Culture & Environmental Activist
Severn Cullis-Suzuki gained international attention at the age of 12. She delivered her famous speech at the Rio Earth Summit. There, she pleaded for delegates to preserve the planet. Severn has continued to speak to audiences around the world about the necessity of keeping the future in mind for environmental sustainability.
In 2000, Severn cycled across Canada in a campaign to raise awareness about climate change and air pollution. In 2001, along with others, she developed The Skyfish Project, a youth think-tank that presented at the 2002 United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development. The presentation (and the journey to making it) was the subject of a documentary film that aired CBC’s The Nature of Things.
Severn has published several books including The Day You Will Change the World, and is one of the authors and editors of the book Notes from Canada’s Young Activists. As a youth, Severn co-hosted a TV series in North America for children called Suzuki’s NatureQuest, and currently hosts the APTN series Samaqan Water Stories about First Nations and water issues. She is also a board member for the David Suzuki Foundation and the Haida Gwaii Higher Education Society, a “spark” for the Girls Action Foundation, and was a champion for WE CANada at the Earth Summit 2012.
Severn received a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Yale University, and a Master’s of Science in Ethnoecology from the University of Victoria, British Columbia.
For presenting her speech in Rio, Severn received the UN Environment Program’s Global 500 Award.
Severn Cullis-Suzuki studied with Kwakwaka’wakw elders on the Pacific Northwest coast while at UVIc.
TOPICS
Climate Change
Severn Cullis-Suzuki reflects on the perils facing earth due to the climate crisis. In this powerful keynote, she offers anecdotes, updates and possible ways to forward.
Youth Environmental Activism
In her very compelling keynote, Severn Cullis-Suzuki will inspire young audiences to fight for a better tomorrow. Once a young activist herself, Severn has the power to connect with youth audiences. She will provide useful tips and tricks that will educate your audience, and allow them to take the information forward.
