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Our planet could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated 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 award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that people are making.”