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Earth could be under strain, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur action. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”