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Earth could be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”