News

50th Anniversary of Earth Day

The countdown to Earth Day 2020 is underway with its organizers—the Earth Day Network—announcing “The Demand for Climate Action” as the overarching theme throughout this landmark 50^th anniversary year. Earth Day Network has also begun planning efforts to produce a global-scale mobilization in April 2020 to mark the anniversary.

In 1970, twenty million people took to the streets to protest and demand action to change the way humanity was impacting the Earth’s environment. The movement, inspired by the 1968 ‘Earthrise’ image of the Earth from space, created a mobilization that triggered a raft of new transformational legislation in the United States, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

The movement also triggered a worldwide environmental people’s movement that now engages more than 190 countries and a billion people annually.

Every year Earth Day Network, as the organizer of the original Earth Day, selects an environmental priority to engage the global public. The enormous challenges – but also the vast opportunities – of acting on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50^th anniversary year as nations look to increase the ambition of their national climate action plans to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

“Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable. Unless every country in the world steps up – and steps up with urgency and ambition – we are consigning current and future generations to a very dangerous future of rising sea levels; glacier and ice-sheet loss; increased storms, floods, and droughts; dramatic extinction of animal and plant species; and increased poverty in many regions,” said Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network President.

“Much has been achieved since 1970, but much still remains unfinished, with many of the dials on our sustainability indicators pointing perilously in the wrong direction. 2020 has to be the year of enormous, ambitious change that will take the promise of the positive action underway and make it bigger and bolder worldwide,” she said.

“Together, we can unite our individual voices and individual actions around the world to build a movement that is inclusive, ambitious, and impossible to ignore.” Rogers said.

A raft of initiatives, aimed at mobilizing citizen engagement on climate action and wider environmental mobilizations will provide individuals with ways to act, including:

Vote for earth, protest the climate crisis

Vote Earth

In 2019 and 2020, more than 125 countries will host major parliamentary, presidential, and legislative elections around the world. Thousands of state, provincial, regional, and city elections will also be held. The time has never been better to use individual power as a voting citizen to select the candidates committed to taking bold action to protect our planet.

Vote Earth calls on citizens, particularly young and first-time voters, to examine the climate and environmental platforms of their candidates; to engage these candidates and better understand their ambition; and, ultimately, to vote at the ballot box for the candidates with clear, ambitious, and convincing plans to protect our planet

Through targeted in-country strategic communications spread through large- and small-scale organizations, Vote Earth will inform, engage, and activate voters to register, get educated, and show up at the polls to vote for candidates committed to protecting the planet.

The Great Global Cleanup

In collaboration with partners around the globe, Earth Day Network is building Earth’s largest cleanup crew.

The Great Global Cleanup is a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails, and parks — reducing waste and plastic pollution, improving habitats, and preventing harm to wildlife and humans.

The Great Global Cleanup has been piloted through more than 2,000 cleanups in cities across the U.S. for Earth Day 2019. Now, the event will be scaled up for global reach to kick off the largest coordinated environmental volunteer event in history.

Through our unified campaign including mobile registration, digital mapping and social media, we will connect partners and participants around the globe to remove billions of pieces of trash from our green spaces, urban communities, and waterways. Data collected by participants will help build a better understanding of the sources, scope and solutions to our waste problem.

Earth Challenge 2020

Citizens of the world have incredible potential to report on the natural world around them, but this potential has largely gone untapped, until now. Earth Challenge 2020 will empower everyday individuals to join the largest-ever global citizen science initiative to report on the health and wellbeing of the environment around them, from their drinking water, to their air quality, to the species around them.

A scientific panel has been assembled to support the Earth Challenge 2020 campaign, with partners including the Wilson Center, the US State Department, Esri, the World Bank’s Connect4Climate initiative, and UN Environment.

This global network of partners has identified six key questions, and with support from tech giants like Amazon, the Earth Challenge 2020 app will be launched in early 2020 for citizens to download and use to help answer these questions in their localities.

The findings of this citizen science initiative will be uploaded to large scientific networks to improve our understanding of the health of our world, with dual goals of triggering national and local government policy shifts while arming citizens with better and more convincing facts.

