Dr. Goodall: We have to work very hard educating people in areas around the last remaining stretches of wilderness, educating politicians and helping local people to find other ways to improve their lives. The expanding human population is of huge concern, and this is why we work hard to educate women in rural areas of the developing world so that their family size is smaller, and they can afford to care for and educate their children. There are many people absolutely determined to save the last wilderness areas, one of which is the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge where the Bush administration wants to drill for oil. It's very important to understand the problems facing wilderness areas in the developed world in order to try and understand the problems facing people in the developing world.
Rufus5: I feel so depressed when I see what humans do to other living, thinking creatures. Yet you are so full of an optimistic spirit. How do you think you maintain it in spite of everything you see?
Dr. Goodall: I maintain my optimism particularly by working with young people and seeing their enthusiasm and determination when they see what the problems are and are empowered to act. Sometimes miracles happen, and I'm encouraged by how fast Roots & Shoots is spreading around the world, including Israel, China, and eastern Europe. The main hope for the future is in the young people today, and the amazing technology that we must persuade people to buy. And we must learn to live our lives in order to make the smallest negative impact on the environment.
ANNCH60: How do you find out which companies are environmentally responsible and which are not?
Dr. Goodall: World Wildlife has a list, and Co-op America is another really good one. But we are working on developing one of our own, so keep checking our website.
Animal Planet: Dr. Goodall, thank you so much for taking the time to be here today, and to answer questions about your work and the chimps of Gombe. Do you have any final words for us, before we have to close?
Dr. Goodall: My final word is a word I've already said, perhaps twice, because it's so important. Recognize the importance of your own life. Walk your talk. And remember that little things - like turning off lights, picking up toxic trash, saving energy, and spreading hope and having fun while you do these things - are what's going to save the world. It's up to all of us.
Animal Planet: Thanks for joining our live chat. We hope that we have answered your questions about chimps and what you can do to protect the environment. If you want to find out more about the chimps go to Jane Goodall's website at Animal Planet. Thanks again for joining us.
Animal Planet: If you want to meet people from around the world who are interested in discussing chimps and the environment, go Conservation Corner.
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