🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

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

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to commence reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly reminded us, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”