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Suzuki at 90: In Conversation with Gloria Macarenko

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The Modern Green Auditorium at the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability

Description

At 90 years old, David Suzuki continues to provoke new thinking and promote more urgent action by all of us concerned about the impact of climate change — and what it portends for human survival on our one planet. Join us on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. to learn Lessons From a Lifetimeand join in an once-in-a-generation celebration of a life spent reshaping how we understand science, justice and our relationship to the natural world. The book is co-authored by Ian Hanington.

In conversation with beloved CBC journalist, Gloria Macarenko, hear directly from Suzuki as he reflects on the experiences that shaped his extraordinary path — from surviving an internment camp to a career as a pioneering geneticist and one of North America’s most trusted voices in science communication. Throughout his working life, Suzuki has maintained an uncompromising commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship, and has never stopped asking what responsibility looks like in practice.

Join us to honour the legacy of a fearless truth-teller, whose work and ideas continue to shape the thinking of generations of activists and concerned citizens in Canada and beyond.

This event is hosted in partnership with the UBC Sustainability Hub and Greystone Books. All proceeds of the event go to Upstart & Crow’s non-profit climate programming, including writer residencies, book clubs, grants and more. 

Tickets & book sales:

Tickets are $25 per person. Each ticket includes a $10 discount on Lessons From a Lifetime, redeemable at the event. Doors open at 7PM, and seating is general admission. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Ticket holders may apply their $10 discount toward the purchase of one copy of the book at the event. Discounts are valid only on April 1. RSVP here.

About the moderator:

Gloria Macarenko is an award-winning journalist and senior leader on the news team. In her time with CBC, she has been awarded a Jack Webster Award for “Best News Reporting”, and multiple RTNDA Awards including The Peter Gzowski Award for Best National News Information Program. Gloria has guest-hosted on The National and CBC News Now.

More about Upstart & Crow:

Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on Literature In Translation, Climate Solutions, Poetry, Civic Dialogue, Community & Skills Building, all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.

Location & accessibility: 

This event will take place at the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), UBC, 2260 West Mall (Room 1250). Reserved seats in the room are wheelchair accessible. This room is equipped with an automatic door opener.

Questions: hello[at]upstartandcrow.com.

Lessons From a Lifetime

In Lessons From a Lifetime, Suzuki shares pearls of wisdom and hard-earned lessons for the next generation of activists, alongside personal stories and heartfelt contributions from his friends and family, his admirers, and even his opponents, including:

  • Margaret Atwood
  • Neil Young
  • Jane Fonda
  • Elizabeth May
  • Justin Trudeau
  • … and many more.

In words and photographs, the book charts his years as a geneticist and superstar professor at the University of British Columbia; his dedication to demystifying complex science through his public broadcasting work, especially his beloved CBC Television program, The Nature of Things; his founding of The David Suzuki Foundation; and his unparalleled dedication to standing up for Indigenous and environmental rights, a dedication that continues today.

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