🔗 Share this article

Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will motivate people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

Award Details

Initial honorees are expected to be announced at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

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

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform how we regard wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests are involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, helps young people become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”