On the same day that Prime Minister of Canada signed the Paris accord, one of the world’s top authorities on the environment was in Barrie trying to get the next generation motivated about the tasks ahead.
Award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster Dr. David Suzuki marked Earth Day in Barrie addressing more than a thousand people at Georgian College.
“What we do or do not do in the next few years could very well determine the very survival of our species,” Suzuki told the crowd made up of students, teachers and the public.
Suzuki’s hour long presentation focused on the theme The Challenge of the 21st Century: Setting the Real Bottom Line and touched on issues such as climate change, pollution and the ignorance many people have about it.
“We’re seeing the ramifications in the oceans, on land and in the air in a terrifying way,” Suzuki said. “What is or is not done is going to ripple through your entire lives – you are the ones with everything at stake,” he said.
Suzuki`s speech was part of the President’s Thought Leadership Speaker Series. His message to the students in attendance was to become more involved and care about environmental issues.
Ontario’s Environment Minister was also at the event and said the government is working hard to limit hazardous pesticides like neonicotinoids.
“It’s a neuro-toxic disruptor – it’s the one that’s killing a lot of the bees, so we’ve actually restricted that by 80 per cent,” said Glen Murray.
Suzuki says much work is left to be done.
“The eminent royal astronomer Sir Martin Reese was asked what are the chances of human beings will survive the end of this century? His answer sent shivers up my back – he said 50/50,” Suzuki told the crowd.
Odds Suzuki said this generation can improve on.
