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Earth could be under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close relationship she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence thinking again, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that the medal will inspire action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”