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Our planet could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”