The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Recognise Those Acting to Better the World.

Our planet is under pressure, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to take action.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close connection she had with the festival.”

“This medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

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

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to begin to reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor will inspire action. “It focuses on motivating others to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about constructive efforts currently in progress.”