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Earth might be under strain, but optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to inspire the public to take action.

The medal will be given in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Honoring a Legacy

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept of having this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, a prominent voice said, “Frankly, it is difficult to maintain optimism. The current political climate in one major nation represents a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must really start thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just climate change, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

A Call to Action

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic at present involves the spread of disinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The science of climate is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still continue striving towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, people can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often told everyone, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that are being undertaken.”