Climate Champion, David Suzuki, Suzuki’s “The Sacred Balance…” 25 Years Later, Nature Conservancy’s 7 Songs for Climate Change!
Climate Champion, David Suzuki, Suzuki’s “The Sacred Balance…” 25 Years Later, Nature Conservancy’s 7 Songs for Climate Change!
CLIMATE CHAMPION, DAVID SUZUKI
World-renowned environmentalist David Suzuki is retiring from the CBC series “The Nature of Things” after 43 years. That show debuted in 1960 in Canada. It’s a Canadian television series of documentary programs seen around the world. The series shines a light on the consequences of human nature and the possibilities of science in an accessible way for viewers of all ages. In 1979 Suzuki was chosen as the newest show host. At that time, it was merged with his Science Magazine series and expanded to an hour.
In his retirement announcement, Suzuki said, “I am so grateful to Canadians who have kept us on air and to the CBC for sticking with me. The Nature of Things’ is a unique series that stems from an eco-centric rather than AN anthropocentric perspective, a critical understanding of how we got into the mess we are in and how to move out of it.” Who is David Suzuki and why does he matter to us? Because he’s the Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, the Stephen Hawking if you will, of environmental science. Because he’s known worldwide as an environmental activist for his ability to make scientific and environmental issues relatable to the public.
He’s also widely recognized as a world leader in sustainable ecology and has received numerous awards for his work, including a UNESCO prize for science and a United Nations Environment Program medal. David Suzuki returns for the show’s 62nd season launch on Jan. 6, 2023, before stepping down next spring. CBC has confirmed it will announce new hosting plans in the coming weeks.
DEEPER DIVE: Wikipedia, IMDB, CBC, David Suzuki Foundation
THE SACRED BALANCE: REDISCOVERING OUR PLACE IN NATURE, BY DAVID SUZUKI & AMANDA MCCONNELL
David Suzuki isn’t just a scientist and award-winning TV show host. He’s also an author. He and Amanda McConnell penned a great book called, The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature, 25th Anniversary Edition. It was published this year. This 25th anniversary re-release includes a new foreword from Robin Wall Kimmerer, New York Times-bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass—and an afterword from Bill McKibben—this special 25th anniversary edition of a beloved bestseller invites readers to see ourselves as part of nature, not separate.
In it, Suzuki and McConnell reflect on the increasingly radical changes in nature and science — from global warming to the science behind mother/baby interactions — and examines what they mean for humankind’s place in the world. The book begins by presenting the concept of people as creatures of the Earth who depend on its gifts of air, water, soil, and sun energy. The author explains how people are genetically programmed to crave the company of other species, and how people suffer enormously when they fail to live in harmony with them. And that’s why revisiting The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature matters to us. Suzuki analyzes those deep spiritual needs, rooted in nature, that are a crucial component of a loving world.
Drawing on his own experiences and those of others who have put their beliefs into action, The Sacred Balance is a powerful, passionate book with concrete suggestions for creating an ecologically sustainable, satisfying, and fair future by rediscovering and addressing humanity’s basic needs.
DEEPER DIVE: The Sacred Balance…,
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY’S SEVEN SONGS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Music has been part of the human experience since the beginning of culture. Songs entertain, connect us to one another and help us express something in a way that other media do not. Artists have always found creative inspiration from the times they live in. And the times, to quote Bob Dylan, they are a-changin’. Multiple generations of artists have lived their lives and grown up in an era of unprecedented climate change. It’s no surprise that elements of rising floods, powerful storms and increased heat are making their ways into more and more songs.
From Disney to indie, The Nature Conservancy has made a list of its seven songs most worth adding to your playlist. They have subtle (and not so subtle) allusions to environmental conservation and the impacts of climate change.
7. Trouble in the Water, Common
6. The Three R’s, Jack Johnson
5. Walk With You, Janelle Kroll
4. How Far I’ll Go, Alessia Cara
3. Feels Like Summer, Childish Gambino
2. all the good girls go to hell, Billie Eilish, and
1. Despite Repeated Warnings, Paul McCartney
Click on the links in the Deeper Dive section at the end of this story at theclimate.org/episodes to groove on these fantastic examples of climate change music.
DEEPER DIVE: TNC, Trouble in the Water, The 3 R’s, Walk with You, How Far I’ll Go, Feels Like Summer, All the Good Girls Go to Hell, Despite Repeated Warnings