The last and possibly final round of Global Plastics Treaty talks ended last week in Geneva, Switzerland. The 10-day negotiation at the United Nations Geneva campus sought to finalize a new global treaty to end plastic pollution, but despite round-the-clock efforts and extending the meeting by one day, no treaty emerged from the process. … Read more
Welcome to Pacific Environment’s August newsletter! This month, we spotlight the urgent threat of black carbon driving rapid Arctic ice melt and the critical actions needed to stop it. We also share recent plastics wins and takeaways from the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Switzerland. Read on for the latest news, insights and on-the-ground updates — … Read more
Black carbon pollution is a growing threat in the Arctic, and unless international negotiators make significant changes, it will contribute to even greater climate collapse. That’s according to a new report published by Pacific Environment, On thin ice: Why black carbon demands urgent action. Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with my … Read more
Plastic Free July is an opportunity to practice plastic reduction all month long, and to create sustainable foundations for long-term change. This July, we are proud to celebrate the results of our partner GreenHub’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution in one province in Vietnam. GreenHub wrapped up a comprehensive three-year project (ending March 2025) to … Read more
Welcome to Pacific Environment’s July newsletter — and happy Plastic Free July! This month, we’re celebrating the power of everyday choices and bold systemic change. From launching a plastic-free challenge in Vietnam to supporting game-changing clean shipping legislation in Congress, Pacific Environment is driving action for people and the planet. Read on for climate and … Read more
On July 9, at the 134th meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) was granted permanent consultative status. This is a significant milestone, as ICC has become the first Indigenous organization to receive consultative status at the IMO. Why this matters While there has been a perception that Indigenous … Read more
Welcome to Pacific Environment’s June newsletter — and happy World Ocean Month! This month, we are highlighting some of our work in California to reduce climate pollution, advance environmental justice and demonstrate the state’s leadership on clean energy initiatives both domestically and internationally. JUMP AHEAD
Pacific Environment and partners organize tour to connect California policymakers with cutting-edge technologies and best practices This week, a California delegation will embark on a fact-finding tour across Europe to explore how global leaders are tackling maritime pollution, accelerating zero-emission shipping, and building climate-resilient port infrastructure. Organized by Pacific Environment and partners, the tour will … Read more
A conversation for Sustainable San Mateo County’s 3rd annual Youth for Climate Policy event The ocean connects us — not just the land and water but something deeper. It binds us through shared challenges, collective responsibility, and a common future. Even for those who live far from the shore, our daily actions flow into the … Read more
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Pacific Environment’s monthly newsletter! Each month, we share key updates from our programs and highlight the people and partners driving change across the Pacific Rim. JUMP AHEAD
In West Long Beach, where container ships tower over neighborhoods, a child with asthma struggles to breathe, suffering from frequent nosebleeds and headaches. Her family and many others live in the shadow of the toxic air produced from two of the world’s largest ports — Los Angeles and Long Beach. While local groups fight for … Read more
Key takeaways On April 11, 2025, the International Maritime Organization made history and voted to approve the IMO Net-Zero Framework, setting legally-binding emission reduction targets and prices for non-compliance for international ships over the next 30 years and beyond. This is the first time an entire industry has set a price on carbon emissions on … Read more
Earlier this year, the Pacific Environment Vietnam team participated in the “Kitchen God Day” campaign which seeks to merge sustainability and traditional celebrations in Vietnam. The campaign aims to prevent plastic pollution during the Lunar New Year and educate the public about sustainable living practices during this traditional ritual. Over the years, the campaign has … Read more
Welcome to Pacific Environment’s April 2025 newsletter — and happy Earth Day! This month, we’re celebrating the power of community, advocacy and bold climate action around the globe. JUMP AHEAD
In February, Pacific Environment hosted a weeklong zero waste workshop in Vietnam. With over 80 participants from NGOs, government and industry around Vietnam and Asia Pacific, participants shared lessons learned from the zero waste movement in different contexts, and explored opportunities and fundraising for the important work ahead. To kick off Earth Month, I wanted … Read more
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Pacific Environment’s monthly newsletter! This is an opportunity to highlight some of our work and tell the stories of our success. JUMP AHEAD
On February 27, 2025, South Korea’s National Assembly passed the Special Act on Offshore Wind, marking a significant breakthrough in the country’s clean energy transition. This legislation streamlines permitting, enhances the government’s role in site planning, and ensures grid connection and infrastructure planning. With this law in place, administrative hurdles and uncertainty for offshore wind … Read more
For far too long — nearly 20 years — South Coast Air Basin communities, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties, have been waiting for a strong Ports Indirect Source Rule (ISR) that sets clear targets — and deadlines — for reducing polluting emissions from ports that impact their lives, health and well-being. … Read more
Governor Newsom misses deadline on landmark legislation, raising concerns about California’s plastic pollution commitments On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom had a deadline to act on SB 54, but instead stymied it and told regulators to start over. SB 54 is a landmark law that would ban foam packaging, limit the amount of single-use plastics … Read more
Since its founding in 1987, Pacific Environment has been building power with local communities across the Pacific Rim to protect our oceans, marine life and public health. While our Climate Team has been working to advance clean shipping in Singapore, the Republic of Korea, we are now extending our efforts into Japan to expand our … Read more
