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Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision 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. This is likely due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur positive change. “The purpose is motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”