'Choose now!': Ocean explorer Sylvia Earle's message of hope ahead of 'Blue Davos'
- People alive today have a unique opportunity to safeguard the environment and humanity's future, says Sylvia Earle.
- The nonagenarian scientist has pioneered deep ocean research.
- 'Blue Davos': The Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos will focus on a blue thread highlighting the vital role of water ecosystems—from ocean to freshwater—in global stability, trade, livelihoods, food systems, and climate resilience.
"I think if you could be born anywhere in time - especially if you have an inclination to want to make a difference in the world - choose now."
Sylvia Earle has no delusions about the state of the environment. The nonagenarian oceanographer has seen massive destruction to nature on land and sea in her lifetime. But she still has this message of hope to younger generations:
"Never before could we know what is now known. And never again will we have a chance as good as we now have," she says. The chance Earle is referring to is the opportunity to reverse the decline in nature - something she sees as essential for human flourishing and even survival.
The ocean explorer and "aquanaut" spoke to the Radio Davos podcast, ahead of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2026, where the ocean will be a major focus of attention.
