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Earth might be under strain, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

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

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”