David Suzuki Receives Award for Science

“In the short term, we must realize that we have better ways to create jobs and build the economy than holding an ‘everything must go’ sale on our precious resources . . . Our highest priorities must be the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil that provides food and the biodiversity that keeps us alive and healthy.”

                                                      – Dr. David Suzuki

Dr. David Suzuki, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation
Dr. David Suzuki, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation
Conservation is a global issue, and this year, National Wildlife Federation is proud to present Dr. David Suzuki, one of our strongest allies north of the border, with our Award for Science at this year’s National Conservation Achievement Awards on April 30th!

Dr. Suzuki is one of Canada’s most influential conservationists and a world leader in sustainable ecology. He has used multiple arenas, including academia, radio and television, books, and the David Suzuki Foundation to spread his crucial message that humans cannot thrive without rethinking their relationship with nature and working to preserve the planet.

A geneticist by trade, Dr. Suzuki holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and 25 honorary degrees.

Dr. Suzuki has not confined his scientific knowledge to the ivory tower, however, but has been active in educating the public through his 52 books and numerous award-winning radio and television series.

Writer, Advocate and Conservation Leader

One of Dr. Suzuki's children's books, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation
One of Dr. Suzuki’s children’s books, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation
His efforts to spread his message even extend to our youngest environmentalists. Sharing NWF’s belief in the importance of educating children about nature and conservation, Dr. Suzuki has written 19 books that introduce children to environmentalism and the ways nature is an integral part of everything in our lives.

But Dr. Suzuki is not solely a researcher and educator; he is also an active advocate. In 1990, he co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation to “collaborate with Canadians from all walks of life including government and business, to conserve our environment and find solutions that will create a sustainable Canada through science-based research, education and policy work.”

The Suzuki Foundation has been leading the way towards a greener Canada. Strengthening laws to protect Canada’s watersheds and fisheries, mobilizing grassroots power to prevent the creation of a new “Mega-Quarry,” using litigation to ensure that Canada’s at-risk species are protected, and researching pathways to a clean energy future for Canada are just a few of the ways the Foundation has worked to protect Canada’s environment.

Volunteers working on the Homegrown National Park project, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation
Volunteers working on the Homegrown National Park project, photo courtesy of the David Suzuki Foundation

Inspiring Community Solutions

The Suzuki Foundation also embraces community solutions to ecological problems.

Through its “Homegrown National Parks” project, communities in Toronto have taken control of the ecological health of their city by innovating and implementing environmental projects throughout the city, ranging “from pothole planters and canoe gardens to butterfly friendly schoolyards and ‘parkify-ing’ a residential street.”

Join NWF in Celebrating Our Conservation Heroes

Dr. Suzuki has been an indispensable advocate for conservation and action on climate change. We hope you will join us at NWF’s National Conservation Achievement Awards Gala, April 30, to celebrate Dr. Suzuki’s incredible achievements!

Learn more about NWF’s National Conservation Achievement Awards Gala >>

Attend NWF's National Conservation Achievement Awards