Who we are

Since 1980, Pacific Environment has been driving environmental advocacy across the Pacific Rim through policy, and grassroots partnerships. For more than four decades, we’ve built coordinated action with communities, allies and a range of stakeholders to protect critical ecosystems, hold polluters accountable and advance bold solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Our team is composed of subject matter experts and advocates in key regions across the Pacific Rim. With local staff on the ground, we help advance locally-led campaigns, respond quickly to emerging opportunities threats and ensure that environmental solutions — from offshore wind energy to coral reef protection — support local action and address global priorities.

Together with partners across the region, we’re building power for systemic change, challenging unsustainable industrial practices and championing clean energy policies and stronger protections for wildlife and habitats. Every step forward is fueled by our commitment to environmental justice and the belief that people and nature thrive together.

Our story is still unfolding, and it’s powered by people like you.

Our wins over the years

Throughout our history, our work has evolved alongside the environmental challenges we face. Each chapter in our history has strengthened our partnerships, sharpened our strategies and expanded our reach across the Pacific Rim.

  • 1980

    Founded by lawyer and political scientist Armin Rosencranz, Pacific Environment (formerly Golden Gate Energy Center) began by shaping global environmental discussions through science-based research and legal expertise.

  • Early 1990s

    Supported grassroots activists to safeguard vast tracts of old-growth forest and wilderness, helping protect millions of hectares from destructive development.

  • Mid 1990s

    Worked with international partners to expose harmful global bank funding and block projects that threatened wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

  • Late 1990s

    Led the “Ring of Fire” coalition, uniting dozens of groups to defend Pacific Rim old-growth forests and halting a global free logging agreement that would have devastated forest ecosystems worldwide.

  • 2000s

    Expanded work into China and the Arctic, helping protect forests, safeguard endangered species and shut down polluting factories.

  • 2012

    Collaborated with allies to advance bold clean energy policies, including stopping proposed LNG terminals on the West Coast of the U.S. and supporting the passage of Oakland’s ambitious climate action plan.

  • 2014

    Secured stronger environmental and social safeguards for more than $130 billion in global development funding as a result of decades of coalition building and advocacy.

Pacific Environment today

Our diverse staff and leadership continue to bring Pacific Environment’s mission to life. By combining global experience with local knowledge, we work alongside communities to create lasting environmental solutions and inspire the next generation of advocates.

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