Jacques Cousteau: My 25-Year Remembrance
Photo Copyright: Alexis Rosenfeld
Twenty five years ago, a legendary explorer, scientist, and communicator passed forever into the great abyss.
Just the mention of the first name “Jacques” in a context of scuba diving, coral reefs, oceans, or environmental issues would have led many to assume they were talking about Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, one of the most famous and iconic people in the world. A half century ago, his adventures aboard the R/V Calypso, televised as the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, had some of the highest viewer ratings of any program ever.
Jacques was the co-inventor of the scuba diving regulator and is globally recognized as a pioneer of the environmental movement and ocean awareness.
His death on June 25, 1997 at age 87 caused global mourning. For me it was particularly personal as he had recently hired me to be CEO of the Cousteau Society – surely my supreme career opportunity. Though the exciting role was aborted by his untimely death, the few days we had together in deep discussions profoundly shaped my view of our ocean planet and the human trajectory. I trace my dedication and focus on climate change directly back to those talks.
Without a doubt, Cousteau was the pioneer in bringing ocean diversity to millions of people around the globe. He is, to this day, perhaps still the most successful of all who share a deep passion for the sea.
He should also be just remembered as a genius of communication, from the eye-catching red cap to weaving stories to teach science. With countless television shows, books, films, and the following of The Cousteau Society, he inspired generations of marine biologists and oceanographers, myself included.
In our private talks, Jacques shared his grave concerns about the world’s direction in terms of environmental damage, quality of life, and governance. Though technology was the cause of some of our problems, he believed that the only path forward was improved technology. “Ecotechnie” was his term and vision of technology that took the ecological issues into full consideration.
From time to time, I find myself drawing on Cousteau’s wisdom, trying to imagine his position on current issues. Thus, it was natural for me to cite some of those messages in the closing chapter of my recent book, “Moving to Higher Ground: Rising Sea Level and the Path Forward.”
As with the passing of any loved one, we cherish the time they were with us and benefit from the memories that will be with us forever. Along with the many millions who adored Captain Cousteau and supported his work, I can think back to some of his messages and guidance and respond with a virtual salute, with an “Aye Aye Captain”, meaning I understand and will follow your instructions.
I understood, deeply, his justifiable concern for the ocean and aquatic environment. Today, I am just as troubled for the ocean, but also the planet. Climate damage is not limited to the oceans, but now impacts our entire world. Our quality of life is eroding with fires and storms, and the quality of life of current and future generations is at severe and profound risk. Governance on climate and the environment has not decreased global emissions in any real way, and when viewed dispassionately, completely ineffective in doing anything meaningful
If “JYC” were alive today, and I knew him better than most, he would still be leading the charge on behalf of his beloved oceans – but just as importantly he would be the pre-eminent voice in telling the truth about climate, about how much damage has already been done, and how much is being done every year.
It is my sincere hope you join his spirit, and me, in working toward a sustainable world. And the Captain would have been emphatic about the clear and present danger, and demand that we all act NOW.
I outline concrete steps in my recent book:
In Memory of Captain Cousteau…
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