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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Your Friendly, Neighbourhood Green Roofs
Des toits végétalisés couleur locale
Cities face a number of climate challenges from stormwater runoff over hard surfaces like roofs or pavement, to rising temperatures and air pollution. Green roofs, or roofs with growing plants, can help manage those problems. The plants and soil store water and slow down runoff, they provide cooling shade, filter air, and look great while doing it. They can also make buildings more energy efficient by preventing the roof from getting too hot or cold, which in turn helps keep things at a comfortable temperature inside.
Les villes font face à un grand nombre de défis climatiques, depuis le ruissellement des eaux pluviales sur des revêtements durs comme les toits ou les chaussées, jusqu’à l’élévation des températures et la pollution de l’air. Les toits végétalisés, qui sont des toits où l’on fait pousser de la végétation, peuvent aider à gérer ces problèmes. Les plantes et la terre retiennent l’eau et en ralentissent le ruissellement, elles procurent une ombre rafraîchissante, filtrent l’air et, pendant tout ce temps-là, elles apportent une très belle touche sur le plan esthétique. Elles peuvent aussi rendre les immeubles davantage écoénergétiques en empêchant le toit de devenir trop chaud ou trop froid, ce qui, à son tour, contribue à conserver une température confortable à l’intérieur.
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Kelp is on its Way!
Les algues sous observation !
Keeping carbon in the ground is crucial to preventing more climate change. This is where carbon sinks come in. A carbon sink is something that stores a lot of carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere. Plants and algae are examples of carbon sinks, because they breathe in carbon dioxide and store the carbon in their cells. Kelp, an alga, and seagrass, a plant, are two seaweeds that are exceptionally good at storing carbon, making them super carbon sinks!
Conserver le carbone dans le sol est crucial pour prévenir l’intensification du changement climatique. C’est là qu’interviennent les puits de carbone. Un puits de carbone est quelque chose qui emmagasine beaucoup de carbone, le conservant ainsi en dehors de l’atmosphère. Les plantes et les algues sont des exemples de puits de carbone, car elles inspirent le dioxyde de carbone et emmagasinent le carbone dans leurs cellules. Le varech, une algue, et la zostère marine, une plante, sont deux macrophytes qui sont exceptionnellement bonnes pour emmagasiner du carbone, ce qui en fait de super puits de carbone !
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Powering Up with Farm Experts
Les agriculteur.trice.s à la rescousse des scientifiques
Can we combine climate modelling with farmers' local expert knowledge to better understand how climate change impacts our food systems?
Est-il possible de combiner la modélisation du climat au savoir expert local des agriculteur.trice.s pour mieux comprendre l’impact du changement climatique sur nos systèmes alimentaires ?
Member Organizations
Meet the 30 science centers participating in GenAction and find local climate action programs in your region.
