Australia is bracing for another record-breaking summer of marine heatwaves, while still recovering from widespread bleaching events over both Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, and South Australia’s dive industry still navigating the harmful algal bloom. Divers from across Australia who have witnessed the impacts firsthand are coming together to sound the alarm — and take action.
Non-profit organisation, Divers for Climate, is set to release results from the first-ever national survey of divers’ experiences with climate change, conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland, RMIT, the University of Tasmania, and the University of North Carolina, launching their Summer of Solidarity campaign.
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The survey found that 91% of divers across Australia have directly experienced the impacts of climate change underwater with respondents describing impacts from coral bleaching, changes in species, extreme weather conditions, flood impacts, algal blooms and increasing water temperatures, among others.
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Many report negative consequences to their emotional, physical, and cultural wellbeing, and 50% report impacted income, property or costs, with 12% reporting severe financial effects.
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The survey found that 83% of divers are concerned about fossil fuel related activities that contribute to climate change and directly affect oceans (e.g: oil drilling, gas extraction, oil spills) and over 90% support more urgent and ambitious government policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Tourism is one of Australia’s largest marine industries, and this summer is going to be tough. Our survey shows that divers are already seeing dramatic changes underwater and dive businesses are under pressure across the country. But we also see an opportunity to come together,” said Dr. Yolanda Waters, CEO and founder of Divers for Climate. “This campaign is about solidarity, support, and building the momentum needed to drive real change for our oceans.”
The survey gathered national responses from divers, instructors, and marine tourism workers across every state, including the Torres Strait - to be connected with case studies please contact Becky Evers on 0484 656 324 or [email protected].
From data to action: The Summer of Solidarity
Alongside the release of the survey results, Divers for Climate is launching the Summer of Solidarity to turn findings into action, and respond to the growing sense of concern felt within the diving community.
“This is more than a campaign. It’s a signal that the dive community is united, informed, and moving forward together,” said Becky Evers, Communications Director. “We see so much magic under the surface that is worth fighting for.”
Bubbling through November 2025 to February 2026, the campaign will amplify the voices of divers across Australia through events, digital storytelling, and a closing Snorkel Out for Climate celebration in March 2026 during Sydney Climate Action Week. The campaign will also raise $50,000 to bring a delegation of divers directly into Parliament, wetsuits on, and build momentum with 5,000 signatures on a National Diver Statement - sharing frontline stories, calling for stronger climate leadership, and driving ongoing political engagement through 2026.
“The people that care and are likely to be affected aren't the type to sit in an office or deal much in politics.” Alex Blake, Dive Instructor, Dive Bondi “But I guess it’s time we change that”.
National Launch Event
The campaign will launch with an online national community forum this November, with famous cave diver and Australian of the Year 2019 Dr Richard Harris as the keynote speaker. Divers for Climate unveils the full survey results and their new strategic direction - for a media invite to the launch event, please email Becky on [email protected]
Folder link to Imagery
Link to Diver For Climate film trailer
To get involved, sign the National Statement, donate, or share your story:
www.diversforclimate.com/summerofsolidarity
Contact details:
Becky Evers — Communications Director, [email protected] | 0484 656 324
Dr Yolanda Waters — CEO, [email protected] | 0493 775 401