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The world might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to encourage people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the renowned British primatologist who died recently. It will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The vision behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think because of the unique bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking medal 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, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. This situation undermines global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good which means we need to really start reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with wildlife around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth has become contested where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor will inspire action. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, citing the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts currently in progress.”