The Starmus Earth Medal in Honor of Jane Goodall Will Celebrate Those Striving to Better the Planet.

Earth could be under pressure, but there is hope. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival aims to inspire the public to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the unique relationship she shared with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Present governance in one major nation represents an assault on knowledge. So this significantly hampers the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not just global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with nature.”

Following an Example

Consequently, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A pressing concern today was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “The science of climate remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on motivating others to engage and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on working all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed hope that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the programs of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding regarding the positive actions currently in progress.”