I got off the plane to find a long list of texts — messages filled with anger and disappointment about the delay of the historic climate framework at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Those words were still echoing in my mind when I spotted a group that evening: the U.S. delegation, celebrating at the local … Read more
OSLO — Norway has a unique opportunity to stamp its influence on the clean up of Arctic shipping, ahead of an upcoming International Maritime Organization meeting in February 2026 in London that will set rules on what fuels can be used in the immediate future by shipping in the Arctic, according to non-profit organisations Bellona … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO — The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Singapore-Republic of Korea Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. The MOU was signed by Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport Mr. Jeffrey Siow, … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO — Around 31 million people in the U.S. live near ports, breathing toxic diesel pollution from ships, trucks, and cargo equipment every day. This pollution increases the risk of asthma, stroke, heart disease, and cancer, and disproportionately harms residents living near ports. Today, a coalition of national and community-based organizations launched the Clean … Read more
With new shore power projects at home and ongoing advocacy on the global stage, Pacific Environment is charting a cleaner course for shipping Shipping is the engine of global trade but it’s also one of the dirtiest industries on the planet, responsible for nearly 3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and major sources of toxic … Read more
How Washington’s busiest ports are reducing pollution and leading the way in maritime sustainability From cruise ships plugging into new shore power at the Port of Seattle to container ships plugging into electricity in the Port of Tacoma, the region’s ports are charging ahead with investments that will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities. These … Read more
Black carbon from Arctic shipping is accelerating climate breakdown. Pacific Environment’s new report calls for urgent regulation to switch to cleaner fuels and protect the Arctic.
ANCHORAGE — A new report released today lays out the case for why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) should immediately act on reducing black carbon pollution — a climate super-pollutant. On Thin Ice: Why black carbon demands urgent action, by Pacific Environment, explores how the expansion of Arctic shipping is causing an increase in the … Read more
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), a member of the Committee, along with Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing harmful pollution from the global shipping industry. Maritime shipping is a significant … Read more
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) reintroduced the Clean Shipping Act. This bill establishes a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from large ships that come to U.S. ports, protecting the health of port communities and addressing the environmental and climate impacts of shipping pollution. Specifically, the bill would mandate … Read more
SACRAMENTO — Environmental justice, climate and refinery community groups urged caution today as the California Energy Commission laid out their approach to stabilizing supply and preparing for transition amid refinery closures. “Big Oil is manipulating supply issues to shakedown taxpayers and maximize their profits,” said Darryl Molina Sarmiento, executive director of Communities for a Better … Read more
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
SACRAMENTO — On Friday, May 30, California Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) publicly called for Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), to resign. Chair Randolph’s testimony before the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee was clear, nuanced and aligned with CARB’s long-standing mandate: to protect public health and advance clean air and climate … Read more
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
SEATTLE (Traditional Puget Sound Salish and Duwamish Lands) — As Amazon continues its aggressive recruitment efforts at the University of Washington (UW), a coalition of climate and labor activists – including Stand.earth, the University of Washington Institutional Climate Action, and Troublemakers, with support from Pacific Environment’s Ship It Zero campaign – hosted a satirical “Amazon … Read more
LONDON — The International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded its latest round of climate negotiations without reaching a consensus on critical measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the global shipping industry, falling short of the climate targets under the IMO’s own 2023 GHG Strategy. The closed-door talks, held during the 83rd session of the Marine … Read more
SACRAMENTO — Pacific Environment welcomes Davina Hurt as its new California Climate Policy Director, effective January 30, 2025. Prior to joining Pacific Environment, Davina Hurt was appointed to the California Air Resources Board by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2020 and served on the board for more than four years. Ms. Hurt is an attorney, … Read more
VIETNAM — According to The Maritime Executive, CMA CGM plans to operate and develop a 100% electric barge for Nike goods in Vietnam. The group said that the barge is part of its long-term commitment and decarbonization plans. However, CMA also told Loadstar this week that it ordered 12 new liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels … Read more
WASHINGTON, DC —The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), an alliance of freight buyers that includes major retailers — like members Amazon, IKEA — announced that it is accepting bids for its e-fuel-focused tender. Bids will be due in spring 2025 and the tender is focused on stimulating the first commercial deployment of e-fuels in … Read more