🔗 Share this article

The world might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close connection she shared with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue 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 will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about encouraging people to engage and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, citing the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”