Jane Goodall’s words, “If we kill off the wild, we kill a part of our souls,” are more than just a poignant reflection; they are backed by over six decades of her work studying chimpanzees, forests, and the deep connections between humans and the natural world. Throughout her career, Goodall has witnessed firsthand the profound bond humans share with nature, and today, scientific research is beginning to affirm what she has known all along.

Studies conducted in recent years demonstrate that access to nature — whether it be trees, parks, or natural landscapes — has a significant positive impact on mental health. People who live near green spaces experience lower rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. This connection is so powerful that even modest interventions, such as converting abandoned urban lots into small green areas, have been shown to reduce feelings of depression in nearby residents. Children who grow up with more access to nature are less likely to develop mental health disorders later in life. These are not just coincidental findings — they are rooted in biology. Human beings evolved in natural environments, and our well-being is intrinsically tied to the world around us, not to concrete jungles or artificial spaces.

Goodall often emphasizes that the destruction of the wild isn’t merely the loss of forests, animals, and ecosystems; it’s the loss of something far deeper. By decimating natural spaces, we lose meaning, perspective, and the quiet emotional balance that nature provides. This concept, known as biophilia, describes the inherent human connection to the living world. When we harm the environment by clearing forests, emptying oceans, or wiping out wildlife, we are not just destroying ecosystems. We are diminishing an essential part of ourselves — the sense of awe, peace, and empathy that nature instills within us.

The science now backs what Goodall has long known: we are biologically programmed to need nature. The sight of trees, the sound of birds, the feel of the earth beneath our feet — these experiences foster calm, reduce stress, and encourage emotional resilience. Conversely, the absence of nature has been linked to an increase in mental health issues, particularly in urban environments where green spaces are scarce. Modern society’s increasing disconnect from the natural world may contribute to the rising rates of mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

Goodall’s message is both simple and urgent: protecting the wild isn’t just about conserving nature for its own sake. It’s about preserving the part of us that still feels wonder, peace, and connection to the world. In a time when environmental destruction is occurring at an unprecedented rate, her call to action is clear. We must act now to safeguard the natural spaces that sustain not only ecosystems but our very sense of well-being and emotional health.

The truth is that we cannot separate ourselves from the environment around us. When we harm the planet, we harm ourselves. The solutions to many of our emotional and mental health crises might lie not in medication or therapy alone, but in the simple act of reconnecting with the natural world. Whether it’s through forest walks, spending time by the sea, or transforming urban spaces into green havens, we must find ways to bring nature back into our lives.

As the scientific community continues to uncover the profound link between nature and mental health, Goodall’s urgent plea resonates more than ever: to protect the wild is to protect the very essence of what it means to be human. Only by preserving the natural world can we preserve the emotional and psychological health of future generations.