Philippe Cousteau, Jr.
Explore the life, work, and impact of Philippe Cousteau, Jr., American environmentalist, television host, and ocean advocate. Delve into his family legacy, conservation efforts, media career, and inspiring quotes.
Introduction
Philippe-Pierre Jacques-Yves Arnault Cousteau, Jr. (born January 20, 1980) is a prominent American environmentalist, ocean advocate, television presenter, author, and speaker. As the grandson of legendary ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Philippe has both inherited a legacy and built his own path in raising awareness about the health of our planet, especially its oceans and freshwater systems. His work bridges education, media, activism, and sustainable enterprise.
Early Life and Family Background
Philippe Cousteau, Jr. was born on January 20, 1980 in Santa Monica, California.
His birth came six months after the death of his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr., who died in a plane crash in 1979.
He grew up splitting time between the United States and France, immersing himself in the cultures and environments that would later shape his worldview.
He attended St. George’s School in Rhode Island for high school, then went on to St. Andrews University in Scotland, where he earned a Master of Arts in History.
Being born into the Cousteau family meant that Philippe Jr. grew up under the shadow of great explorers. His grandfather, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is universally recognized for pioneering undersea exploration, co-inventing the Aqua-Lung (scuba apparatus), and popularizing marine science through documentary films.
Though the legacy was sizable, Philippe Jr. has worked to carry it forward rather than simply rest upon it.
Career, Projects & Achievements
EarthEcho International & Youth Engagement
In 2000, Philippe Cousteau Jr., together with his mother Jan Cousteau and sister Alexandra Cousteau, co-founded EarthEcho International (initially named the Philippe Cousteau Foundation).
EarthEcho’s mission is to empower young people around the world to protect and restore their local water environments—oceans, rivers, lakes—by providing education, tools, grants, and platforms for action.
Through EarthEcho, initiatives such as youth leadership councils, grassroots cleanups, water quality monitoring, and global networks have been developed.
Media, Storytelling & Conservation Communication
Philippe Cousteau Jr. is also well known for his work in television, documentary films, and as a public speaker:
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From 2007 to 2009, he served as Chief Ocean Correspondent for Animal Planet, where he appeared in programs like Ocean’s Deadliest.
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He co-hosted Oceans (a BBC/Discovery co-production) and was a correspondent for CNN and the program Living on Earth.
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He hosted Going Green, exploring conservation challenges globally.
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From 2014 onward, he has been the host, executive producer, and face of Xploration Awesome Planet, a series aimed at telling stories about Earth’s natural systems, ecosystems, climate, and the interconnections of land, sea, and atmosphere.
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In 2017, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the category Outstanding Lifestyle/Travel/Children’s Series Host.
His focus on narrative—on telling stories of how ecosystems function, how human activity affects them, and how solutions might emerge—reflects a belief that education and awareness are vital to conservation.
Sustainable Finance & Enterprise
In May 2012, Cousteau and AdvisorShares launched an ETF (exchange-traded fund) called the Global Echo ETF (ticker: GIVE). The fund was designed to invest in companies meeting environmental, social, and sustainability criteria, and to allocate a portion of its fees toward philanthropic and conservation causes.
He also has been engaged in environmental consulting and media ventures—such as Azure Worldwide, a consulting and media firm focused on sustainability and storytelling, which succeeded earlier ventures like Thalassa Ventures.
He has been invited to speak at the United Nations, Harvard, and other institutions on environmental, sustainability, and ocean matters.
Additionally, he has served on boards and advisory groups for organizations like the Ocean Conservancy, the Marine Conservation Institute, and the National Environmental Education Foundation.
Notable Engagements & Coverage
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During the 2010 BP oil spill, Philippe was among the first to scuba dive on camera into the spill area, documenting environmental damage and raising public awareness.
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He has testified before the U.S. Congress on offshore drilling and environmental policy.
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His adventures have spanned diverse ecosystems—regenerating coral reefs, investigating “dead zones” in bodies of water, exploring remote environments in Iceland, the Everglades, and more.
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In recent years, he and his wife, Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, have co-starred in adventure shows like Caribbean Pirate Treasure, blending exploration, storytelling, and conservation.
Personality, Philosophy & Approach
Philippe Cousteau Jr. positions himself as a storyteller first—believing that telling vivid, emotionally resonant narratives about nature’s wonders, challenges, and solutions is key to building public awareness and motivating action.
He often emphasizes “We must go and see”—a motto inherited from his grandfather, Jacques Cousteau—meaning that exploration, first-hand observation, and experience are crucial to understanding environmental change.
He also leans into the idea of bridging science, media, youth, and enterprise: combining conservation with sustainable business models and youth engagement rather than relying exclusively on philanthropy.
His style tends to be accessible, grounded, and mission-driven—he engages audiences not only with data but with visual storytelling, real-world examples, and calls to action.
Selected Quotes & Insights
Here are some notable remarks from Philippe Cousteau Jr.:
“We must go and see for ourselves.”
This phrase, rooted in his grandfather’s creed, underscores his belief in direct observation as the foundation for understanding and protecting ecosystems.
“I like to think that we can create change through the stories we tell on television, in classrooms, through social media … it's really all about exploring our world.”
On the BP oil spill and environmental journalism:
“My hope is to show people what’s really happening, so they can see it and care enough to do something.” (paraphrased from his media work)
Though Philippe is not primarily known for pithy aphorisms, his public statements, interviews, and program scripts often reflect humility, urgency, and a belief in the power of awareness and participation.
Lessons & Legacy
From Philippe Cousteau Jr.’s journey, several lessons emerge—especially relevant for aspiring environmentalists, communicators, and change-makers:
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Leverage legacy, but build your own path
Being born into a renowned family can open doors—but true impact comes from forging one’s own vision and voice. -
Storytelling matters in science & conservation
Data alone seldom shifts hearts. Narratives, visuals, and human connection can bridge knowledge to action. -
Engage youth as partners, not passive recipients
Empowering young people with tools, leadership roles, and trust helps ensure long-term stewardship. -
Experiment with sustainable business models
By marrying conservation goals with finance (e.g. sustainable ETFs, enterprises), conservation can tap into new resources and incentives. -
Be where the problem is
Philippe often immerses in ecosystems under threat—not staying behind a desk means seeing first-hand what needs to change. -
Connect multiple arenas
His work spans media, nonprofits, policy, and business—reminding us that environmental impact often requires coordinated engagement across sectors.
As for legacy, Philippe is already contributing to a modern chapter of ocean and freshwater advocacy. Through EarthEcho, media platforms, youth networks, and sustainable enterprise models, he is helping shape how new generations see their connection with the Blue Planet.
Conclusion
Philippe Cousteau Jr. is a dynamic figure who honors a storied heritage while carving his own niche in the world of conservation, media, and youth empowerment. His life demonstrates that protecting the planet is not just about science—it’s about telling its story, inspiring belief, equipping action, and building bridges between people and nature.