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Earth is under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”