Renowned zoologist and environmental campaigner Jane Goodall yesterday encouraged her audience in Taipei to "act wisely and make wise choices" for the sake of the planet and future generations, referencing ongoing conflicts around the world.
Goodall began her speech, titled "Inspiring Hope through Action," by mentioning major conflicts currently taking place, including the war in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and Sudan.
She recalled her childhood memories of the British armed forces’ valiant fight under the strong leadership of former British prime minister Winston Churchill, at a time when most of Europe had fallen or surrendered to Nazi Germany.
Photo: CNA
Although the situation seemed extremely adverse for the UK at the time, "we did not give up and we were not defeated," she said. "That gives me hope that some of these terrible wars, although they seem never-ending, will end, and good will prevail over evil," she said.
The 91-year-old Goodall went on to reflect on her life, including her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, which proved they could use tools and engage in complex social behaviors.
She also discussed what inspired her to launch Roots & Shoots in 1991: a youth-led program focused on the well-being of people, animals, and the environment that is now active in 75 countries, including Taiwan, with members ranging from kindergarteners to university students.
"Probably my greatest reason for hope is the young people. When they are empowered and encouraged to take action, nothing will stop them," Goodall said.
She highlighted a Roots & Shoots event she attended at Chang Jung Christian University in Tainan on Saturday, which brought together about 1,000 students.
"It’s really inspiring to see the energy and commitment they show when they’re allowed to take action and choose for themselves what they want to do to make the world a better place," she said.
Goodall also raised concerns about the ongoing destruction of nature caused by humanity’s pursuit of economic growth, although she said there were some positive trends.
Technology, for example, has enabled the development of renewable energy and tools to measure the environmental footprint of products, and more people now actively support goods that are organically farmed, eco-friendly, and produced under fair labor conditions.
"We’re meant to be living in harmony with the natural world," Goodall said. "We’re meant to be living in harmony with each other. We’re not meant to be engaging in these terrible wars around the world."
She left the more than 1,000 attendees with this message: "Remember that every day you live, you make an impact on the planet. Act wisely. Make wise choices for the sake of our children and future generations."
"Even tiny actions, repeated by millions of people around the world, will cumulatively make a big difference and help us build a better world," she added.
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