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Earth is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”