coal generation offset increasing CO2 from natural gas

    CO2 emissions from the electric power sector remained mostly flat in 2024, increasing by less than 1% (6 MMmt). Although overall electricity generation increased by 3%, or 122 terawatthours (TWh), in 2024, changes in generation sources resulted in sectoral CO2 emissions remaining near 2023 levels. Specifically:

    • CO2 emissions from coal-fired generation decreased by 3% (24 MMmt), but:
      • CO2 emissions from natural gas-fired generation increased by 4% (31 MMmt)
    • Coal-fired electricity generation fell by 3% (22 TWh), but:
      • Natural gas generation increased by 3% (59 TWh)
      • Solar generation increased by 32% (53 TWh)
      • Wind generation increased by 8% (32 TWh)

    Although growth in natural gas-fired generation exceeded reductions in coal-fired generation, CO2 emissions did not increase as much because natural gas emits less CO2 per kilowatthour than coal when combusted.

    Figure data

    Warmer late-winter and early-spring weather led to lower residential sector emissions

    Residential sector CO2 emissions declined 3% (10 MMmt) in 2024, as demand for heating decreased with relatively warm weather during late-winter and early-spring months. U.S. population-weighted heating degree days (HDDs), a measure of how cold a location is, decreased by 3% last year. Consequently, consumption of natural gas, propane, and distillate fuel oil declined, which are all key fuels in residential space heating.

    Warmer weather also led to increased demand for space cooling during warmer months. Cooling degree days (CDDs), a measure of how hot a location is, increased by 10% in 2024. However, unlike space heating, space cooling relies on electricity rather than direct use of fuels. As summer temperatures increased relative to 2023, residential sector electricity use rose. Annual purchases of electricity increased by 3%, and emissions associated with residential electricity consumption increased by 1% (5 MMmt). Overall, total residential sector emissions were lower because the decline in CO2 emissions from lower heating fuel consumption outweighed increases associated with cooling demand.

    Weather-related impacts on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the commercial sector mirrored the residential sector but to a lesser extent. Commercial sector emissions remained effectively flat in 2024, decreasing by only 2 MMmt, as a result of lower natural gas and petroleum consumption.

    Figure data

    Industrial CO2 emissions decreased in 2024 as industrial production growth slowed

    CO2 emissions from the U.S. industrial sector decreased by 1% (14 MMmt) in 2024. Decreased emissions were mostly related to a 15% (7 MMmt) decrease in petroleum coke consumption and a 6% (5 MMmt) decrease in coal consumption. Declining emissions from these fuels is associated with minor declines in industrial activity, such as manufacturing of primary metals.

    Figure data

    Transportation sector emissions remain unchanged as increased consumption of some petroleum products offset decreases in others

    U.S. transportation sector emissions remained virtually unchanged in 2024. CO2 emissions from motor gasoline and jet fuel increased slightly, following the trend from 2023, but were more than offset by decreases in CO2 emissions from distillate fuel oil.

    CO2 emissions from motor gasoline increased by less than 1% (3 MMmt) in 2024. Despite steady increases in vehicle miles traveled, motor gasoline emissions have generally declined modestly over the last 20 years (Figure 5). These decreases in motor gasoline emissions are mostly due to higher vehicle fuel economy standards and, to a lesser extent, increased deployment of electric vehicles. Jet fuel emissions increased by 3% (7 MMmt) in 2024, mostly associated with increased air travel.

    Higher motor gasoline and jet fuel emissions were more than offset by declining emissions from distillate fuel oil, which fell by 3% (15 MMmt) in 2024. Distillate consumption declined because on-road diesel vehicles consumed less and, to a lesser extent, conventional diesel fuel was substituted for renewable diesel.

    Figure data

    We based our analysis of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in this report on data published in our Monthly Energy Review (MER). This initial analysis is based on preliminary 2024 data first published in the March 2025 edition of the MER. These values are subject to change as final data are published from underlying sources, according to source data revision policies and publication schedules. We expect relatively minor differences between the preliminary and revised estimates based on past years (Table 2). Supplemental analysis, figures from past reports, and a discussion of the methodology and terminology used in this report are available in the Appendix.

    Table 2. Preliminary and revised U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions estimates, 2018–2023
    Year Preliminary CO2 estimates
    (million metric tons)    		 Revised CO2 estimates
    (million metric tons)    		 Difference
    (million metric tons)    		 Percentage difference
    2018 5,274 5,269 -5 -0.1%
    2019 5,138 5,149 11 0.2%
    2020 4,571 4,575 4 0.1%
    2021 4,870 4,904 34 0.7%
    2022 4,970 4,941 -29 -0.6%
    2023 4,807 4,791 -16 -0.3%
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, Tables 11.1–11.6, March and September editions, 2019–2024

    Emissions values and analysis presented in this report pertain only to U.S. CO2 emissions associated with fossil-fuel combustion and non-combustion applications of energy products (for example, as industrial feedstocks). We do not include estimates of CO2 emissions outside this scope or other greenhouse gas emissions burned or released in production, extraction, or distribution of energy products. Our approach may result in discrepancies between our emissions estimates and those of other organizations, including other U.S. government agencies.

    In addition to historical estimates, we also offer short-term forecasts and long-term projections of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in several other data products. You can find a short-term forecast of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions and key drivers in our monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook, which includes monthly forecasts by fuel source currently through the end of 2026 and the latest estimates of the effects of recent events on energy markets and energy-related CO2 emissions. We publish long-term U.S. emissions projections in our Annual Energy Outlook, which provides annual projections of energy-related CO2 emissions by fuel source, sector, and end use through 2050. Projections of international energy-related CO2 emissions through 2050 are available in our International Energy Outlook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Climate change: no reprieve from heat this decade as globally agreed 1.5°C limit looms

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Temperature limits the world agreed to avoid are looming into view.

    The global temperature has been 1.5°C hotter than the pre-industrial average for almost two years now. The reason, overwhelmingly, is that greenhouse gas emissions are at record highs from the burning of fossil fuels and forests.

    In a new analysis, the World Meteorological Organization has predicted that global average warming will remain above 1.5°C for the rest of this decade. By some measure, this would place the world nearly halfway to the lower limit of the Paris agreement, which urged countries to avoid warming of 1.5°C as a 20-year average.

    Exceeding a globally agreed temperature limit is scary. Perhaps scarier is the speed at which we appear to be breaking our promises.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    Half a year of record heat

    After 2024 was confirmed as the hottest in 175 years of temperature-keeping, some climate scientists expected 2025 to be cooler. El Niño, the warm phase in a natural cycle of Earth’s climate, was subsiding and the cooler La Niña was set to kick in.

    This climate fluctuation, centred on the Pacific Ocean, slowly sloshes water and heat between ocean basins every few years and disrupts weather patterns worldwide.

    “Typically, La Niña will lower the global temperature by a couple of tenths of a degree Celsius,” explains Richard P Allan, a professor of climate science at the University of Reading. “However, this time around, it’s apparently not enough to stop the world warming – even temporarily.”



    Read more:
    Record January heat suggests La Niña may be losing its ability to keep global warming in check

    January 2025 was the hottest on record – a whole 1.7°C hotter than an average January before the mass burning of coal, oil and gas. Allan argues that “human-driven ocean warming is increasingly overwhelming these natural climate patterns”.

    The ocean has absorbed most of the excess heat generated by our emissions, but this blue buffer between us and a hotter atmosphere shows signs of fraying. A research station that has been taking the temperature of the western English Channel for more than 120 years now reports “almost continuous marine heatwave” conditions according to oceanographer Tim Smyth of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.



    Read more:
    What a 120-year-old research station is telling us about the warming of the sea around the UK

    A record-hot Atlantic Ocean is bad news for people living in the Caribbean and the south-east of North America. In its latest forecast for the 2025 hurricane season, which begins on June 1, the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an “above average” number of cyclonic storms.

    Much of this elevated risk is due to warmer seawater at the ocean surface fuelling stronger storms. But there’s only so much that meteorologists can do to stay ahead of the warming climate, as the rapid rate of global heating stretches long-range forecasting to its breaking point.



    Read more:
    The climate is changing so fast that we haven’t seen how bad extreme weather could get

    “The rapidly changing climate means we have not necessarily experienced the extremes that modern-day atmospheric and oceanic warmth can produce,” say atmospheric scientist Simon H Lee (University of St Andrews), climate scientist Hayley J Fowler and meteorologist Paul Davies (both of Newcastle University).

    “In a stable climate, scientists would have multiple decades for the atmosphere to get into its various configurations and drive extreme events, such as heatwaves, floods or droughts,” they say. Scientists typically use weather observations gathered over 30-year periods to characterise the climate.

    “But in our rapidly changing climate, we effectively have only a few years – not enough to experience everything the climate has to offer.”

    How hot will it get?

    Compared with its average temperature in the latter half of the 19th century, which is what scientists typically refer to as the climate’s pre-industrial baseline, Earth is on track to be 2.7°C hotter by 2100, according to an annual report by leading experts of Earth system science, published in October 2024.

    This conclusion is based on governments meeting their emissions goals (a big if) and it may already be out of date, given the unexpectedly hot first half of 2025.

    Fossil fuel emissions have yet to reach a plateau.
    Sunshine Seeds/Shutterstock

    On its own, this charitable estimate projects nearly double the level of warming attained so far. It’s unclear if civilisation could survive climate conditions like these, which are radically more hostile than anything our ancestors have experienced.

    What’s behind the accelerating rate of global warming? Here are two of the report authors, ecologists Thomas Newsome of the University of Sydney and William Ripple of Oregon State University.

    “Each year, we track 35 of the Earth’s vital signs, from sea ice extent to forests. [In 2024], 25 are now at record levels, all trending in the wrong directions,” they say.



    Read more:
    Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century

    While renewable energy sources like wind and solar have grown rapidly, fossil fuel use remains 14 times greater. What’s more, aerosols that are effective at reflecting the Sun’s energy back into space and cooling the Earth (soot is one example) are thought to be falling in the atmosphere.

    “Other environmental issues are now feeding into climate change,” Newsome and Ripple continue. Deforestation is shrinking the amount of carbon stored on land while rising temperatures and extreme weather are drying out and burning other carbon-rich habitats, like marshes and peatlands.

    Sea ice is melting too, ensuring the ocean absorbs yet more of the heat being trapped by an increasingly thick blanket of greenhouse gas.

    Bleak. But how much the planet warms this century is a moving target: everything we do today, and in coming years, will lower it. On this front, Sven Teske has, if not good news, then less bad news to share.



    Read more:
    Earth is heading for 2.7°C warming this century. We may avoid the worst climate scenarios – but the outlook is still dire

    “Humanity has shifted track enough to avert the worst climate future,” he says.

    “Renewables, energy efficiency and other measures have shifted the dial. The worst case scenario of expanded coal use, soaring emissions and a much hotter world is vanishingly unlikely.”

    – ref. Climate change: no reprieve from heat this decade as globally agreed 1.5°C limit looms – https://theconversation.com/climate-change-no-reprieve-from-heat-this-decade-as-globally-agreed-1-5-c-limit-looms-257263

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period May 20 to May 26, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 29, 2025

    Producers made significant progress again this week, with seeding now 88 per cent complete in Saskatchewan. This is ahead of the five-year average of 82 per cent and the 10-year average of 85 per cent. Topsoil moisture is showing some slight decline due to warm windy conditions.

    The southwest is the furthest advanced in seeding progress at 95 per cent complete. This is followed closely by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest region at 93 per cent and the northeast region at 92 per cent. The east-central and southeast regions are the furthest behind at 81 per cent and 80 per cent respectively. 

    Provincially, seeding progress is the furthest ahead for field peas and lentils at 98 per cent and 95 per cent complete, respectively. Chickpeas are reported at 91 per cent, while soybeans are only at 48 per cent. For cereal crops, triticale is the furthest ahead at 94 per cent. Durum and spring wheat are both 93 per cent. Barley is at 89 per cent followed by oats at 79 per cent and canary seed is at 75 per cent. For oilseeds, mustard is 92 per cent followed by canola at 83 per cent and flax at 73 per cent. Perennial forages are at 55 per cent complete.

    Rainfall was variable across the province with some producers in the southeast regions experiencing increased amounts. The highest reported rainfall was in the Weyburn area at 66 millimetres (mm). The Griffin and Indian Head areas received 20 mm, and the Browning area received 18 mm.

    Overall, topsoil moisture is showing some slight reductions over the past week due to dry and windy conditions. Cropland topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus, 65 per cent adequate and 27 per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is two per cent surplus, 59 per cent adequate and 31 per cent short. Pasture topsoil moisture is very similar with one per cent surplus, 56 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and two per cent very short.

    Most producers are reporting normal crop development across the province. Fall cereals are currently rated at 89 per cent normal crop development for this time of year with seven per cent ahead and four per cent behind normal. Spring cereals are estimated to be 73 per cent normal with 13 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Pulse crops are rated at 76 per cent normal crop development with 10 per cent ahead and 14 per cent behind. Oilseeds are at 73 per cent normal with seven per cent ahead and 20 per cent behind normal development. Perennial forage is 79 per cent normal crop development with six per cent ahead and 15 per cent behind. Annual forage is indicated at 77 per cent normal crop development while 10 per cent is ahead and 13 per cent is behind.

    Crop damage was minor with a few producers reporting some damage due to heat, wind and dry conditions. Flooding and frost were also noted as causing minor damage in some areas of the province. Flea beetle, wireworm and cutworm activity has been noted, with some producers taking control measures. Some regions have observed grasshoppers hatching but current reports of crop damage are few.

    Most producers anticipate that seeding will wrap up within the next week if weather permits. Producers are also busy moving cattle to pasture, spraying and land rolling.

    As producers continue with seeding and field work operations, they are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work that they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online – Download Crop Report.

    Follow the 2025 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

    For more information, contact:

    Kim Stonehouse
    Agriculture
    Tisdale
    Phone: 306-878-8807
    Email: kim.stonehouse@gov.sk.ca

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Galloway National Park rejection a betrayal of people and planet

    Source: Scottish Greens

    29 May 2025 Climate Nature

    Scotland’s third National Park was a core pledge of the 2021 power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.

    More in Climate

    Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has hit out at the Scottish Government and vested interests for blocking plans for a new National Park in Galloway. 

    The news comes following a statement in the Scottish Parliament from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon in which she announced the SNP planned to shelve the designation of the area as a protected landscape.     

    The proposals were a core pledge of the 2021 SNP/Green power-sharing deal. The new National Park in Galloway had wider political backing, although the Scottish Conservatives have rowed back on their previous support. 

    Speaking in the Chamber, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon revealed that support was greatest amongst environment, recreation and tourism sectors – whilst landowners and land managers were amongst those with the strongest reservations. 

    Mr Ruskell said: 

    “This decision to scrap the promised National Park for Galloway is the culmination of lack of confident political leadership and the dangerous influence of powerful vested interests.

    “Scotland’s two current National Parks have shown just how valuable the status can be. Communities have benefited from better management of tourism and forestry, and new investment in transport and housing. 

    “By scrapping plans for the third National Park in Galloway, the Scottish Government has slammed the door on the economic investment and new powers this designation could bring. This is devastating news for the local community and nature. 

    “Scottish communities were competing against each other last year to secure a new National Park. But now, thanks to a campaign led by vested interests and misinformation, the Scottish Government is denying all of Scotland the opportunity to benefit from a new National Park. 

    “Many of the Park’s biggest opponents here in Holyrood once were vocal supporters of a new National Park in Scotland. The Tories backed the designation of a new National Park in both the 2016 and 2021 manifestos, even demanding the next park be in Galloway. But once again, they have sided with wealthy landowners who oppose change and lobby for their comfy status quo. 

    “Ultimately, it is the people of Galloway who will pay the price for this decision to scrap the National Park, and I’m sure this wasted opportunity will not be quickly forgotten by communities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: University Pension Plan reports 10.3% return and sustained growth in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) today announced a 10.3% annual net rate of return in 2024, growing net assets to $12.8 billion. The Plan remained fully funded at 102% with a surplus, staying well-equipped to pay members’ pensions today and over the long term.

    These results were published in UPP’s 2024 Annual Report, which outlines the Plan’s performance and progress during its third full operating year.

    “UPP was created to protect and grow the pension security of our members, and that responsibility guides every decision we make. This past year marked an important step forward—strengthening the foundation that supports our members through strong investment performance, disciplined risk management, and the continued rollout of dedicated member services,” said Barbara Zvan, President and Chief Executive Officer, UPP. “As we build on this momentum, we remain firmly focused on delivering the stability, value, and long-term peace of mind our members count on in a rapidly changing world.”

    UPP’s investment program aims to achieve long-term returns that deliver secure and stable pension benefits at a reasonable and predictable cost to members. By balancing the need for strong returns and contribution and benefit stability, UPP’s portfolio is built to navigate short-term market turbulence while continuing to derive long-term value and dependable retirement income.

    “Our 2024 investment performance highlights the continued progress we’re making in establishing a strong, well-diversified portfolio aligned with our long-term objectives. By strengthening internal capabilities and refining our asset mix, we are unlocking the benefits of scale—efficiency, diversification, and control. Looking ahead, we will continue to actively manage the portfolio, pursue high-quality opportunities, and maintain a balanced, strategic approach to long-term value creation,” said Aaron Bennett, Chief Investment Officer, UPP.

    As a defined benefit pension plan, UPP was designed to serve the university sector in Ontario, providing faculty and staff with secure pension income for life. UPP’s 2024 highlights include:

    • Held a 102% funded status with a $0.2 billion surplus1
    • Achieved a 10.3% annual net rate of return
    • Grew net assets by $1.1 billion to $12.8 billion
    • Reached $1 billion committed or invested in private assets since 2022
    • Added over $250 million in commitments to climate solutions across several asset classes2
    • Published UPP’s Inequality Stewardship Plan, which seeks to manage the financial impacts of this systemic risk
    • Reduced portfolio greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity3 by 59% from its 2021 baseline, exceeding the 2025 target 
    • Began a phased launch of a full suite of pension administration services, including a new member and employer service experience and digital resources
    • Welcomed new members from two university sector organizations and two universities4
    • Provided UPP pensioners, survivors, and dependents in pay with an inflation protection increase of 2.03% to the UPP portion of their pensions, effective January 1, 20255
    • Recognized by Institutional Connect with its Institutional Investor of the Year and Investment Innovation of the Year awards.

    More information about UPP’s 2024 results, including financial statements, can be found in the 2024 Annual Report, available on myupp.ca.

    About UPP

    University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) is a jointly sponsored defined benefit pension open to all Ontario university sector employers and employees. UPP manages $12.8 billion in pension assets and proudly serves over 41,000 members across five universities and 14 sector organizations. The plan invests to deliver secure, stable pension benefits for members today and for generations to come. For more information, please visit myupp.ca and follow UPP on LinkedIn.

