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The world could be under pressure, yet a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference.

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

Award Details

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The vision of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the very special relationship she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal aims to highlight sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus indicated 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 established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook of the planet, a prominent voice said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to be optimistic. The current political climate in one major nation is conducting an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must commence thinking again, much more seriously about the consequences of human activity. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way that we treat the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was an opportune moment to emulate Goodall’s example. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, the focus will be on this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her priority, to transform how we regard fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

A major topic currently involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become contested when politics are involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is encouraging people to engage and to show concern and to work in that direction, really. Whether or not we feel hopeful, we must look at doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still have to work toward success.”

A descendant involved in conservation work shared confidence that “given direction and once enabled, people are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, pointing to the programs of a foundation that, in addition to its projects, helps the youth get involved with their community, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and the responsibility lies with us what type of impact we make,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives that people are making.”