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Earth is under strain, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died recently. It is designed to celebrate those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

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

According to statements that Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely because of the unique bond she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of the festival stated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not just global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat our environment.”

Following an Example

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to follow Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – which made her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently is the proliferation of false information. The theme of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion where political interests are involved. And it’s a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that this honor 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 feel hopeful, we must focus on working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must continue striving toward success.”

A family member engaged in conservation work shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, citing the programs of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and increase understanding regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”