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Our planet could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former 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. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact 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 provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”