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Earth is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”