David Suzuki: ‘I don’t give a s--t what people think about me’

Summary

In this reflective interview, David Suzuki, host of 'The Nature of Things,' announces his retirement after 44 years. He discusses his evolution as an environmentalist, influenced by an interview with a Haida artist in 1982, and the importance of standing up for environmental causes despite opposition. Suzuki also addresses criticism about his lifestyle and emphasizes the urgency of environmental issues, advocating for more aggressive action and sharing his insights as an elder with no vested interest in the status quo.

Takeaways

• 📺 David Suzuki is retiring from 'The Nature of Things' after 44 years as the host.
• 🌳 Suzuki's environmentalist perspective was significantly influenced by an interview with Haida artist Guujaaw in 1982, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and culture for the Haida people.
• 💬 Suzuki has faced backlash and threats for his environmental advocacy, including a bullet through his window and being driven into a ditch.
• 🗣️ He has been known for his confrontational style, challenging politicians and industry leaders on environmental issues, such as pressing John Baird, the environment minister, on climate change policy.
• 🏠 Despite criticism for his large house, Suzuki defends it as his family home and emphasizes that personal attacks should not detract from the environmental message.
• 👨‍👧‍👧 The house has been a home for multiple generations of Suzuki's family, including his in-laws and daughters, symbolizing the value of a home beyond real estate.
• 🔬 Suzuki expresses concern about the public's misunderstanding and mistrust of science, especially during the pandemic, and the importance of scientific literacy.
• 👴 As an elder, Suzuki feels a responsibility to share the wisdom he has gained throughout his life, advocating for truth-telling about the impacts of our economic system on the environment.
• 🤔 Suzuki reflects on his career, acknowledging that he wishes he had been more aggressive in his environmental advocacy.
• 🎥 The script includes a montage of Suzuki's career, showing the joy and educational intent behind his television work.
• 🌐 Suzuki emphasizes the universal message of environmentalism, that we are all part of one species and are intimately connected to nature.

Q & A

What significant event is David Suzuki announcing in the script?

David Suzuki is announcing his retirement from 'The Nature of Things' at the end of the current season.

How many years has David Suzuki been associated with 'The Nature of Things'?

David Suzuki has been associated with 'The Nature of Things' for 44 years.

What was the turning point for David Suzuki's environmentalist perspective?

The turning point for David Suzuki's environmentalist perspective was an interview he conducted with Guujaaw, a Haida artist, in 1982 on what was then Queen Charlotte Islands, now Haida-Gwaii.

What impact did the interview with Guujaaw have on David Suzuki's understanding of environmentalism?

The interview with Guujaaw made David Suzuki realize the deep connection between the Haida people and their environment, leading him to understand that humans are intimately connected to nature and that there is no separation between us and the natural world.

Why did David Suzuki feel the need to retire from 'The Nature of Things' now?

David Suzuki felt it was time to retire because he believed the show could be ready for another host, and he has wanted to retire for a long time, feeling he is past his 'best before date'.

What challenges did David Suzuki face during his environmental advocacy?

David Suzuki faced significant opposition, including a bullet being fired through his window and being told not to show his face in certain towns during the fights over forests in the 80s.

How does David Suzuki reflect on his confrontational approach with politicians and loggers?

David Suzuki believes he should have been more aggressive, citing a lesson from his father about the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even if it means facing opposition.

What is David Suzuki's response to criticism about his large house in the context of being an environmentalist?

David Suzuki explains that he bought the house 48 years ago, and it is his family home. He emphasizes that the criticism is an attempt to distract from the environmental message he is trying to convey.

How does David Suzuki view the role of science in society, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

David Suzuki admires the speed and efficiency with which scientists produced vaccines during the pandemic but expresses despair over the public's misunderstanding and mistrust of science.

What is David Suzuki's perspective on his role as an elder?

As an elder, David Suzuki sees his role as being able to share the wisdom he has gained throughout his life without any vested interest in the status quo, and he encourages other elders to do the same.

How does David Suzuki describe his experience with television and public perception?

David Suzuki initially thought of television as a cesspool but aimed to make his programs stand out like jewels. However, he found that jumping into television made him look like everyone else, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining a unique voice in the media.