Yet again, the world’s leaders convened, debated, produced lofty rhetoric—and left without the binding commitments, measurable targets, or decisive action that the science demands. The fact that several of the most influential leaders and governments did not attend speaks volumes. The US administration did not even bother to send delegates; however, over 100 state and local US leaders did show up. And even though China’s leadership was absent, it did send a large delegation.

To preface this tribute for newcomers to diving and the dive industry: Michael was the one who coined the term “technical diving” and founded AquaCorps Magazine in the 1990s, which was dedicated to what we now know as technical diving. He drove the development of the field, ultimately benefiting the whole dive industry, improving training methods, and driving innovation. He also organised a number of technical conferences, most notably, several Rebreather Forums.

Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars.  Are we alone in the universe?  

I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?

We like to think of equality as a universal principle—that all human beings are created equal and should be afforded the same rights and opportunities. The idea has echoed through history, from Enlightenment thinkers to the ringing words of the American Declaration of Independence. They are noble ideals, ones we like to believe in, but when we look around us, reality tells another story. Where we are born, into which family and in which part of the world, still determines far more about our lives than any amount of effort, talent, or ambition.

Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars.  Are we alone in the universe?  

I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?

Once upon a time, when we were drafting and tinkering with the design and editorial profile of this magazine before it was launched, I had already made the observation that American dive magazines focused predominantly on US dive sites, the Caribbean and some Pacific destinations, while European magazines were mainly centred on local dive sites, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, with the occasional mention of the Maldives or Thailand.

Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars.  Are we alone in the universe?  

I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?

A big thank you to the many who responded positively to my previous editorial about the balance we have to walk to maintain complete editorial independence and integrity while relying on sponsorship and advertising.

To elaborate, sticking to old-school, fact-based, in-depth reporting has been an easy choice. While going against the tide of the media landscape and macro-economic trends presents many challenges, adhering to these virtues provides us with a safe haven, with classic journalistic principles and press ethics providing guidance and a protective framework.

I live very much in the present and appreciate modern technology, gadgets and applications that make my life easier. I do not think of the old days as good, but in some ways, I am quite old-fashioned. I adhere to classic journalism, and I consider it a mission to be an educating communicator. Fluff pieces, short stories without substance and other empty mental calories are just not my thing.

Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars.  Are we alone in the universe?  

I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?