Welcome to the June edition of Pacific Current! We’re celebrating World Ocean Month and the essential role the oceans, marine life and coastal communities play in creating a stronger, resilient world. We highlight some of our essential efforts on ocean conservation, as well as providing updates on our latest in-person events and big media moments.
The top 4 threats to our oceans — and what we’re doing to solve them
While World Ocean Month is observed each June, here at Pacific Environment our work protecting the oceans continues every day! With staff in extraordinarily biodiverse countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam as well as the United States, we combat threats to our oceans through scientific research, supporting global policies, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change and more.
But what are the greatest threats to our oceans right now? Read our World Ocean Month blog to learn what Pacific Environment is doing to tackle these challenges.
Explore our ocean conservation effortsLA Times letter highlights concerns over plastic cleanup plans ahead of the LA28 Olympics
Kristen McDonald, senior director of our Plastics program, recently responded with a Los Angeles Times Letter to the Editor discussing plastic pollution in Los Angeles waterways ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. “Angelenos deserve better than an Olympics that leaves behind a pile of plastic for cleanup. The Games are a monumental moment to showcase real solutions — including reuse and refill systems at scale — to prevent single-use plastic pollution in the first place,” noted Kristen. Explore Kristen’s proposed solutions for reducing plastic pollution ahead of this major global event.
Read the full letterTurning renewable energy ambition into reality: Why ports and offshore wind matter for the Republic of Korea’s future
Despite being one of the world’s top 10 economies and a global leader in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, the Republic of Korea lags behind other advanced economies when it comes to renewable energy deployment. Pacific Environment has worked closely with Korean local governments, ports and civil society partners to advance offshore wind and maritime decarbonization.
Recently the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment published a renewable energy master plan — one of the most significant steps toward a cleaner energy future for the country in decades. In our latest blog, Renewable Energy Manager Kang Jeongmuk examines the significance of the plan and what it could mean for Korea’s energy transition moving forward.
Read nowMake a gift today to support our oceans through Pacific Environment
June is World Ocean Month! Will you give today to support our efforts to protect marine life, preserve vulnerable marine ecosystems and support coastal communities most impacted by ocean degradation?
Give todayNew York State launches zero-emission ferries bill
Last month the New York Legislature introduced the Clean Ferries Bill sponsored by Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and Senator Brian Kavanagh. Pacific Environment supports this effort, as maritime vessels in New York pollute communities and ecosystems with dirty fuels — statewide, the transportation sector accounts for almost one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
As Climate Campaign Director Fern Uennatornwaranggoon said: “Zero-emission ferries are already here, already proven and already saving operators millions in reduced fuel use. This bill is about choosing clean air, clean water and clean communities. The only question is how long we’re willing to wait.”
Learn more about the Clean Ferries Bill and Pacific Environment’s role in ensuring a cleaner future for New York’s portside communities.
Learn moreThe invisible cargo: the future of zero-emission shipping
Pacific Environment recently discussed the true costs of shipping for portside communities during our panel “The Invisible Cargo: The Future of Zero-Emission Shipping” at the 4th Annual Port Electrification U.S. Conference in Long Beach, California.
Port communities — often low income and communities of color — are disproportionately impacted by pollution from maritime shipping, including PM2.5 and NOx emissions, increasing the risk of cancer, asthma and premature death.
Our panel also discussed environmental justice in port communities, including the role of community monitoring, storytelling and lived experience, economic and technical challenges for zero-emission shipping, and how governments — including port authorities — can encourage clean shipping through investment, incentives and regulations.
Read moreIn the news
Explore some of our latest media highlights and expert commentary featured in leading outlets.
