David Suzuki graduated from Amherst College in 1958 with an Honours BA in Biology, followed by a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961. Research alone was not enough for the gifted geneticist. Dr. Suzuki would evolve into one of the world’s greatest scientific communicators. His 1976 An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, remains the most widely used genetics text book in the U.S. and has been translated into Italian, Spanish, Greek, Indonesian, Arabic, French and German. He has authored 27 other books, including 10 books for children.
Dr. Suzuki is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural sciences in an easily understood way. In 1974 he developed and hosted the long running popular science program Quirks and Quarks on CBC Radio. In 1979 he became the host of The Nature of Things. His eight part television series, A Planet for the Taking, won an award from the United Nations
In 1990 Dr. Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation with a mission to protect the diversity of nature and humanity’s quality of life. David Suzuki has become a world leader in sustainable ecology. He is the recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for Science, the United Nations Environment Program Medal and the Right Livelihood Award which is considered the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’.
“We have used air, water, and land as a garbage can, so every human being on the planet is loaded with toxic chemicals.”
- David Suzuki
David Suzuki has graced our television screens and airwaves for more than 30 years. Through his tireless journalistic work he brings us stories of the world around us and awareness of the issues that threaten to destroy it. His prolific career has seen him take on the roles of Canadian academic, science broadcaster and environmental activist. Dr. Suzuki was trained as a geneticist but after reading an early work warning of the dangers of manmade chemicals to both ourselves and to our planet, he quickly reevaluated the role of science in our everyday lives. He has since dedicated his skills to investigating the consequences of human development, activity and technology to our planet. His mission is to get people everywhere to examine the way they live and what our actions mean for the life and health of our environment.
Dr. Suzuki is the recipient of the Order of Canada (as an Officer and as a Companion), the Order of British Columbia, UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize for science and a long list of other Canadian and international awards. Despite these honours, he has never shied away from openly criticizing governments the world over for their lack of action to protect the environment and to bring attention to issues such as global warming, cleaner energy practices and sustainably.
Dr. Suzuki is turning 75 on March 24th and shows no signs of slowing down where living the best, greenest life is concerned. He is a great example of how anyone at any age can continue to affect change and make a positive difference.
“Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. It is time to re-examine some of our deeply held notions that underlie our lifestyles.”
1. See what is happening locally with The David Suzuki foundation. There are opportunities to volunteer in communities all over, so get up and get going. Make a video of what you are doing to honour Dr. Suzuki in your community and upload it to GreenHereos. We want to hear about it.
2. Make a video of what you are doing to honour Dr. Suzuki in your community and upload it to GreenHereos. We want to share your story.
3. Sign the "Declaration of Independence" the founding document of David Suzuki's lifelong mission.
4. Download the Suzuki Foundation’s Playlist for the Planet or buy the CD in stores. Every revolution needs a soundtrack!
1. Follow Dr. Suzuki on Twitter
2. See what’s new on his Facebook page.
1. Read, watch and listen to the latest news surrounding environmental issues and find out what you can do for the planet. Dr. Suzuki hosts CBC's 'The Bottom Line' from 11-12 every Sunday.
2. This great Green Living Blog give you small, workable tips that will allow you to think about the choices you make in relation to a greener life, let us know which Green Tips were easiest, most effect or most fun in our comments section.
1. Read, watch and listen to the latest news surrounding environmental issues and find out what you can do for the planet. Dr. Suzuki hosts CBC's 'The Bottom Line' from 11-12 every Sunday.
This interview with David Suzuki at 75 takes a look at what a lifetime of fighting for the earth has taught him. Let us know what you think.
2. Watch. Dr. Suzuki’s new movie Force of Nature – The David Suzuki Movie
3. The Nature of Things is Dr. Suzuki’s long-running television show that can be seen on CBC. Enjoy the stories from around the globe and find out how our world is changing and what we can do to help.
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All hail his holiness Father Suzuki (peace be upon him).
Dr David Suzuki calls for action to protect the Gulf of St. Lawrence
To send a letter to tell the government to protect the Gulf, visit:
http://action.davidsuzuki.org/fr/st-laurent
For further information:
For more information on the “Our Living River” campaign, visit:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/fr/st-laurent
For more information on the St. Lawrence Coalition, visit:
http://www.coalitionsaintlaurent.ca/en/coalition
To view the CBC’s web segment (available shortly) visit:
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/
That's my hero!
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David Suzuki is my hero. His book "Time to Change" woke me up to the global environmental crisis we are facing, and I've since read most of his other books and been inspired to take direct action. Thank you Dr Suzuki!