🔗 Share this article

Our planet could be under pressure, yet there is hope. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will inspire people to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will honor in memory of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who advocate for the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The inaugural winners will be revealed at the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The idea behind this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“This medal will acknowledge enduring projects carried out to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement to carry on such efforts,” commented a relative.

Structure and Vision

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – which was announced at a prestigious venue – will likely encompass various fields.

“It’s going to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, one figure said, “Honestly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines collective action.”

“In truth, things don’t look very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, that’s the entire manner in which we interact with the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, the focus will be on this essential spirit of Jane’s – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals around us.”

A major topic today involves the spread of false information. The theme of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become contested when politics is involved. This is a perilous development,” he commented. “The climate science remains a scientific discipline; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to strive toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work expressed optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, people can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, highlighting the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”