Protecting the blue heart of the planet

I can still feel that leap of enthusiasm, and real joy, at the prospect of finally getting out to the beach, and running around. But probably the most important thing, to me, aside from just the freedom of it and the power of it, was the kind of creatures that you could see along the beach, that you can't find anywhere else

- Sylvia Earle

In early February, TED2009 took place in California. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. The annual conference brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. The talks and presentations are truly amazing.

This year, ocean researcher Sylvia Earle, one of the three 2009 TED prize winners gives an outstanding talk. The scientist takes us on an amazing journey of education and enlightenment with intelligence, humor and humility. She gives an informative, inspiring talk about the rapid decline of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet. Watch her talk below or go here for more download options.



Sylvia Earle is awarded the 2009 TED Prize for her dedication to the global ocean and its marine life. With more than 6,000 hours underwater and four decades of exploration in, research on, and advocacy for the ocean world, Dr. Earle’s work is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of the world ocean both in our daily lives and the health of the planet. She has marked the devastating effect of man-made pollutants on ocean life. She tells people about the life that exists in the ocean, hoping to make them understand how crucial it is, at this moment, for human beings to change the way they treat the seas. Ninety-seven percent of the earth's water is ocean, so it is absolutely crucial that, in order to keep the earth a habitable place for humans, the oceans must remain as they have slowly evolved over the millennia.

The TED Prize is awarded annually at the TED conference and, in addition to a monetary prize, grants the winner “One Wish to Change the World”. Dr. Earle believes there are still "Hope spots, large enough to save the ocean".

"I wish you would use all means at your disposal -- films! expeditions! the web! more! -- to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet."

"There are still places in the sea as pristine as I knew as a child. The next ten years may be the most important in the next ten thousand years. The best chance our species will have to protect what remains of the natural systems to give us life." says Dr. Earle. "My wish is a big wish, but if we can make it happen it can truly change the world and help ensure the survival of what actually is, as it turns out, my favourite species, that would be us."

Sylvia Earle's advocacy for the fate of the oceans makes her a true ambassador and champion of one of the world's most precious resource. You can help by at the very least passing on the link to this great TED presentation and sharing Sylvia Earle's wonderful story in hope of educating and inspiring others to take action. In Dr. Earle's words:

"For the children of today, for tomorrows child, as never again, NOW is the time"