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Our planet could be under strain, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good which means we need to really start thinking again, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts currently in progress.”