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Our planet might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The first recipients 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 endorsed the award’s creation. “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 unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”