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Earth is under strain, but optimism persists. A new award from the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival seeks to inspire the public to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence reflecting, more deeply regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe this is an opportune moment to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently was highlighted of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire concrete steps. “It focuses on encouraging people to participate and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, highlighting the initiatives of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”