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Earth could be under pressure, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had backed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must begin to reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, it was noted this is an opportune moment to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of disinformation. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that the medal can motivate positive change. “It focuses on encouraging people to engage and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and once enabled, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, assists the next generation get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to 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 about constructive efforts currently in progress.”