Artists for the Earth

Artists for the Earth is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of climate change and the environment by seizing the power of art to inform, provoke, and inspire action and instill hope for the future. Artists for the Earth will engage thousands of museums, orchestras, theaters, performers, authors, and artists from all walks of life and from every continent to change our global culture through culture.

By raising awareness and understanding of climate change and the environment through the arts, Artists for the Earth aims to connect with people on an emotional, personal, and local level to nurture optimism, drive action, and catalyze change in communities around the world.

Billion Acts of Green

Earth Day 2020 wants to recognize every person, every group, and every action being taken to improve our world– whether it be lifestyle changes that cut emissions, action on plastics pollution, species protection, university and school teach-ins, tree plantings, local and global cleanups, switching to a more plant-based diets, or voting with your wallet and your ballot.

Earth Day Network will be reinvigorating and relaunching its flagship platform – Billion Acts of Green – to meet the challenge of logging, aggregating, and profiling these meaningful actions by inspiring individuals and organizations around the world. Billion Acts of Green will serve as the overarching umbrella or frame for all actions taken on the EDN website, whether it’s a petition signed, a cleanup hosted, a climate march registered, etc.

The previous iteration of Billion Acts of Green saw more than 2 billion actions registered, with a 2020 goal of 3.5 billion actions taken, logged, and aggregated around the world.

To learn more about Earth Day Network’s campaigns across the world: https://www.earthday.org/campaigns/

News

SeaKeepers 2025: Tribute To Jimmy Buffett And Award For Emily Cunningham

The International SeaKeepers Society will host its highly anticipated Founders Event on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—bringing together ocean lovers, conservation leaders, and marine enthusiasts to celebrate a shared passion for the sea.

This special evening will highlight two extraordinary honorees: Jimmy Buffett, posthumously recognized as the 2025 SeaKeeper of the Year, and Emily Cunningham, MBE, recipient of the 2025 NextGen Award. The Society will also celebrate the 2025 DISCOVERY Fleet, whose vessels supported vital marine research and education throughout the year.

Honoring a Legacy: Jimmy Buffett
2025 SeaKeeper of the Year

Jimmy Buffett was a legendary singer-songwriter and beloved “tropical troubadour” whose music captured the carefree spirit of coastal living and ocean adventure. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Buffett’s career blended storytelling, humor, and escapism into anthems for beach bums, dreamers, and pirates-at-heart.
Beyond the music, Buffett was a passionate ocean advocate. His philanthropic efforts supported coral reef conservation, manatee protection, and marine ecosystem preservation—making his legacy as impactful in environmental circles as in popular culture.

Jimmy Buffett peeking out from a stage prop styled as an airplane cockpit with the words “Air Margaritaville” during a live performance. — Jimmy Buffett performing live with his iconic Air Margaritaville stage set—embodying his trademark blend of music, humor, and coastal adventure.

Black and white photo of Jimmy Buffett relaxing shirtless on a sailboat, wearing aviator sunglasses and smiling at sea. — Jimmy Buffett performing live with his iconic Air Margaritaville stage set—embodying his trademark blend of music, humor, and coastal adventure.

Celebrating the Future: Emily Cunningham, MBE
2025 NextGen Award Recipient

Emily Cunningham is a marine biologist and global conservation leader currently directing WWF’s Global River Dolphins Initiative across 14 countries. She is also the co-founder of #Motion4theOcean, a grassroots movement advancing ocean recovery at the local government level. Emily has represented this work at global venues, including UNESCO’s Cities with the Ocean forum. With a strong commitment to youth, equity, and environmental justice, she continues to lead collaborative marine mammal research with The International SeaKeepers Society in British waters.

Event Details

Event:
2025 Annual Founders Event
Hosted by The International SeaKeepers Society

Date:
Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time:
7:00 PM – Cocktails
8:30 PM – Dinner

Location:
Pier Sixty-Six
2301 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Honorees:

Jimmy Buffett, 2025 SeaKeeper of the Year

Emily Cunningham, MBE, 2025 NextGen Award

2025 DISCOVERY Fleet, for their year-round support of SeaKeepers programming

RSVP Deadline:
Friday, October 24, 2025

Contact:
Email: Marjurie@SeaKeepers.org
Phone: +1 786.924.6209

RSVP & Ticket Information

This is a ticketed event with limited capacity. RSVPs are required for entry. For ticket purchases or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Marjurie or visit SeaKeepers.org for details.

