The Ocean

Ocean Hero: Sylvia Earle

Photo: Sylvia Earle

Photograph by Natalie B. Fobes

Name: Sylvia Earle
Place of Birth: New Jersey
Current Home: Oakland, California
Occupation: Oceanographer

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I am not in any hurry to grow up.

How did you get started in your field of work?
By making choices that strengthened my knowledge and experience as a scientist, from classes I signed up for to the books I read, to the way I spent discretionary time—out and about in some wild place, whenever possible.

What is a typical day like for you?
There is no such thing. Part of the joy of doing what I do is that nothing is "routine," not even sleeping.

What inspires you to dedicate your life to the ocean?
I have witnessed significant changes in the sea in my lifetime.

More has been learned about the ocean in recent decades than during all preceding history combined, but at the same time, more has been lost.

Among the most important discoveries is recognition that the ocean is fundamental to life on Earth, starting with the presence of 97 percent of the water. We now know that the ocean drives the water cycle, the carbon cycle, the oxygen cycle, regulates temperature, shapes climate and weather, and otherwise is the cornerstone of Earth's life support system.

Given the drastic changes in the nature of the ocean that people have caused in the latter half of the 20th century—loss or serious decline of half of the coral reefs, 90 percent loss of many fish and other ocean wildlife, changes in ocean chemistry, notably acidification, and overall warming among other issues—I am driven to do everything I can to reverse these dramatic declines.

I believe we should be taking care of the ocean as if our lives depend on it—because they do.

What has been your favorite experience in the field?
It is out there, waiting to happen … maybe on the next dive, or the one after that.

Do you have a hero?
I have lots of heroes: anyone and everyone who does whatever they can to leave the natural world better than they found it.

If you could have people do one thing to help the ocean, what would it be?
Hold up a mirror and ask yourself what you are capable of doing, and what you really care about. Then take the initiative—don't wait for someone else to ask you to act.

If you have a talent for singing? Sing to celebrate and change the way people think about the ocean.

Can you write poetry? Do that!

Do you have a way with numbers? Use that skill to help understand what is happening to the ocean.

Are you somewhere where an organization exists that is taking actions that you admire? Join in! If one does not exist, consider starting one.

Are you a teacher? Use the opportunity to inspire youngsters to take care of the world.

Are you a child? Ask questions, learn everything you can, and understand that you have power to make others listen—and do the right thing.

Everyone has power. But it doesn't help if you don't use it. Knowing is the key. Become informed!

With knowing comes caring, and with caring there is hope that we will find an enduring place for ourselves within the natural—mostly blue—systems that sustain us.

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World Oceans Summit


In association with National Geographic, The Economist is hosting the World Oceans Summit to examine the future of the seas and discuss sustainable use of the oceans. Speakers include National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Sylvia Earle and Enric Sala and World Bank President Robert Zoellick, among others. Valued members of the National Geographic Society community receive a 20 percent discount to attend the summit—reserve your place today (select ‘standard rate’ and enter discount code ‘NATGEO’).

Register Today »

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