At almost 90 years old, British primatologist Jane Goodall, a figure in the fight for biodiversity and animal welfare, has lost none of the determination that has characterized her career. At the age of 26, the woman, who at the time did not have a degree in ethology, broke the conventions of the 1960s to live as close as possible to the chimpanzees of Tanzania and study their way of life in their natural environment.

By describing their ability to feed with tools, she changed the way we view primates and shed new light on humans’ place in the living world. After becoming an activist for animal and environmental issues, and appointed United Nations Ambassador for Peace, Today she continues her fight against poverty with the institute that bears her name, convinced that “ We can’t save the chimpanzees and the forests if the villagers don’t have the means to make a living.”. She plans to meet young people committed to the environment in France on December 2nd.

World leaders will meet in Dubai until December 12 to mark the 28th^e COP (Conference of Parties) to try to slow global warming. What do you expect from this meeting?

We now know that CO emissions are falling₂ is still not enough to limit warming to 1.5°C, as envisaged in the Paris Agreement. Climate experts fear a temperature increase of up to 2°C or more. If this were the case, it would be too late for the most vulnerable populations and a number of species.

There is only a limited window of time left and I hope that governments and companies start taking things seriously. To the world leaders gathered in Dubai, I send this message: Before it is too late, stop supporting oil and gas development policies, increase funding for renewable energy, fight poverty and tax the Reach out to reduce their environmental footprint and make ambitious commitments and most importantly, honor them! For you have not yet honored those you took with you.

They have moved from scientific observation to environmental activism. At what point do we decide to commit?

When I began studying chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, I was not a scientist. I was a young woman curious about wild animals. I was also criticized for giving the chimps names when I should have numbered them, and for writing that they had a personality, a mind, or feelings when they did. The prerogative of man. Dr. Louis Leakey, who I worked with, encouraged me to get a degree. I completed my PhD in Ethology in Cambridge (UK) and returned to Gombe to work with chimpanzees, where I had the time of my life.

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