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The world could be facing challenges, yet there is hope. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to encourage the public to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the close connection she had with us.”

“This medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus stated 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 award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, things don’t look very good so we have to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to transform the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality has become contested where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed confidence that “with guidance and when empowered, humans are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”