Shackleton Lecture 2024: Céline Cousteau
The Shackleton Lectures, one of the most notable Worldwise events held each year, honours the pioneering spirit of Dulwich College Alumnus Sir Ernest Shackleton, a world-renowned Antarctic explorer whose name has become synonymous with courage, bravery, and, most importantly, leadership. The Shackleton Lectures bring the most fascinating people, such as explorers, adventurers, and educators, to share their legendary stories and life's wisdom, inspiring students with their courage, perseverance and passion.
This year, we welcomed explorer and documentary filmmaker Céline Cousteau, who captivated us with her insights and adventures.
Céline Cousteau
Céline Cousteau is an environmental activist, international speaker, documentary filmmaker, facilitator, and author committed to sharing the vital message of interconnectivity between humans and the natural world. With a degree in Psychology & a Masters in Intercultural Relations, Céline weaves storytelling and experiential practices to help people reconnect to self, community, and Nature.
Connecting Humans and Nature, Developing a Global Perspective
In the lecture, Céline explored the deep connections between humans and nature and illustrated the importance of perspective and interconnectedness through her experiences. "To truly understand the world, you need to learn to see it from different angles," she said. From studying seagrass in Cuba to documenting indigenous tribes in the Amazon, Céline highlighted the value of resilience and cross-cultural adaptation.
She encouraged students to ask questions and broaden their viewpoints, "If you change the way you look at things, the way you listen, and the way you observe, you can truly shift your perspective." Céline emphasised that curiosity allows people to gain deeper insight into their relationship with the world: "The more you learn, the clearer your connection to these things becomes."
Using filmmaking as an example, Céline explained how music and editing shape audience perceptions, "What we see is often just what others want us to see." So she urged students to maintain critical thinking, encouraging them to go beyond appearances and explore the truth and diversity behind every story.
"Everything in life helps us understand our relationship with the world," Céline said. Whether it’s the journey of a pineapple from farm to table or the process of tracking sharks in the ocean, it all reveals the intricate connections between people, ecosystems, and everyday life.
Conservation and Sustainability
Céline’s stories of environmental work highlighted how balance with nature can lead to sustainable solutions. She told the story of a fishing village in Baja California, where overfishing had left the community struggling to survive. With the support of the government and international organizations, the community stopped fishing for ten years to allow marine life to recover. "Nature bounced back," Céline said, and the villagers now earn a living through eco-tourism and fishing sustainably.
Céline also highlighted the threat of plastic pollution to human health, urging students to take action in their daily lives. “Protecting the environment is not just about nature—it’s about our own health, too,” she said. She explained that microplastics have infiltrated fish and are making their way into our bodies, causing serious health problems. “Studies show that heart disease patients with plastic in their bloodstreams are 4.5 times more likely to suffer another heart attack or die.” Céline emphasised that protecting the environment is fundamentally about protecting ourselves, underscoring that human well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of the planet.
Advice from Céline
After Céline’s speech, many students expressed admiration for her work and sought her advice on career development. Drawing from her own experiences, Céline encouraged them, “The key is to find what you truly love. Trial and error are part of growth; there are no mistakes, only information.” She emphasised that every step in life’s journey is a process of discovering genuine passion. Céline advised students to keep exploring throughout their studies and careers, identifying what truly interests them—and most importantly, to stay committed once they find it.
We were thrilled to host Céline for a delightful dinner following her inspiring talk. Our boarding prefects proudly welcomed her in Alleyn House, where they demonstrated inquisitiveness and curiosity, engaging deeply with her experiences.
Céline Cousteau’s stories left students with an unforgettable message: adventure isn’t just about exploration—it’s about making meaningful connections, shifting perspectives, and contributing to something greater than oneself. Her journey reminds us that like Sir Ernest Shackleton, each of us can become pioneers in our own right, exploring new paths and creating a better future.
