This past week I was invited to attend the United Nations Economic and Social Youth Forum (ECOSOC), a gathering of young people from across the globe determined to take action for the planet.

Though the president of the ECOSOC, Bob Rae, opened the forum with a call to action: telling youth the world needs us “to start taking charge today,” my peers and I need no urging. Growing up under threats of uncontrolled generative AI, global war, mass shootings and climate collapse, we know our future is in trouble, and we came to do something about it.

Invited to present my solutions for a sustainable world at the panel “The Forum Youth for Sustainable Oceans — Mobilization and Actions,” I listened as fellow youth highlighted the urgent threats facing our oceans: overfishing, coral bleaching, ocean acidification and sea level rise. A youth from Jakarta shared that just last month catastrophic flooding displaced thousands in Indonesia. Another youth with family displaced in Samut Prakan told of deadly monsoons leaving vast swathes of Thailand and Malaysia under water.

Their stories reflected the peril facing my hometown of Miami, where a NOAA project projects sea levels could rise two feet by 2060 — enough to submerge entire parts of my city, including the neighborhood I grew up in. Refusing to accept that future, I shared two initiatives I’m working on in Miami — Fashions Forward and One Million Mangroves — as models for advancing Sustainable Development Goals on achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and protecting life below water (SDG 14).

But safely ensconced within the walls of the United Nations Headquarters, as we exchanged our fears and solutions through interpreters in seven languages, I struggled to hold on to my trademark optimism. There is hope — in the stories of my fellow youth rising to meet adversity every single day — but there is also a growing sense of urgency: We are out of time.

Because beyond these walls, just last week, catastrophic floods have battered Italy, deadly snow storms left thousands powerless and freezing across Switzerland and 27 million southern Africans are facing famine after an unrelenting drought wiped out last year’s harvest.

The world is facing an unprecedented crisis, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The youth know this; it’s our lived reality. What sets the ECOSOC Youth Forum apart is this: Unlike so many conferences where adults defer responsibility through endless debates over costs and blame — while youth serve as sidelined advocates — this forum is different.

We didn’t debate whose fault it was, how we got here, or who owes what to whom. Instead, we came with a singular purpose: to exchange concrete solutions that are already changing lives around the world and to scale those solutions by taking them back to our communities and putting them into play.

Exiting the UN alongside other youth as the final session comes to a close, there’s a shift among us. We’re done with endless advocacy, or even asking for a seat at the table.

Armed with the support of our peers whose homes may be thousands of miles apart, but whose ideals are aligned, we’re ready to shoulder the responsibility of building a sustainable world. Because the future isn’t something we’re willing to inherit as it comes at us — it’s something we are determined to help shape. So forgive us if we no longer ask for permission to lead, but our planet is running out of time. And so are we.

By Alexa Charouhis, We Are Forces of Nature

About the Author

Alexa Charouhis is a 15-year-old environmentalist from Miami and the president of We Are Forces of Nature, a youth-led organization working to halt climate change. She leads the Fashions Forward Initiative, reintroducing vintage clothing into the circular economy, with all proceeds supporting girls secondary education in countries least responsible for carbon emissions but most impacted by climate change.

About the Organization

Forces of Nature is an unstoppable movement of young people uniting to halt climate change. We are taking action to bring our planet to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. We are forward thinkers that understand the solutions are here, and this is our moment to build a better world. Our mission is to develop and implement solutions to save the planet. #Zero2030.

At its simplest, biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microbes in the soil to towering redwoods, from coral reefs teeming with fish to migrating shorebirds crossing the ocean. Biodiversity is not just about the number of species, but about how they live, where they live, and how they interact. It includes the quiet resilience of a lichen on a stone and the synchronized movement of a school of fish. It includes differences within species too. Some animals, like blue whales, might spend their lives mostly alone, while others rely on intricate social structures. Bees work together in colonies as superorganisms, with queens, workers, and drones, while other species divide roles across a group to hunt, raise young, or guard their community. These variations are not random, they are the result of millions of years of evolution, shaping a planet that functions as a system only when its parts remain connected.

