01 May 2025

Protecting Our Ocean from Deep-Sea Destruction – Azul Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 24, 2025
CONTACT: media@azul.org

Protecting Our Ocean from Deep-Sea Destruction

Washington D.C. (April 24, 2025) – In response to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order regarding deep-sea mining, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, released the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s Executive Order to fast-track offshore mineral extraction circumvents international agreements and, importantly, ignores the will of the people. According to the 2024 National Azul Poll, 84% of Latino voters support the government implementing the strongest possible protections for our ocean, even if it is costly, and 78% want the government to protect the ocean, even if it means not allowing the extraction of natural resources like seabed minerals.

Our ocean is not a sacrifice zone. Extractive practices like deep-sea mining put life below and above water at risk. We urge our leaders to listen to the communities calling for the government to invest in our ocean planet, rather than exploit it.”

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Azul is an ocean justice organization working with Latino communities to protect our blue planet. Founded in 2011, Azul has developed –and executed– campaigns that achieved groundbreaking ocean conservation policy victories at local, national and international levels.

01 May 2025

Azul Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 21, 2025
CONTACT: media@azul.org

Azul Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Washington D.C. (April 21, 2025) – In response to the passing of Pope Francis, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis – a world leader who used his voice and platform to protect our planet and stand up for vulnerable communities around the world.

In choosing the name Francis, he made it clear that caring for our planet would be at the heart of his work. As the first Pope from Latin America, his leadership called attention to the intersection of the climate crisis and the need for justice. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ challenged the narrative around climate change, reminding us all that the climate crisis isn’t just about the environment – it’s also about justice, equity, and our shared humanity. He called on the world to address the intertwined crises of our time, and throughout his papacy, he championed migrant rights and advocated for vulnerable communities worldwide, reminding us in the Lauado Si’ that ‘we are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.’

Pope Francis used every opportunity to lend his voice in defense of our planet and communities. We know his lasting legacy will continue to inspire future generations to care for our common home and for each other. May he rest in power.”

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01 May 2025

Azul Statement on Representative Raúl M. Grijalva’s Passing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 13, 2025
CONTACT: media@azul.org

Azul Statement on Representative Raúl M. Grijalva’s Passing

Washington D.C. (March 13, 2025) – In response to news of the passing of Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Representative Raúl M. Grijalva. As former chair and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Grijalva led with bold imagination and an indefatigable sense of possibility that resulted in landmark policy wins like the permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Rep. Grijalva was a steadfast champion for communities, fighting persistently to advance environmental justice and ocean climate action, all while supporting grassroots advocates in national policy leadership. Raul Manuel Grijalva, Presente!”

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01 May 2025

#SalvemosNOAA: Defending NOAA, Protecting Our Future

If Juan Gabriel invited us to El Noa Noa as a place of joy, excitement, and atmosphere, today we have another invitation, but with a more urgent tone:

¡Salvemos a NOAA NOAA! 🎶

NOAA has protected our ocean, coasts, and communities for over 50 years – tracking storms, ensuring safe seafood, and keeping us informed. But now, it’s under attack. Efforts to dismantle NOAA put essential services and thousands of jobs at risk.

If you check the weather, eat seafood, or care about our ocean – you depend on NOAA!

What is NOAA?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a government organization responsible for studying and predicting changes in the environment through research on the ocean, atmosphere, space, and the sun. This office is also responsible for conserving and managing coastal and marine resources.

History

Created by President Nixon in 1970, NOAA has provided essential emergency services, weather forecasting and modeling, scientific research and emergency preparedness services to communities across the country, for over 50 years!

But why should I care?

Well, if you check the weather forecast, eat seafood, enjoy the beach or support the protection of our ocean and coastal areas. You depend on NOAA!

And now? What’s happening?

As part of the new administration’s changes, we know that Musk and Trump are dismantling the government’s most important agencies. And now NOAA is in the crosshairs. All the essential and emergency services we depend on – could be in jeopardy. So could the thousands of jobs that depend on the agency.

What can we do?

Try to save NOAA! Talk to your Members of Congress, and tell them about the services you depend on. Who is going to provide them if NOAA is not there? You think the Weather Channel will give us the weather? Well, they get their info from NOAA!

🔔Take Action🔔

Step 1️⃣: Call Congress and tell them to defend NOAA

Call (202) 224-3121 and talk to your Members of Congress today!

You can use the script below to call or email your Members of Congress:

“My name is [Name] and I’m a constituent in [City]. I’m calling to urge [Congressperson] to protect the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also known as NOAA. This agency provides essential services that keep our communities safe, support our economy, and protect our ocean. Dismantling or defunding NOAA would put lives, jobs, and critical resources at risk. I ask [Congressperson] to stand up for NOAA and ensure it remains fully funded and operational. Thank you for your time.”