    Media

    For media inquiries, please contact media@universitypensionplan.ca

    1 On a smoothed and market value basis.
    2 Climate solutions include assets or entities that are expected to contribute to climate change mitigation and/or facilitate adaptation to its impacts. For more information about how UPP defines climate solutions, please refer to UPP’s Climate Transition Investment Framework.
    3 Measured as tonnes CO2 e/$M invested.
    4 As of January 1, 2025.
    5 Effective January 1, 2025. Pre-conversion inflation protection is based on the prior plan’s indexing formula, which varies by each plan joining UPP.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: A.I. Drone Operations Flourishing as Global Quantum Computing Market Expected to Reach $5.3 Billion By 2029

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global quantum computing market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. A report from MarketsAndMarkets projected that the global quantum computing market size will be valued at USD 5.3 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 32.7% during the forecast period through 2029. The report said: “Quantum computing is a growing technology that has the opportunity to make computing faster. These devices can perform valuable tasks but have a high rate of error. In short-term quantum computing, use cases will have a hybrid quantum operating model, a mix of traditional and quantum computers. In the short term, also known as the NISQ era, the revenue for quantum computing will be entirely generated from end-user industries and quantum computing research investments. Mid-term quantum computing is expected to witness many advantages over conventional computers. To achieve this stage, quantum algorithms with a high error correction ability are required. Long term quantum computing requires a high tolerance for error correction and scalability. At this stage, the value will be added by the quantum hardware, quantum software, and service providers. Systems segment to account for highest CAGR of the quantum computing market during the forecast period Quantum computer systems are designed to solve complex problems that traditional computers find difficult. Constant investments and development in quantum computing systems are driving the market during the forecast period. Quantum computing hardware launches are becoming increasingly common. The shipment of quantum computing systems is increasing daily. The cloud segment is projected to account for a larger share of the quantum computing industry than the on-premises segment from 2024 to 2029.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Quantum Corporation (NASDAQ: QMCO), Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI), D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI).

    MarketsAndMarkets concluded: The demand for the quantum computing market share is expected to have the largest share in the Asia Pacific region. Companies working in the area’s quantum computing market and the government are spending money on research in quantum computing. The race to build powerful quantum computers is heating up with big money bets. The race to build powerful quantum computers is heating up with big money bets. Tech giant IBM is throwing down a cool USD 100 million to help universities in Japan and the US develop whopper machines with 10,000 qubits.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Developing Quantum Computing and AI Drone Fleets to Prevent Wildfires in the Western US – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its strategic initiative to utilize quantum computing and AI-powered drones to revolutionize wildfire detection, forecasting, and response in the US Western and Coastal states. This innovative solution is part of ZenaTech’s expanding Clear Sky project, an initiative which aims to mitigate the increasing threat of billion-dollar weather events using high-precision environmental monitoring powered by AI drones, drone swarms and quantum-enhanced analytics.

    “We want to harness next-generation drone technology for frontline defence against one of America’s more dangerous natural threats” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “By integrating quantum computing with our AI drone systems, we can process massive volumes of atmospheric and terrain data to provide near real-time wildfire predictions and response strategies with unmatched speed and accuracy.”

    The integration of quantum computing allows ZenaTech to process complex datasets far faster than traditional methods—turning raw drone telemetry into actionable intelligence for emergency response teams, forestry services, and environmental protection agencies.

    Using the ZenaDrone 1000 drone and fleets of drones equipped with thermal sensors, multispectral imaging, and 360-degree LiDAR, autonomous flight missions over 300 square miles can be performed. These drone swarms gather environmental data which is then processed using quantum computing platforms to build predictive models that simulate wildfire spread based on terrain, vegetation density, humidity, and wind patterns.

    ZenaTech’s recently acquired Portland, Oregon-based land survey engineering company and now a Drone as a Service office, will be part of this initiative surveying large tracks of land for wildfires and fire management testing incorporating drone swarm technology in the Northwest in the Pacific Coast areas. The company will also utilize its Wyoming Native American partnership for testing fire mitigation, and autonomous monitoring of tribal lands. The Clear Sky project initial team will be expanded to 20 engineers dedicated to the company’s R&D initiatives including wildfire modelling, geospatial optimization, and AI-augmented forecasting.

    Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers of today, to process massively complicated mathematical problems and data at orders of magnitude faster speeds. Quantum computers can analyse vast and complex drone data much faster and more accurately, improving weather predictions and enhancing the ability to forecast extreme events.

    Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US caused by extreme weather including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe storms— according to Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Provides Quantum Computing Update on ‘Clear Sky’ Weather Forecasting Project?AI Drone Swarms to Combat Steep Rise in Billion Dollar Extreme Weather Events – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) provided an update on its “Clear Sky” project, an R&D initiative soon to be released in a beta application version, that uses multiple AI drones in a drone swarm, and quantum computing for weather forecasting. The goal is to better predict localized weather including extreme weather events for business and government users, saving lives and billions of dollars.

    In the coming months, ZenaTech plans to expand its quantum computing project team to 20 by adding at least ten additional specialized engineers. This will accelerate the development and upcoming beta release of Clear Sky in addition to furthering other internal quantum computing projects currently underway.

    “Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US. Through the Clear Sky project, we will use AI-powered drone swarms and quantum computing to better predict these disasters and fill the critical atmospheric observation gaps of traditional weather data collection and satellite methods,” said CEO of ZenaTech Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “Drones with sensors flying at high altitudes can collect data in real time enabling greater spatial and temporal resolution resulting in more precise, up-to-the-minute weather insights to better anticipate the onset of extreme weather like tornadoes.” Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Quantum Corporation (NASDAQ: QMCO) recently announced an update to its Professional Services portfolio, redefining its offerings to meet customers’ needs across the data lifecycle and provide greater flexibility in how services are consumed. Quantum uniquely delivers comprehensive data lifecycle management spanning high-speed ingest to data protection to long-term archiving. As organizations increasingly depend on data to drive AI initiatives, fuel innovation, and streamline operations, customers require tailored, efficient, and scalable services that evolve with their infrastructure and business goals.

    Structured around three core offerings—new subscription-based Value Packages, Deployment Services, and On-Demand Services—Quantum’s Professional Services are built to meet customers where they are in their data journey. Whether accelerating a new deployment, optimizing a legacy environment, or planning for future growth, these services offer scalable, expert-led support that aligns with both immediate needs and long-term strategies.

    Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, recently announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 and Recent Financial Highlights Were:

    Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $1.5 million

    Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $22.1 million

    Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $21.6 million

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $42.6 million

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 includes $62.1 million of non-cash gains from the change in fair value of derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities

    As of March 31, 2025 cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments totaled $209.1 million

    As of April 30, 2025, following the previously announced closing of the share purchase by Quanta Computer, Inc., cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments totaled $237.7 million

    “Rigetti is proud to be awarded important government-funded projects in the U.S. and U.K. to advance our technology, which demonstrates our continued leadership in superconducting quantum computing,” says Rigetti CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni. “We also are making great strides in developing innovative approaches to scaling to higher qubit count systems, which is possible due to our open and modular system architecture, in-house full-stack expertise, and world-class partners.”

    D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) recently announced the general availability of its Advantage2TM quantum computing system, a powerful and energy-efficient annealing quantum computer capable of solving computationally complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Featuring D-Wave’s most advanced quantum processor to date, the Advantage2 system is commercial-grade, and built to address real-world use cases in areas such as optimization, materials simulation and artificial intelligence (AI).

    “Today marks a significant milestone not just for D-Wave, but for the quantum computing industry as a whole, as we bring to market our sixth-generation quantum computer, a system so powerful that it can solve hard problems outside the reach of one of the world’s largest exascale GPU-based classical supercomputers,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “It’s an engineering marvel, with substantial technical advancements that highlight D-Wave’s progress in scaling quantum technology to meet industry demands for growing computational processing power while maintaining energy efficiency.

    Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) recently announced that it is now taking orders for enterprise AI systems with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs. Supermicro’s broad portfolio of optimized servers enables AI and visual computing to be deployed in virtually any industry or environment. Supermicro’s suite of over 20 systems with RTX PRO Blackwell GPUs will significantly enhance performance for enterprise AI factory workloads. This includes AI inference, AI development and model fine-tuning, generative AI, AI-driven graphics & rendering, video content and streaming, and game development.

    Supermicro NVIDIA-Certified Systems with RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs will serve as building blocks for NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated designs, integrating with NVIDIA Spectrum-X networking, NVIDIA-Certified Storage, and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software to create full-stack solutions, accelerating the deployment of on-premises AI.

    “Supermicro continues to lead the development of enterprise AI infrastructure, empowering the deployment of AI across industries at ever-greater scale,” said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. “Supermicro’s Data Center Building Block Solutions® is the ideal platform for collaboration with NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated designs based on the Blackwell architecture. Together, we will help enterprises ramp up AI adoption by building their own Enterprise AI Factories, accelerating AI inference, AI development, simulation, and graphics workloads for faster time-to-revenue.”

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quantum Computing Technology Evolving as Larger Scale of Applications & Uses Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Recent industry article by MarketsAndMarkets reports that the cloud segment of Quantum AI Computing is projected to account for a larger share of the quantum computing industry than the on-premises segment through 2029. Cloud based quantum computing services provide access to quantum processors and other quantum computing resources. Over the past decade, the enterprises that carry out data processing within their facilities have shifted a significant portion of their IT load to specialized cloud services such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. A few enterprises are using the hybrid cloud that uses private computer resources belonging to enterprises and public cloud-based services. The quantum machine learning segment will have the highest CAGR in the quantum computing market during the forecast period. The market for machine learning technology is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Machine learning in quantum computing is used to optimize its operations by solving complex problems faster than traditional computers. The reports said that: “The enterprise quantum computing market is witnessing rapid growth as businesses across various industries recognize the transformative potential of quantum technologies. Quantum computing offers the ability to solve complex problems at speeds far beyond the capabilities of classical computers, making it highly attractive for sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and cybersecurity. Enterprises are particularly focused on leveraging quantum computing for optimization, simulation, data analysis, and cryptography. With the increasing availability of quantum-as-a-service platforms, more companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, are gaining access to quantum computing capabilities without needing to invest heavily in infrastructure. As a result, the enterprise quantum computing market is expected to experience significant expansion, with projections indicating rapid adoption as the technology matures and becomes more commercially viable. The growing investment in research, development, and partnerships between tech giants and startups is further accelerating the pace of innovation in this market.”   Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “The quantum technology market is experiencing significant advancements, particularly with respect to the development of quantum chips, which are central to the progress of quantum computing and other quantum-based applications. Quantum chips are the hardware that enable quantum computers to perform complex calculations by harnessing quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. These chips are crucial for increasing the computational power and efficiency of quantum systems. As demand for faster and more powerful quantum processors grows, companies are investing heavily in research and development to create more stable, scalable, and reliable quantum chips. Innovations in quantum chip fabrication, such as using superconducting qubits, trapped ions, or topological qubits, are driving the market forward.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Developing Quantum Computing and AI Drone Fleets to Prevent Wildfires in the Western US – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its strategic initiative to utilize quantum computing and AI-powered drones to revolutionize wildfire detection, forecasting, and response in the US Western and Coastal states. This innovative solution is part of ZenaTech’s expanding Clear Sky project, an initiative which aims to mitigate the increasing threat of billion-dollar weather events using high-precision environmental monitoring powered by AI drones, drone swarms and quantum-enhanced analytics.

    “We want to harness next-generation drone technology for frontline defence against one of America’s more dangerous natural threats” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “By integrating quantum computing with our AI drone systems, we can process massive volumes of atmospheric and terrain data to provide near real-time wildfire predictions and response strategies with unmatched speed and accuracy.”

    The integration of quantum computing allows ZenaTech to process complex datasets far faster than traditional methods—turning raw drone telemetry into actionable intelligence for emergency response teams, forestry services, and environmental protection agencies.

    Using the ZenaDrone 1000 drone and fleets of drones equipped with thermal sensors, multispectral imaging, and 360-degree LiDAR, autonomous flight missions over 300 square miles can be performed. These drone swarms gather environmental data which is then processed using quantum computing platforms to build predictive models that simulate wildfire spread based on terrain, vegetation density, humidity, and wind patterns.

    ZenaTech’s recently acquired Portland, Oregon-based land survey engineering company and now a Drone as a Service office, will be part of this initiative surveying large tracks of land for wildfires and fire management testing incorporating drone swarm technology in the Northwest in the Pacific Coast areas. The company will also utilize its Wyoming Native American partnership for testing fire mitigation, and autonomous monitoring of tribal lands. The Clear Sky project initial team will be expanded to 20 engineers dedicated to the company’s R&D initiatives including wildfire modelling, geospatial optimization, and AI-augmented forecasting.

    Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers of today, to process massively complicated mathematical problems and data at orders of magnitude faster speeds. Quantum computers can analyse vast and complex drone data much faster and more accurately, improving weather predictions and enhancing the ability to forecast extreme events.

    Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US caused by extreme weather including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe storms— according to Gallagher Re’s Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Provides Quantum Computing Update on ‘Clear Sky’ Weather Forecasting Project?AI Drone Swarms to Combat Steep Rise in Billion Dollar Extreme Weather Events – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) provided an update on its “Clear Sky” project, an R&D initiative soon to be released in a beta application version, that uses multiple AI drones in a drone swarm, and quantum computing for weather forecasting. The goal is to better predict localized weather including extreme weather events for business and government users, saving lives and billions of dollars.

    In the coming months, ZenaTech plans to expand its quantum computing project team to 20 by adding at least ten additional specialized engineers. This will accelerate the development and upcoming beta release of Clear Sky in addition to furthering other internal quantum computing projects currently underway.

    “Last year, there were 58 separate billion-dollar weather disasters globally, the second highest on record, which includes 27 in the US. Through the Clear Sky project, we will use AI-powered drone swarms and quantum computing to better predict these disasters and fill the critical atmospheric observation gaps of traditional weather data collection and satellite methods,” said CEO of ZenaTech Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “Drones with sensors flying at high altitudes can collect data in real time enabling greater spatial and temporal resolution resulting in more precise, up-to-the-minute weather insights to better anticipate the onset of extreme weather like tornadoes.”   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), a leading national science and technology research institute and supercomputing center. The memorandum marks a significant expansion of IonQ’s long standing relationship with South Korea’s government, academic and industry sectors, aligning efforts intended to accelerate the national development of quantum science and industry.

    Under the terms of the MoU, IonQ and KISTI will collaborate in four key areas: advanced infrastructure access, education, talent and knowledge exchange as well as collaboration to expand market opportunities. The two organizations will work together with the intent to introduce quantum systems into KISTI and plan to integrate these systems with KISTI’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) recently announced a partnership with ESAero to provide critical AS9100 manufacturing capacity for the Black Widow sUAS and its subsystems. The AS9100 standard ensures a manufacturer has a quality management system in place to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.

    Teal Drones is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings. The company’s Black Widow drone is a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments.

    Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT), an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, recently released financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025.

    Dr. Yuping Huang, Interim Chief Executive Officer of QCi, commented, “QCi delivered solid operational and financial progress in the first quarter, strengthening our balance sheet and advancing key strategic initiatives. We completed construction during the quarter of our Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, a major milestone that positions us to meet growing demand for thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips, underscored by the announcement of a fifth purchase during the period. We’re encouraged by our early traction, which is the first step in what we believe is a significant, multi-year opportunity to serve the expanding markets in datacom, telecom, and quantum-enabled applications. In parallel, we continued to deepen engagement with both government and commercial partners, reinforcing the growing interest in our quantum and photonic machines and positioning QCi to capitalize on emerging opportunities ahead.”

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and sensors for military, public safety, and commercial use, recently said it is entering into a strategic alliance with Vyom Drones of India. Under this strategic alliance, AgEagle Aerial Systems intends to license Vyom Drones to manufacture and sell AgEagle eBee X drones to customers in India. AgEagle will also provide service and maintenance training to Vyom as part of the agreement.

    “Working with Vyom Drones through this agreement helps unlock the potential of India’s immense agricultural, civil, and commercial sectors in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets,” said Bill Irby, AgEagle CEO. “With more than 345 million acres of arable land and a rapidly growing demand for precision agriculture, India represents a critical opportunity for AgEagle to deploy our advanced eBee drones and multispectral sensors, empowering farmers with a surveying capability that provides real-time, actionable insights. This collaboration aligns with our mission to deliver innovative, high-value UAS solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability, while supporting India’s vision to become a global drone hub by 2030. Together with Vyom Drones, we aim to transform Indian agriculture by driving efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering sustainable growth and sound water management for farmers across the nation.”

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected”, “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Meteorological Organisation & Met Office: Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update is issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It provides a synthesis of the global annual to decadal predictions produced by the Met Office and other designated centres around the world for the period 2025-2029. 

    This report makes a number of probabilistic predictions about global mean near-surface temperatures, including:

    • Forecast chance of one of the next five years being warmest on record
    • Forecast chance of one of next five years, and entire five-year period, being above 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average
    • Arctic warming
    • Regional precipitation patterns

    Journalists came to this online briefing to hear authors of the report brief the journalists on their conclusions and what they mean for climate change.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Chris Hewitt, Director of Climate Services, WMO

    Prof Adam Scaife, Head of Monthly to Decadal Prediction, Met Office Hadley Centre

    Dr Leon Hermanson, Senior Scientist in Monthly to Decadal Prediction, Met Office Hadley Centre

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Deep depression over Bay of Bengal to bring heavy rainfall; monsoon advances further into eastern India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is set to cross the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by Thursday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Under its influence, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across the Northeastern states, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim until May 31.

    The IMD has also warned of isolated exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 30 cm over parts of Meghalaya on May 29 and 30, as the system moves inland.

    In southern India, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and the ghat areas of Tamil Nadu on May 29 and 30, with a gradual reduction expected thereafter.

    Meanwhile, rainfall activity accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is also expected over northwest India over the next four to five days, driven by the influence of multiple western disturbances currently affecting the region.

    Monsoon Advances Further

    The southwest monsoon made significant progress on Thursday, advancing into more parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, the North Bay of Bengal, the remaining Northeastern states, and parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, the IMD confirmed.

    Conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to further advance into additional parts of West Bengal and Bihar over the next 1–2 days.

    Rainfall and Weather Observed in Last 24 Hours

    During the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall was reported at isolated places over Konkan & Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka.

    Heavy rainfall was also recorded over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Telangana, and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha.

    Thunderstorms accompanied by squally to gusty winds (ranging between 40–80 kmph) were observed in parts of Tamil Nadu, Assam, Meghalaya, East Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Jharkhand, Punjab, and other adjoining regions.

