EarthEcho International

We hope you enjoyed this feature of the #ChumashHeritageNationalMarineSanctuary, and that it helped you learn something new. Shout out to Kai Tran (a member of our Youth Leadership Council) and Aidan Wells (an EarthEcho Ocean Protection Ambassador) for taking the time to put these videos together. While neither are members of the Chumash Tribe, both Kai and Aidan are currently working with the Chumash Tribal Council as part of their #YouthLeadershipCouncil and #OceanProtectionAmbassador projects. Please visit www.chumashsanctuary.org to learn more and stay up-to-date.

Bonus points if you can guess the year they started testing!???? . . . . . . . . . . ????What 2 countries are collaborating to use tidal turbines rather than diesel fuel to operate a lighthouse? ???Singapore and Japan! Their first test project was in 2013!

Looking for meaningful ways to get involved with ocean advocacy? We're looking for 17 to 22-year-olds to lead campaigns to advance ocean protection in international waters, activate and engage youth on a global scale, and build momentum toward achieving ratification of the #HighSeasTreaty. Apply by Dec. 9, 2024: www.bit.ly/HighSeas-Apply. #GenSea #RaceforRatification

Recent legislative efforts at both the federal and state levels are pushing to redefine recycling to include chemical recycling, often giving it the same regulatory status as traditional recycling methods. One such example is HR 9676 “Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act of 2024”, spearheaded by the American Chemistry Council and introduced into Congress last month. This bill would open the door for the rapid expansion of chemical recycling facilities, while essentially allowing plastic producers to continue manufacturing and selling single-use plastics without addressing the root cause of the pollution crisis. HR 9676 presents several key issues. ?? First, it would prioritize chemical recycling over more sustainable solutions, such as reducing plastic production and improving traditional recycling systems. ??By giving chemical recycling a free pass, it risks promoting an energy-intensive process that still produces harmful byproducts and perpetuates the plastic waste problem. ???Further, this bill seeks to undermine the Clean Air Act by exempting pyrolysis and gasification facilities from its regulation of toxic air pollution. ??Moreover, the bill could preempt state-level bans on single-use plastics, undermining local efforts to tackle plastic pollution at the source. In essence, HR 9676 supports a false solution and lets the plastic industry off the hook for its role in the crisis. Learn more and take action here: https://lnkd.in/eXfBEp-T

Today is the first day of INC-5! What are youth advocates hoping to see out of the #GlobalPlasticsTreaty? As Olivia, a 2024 EarthEcho Marine Plastics Ambassador writes in her guest blog post: "The treaty should focus on a mixture of regulations, innovation, and building awareness. We need regulations to keep companies accountable. We have the right as consumers to be safe, and to have a choice on what we purchase." Olivia's perspective on the impact of plastic on her community changed dramatically as she went through EarthEcho's Marine Plastics Youth Ambassador Program. This year-long initiative, generously funded by SC Johnson, helps educate young people on the impacts of plastic pollution and support them as they take-on grassroots community improvement projects to address the issue. Learn more and read the full story here ?? https://lnkd.in/emuneipV

Need some Sunday inspiration? In October, #HighSeasYouthAmbassador Paul Junior Malinda launched a virtual training program for his Safeguard Our Seas Initiative (also known as Project SOS). When asked to share some highlights, Paul said: ??: "We were joined by eight young ocean advocates, each sharing their passion and work in ocean conservation. A special highlight of the call was a presentation from Ajay, a fellow High Seas Youth Ambassador from India and ocean-climate communicator, who shared his inspiring journey and experiences in ocean conservation. His presentation shed light on the challenges and triumphs in advocating for a healthier ocean, inspiring all of us to continue our advocacy." ??: "We also welcomed Francine, a High Seas Youth Ambassador for the Pacific Region, who shared a special video message to inspire our collective work. With a background in Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, and Ecology, and roles including Terrestrial and Biodiversity Officer at MNRE and Environment & Conservation Manager at Samoa Voyaging Society, Francine’s insights were a great source of motivation for the group." Project SOS continues to be a platform for youth to come together, amplify their voices, and advocate for the ratification of the #HighSeasTreaty. Congrats, Paul! ?? #GenSea

30×30 is a global target to protect and conserve at least 30% of the world’s land, freshwater and ocean by 2030, adopted under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. The science is clear: effective marine protection is vital for long-term economic, social and planetary wellbeing. Communities around the world and the future of our planet depend on the recovery and health of the ocean. Learn more, access recourses, and see how you can get involved at https://for-the-ocean.org/. #ForTheOcean

In September 2024, HR 9676 was entered into the Congress falsely posed as policy that would advance the circular economy for plastics and reduce plastic pollution by supporting chemical recycling and disadvantaging or restricting traditional recycling and other effective policy measures. As legislation around the world begins to embrace this controversial technology, it’s crucial that we understand the risks and take a stand against it. We must urge policymakers to focus on real solutions, not temporary fixes, by opposing legislation that encourages the expansion of chemical recycling facilities and weakens our move away from harmful single-use plastics. The voices of youth leaders, and support of youth-led and youth-serving organizations is critical to seeing legislative solutions for a true circular system for plastics come into fruition. Find more information on the bill and how you can take action to support true circular solutions to plastic pollution here: https://lnkd.in/eXfBEp-T.

Seeking support on meaningful ways to incorporate Native perspectives into your classroom/curriculum????? Rosebud Resource Group provides a TON of resources that encourage respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building with Native communities, like this webinar hosted Redbud’s Education Specialist, Trelasa Baratta (Pomo/Lake Miwok), that guides you through creating thoughtful land acknowledgments with your students. Check it out! #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #TeacherResources

Spread the world! Do you know a talented young person who is passionate about the ocean and eager to make a difference? The High Seas Youth Ambassadors Program is a 12-month paid opportunity designed for young people interested in building advocacy and leadership skills, exploring a career in sustainability or ocean policy, and gaining hands-on experience in grassroots community organizing. Find the full details at https://lnkd.in/emgvKHP8. #GenSea #HighSeasTreaty