Step 2️⃣: Share a #SalvemosNOAA Selfie

Take a photo with a “Salvemos a NOAA” sign. You can print out this sign, or make your own!

Share online using #SalvemosNOAA and invite your friends to Azul.org where they can learn more and take action.

Tag @AzulDotOrg and @NOAA.

Step 3️⃣: Get Your Family and Friends Involved!

We need everyone to protect NOAA! Help us spread the word on social media by sharing our video and graphics:

DOWNLOAD NOAA REEL

Click here to download the reel from Google Drive.

DOWNLOAD NOAA GRAPHICS

Click here to download graphics from Google Drive.

01 May 2025

Azul Statement: Defending NOAA’s Critical Role in Protecting Our Environment, Public Safety, and Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 27, 2025
CONTACT: media@azul.org

Defending NOAA’s Critical Role in Protecting Our Environment, Public Safety, and Economy

In response to actions by the Trump administration to dismantle, privatize, or significantly diminish the critical services and functions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, released the following statement:

“At Azul, we recognize the critical role NOAA plays in protecting our environment, public safety, and economy. NOAA’s work is indispensable to our daily lives—whether it’s providing early warnings for severe weather, conducting important scientific research, or managing essential coastal and marine resources. The proposed cuts and dismantling of NOAA could have devastating effects on communities across the country, environmental protection, and sectors ranging from agriculture to energy and beyond. As climate-related disasters intensify, we need NOAA’s expertise more than ever. We must stand together to protect NOAA, ensuring it continues to provide the essential services that support public health, safety, and economic stability. Let’s urge Congress to oppose any actions undermining NOAA’s mission and instead work to strengthen the agency to face the challenges ahead.”

In July 2024, Azul published results from the latest National Azul Poll, a nationwide poll on Latino viewpoints on ocean protection, policies, and recreation. The poll found overwhelming support for pro-conservation policies and candidates from Latinos across the U.S., including a willingness to pay more in energy and food costs in order to advance ocean justice priorities. The findings include:

• 87% of Latino voters agree that we cannot be healthy if the environment is not healthy
• 83% of Latino voters agree that climate change is a serious problem that will affect people’s lives
• 85% of Latino voters agree that the government has a responsibility to conserve land and ocean areas for the enjoyment of present and future generations

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01 May 2025

Apply Now: Azul’s 2025 Rising Leaders Initiative

Applications for the 2025 class of Azul’s Rising Leaders Initiative are OPEN and ready for you to apply.

This leadership development program equips emerging leaders (that’s YOU!) to become ocean justice champions.

The deadline has been extended to Monday, March 3 at 9:00 AM ET, but don’t delay! We want to be sure your application is in. Click here to apply.

Rising Leaders learn to build their leadership skills and advocate for ocean justice in their communities. We’re looking for the next group of advocates who want to build their skills and make a difference locally and globally!

Rising Leaders take part in:

🌊 A week-long program in Washington, D.C., to celebrate World Ocean Day (June 8) and celebrate achievements with a graduation reception

💻 Virtual gatherings and workshops in English & Spanish

💰 A $1,200 stipend

🐬 And continued opportunities to advocate for ocean justice with #LatinosMarinos

This is an exciting opportunity that we hope you take part in! And if you’re not ready to apply — be sure to send this to other advocates in your life!

Click here to learn more and apply.

01 May 2025

Azul Applauds Biden Administration Actions to Permanently Protect Coastal Waters from Offshore Drilling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 6, 2025
CONTACT: media@azul.org

Azul Applauds Biden Administration Actions to Permanently Protect Coastal Waters from Offshore Drilling

Washington D.C. (January 6, 2025) – In response to President Biden’s announcement today to permanently ban new offshore oil and gas development in coastal U.S. waters –including the entire eastern U.S. Atlantic coast and the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico; the U.S. Pacific coast along California, Washington, and Oregon; and additional portions of the Northern Bering Sea in Alaska– Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, issued the following statement:

“We applaud President Biden for using his authority under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to permanently protect more than 625 million acres of federal waters from fossil fuel development.

Offshore drilling poses significant risks to coastal communities, public health, and ecosystems while expanding fossil fuel extraction undermines climate goals. The 2024 National Azul poll found that across political ideologies, Latino voters support action to ban offshore drilling and are even willing to pay more out of pocket to make it happen. This overwhelming public support provides an opportunity for incoming administrations to continue strengthening these provisions. The urgent need to mitigate climate change transcends political leadership. We thank President Biden for taking this significant and bold step to protect our ocean and solidify his climate legacy.”