    In addition, hailstorms were reported from isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh, while dust storms occurred in parts of West Rajasthan.

    The IMD has advised citizens, especially in vulnerable regions, to stay alert and follow local advisories as intense rainfall and gusty winds may lead to localised flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to drought declared in North-west England by the Environment Agency

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a drought being declared in North-West England. 

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “The lack of rainfall across the UK in spring 2025 constituted a meteorological drought and this quickly depleted the soil’s moisture leading to concerns over agricultural drought. Lowering river and reservoir levels are a concern for the northwest of the UK as further dry spells could threaten the supply of water as part of a hydrological drought. Of less concern are regions of copious ground water like the chalky catchments in the southeast of England which enter but also leave drought conditions more slowly than other regions of the UK.

    “Droughts are expected to onset more rapidly and become more intense as the planet warms since the atmosphere’s thirst for water grows. A warming climate means moisture is more readily sapped from one region and blown into storm systems elsewhere, intensifying both wet and dry weather extremes with wilder swings between them. The only way to limit the increasing severity of wet and dry extremes is to rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions across all de tors of society.”

    Mr Alastair Chisholm, Director of Policy & External Affairs, CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management), said:

    “The drought in the north-west is not surprising given the dry weather seen across the spring. Drought can come on particularly quickly in areas which rely on water supplies fed by surface water storage reservoirs as are common in this area, rather than large rivers or groundwater sources. Prolonged dry weather is more unusual in such parts of the country, but when it does happen the effects are more pronounced. Conversely, with some rain, given more mountainous topography and higher average annual rainfall in these areas, reservoirs can quickly recover.

    “Official declarations of drought signal that water companies and the Environment Agency will progress to more advanced stages in their drought plans, such as temporary use bans (colloquially known as hosepipe bans).”

    References:

    https://www.ciwem.org/policy-reports/drought-management

    https://www.ciwem.org/news/managing-drought-ciwems-position

    Declared interests

    Mr Alastair Chisholm “None”

    Prof Richard Allan “None”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A greener Manadon – have your say

    Source: City of Plymouth

    This is the green space just off Manadon roundabout, accessible through Treveneague Gardens.

    Unless you know the area, you could be forgiven for not even knowing it was there.

    It was originally a rugby training pitch, complementing the next door playing pitches, but it’s currently under-used.

    It’s boggy, it’s not particularly pretty and has low levels of biodiversity.

    But all that could change as part of the plans to revamp Manadon Roundabout and we’re asking residents about plans to develop this space into a community park.

    Better access is a given but maybe you’d like to see more  places to sit? More planting? An environment that allows nature to thrive? We want your ideas.

    “This is a really good chance for residents to work with us to shape this new-look green space,” says Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change.

    “Enhancing this piece of green space, making it accessible when once it was not, is key to providing the biodiversity needed to make this project a success.”

    There’s no getting away from the fact that the Manadon project is a road scheme and although we don’t know how many yet, there will be significant tree removal. It’s unavoidable.

    As with all transport schemes, the guiding principle is to present a design whereby we avoid as many trees as possible and where tree loss is necessary, we will plant more and ensure that we will achieve a ten per cent biodiversity net gain in any finished scheme.

    “I want to be really up front about the tree loss,” said Councillor Briars-Delve.

    “Although we won’t know how many we’ll lose until we’ve done the detailed design work, we are committing to planting more trees than we remove.

    “Not only that, once we have the numbers and a final plan, which will have taken the suggestions about Treveangue Gardens on-board, I am committed to consulting with residents again.”

    Any new planting schemes or new green spaces such as parks that are included as part of a transport scheme are in addition to the work that goes into delivering a more environmentally friendly Plymouth through a range of natural infrastructure and biodiversity-focused projects. 

    You can view the plans for improvements at Manadon and fill in the online survey at https://keepmanadonmoving.commonplace.is

    How we enhanced the environment during the Forder Valley Link Road scheme

    Increasing biodiversity, trees, hedgerows and shrubs, with around 14,500 trees planted (more than 30 times the number lost)

    Starting the mitigation before spades went in the ground on the transport scheme, including planting and the installation of 50 bird boxes and 43 bat boxes 

    Making sure an environmental team was on hand to monitor and advise on all aspects during the build, advising on issues from water quality and noise to the protection of sensitive habitats and species 

    Providing a wildlife pond, a new habitat for birds, invertebrates, reptiles and common toads, as well as foraging bats and otters

    Protecting bats with special hedgerows

    Helping otters by building special culverts to allow them and other species to move through. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews: Don’t Buy Yet Till You’ve Read This?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The search for the perfect pair of wireless earbuds can be very daunting. With so many options on the market, promising everything from superior sound quality to unmatched comfort, it’s easy to get lost and confused. For many sound lovers and everyday listeners alike, the quest for high-quality wireless earbuds often leads to a disappointing reality. 

    Most times,  exceptional performance typically comes with a steep price tag. “While marketed as premium, most sophisticated earbuds from major brands often carry an exorbitant price, making features like immersive sound, reliable connectivity, and lasting comfort a costly luxury rather than an accessible one. This leaves many consumers settling for cheaper alternatives that often compromise sound quality, fit, durability, and battery life.

    For many who choose budget earbuds, the experience is riddled with frustrations from thin, underwhelming sound and weak bass to uncomfortable fits, constant Bluetooth dropouts, and batteries that quit long before the day ends. While the desire for rich, distortion-free audio and earbuds that can keep up with an active lifestyle is universal, expensive price tags have kept a truly premium listening experience out of reach.

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds emerged in this landscape, promising to bridge the gap between high performance and affordability. They claim to offer “Premium Sound and Comfort Without the Premium Price,” challenging the notion that you must spend a fortune to get the best-sounding earbuds. 

    With advanced features typically found in more expensive models and backed by stellar testimonials from audio experts and verified customers, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds aims to provide superior audio quality, comfort, and durability at a fraction of the cost. Designed for everyday use, Echo Labs Earbuds combine cutting-edge technology like Bluetooth V5.2 and AI voice assist with a focus on comfort and reliability. 

    Based on verified consumer reports, Echo Labs Earbuds is rated high, legit and with an excellent 4.98 stars ratings making it one of the most preferred wireless earbuds available in the USA and Canada. 

    With rave reviews from audio experts and users alike, these earbuds are quickly becoming the go-to choice for those who demand quality without compromise. In this Echo Labs earbuds review, we’ll explore what makes EchoLabs Earbuds stand out from the competition, their features, benefits, and why they’re a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.

    What Are the Echo Labs Earbuds? (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews) 

    Echo Labs Earbuds are refined wireless earbuds developed to transform the standard for portable audio by offering a premium listening experience that rivals premium brands, but at a significantly more accessible price point. Echo Labs Earbuds are premium wireless earbuds designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, maximum comfort, and advanced functionality at a cost that’s accessible to everyone.

    Echo Labs Earbuds come equipped with touch controls for effortless management of music, calls, and voice assistants. Their compatibility with digital assistants like Siri or Google makes hands-free control simple and intuitive.  Echo Labs Earbuds also boast a modern, ergonomic design that offers comfort for extended use. Whether you’re using them for work, leisure, or travel, Echo Labs Earbuds is well well-optimized to deliver. 

    Every reviewer emphatically points that Echo Labs are specifically crafted as a solution for individuals who demand exceptional sound performance, reliable wireless connectivity, and comfortable, secure wear across daily activities, whether commuting, engaging in workouts, or simply relaxing and enjoying media.

    EchoLabs Earbuds are committed to offering superior audio quality and comfort without the hefty price tag. This is achieved by integrating sophisticated audio technology that produces rich, detailed sound with impactful bass and crisp highs, a design focused on ergonomic comfort and a stable fit for all ear types, and robust durability features like resistance to rain and sweat. 

    Each pair has a protective charging case that secures the earbuds and significantly extends their operational time, ensuring they are always ready. Echo Labs Earbuds is an affordable alternative, making top-tier wireless audio accessible to all by combining exceptional sound and dependable performance for everyday listening, minus the steep investment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Does Echo Labs Earbuds Actually Work? (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews)

    Echo Labs Earbuds legitimately work by using Bluetooth 5.2 technology to wirelessly connect to your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops to deliver high-quality sound and performance. Echo Labs Earbuds have been rigorously tested and proven to work efficiently in a variety of environments. 

    Based on Echolabs’ features, the expert endorsements, and the overwhelming positive customer testimonials, the evidence strongly indicates that Echo Labs Earbuds effectively deliver on their promise of high-quality sound and performance.  We could not agree more.

    The integration of 10mm drivers, low impedance, and an ultra-wide frequency response is a technical specification commonly linked with earbuds capable of producing detailed and powerful audio, including deep bass and crisp highs, which aligns with the claim of “Three-Dimensional Sound” and “HD Audio.”

    Validation from audio experts, such as Paul, a pro audio engineer who recommended them and stated they were “better than his big brand ones,” provides impressive credibility to the sound quality claims. Many Echo Labs users have consistently reported satisfaction with its performance, highlighting its ability to provide high quality audio sound and performance. 

    Finally, all reviewers attest that Echo Labs Earbuds are indeed top-rated wireless earbuds that offer Best-in-Class performance at a negligible price. With a robust battery capacity, the echo labs earbuds also provide incredible audio to ensure you will hear every sound from the lowest bass drum to the highest-pitched singer. It offers everything a unique earbud offers while ensuring you pay less.

    Let’s Review The Key Features of Echo Labs Audio Earbuds (EchoLabs Earbuds Reviews)

    Echo Labs Earbuds are equipped with several cutting-edge features engineered to deliver a high-quality audio experience and practical functionality that shines in the market:

    • Three-Dimensional Sound: This key feature is designed to provide a deeply engaging listening experience. Creating depth and spatial awareness in the audio makes music, audiobooks, podcasts, and other media feel more dynamic and lifelike, drawing you into the sound.
    • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Engineered to support prolonged listening sessions, Echo Labs earbuds offer excellent playtime on a single charge, capable of powering through even the longest podcasts or workout sessions. This exceptional performance is further enhanced by a protective charging case, which provides multiple recharges on the go, ensuring your audio is available for days without needing a power outlet.
    • Superior Comfortable and Customizable Fit: Echo Labs prioritizes user comfort and a secure fit. This allows for a custom, snug fit tailored to individual ear shapes, preventing the discomfort often associated with poorly fitting earbuds and ensuring they remain securely in place during vigorous activities like running or training.
    • Reliable Bluetooth V5.2 Connectivity: Echo Labs uses the latest Bluetooth technology (Version 5.2), ensuring a fast, stable, and consistent wireless connection with your audio devices. This improved connectivity reduces frustrating audio dropouts and pairing issues, providing a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience.
    • Rain & Sweat Resistance (Weather-Resistant): It is built with durable materials and a design that protects against moisture. This makes EchoLabs Earbuds suitable for workouts, outdoor activities, or use in various weather conditions, ensuring functionality and longevity even in challenging environments.
    • Protective Charging Case: The included case serves a dual purpose: it provides a safe place to store and protect your earbuds when not in use, and it acts as a portable power bank, offering multiple recharges to the earbuds, significantly extending their total usage time before needing to connect to a power source.
    • Powerful, Distortion-Free Audio Performance: with low impedance (specifically between 16-32 ohms), these earbuds handle higher volumes without introducing visible distortion. This allows users to enjoy their audio at their preferred loudness while maintaining clarity and sound integrity.
    • Ultra-Wide Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): Covering the full spectrum of human hearing, this wide frequency response ensures that the earbuds can precisely reproduce both the deepest bass tones (down to 20Hz) and the crispest high frequencies (up to 20kHz). This results in a balanced, detailed, and impactful audio profile that improves the listening experience across all genres and media types, contributing to the stunning 3D sounds.
    • 10mm Drivers:  Echo Labs earbuds are built with optimally sized 10mm drivers. These larger, high-quality drivers are essential for delivering clear, balanced, and impactful audio performance, providing a richer sound experience than smaller or less advanced drivers found in many conventional earbuds.
    • Integrated AI Voice Assist: For added convenience, EchoLabs earbuds feature AI Voice Assist compatibility. This allows for hands-free control of music playback, managing phone calls, and accessing your device’s voice assistant (such as Siri or Google Assistant) using simple voice commands, streamlining your interaction with your device while in transit or during workouts.
    • High-Definition (HD) Audio: Providing superior sound quality with enhanced detail and clarity, the HD Audio feature ensures that nuances in music and spoken word are reproduced accurately, contributing to a more immersive and enjoyable overall audio experience.

    Why Should You Buy Echo Labs Earbuds? (Echolabs Earbuds Reviews) 

    You should consider buying Echo Labs Audio Earbuds if you are seeking a high-quality wireless earbud experience that offers excellent sound, comfort, and reliability for various uses, but are unwilling to pay the high prices of premium brands. 

    If you’ve been disappointed by the audio quality, poor fit, or short battery life of cheaper earbuds, EchoLabs provides an appealing upgrade with features like 3D sound, a truly comfortable and secure fit for active lifestyles, and a long-lasting battery.

    Many consumer reports online say that Echo labs earbuds are decked out with all the latest advances in audio technology to deliver the clearest full stereo-quality sound with noise cancellation features. Echo labs earbuds are dependable, lightweight, and comfortable for any user.

    EchoLabs earbuds are designed to offer a snug, customizable fit with adjustable ear tips that adapt to the user’s ear shape. This not only makes echo labs earbuds more comfortable for prolonged use but also enhances the listening experience by minimizing external noise.

    Furthermore, they’re engineering is tough enough to withstand rain and sweat, so they’re perfect for workouts or outdoor fun. Plus, handy AI voice assist and clear call quality make them great for everyday use. When you pick Echo Labs, you’re getting a product experts love, thousands of happy users praise, and the same features you’d find in pricier earbuds all at an affordable price. 

    Let’s Review The Unbeatable Benefits of Using Echo Labs Earbuds  (EchoLabs Reviews) 

    Using Echo Labs Audio Earbuds offers a wide range of impressive benefits, providing a premium listening experience and practical functionality for various aspects of your life:

    • Provides Premium, immersive Audio Quality: Arguably, the most appealing benefit of Echo Labs is that it delivers excellent sound that competes with much more expensive options. They’re built around sturdy 10 mm drivers, a low-impedance design for strong, distortion-free output, and a wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency range that delivers deep bass and clear highs, resulting in immersive 3D HD sound.
    • Enjoy Superior Comfort for Extended Wear: Designed with adjustable, custom-fit ear tips, Echo Labs ensures a comfortable and secure fit that can be worn for long periods without discomfort. This is a compelling advantage over poorly fitting earbuds and is essential for long movements or listening sessions. 
    • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Echo Labs provides durable listening times. The long-lasting battery ensures your audio is available for long periods on a single charge, and the portable charging case provides multiple recharges, ensuring your audio is available for days. Dustin B. exclaimed about the “HUGE battery life” and noted he hasn’t run out of battery since switching.
    • Ensure Reliable Connectivity: Employing the latest Bluetooth V5.2 technology, the earbuds offer a stable and quick connection to your devices, reducing frustrating audio dropouts and ensuring a seamless listening experience. Emma R. found they “connect to my phone and laptop fast and easy,” highlighting the ease and reliability of pairing.
    • Stay Active in Any Weather with Durability: The rain and sweat-resistant design means you don’t have to worry about damaging your earbuds during strenuous workouts, runs, or unexpected weather. Austin N., a Certified Personal Trainer, recommends them specifically because they are “secure for workouts, phenomenal sound quality, and they’re sweat and water-resistant. Incredible quality,” making them a reliable companion for an active lifestyle.
    • Enhance Productivity and Convenience with AI Voice Assist:  The hands-free AI voice assist feature allows you to control music, manage calls, and access your device’s assistant using simple voice commands without physically touching your phone. This adds a layer of convenience, especially when you’re busy, working out, or have your hands full.
    • Enjoy Clear Phone Calls: Equipped with high-definition microphones, Echo Labs earbuds make phone calls loud and clear for both parties, eliminating the struggle to hear or be heard in noisy environments. This is suitable for both personal conversations and professional calls.
    • World-Class Sound Immersion for Gaming: Gamers will appreciate the world-class sound immersion offered by Echo Labs Earbuds. With their low latency, 10mm drivers, and 3D sound capabilities, they deliver precise audio cues and a rich gaming environment, giving players a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
    • Perfect for Traveling: Designed with sound isolation and noise cancellation, these earbuds are perfect for travelers who want undisturbed listening. Whether on a flight, train, or long drive, EchoLabs Earbuds block out ambient noise, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content in peace.
    • Great for Podcasts and Audiobooks: EchoLabs Earbuds are perfect for podcast and audiobook enthusiasts. Their comfortable fit and long-lasting battery life allow uninterrupted listening for hours, whether you’re diving into a gripping mystery, learning from a thought-provoking podcast, or relaxing with a classic novel.
    • Ideal Christmas or Birthday Gift: With their sleek design, advanced features, and practicality, EchoLabs Earbuds make a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Their versatility appeals to all age groups, making them a perfect choice for Christmas or birthdays. 

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Do You Use Echo Labs Earbuds (EchoEarbuds Reviews)

    Using EchoLabs Audio Earbuds is incredibly simple and intuitive, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. These earbuds are designed to offer a seamless experience from the moment you take them out of the box. Follow these easy steps to get started:

    • Pairing Your Echo Labs Earbuds: Open the charging case to activate the earbuds. Enable Bluetooth on your device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) and select “Echo Labs Audio Earbuds” from the list of available devices. Once paired, the earbuds will automatically connect to the same device whenever Bluetooth is enabled.
    • Charging the EchoLabs Earbuds: Place the earbuds back in the protective charging case when not in use. The case will automatically recharge the earbuds. To charge the case itself, connect it to a power source using the included USB-C cable. A fully charged case ensures multiple recharges for your earbuds on the go.
    • Using the AI Voice Assistant: Activate the AI voice assistant with a simple tap on the earbuds. Use voice commands to control music playback, answer or end calls, and check notifications without touching your device.
    • Managing Phone Calls: Answer calls with a quick tap on the earbuds. Tap again to end the call or hold the touch sensor to decline incoming calls. Enjoy crystal-clear audio on both ends, thanks to the high-definition microphone.
    • Controlling Music Playback: Play or pause your music with a single tap. Double-tap to skip to the next track or triple-tap to go back to the previous one. Adjust the volume directly from your device or using your voice assistant.
    • Storing Your Earbuds: Always store your earbuds in the charging case to protect them from damage and ensure they are fully charged for the next use.

