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Earth could be facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”