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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to 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.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence reflecting, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”