The announcement was also applauded by California legislators like Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D – Long Beach) and Senator Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara):

Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D – Long Beach)

“I am beyond thrilled that millions of acres of our oceans, from coast to coast, are now permanently protected from offshore drilling,” said Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D – Long Beach). “I extend my deepest gratitude to President Biden for taking this urgently needed action, and to the community groups like Azul, who advocated and worked with so much dedication to make these protections for our oceans a reality. This is a meaningful step toward combating climate change and ensuring families can enjoy California’s beautiful coastal waters for generations to come.”

Senator Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara)

“Protecting our coastlines from the dangers of offshore drilling is an important step in our fight to protect the environment and move our state towards a sustainable energy future,” said Senator Monique Limón (D – Santa Barbara). “President Biden’s decision to guard coastal resources is commendable and will help avoid irreversible damage to our ecosystems.”

This past summer, Azul released results from the 2024 National Azul Poll, which found that regardless of party affiliation, a large majority of Latino voters support actions to ban offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, even if it means paying more per month for gasoline and household gas. The results show that:

• 78% of Latino voters agree that governments should protect the ocean, even if it means not allowing the extraction of fish, oil, gas, or other natural resources in conserved areas
• 72% of Latino voters would support actions to ban offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, and instead utilize renewable fuels like solar and wind
• 61% of Latino voters would support actions to ban offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, even if it means paying more per month for gasoline and household gas

Related Materials

• 2024 National Azul Poll: Latinos and the Ocean
• 2024 National Azul Poll: Latino voters want bold action on plastics – Azul Fact Sheet

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01 May 2025

Negotiations to develop an ambitious, legally binding plastics treaty continue; bold leadership from Latin American countries lead the way

For Immediate Release
Monday, December 2, 2024

Contact (Español/English):
media@azul.org

Negotiations to develop an ambitious, legally binding plastics treaty continue; bold leadership from Latin American countries lead the way

Busan, South Korea (December 2, 2024) – After 7 days of negotiations in Busan and a total of 5 rounds of negotiations over 2 years, the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), concluded its work without delivering a final text of the plastics treaty and instead announced the work would continue during a resumed series at INC 5.2.

Although more than 100 member states supported Panama’s proposal to adopt a global target to reduce plastic production, the entire draft text of the treaty is still on the table for discussion, marking minimal progress since the start of the INC. While the draft text contains important elements – like production reduction – there are a number of crucial elements still under debate, including financing mechanisms. Instead of seeing substantive progress, we witnessed a small minority of petrochemical states continually employ delay strategies to stall negotiations and block an ambitious treaty that would address the entire lifecycle of plastics.

Following the conclusion of negotiations at INC-5 and the announcement that the INC will continue its work during a resumed session, INC 5.2, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Azul’s Founder and Executive Director, released the following statement:

“The 2021 UNEP-Azul report, Neglected: Environmental Justice Impacts of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution, found that plastic pollution disproportionately and negatively affects marginalized communities around the world during every stage of the plastic lifecycle – from extraction to waste – and hinders the achievement of all 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

While we are disappointed to have finished this week’s work without a final text for the treaty, we are heartened to see the leadership of member states in Latin America championing an ambitious treaty with concrete solutions that center human rights. We are encouraged by the dedication to continue the work at INC 5.2 – the health of our communities, future generations, and the planet is at stake; it is crucial that we get it right.”

In addition to presenting a proposal to set a global target to reduce plastic production – a proposal backed by a majority of member states – Panama’s delegation took center stage during plenary sessions to make strong and necessary calls for decisive action, setting the stage for increased ambition.

Further illustrating that a significant number of member states support ambitious action, Mexico’s delegation took the floor during closing plenary to read a list of 94 member states who are calling on the treaty text to include a legally binding obligation to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastic, emphasizing that without such mandatory obligations, the treaty will fail to deliver on its promise.

In another display of support for an ambitious treaty, Rwanda’s delegation took the floor to share a statement on behalf of 85 nations from around the world who are calling for a legally binding treaty that mandates reduction targets, phases out harmful chemicals, supports a just transition, and includes an equitable and mandatory financing mechanism.

During INC-5, Azul published a number of resources, including proposed language on equitable and mandatory financing mechanisms, ongoing analysis on the Chair’s Non-Paper 4, and factsheets on U.S. Latino voters’ attitudes towards plastic pollution from the 2024 National Azul Poll, among other materials. The full list of INC-5 resources is available for download in English and Spanish at Azul.org.

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Azul is an ocean justice organization working with grassroots Latino communities to protect coasts and the ocean. Founded in 2011, Azul has developed –and executed– campaigns that achieved groundbreaking ocean conservation policy victories.

01 May 2025

Azul’s Initial Analysis on Non-Paper Containing Draft Text from the Chair of INC-5

DOWNLOAD: Azul’s Initial Analysis on Non-Paper 4.0 Containing Draft Text from the Chair of INC-5

Following the Chair’s publication of the Non-Paper 4.0 Containing Draft Text from the Chair of INC-5, Azul has reviewed and released an initial analysis of the draft of the text.

