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Earth is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

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

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”