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Earth could be facing challenges, however a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus will encourage the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the close bond she shared with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal will spur action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”