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.
Black carbon and the race to save the Arctic
The Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the rest of the planet and shipping’s black carbon emissions are making the problem worse. Our latest report, On Thin Ice: Why black carbon demands urgent action, reveals how the rapid growth of Arctic shipping is speeding sea ice melt, threatening ecosystems, disrupting climate systems and endangering Indigenous and coastal communities. Yet after more than a decade of debate, the International Maritime Organization still hasn’t taken the simple step of requiring ships to burn cleaner fuels in Arctic waters. With shipping traffic up 108% in just over a decade, urgent action is needed now.
For more insight, read our companion blog where Arctic Policy Director Kay Brown explains what black carbon is, why it’s such a growing threat and the concrete steps global regulators must take now to curb its impact.
Read full reportCalling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva
As the final round of Global Plastics Treaty negotiations began in Geneva, Pacific Environment joined hundreds of citizens and civil society organizations outside the Place des Nations to demand an ambitious, legally-binding agreement. “Plastic is in our environment and inside of us. Humanity and the planet can’t afford anything less,” said Kristen McDonald, our Plastics Program senior director, urging global leaders to act decisively at this historic moment.
Learn morePhu Yen leads the way: A new roadmap for zero waste in Vietnam
Pacific Environment is proud to highlight the successful conclusion of a three-year partnership with GreenHub in Phu Yen, Vietnam. Working closely with communities, schools, businesses and government, GreenHub developed and helped implement the country’s first provincial roadmap to reduce single-use plastics. This community-centered approach has driven meaningful behavior change, improved waste sorting and paved the way for a sustainable, zero-waste future. Supporting this initiative reflects our commitment to cleaner oceans and healthier communities across Vietnam.
Read moreIn the news
Explore some of our latest media highlights, op-eds and expert commentary featured in leading outlets.
- Pacific Environment announces new Head of Programs and new Senior Director for Climate Program (Bunkerspot)
- ‘Catastrophic’ consequences loom as Arctic black carbon emissions slip through regulatory cracks (Offshore Energy)
- Advocates urge retail giants to adopt zero-pollution ocean shipping (PNS)
- How ‘scrubbers’ became a huge ocean problem (Dialogue Earth)
- Calls grow for WA to cut ship emissions at ports (PNS)
Support Pacific Environment by making a gift today
The stakes are higher than ever — for the Arctic, our oceans and our planet. Pacific Environment’s team recently joined negotiators in Switzerland to push for a strong Global Plastics Treaty that protects communities and wildlife worldwide. But the fight isn’t over — your support helps us continue to defend the Arctic from plastic pollution and build a healthier, more sustainable future. Every gift makes a difference.
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