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Earth is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must begin to thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”