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The world could be under strain, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

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

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the unique connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate 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.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”