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Our planet might be under strain, but there is hope. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and offer support for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't very good so we have to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to honor her guiding principles. “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 the way we treat fellow creatures around us.”

Another key issue at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”