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Jacques Cousteau

Champion freediver Tanya Streeter assesses the influence of underwater explorer and film-maker Jacques Cousteau.

A pioneer of the aqua lung and nature documentaries, Jacques Cousteau鈥檚 groundbreaking series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau had an enormous impact on the 1970s, gripping an entire generation of children with its kaleidoscopic beauty. The stunning films of sea-life, coupled with Cousteau's natural history lectures in romantically accented English, are credited with spawning the environmental movement.

Cousteau spent more time filming underwater than probably anyone else and, as such, was alert to the devastating impact of over-fishing and pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean. Away from the camera, he lobbied tirelessly for tighter government regulations to protect the marine environment and biodiversity.

Champion freediver Tanya Streeter reflects on the life and work of the explorer and film-maker turned oceanographer and considers the challenges that remain for the protection of our Oceans.

鈥淐ousteau鈥檚 inventions opened up the underwater world to exploration,鈥 she says. 鈥淗e inspired us to see the planet in an entirely new way.鈥

Producer: Emily Williams
Series Editor: David Prest
A Whistledown production in association with The Open University.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Sun 5 Sep 2021 14:45

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Emily Williams
Series Editor David Prest
Production Company Whistledown Productions

Broadcasts

  • Wed 15 Jan 2020 13:45
  • Sun 5 Sep 2021 00:15
  • Sun 5 Sep 2021 14:45

Hear our 鈥楽tories of Change鈥 interviews with various experts and campaigners for further in depth discussions.

Explore more on environmental issues and climate change with The Open University.