Divers for Climate: Collective action stirring beneath the surface

Divers for Climate
by Sarah Franke

A healthy ocean is vital for all life on earth; it regulates our climate, produces approximately half of the oxygen we breathe, and supports the livelihoods of over 3 billion people worldwide. 

For too long, the ocean has been out of sight and out of mind in climate conversations. In fact, it was only formally recognised in international climate agreements in 2021, despite being at the forefront of the climate crisis. 

Often called the “canary in the coal mine,” the ocean is sending us clear warning signs. We see the impacts of climate change through mass bleaching events, increasingly severe weather events, and devastating algal blooms that ripple through communities. Shifting ocean currents and warming waters are also driving changes in the migration and distribution of marine species, reshaping ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

Image: The Undertow Media - Coral Bleaching.

As divers, we spend much of our time beneath the surface, exploring the wonders of our underwater world. This unique perspective puts us on the frontlines, often witnessing the impacts of climate change on our oceans before anyone else, making our voices extremely powerful. 

Yet these moments of witnessing change often bring negative political and media attention, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty that discourages many divers and tourism workers from speaking up on climate issues. This not only marginalises a community with first-hand knowledge of climate impacts, but also undermines opportunities for informed, locally grounded solutions that could help protect our oceans and the livelihoods of those who rely on them. 

A more resilient ocean future is dependent on recognising and empowering those already on the frontlines of change by reframing the narrative around action, resilience, and the leadership of those with their heads and hearts in the sea.

Image: Darian Woods - Snorkel-Out for Climate, March 2025.

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Divers for Climate is a community of divers, ocean advocates, and marine tourism professionals working together to drive climate action for people and oceans. We support the dive community to build connections, shift public and policy narratives, and influence climate solutions that protect the places we love. 

Divers for Climate is the only organisation in Australia fully dedicated to connecting the underwater world to climate solutions. There are more than 170 climate action groups across the country, but only a handful focus on the coasts and oceans - and we are the only ones who are solely committed to amplifying the voices of divers and marine communities in the climate conversation.

The recent launch of the “I’m a Diver for Climate” campaign has already gained over 1,000 signatures from divers and ocean-lovers, and support from over 30 dive centres and marine tourism operators. The campaign calls for public commitments from politicians and decision-makers to protect our oceans and the dive tourism industry from climate impacts.

Right now, we’re working closely with dive centres and operators in South Australia, where communities are facing the impacts of a prolonged harmful algal bloom (HAB). These conversations are critical for understanding how climate-driven events are affecting the dive industry and for shaping practical ways to support these communities on the frontlines now and into the future.

Early next year, a delegation of divers will be delivering a National Statement to Parliament, bringing the voices of the dive community directly to decision-makers. We will be calling on them to stand with us to ensure a future where we can all enjoy our dive sites for generations to come. Together, we can make waves of change.

Image: Grumpy Turtle Films - Snorkel-Out for Climate, March 2025.

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