Earth Day 2018

“It is so important in the world today that we feel hopeful and do our part to protect life on Earth. I am hopeful that this Earth Day Google Doodle will live as a reminder for people across the globe that there is still so much in the world worth fighting for...With all of us working together, I am hopeful that it is not too late to turn things around, if we all do our part for this beautiful planet.”

- Dr. Jane Goodall

In 1970, 20 million Americans came together to deliver a message: our environment sustains us, and so we too must work to sustain it. Since then, Earth Day has spawned a movement of millions across the globe working towards a sustainable future. This day of solidarity sheds light on ways everyone can contribute to a better planet.

Today’s annual Earth Day Doodle was created in partnership with one of the planet’s most influential advocates: Ethologist (animal behavior expert), conservationist, activist, and animal-lover Dr. Jane Goodall, who has dedicated her life to studying and protecting our environment.

Born April 3, 1934, in London, England, Dr. Goodall always dreamt of living among wildlife in Africa. At 26, she followed her passion for animals and Africa to Gombe, Tanzania, where she began her landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild by immersing herself in their habitat as a neighbor, rather than a distant observer. Her discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific world and redefined the relationship between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. As a UN Messenger of Peace, Dame Commander of the British Empire, and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, Dr. Goodall travels the world nearly 300 days a year, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees, environmental crises, and her reasons for hope.

In today’s Doodle, Dr. Goodall shares her personal message to the world on Earth Day 2018, including some of her inspiration and what we can all do to have a positive impact on our planet. She shares: “It is so important in the world today that we feel hopeful and do our part to protect life on Earth. I am hopeful that this Earth Day Google Doodle will live as a reminder for people across the globe that there is still so much in the world worth fighting for. So much that is beautiful, so many wonderful people working to reverse the harm, to help protect species and their environments. And there are so, so many young people, like those in JGI’s Roots & Shoots program, dedicated to making this a better world. With all of us working together, I am hopeful that it is not too late to turn things around, if we all do our part for this beautiful planet.”

About the Jane Goodall Institute

After discovering that the survival of the chimpanzee species was threatened, Dr. Jane Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which uses a breakthrough approach to species conservation that improves the lives of people, animals, and the environment by honoring their connectedness to each other. JGI continues the field research at Gombe, and builds on Dr. Goodall's innovative approach to conservation, education, and advocacy. In 1991, she created Roots & Shoots, JGI’s global youth program that guides young people in nearly 100 countries in becoming conservation activists and compassionate citizens in their daily lives.

To check out what JGI has in store for Earth Day and beyond, read their blog here.

A behind-the-scenes look at today’s Doodle!

Filming on a beautiful afternoon in Los Angeles, CA with Dr. Jane Goodall!

A message from the lead Doodler on the project, Matthew Cruickshank: 

“We met Dr. Goodall in LA earlier this year to collaborate on a personal message for Earth Day. We interviewed & recorded her many remarkable experiences with a view to animating sections of them. It became clear to me this was an extraordinary woman, with a steely glint of determination in her eye that still burns bright. The mandate was clear- The Earth is a miracle and we all have a duty to care for it.

I tried my best to bring her stories of childhood, chimpanzees, rainforests, and wisdom to life. I couldn't think of anything more important than celebrating life through color, design, and movement - attributes also found in the natural world which continue to amaze every day.

Thank you, Dr. Goodall."

Art Lead Matthew Cruickshank chats with Dr. Jane Goodall

Marketing Lead Perla Campos takes a selfie with Dr. Goodall :)

Earth Day 2018 Team

ART

Art Lead: Matthew Cruickshank

Art support: Cynthia Cheng

ENGINEERING

Eng Lead: Kris Hom

PRODUCTION

Partnerships & Marketing Lead: Perla Campos

Production Lead: Colin Duffy

Team Lead: Jessica Yu

Sound Design: Silas Hite

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Dr. Jane Goodall

The Jane Goodall Institute Team