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The world might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

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

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, in addition to its projects, assists young people become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”