Why behavioural scientist Jane Goodall sees a connection between climate crisis and the pandemic, about biodiversity as our tapestry of life, the possible contribution of governments and global institutions like Deutsche Bank to a new and respectful relationship with the natural world. And what advice her mother gave her at the age of 10.

We are going through the 6th great extinction of plant and animal species in geological history – this one caused by human activities. We are part of and not separated from the natural world – and we depend on it for food, water, – well, everything. But what we need are healthy ecosystems whether these are forests, oceans, wetlands, grasslands or deserts.

And I learned, during my years in the rainforest when I was studying chimpanzees, about the interconnection of all life forms, how every little species has a role to play in what science calls biodiversity and I think of it as the wonderful tapestry of life. To secure a future for our grandchildren and theirs we need to work to save all the ecosystems that, together, create a healthy planet.

What we need are healthy ecosystems whether these are forests, oceans, wetlands, grasslands or deserts.
Dr. Goodall

Unfortunately, for some the materialistic way of life is just normal. It takes a real disaster to shake people out of that mindset. Hopefully the pandemic has woken up a critical mass of people who understand that we brought the pandemic on ourselves by our total disrespect of the environment and animals. My fear is that those who think only in terms of making money and gaining power will continue to put short term gain ahead of protecting the environment. Many have already resumed ‘business as usual’.

I feel it is desperately important that the different economies come together to find a way forward that embraces a new and respectful relationship with the natural world and animals, and to somehow create a new, more sustainable “greener'' economy. One that does not rely on fossil fuels or industrial agriculture. Where environmentally sustainable businesses – such as solar, wind or tide energy, environmentally sustainable forms of agriculture – such as permaculture, regenerative agriculture, small scale family farming and so on – receive government subsidies rather than oil and gas and industrial agriculture.

Global institutions like Deutsche Bank can make many positive contributions to society. Encouraging customers to invest in sustainable businesses, implementing sustainable practices within your organizations, and supporting sustainable technologies are all great ways. Partnering with grassroots organizations is also a good way to start.

I try to deal with people as individuals. I listen to them – try to understand why they think as they do. I believe that for change to happen it must be from within – otherwise it can just be lip service. I tell stories, find one that I hope will reach the heart of whoever I am talking to.

I do spend a lot of time talking with young women. I tell them what my mother said to me. It was when I was 10 years old and dreaming of going to Africa to live with wild animals and write books about them. This was 1944 and it was unheard of for a mere girl to do something like that. Moreover, we had little money, Africa was considered a dangerous place, and everyone laughed and told me to dream about something I could actually achieve.

But my mother told me that if I really wanted to do something like that, I would have to work really hard, take advantage of every opportunity – and then, if I did not give up, I might find a way.

I have four reasons for hope:
First, the energy, determination and passion of young people once they understand the problem and we empower them to take action. Second, our incredible intellect. It is NOT intelligent to be destroying our only home! But people are now coming up with innovative solutions, through technology and personal choices, to start healing the harm we have done, slowing down climate change and loss of biodiversity. Third, nature is amazingly resilient and can reclaim areas we have destroyed given time and perhaps help. Fourth the indomitable human spirit – people who tackle what seems impossible and won’t give up and often succeed. Amazing people around the world are creating amazing projects to heal nature.