Suzuki: Climate Fight Lost, Time to Hunker Down

Renowned environmentalist David Suzuki, in a candid interview, has expressed a somber outlook on the climate crisis, stating, “It’s too late” to reverse course.

Published July 2nd, 2025

Speaking with iPolitics, the 89-year-old Suzuki, while not abandoning hope entirely, emphasized the urgency of preparing for the escalating consequences of climate change. He believes that current political and economic systems have failed to adequately address the crisis.

Failed Systems, Dire Predictions

Suzuki lamented the focus on economic growth, which he sees as inherently unsustainable. He criticized the celebration of wealth accumulation and called for a fundamental shift in values.

Referencing scientist Johan Rockström’s work on planetary boundaries, Suzuki warned that humanity has already crossed several critical thresholds, pushing the planet into a dangerous zone. He expressed deep concern over the continued failure to cap emissions despite numerous international climate summits.

Adaptation is Key

While acknowledging the dire situation, Suzuki urged communities to prioritize local resilience and adaptation. Drawing inspiration from Finland’s preparedness initiatives, he stressed the importance of community collaboration in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.

“For me, what we’ve got to do now is hunker down,” Suzuki said.

Suzuki’s message is a call for proactive measures at the grassroots level, emphasizing that local communities will be at the forefront of climate change impacts.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.