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Our planet is facing challenges, however there is hope. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the situation appears particularly bright which means we need to commence reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, but also the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted it was a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of the upcoming festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that this honor will inspire positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”