Jane Goodall’s cause of death revealed weeks after beloved primatologist dies at 91 – Fox News

Report on the Passing of Dr. Jane Goodall and Her Enduring Legacy in Sustainable Development

Official Cause of Death

Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, passed away at the age of 91 on October 1. According to the death certificate issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, the official cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest. The certificate also noted a pre-existing condition of epilepsy. At the time of her death, Dr. Goodall was in California during a U.S. speaking tour. The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) had initially reported her passing was due to natural causes.

Dr. Goodall’s Legacy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dr. Jane Goodall’s life’s work represents a profound contribution to the global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her pioneering research, advocacy, and educational initiatives have had a direct and lasting impact on environmental conservation, education, and global partnerships, aligning closely with several key SDGs.

Pioneering Research and Contributions to SDG 15: Life on Land

Dr. Goodall’s revolutionary research transformed the field of ethology and fundamentally altered humanity’s understanding of its relationship with the animal kingdom. Her work is a cornerstone of modern conservation efforts and directly supports the objectives of SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.

• Her immersive research methodology provided unprecedented insights into the complex societies of chimpanzees.
• In 1960, she made the groundbreaking discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools, challenging long-held beliefs about the uniqueness of human species.
• Her findings underscored the emotional and intellectual depth of non-human species, fostering a global movement for the ethical treatment of animals and the protection of their habitats.

Advocacy for Environmental Education and SDG 4: Quality Education

Recognizing the critical role of youth in creating a sustainable future, Dr. Goodall founded the Roots & Shoots program in 1991. This initiative is a powerful vehicle for advancing SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, particularly in the context of education for sustainable development.

1. The program empowers young people to identify and address humanitarian and environmental problems in their communities.
2. It fosters a sense of global citizenship and encourages hands-on projects that benefit people, animals, and the environment.
3. By educating and mobilizing a new generation of leaders, Roots & Shoots directly contributes to building a more peaceful and sustainable society.

A Holistic Approach to Conservation: Supporting SDG 13 and SDG 3

Dr. Goodall was a tireless advocate for a holistic approach to conservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health, climate stability, and human well-being. Her work strongly aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• Her advocacy for protecting forests and restoring ecosystems directly contributes to climate change mitigation, a central goal of SDG 13.
• She championed the understanding that the health of our planet is intrinsically linked to human health, promoting the idea that protecting biodiversity and natural habitats is essential for preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring the well-being of communities, in line with the principles of SDG 3.

Global Collaboration and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The establishment of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in 1977 created a global platform for conservation and development, embodying the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The JGI operates as a prominent non-governmental organization that leverages collaboration to achieve its mission.

• The Institute builds partnerships with local communities, governments, and corporations to implement community-centered conservation programs.
• Through its global network, JGI advances scientific research, habitat protection, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective action in achieving sustainable development.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s primary focus is on health. It details Jane Goodall’s cause of death as “cardiopulmonary arrest” and explains the condition. It also discusses various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, which are central to public health concerns.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The article mentions Jane Goodall’s academic background, noting she “earned a PhD in ethology from the University of Cambridge.” More significantly, it highlights her educational initiatives, specifically the founding of the “Roots & Shoots program, a youth movement focused on conservation and humanitarianism,” which promotes education for sustainable development.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Jane Goodall’s life’s work, as described in the article, is directly linked to this goal. She is referred to as a “tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world” and a “prominent conservation NGO” founder. Her research on chimpanzees and her overall focus on conservation align with protecting biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article directly addresses mortality from a cardiovascular disease, which is a major NCD. It lists several preventable risk factors (“high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes,” “obese, are inactive or have a smoking habit”), which are key areas for intervention to meet this target.
2. Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development.
   • The article’s mention of the “Roots & Shoots program” as a “youth movement focused on conservation and humanitarianism” is a clear example of an initiative that works towards this target by educating young people on sustainability and conservation.
3. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • The article describes Jane Goodall’s lifelong dedication to conservation and her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Her work, carried out through the Jane Goodall Institute, directly contributes to protecting threatened species and their habitats, which is the core of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
   • The article is centered on a specific instance of mortality from a cardiovascular event (“cardiopulmonary arrest”). The discussion of risk factors and the nature of the disease directly relates to the data that comprises this indicator.
2. Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in national education policies, curricula, teacher education and student assessment.
   • This indicator is implied through the description of the “Roots & Shoots program.” While the article does not provide metrics on its scale or integration into formal education, the program’s existence and focus on “conservation and humanitarianism” serve as a tangible example of the type of education this indicator aims to measure.
3. Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
   • This indicator, which tracks the conservation status of species, is implicitly linked to the article’s content. Jane Goodall’s work as a “tireless advocate for the protection” of wildlife, particularly chimpanzees, is an effort to improve the status of species on the IUCN Red List. The success of her conservation efforts would be reflected in this index.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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