'At this moment, I am absolutely gobsmacked by Greta Thunberg': David Suzuki on who inspires him
Suzuki’s environmental activism was galvanized by Rachel Carson. Over the years, many have influenced his work
After 44 years, David Suzuki is retiring as host of The Nature of Things. In Suzuki Signs Off, his final episode, he explores new ways of expressing his ideas, meets up with some neighbours, shows us how global problems are being expressed in his own backyard, and attempts to reconcile the two great influences in his life: science and Indigenous culture. Here, Suzuki tells us about the people who have inspired him over the years.
My environmental activism was galvanized by writer, biologist and ecologist Rachel Carson. Her 1962 book, Silent Spring, documented the devastating effects of pesticides and was a wake-up call about the unintended consequences of powerful technologies like DDT. It motivated millions to protest against pollution and its effects on nature.
I have been inspired by pioneering activists like Jane Goodall, who revolutionized biology by studying animals in their natural habitat rather than in captivity; and Sylvia Earle, who transformed her love of the oceans into a passionate plea to protect them. I have come to know and admire these individuals who are also passionate activists: artist Buffy St. Marie, educator Bill McKibben, Indian scholar Vandana Shiva, actress Jane Fonda, author Margaret Atwood, and the late Kayapó leader Paulinho Paiakan.
But at this moment, I am absolutely gobsmacked by 20-year-old Greta Thunberg.
In 2018, the young Swedish teenager listened to what scientists were saying about climate change and realized that without transformative action on a global scale, the future for young people looked bleak and dire.
Terrified and feeling helpless and insignificant, Thunberg chose to register the potential loss of her future. Once a week, she left school to sit alone on the steps of the parliament building, holding a sign that read "school strike for the climate."
A picture of the lone teenager with her important message spread quickly and sparked a global movement that involved millions of young people around the world. It was an incredible demonstration of how action by one person, aided by the power of social media, can inspire large-scale action.
Since then, Thunberg has spoken at the United Nations in New York, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,and at demonstrations around the world. She has remained focused and uncompromising in her demand for action.
When it comes to demanding change, children are the centre and purpose of all societies, yet they hold no political or economic power. So, it rests on all of our shoulders — not just on mom and dad's — to become eco-activists who are fighting for our children and all future generations.
