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The world could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”