A Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Individuals Working to Improve the Planet.

Earth could be under strain, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat nature.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”