Talking With David Frost: Jacques Cousteau

When Jacques Cousteau was 4-years-old he used to watch the passing ships, "wondering why they didn't sink." Today, celebrating his 85th birthday, the renowned scientist, inventor, and author knows more about the water world than Kevin Costner will ever dream of. In this interview with David Frost, Cousteau discusses his life and work, focusing on his plans for a new version of his beloved ship Calypso. But while touching on various aspects of his history, Cousteau keeps returning to the subject of the world's burgeoning population, which will nearly double by the year 2040. Whether we can survive the ecological disasters certain to follow in the wake of increased consumption--which will, in turn lead to huge economic and social problems--is extremely doubtful...unless we begin to plan right now. Also, if there are any starry-eyed explorers out there still looking for Atlantis, Cousteau says it's a dead issue. He's pretty convincing (my search is over), and exuberantly full of life and wisdom halfway through his octogenarian years. Recommended. (R. Pitman)