Philippe Cousteau, Jr. and the 2020 winner Harper Fortgang talk about the OurEcho Challenge STEM competition.
Video Content: Philippe Cousteau Jr and Harper Fortgang (2024)
SIDEWALKS host Lori Rosales interviews TV host, author, speaker, social entrepreneur and co-founder of EarthEcho International, Philippe Cousteau, Jr, who is joined in the interview with teen scientist, activist and the 2020 winner of OurEcho Challenge, Harper Fortgang. They talk about the OurEcho Challenge, a STEM competition empowering young people to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Students ages 13-16 has to first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to protect or repair those natural resources. Visit www.ourechochallenge.org for full competition details, deadlines and resources.
Please note: This online version of the interview is slightly different than how it appeared on the TV episode.
Mini-Biographies:
Philippe Cousteau, Jr. is a multi Emmy-nominated TV host, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur. He has been the host of numerous TV programs for Discovery, BBC, CNN, Travel Channel, and other networks. Currently, he serves as the host of the widely syndicated television show “Xploration Awesome Planet.” Alongside his wife Ashlan Cousteau, he is actively involved as a producer and narrator of the captivating virtual reality ocean exploration experience called “Drop in the Ocean.” Furthermore, the Cousteaus gained recognition as the co-stars of Travel Channel’s acclaimed series, “Caribbean Pirate Treasure,” which ran for three successful seasons. They also collaborated as co-hosts for the documentary “Nuclear Sharks” during Discovery Channel’s Shark Week in 2016. In addition to his television career, he has achieved accolades as an author, with several award-winning books to his name, including “Follow the Moon Home,” “Going Blue,” and “Make a Splash.” Recently, he launched the first installment of his book series, “The Endangereds,” published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2020. Notably, the Cousteaus have also co-authored the informative book “Oceans for Dummies.” In 2004, he took the initiative to establish EarthEcho International, a prominent environmental education organization that aims to inspire young individuals to actively contribute towards a sustainable planet.
Harper Fortgang is passionate about youth climate activism. She established Project Super Plants and guided her team through the inaugural 2020 OurEcho Challenge. Fortgang has spoken at the California Academy of Sciences, a webinar hosted by NPR Science Friday, and has been featured in interviews by the SF Examiner and Flora magazine. A second-year student at The Nueva School, she enjoys exploring new birdwatching locations and preparing delectable vegetarian dishes.
(Portions of the biographies courtesy of EarthEcho International)
Interview Credits:
- Recorded: March 22, 2024
- Host / Producer: Lori Rosales
- Editor: Richard R. Lee
- Special Thanks To: EarthEcho International