GUARDIAN OF THE BLUE

Not all heroes wear capes-Rolex Testimonee Dr Sylvia Earle prefers a wetsuit, a mask and flippers when saving our planet's oceans.

- BY BRANDON CHIA

Climate change is as apparent as ever, affecting hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. And it’s not just the land we inhabit that is in trouble; the oceans are also in distress.

Saving our planet’s blue heart, which makes up approximately 75 percent of the Earth’s surface, is a tall order. However, Rolex Testimonee Dr Sylvia Earle takes it on with everything she’s got, even at the age of 90.

With over 34 honorary degrees to the marine biologist’s name, more than 250 publications, having lectured in over 80 countries, and prestigious positions throughout her career, such as that of a Rolex Testimonee, an honour which she has held for over four decades, there is so much more to this heroine of the ocean.

Earle is lauded as one of the world’s most renowned oceanographers, having led over 100 expeditions that explored the depths and launched a pioneering initiative called Mission Blue that is dedicated to marine conservation.