Tom Rivett-Carnac: Hope for the High Seas? Sylvia Earle and Oceans on the World Stage

Dear Listener,

Governments provide $35 billion in subsidies to fisheries every year. Astonishingly, $22 billion of that supports harmful practices like bottom trawling, which fuel overfishing and degrade vital ecosystems. If you’ve seen David Attenborough’s film ‘Ocean’ recently, you’ll know what the brutal repercussions of this look like. It’s heartbreaking - almost beyond comprehension. One guest in the film described it as "taking the future out of the sea," whilst leaving local communities with the wreckage. It’s outrageous that we are paying for this destruction, which, at the same time, makes climate change worse. 

Being here in Nice at the UN Ocean Conference and working on this week’s episode has really opened my eyes to the desperate nature of the crisis and the incredible work and momentum that’s ongoing to protect the ocean. 

The political will to do something is palpable. Since the conference started, more countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty - but not yet enough for it to become legally binding. It’s crucial we keep the pressure on, because once the Treaty does become legally binding, it will help play a key role in reversing the damage we’ve done - and spark more of the regenerative solutions that work so well to restore ocean health. 

I hope you’ll enjoy this week’s episode, especially the conversation with Sylvia Earle, who’s dedicated so much of her life to the ocean, and come away feeling as optimistic as I did. 

OUTRAGE + OPTIMISM ON THE CALENDAR

THIS WEEK: Hope for the High Seas?: Sylvia Earle and Oceans on the World Stage. World leaders, scientists and ocean advocates are gathering in Nice for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and hopes are high that progress can be made on some of the many pressing issues facing our seas - from acidification to pollution, and from biodiversity loss to deep sea mining.

Christiana Figueres and I have been on the ground, asking: can this moment can become a true turning point for ocean governance? Central to the agenda is the High Seas Treaty: a long-awaited international agreement designed to protect marine life in the 64% of the ocean that lies beyond national borders. But with more ratifications needed to get it across the line, can its future be secured while the world’s eyes are on Nice? 

Later in the episode, Christiana is joined by legendary oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Drawing on a lifetime of experience beneath the waves, she shares stories, warnings, and a passionate case for protecting the blue lungs of the planet. This episode features underwater and ocean recordings taken by sound artist and documentarist Louise Romain. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: COP30: Can Brazil deliver a global breakthrough? In November, Brazil will host COP30 in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, in what is bound to be a moment packed with symbolism, high expectations, and global significance. Last week Christiana, Paul and I explored what’s at stake, what Brazil wants to achieve, and whether the world is ready to move from ambition to implementation. I shared my recent conversations with COP CEO Ana Toni , and Gustavo Westmann from the office of the Brazilian Presidency.

Together, we discussed everything from the growing political momentum to the logistical and diplomatic hurdles still to be overcome. With Brazil readying itself to be the focus of the world’s media later this year, we ask: can COP30 be a breakthrough moment for fossil fuel phaseout, nature protection, and delivery on past promises? Or will it risk becoming another high-profile summit weighed down by old divisions and new distractions? Listen back wherever you get your podcasts. 

Thanks as ever for listening to Outrage + Optimism : The Climate Podcast, and for reading our newsletter.

All my best,

Tom

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