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Our planet might be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the close relationship she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”