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Special Collections:
Forests and Oceans

Forests and Oceans
Boyan Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup in 2013 with a mission: to rid the world's oceans of plastic.

How unscheduled learning opportunities drive progress

Our Interceptor solutions are always tailored to local realities, with deployment and operations driven by data. We continuously assess and adapt them, even after deployment, to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

For instance, Interceptor 004 has prevented over 300,000 kg of plastic from reaching the ocean and will now undergo upgrades based on evolving pollution and river conditions. Learn more about our adaptive strategy and its impact:

Staying with the Flow: Changes to Interceptor Solutions

All we did in November for cleaner oceans

Discover the latest developments at The Ocean Cleanup during November.

For more details on our various projects, please visit our website.

How to remove 2,300 bottles from the environment for $10

With global support from our team, partners, and supporters, we've removed over 45 million kilograms of trash from the environment. Every piece of plastic no longer harming our planet is a victory, yet significant work remains.

Your contribution creates tangible impact. Based on last year's collections, we've calculated the environmental benefit of every dollar donated. Join the largest cleanup in history and choose your impact: https://bit.ly/4rogG58.

From failure to success: stopping plastic pollution in Guatemala

Addressing ocean plastic pollution has presented unexpected challenges. For instance, our Interceptor Trashfence failed in 2022, an event witnessed by Guillermo on site.

Following this setback, we deployed Interceptor 006 and 021. These systems are now successfully preventing trash from entering the Gulf of Honduras.

2025 wrapped: The Ocean Cleanup edition

In 2025, we achieved record catches, made significant impact, and advanced towards our goal of clean oceans.

Watch the full video to learn more: 2025 Ocean Progress

Yes, humans are winning the fight against ocean plastic pollution

In 2025, The Ocean Cleanup achieved a record-breaking year, removing over 25 million kilograms of waste from aquatic environments, bringing their total catch to 46 million kilograms. They also deployed two new Interceptors in Honduras and Panama.

Expanding their mission, the organization launched the 30 Cities Program to stop one-third of river plastic emissions into oceans, and introduced Coastal Sweeps for legacy plastic near shores. Developing new technologies further solidified 2025 as their most impactful year yet.

Watch their year-in-review video and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Learn more and support them at theoceancleanup.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Our goal: clean oceans

Our core mission is to achieve clean and healthy oceans for future generations. This commitment drives all our efforts.

To realize this vision, we employ a systematic approach: developing cutting-edge technology, rigorously testing its efficacy, and continuously iterating based on results. This ensures maximum impact in our fight for ocean preservation.

The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change: Updated Opportunities for Action

The oceans are signaling an urgent need for environmental action.

Addressing this crisis requires essential ocean-based solutions, which are critical for achieving a one-third reduction in global emissions.

A Healthy Ocean for the Improvement of Human Health | Ocean Panel

Professor Laura Fleming, a physician and epidemiologist, underscores the vital role of oceans. Covering 70% of Earth's surface, these environments are essential for sustaining human life.

She emphasizes that biodiversity, particularly within marine ecosystems, is crucial for the ongoing development of new medications.

The Future of the Workforce in a Sustainable Ocean Economy

The Ocean Panel's Blue Paper envisions a sustainable ocean economy over the next 25 years, exploring future employment across various sectors. Drawing on expert consultation and data, it offers guidance for stakeholders to achieve this vision.

A just transition, prioritizing inclusion and fairness, is crucial. The paper highlights key challenges: data limitations, skills gaps, insufficient training and education (especially in developing nations), regional infrastructure disparities, and inadequate funding and institutional capacity.

The Future of the Workforce in a Sustainable Ocean Economy | Webinar

Dr. Oliver Ashford of the WRI Oceans Program will host a webinar on the future workforce in a sustainable Ocean Economy.

Panelists will discuss major economic aspects influenced by the health and fate of our oceans.

Ocean Panel | 2025 Highlights

Designated the 'Year of the Ocean,' 2025 marks a pivotal moment for global ocean conservation, featuring major milestones and breakthroughs.

This summary highlights key events, including the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the UN Ocean Decade midpoint, and bold commitments from Brazil and new BlueNDC countries.

For more details, visit: oceanpanel.org/news/

Oceana 2025 Victories

Our Wavemakers secured major victories for the oceans in 2025.

