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Earth is under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place 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 – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”