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Our planet might be under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

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

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the unique connection she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good therefore we must begin to thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic currently was highlighted of false information. 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 are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity can be diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”