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The world could be facing challenges, however there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to motivate people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given to pay tribute to the celebrated British primatologist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the very special bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement to continue that work,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, one figure remarked, “Honestly, it's challenging to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the situation appears particularly bright so we have to begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic at present is the proliferation of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to strive in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at doing our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A descendant involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and once enabled, people can be diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, empowers the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that people are making.”