WHAT MOVES THE WORLD

Hello

Change is a strange inevitability. It can creep in like a rising tide or sweep us away like a tsunami. Sometimes we celebrate it – in awards and accolades and history books. At other times, we fear it and fight it. But it will come, and when it does it leaves its mark.

NAT GEO 33: CELEBRATING CHANGEMAKERS

For the exceptional individuals named in the inaugural National Geographic 33, change means protection, innovation, and exploration.

Just last week, our founder, Lewis Pugh, was honoured in National Geographic’s distinguished list of 33 global changemakers leading the charge to protect our planet's future.

The list celebrates individuals across a wide range of fields, from climate activism and scientific research to filmmaking, sport, sustainable entrepreneurship and environmental advocacy. Fellow honorees include Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, Africa’s First Chief Heat Officer in Sierra Leone, Eugenia Kargbo, and actor and ocean advocate Jason Momoa, among others.

Lewis’s selection highlights his unwavering commitment to ocean conservation – from being the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world to his diplomatic efforts advocating for the protection of fragile marine environments.

STATE OF A CHANGING CLIMATE

The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report – widely considered the world’s most trusted source of climate updates – was released on 19 March. It exposes just how far we've pushed the planet:

• Last year was confirmed to be the hottest since record-taking began 175 years ago

• Each of the past eight years set a record for ocean heat

• The rate of sea-level rise has more than doubled since satellite measurements began in 1993

• 2024 saw the most people displaced due to climate impacts in 16 years

For a closer look at the key insights, head over to our socials where we explore them in more depth, or click below to explore the full report.

SAVING THE AFRICAN PENGUIN

Positive change is possible when unlikely allies come together to make a difference.

In South Africa, a new agreement reached between the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), BirdLife South Africa, the fishing industry, and the South African government may help protect African penguins from extinction. After years of advocacy, legal engagement and scientific review, the South African government announced it will implement no-fishing zones near six of the largest penguin colonies for a period of 10 years.

In 2020, LPF joined SANCCOB’s #SaveTheAfricanPenguin campaign, handing over our social media channels, securing media coverage, and calling on the South African government to take action to protect the species.

With their numbers continuing to decline, this Critically Endangered bird is at risk of vanishing from the wild by 2035. The fight is far from over, but this agreement is a fragile lifeline for the African penguin.

OCEAN BULLETIN

🐠 The surprising role of whale urine in maintaining ocean ecosystem health.

🐠 Australia’s unique Burrunan dolphins threatened by legacy of forever-chemicals.

🐠 Over 800 new species and counting discovered in world's biggest ocean mission.

🐠 Researchers use innovative cameras to identify fish species hindering reef restoration.

🐠 Antarctica’s oldest ice heading to Europe, marking a major milestone in climate science.

CARTOON OF THE DAY

📌  This year, please consider donating to support LPF’s mission to secure stronger marine protection, advocate for threatened ocean ecosystems, and tell compelling stories that move leaders to act for our planet’s future. 

Image credits
A reef shark swimming through a school of fish © Suju Gasim | Lewis Pugh in Ilulissat, Greenland © Jonas Fredwall Karlsson for National Geographic | Bleached coral © Ocean Image Bank | Crab cartoon © Will Santino