David Suzuki: Speaks Out

I found it interesting to learn recently that Bob Brown has resigned from the Australian Greens.  I learned tonight that David Suzuki is stepping down to continue his work unencumbered.

I am always curious about the notion of democracy and then those who work at suppressing the diversity of voices.  Yet what you resist persists and what you look at disappears, is a wise saying.  What this means is the more you suppress others you actually strengthen them.  If we truly embraced democracy it would become interesting to learn of different views within a forum of problem solving.  In the case of the environment it is easy to see the fear of industry feeling the pressure to green production and the implementation of the carbon tax which they would see as an attack on profits.  Industry has traditionally lobbied government for favour or regulations that ensure profitability.  So we are in interesting times where it appears that greening industry is in the interests of life on earth.  At the end of the day if keystone species become extinct and tipping points are breached there will be collapses.  It could be quite rapid, so what is the cost/benefit to industry or government of fighting environmental reforms, particularly given the future for their children.  It is what I would call a prisoners dilemma. 

David Suzuki is a well known voice and educator.  His letter below speaks of his leaving the Board of Directors of the Foundation and seeking to free himself from the politicisation of this work. It will be interesting to see where his life takes him outside of the David Suzuki Foundation and whether he is able to create that critical mass favouring a sustainable lifestyle.  Opposing government and industry simply strengthens the fight, to step back and find harmony is the key in my view.  The times are indeed a changing.  We are all in this together.  To see this fundamental truth is the real test for humanity at this time.   🙂

Dear friends,

Some of you may have seen media coverage about my decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I am writing to tell you more about this and what it means.

After my children and grandchildren, my greatest pride is the David Suzuki Foundation.

I am fiercely proud of how the Foundation brings science and solutions to environment problems. I’m determined to ensure that the Foundation continues to have the ability to solve critical environmental issues and bring hope for the future.

But I have reached a point in my life where I would like to consider myself an elder. I want to speak freely without fear that my words will be deemed too political, and harm the organization of which I am so proud. I am keenly aware that some governments, industries and special interest groups are working hard to silence us. They use threats to the Foundation’s charitable status in attempts to mute its powerful voice on issues that matter deeply to you and many other Canadians.

This bullying demonstrates how important it is to speak out.

The Foundation’s science-based, solutions-oriented research and educational work has enriched our democracy and reflected Canadian values for two decades. While not always happily received by governments or industrial interests, this work is strictly non-partisan, as required by the laws governing charities, and has made the Foundation one of the most trusted environmental voices in Canada.

Our opponents, however, are redoubling their efforts to marginalize the Foundation by getting at me, personally.

So last year, I made the decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I remain one of its most active volunteers and committed major donors. This way I can fulfill my personal mission and the Foundation can continue to build on its inspiring work—for us and our grandchildren—in finding solutions to our shared, and very real, environmental challenges.

I hope you understand this decision and will continue to show your, steadfast support for my work in this concrete way:

Please share this letter with your family and friends and, at this critical moment, invite them to become supporters of the David Suzuki Foundation, by joining our online community or donating today.

Sincerely,

David Suzuki