2025 DISCOVERY Fleet Recognition

SeaKeepers will recognize the contributions of its DISCOVERY Fleet, a collective of vessels that hosted marine research, educational programming, and outreach around the world. The 2025 impact spans the following regions:

USA, Headquarters
Asia & Bangladesh
United Kingdom
South Pacific

Attendees will have an opportunity to explore each chapter’s achievements and the vessels that played a vital role in supporting SeaKeepers’ mission this year.

Accommodations for Guests

As a courtesy to out-of-town guests, SeaKeepers has secured a limited number of rooms at Pier Sixty-Six Resort. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be reserved no later than Monday, October 6, 2025.
To book:
Call +1 954.525.6666 or follow the online reservation link provided by the resort.

Please note: After the October 6 deadline, all unclaimed rooms will be released back into general sale.

News

Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award Now Accepting Applications for 2025

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award (WIOSA). A unique opportunity for early-career women in ocean science seeking professional growth, mentorship, and hands-on research experience.

This initiative will support one WIOSA Scholar and two WIOSA Interns, with research focused on one of the following key topics:

Seagrass ecology
Coastal blue carbon
Coral recruitment dynamics

The selected projects will directly support CCMI’s Blue Carbon Offset and Biodiversity Project, furthering critical research on climate resilience and marine ecosystems.

Photo credit: Blue Carbon Offset & Biodiversity – CCMI

WIOSA Scholar Opportunity

The WIOSA Scholar position is intended for a post-doctoral level researcher seeking to advance an independent research career. Scholars may propose their own research or collaborate on CCMI’s current programming. Preference will be given to projects that investigate:

The role of seagrass beds
Coral recruitment processes
Carbon cycling and its influence on reef and coastal resilience

Location: Little Cayman Research Centre
Fellowship Term: 2025–2027

Support Package:

$5,000 USD annual fellowship
$10,000 USD annual research support (including one month of fieldwork, diving, boat use, equipment, room and board)
$800 USD travel support
Conference travel funding to present at a regional scientific meeting

In addition, the selected scholar will mentor one of the WIOSA Interns through a transparent selection process.

WIOSA Internships

Two internship positions are available for graduate students (Master’s or PhD level) pursuing careers in ocean science. Interns will gain field-based experience by contributing to a project led by the WIOSA Scholar.

Key Requirements:

Certified and experienced scuba diver
Interest in coral recruitment, seagrass dynamics, or coastal blue carbon

Duration: 2.5 months
Location: Little Cayman Research Centre

Support Package:

$500 USD monthly stipend
$800 USD travel support
Room and board provided
One-on-one mentorship from a WIOSA Scholar

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
To Apply: Email your CV and cover letter to WIOS@reefresearch.org

For full details, visit: https://reefresearch.org/about-ccmi/our-people/positions-available/

Contact

For any questions about the award or application process, please get in touch.

Abbie Dosell
Head of Fundraising and Engagement
www.reefresearch.org
facebook.com/reefresearch

Art & Culture

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge

A Tribute to the Ocean’s Keystone Species:

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, an international student art contest that promotes ocean conservation. This year’s theme, Marine Keystone Species, invited students to create artwork highlighting species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of ocean ecosystems.

Open to primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old, the competition received an overwhelming response this year. Over 1,300 young artists from 75 countries submitted artwork—each piece a unique interpretation of a marine keystone species, from sea otters and mangroves to corals and sharks. These species may not always be the most numerous or well-known, but they have an outsized impact on their environment. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity, balance food webs, and support ecosystem resilience. If a keystone species is removed, the entire ecosystem could shift dramatically or collapse. Through their art, students explored these complex ecological relationships and made a compelling case for ocean conservation.

Artwork in the competition was judged in two categories based on age. The winning entries are not only beautiful pieces of artwork—they are a tribute to the animals that keep our ocean ecosystems in balance.

