The main gymnasium and a smaller gymnasium, that had an audio and video feed to it, were filled by people – some who had to stand along the walls because all the seats were filled. Close to 1,400 people attended the event sponsored by the Port Hope Nuclear Environmental Watchdogs. Prominent watchdog member Pat Lawson invited Dr. Suzuki to Port Hope. The expert opted to make his presentation free of charge.

Although he said little about the issue, Dr. Suzuki's opinion of the nuclear industry was made quite clear –
he does not feel it is necessary. One question asked by an audience member after the scientist's hour-long presentation addressed the confrontational issue.

The audience member said his opinion is that nuclear energy is the cleanest source of electricity – this was met with some booing. He suggested nuclear has saved some lives by being a substitute for other means of energy that pollute the air. What is the concern with nuclear power, he asked.

Dr. Suzuki said the man was brave for asking the question and suggested the man had every right to ask the question, as per the democratic process. But then he stated his opinion.

"We don't need it," he said. "Nuclear industry can't even compete for Christ sake."

Green house gas emissions can be reduced by 50 per cent over the next 30 years with already existing technology, Dr. Suzuki said. Nuclear energy is too expensive because maintaining nuclear power plants is very costly.

When addressing another question, Dr. Suzuki went back to the nuclear issue.

"Three is no such thing as a fool-proof system," he said. "When technology is this complex, accidents are going to happen."

In many cases people should be cautious when dealing with experts, Dr. Suzuki said earlier in his presentation.

"If so-called experts tell you it's complex, 'but trust me', there is a reason to be nervous," he said. "Do not trust people when it is not an open issue."

Environmental protection techniques dominated the presentation.

Humans have to concentrate on survival, Dr. Suzuki said. This mentality has kept humans alive for all of history.

"We realize we have a number of options in our life … we'd maximize the likelihood of survival in the future," he said. "We no longer seem to do what our ancestors seemed to do. The means that got us to where we are, we turn our backs on. We are no longer following a survival strategy."

By pollouting earth, water, and air, people are polluting themselves, Dr. Suzuki said. In the environment, everything is connected. People are part of the environment – they are not separate.

"We no longer see the interconnections," he said. "We've got to take some responsibility and recognize everything we do has enormous repercussions."

"Whatever we do to the environment we do to ourselves."

Science always changes what people think, Dr. Suzuki said.

"The way science advances is it proves our current ideas are wrong," he said.

He used DDT, an insecticide as an example.

"When those experts believe they know everything about the technology – they are either incredibly stupid or they do not know the history of science," he said. "They believed DDT kills bugs but did not harm humans."

It was not until years after that scientists realized the above beliefs were untrue, he said.

"We have no idea what effects this revolutionary technology has in the long run," Dr. Suzuki concluded to a thunderous applause from the audience.

After a question and answer period Dr. Suzuki ended his presentation to a standing ovation.

Before the event, concerned citizen groups Families Against Radiation Exposure, the watchdogs, Community Health Concerns Committee and a youth run environmental group set up booths in the school foyer.

Surveys were distributed by some of the groups. It was the same survey that is found on the back of a tabloid that was distributed by the watchdogs last week.

Dr. Suzuki urged people in the audience to donate to the concerned citizen groups.

"Please be as generous as you can," he said. "They have to be in for the long haul."

A police officer was on duty for the duration of the event. Entertainment before the presentation was provided by the Port Hope High School band.

Back