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Our planet might be under pressure, yet optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to act.

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 those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The concept behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the very special connection she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to commence reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, 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 conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, people are capable of being responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”