It is the small details we often take for granted: the insect that pollinates a native flower, the bird that disperses seeds, the solitary tree where a migratory animal rests. When those pieces go missing, we might start to understand how deeply everything depends on everything else. Biodiversity is what makes Earth vibrant, resilient, and alive. When we protect it, we are protecting the system that supports us all. Old news, right? This should be giving vibes from my 1999 Campbell’s Biology, 5th Edition, university textbook. 

As I reflect during Pride Month, I recognize that just as we value biodiversity, the dazzling variety of species, colors, bird calls, scents, and ecological roles- it should go without saying that we must also value human diversity. It is this diversity that makes us uniquely human. Celebrating Pride, for me, is about celebrating our differences (and the commonality between), respecting the rights, voices, and identities of all people, and taking time to honor what makes each of us unique. It is also about standing up, defending each other, and protecting what is beautiful. Two days ago a violent video was circulated on Instagram of a group of guys who violently attacked three trans women in Rome. There was kicking, punching, breaking bottles, and I’m sure a dark terror that will forever reside inside those women. When I see nature go up in flames, I make my voice heard. When people are attacked simply for existing, I do the same. Transphobia is here. Homophobia is here. A whole lot of phobias are here. But I repeat: TRANSPHOBIA IS HERE. It is not far from wherever you are sitting either. Trans people are not going away and they are part of the diversity that makes us all, together, human. 

This is why we still need Pride.

Now, because of my work, my husband’s work, my educational and career path, and my family, I have had the good fortune to live in a handful of countries, and have visited many many others. Through these experiences, I’ve become close with people across nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I’m so lucky to have been welcomed into homes and communities that have shared their recipes, stories, fears, and traditions. It is every kind of diversity, across landscapes and languages, cultures and cuisines, that is beautiful. It should be protected, respected, and celebrated just as fiercely as the biodiversity of our planet. 

On a personal level, I had a story similar to many young gay men who grew up in the 80s and 90s- navigating identity, belonging, the silence that often surrounded us, and the fear of AIDS around the corner. One of the things that made me stronger, more grounded, and ultimately successful in my life and career was that celebration diversity. I eventually learned there is no singular path or role, even though I was prescribed one. When I began working in ocean conservation well over two decades ago, my earliest mentors were all women. In a field that was still overwhelmingly male-dominated, these women lifted each other up, advocated for equity, and made space for new voices. Watching them taught me to be brave enough to be myself and to help others do the same. This also made me understand that the most effective way to make an impact in biodiversity conservation was to support the people behind it. Flash-forward, welcome to SEVENSEAS.

It is worth noting that SEVENSEAS is coincidentally owned and operated by gay people. I am proud of how this has shaped the way we work and the stories we choose to tell. SEVENSEAS Media is here to share science, promote biodiversity conservation, and support the people who make that work possible. Conservation is not just about coral and trees. It’s about the people who fight for them- and for each other.

That is why we offer publications, job opportunities, events, and volunteer connections. That is why we celebrate every person in this community and what makes them who they are. SEVENSEAS is the place for you.

This month, at the suggestion of Junior, our new Publisher, we we decided last minute to put together a special Pride in Conservation issue- highlighting some of the work of a few LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and friends across the SEVENSEAS community. 

Thanks for reading, and happy PRIDE. 

Giacomo Abrusci

Raja Ampat, 2017

Amplifying Queer Voices

What Can Whales Teach Us About Queer Identity?

