At 74, and coming the end of his scientific and broadcasting career, David Suzuki mused on the notion: "If I had one last lecture to give, what would I say?" The result is a very special talk full of humour, warmth, insight and passion.
At a packed house at the Perth Convention Centre, Suzuki voiced his long-time frustration at the obsession for economic growth at the sacrifice of nature, while urging us all to strive for a sustainable future.
The event was hosted by the Perth International Arts Festival and UWA Extension. He is introduced by Josh Byrne, who is a host on ABC Television's "Gardening Australia".
David Suzuki was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1936. He has had a long and prolific career as a scientist, environmentalist, broadcaster and author. His scientific field is genetics, but he is best known for his television and radio programs that examine and explain the natural sciences, including "The Secret of Life" and "A Planet for the Taking."
He is the co-founder and chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, which was established in 1989 to advocate and educate people about environmental conservation, sustainable ecology and climate change.
Suzuki has won many awards for his work including the 2009 Honorary "Right Livelihood Award." He has written over 48 books, his latest being "The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for Our Sustainable Future", on which the lecture he is delivering is based.
Sourced as a free MP4 download from the ABC at: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/bigideas/stories/2010/11/16/3066634.htm
