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Our planet might be under pressure, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire individuals to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It will recognise individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to continue that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Frankly, it’s very hard to maintain optimism. Certain policies globally represents a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only global warming, that’s the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

Therefore, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present involves the spread of misinformation. The theme of next year’s festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming contested where political interests are involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions that are being undertaken.”