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The world might be under pressure, however optimism persists. A novel accolade from the science, music and arts festival Starmus seeks to encourage people to act.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who died this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect the natural world.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled 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 concept behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a statement said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. And I think due to the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight ongoing initiatives carried out to build an environment improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support for the continuation that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival indicated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future of the planet, a prominent voice stated, “Honestly, it is difficult to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation represents a dismissal of evidence. So this really cripples global initiatives.”

“To be honest, things don’t look particularly bright therefore we must commence reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

Therefore, observers believe this is an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that in bestowing this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy of Jane’s – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of disinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth is becoming a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to allow interference by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that the medal will inspire action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing the best we can,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being conscientious guardians of Earth”, citing the initiatives of a foundation which, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall constantly emphasized, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”