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The world could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage the public to make a difference.

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

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow 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 priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”