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Earth could be under strain, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the situation appears very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to get involved and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing all that is possible,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”