A Jane Goodall Earth Medal Will Celebrate Individuals Acting to Better the Planet.

The world is facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival seeks to encourage people to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”