Dr. Chloe Robinson explores whales, from matriarchal pods to same-sex bonds and intersex individuals, challenge human norms through emotionally rich, socially fluid communities. Their queer behaviors mirror human identities, showing us that love, family, and gender diversity aren’t unusual—they’re naturally beautiful, and perhaps it’s time we learned from them. [Read more]

Patrick & Dave’s Pride Guide in Miami Beach

Patrick and Dave showcase Miami Beach as the ideal Pride vacation. Right off 12th Street’s “Gay Beach,” explore vivid coral reefs and unique marine wildlife, paddleboard serene mangroves, dive with rainbow parrotfish, and finish the day with iconic drag brunches and spirited nightlife. A Pride experience merging nature, culture, and celebration. [Read more]

Recoger “basuritas”, cuidar el agua, habitar el orgullo

Liliana Plaza combines queer identity with environmental activism, protecting coastal wetlands from Chile to global ocean projects. With Parley and Ojos de Mar Foundation, she advocates ecofeminist justice through community art and education, demonstrating that caring for nature is a bold, loving act benefiting both ecosystems and diverse communities. [Read more]

“Waves of fire against a stubborn shore.”
Photograph by Victoria Migneco, submitted for SEVENSEAS Media’s PRIDE Issue #121.

Container Ship Sinks Off Kerala, Triggers Oil Spill Emergency

The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala unleashed fuel, hazardous chemicals, and plastics into the Arabian Sea, endangering vital breeding grounds for marine life during peak spawning season. Scientists warn of severe ecological damage amid complicated monsoon conditions, highlighting urgent gaps in maritime governance, accountability, and disaster response. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Tracking Tigers and Conservation in India

Venetia, Managing Director of Journeys With Purpose, shares insights from her transformative trip across India’s tiger reserves. From wildlife corridors reducing human-tiger conflicts to meeting conservation pioneers, her journey unveils a rare look at community-driven conservation success. Experience intimate safaris, stunning landscapes, and firsthand encounters with India’s remarkable wildlife recovery story. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The Palau Pledge and Marine Protection in Action

Palau, a tiny Pacific nation, leads globally in marine conservation through groundbreaking initiatives like the Palau Pledge—requiring visitors to commit to environmental protection. With shark sanctuaries, vast marine reserves, and sustainable tourism, Palau proves that cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and global leadership can transform tourism into a force for lasting change. [Read more]

Mass Death of Magellanic Penguins Shocks Cabo Vírgenes Reserve

During a visit to Cabo Vírgenes Reserve in April, a witness found dozens of dead Magellanic penguins—some freshly deceased, others skeletal. With gas extraction sites nearby and signs of possible violence, urgent questions remain. Environmental groups are now seeking answers to protect this fragile breeding colony. [Read more]

Coral Gardens and Vents Discovered in South Sandwich Waters

A daring expedition led by Ocean Census and GoSouth uncovered vibrant deep-sea coral gardens, newly discovered hydrothermal vents, and possible new species in the icy depths of the South Sandwich Islands. Amid volcanoes and storms, scientists made rare biological and geological discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the deep ocean. [Read more]

SeaKeepers 2025 Honors Jimmy Buffett and Emily Cunningham

This October, The International SeaKeepers Society will gather ocean champions at its 2025 Founders Event to honor the enduring legacy of Jimmy Buffett and the rising impact of Emily Cunningham, MBE. Held during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the event also celebrates the DISCOVERY Fleet’s global contributions to ocean science and education. It’s an evening of memory, momentum, and meaningful action for the sea. [Read more]

Reefs of Time: Fossils Reveal Clues to Coral Survival

In Reefs of Time, geoscientist Lisa Gardiner looks to the ancient fossil record to understand how coral reefs have survived past climate upheavals—and what that means for their future. Blending science, travel, and poetic insight, this new release offers a powerful and hopeful lens on coral survival in a warming world. [Read more]

Wet and Salty: A Life Devoted to Coral Conservation

In Wet and Salty, Rodney V. Salm traces his remarkable 55-year journey from spearfishing barefoot in Moçambique to pioneering global coral reef conservation. Filled with personal adventure and scientific insight, this memoir offers a hopeful, firsthand account of resilience—both human and ecological—in the face of a changing ocean. [Read more]

Truth Demands: Indigenous Leadership in a Crumbling Climate System

In Truth Demands, Abby Reyes weaves personal loss, environmental justice, and Indigenous wisdom into a powerful memoir of resistance. Tracing the murder of her partner in U’wa territory to the silence surrounding corporate accountability, she calls for a future where Earth, community, and truth are no longer sidelined, but central. [Read more]