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Earth could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are 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 from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”