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Our planet is under strain, yet there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“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 an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”