The David Suzuki Reader

by David Suzuki, Bill McKibben (Foreword by)

Drawing from Suzuki's published and unpublished writings, this collection reveals the underlying themes that have informed his work over a lifetime. In these incisive and provocative essays, Suzuki looks unflinchingly at the destructive forces of globalization, political short-sightedness, and greed. Suzuki cautions against blind faith in science, technology, politics, and economics, and provides inspiring examples of how and where to make those changes that will matter to all of us and to future generations. In this time of global unrest and uncertainty, Suzuki provides an important reminder of how we are all connected and of what really matters. Written with clarity, passion, and wisdom, this book is essential reading for anyone who admires David Suzuki, who wants to understand what science can and can't do, or who wants to make a difference.

Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Sustainability, Essays, Environment, Ecology, Canada

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

David Suzuki is a Canadian science broadcaster and environmental activist. A long time activist to reverse global climate change, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990, to work "to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." The Foundation's priorities are: oceans and sustainable fishing, climate change and clean energy, sustainability, and David Suzuki's Nature Challenge. He also served as a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association from 1982-1987.

Reviews

[Brian Griffith]

Suzuki gives a big collection of writing from across his career, with numerous update notes on what's happened lately. The range of topics is quite vast, and the thing that most strikes me is Suzuki's willingness to make seemingly hopeless arguments. What chance do his arguments against gambling with engineered genetic mutations have against the juggernaut of the global bio-tech industry? That the investment industry will shift to biological wealth-based accounting? The chances of success for an argument have nothing to do with whether Suzuki makes it. Someday people will listen, either to reason or to reality.

[Woody]

Well worth reading with intelligent, passionate essays about conservation and the environment. The part I most want to share is "The Nature Challenge" at the end of the book in response to the question that Suzuki was repeatedly asked: What can I do? This:

"The Nature Challenge

Find ways to reduce your home heat and electricity use by 10 percent

Replace household pesticides with nontoxic alternatives

Choose an energy-efficient home and appliances

Eat meat-free meals once a week

Prepare your meals with locally grown food for a total of one month a year

If you buy a car, make sure it's low polluting and fuel efficient

Use transit, carpool, walk, or bike one day a week.

If you move, choose a home within walking or biking distance from your daily destinations.

Support alternatives to the car by urging improved public transit and walking and bike paths.

Learn more about conserving nature and tell your family and friends and political and business leaders."

[Janie]

I picked this off the library shelf; I wasn't looking for it, but I've had my eye on Suzuki.

This has almost 100 essays by Suzuki. I'm trying to expand my reading both on the ol' anthropogenic Global Warming debate and environmental issues apart from that. Suzuki says a lot I don't agree with, and a lot that I do agree with too. The book was really thought provoking (can thoughtprovoking be one word yet? it's too pat for a phrase), the section on ethics in particular. I'll read more of his stuff if I come across it and I may even go out looking for it.

It was not annotated at all -- terrible! hot facts beg footnotes! -- and I do wish that the essays had been dated. I could have gotten a better idea of the progression of the debates and of Suzuki as a thinker with a little indication of time.

[Greta Stough]

Just look at his picture on the cover--could there be a wiser, more sensitive man to show you the way you should treat the earth? This is a collection of essays from other books as well as some he has never published before and there is a good blend of personal history, context, and tough science in content. His writing is straight forward, pleasing, and reasonable. Show me the way David...

[D]

I wish i could remember my favorite essays from this book, since the book itself is quite big. It does end up slightly repetitive, but I suppose that's inevitable for someone with such passion. Recommended for anyone interested.

[Mary]

I read this book during the end of my adolescence, as I was already vegetarian and somewhat of an anarchist, or so I liked to imagine... It pinpointed arguments on how my ways could better the world, and that I could find ways to even outdo my owns habits and lifestyle.

[Sarah]

He's spectacular.

[A.J.]

This man writes a lot of sense. I just wish more people could see the truth of what he says.

[Virginianoor]

I think this is part environmentalism, part autobiography. I loved it, especially as I could read a few essays, put it down, and come back a week or two later. The essays are self-contained.

[Haileymark]

Not a particularly bad book, slightly outdated and I found the essays too short to find ongoing substance. Good providing a shifted perspective towards eco focused thinking. Found lots of things to look up and continue learning about.

[Ashley Jane]

David Suzuki is a Canadian treasure, but really, he is an earth treasure.

This was great, and made me think, but also made me depressed.

Note: I wish the essays were dated!

[Jason Bennett]

No doubt his work and easy to read informative and heartfelt but this book is a collection of essays over many years and is as a result repetitive. It could have done with better editing.