
Vale Dr Jane Goodall — why the renowned primatologist and environmentalist held onto hope
About this episode
Primatologist Jane Goodall once said: "It actually doesn't take much to be a difficult woman. That's why there are so many of us." She spoke up. For all the species who go unheard, or unnoticed by humans. She was a giant in the global environmental movement. She first walked into the wild forests of Tanzania as a young woman with no science training and embarked on what is now the longest-running study of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her trailblazing fieldwork changed our understanding of other primates and the threat we pose to their continuing existence. It changed her. And it changed the world. At 91, she was still travelling the world right up until her last breath, to help give all other species theirs. She was deeply compassionate, and her campaigns deeply connected with people. Dr Jane Goodall joined Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell to discuss hope in action the 2022 WOMADelaide Festival. This conversation was originally broadcast on ABC Radio National's Science Friction in May 2022.
Guest
Dr Jane GoodallPrimatologist, environmentalist, naturalistFounder, Jane Goodall Institute
Further info:
The Book of Hope: A survival guide for an endangered planetJane Goodall and Douglas Abrams (Penguin, 2021)
Jane Goodall Institute AustraliaRoots and Shoots AustraliaThe Jane Goodall HopecastThanks to the 2022 WOMADelaide Festival.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Big Ideas publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Big Ideas

Feminist trailblazer Gloria Steinem with Natasha Mitchell and guests on travels...
Big Ideas

Are kid's books too moralistic, worthy, or 'woke'? Andy Griffiths, Hilary Rogers...
Big Ideas

Inside the life of Elizabeth II with royal biographer Robert Hardman
Big Ideas

Tech activist Cory Doctorow says the internet's been enshittified. So is it too...
Big Ideas