Hyungjun Chin, 18, from the Republic of Korea, holding his winning artwork "The Keeper" featuring a sea otter in a kelp forest.

In the 15–19 age group, the first-place winner of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge is Hyungjun Chin, with his enchanting piece, “The Keeper.” An 18-year-old student from the Republic of Korea, Hyungjun’s artwork depicts a sea otter eating sea urchins in a vibrant kelp forest, highlighting the otter’s role in protecting the kelp from overgrazing.

“Winning the Science Without Borders Challenge® means a lot to me,” said Hyungjun. “It feels incredibly rewarding to have my artwork recognized on an international level, especially when it’s about a topic I care deeply about—the environment. I wanted my artwork to show how every species has a role and how protecting even one can save many.”

Kimin Kim from the Republic of Korea with her second-place artwork “Bridge Between Waters and Worlds,” featuring mangroves and fish.

Second place in the 15–19 category went to Kimin Kim of the Republic of Korea for her artwork, “Bridge Between Waters and Worlds.” Her piece highlights the importance of mangrove trees as habitat for species both above and below the waterline, and their role in purifying the water for nearby seagrass meadows.

Daniel Yu from Hackensack, NJ, standing beside his colorful mangrove-themed artwork “The Sea's Yggdrasil.”

Daniel Yu from Hackensack, New Jersey, claimed third place with “The Sea’s Yggdrasil,” a striking portrayal of mangroves as ecosystem engineers—stabilizing coastlines, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants from the water to support surrounding marine life.

Gia Kim, age 12, from Los Angeles, holding her painting “Melting Grounds” depicting krill and glacial waters.

In the 11–14 age group, Gia Kim, age 12, from Los Angeles, California, earned first place for “Melting Grounds,” her powerful painting of krill—tiny but vital creatures that form the heart of the food web in the Arctic and Antarctic. Her artwork illustrates how the loss of such species, due to threats like climate change and ocean acidification, could lead to ecological collapse.

“I hope this piece raises awareness about our damaged ocean and what could happen if we continue to harm it,” said Gia. “This is our planet, and we can make a change, starting with our warming ocean.”

Kate Wang standing on a wooden deck holding her seagrass-themed painting “Seagrass Savior.”

Second place in the 11–14 age group went to Kate Wang from Canada for “Seagrass Savior,” which illustrates how the large appetites of tiger sharks help protect fragile seagrass ecosystems.

Annie Douglas from The Bahamas standing beside her painting of a coral reef ecosystem titled “The Beauty of Coral Reef.”

Third place was awarded to Annie Douglas from The Bahamas for “The Beauty of Coral Reef,” celebrating reef-building corals. Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support roughly 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 kinds of fish.

Each of the winners will receive scholarships of up to $500 from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to celebrate their achievements and help them pursue their interests in art and ocean conservation.

Now in its 13th year, the Science Without Borders® Challenge continues to engage students in important ocean science and conservation topics through art. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation created the competition to educate students around the world about the need to preserve our oceans and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.

“The goal of this contest has always been to educate students about the ocean through art,” said Amy Heemsoth, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education at the Foundation. “This year’s theme helped them understand how essential certain species are to the health of marine ecosystems. Their artwork serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations.”

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, and thanks them for using their creativity and passion to inspire positive change for our oceans.

For more information:
Visit: www.LOF.org

Gallery

“The Keeper,” painting of a sea otter floating in kelp, holding a sea urchin. — First-place winner Hyungjun Chin (age 18) from the Republic of Korea with “The Keeper,” a tribute to sea otters as marine keystone species.

About the Organizations:

About the Science Without Borders® Challenge:
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international student art contest run by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to engage students in marine conservation through art. The annual competition welcomes entries from all primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old. Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to the winning entries. Students and teachers interested in next year’s competition can learn more and apply at:
www.livingoceansfoundation.org/SWBchallenge

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation:
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world’s oceans. Through science, outreach, and education, the Foundation works to conserve coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems, enhance ocean literacy, and inspire conservation action. Learn more at www.livingoceansfoundation.org