genaction hero text en
genaction hero logo en
seedling

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!

world icon

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
Arrow Icon

Join the Movement and Pledge to Be a Climate Hero Today

Any personal information provided is not stored or shared by GenAction and its associated partners
Exclamation Mark

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.

Lightbulb

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.

Image
Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories: How Climate Change Is Impacting Northern Food Systems

Territoires du Nord-Ouest : Comment le changement climatique est en train d’impacter les systèmes alimentaires du Nord

Northern Canadian ecosystems are changing at a rapid pace. Making up almost 55 percent of Canada's landmass, this region is warming at nearly four times faster than the average global rate. A changing ecosystem means that food sources for people are changing too. Around Great Bear Lake, the Sahtúgot’ı̨nę have noticed these impacts, and now are in need to prepare and adapt their food system to these changing conditions.

Les écosystèmes du Nord-Ouest du Canada sont en train de changer à un rythme rapide. Constituant jusqu’à presque 55 pour cent de la masse terrestre du Canada, cette région est en train de se réchauffer à un rythme presque quatre fois plus rapide que le rythme mondial moyen. Un écosystème changeant signifie que les sources de nourriture des gens sont aussi en train de changer. Autour du Grand lac de l’Ours, les Sahtúgot’ı̨nę ont remarqué ces effets, et ils/elles doivent maintenant se préparer et adapter leur système alimentaire à ces conditions changeantes.

Image
Kluskap's Cave

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.

Image
salmon

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.

Megaphone

Member Organizations

Meet the 30 science centers participating in GenAction and find local climate action programs in your region.

Learn more