Kelly Kok – Dr. Jane Goodall’s Wisdom, Reimagining the Future of Environmentalism, and Finding a Sense of Awe in Times of Wonder Deficiency
Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan, and the Jane Goodall Sustainability Academy on filling ourselves with a sense of awe.
“One of the most exhilarating parts of childhood, or really of life, is to experience something awesome – something that fills you with awe.
This sense of awe is very important to us…it brings us a different perspective – it takes you out of the ordinary from everyday life.”
This week, I sat down with Kelly Kok, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan and the Jane Goodall Sustainability Academy.
Kelly has worked at the Jane Goodall Institute Taiwan since 1998, and her primary focus has been growing Dr. Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program in Taiwan, empowering individuals with action in environmental education and conservation.
At the top, we discussed why learning with children to understand how nature works is more important than ever and how the Sustainability Academy, as Asia’s first experimental school focusing on sustainability and conservation, is helping children at a young age to learn about the importance of reconnecting with nature's awe-inspiring moments in their everyday lives.
“Even if you find sadness in nature, I think that’s beautiful too… I think nature is all-embracing, and if you were to spend a moment in nature, you don’t necessarily have to feel joy – you can feel an immense sadness too, and I think that’s fine.”
On the back-half, we began by discussing the influence of Dr. Goodall’s seminal book, ‘In the Shadow of Man.’ We then delved into her wisdom and tenacity in transforming hope into action through Roots&Shoots, bringing solace and power to many who may be grappling with eco-grief and anxiety toward our planet.
As we explore the future of environmentalism in the digital age, Kelly shared how reimagining communities and collaborating with other Roots&Shoots chapters around the globe has amplified the collective voices of people, animals, and the environment. This celebration of diversity, while united in love, peace, and abundant joy, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Goodall's vision for a better world.
Portrait illustration by Kay Lam.
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