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Earth might be under strain, yet optimism persists. A new award from the science, music and arts festival the Starmus festival will inspire people to act.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect life on Earth.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

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

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world improved for people, animals and the environment and foster motivation to continue that work,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking medal honoring scientific outreach that we created a decade past,” it was explained. Jane Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure remarked, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally represents an assault on knowledge. So this really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the situation appears very good so we have to really start reconsidering, with greater urgency regarding the impact of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

As a result, observers believe it was an opportune moment to honor her guiding principles. “I think that in bestowing the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival is set as “the search for truth”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a subject of discussion when politics are 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.”

Hope and Determination

The goal is that the medal can motivate action. “It’s about inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we have to look at doing the best we can,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of Earth”, citing the work of a foundation which, among its other activities, empowers young people get involved with their community, animals, and environment.

“As my late grandmother often emphasized, the choices we make each day make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we make,” it was stated. “There is still time and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding about constructive efforts that people are making.”