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Earth might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”