🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day 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 the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”