Marce Gutierrez-Glaudis was thrilled to participate in a historic event last month when over 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, to negotiate a binding global agreement to reduce plastic pollution.
“We were hopeful that this would mark the end of our meetings,” shared a marine conservation expert from California who was part of the U.S. delegation, speaking to NBC News.
However, a global agreement did not materialize as countries failed to reach a consensus during the fifth and final round of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Commission.
“I am planning to engage in at least one more round in late spring or summer,” Gutierrez-Growdish mentioned. Instead of delaying potentially problematic treaties for years, he emphasized the importance of investing more time in exploring methods to oversee funding, transparency, and national accountability.
Wrapping up the year, a Mexican-American environmental leader shared insights. As the Founder of Azure, they are committed to safeguarding marine resources through positive and forward-thinking actions.
Researchers project that without effective measures, plastic pollution could double by 2050, while a global treaty could potentially reduce it by 91%.
Despite challenges like the recent deadlock and the uncertain future in South Korea, concerns linger about the next Trump administration potentially causing a breakdown. Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized the need to focus on collaboration rather than political affiliations when it comes to international agreements and environmental protection, stating, “We must set aside our political or federal preferences.”
Experts in marine conservation stressed the bipartisan nature of environmental issues, finding resonance among the Latin American community. “People are becoming more aware that things are changing and crises are on the rise.”
For instance, in California, residents are witnessing escalating temperatures, water scarcities, and increased wildfires, while across the nation, devastating impacts from recent severe hurricanes are evident.
Mr. Gutierrez-Groudis mentioned: Her organization conducted a poll among 2,500 Latino registered voters earlier this year, revealing widespread support for increased government investment in ocean protection, even if it entails higher costs for individuals.
Regarding plastic use, Over 70% of Latino voters backed bans on single-use plastics, while 75% supported regulations on plastic manufacturing chemicals. The majority favored an international treaty to eliminate plastic pollution, even if it meant adhering to challenging and costly regulations in the U.S.
While recent headlines have focused on microplastics’ presence in humans, Gutierrez-Groudish advocates for a comprehensive approach targeting plastic production’s root causes and impacts.
Highlighting the need to address the entire plastic production lifecycle and its repercussions, she and her team are formulating a comprehensive plan for forthcoming international conferences.
Witnessing the Impact Directly
Before establishing Azul in 2011, Gutierrez-Graudish began her career in commercial fishing and aquaculture, overseeing logistics and operations—experience that sensitized her to environmental degradation due to dwindling fish supplies and rising fuel costs. “I observed it firsthand,” she shared. “It was a profound moment that steered me towards conservation.”
As she gears up for global negotiations, her nonprofit Azul is actively spearheading three campaigns in her state. The Deja el Plastico (No Plastic) initiative endeavors to mitigate plastic pollution in California, leading to a state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2016.
Gutierrez-Glaudis noted that Latina grandmothers can offer practical examples of reducing plastic consumption, alluding to the “Abuela Bag.” “My grandma had reusable bags, not the trendy eco-friendly ones you find at stores, but the concept remained the same,” she reminisced.
Azul’s Vamos a La Playa (Let’s Go to the Beach) campaign centers on coastal accessibility, seeking to ensure Californians can enjoy shoreline access granted under the more than 40-year-old California Coastal Act. She accentuated the importance of clear communication at local levels to inform communities of their rights.
“Many people don’t realize that the coast is for everyone, and we need to rectify any sense of exclusion,” Gutierrez-Groudish emphasized. “I’ve witnessed this firsthand.”
Having also launched the Latino Marinos (Latino Mariners) Campaign, an advocacy branch inspired by her experiences, Gutierrez-Graudis aims to foster inclusivity and provide resources for underrepresented groups in maritime conservation.
“We are creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities and tools,” Gutierrez-Groudish shared. “Our mission is to translate potential, not just language but transformative opportunities.”
A couple of years ago, Azul unveiled the Rising Leaders Initiative, offering a chance to visit Washington, D.C. for Ocean Week and interact with elected officials.
Excited about the increasing diversity within conservation fields, Gutierrez-Groudish praised social media for making conservation more accessible. She encouraged enthusiasts to connect virtually and engage with organizations like hers to enter the conservation arena.
For individuals wondering about their environmental impact, Gutierrez-Groudish reassured them by stating that every effort counts, even simple actions like using reusable items and reaching out to elected representatives can make a significant difference.
She advocated that caring for the environment is not limited to specific actions, but rather stems from mindful decisions and actions.“People used to say to me, ‘I don’t drive a Prius.’ If they’re making mindful choices and valuing environmental issues, they too are environmentalists,” she concluded.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
