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Our planet is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage people to make a difference.

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

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”