🔗 Share this article

Our planet might be under pressure, but optimism persists. A fresh honor from the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to encourage individuals to make a difference.

The medal will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that advocate for life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees will be revealed during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this medal, and the festival being tasked with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. And I think due to the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to maintain optimism. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples collective action.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good which means we need to commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

A major topic currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Be prepared for failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A family member engaged in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute which, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, animals, and the natural world.

“As Jane Goodall constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and raise awareness regarding constructive efforts that people are making.”