COP30: Climate Hope Through Plankton Power

Welcome to the Climate Emergency Forum at COP30 in Belèm, Brazil! In this special episode, host Herb Simmens and regular panelist Paul Beckwith connect with Alex Carlin, an American musician, climate activist, and Guinness World Record holder, live from the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Alex shares insights from twelve consecutive COP conferences, delivering an energetic dose of hope, urgency, and actionable ideas from the global south and beyond.

This video was recorded on November 10th, 2025, and published on November 13th, 2025, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

This episode dives into the power of ocean pasture restoration—replenishing plankton to combat ocean acidification, cool the planet, and restore fish populations. Alex explains why solutions like plankton restoration are “absolutely doable” for communities worldwide, placing emphasis on Africa’s pivotal role in leading climate action. From grassroots innovation to partnerships across continents, this conversation reveals nature-based remedies you won’t hear about in mainstream negotiations.

You’ll also get a taste of Alex’s unique musical activism, including the Africa Climate Band and a movement for global ocean health. Whether you’re a climate advocate, scientist, or concerned citizen, this episode offers fresh perspective, practical hope, and the inspiration to support real planetary solutions. Subscribe, share, and join us in championing a vibrant future for our planet!

Links:

• Support Our Mission

• Ocean Restoration - Update 2024 (CEF Video)

• Ocean Restoration - Update 2023 (CEF Video)

• COP25 Message – 100 Villages To Restore This Blue Planet’s Ocean Pastures Immediately

• SUPPORT for OPR from Lecturer KOUADIO GEORGES

• Russ George Ocean Pasture Restoration HPAC October 2025

• The Climate Triad (CEF Video)

Special Guest:

• Alex Carlin - is an American musician, songwriter, and climate activist, renowned for holding the Guinness World Record for the longest solo concert—over 32 hours of continuous performance. Originally from California, Alex has toured concert halls across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, but is equally passionate about environmental advocacy. With over a decade of participation at COP climate summits, Alex brings infectious energy, firsthand insight from the global grassroots, and a unique blend of music and activism to inspire hope and action. He is also the creator of the Africa Climate Band, working to raise awareness about ocean pasture restoration and nature-based climate solutions through both powerful storytelling and song.

Regular Panelists:

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions