'The sixth great extinction is happening', conservation expert warns

Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned conservationist, has issued a stark warning about the ongoing crisis known as the sixth great extinction. This alarming phenomenon refers to the rapid loss of biodiversity, where countless species of plants and animals are vanishing from our planet at an unprecedented rate. At the age of 90, Dr. Goodall continues to travel extensively, sharing her insights and advocating for the protection of the environment. During a recent video call, she appeared serene and composed, despite the hectic schedule that has taken her from Paris to Berlin and soon to Geneva. Accompanied by her cherished toy monkey, Mr. H, which has been her companion for nearly three decades, Dr. Goodall expressed her concerns about the dangers facing our planet and the urgent need for action. One of the key initiatives she is involved in is a tree-planting and habitat restoration project in Uganda. Over the past five years, her foundation, in collaboration with the non-profit technology company Ecosia, has successfully planted nearly two million trees with the help of local communities and smallholder farmers. This project aims to restore the natural habitat of Uganda's 5,000 chimpanzees, a species that Dr. Goodall has dedicated her life to studying and protecting. She emphasizes the critical role that trees play in combating climate change, stating, 'Trees have to grow to a certain size before they can really do their work. ' By absorbing carbon dioxide, trees help mitigate the effects of climate change, making their preservation and restoration vital. Dr. Goodall also highlighted the increasing frequency of wildfires, which are exacerbated by climate change. As world leaders convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss climate action, she stresses the urgency of addressing these issues. 'We still have a window of time to start slowing down climate change and loss of biodiversity,' she asserts, but warns that this window is rapidly closing. Reflecting on her lifetime of work, Dr. Goodall recalls how the weather patterns in Tanzania, where she began her research over 60 years ago, have drastically changed. 'You used to be able to set your calendar by the timing of the two rainy seasons,' she reminisces. Now, the unpredictability of rainfall disrupts the natural cycles of trees, insects, and birds, ultimately affecting the chimpanzees that rely on these ecosystems. Throughout her career, Dr. Goodall has witnessed the alarming decline of chimpanzee populations due to habitat destruction. She believes that without stringent regulations to protect the environment, the future of our planet is at risk. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees challenged traditional scientific views, as she was the first to document their use of tools and their complex social behaviors. Despite facing skepticism from some male scientists, Dr. Goodall's unique approach, which involved forming close bonds with the animals she studied, has provided invaluable insights into their lives. She fondly recalls a significant moment with a chimpanzee named David Greybeard, who was the first to lose his fear of her. Their connection exemplified the deep understanding that can exist between humans and animals. Dr. Goodall's journey has not been without challenges, including navigating the complexities of her relationship with her mentor, Professor Louis Leakey. Despite the pressures he placed on her, she remained focused on her mission to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. Now, at 90 years old, Dr. Goodall's passion for conservation remains unwavering. She believes that people must advocate for a sustainable future for the next generation. 'If they do, we have to get tougher about environmental legislation,' she insists. With time running out to address the environmental crisis, Dr. Goodall's message is clear: we must act decisively to protect our planet and its precious biodiversity.