Each time I visit Japan, I am reminded of how Canadian I am and how little racial connection matters.

We are upsetting the atmosphere upon which all life depends. In the late 80s when I began to take climate change seriously, we referred to global warming as a "slowmotion catastrophe" one we expected to kick in perhaps generations later. Instead, the signs of change have accelerated alarmingly.

If America wants to retain its position as a global power, its president must listen to the people and show strong leadership at this turning point in human history.

For the first time since life appeared on earth, one species- us- is single-handedly altering the physical, chemical and biological nature of earth. We have become a force of nature

The one thing I feel is very hopeful, however, is the overwhelming participation of women in the movement for change.

Because we aren't certain about the effects of GMOs, we must consider one of the guiding principles in science, the precautionary principle. Under this principle, if a policy or action could harm human health or the environment, we must not proceed until we know for sure what the impact will be. And it is up to those proposing the action or policy to prove that it is not harmful.

Just as human activity is upsetting Earth's carbon cycle, our actions are altering the water cycle.