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Our planet could be facing challenges, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate the public to make a difference.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the esteemed scientist and conservationist who passed away recently. It seeks to acknowledge those who champion life on Earth.

Award Details

The first recipients will be revealed during the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the medal's establishment. “The idea of having this award, and the festival being tasked with organising it, was Jane's wish,” a statement said. “Her desire was that she wanted this to happen. This is likely due to the close connection she shared 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 offer support to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

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

“It’s going to be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that award.

Sharing thoughts on the outlook for Earth, a prominent voice stated, “To be truthful, it's challenging to be optimistic. Present governance in one major nation is conducting a dismissal of evidence. So this undermines the world’s efforts.”

“To be honest, the prospects aren't particularly bright so we have to really start reflecting, with greater urgency about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not just climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Inspiring Change

Therefore, it was noted this is an opportune moment to follow 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 change how we regard fellow creatures around us.”

A pressing concern currently was highlighted of disinformation. The focus of the upcoming festival will be “the search for truth”.

“There is a recognition that truth has become a matter of debate where political interests are involved. And it’s a very dangerous thing,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The aspiration remains that this honor can motivate action. “It focuses on encouraging people to get involved and to show concern and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we have to look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, yet we must have to work toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being diligent stewards of our planet”, pointing to the work of a foundation which, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged locally, wildlife, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother often reminded us, the choices we make each day have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about the positive actions currently in progress.”