🔗 Share this article

Earth might be facing challenges, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to commence thinking again, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today was highlighted of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition 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 is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”