    By following these straightforward steps, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your Echo Labs Earbuds, making them a reliable companion for every aspect of your day. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned tech enthusiast, these earbuds are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

    Are Echo Labs Earbuds Really Worth My Money?  (EchoLabs Reviews) 

    If you want to know whether Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are worth the investment, let’s consider their price relative to the audio performance, features, and overall user experience they provide, particularly when compared to the high cost of conventional premium earbuds. 

    The core premise of Echo Labs is to deliver a premium-like experience without the premium price. With features typically found in much more expensive models, such as advanced drivers, wide frequency response for 3D sound, long battery life, and durability, they are positioned as a high-value alternative.

    Both customers and reviewers revealed Echo Labs Earbuds is totally legit, garnering over 99.6% remarkable recommendation rate, ensuring its widespread popularity and satisfaction among users. All reviews attest that the echo labs earbuds is one of the best, if not the absolute best wireless earbuds out there on the market in the USA and Canada. 

    Additionally, many reviewers both audio experts and regular users’ say that Echolabs  earbuds sound just as good as, or even better than, models that cost hundreds more. Plus, it provides wireless freedom, a steady connection, water resistance for active use, and a handy charging case. With the current discounts, Echo Labs Earbuds are a smart choice for anyone who wants great sound and features without emptying their wallet.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    Pros – (Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews)

    • Echo labs earbuds have immersive 3D sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
    • Echolabs earbuds offer a snug, comfortable fit with adjustable ear tips.
    • Features long-lasting battery life with a rechargeable case.
    • Provides seamless Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with all devices.
    • Includes hands-free AI voice assistance for easy control.
    • Built with rain- and sweat-resistant materials for durability.
    • Blocks out background noise with advanced noise cancellation.
    • Perfect for phone calls, podcasts, audiobooks, and gaming.
    • A compact, stylish design ideal for travel and everyday use.
    • Affordable, with a 50% discount and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

    CONS (EchoLabs Earbuds Reviews)

    •  Not available in any physical store.
    • The Special discounts might end anytime soon.
    • Supply is highly limited due to increased demand during this season.

    Why Is Echo Labs Better than Other Products in the Market? (Echolabs Reviews) 

    Echo Labs stands out from other earbuds products in the market primarily by delivering a compelling combination of premium-level audio performance and advanced innovative features at a significantly more accessible price point. 

    Unlike many cheaper earbuds that compromise on sound quality, often delivering “tiny sound with wimpy bass” and unreliable connectivity, Echo Labs integrates robust components like 10mm drivers and Bluetooth V5.2 to provide powerful, distortion-free, and stable audio that beats much more expensive competitors. 

    Moreover, while premium earbuds offer high quality, their prohibitive cost makes them inaccessible to many consumers. EchoLabs bridges this gap, offering comparable sound quality, comfort, and durability without the hefty price tag.

    Beyond just sound and price, Echo Labs also outperforms many alternatives in terms of practical features crucial for modern lifestyles. While some earbuds may offer decent audio, they often lack the sturdy durability of sweat and rain resistance, limiting their usability during workouts or in numerous weather conditions. 

    Many also fail to provide the secure fit necessary for all-day wear or active use, leading to discomfort and the frustration of earbuds constantly falling out – problems directly tackled by Echo Labs’ design and custom ear tips. 

    The long-lasting battery life, complemented by a convenient charging case, also provides a commendable benefit over earbuds with “terrible battery life,” ensuring uninterrupted listening. All the aforementioned positions Echo Labs Audio Earbuds as a superior value proposition compared to both cheaper and many more expensive options on the market.

    Feature Echo Labs Audio Earbuds Most Cheaper Earbuds Premium Earbuds (e.g., “$200 earbuds”, “big brand ones”)
    Sound Quality (Clarity, Bass, 3D) ✅ (Exceptional, 3D, HD) ❌ (Tiny sound, wimpy bass) ✅ (Often high quality)
    Comfort / Fit ✅ (Custom fit, comfortable) ❌ (Poor-fitting, uncomfortable) ✅ (Varies by brand/model)
    Durability (Sweat/Rain Resistant) ✅ +/- (Often lacking) ✅ (Varies by brand/model)
    Battery Life ✅ (Long-lasting + case) ❌ (Terrible battery life) ✅ (Generally good + case)
    Connectivity (Bluetooth) ✅ (Reliable V5.2) ❌ (Constant dropouts) ✅ (Generally reliable)
    Price ✅ (Affordable, especially with discount) ✅ (Low initial) ❌ (Expensive)
    AI Voice Assist ✅ ❌ (Often lacking) ✅ (Commonly included)
    Drivers ✅ (Cutting-edge 10mm) +/- (Smaller/standard) ✅ (Varies by brand/size)

    Key: ✅ = Feature generally present/effective. 

             ❌ = Feature generally absent or not a primary focus. 

              +/- = Feature may be present to some degree, but is variable or less specialized   

    Who Needs Echo Labs Audio Earbuds? (Echolabs Earbuds Reviews) 

    • Workout Enthusiasts and Athletes: Individuals who need earbuds that stay securely in place during intense physical activity and are resistant to sweat and rain to ensure durability and continued performance regardless of the weather or workout intensity.
    • Commuters and Travelers: People who spend significant time in transit and desire immersive sound quality to make their journeys more enjoyable, along with long-lasting battery life and reliable connectivity to power through long commutes or flights.
    • Budget-Conscious Audio Lovers: Consumers who appreciate high-quality audio and features typically found in premium earbuds but are looking for a more affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability.
    • Individuals Seeking All-Day Comfort: Those who find many earbuds uncomfortable for extended wear and require a solution with a customizable, ergonomic fit that can be worn for long periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.
    • Users of Various Devices and Activities: Anyone who uses earbuds for a variety of purposes beyond just music, such as taking clear phone calls, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, or requiring stable connectivity for use with laptops and tablets for work or entertainment.

    Where to Buy Echo Labs Audio Earbuds in America and Canada

    To buy the original Echo Labs Audio Earbuds and ensure you receive the genuine product with all its advertised features, benefits, and guarantees, it is essential to visit the official website.

    The manufacturer explicitly states that Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are not available on Amazon or eBay, and warns against being fooled by “knock-offs!. Furthermore, purchasing through the official website is the only method to access promotional offers, such as the frequently advertised 50% discount and fast shipping arrangements.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY 

    How Much Does an Echo Labs Earbud Cost?

    Here are the current prices:

    • 1x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$116.09~~ $60.54 (approximately 48% – 50% off, depending on exact calculation)
    • 2x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$222.18~~ $111.10 (approximately 50% off)
    • 3x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$333.27~~ $133.32 (approximately 60% off) – BEST DEAL
    • 4x Echo Labs Audio Earbuds: ~~$444.36~~ $166.66 (approximately 62% off) – For the Whole Family

    These prices show just how affordable Echo Labs earbuds are, especially when you buy more than one pair. They’re a great option if you want good sound without paying premium brand prices. Keep in mind that prices, stock, and deals can change, so check the official website for the latest information.

    Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews Consumer Reports & Customer Complaints 

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds have garnered stellar feedback from customers.Here are some of the reviews:

    Ellen C.:
    “Echo labs are premium earbuds that are so comfortable… These are the most comfortable earbuds I’ve ever used. They never hurt my ears and sometimes I forget I’m even wearing them. If you know anyone looking for new earbuds, stop! Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are as good as you’re gonna get.”

    Dustin B.:
    “HUGE battery life… I love everything about Echo Labs Audio Earbuds but my favorite is the insane battery life. And when the earbuds are out of juice, the charge case gives them a ton more power. I haven’t run out of battery since switching to these and I don’t think I ever will!”

    Erik K.:
     “Fit my ears perfectly and they never fall out… I always hated using earbuds because I could never work out without them falling out! Echo Labs Audio Earbuds have custom ear tips for a perfect, snug fit. Now I’m able to stay active without my earbuds falling out every two minutes.”

    Emma R.:
    “Love the incredible sound and how easy to use they are… I’m not smart with new tech, but with Echo Labs Audio Earbuds, I don’t need to be. They’re foolproof to use, and they connect to my phone and laptop fast and easily. And they sound just as good as my old $200 earbuds.”

    Rachel M. (Music Producer):
    “As a music producer, I need earbuds with exceptional clarity and depth. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds exceed my expectations every time.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Echo Labs Audio Earbuds

    Here are some frequently asked questions about the Echo Labs Earbuds, and accurate answers:

    What makes Echo Labs Audio Earbuds different from other brands?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds differentiate themselves by offering premium sound quality, comfort, and durability features typically found in high-end earbuds, but at a significantly more affordable price point. Their combination of advanced drivers, long battery life, custom fit, weather resistance, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity provides exceptional value compared to many cheaper and more expensive competitors.

    How do I pair my Echo Labs Audio Earbuds with my device?

    Pairing is designed to be fast and easy. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds utilize Bluetooth V5.2 for quick and reliable connection. Simply follow the standard Bluetooth pairing process on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to connect to the earbuds. Emma R. noted they “connect to my phone and laptop fast and easy.”

    What is the battery life of the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are equipped with a long-lasting battery designed for extended listening sessions. While a specific number of hours on a single charge is not detailed in the text, it mentions the battery lasts “even through the longest podcasts” and comes with a charging case that provides “extra battery life” and a “ton more power,” ensuring you have audio for days. Dustin B. specifically praised the “HUGE battery life.”

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds comfortable for extended wear?

    Yes, comfort is a key feature. Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are designed with a comfortable fit, featuring adjustable ear tips that allow for a custom, snug feel. This design is intended for all-day comfort and to ensure the earbuds stay securely in place, even during activities like workouts, as confirmed by Ellen C., who finds them incredibly comfortable, and Erik K., who appreciates the secure fit during exercise.

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds waterproof?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are described as “Rain & Sweat Resistant” and “Weather-Resistant.” While not fully waterproof for submersion, they are built to withstand moisture from sweat during intense workouts and exposure to light rain, making them durable for active and outdoor use.

    Do the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds support voice assistants?

    Yes, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds support AI Voice Assist. This feature allows for hands-free control of music playback, managing calls, and accessing your device’s voice assistant using simple voice commands, adding a layer of convenience.

    What makes the sound quality of Echo Labs Earbuds stand out?

    The sound quality of Echo Labs Audio Earbuds stands out due to their advanced audio components, including cutting-edge 10mm drivers, low impedance (16-32 ohm) for distortion-free volume, and an ultra-wide frequency response (20Hz-20kHz). This combination delivers powerful bass, crisp highs, and aims for stunning 3D, high-definition audio, which audio professionals and customers have praised as comparable to or better than premium brands.

    How do I charge the Echo Labs Earbuds?

    Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are charged by placing them into their protective charging case. The case itself has a built-in battery and is charged separately (likely via a USB port, though not specified), providing multiple recharges for the earbuds when you are away from a power source. The case ensures the earbuds are protected and powered up when not in use.

    Are the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds suitable for different activities?

    Yes, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds are designed to be versatile for various activities. Their secure and comfortable fit makes them suitable for workouts, their long battery life is great for commuting and travel, and their high-quality sound and features like clear call quality make them excellent for relaxation, work, and entertainment like gaming and shows. Austin N., a Certified Personal Trainer, specifically recommends them for workouts.

    Is there a discount available for the Echo Labs Earbuds?

    Yes, currently there is a special limited-time offer available, providing a significant discount, often advertised as 50% off or more, especially when purchasing multiple pairs in bundled options. This promotional pricing contributes to their affordability and value proposition.

    How do I ensure I’m buying authentic Echo Labs Audio Earbuds?

    To guarantee you receive authentic Echo Labs Audio Earbuds and avoid knock-offs or cheap imitations, you should only purchase them directly from the official Echo Labs Audio website. They are explicitly stated as not being available on platforms like Amazon or eBay.

    What’s included in the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds packaging?

    The packaging includes the Echo Labs Audio Earbuds themselves and a protective charging case. Based on the mention of “adjustable ear tips” and “custom ear tips,” it is highly probable that multiple sizes of ear tips are also included to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for different users.

    Final Remarks On Echo Labs Earbuds Reviews

    In summary, Echo Labs presents a compelling proposition in the wireless earbud market, effectively challenging the notion that premium audio quality and robust features must come with an overpriced price tag. In delivering powerful, clear, and immersive 3D sound through quality drivers and audio engineering, with a design that focuses on comfort, stays in place during movement, and can handle sweat and rain, these earbuds include features you’d usually find in much pricier models.

    Thousands of happy Echolabs customers and even audio experts have shared great reviews, backing up Echo Labs’ promise of clear sound, a comfy fit, and reliable performance. With a long-lasting battery (boosted by the charging case), strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection, and easy-to-use AI voice assist, these earbuds are practical for everyday use. Although you can only buy them online, the 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try them without any risk.

    Considering their impressive combination of audio performance, comfort, durability, features, and significant affordability, especially with the current promotional pricing, Echo Labs Audio Earbuds appear to be a highly worthwhile investment. They offer a true opportunity to experience high-quality wireless audio without the high price, making them an appealing choice for those who value both performance and affordability. In all, Echo Labs Earbuds strike a smart balance between premium features and practical pricing—an option well worth considering. Get yours today!

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR ECHOLABS EARBUDS FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER TODAY

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Polar Cooling Review: Does the Polar Cooling Portable AC Really Work? Best Portable AC 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As temperatures rise globally, the demand for personal cooling devices is at an all-time high. Enter the Polar Cooling Portable AC, a sleek, compact solution designed to provide on-the-go relief from the heat. In this review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, pricing, and user feedback to answer the burning question: Does the Polar Cooling Portable AC really work? Is it the best portable air conditioner of 2025?

    This article will cover everything you need to know about this innovative cooling device, helping you decide if it’s the right option for your needs.

    Beat the Heat in Minutes – Get Your Polar Cooling Portable AC Today!

    What is the Polar Cooling Portable AC?

    The Polar Cooling Portable AC is an advanced, energy-efficient air cooling system designed for personal use. Unlike traditional bulky air conditioning units, the Polar Cooling AC is compact, portable, and doesn’t require installation or special tools to operate. Whether you’re working in a hot office or relaxing at home, this unit promises to cool your personal space effectively without consuming large amounts of energy.

    Key Features:

    • Insta-Frost Technology: Designed to rapidly cool the air in your immediate surroundings.
    • Portability: Compact enough to be carried around easily, making it ideal for travel or personal spaces.
    • Multi-Function: Not only does it cool the air, but it also functions as a humidifier and air purifier.

    It’s an ideal solution for anyone looking for a quick, efficient, and affordable way to stay cool during hot weather without the complexity of larger air conditioning systems.

    How Does the Polar Cooling Portable AC Work?

    The Polar Cooling Portable AC uses a cooling mechanism called evaporative cooling. This process involves drawing air through a water-soaked filter that absorbs heat from the air. As the water evaporates, the air is cooled and then blown into your personal space.

    Key features of its operation:

    • USB-Powered: The device is powered via USB, meaning you can charge it from any USB outlet, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
    • Rechargeable Battery: With its built-in rechargeable battery, it operates without needing to be plugged into a power outlet continuously, offering portability and convenience.

    Stay Cool All Summer Long with Polar Cooling – Limited Stock Available!

    Setting up the device is simple:

    1. Fill the water tank.
    2. Plug it into a USB outlet or charge it fully for portable use.
    3. Turn on and adjust the settings according to your cooling preferences.

    Design and Build Quality

    One of the standout features of the Polar Cooling Portable AC is its design. It’s not only sleek but also built for durability and portability. The unit is compact and can fit in virtually any room, desk, or office setup. Its lightweight structure means you can easily move it from room to room or even take it with you on trips.

    Made from premium, eco-friendly materials, it is built to last while being kind to the environment. Its minimalistic design ensures it blends well with any modern decor, from offices to living rooms.

    Performance Analysis

    When it comes to cooling performance, the Polar Cooling Portable AC delivers on its promise. Here’s how it holds up in real-world conditions:

    • Cooling Power: It cools personal spaces effectively, offering a noticeable temperature drop in areas up to 100-200 square feet.
    • Noise Levels: Operating at a whisper-quiet level, it provides a comfortable, undisturbed environment for work or relaxation.
    • Battery Life: On a full charge, the unit can operate continuously for up to 8 hours, ensuring long-lasting performance throughout the day or night.

    Maintenance Requirements are minimal. All you need to do is keep the water tank clean and replace the cooling filters as needed, making it easy to maintain and use over time.

    Don’t Miss Out on Cool Comfort – Order Your Polar Cooling Portable AC Now!

    Energy Efficiency

    One of the biggest draws of the Polar Cooling Portable AC is its energy efficiency. Unlike traditional air conditioners that consume large amounts of electricity, this unit operates on a USB-powered system, significantly lowering energy consumption.

    • Power Consumption: With its USB charging feature, the Polar Cooling AC draws significantly less power compared to standard units, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their energy bills.
    • Comparison with Traditional ACs: In comparison to traditional air conditioners, the Polar Cooling unit uses about 80% less energy, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for personal cooling needs.

    How to Maximize the Efficiency of Polar Cooling AC in Hot Weather

    When using the Polar Cooling Portable AC in hot weather, getting the most out of the unit requires more than just turning it on. Maximizing its efficiency ensures that you stay cool while saving on energy costs and extending the lifespan of your device. Here are several tips to help you get the best performance from your Polar Cooling AC during the summer heat:
    1. Place the Unit in the Right Spot
    For optimal cooling, position the Polar Cooling Portable AC in an area where airflow is unimpeded. Avoid placing it near walls, large furniture, or in corners, as this can restrict airflow and reduce its cooling effectiveness. It’s best to place the unit in the center of the room or near a window for better air circulation. Additionally, make sure the cooling vents are facing directly towards you to maximize cooling efficiency.
    2. Keep the Water Tank Full
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC uses evaporative cooling technology, which relies on the water tank to function effectively. Ensure that the tank is always filled with fresh water for the best cooling results. If the water levels are low, the device will struggle to maintain a consistent cooling effect. Refill the tank as needed, especially during prolonged use in hot weather, to ensure the unit runs at full capacity.
    3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
    To maintain peak performance, it’s important to clean and maintain the Polar Cooling AC regularly. The cooling filter should be checked for dirt and debris, which can reduce the airflow and cooling power. Clean the filter every couple of weeks, or more often if you’re using it in dusty environments. Also, empty and rinse the water tank periodically to prevent mold or bacteria build-up, which can affect both the unit’s performance and air quality.
    4. Use the AC in Small Spaces
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC is most efficient when used in smaller spaces. While it can provide cooling in larger rooms, its cooling power is optimized for areas like bedrooms, offices, or small living rooms. In hot weather, avoid using it in large, open areas where the cooling effect may dissipate too quickly. Using it in a confined space, such as a small room or office, will help create a more comfortable and consistent cooling environment.
    5. Utilize the Fan and Humidifier Features
    Along with cooling, the Polar Cooling AC also serves as a humidifier and fan. Use the fan function to circulate cool air more effectively across the room, especially in rooms with poor airflow. Additionally, when the air feels dry due to high heat, the humidifier feature can add moisture back into the air, making the cooling effect more comfortable. Proper use of all functions will help maximize the unit’s efficiency.
    6. Close Doors and Windows
    During the hottest part of the day, it’s important to keep doors and windows closed to trap cool air inside. This prevents hot air from entering the room and ensures that your Polar Cooling AC can maintain a lower, more consistent temperature.
    By following these simple tips, you’ll get the most out of your Polar Cooling Portable AC, staying comfortable even during the hottest days of summer while maximizing energy efficiency.
    Stay Comfortable in Any Room – Click Here to Buy Your Polar Cooling AC!

