From Coral Reefs to Climate Justice: Meet Divers for Climate

The Dive Team at Bushrangers Bay after just swimming with Grey Nurse Sharks - Dive Centre Manly

From admiring the beauty of coral reefs to witnessing the reality of bleaching firsthand. We as divers see the truth below the surface. That’s why we’re proud to support Divers for Climate in their call to action.

Divers for Climate is an inspiring initiative that began as a grassroots community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers, united by their deep connection to the sea. What started as a shared passion for underwater exploration has evolved into a powerful movement committed to protecting our blue planet.

Time for action

As divers, we’re privileged to witness the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world: vibrant coral reefs, teeming marine life, and the quiet magic that exists beneath the surface. But we also see the firsthand impacts of climate change:

• Coral bleaching and marine heatwaves

• Rising sea levels and stronger storm surges

• Ocean acidification and habitat loss

These aren’t distant threats, they’re happening now, in the very dive sites we cherish.

Centre photo: Morgane during her coral restoration course in Lembongan. Andrew and Morgane going back to the site after 8 weeks for another cleaning and surveying dive.

Divers for Climate exist to spark meaningful conversations and ignite action. Their goal? To bring the diving community together to raise awareness, motivate change, and rally support for ocean protection at a global scale.

"Our mission is to empower the dive community and activate a new wave of climate ambassadors who will inspire the public and key decision-makers to take action to protect people and oceans at scale."

This mission is rooted in hope, action, and a deep respect for the ocean and those who depend on it.

Their values

• Integrity – They are transparent in their actions and held accountable by their community.

• Collaboration – They work together with industry and communities to co-create change.

• Respect – They know that change takes time and must be grounded in trust and respect.

• Justice – They stand in solidarity with those disproportionately impacted by climate change.

• Diversity – Just like the ocean, they celebrate diversity and inclusion, and commit to creating safe spaces to work together.

Our Journey Below the Surface:

When Morgane first started diving, it was just something she loved.

"Being underwater felt peaceful, like nothing else mattered. My very first dive was in Tulamben, Bali, about three years ago. I was nervous, unsure if I'd even be able to do it because of my asthma. But the moment I sank beneath the surface, something just clicked. It wasn’t perfect, I struggled, but I loved it. And that feeling stuck with me."

Two years later, Andrew and I planned our trip to Indonesia. Since Andrew didn’t dive, I told him: either give it a shot, or find a way to entertain yourself while I’m underwater because there was no way I was skipping the dive sites in Indo. So he did. And, just like me, he fell in love with it. We both kept diving, course after course, until eventually we found ourselves signing up for the Divemaster program. At the time, we were still waiting for Andrew’s visa to go back to Australia. We saw it as an investment for our careers and for me personally, I wanted to go deeper into it, to feel completely at home in the water. I had no intention of going at it profesionally. But as my love for the ocean grew, so did my passion for the blue and what I wanted to do with it.

The only time Andrew is dead serious is underwater

So, almost naturally, we became more and more fascinated by the ocean. Learning through documentaries, conversations with people, and, most of all, by seeing it with our own eyes. Our curiosity kept growing. We wanted to understand what we saw, why it was there, how it behaved, what its mating process was like. After every dive, I found myself constantly Googling things.

But sadly, we didn’t just witness the ocean's beauty. We also came face-to-face with the damage it's suffering, the impact humans have, often without even realizing how deeply it affects the ocean’s health.

This is why we’re doing this. This is why I’m currently sitting in my van, listening to Strawberry Guy while the sun sets over Sydney Harbour, typing this out. It’s for you, so you can learn, like I did. So you can get to know the ocean, spread awareness, and support the organisations that are fighting for it.

Sarah and me before jumping in at the Steps in Kurnell. Let's find some Weedy Sea Dragons

One of those people who inspired me is Sarah Franke. She works with one of these organisations, and has been a huge influence on me. Not just as a traveller and free spirit, but also through her deep knowledge of marine life as a marine biologist, and her drive to make the world a little bit better. And yeah, it might sound cliché, but every little bit really does help.

So, if you’re still reading, thank you. We appreciate you being part of our journey and listening to what we have to share. And if you feel like helping, even just a little, keep reading. You can make a difference too.

Sign the statement: Your Voice Matters

"We see magic. But we also see change."

For those who live and work by the sea, the effects of climate change are real and personal. Many are already taking action, but they cannot do it alone.

Divers for Climate is calling on politicians, businesses, and individuals to stand up and speak out. Together, we can ensure a future where vibrant dive sites and healthy oceans remain part of our world for generations to come.

🔗 Sign the statement and add your voice to a growing community of ocean defenders.

🌐 Learn more about their work at www.diversforclimate.com

Let's fight for the blue. Together!

Morgane, Andrew and Sarah at South West Rocks right after jumping in and committing to their first cave dive.

written by Morgane Roggeman. Grammatically reviewed. My English isn't perfect.