2020 WINS ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT THANK YOU WELCOME SEVERN CULLIS-SUZUKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “COVID-19 has reawakened We’re thrilled to announce with her Haida family, elders and Last year was like no other. You stood behind 15 young people in a You built an online organizing societies to some stark that Severn Cullis-Suzuki — younger generations in efforts toward lawsuit claiming their rights to a safe platform to mobilize and support a environmental activist, speaker, continuation of the Haida language. Around the world, humanity realities. That nature is the and healthy future, and calling on the wave of grassroots groups, so they can television host, author and long- collectively acted to address the bottom line. That science Living close to the land on Haida federal government to develop and pass advance environmental solutions and time Foundation board member COVID-19 pandemic. We supported and information are crucial Gwaii, she sees clearly that Earth’s a climate emergency recovery plan. protect nature in their communities. — will formally begin her role front line workers — and each other. to our survival. That we are climate is drastically changing. She as our executive director in We put on masks, stayed physically You powered a guide to help residents These are your wins. And they show knows it’s time for “all hands on deck” all connected. And that we September 2021. distant and slowed our frenetic pace. work with municipal councils to how when we work together — even have agency — each of our and joins the Foundation to continue achieve much-needed climate targets. in the face of multiple crises — we Daughter to Tara Cullis and the fight for social and ecological Greenhouse gas emissions dropped as actions matter. These are all can achieve real results toward a David Suzuki, Severn became an justice, and for a transformation to a people flew and drove less. Polluted skies You supported a growing movement tenets of the David Suzuki sustainable future. environmental activist as a child, just, post-carbon economy. and waters cleared. Nature rejoiced. for a green and just post-pandemic Foundation. And this is why organizing with classmates and recovery that pushes Canada to restore Thank you again for your trust and Despite the difficulties, the tens of I believe this organization speaking publicly to decision-makers, and conserve the natural systems that support. Together, we’re working to thousands of caring supporters in our can play a critical role in asking them to act to protect the are critical to human well-being and protect nature’s diversity and the community — who make everything future, and to make their actions invest in a safer, sustainable future. well-being of all life, now and for the our transformation from an here possible — stood with us reflect their words. future, and helping people in Canada unjust, carbon economy to through it all. You read, shared, You helped argue Canada’s act every day on the understanding one of clean energy, justice Since then, she has continued as discussed, petitioned, spoke up, joined right, in a climate emergency, that we are one with nature. and well-being. This is a an advocate and communicator for and donated. Thank you. to apply an effective national intergenerational justice, calling on all approach to climate policy — When we face crises, collective action moment for all of us to step Your enduring generosity and refusal institutions and individuals to address including a national price on carbon matters more than ever. up and help shift humanity to give up makes us strong, credible climate change and humanity’s role in pollution — in the Supreme Court. toward survival. I’m going to and resilient. With your help, we I look forward to our continued do all I can to contribute.” the sixth mass extinction. marked 30 years as an organization You supported scores of volunteer partnership in 2021. Severn joins us from Haida Gwaii, in 2020. Our policy successes, public Butterflyway Rangers planting ~SEVERN CULLIS-SUZUKI where she has been deeply engaged engagement accomplishments — our highways of habitat to feed and very existence — are because of you. shelter essential pollinators. This report highlights just a few of You convinced government to shut the many achievements you helped down salmon farms that threaten wild Ian Bruce, Acting Executive Director make possible in 2020. salmon populations. 