All Goodall: Interview with Jane Goodall

The renowned primatologist and anthropologist talks about the pressing concerns facing today’s kids, how she hopes to help, and what she sees as her legacy.

What's the most pressing environmental and social concern for students today?

I try to encourage [young people] to take a look around their own local neighborhoods to see what issues are impacting them on a daily basis. Once people identify the problems facing their communities, they can take steps to solve them whether it be starting a school recycling program or cleaning up a polluted river. Every individual makes a difference. If we all make changes, what seems like a small step will ultimately benefit the global community.

Tell us about the Jane Goodall Global Youth Summit in Orlando, FL, last month.

The first Global Youth Summit took place at Walt Disney World Resort from April 19–25. We brought 100 outstanding young people from dozens of countries to give them a platform to share their projects and achievements and provide them with the tools to take on global challenges.

What do you see as your legacy?

I hope to leave my mark by empowering young people to take action that will positively impact this planet we call home.