Jane Goodall: Shifting Her Attention to a New Mission
Discover how the renowned primatologist, at 90 years old, is inspiring and guiding young leaders in environmental conservation and advocacy for a sustainable future.
Welcome to Call to Earth, a CNN editorial series dedicated to discussing the environmental issues that our planet is facing, as well as the solutions to these challenges. Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative has teamed up with CNN to raise awareness and educate the public on important sustainability issues, encouraging people to take positive action.
Back in 1960, a young British woman embarked on a mission that would revolutionize our understanding of primates on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania.
Jane Goodall made revolutionary discoveries about chimpanzees by completely immersing herself in the jungle. She found out that they use tools, are omnivores, and have complex social behaviors.
Even after more than sixty years, Jane Goodall's unconventional research methods and her dedication to conservation continue to be praised globally.
Today, at 90 years old, Jane Goodall's work has shifted to mostly indoor activities with a new audience. She now focuses on empowering young people through her program "Roots & Shoots" to make a difference in their communities. And to her, this work remains just as important.
During a recent trip to South Africa, CNN interviewed Goodall as she witnessed the projects led by local Johannesburg students involved in Roots & Shoots.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
CNN: The younger generation has so much they can learn from elders. Who made an impact on your life?
Goodall emphasized the importance of passing down knowledge from older generations to younger ones. She shared a personal story about her supportive mother who encouraged her love for animals from a young age. When Goodall was just a year and a half old, her mother found her with a handful of earthworms in bed. Instead of scolding her, her mother suggested that she take them back to the garden so they wouldn't die. This nurturing attitude helped Goodall develop her love for all living creatures around her.
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How Jane Goodall empowers the next generation of conservationists
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CNN: Roots & Shoots is active in 70 countries, where hundreds of thousands of young people are making an impact within their communities. How did the program come about?
When I started Roots & Shoots in Tanzania back in 1991, it was because I saw young people who had lost hope. They felt like we were ruining their future with issues like climate change and loss of biodiversity. But when they said they couldn't do anything about it, I knew that wasn't true.
So we decided that the main message of Roots & Shoots would be that every person can make a difference. We realized that we need to consider the environment, people, and animals as interconnected and work together to help them. And that's how it all began.
British primatologist Jane Goodall, pictured here attending an event in Los Angeles in July 2019.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
CNN: What is the most important message to convey to the younger generation?
Goodall: My main goal is to help young people realize that there is a crucial window of time to save our planet. It is disheartening to see more and more individuals losing hope and feeling helpless. Many wonder what difference they can make as just one person.
What is important for people to grasp is that when millions, billions, or even trillions of individuals take small actions to improve the world, it has a significant impact. The key is for people to understand that their individual efforts do matter. It is not about acting alone, but knowing that together, we can make a difference.
CNN: Does climate innovation and technology give you hope?
In the lowland rainforest at night in Tawau Hills Park, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, a male Bornean Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi borneensis) was spotted. This particular leopard was facing a corneal ulcer in his right eye. The sighting was captured by Sebastian Kennerknecht of Pumapix.
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Yeah, I believe that in order to address the current environmental challenges, we should embrace all possible solutions such as solar energy, wind energy, and tide energy. These sources of energy can play a significant role in moving us away from the destructive path we have been on.
One major obstacle we face is the lack of government support. Instead of investing in new sustainable technologies, governments often prioritize funding for the fossil fuel industry. This hinders our progress towards a more sustainable way of living in harmony with nature. If we continue down this path, not only our own future is at risk, but also the lives of many beloved animal species. It is crucial that we take immediate action to change course.
Goodall: My message to the world is simple - remember that your actions as an individual have an impact on the environment every day. It is your choice to decide what kind of impact you want to make. When everyone realizes how crucial their role is in creating a better world, we can all work together towards a brighter future.
Editor's P/S:
Jane Goodall's unwavering dedication to conservation and her belief in the power of young people to make a difference are truly inspiring. Her work has not only revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees but has also ignited a global movement of young activists. Through Roots & Shoots, countless young people have been empowered to take action in their communities, addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable living. Goodall's emphasis on the interconnectedness of the environment, people, and animals highlights the need for a holistic approach to conservation.
Goodall's message that every individual can make a difference is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. By embracing innovative solutions and shifting away from unsustainable practices, we can create a more harmonious and sustainable future for all. The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we act now, and Goodall's work serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even small actions can contribute to meaningful change.
