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Our planet could be under strain, yet a sense of hope remains. A novel accolade originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus seeks to encourage the public to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal is to be awarded to pay tribute to the celebrated scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that champion the natural world.

The Medal's Framework

The first recipients are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from 17–22 October the coming year.

According to statements that Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had endorsed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this medal, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted this to happen. This is likely because of the unique bond she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will recognize sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to continue such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival stated that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely have multiple categories.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal 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 said, “Honestly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. The current political climate globally is conducting a dismissal of evidence. This situation undermines collective action.”

“To be honest, the situation appears very good therefore we must commence thinking again, with greater urgency about the consequences of our actions. And that’s not only climate change, 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 that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change our relationship with fellow creatures with which we share the planet.”

Another key issue today was highlighted of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The climate science is a science; you cannot allow interference from politics in this field.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to show concern and to work toward these goals, truly. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member engaged in conservation work expressed hope that “given direction and once enabled, humans are capable of being diligent stewards of Earth”, highlighting the work of a foundation that, among its other activities, empowers the youth become engaged locally, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly told everyone, our daily actions have an impact and the responsibility lies with us the kind of difference we make,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will give encouragement and increase understanding about beneficial initiatives currently in progress.”