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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!

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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
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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
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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.

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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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lake sturgeon

Teiokién:taron: Lake Sturgeon

Teiokién:taron : Esturgeon jaune

Projections for the next ten years suggest that threats to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence population of lake sturgeon include extreme weather events such as droughts, temperate extremes, and flooding. The biggest impacts will be on habitat and spawning of sturgeon which rely on specific temperatures and water levels.

Les projections pour les dix prochaines années indiquent que les menaces qui pèsent sur la population d’esturgeons jaunes des Grands Lacs et du Saint-Laurent comprennent des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes tels que les sécheresses, les températures extrêmes et les inondations. Les impacts les plus importants concerneront l’habitat et le frai des esturgeons, qui dépendent de températures et de niveaux d’eau précis.

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Food waste

Waste Not, Want Not

Un maître-mot : Ne pas gaspiller

Food waste is a big challenge. In Canada, it is estimated that food loss and waste makes up 20 percent of edible food, which equates to eleven million tonnes of food waste annually. In Alberta alone, estimates show that discarded food composed over a quarter of the solid waste going into city dumps. But like all challenges, there are solutions and smart people that work on them.

Le gaspillage alimentaire est un gros défi. On estime qu’au Canada la perte et le gaspillage alimentaires représentent 20 pour cent de la nourriture comestible, ce qui équivaut à 11 millions de tonnes de gaspillage alimentaire chaque année. Rien qu’en Alberta, les estimations montrent que les aliments jetés représentent plus d’un quart des déchets solides arrivant dans les décharges municipales. Mais comme pour tous les défis, il existe des solutions, et des personnes intelligentes qui y travaillent.

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Earth

Satellites Are Out of This World!

Les satellites sont de précieux outils !

When we look at the Earth from afar, more than ever we realize how much we are taking for granted. We are the only planet known to contain life among thousands or maybe even millions around us. How is it that we have let it suffer so badly? Taking a step back to observe can really be an eye opener, and our space technology makes it possible. Climate change probably does not come to mind when you think of space research. You would likely think of asteroids, stars, and rovers driving around on Mars. However, our planet Earth has been quite central to space exploration for a long time.

Lorsque nous regardons la Terre de loin, plus que jamais, nous réalisons à quel point nous la prenons pour acquise. C’est la seule planète connue à abriter des êtres vivants parmi les milliers ou peut-être même les millions de planètes qui nous entourent. Comment cela se peut-il que nous l’ayons laissé souffrir autant ? Prendre du recul pour l’observer peut vraiment nous amener à ouvrir les yeux, et la technologie spatiale dont nous disposons rend cela possible. Le changement climatique n’est probablement pas ce qui vient à l’esprit lorsque l’on pense à la recherche spatiale. Il est vraisemblable que vous pensiez plutôt aux astéroïdes, aux étoiles, et aux véhicules astromobiles qui roulent sur Mars. Cependant, notre planète, la Terre, est, depuis longtemps, au centre de l’exploration spatiale.

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Member Organizations

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

Learn more