2 3 2020 WINS CLIMATE “The COVID-19 crisis is going to pass. And when it does, we cannot go on the way were before the crisis hit. We have to take the warnings that came out, and begin to act.” DAVID SUZUKI PHOTO: ROBIN LOZNAK GIVING YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A LIFETIME In fall 2020, you helped make it to be heard in a higher court before possible for 15 young people to head proceeding to trial. He said the “Whatever happens, we to Canada’s Federal Court. Their goal: questions raised “are so political that will not make it possible for force urgent and effective climate the Courts are incapable or unsuited to them to keep threatening our action. deal with them.” ability to live. There is just no The youth plaintiffs are desperately The young plaintiffs are disappointed other option.” concerned about the world they’re but determined. And so are we. ALBERT inheriting. They’re too young to vote. Climate disruption is NOT just a They have no say in the political political issue. It’s a matter of survival. “I’m concerned for my future, decisions made today that will affect the future of the world and all their tomorrows. The courts are These climate champions remain the future of Canada if we steadfastly determined. Your their only recourse. continue to act like we are generosity in 2020 helped amplify The La Rose et al case argues that now. I need this case to their voices. Your continued support the federal government is violating continue for the safety of all will back their next step: the Federal the plaintiffs’ rights to life, liberty Court of Appeal. the young people in Canada. and security of the person and that But this case is not over. We Canada’s conduct violates their rights “If courts can’t rule in favour of justice, young people will never stop then who can?” asked Albert, one of to equality, since the climate crisis fighting for our future.” disproportionately affects them. the plaintiffs. SADIE Impacts they experience include It’s a long road ahead. But with your help, coastal erosion destroying family we’ll continue to support these young “We won’t be dissuaded. I, property, asthma worsened by wildfire people. Their future depends on it. along with my co-plaintiffs, smoke, illness transmitted by insects More than 6,800 members of our will continue to fight for the whose ranges have been expanded by community sent heartfelt messages of charter rights of all Canadian global heating, and crippling anxiety support to these brave young people. and Indigenous youth to hold about the dying planet. Add yours here: davidsuzuki.org/ Canada accountable.” action/support-la-rose-youth-climate- On October 27, Justice Michael D. SOPHIA Manson ruled their case would need lawsuit-plaintiffs/. PHOTO: GREEN ENERGY FUTURES 4 5 HELPING PEOPLE CREATE CLIMATE-READY MUNICIPALITIES “What our cities do • Envision the future they want for influence over about 50 per cent of individually and in unison their community. the country’s emissions. to address climate change • Learn about the big solutions that Residents’ voices are powerful. can set the agenda for will help reduce emissions. Elected council members are communities and responsible to their constituents. • Understand how local governments Thanks to you, this online guide will governments everywhere.” work and how to work with them. help connect like-minded people so ~ C40 CITIES CLIMATE • Connect with like-minded climate they can work together. LEADERSHIP GROUP* advocates where they live. *The 97 C40 Cities represent more than • Stay inspired with stories from 700 million people and one-quarter of Canada is not on track to meet its communities throughout Canada. the global economy. Vancouver, Toronto commitment to reduce emissions About 80 per cent of people in Canada and Montreal are members. by 50 per cent by 2030. To meet the live in municipalities, which have Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 1.5 C warming limit and avert the worst consequences of global heating, we need far more ambitious action. PROMOTING A PANDEMIC RECOVERY FOR PEOPLE The good news: Municipalities are AND PLANET taking action. And you powered a guide to help residents work with COVID-19 sent society into a tailspin. decision-makers demanding a green • LAUNCH A VIRTUAL REALITY CLIMATE their local councils. It sickened and killed millions, and just post-pandemic recovery. CAMPAIGN. The Green New Bill stressed health-care systems and campaign showed people throughout • ASK CANADA TO APPLY “GREEN Your Voice at the Table: a Guide to challenged worldwide economies. Canada that $20 invested in green STRINGS” TO SPENDING. This means Mobilizing Local Government Climate recovery could be worth $307.85 in It also unmasked flaws in current measurable plans to achieve net- Action will help people: 10 years. systems and spotlighted entrenched zero emissions by 2050, moving PHOTO: MALKEET SANDHU social inequalities. It reminded from fossil fuels to renewables and This is just the beginning. In this humanity of the connections supporting green jobs. crisis lies opportunity. If our species between economy, health care and acts together for the collective • FUEL OUR PARTICIPATION IN A JUST nature. And it showed that being good, we can create a safer, healthier, RECOVERY FOR ALL. Its principles prepared, listening to science and sustainable Canada and improve include putting people’s health and COACHING CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS acting decisively and early pays off.