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Earth could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated British primatologist who passed away recently. It is designed to celebrate those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think due to the unique bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to honor Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”