Govind TekaleDr. David Suzuki, the thoughtful environmentalist of Canada was born on 24 March 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He got his BA degree in Biology from Amherst College, Massachusetts where he first discovered genetics study and his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961. From 1961 to 1962 Suzuki worked in Oak Ridge National Laboratory. From 1962 to 1968 he was an Assistant Prof. at the University of Alberta. He was a Prof. in genetics at the University of British Columbia for about 40 years. After his retirement, he has been a Prof. Emeritus at a University Research Institute.
Dr. Suzuki began his broadcasting career in 1974 with Quirks & Quacks. He also hosted a program called Science Magazine for young & old. Since 1975 Prof. Suzuki has hosted “The Nature of Things“ a CBC Series broadcast in 50 countries. He has been publicly presenting his ideas about renewable energy and environmental protection.
Prof Suzuki has published more than 50 books mainly dealing with ecological balance. His bestseller book “The Sacred Balance”, published in1997, was broadcasted on Canadian Public TV in 2002. Now he is taking potshots at Ad campaigns with the tagline “You Have the Power “.
Through his foundation, he has reiterated that climate Change (CC) is real and we have to safeguard ourselves against it. He is one of the 2500 scientists on the Panel of UN Intergovernmental Panel on CC I e IPCC.
Dr. Suzuki is not opposed to GM Foods, but how can one blindly accept all the lab-originated GM products Prof Suzuki was awarded UNESCO Kalinga Prize in 1986. He was given the Right Livelihood Award in 2009. Dr. Suzuki has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by more than 20 Universities.
Earlier Prof Suzuki used to travel a lot to give lectures on eco-balance, but now he spreads his ideas through a virtual medium, thus reducing his carbon footprint. Most of his ideas have been endorsed by a majority of Member Nations of the UN including India. His alarm about the Fukushima Nuclear Plant is a warning that an earthquake in Japan can lead to the evacuation of ten million people to safer places.
Even at the ripe age of 86, Dr. Suzuki is very active in environmental protection. His article about climate activism leading to good health talks about the effects of manmade climate disruptions and how being vocal & active against climate change can help reinforce a positive mindset and improve mental as well as overall health.
