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Earth might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will motivate people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to 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 increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”