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The world might be under pressure, however a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the Starmus VIII festival 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 award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance globally is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness about the positive actions that people are making.”