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The world is under pressure, but a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage people to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will honor to pay tribute to the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It will recognise those who advocate for life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The vision behind this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close bond she had with the festival.”

“This medal will recognize enduring projects undertaken to build an environment improved for people, animals and the environment and offer support to carry on that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus indicated that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award honoring scientific outreach established a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. The current political climate globally is conducting a war on science. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“Realistically, things don’t look very good so we have to really start reconsidering, much more seriously regarding the impact of human activity. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the whole way that we treat our environment.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, observers believe this is an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to change our relationship with fellow creatures around us.”

A major topic today was highlighted of misinformation. The focus of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“We realised that factual reality is becoming a subject of discussion when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “The purpose is encouraging people to get involved and to care and to work toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must focus on working all that is possible,” it was added. “Be prepared for failure, yet we must continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared confidence that “given direction and when empowered, humanity are capable of being conscientious guardians of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute which, among its other activities, empowers the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly reminded us, 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. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will offer support and increase understanding about the positive actions that people are making.”