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Our planet is under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics 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 climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”