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The world might be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

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

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to 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 of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent 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 remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”