    How to Use Polar Cooling for Sleep Comfort

    Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, and Polar Cooling Portable AC can be a game-changer in creating the ideal sleep environment, especially during warm summer nights. Here’s how to use it effectively for better sleep comfort.
    First, position the Polar Cooling Portable AC in your bedroom, preferably near your bed but not directly facing you. This will ensure that the cool air circulates throughout the room, providing an even temperature without making the airflow too intense. It’s important to adjust the fan speed to a comfortable level—setting it on low or medium works best for creating a gentle, consistent breeze that won’t disturb your rest.
    Next, make sure the water tank is filled and fresh. The evaporative cooling system relies on water to work effectively, so keep it filled to ensure continuous cooling. If you prefer a more humid environment, use the humidifier feature to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent dryness that might disrupt your sleep.
    The quiet operation of the Polar Cooling unit is a huge benefit when using it for sleep. Unlike larger air conditioning units, which can be noisy, this portable AC runs silently, ensuring that you won’t be disturbed by any loud, distracting sounds while trying to fall asleep.
    Finally, make sure the room is sealed by closing windows and doors to retain cool air. By using the Polar Cooling Portable AC correctly, you can maintain a comfortable, cool temperature throughout the night, promoting a restful and refreshing sleep experience.
    Summer Heat Doesn’t Stand a Chance – Get Polar Cooling Now!

    Pricing & Refund Policy

    Pricing Overview
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC is competitively priced to offer an affordable solution for personal cooling needs. As of now, the standard retail price is $89.99, with an exclusive 50% discount available through the promo code CHILL25.
    For those interested in multiple units, bundle deals are available:

    • 1 Unit: $89.99 
    • 2 Units: $84.99/unit
    • 3 Units: $79.99/unit

    Each purchase includes one Polar Cooling unit and one charging system, providing a comprehensive solution for personal cooling needs.

    Refund Policy
    Customer satisfaction is a priority, and the Polar Cooling Portable AC comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. To qualify for a full refund:

    • The product must be returned in its original, unopened condition.
    • The return must be initiated within 90 days of the original purchase date.
    • Original shipping fees are non-refundable.
    • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

    Please note that opened or used units are not eligible for a refund. For returns, contact customer service at 1-888-851-9719 to initiate the process and receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
    Disclaimer on pricing: Prices vary by package and seasonal promotions. Always refer to the official website for up-to-date pricing, as it is subject to change at any time.
    Experience Instant Relief – Shop Polar Cooling Portable AC and Save Big!

    Customer Reviews and Feedback

    James T., New York, NY

    “I live in a small apartment in New York City, and the summer heat can get unbearable. I decided to give the Polar Cooling Portable AC a try, and I am absolutely amazed by its performance! It cools down my room within minutes, and the fact that it’s so easy to carry around makes it perfect for my mobile lifestyle. Highly recommend for anyone living in small spaces!”

    Sarah M., Los Angeles, CA

    “I’ve been using the Polar Cooling Portable AC in my office for the past month, and it’s been a game changer. The cooling effect is fantastic, and I love that I can move it from my office to the living room with ease. It’s super quiet and doesn’t disrupt my work. Plus, it’s energy-efficient, which is a huge plus in California’s hot weather. Definitely worth the investment!”

    Michael R., Chicago, IL

    “As someone who travels frequently for work, I needed a portable cooling solution for hotel rooms, and this unit is perfect. The Polar Cooling Portable AC is small enough to fit in my suitcase, but powerful enough to cool down any room. It’s been a lifesaver on several trips already. Great performance and very easy to use!”

    Emily K., Miami, FL

    “Living in Miami means dealing with intense heat and humidity. The Polar Cooling Portable AC has been my savior this summer. It cools my bedroom perfectly and helps me sleep comfortably at night. It’s so easy to set up, and I love that it doesn’t take up much space. This is a must-have for anyone dealing with hot weather in small spaces.”

    David H., Dallas, TX

    “I purchased the Polar Cooling Portable AC for my home office, and I couldn’t be happier. Texas summers are brutal, and this portable unit cools my entire office without using too much energy. I love how compact and quiet it is, and it has made working from home much more enjoyable. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve made this year.”

    Comparison with Competitors

    When compared to other popular portable AC units, the Polar Cooling Portable AC offers:

    • Better Portability: Unlike many other brands, the Polar Cooling AC is designed for maximum portability without sacrificing performance.
    • Eco-Friendliness: With its low energy consumption and eco-friendly design, it stands out in the market for users looking for sustainable solutions.
    • Multi-functionality: While many portable ACs focus solely on cooling, the Polar Cooling model also works as a humidifier and air purifier, offering a more comprehensive solution.

    Cool Your Space Anytime, Anywhere – Buy Polar Cooling Portable AC Today!

    Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Compact and portable
    • Multi-functional (cooling, humidifying, purifying)
    • Energy-efficient, eco-friendly design
    • Affordable compared to traditional AC units

    Cons:

    • Limited cooling capacity for larger rooms
    • Requires periodic refilling of water tank

    Who Should Consider Purchasing?

    The Polar Cooling Portable AC is perfect for:

    • Office workers who need a personal cooling solution.
    • Students in dorm rooms or apartments looking for a compact AC.
    • Travelers who want a portable and rechargeable option for hotel rooms or outdoor settings.

    FAQs

    Here are some of the most common questions about the Polar Cooling Portable AC:
    Q1: How long does the battery last?
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC provides up to 8 hours of continuous use on a full charge, depending on the cooling level and usage environment. It’s perfect for all-day cooling in small spaces.
    Q2: Can it be used while charging?
    Yes, you can use the Polar Cooling Portable AC while it’s charging, which makes it very convenient if you don’t want to rely on battery life.
    Q3: Is it suitable for humid environments?
    Yes, the Polar Cooling unit is designed to function well in moderately humid environments. It also doubles as a humidifier, which can be beneficial for maintaining a comfortable atmosphere in drier areas.
    Q4: What maintenance is required?
    To maintain the Polar Cooling Portable AC, simply clean the water tank regularly to prevent buildup. You’ll also need to replace the cooling filter as recommended by the manufacturer, ensuring optimal performance.
    Q5: Does it come with a warranty?
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC comes with a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal usage conditions.
    Get Yours Before It Sells Out – Polar Cooling Portable AC Won’t Last Long!

    Why Choose Polar Cooling Portable AC Over Traditional AC Units?

    • Portability vs. Fixed AC Units: Compare the benefits of a portable unit like the Polar Cooling AC versus traditional wall-mounted or window units.
    • Installation Ease: Discuss the convenience of using a portable AC that doesn’t require installation compared to complex traditional systems.
    • Space Efficiency: Explain how the Polar Cooling unit saves space, especially in apartments and smaller living areas.

    How Effective Is the Polar Cooling Portable AC for Various Environments?

    • Indoor Use: Evaluate its performance in different indoor environments like bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.
    • Outdoor Use: Discuss how effective it is for outdoor activities such as camping, picnics, or poolside relaxation.
    • Travel-Friendly: Explore its suitability for travel in RVs, hotel rooms, or even outdoor adventures.

    Understanding Evaporative Cooling: What You Need to Know

    • How Evaporative Cooling Works: A deeper dive into the science behind evaporative cooling and why it’s effective in certain climates.
    • Environmental Considerations: Discuss how the Polar Cooling Portable AC can be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods.
    • Humidity Impact: Explain how the device works best in areas with low to moderate humidity and the science behind it.

    Beat the Heat NOW – Polar Cooling AC is Flying Off the Shelves

    Polar Cooling in Different Climates: Works Best in Hot or Dry Environments?

    The Polar Cooling Portable AC is a versatile cooling solution, but its performance is highly influenced by the climate in which it’s used. Understanding how the unit works in different climates is key to maximizing its effectiveness.
    The Polar Cooling Portable AC uses evaporative cooling technology, which works by drawing warm air through a water-soaked filter. As the water evaporates, it cools the air and blows it into your space. This process is most effective in dry climates with low humidity. In areas like the desert or arid regions, the air can absorb more moisture, allowing the unit to cool the air more efficiently.
    In contrast, in humid environments, such as coastal areas or places with high rainfall, the air is already saturated with moisture, which limits the effectiveness of evaporative cooling. In these areas, the Polar Cooling unit may still provide some relief, but it won’t cool the air as efficiently as it would in a dry climate. The high moisture content in the air reduces the evaporation rate, making the cooling effect less pronounced.
    However, in hot but dry climates, the Polar Cooling Portable AC excels, offering excellent performance and cooling efficiency. For homeowners in these regions, the Polar Cooling unit is an ideal choice to combat the heat without the energy consumption of traditional air conditioning systems.
    Act Fast – Polar Cooling AC Is Almost Gone! Order Now!

    Common Issues and How to Fix Them

    • Water Tank Leaks: Solutions for potential water tank leakage issues, along with troubleshooting tips.
    • Cooling Performance Drops: Tips on how to maintain consistent cooling performance by cleaning filters and refilling water.
    • Battery Life Issues: How to extend battery life and what to do if the unit isn’t holding a charge.

    Polar Cooling Portable AC for Healthier Air Quality

    • Air Purification Features: Discuss the additional benefit of air purification that comes with this unit.
    • Allergy Relief: How the Polar Cooling AC can help reduce allergens like dust and pollen.
    • Humidity Control: Explain how the built-in humidifier feature benefits respiratory health and comfort.

    How to Maximize the Life of Your Polar Cooling Portable AC

    • Maintenance Tips: Provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean the unit, replace filters, and keep it running efficiently.
    • Storage Tips: Best practices for storing the device during the off-season to extend its life.
    • Troubleshooting: Basic troubleshooting for common issues like low airflow or insufficient cooling.

    Is Polar Cooling Suitable for Larger Spaces?

    • Effective Cooling Range: Discuss the size of the space the Polar Cooling AC can effectively cool and whether it’s suited for larger rooms.
    • Considerations for Large Homes: Offer alternative solutions for people living in larger homes who may need additional cooling units or supplementary devices.

    Hurry! Limited Stock – Don’t Miss Out on Polar Cooling for Instant Relief!

    Polar Cooling Portable AC: A Must-Have for Students and College Dorms

    • Portable & Convenient: Why this product is a perfect choice for college students living in dorms or apartments without central AC.
    • Space-Saving: How it helps students save space in small living conditions.
    • Energy Efficiency for Students: How this portable AC can keep electricity costs down, ideal for a student budget.

    Polar Cooling Portable AC for Small Business Owners

    As a small business owner, maintaining a comfortable environment for both employees and customers is crucial for productivity and satisfaction. The Polar Cooling Portable AC offers an affordable, energy-efficient solution for cooling small business spaces, making it an ideal choice for a range of business environments, from home offices to retail shops.
    One of the key benefits of the Polar Cooling Portable AC for small business owners is its portability. Unlike traditional air conditioning units that require permanent installation and significant space, this compact and lightweight unit can be easily moved from room to room. Whether you need to cool an office, a reception area, or a small retail space, the Polar Cooling AC can adapt to your needs, providing localized cooling exactly where it’s needed most.
    Additionally, the energy efficiency of the Polar Cooling Portable AC is a major advantage for small businesses looking to cut down on operational costs. Traditional air conditioning units can consume a significant amount of energy, especially during the summer months. However, the Polar Cooling AC uses USB power and operates at a fraction of the cost, helping you save money on your electricity bills while still ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for both staff and customers.
    The quiet operation of the Polar Cooling unit is another benefit for business environments. Unlike some larger air conditioners that can produce disruptive noise, this portable AC operates at a low noise level, making it ideal for customer-facing businesses or office environments where noise can be distracting.
    In conclusion, the Polar Cooling Portable AC offers small business owners an efficient, cost-effective, and portable way to keep their spaces cool and comfortable, ensuring a productive environment without the added hassle of traditional AC systems.
    This Offer Won’t Last – Buy Polar Cooling Portable AC Now Before It’s Gone!

    How Polar Cooling Compares to Other Personal Cooling Devices

    • Fans vs. Portable AC: Why the Polar Cooling unit is a better choice than traditional fans, and how it provides more effective cooling.
    • Personal Coolers: Compare this unit with other small-scale cooling products like misting fans or portable fans.
    • Swamp Coolers: A side-by-side comparison of swamp coolers and the Polar Cooling unit in terms of effectiveness and convenience.

    Polar Cooling Portable AC for Offices and Workspaces

    • Enhanced Productivity: Discuss how a cool workspace can improve focus and productivity.
    • Quiet Operation: The advantage of using the Polar Cooling AC in an office without disruptive noise.
    • Easy Portability Between Offices: How employees can easily move the AC from one office space to another.

    Why Polar Cooling is the Ultimate Summer Investment for Homeowners

    As summer temperatures rise, homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to stay cool without breaking the bank on expensive air conditioning units. The Polar Cooling Portable AC is the ultimate summer investment for homeowners seeking an affordable, efficient, and convenient cooling solution.
    First, the portability of the Polar Cooling unit makes it an ideal choice for homeowners. Unlike traditional air conditioners that require complex installations and are fixed in one spot, the Polar Cooling AC is compact and lightweight. You can move it from room to room or even take it with you when traveling, ensuring that you stay comfortable no matter where you are.
    The energy efficiency of the Polar Cooling Portable AC is another reason it’s a smart investment. Traditional air conditioners can lead to high electricity bills, especially during the peak summer months. In contrast, the Polar Cooling AC uses minimal power, helping homeowners save money while still providing effective cooling.
    Moreover, with features like humidification and air purification, it doesn’t just cool your space—it improves air quality and provides added comfort during hot, dry weather.
    In conclusion, the Polar Cooling Portable AC is a cost-effective, versatile, and efficient way for homeowners to stay cool this summer, making it a must-have investment for beating the heat.
    The Ultimate Cooling Solution is Here – Get Your Polar Cooling Portable AC Now!

    Customer Support and Warranty Information

    • Customer Service: Overview of the support available for Polar Cooling users, including troubleshooting and replacement parts.
    • Warranty Coverage: Clarify the details of the product’s warranty and what it covers.
    • How to Contact Support: Provide information on how to reach Polar Cooling’s customer service for issues related to the product.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, the Polar Cooling Portable AC stands out in the crowded market of portable cooling devices. Its unique combination of cooling, humidifying, and purifying functions makes it an excellent option for anyone who needs personal cooling in a small, convenient package. Whether you’re working at your desk, relaxing at home, or traveling, this portable AC offers exceptional value for its price.
    Its energy efficiency, compact size, and user-friendly features position it as one of the best portable cooling options of 2025. While it may not cool large rooms like traditional air conditioning systems, it excels in small spaces and delivers impressive results where it matters most.
    If you’re in the market for a portable, energy-efficient AC, the Polar Cooling Portable AC is certainly worth considering. With real user feedback and its multi-functional capabilities, it’s a smart investment for those who value comfort and convenience.

    Company: Polar Cooling
    Address: 6413 Bandini Blvd, Commerce, CA 90040, USA
    Email: cs@getultimateac.com
    Order Phone Support: 1-888-817-9080 (7AM – 5PM PST)

    Disclaimer Legal Disclaimer
    The information presented in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and completeness, no content herein should be interpreted as a substitute for professional advice, product instructions, or manufacturer guidance. Product performance may vary depending on usage, environmental conditions, or maintenance habits. The Polar Cooling Portable AC is intended solely for non-medical, personal comfort use and is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Readers with specific health concerns should consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any evaporative or air-modifying device.
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  • MIL-OSI Video: International Day of Peacekeepers, Middle East & other topics- Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    International Day Of UN Peacekeepers
    Middle East
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Unrwa
    Yemen
    Sudan
    Haiti
    Ukraine
    Global Climate Predictions
    Global Employment Growth

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS
    Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, who be the guest on Thursday to brief reporters on the International Day of Peacekeepers.
    As part of that at 2:45pm tomorrow, the Secretary-General will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 United Nations peacekeepers who have given their lives in the line of duty since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council, during which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the flag of the United Nations last year.
    At 3 p.m., the Secretary-General will present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year. That is Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and he will also present an award to the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year, and that is Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.
    Both serve with the peacekeeping mission in Abyei.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Sigrid Kaag, the acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the Security Council this morning, telling Council members that the two-State solution is on life support and reviving it requires decisive action.
    She said the upcoming high-level international conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, must not be another rhetorical exercise and instead must launch a concrete path towards ending the occupation and realizing the two-State solution based on international law, UN resolutions and previous agreements.
    Ms. Kaag warned that the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. As the Secretary-General has said, families are being starved and denied the very basics.
    She added that while Gaza rightly captures the world’s attention, the West Bank is on a dangerous trajectory. Developments are best described as accelerating de facto annexation through settlement expansion, through land seizures, and through settler violence. If not reversed, Ms. Kaag said, these will make the two-State solution physically impossible.
    Ms. Kaag will also be speaking to you after the Council session has ended. We are advised that there will likely not be closed consultations afterwards and we will let you know when she is there.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpI-lzCyvrQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman”>Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
    On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.  

