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Hillary Clinton paid a tribute to the late pioneering primatologist and environmentalist Janet Goodall, characterizing her as a “force for research” and climate action. Goodall’s work over six decades coupled with her brave spirit in breaking glass ceilings was reflected upon by the former Secretary of State. The post gained an overwhelming flow of condolences and reflections from followers, but largely came with the expected salvos of political taunts that often greet her on the Internet.
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“For more than 60 years, Jane Goodall was a force for research about our precious planet—and climate change action to protect it—while breaking glass ceilings along the way,” Clinton wrote. She continued with a personal sorrow worthy of note: “I’ll so miss her courage and commitment to help expand what we know about our world and preserve it for the generations to come.” The post also shared a recent picture from one of the Clinton Global Initiative convenings, inserting Goodall among what Clinton called “some familiar faces.”
Most of the responses were prompt and gloomy expressions of the same feeling of “a great loss.” Another commenter simply stated, “Such a loss for the world,” and it was repeated in diverse expressions throughout the comment section. One environmentalist placed Goodall alongside legendary environmentalists, stating, “She was one of a kind. So few of her kind in the world. Rachel Carson, Dian Fossey, John Muir.” This highlighted Goodall’s rare and enduring legacy, not just as a scientist but as a worldwide icon of conservation.
Many also shared the deep personal connections that they felt were with the life and works of Goodall. One person wrote in an emotional tribute: “Jane, you were my inspiration. Your passing leaves an impossible void to fill. You saw in the chimpanzees the love and purity we humans so often forget. Thank you for teaching us to care, to respect, and to dream of a better world.” Such a high tribute truly shows that Goodall’s outreach has gone far beyond academics to touch the hearts of many in the world. Another comment delivered a fitting quote attributed to Goodall herself: “‘We have the choice to use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place.’ — Jane Goodall.” An apt summation of what she stood for.
In true Clinton fashion, this tribute soon turned into a sprawling forum for political arguments on her social media. Unrelated criticisms piled up. One person bizarrely diverted for another 360 degrees: “Will climate change effect Epstein Island Hillary?” There were some obnoxious remarks about Clinton: “Miss PIGGY trying to stay relevant. Trump crushed her hopes to be president. She will never be president. Trump made sure of that.” Others accused her of hypocrisy: “Here is Hillary Clinton talking about climate change while she is flying around the world in a private jet. Typical elite Democrat hypocrisy.” These remarks clearly showed the polarized landscape that still shadows Clinton even when talking about universally respected people such as Jane Goodall.
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At this point, the defenders came to her defense. One user wrote directly: “I love you First Lady Hillary – you would have been an excellent President- you are a legend in the American History. As a woman your birth has set a trademark for us within the legislation – and the American History.” Comments such as the above testify to the long-standing support of many of Clinton’s followers who regard her as an icon in her own right. The dominant majority, however, expressed a collective mourning for the woman who changed the world’s understanding of its relation to the natural world. The discussion then ended up mirroring the double-edged planes of Clinton’s public persona—a place for mourning and celebration but also a field of battle in the never-ending political strife of the country. This political engagement continues to define her public presence. Her memorial posts often attract wide attention, and her academic traditions with institutions like Columbia University remain important aspects of her work.
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