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Earth could be under strain, however optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

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

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think due to the very special relationship 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 foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. Present governance in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of misinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the programs of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”