Reintroduction to the Ocean
Why we think we know the ocean but don't, the two ocean theory and why it's the secret to solving some of humanity's greatest challenges.
Speaking that
shifts perspectives.
Keynotes, panels, and film screenings on ocean science, climate storytelling, and the power of strategic communication to drive conservation action.
Speaking Topics
Five talks that reframe the ocean.
The Ocean Rebrand
How Room 71 at WHOI is transforming ocean communication to unlock science solutions at scale.
Chasing Coral
The story behind the Emmy-winning documentary and what it reveals about climate change, storytelling, and action.
From Advertising to Ocean Conservation
How a decade in London ad agencies became the foundation for $200M+ in conservation impact.
Technology as Conservation Tool
Google Street View underwater, the Catlin Seaview Survey, and how imaging technology creates empathy at scale.
Formats
How Richard presents.
- Keynote address (30 — 60 min)
- Panel participation and fireside chats
- Film screening + Q&A (Chasing Coral, ~110 min total)
- Corporate workshops on disruptive thinking
- PONANT Explorations expedition lectures
Ideal For
Five Audiences.
Conference organizers seeking a keynote that fundamentally shifts how audiences think about the ocean — from blue backdrop to the planet's dominant system.
Corporate sustainability leaders who want to understand how strategic communication can unlock funding and action for environmental causes.
Film festivals and cultural events looking for a screening of Chasing Coral with the lead protagonist present for Q&A.
Media producers and journalists covering ocean science, coral reef decline, climate change, or the future of science communication.
Philanthropic foundations evaluating where to direct ocean conservation funding and wanting expert perspective on what works.
On Stage
From COP and Congress to MIT and Monaco.
Past Events
Where Richard has spoken.
UN, Government & Policy
UN Ocean Conference Nice, France · 2025
UN Ocean Conference Lisbon, Portugal · 2022
UN Climate Conference COP27 Sharm el-Sheikh · 2022
CBD COP14 Sharm el-Sheikh · 2018
UN Environment Assembly Nairobi · 2018
UN Climate Conference COP21 Paris · 2016
US Congress Netflix screening Washington DC · 2017
United Nations Oceans Week New York City · 2017
Our Ocean Conference Washington DC · 2016
NOAA Capitol Hill Oceans Week Washington DC · 2015
UNESCO World Ocean Day Paris · 2014
Technology, Culture & Conservation
New York Yacht Club 2026
MIT 2026
Rolex Oceans Week — The Explorers Club New York City · 2024, 2025, 2026
Expedition Cruise Conference London · 2025
Educational Travel Conference Virginia · 2025
Columbia University New York City · 2024
NASA JPL California · 2023
Caltech California · 2023
SWEN Conference Paris · 2023
Environment & Climate Change Literacy Projects Summit Irvine · 2022
Surf Ranch California · 2021
Adobe MAX Los Angeles · 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Credit Suisse LAIC São Paulo · 2020
Change NOW Paris · 2020
The Ocean Race Summit The Hague & Newport · 2020
Climate Week New York City · 2019
Monaco Oceans Week Monaco · 2019
BOAT International London · 2019
International Sustainability Unit (with HRH Prince Charles) London · 2018
Reef Futures Florida · 2018
Google Headquarters Talks at Google California · 2017
SXSW Austin · 2017
Sundance Film Festival Park City · 2017
AdWeek webinar series 2017, 2018
IMPAC4 La Serena, Chile · 2017
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