Diving into Ocean and Climate Conversations

When I arrived at the Divers For Climate launch event in Cairns I was enveloped in a spirit of camaraderie that only lovers of the underwater world can create. A shared love for the ocean, as a source of both spiritual and physical nourishment, was deeply present. There was an understanding among us that the ocean is more than just a place; it lays the very framework of our identities. We live and breathe its waters, and its essence flows through us. The otherworldly sensations we experience when we dive beneath the ocean's surface evoke a sense of tranquillity and magic- an indescribable affinity with the underwater world that is unparalleled. During our meeting, it was evident that we all understood the urgency of the ocean's fleeting beauty and recognized our responsibility to transform our passion into meaningful action.

As divers, we have been privileged to witness the wonders of precious marine ecosystems with our own eyes. We have spent hours mesmerised by the symbiosis of clownfish and anemones, watched sea turtles rise to the surface for a breath of air, and seen humpbacks guiding their day-old calves along the reef. We’ve swum alongside white-tip reef sharks, and majestic Maori Wrasse whose rainbow vibrance is enchanting. We’ve glided through radiant fields of diverse corals, each species with its own structure and purpose. 

Many of us have also witnessed firsthand the degradation of these marine animals and ecosystems. We’ve swum through fields of bleached reefs, eerily silent, with no buzzing or fish grazing in sight. We’ve observed a lone sea turtle desperately picking at the reef for food, only to move on its way without finding a meal. We have heard humpback whales cry out in confusion as their migration paths are disrupted by noise pollution and offshore drilling. These heart-wrenching encounters are exceptionally challenging to process and often leave us with feelings of existential dread. And yet, they serve as a powerful call to action.

As believers in the wonders of the oceanic world, we must step up as problem-solvers and beacons of hope. It’s our responsibility to advocate for nature’s resilience and its capacity to recover and thrive when we respect our planet. Navigating complex climate change discussions has been our focus for four years within the diving community. Now, it’s time to amplify our voices. From diver to diver, we must campaign for stronger climate advocacy and use our voices to influence policy. Currently, of over 160 groups in the Australian climate movement only a handful are dedicated to the ocean, and that needs to change. We must ensure that the ocean's voice and the concerns of divers reach the media, politicians, and other advocacy groups.

The energy we feel after surfacing from an amazing dive should fuel our efforts to keep precious marine ecosystems alive. By showcasing our deep emotional connection to the ocean, we add a personal touch to the climate conversation, which is often missing. As an organisation, we are also deeply committed to tangible climate advocacy and action. Engaging with political processes, advocating for stronger laws, and promoting sustainable practices are essential components of our approach.

We're channelling our passion for diving and love for the ocean into driving positive change in the climate change discussion. Together, we can ensure that the ocean remains a vibrant and resilient ecosystem for generations to come.

All images by Jessie Bard.