Jane Goodall reflects on hope and youth's role in environmental activism

On her 90th birthday, Jane Goodall shares insights on environmental conservation, emphasizing the critical role of hope and youth activism in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Rhett A. Butler reports for Mongabay.

In short:

Goodall discusses the significance of fostering hope amidst environmental challenges, using the metaphor of navigating towards a shining star of hope.
She underscores the impact of youth engagement in environmental activism, advocating for their influence on elections and policy changes.
Goodall highlights her journey and contributions to primatology and conservation, stressing the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationship with the natural world.

Key quote:

"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."

— Jane Goodall, primatologist and environmental advocate

Why this matters:

Jane Goodall's legacy is vast and profoundly influential, not just within the realms of primatology and environmental conservation, but also in shaping public perceptions about our relationship with the natural world. Beyond her scientific achievements, Goodall is renowned for her unwavering optimism and belief in the power of young people to effect change.

Our global systems, which are designed for perpetual growth, need to be fundamentally restructured to avoid the worst-case outcome.

news.mongabay.com

Black and white cows with manure digester for production of biogas in background.

Credit: CreativeNaturePhotography/BigStock Photo ID: 146327492

Manure digesters worsen ammonia air emissions from hog farms, study finds

Ammonia emissions, which can harm a person’s ability to breathe, are more than three times higher when emitted from manure that has been through a digester compared to manure that is directed into storage lagoons or sprayed on fields, according to a new study.

Read the Full Article on

www.thenewlede.org

Jane Goodall reflects on hope and youth's role in environmental activism

Manure digesters worsen ammonia air emissions from hog farms, study finds

AI’s meet-cute with climate denial

Fossil-fuel firms in line for billions in benefits after answering Trump’s donation call

At the UN, Panama champions a universal declaration on the rights of nature

Rezoning Florida scout camp land for development has deep ramifications

How climate change could affect hunting and fishing in Georgia

Facing a super El Niño, fisheries demand disaster relief reform

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.