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Earth is under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to engage and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”