David Suzuki Retiring from The Nature of Things

Environmentalist and science broadcaster David Suzuki has revealed he is retiring next spring after 43 years as host of CBC’s The Nature of Things.

The 62nd season of the series, which presents dramatic and insightful stories that are driven by a scientific understanding of the world, is slated to launch on January 6, 2023, with Suzuki’s final episode airing later in the spring.

Suzuki has been hosting the show since October 24, 1979. Before joining the series, he was a professor and geneticist. He has written more than 50 books, received several honorary degrees and awards and has been recognized by the United Nations for his environmental leadership.

“I have been fortunate to have been endowed with good health, which has enabled me to remain the host of the series long after my ‘best before date,’” Suzuki said. “Aging is a natural biological process that creates opportunity for fresher, more imaginative input from younger people, and for years, I have warned that to ensure the continuation of The Nature of Things, we must prepare for the transition when I leave. That moment is now.”

“I am so grateful to Canadians who have kept us on air and to the CBC for sticking with me,” Suzuki continued. “The Nature of Things is a unique series that stems from an ecocentric rather than anthropocentric perspective, a critical understanding of how we got into the mess we are in and how to move out of it.”

“David has made science more accessible to countless viewers in Canada and around the world, finding new ways to demystify our complex world and illustrate how the future of humanity and the natural world cannot be separated—long before climate change became a hot topic,” said Barbara Williams, executive VP of CBC. “We thank David for challenging and inspiring so many of us to look at ourselves and our planet in new ways and look forward to celebrating his indelible legacy and final season next year.”