However, the work continues. Join Oceana to protect the world's oceans: Oceana.org/join

Interview with Chris Jordan ALBATROSS Halsey Institute at the

Artist and documentarian Chris Jordan premiered his film ALBATROSS in Charleston, SC, alongside his "Midway" exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Jordan aims to connect with and inspire audiences through his work.

The documentary explores Midway Atoll, an isolated Pacific island situated within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It offers an intimate look at native Laysan albatrosses, whose existence is gravely threatened by global plastic waste.

How Plastic Packaging Impacts Human Health | Dr. Jane Muncke | TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch

Rising chronic diseases are partly linked to hazardous chemicals leaching from plastic food packaging and utensils. While food packaging pollutants are a public health concern, research on a strong causal link between plastics and conditions like infertility or immune disorders is still developing. TEDx events are independently organized; guidelines are available here.

In her TEDx talk, Dr. Jane Muncke explains chemical migration from plastic food contact materials and discusses regulatory gaps. She advocates for inert materials like glass and stainless steel. As Managing Director of the Food Packaging Forum (FPF), Dr. Muncke co-founded the organization to share scientific information on food packaging’s health and environmental impacts. Learn more about TEDx at ted.com/tedx.

#CCL2025 Fall Conference: Fix Our Forests Act: From Skepticism to Support

Volunteers preparing for virtual lobby meetings on the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) will gain expert insights from James Campbell, J.D., Director of Federal Affairs & Strategic Counsel at Megafire Action. He will address common Democratic concerns regarding FOFA.

This in-depth session, moderated by Dana Nuccitelli, CCL's Research Manager, will provide clear, informed talking points. These will help build understanding, find common ground, and strengthen your impact on Capitol Hill.

Learn more: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/healthy-forests/fix-our-forests/

"The Last Straw" For Marine Biologist Fighting Plastic Pollution with Nicole Nash

This clip, from *Advancing Australia* Season 1, Episode 1: "Sea of Plastic," highlights marine biologist Nicole Nash. Inspired by rampant plastic waste, Nash launched the 'Last Straw on the Great Barrier Reef' campaign, advocating for a ban on plastic straws from commercial boats operating in the region.

 

20251022 YSE BIOMES Ben Blom, MF '10, Director of Stewardship and Restoration

Ben Blom, MF '10, Director of Stewardship and Restoration at Save the Redwoods League, will deliver a presentation.

His talk is titled "Restoring Redwoods: The Roles Humans Can Play in Repairing Iconic Forests."

A GLOBAL WIN!!: 60 countries ratify the Global Ocean Treaty

The Global Ocean Treaty has reached its 60th ratification, clearing the way for this historic agreement to enter into force. This landmark moment for ocean protection is the culmination of over two decades of advocacy by Greenpeace and its global supporters.

Despite claiming to be a leading ocean protector, Australia has not yet ratified the treaty. Given its significance, Australia should prioritize joining the 60 nations that have committed to this crucial protection agreement.

EarthSayers are a beacon of hope for our planet. By amplifying the voices of those who care deeply about life on Earth, it empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action”
— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

What EarthSayers stands for

Discover Diverse Voices on EarthSayers

Unlike algorithm-driven platforms that push you into a content bubble, we ensure you hear a variety of perspectives from scientists, activists, Indigenous leaders, business innovators, and everyday citizens working toward sustainability.

 

Learn Why We Care

EarthSayers CINEMA

Watch, learn and lead—sustainability starts with you.

How to Live on Earth | Feature Documentary | Presented by Benedict Cumberbatch

What if the solutions to building a better future already exist? How to Live on Earth is an ambitious documentary that explores how humanity can create a thriving future by collaborating with nature. Presented by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film reveals the potential of teaming up with nature to address our greatest challenges.

Heartwarming and energizing, it offers a hopeful vision for a future where both nature and humanity can thrive. How to Live on Earth is produced by Open Planet Studios in association with Villars Institute Foundation and Silvania. Join the conversation by downloading film assets and sharing your reaction at howtoliveonearth.net/social-toolkit. Explore educational resources from the Villars Institute at YouTube.

 

EarthSayers Cinema on LinkedIn

How to Live on Earth | Feature Documentary | Presented by Benedict Cumberbatch