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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a war on science. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”