For Clean Oceans, Action Must be Local and Global

The blog post emphasizes the need for local and global actions to address ocean pollution, particularly reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and building capacity for large-scale clean-ups. It highlights the severe impact of plastic pollution on marine life and economies, especially in small island nations. The article advocates for innovative financing and international cooperation to tackle the issue effectively.

Ritu Verma

An anthropologist, international development expert, and civil engineer, Ritu works on gender analytical aspects of development projects in the Pacific. She has led several strategic knowledge papers on gender issues in Kiribati, Tonga, Samoa, the Marshall Islands, and the Pacific Islands, as well as ADB’s first innovation marketplace session on Wellbeing and Degrowth: Moving Beyond GDP.

For Clean Islands and a Clean Ocean in the Pacific, Start with Solid Waste Management

The blog discusses the escalating solid waste challenges Pacific Island nations face due to globalization, changing lifestyles, and climate change. It advocates for reducing waste, improving disposal methods, and enhancing regional cooperation to create a sustainable recycling network and attract funding for ocean waste management.

Brigitte Balthasar

Brigitte contributes to the financial management of disaster and climate risk across ADB’s developing member countries by working with ADB’s operational departments to prepare and implement respective solutions. Her primary responsibilities include developing disaster and climate risk financing approaches, conducting disaster risk assessments, and providing policy advice. 

Asia's Coastal Areas Are More Than Just Carbon Credits

The blog discusses the importance of Southeast Asia's coastal areas beyond their role in carbon sequestration. While 'blue carbon' projects are gaining attention for their ability to store significant amounts of carbon, it highlights a broader appreciation of these ecosystems' diverse benefits, including supporting fisheries, protecting against extreme weather, and preserving biodiversity.

Audrey Tan

​Ms. Audrey Tan was previously an assistant news editor and environment correspondent at The Straits Times, Singapore’s national broadsheet, where she covered environmental issues and climate change for about a decade. Audrey holds a master’s degree in climate science and policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She is an advisory committee member of the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Journalism Fund for Southeast Asia.