🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she had 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 foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the next generation become engaged with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”