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Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“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 provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”