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Our planet might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor will spur action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, citing the work of an institute which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”