‘The Nature of’ retirement

Suzuki era comes to an end

As Canadians, those of us who didn’t grow into adulthood with David Suzuki grew up hearing his name and seeing his face on posters, in commercials and in news segments, always as a champion for the environment. A driving force for change, Suzuki first began hosting the popular natural science series “The Nature of Things” in 1979, and while the show continues to capture the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages, sadly, all good things must come to an end.

Suzuki retires during the final episode of “The Nature of Things’” 62nd season, airing Friday, April 7, on CBC and the CBC Gem app.

A geneticist and professor by trade, Suzuki began a career in broadcasting in the early 1970s. His first show, “Suzuki on Science,” aired on CBC and provided in-depth scientific information in such an easily digestible way that audiences of all ages and backgrounds soon tuned in. But Suzuki’s public persona hasn’t been relegated to on-screen appearances; throughout his illustrious career, the environmentalist has written or co-authored more than 50 books — approximately 20 of which are geared toward children — and helped to catapult the CBC Radio series “Quirks and Quarks” to national fame. Of course, his contributions to Canadian society and the natural world at large haven’t gone unnoticed, and as a result of his efforts, the scientist now holds 29 honorary degrees from schools in Canada, the United States and Australia.

In an additional act of recognition for his work with Canada’s Indigenous communities, Suzuki has been formally adopted by two First Nations and has been bestowed eight names of significance.

“David has made science more accessible to countless viewers in Canada and around the world, finding new ways to demystify our complex world and illustrate how the future of humanity and the natural world cannot be separated — long before climate change became a hot topic,” said Barbara Williams, executive vice president of CBC, in a statement announcing Suzuki’s retirement last October. “We thank David for challenging and inspiring so many of us to look at ourselves and our planet in new ways, and look forward to celebrating his indelible legacy and final season.”

Suzuki initially turned to television because he recognized that the “social ramifications of science can be immense.” Determined to bring the public into the fold so that everyone could see the impact of their choices, Suzuki showed no fear when asking the tough questions, causing audiences to think for themselves and reflect on how to bring about positive environmental and socioeconomic change in their own lives.

That said, despite the nearperfect glow of his guiding light, Suzuki has never claimed to have all the answers. In a CBC article titled “David Suzuki prepares to bid farewell to The Nature of Things: a letter to viewers,” the “Nature of Things” host opened up about his experience on air over the past 44 years.

“I have been learning right along with you,” Suzuki wrote. “It has been my incredible privilege to be the host of this priceless series that had already established a large and loyal audience when I arrived, 43 years ago. It provided an opportunity for me to learn so much in so many areas and to share much of what I found out with the public.”

As it turns out, even Suzuki is human, and humans need time to rest and unwind after a period of hard work. Amid the sadness of his April 7 departure, however, Suzuki finds solace in passing the torch to the next generation.

“I leave with gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a guide in this world and with confidence that another generation with a younger perspective will continue to explore the important and exciting stories that ‘The Nature of Things’ has always brought to Canadians,” wrote Suzuki in the same letter to viewers, which can be found at CBC.ca.

Among this generation are “The Nature of Things” newest hosts, molecular scientist Anthony Morgan and marine biologist Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, both of whom have guest hosted episodes of the series in the past and who have a limitless passion for nature and education. While both Morgan and Cullis-Suzuki recognize that no one could possibly fill the gargantuan shoes Suzuki leaves behind, they both clearly look forward to the challenge ahead.

“Just to be a part of this legacy — on a personal level because of my father, but also because I really believe in the show and the substance — feels amazing,” said Cullis-Suzuki, daughter of the retiring host. “So it is such an honour. I feel so humbled.”

Morgan, meanwhile, plans to bring his own flair to the show as he continues chasing more information, saying, “I don’t think anybody can be David Suzuki … the challenge for me is ... to genuinely follow my curiosity the way that I always have.”

But while Suzuki is stepping down from the CBC series, don’t expect him to disappear altogether. As the world continues to change, Suzuki will no doubt remain a beacon of hope regardless of his platform.

“We [at ‘The Nature of Things’] have brought you the wonders of the natural world, the explosion of technological innovation and the consequences of our hyperconsumption,” Suzuki closed out his love letter to viewers before adding one final call to action as host of the show: “Time to act is running out.”