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Earth could be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”