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Earth is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that advocate for the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”