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Earth is under pressure, but there is hope. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the close bond she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will inspire action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”