Twenty-seven island states across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean are uniting under a new initiative to manage and eliminate toxic chemicals and waste. Under the new initiative, called the Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States (ISLANDS) program, the island states will work together to eliminate over 23,000 metric tons of toxic chemicals and avoid the release of over 185,000 metric tons of marine litter.

Caribbean nations and organizational partners issued a joint statement calling for the adoption of "necessary and specific reforms" in Caribbean energy policy at the first-ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit, hosted by the Obama administration in Washington, D.C. The statement specifically addressed sustainable and clean energy production. The United States also announced a $90 million investment in Jamaican wind power through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Last Thursday, several Caribbean nations committed to start replacing diesel generators with renewable energy sources. The countries signed the agreement at a meeting hosted by the Carbon War Room, an organization cofounded by British billionaire Richard Branson to fight climate change. Historically, Caribbean islands have had very high electricity costs and have relied heavily on diesel generators for power. As a result, the islands have a significant opportunity to pursue green energy, according to Lynn Tabernacki, managing director of renewable energy programs at the U.S.