May 2025 Newsletter: Clean air battles, shipping emissions and a greener Kitchen God Day in Vietnam

Salo Aburto
Date: May 19, 2025

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

Merging tradition with sustainability: A greener Kitchen God Day in Vietnam

Pacific Environment partnered with Keep Vietnam Clean and local groups to support Kitchen God Day, a campaign reimagining traditional Tet festivities with sustainability in mind. The event in Hanoi brought together 150+ participants — including residents, students and government officials — for river cleanups, fish release ceremonies and sustainability trainings. Nearly two tons of waste were collected, while workshops, exhibitions and community discussions emphasized the growing importance of environmental stewardship in cultural celebrations.

As Vietnam’s Lunar New Year evolves, so does the movement to protect its people, waterways and traditions.

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SHIPPING

International Maritime Organization sets carbon emission levy as Pacific Environment argues more steps are needed

The International Maritime Organization recently approved its first-ever legally binding emissions framework — a landmark move that puts a global price on carbon for the shipping industry. The new IMO Net-Zero Framework includes emissions reduction targets through 2050 and penalties for non-compliant ships, marking the first time any industry has set a carbon price at a global scale.

While this is a step forward, Pacific Environment warns the framework doesn’t go far enough to meet the IMO’s own climate goals — let alone align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway.

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PORTS FOR PEOPLE

Fighting for clean air in California’s port communities

Pacific Environment and our partners are leading the fight to support, implement and defend life-saving clean air regulations like California’s At-Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft rules — critical protections that reduce deadly vessel pollution by requiring ships to plug into shorepower and use cleaner engines. But the oil and gas industry is fighting back: the Western States Petroleum Association is suing to overturn Environmental Protection Agency approval of these rules, threatening the health of over 2 million Californians.

As frontline communities bear the brunt of toxic port emissions, Pacific Environment is not only safeguarding these hard-won victories but also pushing for bold action to regulate emissions from ships in transit and achieve zero-emission shipping by 2040.

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IN THE NEWS

Explore some of our latest media highlights, op-eds and expert commentary featured in leading outlets.

NEWS
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

Pacific Environment welcomes Linda Nguyen as corporate campaigns director for the Climate team

Pacific Environment is thrilled to welcome Linda Nguyen as our new corporate campaigns director on the Climate team. With more than 16 years of experience advancing economic, social and environmental justice, Linda will lead our Ship It Zero campaign to hold major retailers accountable for decarbonizing their maritime shipping. Her background includes impactful organizing and policy work at UFCW 770 and Jobs to Move America, where she secured industry-leading protections and created thousands of union jobs.

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PARTNER WITH US

Make a sustainable impact with Pacific Environment!

Join forces with Pacific Environment to drive meaningful change and showcase your company’s commitment to a healthier planet. As a business sponsor, you’ll help protect our oceans, combat climate change and support communities — all while aligning your brand with sustainability and social responsibility.

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