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The world could be under pressure, however there is hope. A novel accolade from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said she would like this to happen. And I think because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue 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 prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, but also the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with wildlife with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”