"Our vision is that within a generation, everyone acts on the understanding that we are all interconnected and interdependent with nature."
The David Suzuki Foundation is a Canadian environmental organization co-founded by David Suzuki. It's dedicated to protect the diversity of nature and quality of life. The foundation works “with government, business and individuals to conserve our environment by providing science-based education, advocacy and policy work, and acting as a catalyst for the social change that today's situation demands” (David Suzuki Foundation). It focuses on four major causes.
Climate Change
Climate change is basically the results of global warming. “Global warming is what happens when the insulating, life-protecting layer that is our atmosphere turns into a suffocating, heat-trapping blanket woven of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases” (David Suzuki Foundation). The effects of global warming are altered long-term weather patterns and a rise in the average global temperature. Moreover, global warming has already begun. However, there are ways to slow down the process of climate change, so that many after our generation can experience a better world. The foundation has on-going projects concerning this cause:
- Trottier Energy Futures
- Countdown to Copenhagen
- Olympics
- Play it Cool
Health
Many human activities impact the health of all people. For example, some ingredients used in personal care products are actually industrial chemical, which obviously is harmful. Also, plastic water bottle use can lead to ovarian and breast cancer for women. Water from water bottles are more harmful than water from the tap. Water bottles are not only harmful to us, but also to the environment, as well. “The David Suzuki Foundation is promoting policies to bring Canadian environmental health standards up to par with the best in the world” (David Suzuki Foundation). The foundation has two projects focused on this matter:
- What's Inside? That Counts
- Go Pesticide Free
Oceans
Many of our oceans are suffering from industrial fishing, oil spills, climate change and an infinite amount of pollution. Although, we may not see it, these things are occurring daily. For example, just recently an oil spill took place in the Gulf of Mexico, which was a disaster. The oil spill not only destroyed wildlife, but coastal communities, too. The foundation has organized projects, so that we can help protect and make a difference:
- Healthy Oceans
- Sustainable Seafood
Wildlife and Habitat
Human activities have caused disruptions in wildlife. Many animals have lost their habitats due to deforestation and human infrastructures. Also, climate change has an impact on wildlife as it causes widespread species extinction, changes the patterns of life on earth, migration and behaviour changes. All of these events can be changed and stopped. Protecting the natural creations in our world “is more than a moral responsibility; it has important consequences for human health and welfare” (David Suzuki Foundation). The foundation has projects concerning this cause, too:
- Grizzly Bears
- Habitat Matters
What You Can Do
We, as individuals can also partake in protecting our environment by making a few adjustments every now and then. They don't have to be big steps, but they can be small footprints. Any change we make can make a difference. Act positively!
References:
Blogs I Commented On:
