Dr. Sylvia Earle is one of the most influential ocean scientists and environmental leaders of our time, whose work has reshaped global understanding of the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. With a career spanning over five decades, she combines scientific exploration with global advocacy to protect marine ecosystems as the foundation of planetary health and climate stability.

Trained as a marine biologist and oceanographer, Earle earned her doctorate from Duke University and has led pioneering research on marine ecosystems, deep-sea exploration, and biodiversity. She was among the first scientists to live underwater in saturation habitats and has led more than 100 ocean expeditions worldwide.

She has logged over 7,000 hours underwater, including record-setting deep-sea dives, and served as chief scientist for NOAA. Her work has advanced understanding of ocean circulation, marine resilience, and the ocean’s role in regulating climate systems.

As founder of Mission Blue, she has mobilized governments and civil society to create marine protected areas known as “Hope Spots,” protecting critical ecosystems globally and placing ocean conservation at the center of climate policy.

Dr. Earle has received major honors including the TED Prize, National Geographic’s Hubbard Medal, UNEP Champion of the Earth Award, and TIME’s “Heroes of the Planet.” She is the author of more than 200 scientific publications and books such as The World Is Blue and Sea Change.

Through her writing and advocacy, she has transformed the global narrative on the ocean, positioning it as the heart of Earth’s climate system and essential to humanity’s future resilience.