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Our planet could be facing challenges, but optimism persists. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival the Starmus festival will encourage people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who advocate for life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees will be revealed at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the award’s creation. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like this to happen. And I think because of the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies globally is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reconsidering, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – which made her priority, to transform our relationship with the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present was highlighted of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to strive in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”