Dr. Wallace J. Nichols Delivers Earth Day Keynote Address at Duke University

Ocean Conservancy Senior Scientist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols Delivers Earth Day Keynote Address at Duke University and Challenges Students to Pursue Bold Acts of Conservation

Inaugural award for environmental heroism given to deserving student

April 22, 2008

Media Contact: Kelly Ricaurte

Washington, DC Ocean Conservancy Senior Scientist, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, is delivering the keynote address tonight at Duke University in an event recognizing Earth Day and environmental heroism. Dr. Nichols' keynote will describe the "2050 Scenario" which covers predicted declines of life in the ocean and global biodiversity, climate change, water crisis, the human population reaching 9 billion and the bold ideas and efforts that will be required in the next decade to protect our planet from these stresses. Dr. Nichols' speech is being held at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public, free of charge.

The title of Dr. Nichols' speech is "Jump the Chasm: Are you an EcoDaredevil?" in honor of Evel Knievel, legendary daredevil motorcyclist and environmentalist known for hitchhiking from his home in Butte, Montana to Washington, DC to save Yellowstone's Elk from unnecessary slaughter.

Dr. Nichols will share what it means to be an 'EcoDaredevil,' how careers can help further conservation, and he will share stories about real EcoDaredevils, including two courageous women who began the world's largest volunteer clean up effort for the ocean Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup.

"We can no longer deny our impacts on our ocean planet and its inhabitants. The next decade is a critical one. That means we need to be brave enough to do things people say are impossible, that no one has ever tried before," said Dr. Nichols, senior scientist with Ocean Conservancy. "An EcoDaredevil takes personal risks on behalf of nature—it may be a financial, physical, or political risk—because it's the right thing to do. These are our heroes, and they set a hopeful example for future generations."

Following the keynote, the first annual EcoDaredevil Award will be presented to a student who was brave enough to "jump the chasm".