October 2025 Newsletter: Spooky, sustainable and sea-smart: The latest updates from Pacific Environment

Salo Aburto
Date: October 21, 2025

Welcome to Pacific Environment’s October newsletter! This month, we explore how marine protected areas are safeguarding ocean biodiversity and supporting coastal communities, highlight a national report card grading U.S. ports on public health protections and share tips for a spooky — yet sustainable — Halloween. Plus, get an inside look at our staff experts in action at Climate Week NYC, advancing solutions for a more sustainable future.


JUMP AHEAD

Haunted by plastic? Tips and tricks for a spooky (and sustainable) Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, the real fright isn’t the ghosts — it’s all the plastic! From synthetic costumes to candy wrappers, the holiday has become haunted by waste, contributing to pollution, toxic chemicals and a growing environmental footprint. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Check out our latest blog for fun, creative ways to celebrate sustainably and keep your Halloween both festive and planet-friendly.

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MARINE

What are marine protected areas? Why they matter and how to support them

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are like national parks for the ocean: safeguarding vital ecosystems, marine wildlife and coastal livelihoods. In our latest blog, we explore how Pacific Environment partners with local communities and governments across Asia to strengthen MPAs and how you can take action to protect our blue planet.

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IN THE NEWS

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

PORTS

US ports get graded on protecting public health

Thirty-one million Americans live near ports — and breathe in toxic diesel pollution every day. The new Clean Ports Report Card, a collaborative effort led by Better World Group with partners including Pacific Environment, shines a spotlight on which ports are taking action to clean up their air pollution and which are falling behind. This first-of-its-kind accountability tool empowers communities to push for healthier, zero-emission ports and hold leaders accountable.

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CLIMATE

Driving maritime decarbonization on the global stage

Over the past few weeks, Pacific Environment has been advocating for maritime shipping decarbonization at major global events. During Climate Week NYC, our team toured Fortescue’s Green Pioneer — the world’s first dual-fueled ammonia-powered vessel — which shows that zero-emission technology is here and that ammonia can be safely used as a marine fuel with the right protocols and innovations in place.

We were also on the ground in London advocating for the first global pricing system on international shipping when the U.N. International Maritime Organization decided to postpone the adoption. Delaying the Net Zero Framework is frustrating and a betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable nations and we will continue to push IMO member states to adopt the framework as soon as possible.

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