I was very saddened to hear of the death of Dame Jane Goodall.
A pioneering animal behaviour scholar, but probably better known as the ‘world’s chimpanzee expert’.
Her observations challenged conventional scientific ideas.
According to the Jane Goodall Institue, her discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools is considered one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship, as it challenged the long-held belief that tool-use was uniquely human.
This comment in a recent article about her incredible life really struck me:
“One of her greatest gifts was her ability to make everyone, at any age, feel that they have the power to change the world.” – Mireya Mayor, Director of Exploration and Science Communication, at Florida International University.
At 91 she’d certainly seen more than enough of this world to lose hope.
But instead, Mayor says Goodall was always cheerful, encouraging and inspiring.
In many ways she reminds me of the world-renowned British broadcaster, writer, and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
She inspired and advised world leaders, celebrities, scientists and conservationists… and touched the lives of millions of children.
But unlike Attenborough she wasn’t on our TVs on a regular basis.
Talking of Attenborough, in his 100th year he’s still trying to get his message across.
In his most recent endeavour, Ocean with David Attenborough, he delivers, what’s been described as, his greatest message of hope – that all is not lost.
Attenborough himself describes the documentary film as one of the most important of his career.
The release of the film was timed to coincide with his 99th birthday.
Screenings were also organised to mark World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June), ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice (9-13 June).
The conference’s outcome, known as the Nice Ocean Action Plan, saw more than 170 countries adopt, by consensus, a polictical declaration calling for urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
Attenborough and Goodall.
Two fairly ordinary people, became two quite extraordinary ambassadors and campaigners for the planet.
Earlier this year Jane Goodall recorded her ‘Famous Last Words‘ with the understanding the footage was not released until after she died.
Some of her words really resonate with me…
“I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope…
Above all, I want you to think about the fact that we are part – when we’re on Planet Earth – we are part of Mother Nature…
You have it in your power to make a difference…” – Dame Jane Goodall.
Beautiful words that make me mindful that every day we should marvel at this wonderful planet, and do our best to ensure we protect it for future generations.
Scientists agree Earth will survive without us…
We will not survive without Earth.
But as Jane Goodall says: “Don’t give up.”
“…if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world – if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren – then think about the actions you take each day.”
Ann 🙏