Dr. Jane Goodall’s words for right now

The scientist and activist on starting small, changing minds and staying hopeful.

By Sarah Holcomb

More than ever, we’re all asking “how do we make lasting change?” Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE and UN Messenger of Peace, has more than a little experience from the past 86 years—her work has redefined how we understand humans’ relationship to animals and powerfully shaped the conservation movement. Many of us recognize photos of Dr. Goodall as a 26-year-old in a ponytail, when she set off to learn about chimpanzees in a new way: as a neighbor living in their world.

Dr. Goodall is now a world-traveling activist, raising awareness about environmental crises and the threats facing chimpanzees. She kept speaking out after the global pandemic began. This time, it’s through a screen from her childhood home in England.

Dr. Goodall recently fielded questions from over 60 young environmental changemakers during the Our Planet, Our Purpose Changemaker Summit. Here are our highlights:

Finding the way forward isn’t easy, but it’s possible

We can’t rush back to “business as usual,” Dr. Goodall reminds us. Instead, we need to find a new green economy: one that recognizes our true relationship with the natural world and how we depend on it for everything from our food to air. “We’re leaving you a mess,” she tells young people — but adds that they don’t have to find the answers alone. “Fortunately there’s enough of us oldies who are passionate to help you and work with you and try and find the right way forward.”

What the pandemic is teaching us about conservation

We brought the pandemic on ourselves, Dr. Goodall says— and now we must think now about what to do differently. “We will go on getting diseases from animals because, inevitably, we’re moving closer and closer into their habitat as we destroy their habitat for our developments. We’re going to have to think of how we can develop in a less intrusive way and give animals more space.” It’s not simple, but with more people thinking this way, and financial support, she believes we can make change:

Want to change minds? Share stories.

One young person wanted to know: What’s the most successful way to shift mindsets about climate change? “Telling stories,” Dr. Goodall says. In her talks, she usually takes people through the places she’s been, where she’s seen the first-hand effects of climate change — from looking at a melting ice cap alongside Inuit elders, to meeting people forced to leave their homes because of rising sea levels.

There’s a sure-fire way that you will not change minds: pointing the finger. Accusation will lead to withdrawal, she explains. “Get into the heart. People have to change from within.”

To live life to the fullest, look for meaning in all of it.

When she explains her outlook on life, Dr. Goodall starts off with a line of poetry —“Look thy last on all things lovely hour.” “In other words,” she says, “make use of every minute. Live in the present.” More of her advice: Sometimes the problems we encounter along the way help us in the future, so make use of them, too. And don’t forget to slow down and enjoy. Here’s more on how we can learn from challenges:

Advice for young people: Start small

“I always say it’s not that young people can make a difference, they are making a difference,” Dr. Goodall says. She insists we shouldn’t overlook the small things. Rather than rushing to make “massive change,” she urges young people to consider each day a gift. “Just let the ideas come and see what happens.” Hear it from her:

Stay hopeful by looking local

Dr. Goodall isn’t a fan of the phrase “think globally, act locally.” She explains: “If you think globally, you’re so depressed, you can’t act!” Staying motivated is a constant battle, and as she has traveled the world speaking, Dr. Goodall often hears from people looking for hope. Her advice: take concrete steps to make a difference — whether it’s cleaning a stream, planting trees, or raising funds— which gives us energy for a better future.

“I’m also a very obstinate person,” Dr. Goodall says. “I’m going to fight for your future.”

Watch Dr. Jane Goodall’s full talk here.

The Our Planet, Our Purpose Changemaker Summit brought together 25 winning teams from the Our Planet, Our Purpose: STEM for Changemaking Challenge hosted by Ashoka and GM, which supports young people using STEM to make our world more sustainable.

Learn more about how Dr. Goodall is supporting young people through her organization Roots & Shoots, which empowers young people to affect positive change in their communities.