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Our planet is under strain, yet optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to take action.

The medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the very special bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight enduring projects carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to continue such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “Honestly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers collective action.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, it was noted this is a good time to honor Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern at present was highlighted of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal remains that the medal can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in conservation work shared hope that “given direction and when empowered, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the programs of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”