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Earth might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern at present involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate concrete steps. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day 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 give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”