Environmental Challenges

APEC’s work on integration has facilitated free trade and investment, leading to more growth in the region.

But APEC must also focus on ensuring a sustainable platform for future growth. Environmental challenges mean members must transform their economic activities to ensure critical issues such as climate change, ocean waste and pollution, clean energy, and smart cities are addressed.

Illegal Fishing

“The threat of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices is becoming a global concern. IUU fishing distorts global fish trade and has a negative impact on fish stocks, the marine ecosystem, and food security. Given the importance of IUU fishing to the region, during the year 2019, Chile proposes that the Declaration of Leaders encourages each economy to develop and carry out an Action Plan to combat illegal fishing within a given period.”

Marine Garbage

An important and popular initiative for 2019 is addressing the tons of plastics and other debris that threaten the Pacific Ocean.

Under the guidance of Chile, APEC will develop pilot projects for monitoring marine garbage in the region at the coastal edge, with the objective of eventually creating a regional standard. In addition, Chile will also explore initiatives to prevent the commercialization of products contaminated with mercury.

Clean, Renewable and Affordable

The APEC region accounts for around 60 per cent of world energy demand. Chile is committed to intensifying efforts to promote clean, renewable and affordable energy and to agree new goals on efficient energy use. Regulatory policies are also key to fostering deployment of clean cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Managing Urban Growth

Up to 80 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. APEC is to continue efforts on sharing best practices so cities are smart, green and livable for all people. Initiatives will include a focus on good governance of cities, efficient transport networks, urban planning and public spaces.