Currently, the proposed financing mechanisms could raise concerns about equity, transparency, and effectiveness. Our analysis finds:

• The financing mechanism outlined does not clearly define adequate financial flows from developed countries to those most in need, thereby falling short of addressing critical issues related to equitable access to funding.

• Ambiguous references to the transfer of technology may lead to ineffective solutions, creating a redundant framework that risks misdirecting resources. This ultimately leads to a misuse of funds that could otherwise be allocated to the effective implementation of the treaty.

• Paragraph 9 is unclear regarding the origin of additional resources and the nature of activities linked to blended contributions. Without clarity, there is a high likelihood that these mechanisms will offer only superficial solutions, diverting much-needed resources away from countries that require urgent support.

• Moreover, the article does not include a firm and concurrent commitment from member parties, which undermines the effectiveness of the funding mechanism. This shortfall could reduce the availability of resources for Indigenous communities and nations that are most vulnerable and in need of financial assistance.

• In addition to the points raised, the financing mechanism should establish clear, binding commitments from developed countries; otherwise, it could exacerbate the inequity in funding distribution. Without enforceable obligations or transparent tracking mechanisms, we could see promised resources that do not materialize or are misallocated, leaving developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts, without the support they need to implement the treaty effectively.

• Furthermore, the article should include clarity around how financial contributions will be monitored and reported to avoid opportunities for “greenwashing” or false claims of support. This could lead to situations where countries or institutions are able to report inadequate or misleading funding levels, undermining the trust and cooperation necessary to achieve meaningful progress on the treaty’s goals.

• More attention should be given to the capacity-building needs of the most affected countries. While the transfer of technology is mentioned, there should be more focus on building local expertise or ensuring that these technologies are accessible and usable within the context of developing countries. Without proper knowledge transfer, infrastructure, and human capital development, the promised technologies risk being either impractical or underutilized, limiting their long-term impact.

• Moreover, the proposed financing mechanisms should account for the systemic nature of the challenges that countries in need are facing. While isolated financial contributions may help in the short term, there should be more consideration for long-term, sustainable solutions. Investment in climate resilience and adaptation requires not only immediate funding but also a commitment to long-term economic transformation and capacity-building, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, which are essential for community-level resilience.

• Finally, the treaty’s emphasis on blending public and private contributions requires clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of private entities to avoid potential conflicts of interest. There is a risk that private sector actors, driven by profit motives, may prioritize projects that benefit their own agendas rather than the communities most in need. This underscores the importance of ensuring that any private sector involvement is subject to stringent accountability mechanisms and is aligned with the principles of equity and justice central to the treaty’s objectives.

DOWNLOAD: Azul’s Initial Analysis on Non-Paper 4.0 Containing Draft Text from the Chair of INC-5

01 May 2025

[POLICY BRIEF] Ensuring Equity and Transparency in Financing Mechanisms in Plastics Treaty at INC-5

Ensuring equity, transparency, and accountability in financial flows to support the Treaty’s objectives, particularly for countries most impacted by plastic pollution.

DOWNLOAD: Azul’s Policy Brief on Financing Mechanisms in Plastics Treaty at INC-5

As the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), works to finalize the text of the Treaty, Azul’s policy brief highlights critical considerations for the Treaty’s financing mechanisms.

Azul’s recommendations focus on ensuring equity, transparency, and accountability in financing mechanisms to support the Treaty’s objectives, particularly for countries in the Global South most impacted by plastic pollution.

Key Issues Addressed in the Brief:

1. Definition of Developing Countries: The current definition of “developing countries” under UN frameworks is insufficient for this Treaty’s financing mechanisms. Azul advocates for a holistic, needs-based approach using the Human Development Index (HDI) to identify nations most in need of support.

2. Financial Flows: Azul suggests a financing mechanism grounded in the “polluter-pays” principle and common but differentiated responsibilities. Mandatory contributions from developed countries, international institutions, and the private sector should support capacity-building, technical assistance, and national action plans in low-resource countries. Regular independent reviews should ensure fairness and that funds reach those with the most urgent needs.

3. Transparency Mechanism: Azul recommends a robust transparency board to oversee fund disbursement, ensuring that financial contributions, allocations, and outcomes are publicly accessible and independently audited. This mechanism will build accountability, equity, and alignment with the Treaty’s objectives.

4. Definition of Fundable Activities: The financing mechanism must prioritize inclusive and sustainable solutions to plastic pollution, including capacitating marginalized communities and groups disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution.

Azul’s recommendations at INC-5 ensure that the financing mechanisms in the Treaty are equitable, transparent, and prioritize health and human rights.

Read the full policy brief and join us in advocating for a Treaty that leaves no community behind.