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Earth might be facing challenges, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Award Details

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”