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Our planet might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique connection she shared with us.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”