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam
    On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam and her husband, and hosted a luncheon for the delegation at noon. In remarks, President Lai noted that this is the governor’s first trip to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. The president said that Guam, being the closest United States territory to Taiwan, is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. He stated that aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas to further advance industrial development for both sides. He said that, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working together to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Governor Leon Guerrero and her delegation. Last year, I transited through Guam en route for visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. The enthusiastic reception I received from the government, legislature, people, and members of our overseas community in Guam was very touching and left me with a deep impression. During the morning tea reception hosted by Governor Leon Guerrero, we joined in singing our respective national anthems, as well as the Fanohge CHamoru. I also received at the Guam Legislature a copy of a Taiwan-friendly resolution it passed on behalf of the people of Taiwan. And I still remember to this day the striking scenery of the governor’s house and the warm reception I received there. It is therefore a great pleasure to meet with all of you today here at the Presidential Office. This is Governor Leon Guerrero’s first trip to Taiwan. Your visit fully demonstrates the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. As we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working with you to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Taiwan and Guam are like family. We share the Austronesian spirit and culture. Our wide-ranging and mutually-beneficial collaboration is very fruitful. And now, we are facing the challenges of climate change, public health and medicine, and regional security together. The world is rapidly changing and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise. But if we combine our strengths, come together as one, and enhance cooperation, we can maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Last Tuesday, I delivered an address on my first anniversary of taking office. I mentioned that for many years, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. Guam is the closest US territory to Taiwan. It is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. Last month, we were pleased to see United Airlines officially launch direct flights between Taipei and Guam. I believe this will benefit tourism and economic and trade exchanges for both sides. In the area of health care, many hospitals in Taiwan already offer referral services to patients from Guam. Both Governor Leon Guerrero and I have backgrounds in medicine. It is my hope that Taiwan and Guam can continue to work hand in hand to create even more positive outcomes from cooperation in public health and medical services. During the governor’s visit, aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas. There is potential for more exchanges in aquaculture, food processing, hydroculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and recycling. This will further advance industrial development in Taiwan and Guam. In closing, I thank Governor Leon Guerrero and all our distinguished guests for backing Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit.  Governor Leon Guerrero then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to come to Taiwan. She said that after learning during President Lai’s visit to Guam last year that he is a medical doctor, she felt more relaxed because healthcare colleagues are one in their endeavor to help enhance the health and well-being of people. She then expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to Taiwan.  Governor Leon Guerrero said that as they learn more about opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan, they are humbled by the hospitality they have experienced. In both of our islands, she said, hospitality is more than just a custom – it forms a part of our identities. She noted that despite being nearly 2,000 miles apart, we are connected by the Pacific Ocean and common roots, and our ancestors both value family, community, and tradition. That is why being here today, she said, she feels a strong sense of familiarity, like reconnecting with old friends. The governor remarked that Taiwan has evolved so quickly in all areas of essential life, sustenance, economy, and prosperity, adding that Taiwan’s resources in such areas as health, education, data, AI, advanced technology, aquaculture, agriculture, and commerce enhance our economic stability. She stated her belief that in collaboration and support, and working with each other, we can gain prosperity, maintain freedom and democracy, and live in peace.  Governor Leon Guerrero stated that their delegation is here to see how they can partner with Taiwan to help raise the quality of life for both our peoples, mentioning that one special concern of theirs is tourism. Tourism, she said, is the most influential engine and driver for the economy and quality of life in Guam, but they cannot have a vibrant economy and tourism without air connectivity. She added that they are prepared to help in any way to provide incentives and low-cost fees so that they can get more airlines from Taiwan to establish permanent flight schedules to Guam, so as to drive development in Guam’s tourism industry. Governor Leon Guerrero then proceeded to introduce each of the members of her delegation before remarking that while they have been very busy on this visit they are always reminded of the freedom and democracy that the people must protect. She said she looks forward to a great, strong relationship between Taiwan and Guam in cooperation on social and economic issues, in culture, marketing, tourism, and freedom and democracy. Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Junior Calvo, Director of the Department of Administration Edward Birn, General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau Regine Biscoe Lee, Deputy Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Board of Directors Chairman of the Guam International Airport Authority Brian J. Bamba, Deputy General Manager of the Guam Economic Development Authority Carlos Bordallo, Director of Landscape Management Systems Guam Bob Salas, Chairperson of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh, President of the University of Guam Anita Borja Enriquez, and Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen (嚴樹芬). After the meeting, President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a luncheon for Governor Leon Guerrero, her husband, and the delegation.

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament
    On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the European Parliament. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voice support for Taiwan. The president expressed hope for an even closer relationship and diversified cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union. The president said that Taiwan and the EU can work together in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy to create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and contribute to global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our guests to the Presidential Office. After being elected last year, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren are making their first visits to Taiwan, demonstrating support for Taiwan through concrete action. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome and appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just last month, the European Parliament adopted resolutions with regard to annual reports on the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. These resolutions reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament also condemned China for continuing to take provocative military actions against Taiwan and emphasized that Taiwan is a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. It called on the EU and its member states to continue working closely with Taiwan to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties. Once again, I thank the European Parliament for voicing support for Taiwan. Just as MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren are visiting Taiwan to strengthen Taiwan-EU exchanges, our Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) also led a delegation to Europe last year, marking the first in-person dialogue between high-ranking economic and trade officials of Taiwan and the EU. Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing Taiwan-EU ties even closer and to diversifying our cooperation. The EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. Both sides are highly complementary in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Through our joint efforts, we can create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and further contribute to global prosperity and development. Looking ahead, I hope that MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren will continue to make the case in the European Parliament for the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic partnership agreement. This would not only yield mutually beneficial development, but also consolidate economic security and boost international competitiveness for both sides. In closing, I am sure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. Please feel welcome to come back as often as possible as we continue to elevate Taiwan-EU ties.  MEP Pozņaks then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to be here and thanking everybody involved in arranging this trip that allows them the opportunity to better know Taiwan. He added that it is definitely not the last time they will be here, as Taiwan is a very beautiful country. MEP Pozņaks mentioned that he comes from Latvia, and despite their being on the other side of the world, they know how the Taiwanese people feel, because they also have a big neighbor who is claiming that Latvia belongs to them. Unfortunately, he said, there is already war in Europe, but he is confident that their situation is similar to Taiwan’s, adding that they have a neighbor who uses disinformation attacks. MEP Pozņaks said that we live in very challenging times, and that our choices will define the future of the world, asking whether it will be a world where the rule of law prevails or where physical power and aggression succeeds. Coming from a small country, he said he clearly understands that for them there is no other possibility; they must protect the world where the rule of law prevails. That is why now, he emphasized, it is very crucial for all democracies around the world to stick together to protect our freedoms, values, and democracy. MEP Timgren then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for meeting with them and saying it is a big honor. Noting that they arrived here two days ago and that while she really loves Taiwan, its food, and the good weather, she stated that the reason they are here is because of the values that we share, our good relationships, and solidarity with other democratic countries in the world, which is important for them in Europe and in Sweden. MEP Timgren, referring to MEP Pozņaks’s earlier remarks, said that they face a big threat from Russia that is discernible even in the European Parliament. Actually, she pointed out, there is a war inside Europe that shows us how important it is that we support one another. She said that the Russian people thought it would be easy to take over Ukraine, but it was not, because all European countries stepped up and provided weapons and support. And that is why, MEP Timgren said, it is important that democratic countries maintain good relationships and let China and Russia see that we have good relationships, because a part of defense is solidarity. In closing, she expressed her gratitude for having the honor to be here in this beautiful country.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
    On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together.  Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau hold bilateral talks and witness signing of cooperation agreements  
    On the afternoon of May 20, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Whipps at the Presidential Office. The two leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation. In remarks, President Lai thanked Palau for standing firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region. He added that he looks forward to the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Palau continuing to expand into even broader areas, allowing our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome our guests to Taiwan once again. Last year on May 20, President Whipps led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Hsiao. I am delighted, on the anniversary of my first year in office, to meet with old friends of Taiwan again, as President Whipps returns for this visit. Taiwan-Palau relations have grown even closer in recent years thanks to the strong support of President Whipps. In 2022, during my term as vice president, I led a delegation to Palau as a demonstration of how our nations were together boosting tourism development as we jointly faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time I visit Palau, and every time I meet with President Whipps, I feel very deeply that Taiwan and Palau are like family. We are both maritime nations and share a common Austronesian heritage and culture. We are also staunch partners in upholding such values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Last December, when I went on my first overseas trip since taking office, one of the nations I visited was Palau. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring our friendly ties. Taiwan and Palau enjoy close exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including climate change, education, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, sports, and culture. After this meeting, President Whipps and I will witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, demonstrating once again our diverse collaboration and strong friendship. I believe that by working together, Taiwan and Palau can contribute to each other’s development and overcome the regional and global challenges we currently face. In particular, as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region, Palau has wisely and courageously upheld democratic values and stood firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan, including at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, and the UN Ocean Conference. We have been deeply moved by this support. I thank President Whipps again for his high regard and support for Taiwan. I look forward to the cooperative ties between our nations continuing to expand into even broader areas. This will allow our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for him to be here, standing in this historic place – a symbol of strength, resilience, and the democratic spirit of the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government of Palau, President Whipps extended heartfelt gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality toward him and his delegation. President Whipps then extended sincere thanks for President Lai’s visit to Palau in December – his second visit to Palau – and for having Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attend his inauguration as a special envoy. He added that this also marks his third visit to Taiwan since President Lai took office, saying that this demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship. President Whipps indicated that the increased engagements and numerous entrepreneurs that President Lai has brought from Taiwan to Palau have resulted in fruitful visits, and that President Lai’s leadership represents hope, unity, and continued advancement of democracy and freedom, not only for Taiwan, but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps went on to say that this visit to Taiwan reaffirms our deep friendship and shared values between our two nations. He emphasized that Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose, in that both are island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures. President Whipps stated that although we are celebrating 26 years of diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner of Palau for decades, and that one of the MOUs they are signing further extends the relationship that began in December of 1984. From healthcare and medical missions, to education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, the private sector, tourism development, and climate resilience, he said, our cooperation has improved lives and strengthened our communities. The president also indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan stood with Palau, noting that both sides began the tourism bubble, and that President Lai came to Palau to reopen the two weekly direct flights that have now been increased to four. That solidarity will never be forgotten, he said. As the world faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges from climate change to global tensions, President Whipps said, this friendship becomes even more vital. The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that both nations continue to stand together, work together, and advocate together for peace, prosperity, and for the right of small nations to be seen, heard, and respected. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Whipps witnessed the signing of the technical cooperation agreement and the agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation by Minister Lin and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro. The delegation also included Palauan Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Italy: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 29, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Lone Christiansen and comprising Thomas Elkjaer, Gee Hee Hong, Yueling Huang, Alain Kabundi, and Sylwia Nowak, conducted discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Italy during May 14–28. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    • Outlook: The growth outlook remains highly uncertain amid ongoing global trade tensions. Persistently low productivity growth and demographic headwinds weigh on longer-term economic prospects.
    • Fiscal policy: A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024 enabled a return to a primary surplus. Continuing the strong performance will be essential to place public debt on a downward trajectory.
    • Financial sector policy: The banking sector remains well-capitalized and liquid. Continuing to monitor asset quality and macro-financial linkages between the sovereign and financial institutions remains important to safeguard financial stability.
    • Structural policies: Medium-term challenges that are weighing on growth have become today’s pressing issues. A swift and effective implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan will be key to support higher, lasting growth and should be complemented by a successor reform program to amplify the gains.

     

    Recent economic developments, outlook, and risks

    The Italian economy has continued to expand at a moderate pace. For the second consecutive year, economic activity grew by 0.7 percent in 2024, supported in part by infrastructure investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and a positive contribution from net exports. The current account strengthened to a surplus of above 1 percent of GDP. Despite heightened global trade policy uncertainty, economic activity held up well in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP growing by 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter and employment reaching a record high. Credit to households has turned positive, and the contraction in credit to corporates has eased. Headline inflation gradually strengthened, reaching 2 percent in April. Nonetheless, the female labor force participation rate remains well below the EU average, productivity growth is weak, and regional disparities endure, with labor inactivity rates significantly higher in the South than in the North.

    Heightened uncertainty has dampened the near-term economic outlook, while subdued productivity growth and rapid population aging are expected to continue weighing on growth prospects. Timely and effective implementation of NRRP projects is expected to support near-term economic activity, while trade tensions are likely to provide a notable drag. Consequently, the April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) projected growth to moderate to 0.4 percent in 2025 before temporarily picking up to 0.8 percent next year, amid the peak in NRRP-related investments and positive trade spillovers from higher investment in Germany. Headline inflation is expected to average 1.7 percent this year, on lower energy prices and moderate wage growth, before converging to the ECB’s 2 percent target in 2026. Over the medium term, weak productivity growth and adverse demographics are projected to continue weighing on the outlook, keeping growth at around 0.7 percent.

    The outlook is subject to substantial uncertainty and risks. On the upside, the stronger-than-expected preliminary outturn for the first quarter presents mild upside risks to the April 2025 WEO forecast. A faster-than-expected acceleration in global growth, stronger productivity gains from public investments and reforms, and deeper EU integration could further support investment, exports, and productivity. However, downside risks remain significant, including from escalating trade tensions, an intensification of regional conflicts, and a further tightening of global financial conditions. Climate-related shocks, including extreme weather events, could also dampen growth and further constrain fiscal space. As digitalization advances, cyberthreats could become more pervasive and disruptive, particularly for the financial system. Delayed or inefficient NRRP implementation could undermine growth.

    Fiscal policy: Leaning into continued strong performance

    Maintaining strong fiscal discipline along with growth-enhancing reforms is critical to reduce the public debt ratio and will help reinforce resilience. A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024, owing to continued improvements in tax compliance and a strong labor market, is welcome. Overall, the headline deficit was halved, the primary balance turned to a surplus, and the authorities envision further gradual deficit reduction. Staff recommends continuing the strong performance and reaching a primary surplus of 3 percent of GDP by 2027 to decisively reduce the debt ratio and help contain related vulnerabilities. Achieving this goal would require additional near-term efforts compared to what is already built into the authorities’ fiscal plans. However, the recommended cumulative adjustment path would entail a smaller effort over the medium term than a more gradual one in view of the projected worsening in the interest rate-growth differential and of spending pressures stemming from population aging. Along with such efforts, growth-enhancing reforms would help strengthen debt reduction and, over time, could reduce the needed adjustment.

    Several measures could be considered. Building on the progress made, reform efforts on tax evasion and tax compliance should continue. Rationalizing tax expenditures would help broaden the taxbase, bolster revenue, and reduce complexity. Eliminating the preferential flat-rate for income on self-employment would address equity concerns and prevent revenue loss. Given the robust labor market and high corporate profits, hiring subsidies should be replaced with productivity-boosting measures. Updating property values in the cadastre would increase revenue and could ensure more equitable tax treatment. These measures, by addressing distortions, are expected to have limited adverse effect on economic activity.

    In the event of new spending pressures or macroeconomic shocks, debt-reducing efforts should continue. Given the limited fiscal space, any new spending measures, including for defense, should be fully compensated by further savings elsewhere. Fiscal consolidation efforts combined with growth-enhancing reforms would need to continue even in the event of all-but-the-most-severe adverse macroeconomic shocks, rendering automatic stabilizers the primary counter-cyclical response. Resources from EU funds should be safeguarded for productivity-enhancing investments.

    Beyond the near term, it will be important to contain latent spending pressures. Pension-related spending pressures could be contained by avoiding costly early retirement schemes. At the same time, raising the effective retirement age would help boost labor supply. There is also scope to enhance transparency and monitoring of the net expenditure path within the Medium-Term Fiscal-Structural Plan (MTFSP), while maintaining comprehensive reporting of key fiscal indicators. Although the stock of public guarantees is gradually declining, it remains sizable, calling for continued prudent management, centralized monitoring, and adequate provisioning. In addition, publicly guaranteed loans should not substitute for on-budget spending, as such measures undermine budgetary discipline and distort resource allocation.

    Financial sector policy: Protecting financial sector resilience

    Continued vigilance will be important to safeguard financial sector soundness. Strong profitability, sound asset quality, and adequate liquidity and capital positions have helped strengthen the banking sector. In this respect, amid a still-negative credit gap, maintaining the current neutral countercyclical capital buffer remains appropriate, as does the continued implementation of the systemic risk buffer at 1 percent. In addition, maintaining close monitoring of loan quality is warranted, particularly given the uncertain outlook and risks to firms exposed to the potential impact of trade tensions. Regarding non-bank financial institutions, the rebound in life insurance premium income has helped mitigate risks in the life sector. While financial sector exposures to the domestic sovereign have declined from previous highs, they remain sizable and, hence, pose a vulnerability that requires continued monitoring.

    Continuing to address weaknesses among some less significant institutions (LSIs) remains a priority. Within the overall soundness of the banking sector, vulnerabilities exist among some LSIs. Further enhancing oversight—through targeted inspections, in-depth reviews of credit risk management practices and governance, and continued monitoring of nonperforming loans—would help address these risks. In this regard, the ongoing inspection program by the Bank of Italy to ensure compliance with IT security standards is welcome, and LSIs should continue to integrate cyber risks into their governance and risk management frameworks. Timely escalation of corrective measures for weak banks would support further improvements in capital adequacy and operational efficiency.

    Structural policies: Implementing reforms to boost growth

    To tackle persistent productivity challenges and unlock stronger potential growth, comprehensive and sustained reforms are crucial. The authorities’ ongoing efforts to advance their reform and investment agenda through the NRRP are welcome, as are their longer-term commitments under the MTFSP. With the NRRP window rapidly closing, continued efforts to ensure its full and timely delivery will be essential. Looking ahead, leveraging the design and implementation lessons from the NRRP will support successful execution of future reforms and help secure a durable lift to growth. More broadly, reforms should be clearly specified and prioritize strengthening human capital, expanding labor supply, and revitalizing the private sector’s capacity to innovate and adopt frontier technologies. Enhancing the workforce is vital to mitigate the impact of a shrinking working-age population and to meet the growing demand for high-skilled labor. Policies aimed at increasing female labor force participation—such as enhancing access to childcare and removing disincentives like tax credits for dependent spouses—should be further strengthened and would support both economic growth and pension system sustainability.

    Reviving private sector dynamism and innovation requires improved access to finance, especially risk capital, and greater policy predictability. Italian firms have long struggled to scale up and innovate. Eliminating tax incentives that favor small firms and facilitating the exit of unproductive firms, including through the timely implementation of the new insolvency code, would promote more efficient resource allocation and enable high-performing firms to grow. Deepening national capital markets—particularly by broadening access to risk capital—and ensuring a more predictable regulatory environment are crucial to support the investment needed for technological upgrades and the digital transition. At the European level, advancing the single market and making progress towards the savings and investment union will further help firms achieve economies of scale and improve access to capital. Industrial policies should be deployed cautiously, be targeted to specific objectives where externalities or market failures prevent effective market solutions, be coordinated at the EU level, and avoid favoring domestic producers over imports to minimize trade and investment distortions. 

    Accelerating the transition to renewables, adapting to a changing climate, and investing in resilient energy infrastructure are essential to reduce extreme weather impacts and energy import dependence. Climate-related risks and energy security are macro-critical for Italy, given the reliance on agriculture, tourism, and foreign energy supply. The 2024 National Energy and Climate Plan provides a strategic foundation but more ambitious action is needed to meet 2030 climate targets and improve energy security. Strengthening grid infrastructure, expanding storage capacity, and streamlining permitting processes are critical to support renewable integration. Deeper integration into EU electricity markets would enhance resilience, reduce price volatility, and improve the efficiency of renewable energy use.

