Hello, I’m Mandeep. Welcome to my Watch and Learn English substack. My aim is to teach “real-life” English using videos and topics that are in the news.
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Today we remember Jane Goodall (1934–2025), the scientist and conservationist who changed how we see animals, nature, and ourselves. She was not only a pioneer in chimpanzee research, but also a tireless voice for protecting our planet.
In her final Earth Day 2025 message, she reminded us that every single person has the power to make a difference. Her words are full of hope, but also full of responsibility.
This week we have:
Video of the week. Jane Goodall talking on Earth day this year.
Grammar focus. Using modals to talk about our obligations.
Vocabulary focus. Talking about the environment.
Let’s get started!
1. Video of the week - A message from Jane Goodall
Every year on April 22nd, people all around the world celebrate Earth Day. It’s a day to think about how we treat our planet and what we can do to protect it for future generations.
In this video, we hear from Jane Goodall, one of the most important voices for the environment. Jane was famous for her research with chimpanzees, but her influence went far beyond science. She inspired millions of people to care about nature, conservation, and sustainability.
In her Earth Day message, she reminds us that even small actions can make a difference. She uses strong language, full of modal verbs like must, can, should to show us our responsibility. Her words are both realistic about the climate crisis and hopeful about what we might still achieve.
If any of this vocabulary is new to you, like sustainability or conservation, don’t worry! When you watch the video, you can click on the subtitles to see clear teacher’s notes that explain everything.
🎬 Watch with subtitles you can trust — and click any word to learn more.
You can click here to watch the video for free with clear, accurate captions (not auto-generated) and even slow the playback to catch every word.
If you’d like to go deeper, click on any word in the subtitles. With unlimited access (€1.99/month), you’ll get:
Words and phrases explained in context
Comprehension exercises
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Did you know about the important work Jane Goodall did? Let me know in the comments!
2. Language Focus: Modal Verbs for Action
Jane Goodall’s message uses modal verbs to show obligation, possibility, advice, and hope.
must = strong obligation (It is necessary)
→ “We must take care of our planet.”should = advice or moral duty
→ “We should think about the future generations.”can = possibility and ability
→ “We can make small choices every day that help.”could = potential or opportunity
→ “Together we could create real change.”might / may = possibility, sometimes uncertain
→ “If we act now, things might improve.”
👉 Notice: modals are short, but they add strength and direction to a message.
3. Vocabulary: Talking About the Environment
Here are some key words from environmental English:
biodiversity → the variety of living things
“Protecting biodiversity is essential.”habitat → the natural home of animals/plants
“Chimpanzees lose their habitats when forests are destroyed.”sustainability → using resources without harming the future
“We need sustainability in farming and energy.”climate crisis → the urgent problem of climate change
“The climate crisis affects all of us.”conservation → protecting nature and wildlife
“Jane’s life was dedicated to conservation.”
Now listen to Sam who has an Australian accent use modal verbs to talk about the environment
We must act to protect our planet. If we don’t, the climate crisis will grow worse. But each of us can make choices—like reducing waste or saving energy. We should protect the habitats of animals and work for sustainability in the way we live. Together, we could save biodiversity and create a better future. Change may be difficult, but it might also bring us hope.
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