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Earth is under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place 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 indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”