    ****

    We are grateful to the Italian authorities and our other counterparts for their time, frank and open discussions, and warm hospitality.

    Desideriamo esprimere la nostra gratitudine alle autorità italiane e a tutti gli altri interlocutori per il tempo dedicatoci, per la franchezza e la disponibilità dimostrate nel corso dei colloqui e per la calorosa ospitalità.

     

     

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/28/05282025-mcs-italy-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How the North West Shelf expansion risks further damage to Murujuga’s 50,000-year-old rock art

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Smith, Professor of Archaeology (World Rock Art), School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia

    Yesterday, new environment minister Murray Watt approved an extension for the North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project. The gas plant at Karratha, Western Australia, will run until 2070.

    This expansion – and the pollution it will release – has led to a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites to defer UNESCO’s decision on the world heritage listing of the nearby Murujuga rock art.

    Two of the recommendations prior to renomination of the site are to “ensure the total removal of degrading acidic emissions” and “prevent any further industrial development adjacent to, and within, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape”.

    Murujuga has more than one million petroglyphs, some up to 50,000 years old.

    It has the oldest depictions of the human face in the world and records the lore and traditions of Aboriginal Australians since the first human settlement of this continent. It is strikingly beautiful and is of enormous cultural and spiritual importance to the Traditional Owners.

    Despite the immense significance of the site, a large industrial precinct has been built at its centre.



    Read more:
    Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070

    Concerns about the Murujuga Rock Art report

    On Friday, the Western Australian Government released the long awaited Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program Year 2 report. This report examines the effect of industrial pollution upon one of the world’s most significant rock art sites.

    We have conducted our own independent project into the impact of industrial emissions on Murujuga since 2018. Many of our findings support the details in this report but the government’s report summary and subsequent political commentary downplays the ongoing impacts of acidic emissions from industry on the world unique rock art.

    The most significant findings are the Weathering Chamber results. These subjected all rock types from Murujuga to the air pollutants released by industry. The results showed that all were degraded, even with relatively low doses of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

    The second highly significant finding is that “there is statistically significant evidence of elevated porosity of granophyre rock surfaces”. This is centred on the industrial precinct in Murujuga. The report acknowledges industrial pollution is the most likely cause.

    This degradation and elevated porosity of the rocks puts the survival of the petroglyphs at risk.

    On our research team, Jolam Neumann’s still to be published PhD thesis at the University of Bonn, Germany, considered the impacts of industrial pollution on Murujuga rocks.

    He used actual samples of gabbro and granophyre rock collected from Murujuga and simulated six years of weathering under current pollution conditions. He found elevated porosity in both rock surfaces. He also collected the residue to understand what was eroded from the rock and how.

    He found there was significant degradation of birnessite (manganese) and kaolinite (clay) from the surface. The dark red/brown surface of the rock became porous and started to break down.

    His work confirms industrial emissions are the cause of the elevated porosity in the report. His work shows the seriousness of the porosity: it is symptomatic of a process causing the rapid disintegration of the rock surface.

    Damage is ongoing

    With Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program report showing evidence of damage to the art from pollution, the state government chose to emphasise in their report summary that a defunct power plant from the 1970s and 1980s was likely the culprit.

    The report’s data suggests this power plant produced about 3,600 tonnes of NO₂ per year, and less than 400 tonnes of SO₂ per year. Current industry in the immediate area produces more than 13,000 tonnes of NO₂ per year and more than 6,500 tonnes of SO₂.

    If the old power plant damaged the art then contemporary industrial emissions will be damaging the rock art at least five times faster.

    Neumann also gained access to a piece of rock collected in 1994 by archaeological scientist Robert Bednarik, and stored in his office in Melbourne for the past 30 years.

    The area where this rock came from now has elevated porosity, but the Bendarik rock shows no signs of it. This means the bulk of the industrial damage is likely more recent than 1994 – and is ongoing.

    Losing 50,000 years of culture

    The rock art was formed by engraving into the outer thin red/brown/black surface of the rock, called rock varnish, exposing the blue-grey parent rock beneath.

    This rock varnish was made in a process that involved the actions of specialised microbes called cyanobacteria. They concentrate manganese and iron from the environment to form an outer sheath to protect themselves from the harsh desert environment.

    The rock varnish forms at an incredibly slow rate: 1 to 10 microns in 1,000 years (a human hair is about 100 microns).

    These organisms can only thrive when the rock surface acidity is near neutral (pH 6.5–7). Their manganese sheaths are crucial to the integrity of the rock varnish, it binds it together and holds it to the underlying rock.

    If you lose the manganese you lose the rock varnish and the rock art.

    Neumann found the proportion of manganese in the Bednarik rock sample was 18.4% by weight. In samples collected in the same area in 2021, the manganese content had fallen to 9.6%. The depth of the varnish was reduced, and the varnish layer was full of holes where the manganese had been degraded.

    The damage by industry over the last 26 years was clearly visible.

    Increased porosity is reducing the density of the rock varnish layer and leading to its eventual degradation. There is also an absence of cyanobacteria close to the industrial sites, but not at more distant sites, suggesting industrial emissions are eliminating the varnish-forming microbes.

    Where to next?

    Industrial pollution has degraded the rock art and will continue to do so until the industrial pollution levels at Murujuga are reduced to zero.

    There are two well-recognised ways to eliminate NO₂ emissions. One uses selective catalytic reduction to convert NO₂ to nitrogen and water. The second method is to replace all gas burning heat production processes with electricity.

    The use of such technologies should form part of the conditions to the ministerial approval of the North West Shelf extension.

    Benjamin Smith receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. Neither of these funding bodies provided funding for the research discussed here and the views expressed here may not reflect those of these funding bodies. The research upon which this Conversation piece is based was funded solely by private donations from concerned citizens. We received no funding for this research from either industry or government.

    John Black is retired and receives no government or industry funding. The research upon which this Conversation piece is based was funded solely by private donations from concerned citizens. We received no funding for this research from either industry or government.

    – ref. How the North West Shelf expansion risks further damage to Murujuga’s 50,000-year-old rock art – https://theconversation.com/how-the-north-west-shelf-expansion-risks-further-damage-to-murujugas-50-000-year-old-rock-art-257615

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: UNESCO expresses ‘utmost concern’ at the state of the Great Barrier Reef

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon C. Day, Adjunct Principal Research Fellow, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University

    UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has again raised grave fears for the future of the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting the problems of water pollution, climate change and unsustainable fishing.

    The committee this week released draft decisions regarding the conservation of 62 World Heritage properties. This included the Great Barrier Reef, for which it noted:

    Overall, while progress has been made, significant challenges remain in achieving water quality targets, managing extreme climate impacts, and ensuring the long-term resilience of the property.

    The comments confirm what experts already know too well: despite substantial investments from successive Australian governments, threats to the Great Barrier Reef remain.

    Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and other coral reefs around the world. But water pollution is the most significant local threat. That issue, along with unsustainable fishing, is entirely within Australia’s control.

    The World Heritage Committee will consider the draft decision at its next meeting in Paris in July. It may amend the decision, but the concerns are now on the public record.

    What’s all this about?

    The Great Barrier Reef has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for more than 40 years. The listing recognises outstanding natural and cultural places around the world.

    The reef is jointly managed by the Australian and Queensland governments. UNESCO’s draft decision expressed “utmost concern” at the findings of last year’s outlook report, published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. It noted:

    the overall outlook for the property remains one of continued deterioration due largely to climate change, while the long-term outlook for the ecosystem of the property also remains ‘very poor’.

    Poor water quality persists

    Poor water quality is a major issue on the Great Barrier Reef. It is caused when sediment, nutrients, pesticides and pollution from land-based activities, such as land clearing, farming and coastal development, are carried into the ocean.

    In its draft decision, UNESCO noted with “regrets” that the latest water quality targets for sediment and nitrogen – a key component of fertilisers – were not achieved. UNESCO said the updated water quality plan should ensure targets and actions “are sufficiently ambitious and funded”.

    As the below graph shows, actions from 2009 to now have reduced pollution only by about half the desired amounts. At the existing rate of progress and funding commitments, the targets will not be met until 2047 (for sediment) and 2114 (for dissolved inorganic nitrogen).

    Huge gaps exist between current pollutants levels and the water quality targets. These and some other targets are well out of reach under existing funding levels.

    The draft decision also requests a halt to illegal land clearing while strengthening vegetation laws – both fundamental to reducing water pollution.

    Severe weather events exacerbate the water quality problem. In February this year, for example, floodwaters from ten major rivers merged to form extensive flood plumes along 700 kilometres of coastline from Cairns to Mackay, and up to 100 kilometres offshore.

    Such plumes can remain present for months after a flood. They can smother seagrass and corals, and cause damaging algal growth.

    Queensland’s floods in February discharged large plumes of sediment-laden floodwaters towards the Great Barrier Reef. This Sentinel 2 satellite image shows sediment from the Burdekin River estuary south of Townsville.
    Tropwater, CC BY-NC-ND

    The wicked problem of climate change

    UNESCO’s draft decision noted “the overall outlook for the property remains one of continued deterioration due largely to climate change”.

    Ocean heatwaves can lead to coral bleaching and potentially death. Mass bleaching occurred again this year on the Great Barrier Reef – the sixth such event since 2016.

    UNESCO described as “deeply concerning” preliminary results showing heat stress was the highest on record during the 2023–24 mass bleaching event.

    Climate change is also expected to produce more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, which can damage reefs and island ecosystems.

    UNESCO called on Australia to align its policies with the global goal of “limiting global temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels”, and to take steps to mitigate negative impacts from extreme weather events.

    The challenges of fishing

    Unsustainable fishing practices damage the Great Barrier Reef. UNESCO’s draft decision noted progress in eliminating gillnet fishing, which is on track for the target of 2027.

    The fishing method involves mesh nets which can accidentally kill other wildlife, including threatened species such as dugongs, turtles, dolphins and sawfish.

    But smaller nets can still be used throughout much of the World Heritage area, so some threats to threatened species remain.

    UNESCO also urged Australia to expand electronic monitoring of commercial fishing vessels, and to ensure the targets in its Sustainable Fisheries Strategy are met. It also called for a comprehensive review of coral harvesting, which primarily supplies the global aquarium trade.

    What next?

    Despite the significant resources and management efforts Australia expends on the Great Barrier Reef, serious threats remain.

    The Great Barrier Reef is struggling under the cumulative impacts of a multitude of threats. The problems outlined above are not isolated challenges.

    Both the Queensland and Australian governments could do far more to boost the health of the reef. Clearly, more funding is needed. Without it, the future of the Great Barrier Reef is in jeopardy, and so too its tourism and fishing economies, and thousands of jobs.

    UNESCO has now asked Australia to provide more comprehensive results from the recent mass bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, along with an updated plan to improve water quality. Its draft decision maintains the spotlight on conservation concerns for this precious natural asset.

    Jon Day previously worked for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority between 1986 and 2014, and was one of the Directors at GBRMPA between 1998 and 2014. He also represented Australia as one of the formal delegates to the World Heritage Committee between 2007-2011.

    Scott F. Heron is the co-developer of the Climate Vulnerability Index; he receives funding from Australian Research Council.

    – ref. UNESCO expresses ‘utmost concern’ at the state of the Great Barrier Reef – https://theconversation.com/unesco-expresses-utmost-concern-at-the-state-of-the-great-barrier-reef-257638

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Thu May 29 06:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Thu May 29 06:15:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Liberals, still reeling from their crushing 2025 election defeat and following with brief split in the Coalition, have a new frontbench and their eyes turning to the long road of rebuilding.

    New leader Sussan Ley stresses the importance of the Liberals “meeting people where they are” and the party represents modern Australia.

    But what that will actually look like for the party is still an open question. To talk about this uncertain future we’re joined by the newly-minted Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, Early Learning and Mental Health, Zoe McKenzie.

    McKenzie was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. Her seat encompasses the Mornington Peninsula, mixing urban and rural areas. At the May election she held off a Climate 200-funded teal challenger.

    On the Liberal Party’s commitment to net-zero by 2050 – which is likely to come up for debate this term – McKenzie says she thinks net-zero is “a given”.

    It’s where the markets are heading. It’s our responsibility as a developed economy to contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet. I went to COP-27 a few years back, and you can see that the world’s markets, investment markets, research and development markets have all moved into preparing for a net-zero environment and Australia will be part of that. I do think, though, people are right to say, please don’t take away our manufacturing base.

    I am confident that net zero is here to stay. But you cannot disconnect it from what it says about the energy market, energy security, and the future of Australian industry. We’ve got to keep this as an investment rich country.

    On the party’s issues with the women’s vote, while McKenzie says the Liberals should look at “all options” she still has some concerns with the idea of quota’s,

    I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that we must look at all options. I am fearful for what happens if a woman is selected by the operation of a quota and whether she will feel she has deserved her place there and or whether it will be asserted that she only got there because of a quota.

    Asked if Labor’s introduction of quotas is proof they can work, McKenzie says,

    Labor sacrificed a generation of talented Labor men to get to 50-50.

    That sacrificed generation coincided with our many years of successful leadership of this nation. They are now though, because of that decision and because of the sacrifice that was made, and because of the way they went about it, they are in the enviable position of attracting talented, capable women for election, routinely, for each and every seat.

    The Liberal Party, it tends, by its very nature, to preference people who have been able to devote a significant amount of time, often while in your 20s or 30s, to both party and community events. […] It will favour men. It will favour women who don’t have their own biological children, or it will favour women who can afford high quality in-home help. So we are not getting the breadth of women we need presenting for pre-selection and we are going to have to think out of the box.

    On the rise of the teals, McKenzie’s looks to global examples to explain why two-party systems are changing,

    I’m not sure yet whether teal is here to stay but what I do know is that we have moved well beyond the paradigm when I was a kid, which is when it was a 40-40-20 voting bloc. We all fought over that 20 in the middle. It now looks like the 30-30-40 pattern is here to stay.

    That’s a message for all of us, in fact, to do better. So I should say, though, this is not unique to Australia. The demise of the two-party system can be observed worldwide.

    If you look at the United States, the Republicans and the Democrats remain, but some would say they remain in name only. They have both morphed significantly as political movements. The Labour and Tory parties in the UK have both evolved over time.

    On the Liberal’s lack of appeal to younger Australians McKenzie highlights what went wrong and why the party must do better with those voters,

    We hadn’t explained to them the basics of home ownership, let alone what a tax deduction on your interest payments on your first mortgage might look and feel like. If you’re 18, 19, 20, your first mortgage still feels 10 to 15 years away.

    We didn’t do enough, I think, to talk about their lives, to understand their lives and their aspirations and how Liberal policy was going to make their life easier. We must do a better job of that […] because the average voter now is either Gen Z or a millennial, no longer Gen X, which is my generation, or boomers above.

    Michelle Grattan 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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-zoe-mckenzie-on-everything-that-went-wrong-and-whether-a-gender-quota-could-help-the-liberals-257729

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey Hosts Walking Tour Focused on Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Flood Resiliency Funding for Chelsea and Everett

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Senator Markey joined by local leaders, advocates in Chelsea

    Boston (May 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-chair of the Senate Climate Change Task Force and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today hosted a walking tour and press conference in Chelsea after the Trump administration announced the termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, cancelling over $90 million in climate resilience funding for Massachusetts communities. The canceled funding includes $50 million awarded to the cities of Chelsea and Everett for their Island End River Coastal Flood Resilience Project. The project includes the construction of a storm surge barrier and storm surge control facility, as well as ecological restoration of the marshes in the Mystic River tributary. With cancelled funding, this multi-year effort to protect residents and businesses from flooding is now at risk.

    “To rip away $50 million of federal funding from Chelsea and Everett is an act of climate injustice. The Trump administration’s reckless decision to terminate disaster resiliency funding not only harms communities on the frontline of the climate crisis but also has repercussions far beyond,” said Senator Markey. “This funding isn’t a budget line—it’s a lifeline for our constituents. Cancelling it will directly harm our constituents and our economy. It will cost us as we pay and pay and pay again to clean up and rebuild flood after flood that are only becoming more frequent and more severe. It is penny wise and billions of destruction and damage foolish. For months, the Trump administration has made it clear they do not care about our health, safety, or resiliency, and they do not care about the long-term, long-dreamed visions of our communities to build a future safe from climate change.”

    Senator Markey was joined on the walking tour and at the press conference by Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez; State Senator Sal DiDomenico; State Representative Judith Garcia; Gladys Vega, Executive Director of La Colaborativa; and John Walkey, Director of Climate Justice & Waterfront Initiatives at GreenRoots.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Look after yourself as floodwaters recede

    Source:

    As floodwaters recede in New South Wales, look after yourself – both physically and emotionally. Floods increase the risk of infections, mosquito-borne illnesses, and food and water contamination. Finding medicines can be harder, and the mental health toll, significant. Support is available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newly Declassified FBI Document Proves Fusion GPS Contractor Nellie Ohr Lied to Congress about Contributions to Crossfire Hurricane

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) failed to prosecute Fusion GPS contractor Nellie Ohr for lying to Congress about her role in advancing the FBI and DOJ’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, according to an internal FBI analysis confirming Ohr’s false congressional testimony. 
    The 2019 FBI analysis, obtained by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and declassified at the chairman’s request, provides detailed evidence Ohr lied to Congress during sworn testimony and, as a result, obstructed ongoing congressional investigations, violating federal statutes 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 18 U.S.C § 1505. The document also exposes how the FBI prevented agents from reviewing all relevant information necessary to perform a full analysis of the extent of Ohr’s false testimony and her role in the fake Russia collusion investigation. 
    “By lying to Congress, Nellie Ohr showed contempt for congressional oversight and the American people. What’s more, the FBI and DOJ’s failure to hold Ohr accountable for appearing to commit multiple felonies and its obstructive conduct against agents that sought additional information reveals the agencies’ deeply disturbing political bias. Ohr never suffered consequences for advancing the phony Trump-Russia narrative and attempting to cover up her involvement in the hoax. Yet time and again, the American justice system has been weaponized against President Trump and his associates with reckless abandon,” Grassley said. “The DOJ’s inaction on Nellie Ohr’s criminal referral – despite the obviously incriminating evidence provided in the FBI’s own analysis – undermines public trust in the rule of law. I applaud Director Patel, Attorney General Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Blanche for cooperating with my request to declassify this information, which is in the public’s interest, and chart a new course for transparency and accountability at the FBI and DOJ.”
    Read the unclassified Nellie Ohr analysis HERE. 
    Background:
    Nellie Ohr was employed by the political opposition research firm Fusion GPS between 2015 to 2016 to perform open-source research attempting to connect then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to Russian organized crime. This research was paid for by the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign and Democratic National Committee (DNC). Both organizations ultimately settled with the Federal Election Commission after allegations of campaign finance violations for intentionally misreporting the true purpose of the payments. 
    At the time of Nellie Ohr’s Fusion GPS employment, her husband, Bruce Ohr, was an Associate Deputy Attorney General at DOJ. Both Nellie and Bruce Ohr testified to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in 2018 as part of the committees’ oversight of the FBI’s bogus 2016 Crossfire Hurricane investigation into President Trump’s disproven collusion with Russia. 
    In 2019, then-Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), a member of the House Oversight Committee, filed a criminal referral with DOJ asserting Nellie Ohr knowingly provided false testimony to the House committees.
    Key Findings of the FBI’s 2019 Nellie Ohr Analysis:  
    Nellie Ohr may have been involved in drafting aspects of the Steele Dossier and conspired with her husband, Bruce Ohr, to ensure high-level FBI officials received her work product, while Fusion GPS coordinated with media entities to legitimize the FBI’s opening of its now discredited Trump-Russia investigation. 
    Nellie Ohr may have falsely testified to Congress that she had no knowledge of the DOJ’s Trump-Russia investigation (pg. 13).  
    Nellie Ohr gave a thumb drive containing her Fusion GPS work to her husband, Bruce Ohr, which he then provided to the FBI as part of its ongoing investigation (pg. 14).  
    Nellie Ohr’s email traffic shows she emailed her Russian investigative research directly to Bruce Ohr. Nellie’s research closely mirrored the DOJ and FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation (pgs. 15-16). 
    Bruce Ohr only shared information with the FBI relating to the Trump-Russia investigation after receiving it from his wife, Nellie Ohr (pgs. 15-17). 
    Nellie Ohr and Bruce Ohr met personally with British intelligence officer and Fusion GPS contractor, Christopher Steele, in 2016 (pg. 21). 
    Fusion GPS pitched Nellie Ohr’s research to the Department of State (DOS) for additional investigation, per DOS emails (pg. 23). 
    Nellie Ohr deleted emails with Russia-focused DOJ prosecutors, indicating an effort to conceal her exchanges with DOJ officials involved in the Trump-Russia investigation (pg. 24). 

