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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, 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. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”