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Earth is under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire people to act.

The medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact 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

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, people can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”