    Nellie Ohr may have falsely testified to Congress that she was not involved in drafting the Steele Dossier (pgs. 25-28). 
    Nellie Ohr made an analytical error in her own research identical to that in the Steele Dossier (pgs. 29-30). 
    A report deleted from a thumb drive owned by Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson and provided to the FBI via Bruce Ohr contained the same subject matter researched by Nellie Ohr (pg. 31-33). 

    In direct contradiction to her congressional testimony, Nellie Ohr disseminated Fusion GPS research to DOJ prosecutors beyond those identified in her testimony (pg. 33). 
    Nellie Ohr repeatedly sent information to the following DOJ officials: Lisa Holtyn, Ivana Nizich, Joseph Wheatley (pgs. 34-37). 

    In direct contradiction to her congressional testimony, Nellie Ohr took six ham radio classes and an exam during her time as a Fusion GPS employee (pg. 37). Ham radios can facilitate international communication without the use of a cell signal. 
    Nellie Ohr claimed her ham radio training occurred before she was employed by Fusion GPS. However, per records from the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department and Federal Communications Commission, Nellie Ohr’s entire ham radio training occurred between March to May 2016, while working at Fusion GPS. 

    Nellie Ohr may have been involved in the “Alfa dossier,” an additional sham document attempting to connect Trump to Russian crime (pg. 40). 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Calls for Joint Efforts to Combat Climate Change

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    XIAMEN, May 28 (Xinhua) — All nations of the world should join hands to address climate change, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, on Wednesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the call at a press conference after co-chairing the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Kiribati President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau.

    The Chinese diplomat expressed deep regret over the withdrawal of some major countries from the Paris Climate Agreement, stressing that China’s commitment to supporting and playing an active role in global climate governance remains unchanged despite the changing circumstances. Wang Yi added that China will also continue to actively participate in South-South climate cooperation.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China has made significant efforts over the years to help Pacific island countries strengthen their capacity to combat climate change. According to him, China will take the initiative to deepen climate cooperation with these countries and expand cooperation with them in the field of sustainable development.

    China will implement 100 “small but beautiful” climate change projects for Pacific island countries over the next three years, Wang Yi said.

    As a progressive and constructive force in the international community, China will stand firmly by the side of other developing countries and remain a reliable, trustworthy and cordial friend of countries in the Global South, including the Pacific island countries, the Chinese foreign minister stressed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The body as landscape: how post-war Japanese dance and theatre shaped performance in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University

    “Tamaokoshi (たまおこし-) – Evocation” (2013) by Yumi Umiumare. Performers: Umiumare, Felix Ching Ching Ho, Fina
    Po, Helen Smith, Willow Conway, Sevastian Peters-Lazaro, Takashi Takiguchi.     Photo by Vikk Shayen, reproduced courtesy of Umiumare and Shayen.

    Post-war Japan was home to exciting new theatrical forms. These included the often grotesque and contorted, but at times flowing, dance style “butoh”, created by dancer/choreographer Hijikata Tatsumi – and the intensely focused, sometimes militaristic, sometimes dreamy theatre of Suzuki Tadashi.

    Both Hijikata’s and Suzuki’s work attracted followers in Australia, and continue to have influence today. They often exchanged ideas, and several of Hijikata’s former dancers performed in Suzuki’s productions.

    Here’s a brief history of how these two helped bring Japanese performance to Australia – and how local artists made it their own.

    Suzuki’s training method

    Visits by Japanese performing artists to Australia increased during the 1990s, with Melbourne’s Playbox Theatre commissioning Suzuki Tadashi to direct an Australian cast in The Chronicle of Macbeth (1992). But even before he came here, several Australians visited his training institution in the Japanese mountains.

    Suzuki is best known for his training method, in which performers stomp up and down in a line, or swiftly move from one physical position to another.

    Suzuki claims this generates an actor who, even when standing still, is full of suppressed energy like a “Boeing 747, its brakes on and engines full-throttle just before take-off”.

    The performances themselves often have a dreamlike quality, similar to the Japanese noh theatre that inspired Suzuki.

    Tanaka brings butoh to Australia

    The first of Hijikata’s students to reach Australia was Japanese performer Tanaka Min. Tanaka appeared at the 1982 Sydney Biennale, showcasing his dance style of “Body Weather”.

    The Sydney Morning Herald described it as “the relationship between body and place […] improvisation and […] textures” – viewed as a shifting microclimate of impulses moving between the dancer’s body and their surroundings.

    Tanaka claimed Hijikata and his principal dancer Ashikawa Yoko taught him 1,000 embodied states that were prompted or described by poetic images or motifs. He passed these on to several Australian performers through his own training.

    Although similar to Hijikata’s approach, Tanaka’s focus on the body as an interactive landscape was unique to his version of butoh.

    Yumi Umiumare

    Japanese choreographer-director Maro Akaji had the greatest influence on Australian physical performance. His butoh company, Dairakudakan, appeared at the 1992 Melbourne Festival and left behind dancer Yumi Umiumare, who settled in the city. Dairakudakan established some of the key motifs recognisable in early Australian butoh.

    Maro’s Tale of the Sea-Dappled Horse (1991), opens with a group of almost-naked dancers in white makeup performing a grotesque group dance, coming together in a pulsating mass. As author Bruce Baird describes it, “on their hands and knees […] they convulse progressively energetically”.

    Umiumare’s Japanese heritage gives her the most direct link to butoh’s origins. After performing solos, duets and character roles, she developed what she calls “butoh cabaret”. This often surrealistically funny style is similar to Melbourne’s zanier comedy shows, as well as Dairakudakan’s own “grand seminarrative spectacles”.

    Umiumare says even her serious works in Melbourne were aimed at “audiences [who] really wanted a laugh”. In a 1995 cabaret skit, she parodied Madonna’s famous pointed cone bra costume. She pulled out accordian-style tubes placed over her breasts to render herself a phallic woman, before threatening and flirting with spectators.

    Umiumare continues to train and direct ensembles.

    Tess de Quincey

    Choreographer-dancer Tess de Quincey was the first non-Japanese, Australian-based artist to focus on Japanese physical theatre. She trained with Tanaka in Japan from 1985, before returning to performing in Sydney in 1988.

    De Quincey’s early Australian shows of 1988 and 1989 featured her naked body, all white like the Japanese butoh dancers, twisting and shifting in semi darkness.

    She later produced introspective multimedia works such as Nerve 9 (2001-05), structured around the slow unfolding of dissociated bodily gestures.

    Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre

    Hijikata’s butoh style was further explored by the Brisbane-based Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, founded by performer/director/trainer Lynne Bradley and director/trainer Simon Woods. The pair also witnessed Suzuki’s training in Japan.

    Zen Zen Zo’s fusion of butoh, Suzuki’s method, and Jacques Lecoq’s approach to clowning culminated in the 1996 production The Cult of Dionysus, performed at the Brisbane Festival.

    Audiences described a “glamorously grotesque” chorus, attired in “ragged skirts of rich reds, oranges and pinks, and strings of beads across their […] bare torsos,” “smeared” with ochre.

    Although Zen Zen Zo’s work became increasingly varied during the 2000s, it still trains in Suzuki’s method.

    Frank Theatre

    Another pair dedicated to Suzuki’s theatre and training were former contemporary dancers Jacqui Carroll and John Nobbs. The pair founded Frank Theatre in Brisbane in 1992, drawing on many of the same performers as Zen Zen Zo.

    Nobbs rejected any dilution of Suzuki’s method, going on to develop what he characterises as an unsullied “regional variant”. Carroll and Nobbs also retained the often riotous grotesquerie and absurdism of Suzuki’s productions.

    Frank Theatre’s masterpiece was Carroll’s Doll Seventeen (2002), an adaptation of Ray Lawler’s Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (1955). Very similar to a Japanese noh play in its sense of inevitability, the characters intoned their words as though trapped in a slowly unfolding nightmare.

    Crisscrossing the Pacific

    Hijikata and Suzuki have also inspired performance-makers more distant from Japanese tradition.

    Australian dance company Marrugeku combines certain elements of Japanese theatre with First Nations performance.

    Similarly, multidisiplinary Māori–Australian artist Victoria Hunt combines butoh influences with her own whakapapa, or Māori genealogy.

    And Tony Yap, of Malaysian Chinese descent, has developed what he calls “trance dance”, drawing on Hijikata’s writings, Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski’s’s theatre of bodily and spiritual transfiguration, and Yap’s own background in Southeast Asian possession rituals.

    In these, and other exchanges, performance practices crisscross the Pacific, from Japan to Aotearoa New Zealand, to Australia, to Malaysia, and back.

    Some of Jonathan W. Marshall’s research into butoh was supported by an ARC-LIEF grant.

    – ref. The body as landscape: how post-war Japanese dance and theatre shaped performance in Australia – https://theconversation.com/the-body-as-landscape-how-post-war-japanese-dance-and-theatre-shaped-performance-in-australia-254814

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Coastal Storm Team gears up for 2025 hurricane season

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. To ensure readiness, USGS team members meet monthly during the offseason to update members on improvements, processes and new research, said Athena Clark, the team leader and USGS science advisor for the Southeast Region.

    “Information gained from each storm continually advances our science capabilities to improve preparedness, reduce risk, and enhance our resilience to respond to the next storm event,” she said. “Our multidisciplinary team works year-round to enhance our nation’s preparedness for hurricanes and other coastal hazards to ensure we provide the comprehensive science and information needed by those who make emergency management and safety decisions quickly to help protect lives and property.” 

    An extremely active Atlantic hurricane season kept the Coastal Storm Team busy for most of 2024. According to the National Hurricane Center, 11 hurricanes formed during last year’s Atlantic hurricane season with five making landfall in the continental U.S., two as major hurricanes. The 2025 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts this year is also expected to be an above-normal season. 

    When storms threaten the U.S. coastline, the Coastal Storm Team, composed of experts from USGS, the National Hurricane Center, and other agencies, springs into action to share information and help communities prepare. Originally started as a small coordination call three decades ago, the team has expanded to nearly 790 members, improving communication and situational awareness during storms.

    “Having representatives from the National Weather Service, FEMA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on these calls provides valuable real-time updates that help decision-makers track flood impacts and assist affected communities quickly,” Clark said. “These calls give us the opportunity to highlight USGS and other agency products that have been created to help communities and emergency managers make informed decisions about a particular event.”

    Clark explained that during the Coastal Storm Team calls, she not only promotes USGS people and capabilities, but also promotes other agencies that USGS coordinates with by sharing their dashboards and work as part of a national effort.

    “I see these calls as a time for true information exchange so we all can do our jobs better,” she said. “The bottom line is our mission is to provide data to help protect lives and property.”

    Clark became assistant to the Coastal Storm Team leader in 2016 and, as fate would have it, the team leader went on leave later that year right when Hurricane Matthew struck the coast – thrusting her into the leadership chair. She said the team and her survived her “trial by fire,” and she learned some valuable lessons during that experience.

    “During a contingency, we don’t have the time or the luxury to fully figure out processes and procedures, so we began scheduling monthly internal USGS hurricane calls throughout the year to help us improve our coordination,” she said. “Most science centers that may have a role during storms have someone participate in our monthly calls as we look for ways to make our online public presence more streamlined and improved.” 

    Clark believes the Storm Team’s success stems from its collaborative platform, which allows for sharing vital information and assistance. 

    “These Storm Team calls provide situational awareness to various responding agencies while showcasing USGS products that help communities and emergency managers make informed decisions,” she stated. “For instance, during Hurricane Debbie, a local emergency manager from Georgia requested Rapid Deployment Gauges, and the team quickly deployed them to track real-time water levels.”

    The Coastal Storm Team responds to hurricanes, tropical storms, Nor’easters, and even atmospheric river events, particularly along the Pacific Coast and in Hawaii. 

    “If it’s going to affect the U.S. coastline, which USGS oversees, we will activate a Storm Team call and respond,” Clark said.

    The team also manages multi-hazard events like what happened during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which transitioned from a coastal event to significant inland flooding and landslides. 

    “Some events begin on the coast and then head inland and cause major flooding and landslides, so we coordinated information for each of these events before we passed the torch and handed off the hazards to both the Flood Team and the Landslide Team to continue coordination efforts,” she said. “It’s essential that we work together as one USGS to accomplish our goals.”

    Based on a storm’s forecast intensity and track, the Storm Team decides the timing and extent of the bureau’s storm response. Once it’s determined a hurricane or tropical storm will likely strike somewhere in the U.S., the team leaders decide whether it’s necessary and safe to deploy USGS field crews to the storm’s projected path along the coast to aid in data collecting. 

    “If deployed, one of the main tasks for the field crews is to install special water-level measuring instruments called storm tide sensors,” said Clark. “These sensors record data that track storm tides and coastal flooding. That information helps public officials assess storm damage, tell the difference between wind and flood damage, and helps USGS and NOAA scientists improve storm surge and coastal change forecast models.”

    Over the years, USGS has added hundreds of Coastal Storm Team members to the roster. This ever-expanding roster has led to new relationships and coordination planning between USGS and other federal agencies. For example, NASA and USGS Geospatial Information Response Team meet monthly to coordinate response planning and share information.   

    After nearly a decade of leadership and countless long hours during dozens of storms and hazardous events, Clark said she’s proud of the fact that the Coastal Storm Team plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property during storm events. 

    “I get highly energized about the value of our Storm Team because I view this as the epitome of public service and it’s why all of us are here,” she said. “It’s during these events that we are really accomplishing our mission with a laser focus on the work we all do.” 

    Clark added that she also has a deep appreciation for the USGS employees in the field doing the hard work daily, especially during hurricanes and storms, to help the Storm Team get the data needed to share with our partners. 

    “Everyone on the team wants to share the information they have, information that can be useful to everyone,” she said. “Team members are energized and excited and possess a willingness to share their data, work, and expertise with each other. We all play a crucial role in helping communities prepare for and recover from storms, while continuously improving our capabilities to reduce risks and enhance resilience against future natural disasters. This team really showcases the value we do for society, and I couldn’t ask for a better collaborative team.”

    To learn more about USGS hurricane science, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/hurricanes 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor celebrates 50 years of partnering with small businesses to save lives, prevent injuries, strengthen bottom line

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – For more than half a century, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s On-Site Consultation Program has been helping small and medium-sized businesses protect workers and improve safety at no cost and with complete confidentiality. 

    Launched in 1975, OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program has grown to serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. It helps employers identify workplace hazards, improve safety practices, and build strong safety and health programs, all without triggering OSHA enforcement. 

    In the last decade alone, the program averaged nearly 24,000 worksite visits annually – 98 percent to worksites with 250 or fewer employees – and prevented nearly three million workers from exposure to hazards each year. A 2023 OSHA economic analysis estimated that these efforts generate $1.5 billion in national benefits annually through fewer injuries and illnesses, lower workers’ compensation costs, and increased productivity.

    Over its 50 years, the program surpassed one million visits in 2010; supported recovery efforts following national disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Maria; launched digital resources like the Small Business Handbook app to make safety information more accessible; and created the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, which honors small businesses with outstanding safety programs. SHARP status includes a deferral from programmed OSHA inspections and marks a company as an industry leader in workplace safety. Currently, SHARP recognizes approximately 1,000 employers for their exceptional safety leadership.

    As it marks this milestone, OSHA is reaffirming its dedication to practical, science-based solutions that protect workers and support business success for the next 50 years and beyond.

    Learn more about OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program and how it helps small businesses create safer workplaces.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The EU’s climate action strategy – 28-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the European Climate Law, the EU must reduce its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030 compared with 1990, and reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Over the 2005-2023 period, net emissions in the EU decreased by 30.5 % (37 % compared with 1990). The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is a significant carbon sink, although its capacity to increase carbon sequestration is under pressure, while the EU emissions trading system (ETS) is one of the most effective mitigation tools, having reduced emissions by the sectors it covers by 48.1 % since 2005. Sectors for which Member States are obliged to reduce GHG emissions under the ‘effort-sharing’ legislation decreased their emissions by 17.1 % in 2023 compared with 2005. Investments tracked as climate-related spending account for 42.6 % of the total grants and loans approved under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the REPowerEU initiative. By 30 June 2024, Member States had to update their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), aligned with the EU’s increased 2030 targets. As of May 2025, three final plans are still pending. A May 2025 assessment of submitted final NECPs show a significant gap reduction from earlier analysis, with net GHG emissions estimated to decrease by 54 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. In a 2023 survey, 46 % of EU citizens identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most Europeans (56 %) said it was the responsibility of the EU or the national government to tackle climate change, followed by business/industry (53 %); 35 % found it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –