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Earth might be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good which means we need to begin to thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”