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Earth is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage individuals to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”