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Earth is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A new award originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to motivate the public to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in memory of the renowned British primatologist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think due to the very special connection she had with us.”

“This medal will recognize ongoing initiatives undertaken to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of Starmus stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Jane Goodall was a recipient of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. The current political climate in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, observers believe this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing the prize, the focus will be on this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her priority, to change the way we treat wildlife around us.”

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

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics is involved. And it’s a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur positive change. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to show concern and to strive in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member involved in environmental protection expressed confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the initiatives of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, empowers young people get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”