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Earth could be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate 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, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”