In the past few decades, Earth's natural systems have endured more pressure than in all preceding human history.
Sylvia EarleHumans are the only creatures with the ability to dive deep in the sea, fly high in the sky, send instant messages around the globe, reflect on the past, assess the present and imagine the future.
Sylvia EarleIt's mainly the high-end luxury market now that drives much of the fishing in the sea. It's not feeding the starving millions. It's feeding a luxury market.
Sylvia EarleWe have found ways to capture, kill and market ocean wildlife on an unprecedented scale. It's an absolute catastrophe.
Sylvia EarleSince the middle of the 20th century, more has been learnt about the ocean than during all preceding human history; at the same time, more has been lost.
Sylvia EarleSanta Monica Bay is less polluted today than when I first moved to the area in the 1970s, because actions have been taken to avoid putting some of the noxious materials into the sea. I think people are more aware than they once were, the air is cleaner, water generally is, in spite of the fact that there are more people.
Sylvia Earle