Origin Story
GenAction unites 30 science centres across the nation to deliver climate action programming inspiring our next generation of climate heroes – like you!
Its mission is to engage over 200,000 youth by 2024. Collectively, participating science centres are connecting educators and youth with Science Spotlights, accessible peer-reviewed climate research articles, raising awareness of climate change science AND delivering programming to educate citizens on climate actions they can take to make a difference.
Did you know that human activity is the number one cause of climate change?
Climate change is a long-term change in weather conditions identified by temperature, precipitation, or winds, from the increase of heat in the atmosphere. If our Earth becomes too hot from emissions caused by humans, it can lead to more conditions like droughts, floods, or dangerous winds. If climate actions are neglected, the more negative impacts of climate change will be evident. It’s time for GenAction!
You Can Be a Climate Hero
Here are examples of daily climate actions you can take to make a difference:
- Unplug devices that are not in use
- Make homegrown compost as fertilizer for your gardens
- Eat a more seasonal, plant-rich diet
- Ride a bike to school or travel with a friend
- Donate unwanted toys and clothes
- Plan or participate in a community cleanup at school
- Read our Science Spotlights and spread the word about climate change science and actions
Join the Movement and Pledge to Be a Climate Hero Today
Our Mission Impact
Interact with the map below to discover climate action commitments happening in your region and the collective impact youth have on the future of our planet.
Science Spotlight
Discover local climate research from science heroes in your region and climate actions that you can do at home, in your classroom or in your community. They are available in French and English, to read online or download.
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Changing Land Protection in Canada: A Pathway towards Reconciliation
Changer la protection des terres au Canada : Une voie vers la réconciliation
An Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) is a body of land and water where Indigenous governments, or organizations, have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through local Indigenous laws, governance, or knowledge systems. Enabling Indigenous people to govern their traditional territory promotes long-term environmental conservation strategies and places Indigenous culture and language at the heart of every IPCA.
Une aire protégée et de conservation autochtone (APCA) est une étendue de terre et d’eau où des gouvernements, ou des organismes, autochtones ont pour rôle principal de protéger et de conserver des écosystèmes par le biais de lois, d’une gouvernance, ou de systèmes de connaissances autochtones. Le fait de donner aux peuples autochtones les moyens de gouverner leur territoire traditionnel favorise les stratégies de conservation environnementales à long terme, et place la culture et la langue autochtones au cœur de toute APCA.
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ᗥᐁᘅᔆᙄᐣ /T'eoonesz̲in (I came to know)
ᗥᐁᘅᔆᙄᐣ /T'eoonesz̲in (J’ai découvert)
As Dakelh people, the rivers that run through their territory are just as important to them as the blood that runs through their veins. They knew exactly when to fish, hunt, and harvest berries and building materials based on the changing seasons. One of the most important times for the Dakelh people to know was when the salmon would arrive, as they are an essential food source to survive the long and harsh winter months.
Pour le peuple Dakelh, les rivières qui coulent sur son territoire sont aussi importantes pour lui que le sang qui coule dans ses veines. Ce peuple savait exactement quand pêcher, chasser, ou récolter les baies, et aussi construire des choses, en fonction des saisons. Une des choses les plus importantes que le peuple Dakelh devait savoir, c’était le moment où le saumon arriverait, car il constituait une source essentielle de nourriture pour survivre durant les longs et difficiles mois d’hiver.
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Food Chain Reactions: How Climate Change Is Impacting Canada’s Lakes
Chaînes alimentaires et réactions en chaîne, ou comment le changement climatique est en train d’impacter les lacs du Canada
A team of researchers has been studying native lake trout in lakes across Canada. They knew that climate change could change Canadian ecosystems drastically. To support the study, the scientists looked for data on lake geography, their physical characteristics, and even the fish communities living within them. Eventually, they assembled a dataset of almost twenty-two thousand Canadian lakes and could draw conclusions about how the lakes are impacted by climate change.
Une équipe de chercheur.euse.s a étudié les touladis indigènes de lacs situés un peu partout au Canada. Ils/elles savaient que le changement climatique pouvait modifier les écosystèmes canadiens de manière spectaculaire. Pour appuyer leur étude, les scientifiques se sont intéressé.e.s aux données sur la géographie des lacs, leurs caractéristiques physiques, et même les communautés de poissons qui y vivent. Ils/elles ont fini par constituer un ensemble de données sur presque vingt-deux mille lacs canadiens, et ont pu tirer des conclusions sur la manière dont les lacs sont affectés par le changement climatique.
Member Organizations
Meet the 30 science centers participating in GenAction and find local climate action programs in your region.
