Jane Goodall on turning 90 and building empathy for nature

Mongabay Newscast

On today's episode of the Newscast, world-renowned primatologist and conservation advocate Dr. Jane Goodall sits down with Mongabay founder and editor-in-chief, Rhett Butler. Goodall is celebrating her 90th birthday this week and reflects upon her long (and continuing) career, sharing reflections, lessons, stories and inspirations that guide her philosophy toward protecting the natural world.

Widely recognized for her pioneering work on animal behavior, she explains the importance of having empathy for animals and why it is crucial for meeting conservation goals now and into the future. The iconic conservationist also shares why she thinks that, despite 'doom & gloom' news, humanity can overcome the adversity of its many environmental challenges.

"I've come to think of humanity as being at the mouth of a very long very dark tunnel and right at the end there’s a little star shining. And that's hope. But it's no good sitting, wondering when that star will come to us...We must gird our loins, roll up our sleeves, and navigate around all obstacles that lie between us and the star."

View a print version of this interview at the Mongabay website: https://news.mongabay.com/2024/04/jane-goodall-at-90-on-fame-hope-and-empathy/

Editor's Note: Jane Goodall is a member of Mongabay's advisory council.

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Image credit: Photo of Jane Goodall by Rhett Butler/Mongabay.

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Timecodes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:09) Reflections on conservation and changes

(05:04) How do you keep hopeful?

(06:40) How can individuals make a positive impact?

(08:36) How can people make their voices heard?

(09:34) Ways to rally around nature

(11:53) Why do you think people connect with your work?

(20:08) Overlooked conservation solutions

(22:29) The importance of empathy

(27:44) Collaboration and hope in conservation

(32:22) Choosing the impact we make