Oceans 2050, under the leadership of President Alexandra Cousteau and Chief Scientist Professor Carlos Duarte, has unveiled landmark findings published in Nature Climate Change that demonstrate the significant climate mitigation potential of seaweed farming. The study, titled "Carbon burial in sediments below seaweed farms matches that of Blue Carbon habitats," marks the first comprehensive, empirical assessment of carbon burial rates beneath seaweed farms globally.

Legacy means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the wealth or possessions passed down through generations—a tangible mark left on the world. For others, it’s a gift of service or a charitable act that echoes beyond their time. But for me, as a Cousteau, legacy is something more profound, intimate, and timeless.

So many people from around the world ask me what they can do to have an impact. It’s a question that’s as humbling as it is urgent, especially when we’re faced with challenges like climate change, inequality, and biodiversity loss. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to wonder if our small actions really matter. But here’s what I’ve learned: real change begins with us. Culture—the shared beliefs and behaviors that shape our world—starts with individual choices. Without culture change, even the most ambitious policies and market solutions will struggle to take hold. And that’s where we come in.

When I reflect on my earliest memories of the ocean, I’m transported to a world of vibrant abundance. I remember diving with my grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, into waters teeming with life. Coral reefs flourished, fish schools shimmered like silver tapestries, and the ocean felt infinite in its capacity to provide. But as I grew older, I witnessed that world begin to unravel.

As we continue to face the devastating effects of climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. But in the midst of this crisis, there's a powerful solution that we may be overlooking: the restoration of nature. This isn’t just about protecting ecosystems we still have; it’s about actively rebuilding what we've lost.

This month, Iceland made the deeply troubling decision to resume commercial whaling—a move that not only undermines years of hard-won progress in marine conservation but also betrays the values that should guide our stewardship of the planet. Whales, already vulnerable to extinction, play an essential role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. As the second-largest animals on Earth, they are crucial to the balance of oceanic life, influencing everything from biodiversity to carbon sequestration.

When most people think of Antarctica, they imagine a frozen, untouched wilderness—a place where nature remains wild and life is largely unbothered by human activity. But beneath the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, a crisis is unfolding that threatens the very foundation of this fragile ecosystem.

The ocean doesn’t care what party you belong to or what policies you support. It simply gives us life. It regulates our climate, provides food for billions, and offers beauty and balance to the Earth. Our oceans absorb a significant portion of the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It’s responsible for sustaining entire ecosystems, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales.

As we stand on the brink of the 4th Industrial Revolution, a wave of technological advancements is reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace. From artificial intelligence and automation to biotechnology and renewable energy, the innovations driving this revolution hold the promise of transforming our world in ways we can scarcely imagine. But with this promise comes a responsibility—and a remarkable opportunity. The 4th Industrial Revolution should not only be about driving efficiency and profit but also about creating jobs that restore our planet.

Coastal cities are home to more than half of the world’s population and serve as the heartbeat of human civilization, where land meets the sea. These dynamic regions are vital for global trade, tourism, fisheries, and cultural heritage. Yet, as the world grapples with the mounting impacts of climate change, pollution, and unsustainable development, our coastal cities are facing immense challenges. If we’re serious about restoring the health of our oceans, coastal cities must be at the center of our efforts. Here's why focusing on these hubs is essential for the future of our oceans and our planet.

When it comes to restoring our oceans, ambition is not optional—it's critical. The environmental challenges we face today, particularly in our oceans, are staggering. Rising sea levels, declining marine life, and the flood of plastics and pollutants are just some of the consequences of years of neglect. And while governments and individuals have a role to play, corporations—especially those whose industries have historically contributed to these problems—must step up with bold, innovative, and transparent actions.